White Willow Wellness Center

What is Naturopathic Medicine?

 

Naturopathic medicine is founded on trust—trust in the body’s innate ability to heal; trust in the natural remedies that support healing; and trust in advances in both science and medicine which have provided an even greater understanding of the healing process of the human body.

 

Naturopathic physicians partner with their patients by combining natural remedies with dietary, exercise, and lifestyle changes to promote healing, while leveraging mainstream medical therapies when necessary. Naturopathic physicians approach disease and illness from the perspective that the human body is a compilation of complex and interrelated systems, treating the whole person rather than a specific malady.

 

The Foundational Principals of Naturopathic Medicine

Promote Healing: Naturopathic physicians identify and work to eliminate the things that hinder the body’s natural inclination toward self-healing.

Identify Underlying Causes: Although discomforting symptoms may be treated, naturopathic physicians (NDs) recognize that if the underlying causes of illness are not identified and addressed, the symptoms will return. For this reason, NDs work to identify and treat the underlying causes of illness.

First, do no harm: The naturopathic physician’s primary function is to promote healing through low-risk therapies and treatments. Trust in the body’s ability to heal informs the naturopathic doctor’s decisions in the use of nutritional supplements or herbal extracts; the non-suppression of symptoms (i.e. fever); and the individualized treatment plans.

Partner with Patients: Naturopathic physicians come alongside each unique patient, offering information and insights about all aspects of health and wellness, including the physical, mental, emotional, genetic, social, sexual, environmental and spiritual components. Together, the patient and doctor strategize solutions that will support and restore health.

Prevention First: Naturopathic medicine is proactive in its approach toward wellness. The naturopathic physician, therefore, evaluates genetic vulnerabilities and other factors that put the body at risk for illness, and then works with patients to strengthen the areas of concern, in order to further prevent illness.