Our philosophy is based on the 6 principles of naturopathy:

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1. First do no harm – (Princum Non Nocere) The process of healing includes the generation of symptoms, which are, in fact, expressions of the life force attempting to heal itself. Therapeutic actions should be complementary to and synergistic with this healing process. The doctor actions can support or antagonize the actions of vis medicatrix naturae; therefore, methods designed to suppress symptoms without removing underlying causes are considered harmful and are avoided or minimized.

2. The healing power of nature – (Vis Medicatrix Naturae).The body has the inherent ability to establish, maintain, and restore health. The healing process is ordered and intelligent; nature heals through the response of the life force. The doctor’s role is to facilitate and augment this process, to identify and remove obstacles to health and recovery, and to support the creation of a healthy internal and external environment.

3. Identify and treat the cause – (Tolle Causam) Illness does not occur without cause. Underlying causes of disease must be discovered and removed or treated before a person can recover completely from illness. Symptoms are expressions of the body’s attempt to heal, but are not the cause of disease; therefore, naturopathic health care addresses itself primarily to the underlying causes of disease, rather than to the symptoms. Causes may occur on many levels, including physical, mental-emotional, and spiritual. The doctor must evaluate fundamental underlying causes on all levels, directing treatment at root causes as well as seeking relief of symptoms

4. Treat the whole person – (Tolle Totum) Health and disease are conditions of the whole organism, involving a complex interaction of physical, spiritual, mental, emotional, genetic, environmental, and social factors. The doctor must treat the whole person by taking all of these factors into account. The harmonious functioning of all aspects of the individual is essential to recovery from and prevention of disease, and requires a personalized and comprehensive approach to diagnosis and treatment.

5. The doctor as teacher – (Docere) Beyond an accurate diagnosis and appropriate prescription, the doctor must work to create a healthy, sensitive interpersonal relationship with the client. A cooperative doctor–client relationship has inherent therapeutic value. The doctor’s major role is to educate and encourage the client to take responsibility for his or her own health. The doctor is a catalyst for healthful change, empowering and motivating the client to assume responsibility. It is the client, not the doctor, who ultimately creates or accomplishes healing. The doctor must strive to inspire hope as well as understanding. The doctor must also make a commitment to her/his personal and spiritual development.

6. Prevent disease – (Praevenire) The ultimate goal of naturopathic health care is prevention. This is accomplished through education and promotion of lifestyle habits that foster good health. The doctor assesses risk factors and hereditary susceptibility to disease and makes appropriate interventions to avoid further harm and risk to the client. The emphasis is on building health rather than on fighting disease. Because it is difficult to be healthy in an unhealthy world, it is the responsibility of both doctor (teacher)and client to create a healthier environment in which to live.