Naturopathic physicians base their practice on six
timeless principles founded on medical tradition and
scientific evidence.
1. First, do no harm.
Naturopathic
physicians follow three precepts to ensure their
patients’ safety:
Use low-risk procedures and healing compounds—such
as dietary supplements, herbal extracts and
homeopathy— with few or no side effects.
When possible, do not suppress symptoms, which are
the body’s efforts to self-heal. For example, the
body may cook up a fever in reaction to a bacterial
infection. Fever creates an inhospitable environment
for the harmful bacteria, thereby destroying it. Of
course, the naturopathic physician would not allow
the fever to get dangerously high.
Customize each diagnosis and treatment plan to fit
each patient. We all heal in different ways and the
naturopathic physician respects our differences.
2. Identify and treat causes.
Naturopathic physicians
understand that symptoms will only return unless the
root illness is addressed. Rather than cover up
symptoms, they seek to find and treat the cause of
these symptoms.
3. Let nature heal.
Our bodies have such a powerful,
innate instinct for self-healing. By finding and
removing the barriers to this self-healing—such as
poor diet or unhealthy habits—naturopathic
physicians can nurture this process.
4. Treat the whole person.
We each have a unique
physical, mental, emotional, genetic, environmental,
social, sexual and spiritual makeup. The
naturopathic physician knows that all these factors
affect our health. That’s why he or she includes
them in a carefully tailored treatment strategy.
5. Educate patients.
Naturopathic medicine believes
that doctors must be educators, as well as
physicians. That’s why naturopathic physicians teach
their patients how to eat, exercise, relax and
nurture themselves physically and emotionally. They
also encourage self-responsibility and work closely
with each patient.
6. Prevent illness.
"An ounce of prevention is worth
a pound of cure" has never been truer. Proactive
medicine saves money, pain, misery and lives. That’s
why naturopathic physicians evaluate risk factors,
heredity and vulnerability to disease. By getting
treatment for greater wellness, we’re less likely to
need treatment for future illness.
Both NDs and MDs attend four-year graduate level
accredited medical schools, with similar training in
the basic sciences such as anatomy, physiology,
biochemistry and pathology. Most MDs go on to
residencies and internships, while some NDs also do
residency training. NDs, like MDs, must pass state
board exams to practice in licensed states.
In clinical training, MDs are often trained in
hospital settings which emphasize specialty views of
patient care. So, the MD student may spend time
observing cardiac patients or internal medicine
cases with emphasis on treating specific conditions.
ND students are more often trained in community
clinic settings and preceptorships with NDs in
private practice, which lend to more general
approaches to primary care.
What is the difference between a naturopathic
doctor and a medical doctor?
While there are many similarities in how NDs and MDs
are trained and practice, there are also important
differences. MDs are taught to focus on obtaining a
scientifically-based diagnosis that then guides the
therapy offered. Often these therapies are aimed at
blocking or suppressing a symptom, such as using
pain killers and anti-inflammatory medicines for
arthritis or using an antibiotic to treat an
infection. This approach is very effective
especially for treating emergencies and
life-threatening health problems, but it often does
not work to correct the causes of health problems
and has a poor track record in the treatment of
chronic diseases which are difficult to diagnose,
such as chronic fatigue. MDs by in large tend to
take a reductionist approach to health care; that is
they focus on treating the disease not the patient.
While also using scientific methods and arriving at
many of the same diagnoses as MDs, naturopathic
doctors take a more holistic approach and try to
understand causes behind a patient’s diagnosis so
these can be effectively managed. So, for example,
an ND may use herbal or nutritional substances to
relieve pain and reduce inflammation in a patient
with arthritis, while at the same time use therapies
to support healthy joint function and restore
damaged tissues. Using a more holistic model, the ND
may also look into the role that food intolerances
or gastrointestinal health may play in the patient
with arthritis. Uncovering these clues can be
important in helping patients understand the causes
of their conditions and empower them to take a more
active role in improving their general health while
managing their current "diagnosis."
The American Association of Naturopathic Physicians
(AANP) has provided the following clips from the PBS
Television series on a naturopathic approach: to
family practice, chronic disease, diabetes, cancer
and cardiovascular disease that will hopefully be
aired in the Sacramento region soon.
A Naturopathic Approach to Cancer
A Naturopathic Approach to Prevent Cardiovascular Disease
A Naturopathic Approach to Chronic Disease
A Naturopathic Approach to Diabetes
Naturopathic Physician's Oath
"I deicate myself to the service of humanity as a
practitioner of the art and science of Naturopathic
Medicine.
By precept, education and example,
I will assist and encourage others to strengthen
their health, reduce risk for disease, and preserve
the health of our palnet for ourselves and future
generations.
I will continually endeavour to improve my
abilities.
I will conduct my life and practice of
Naturopathic Medicine with integrity and freedom
from prejudice.
I will keep confident what should not be
divulged.
I will honour the principles of Naturopathic
Medicine:
First, to do no harm.
To cooperate with the healing powers of nature.
To address the fundamental causes of disease.
To heal the whole person through individualized
treatment.
To teach the principles of healthy living and
preventive medicine.
With my whole heart, before these witnesses, as a
Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine, I pledge to remain
true to this oath."
Allow yourself to heal
naturally.
Sacramento
Naturopathic Medical Center treats you from a
whole person perspective (psychologically,
emotionally, etc), identifies and addresses the
causes of your "dis-ease" with non-toxic, natural
therapies, helps you prevent illness and live your
life's journey to the fullest, with compassionate
support from our staff along the way!
Call today to schedule your free 15
minute consultation if you have questions about
how Naturopathic Medicine might work for you.
50 Super
Foods for Optimal Health
RECEIVE INSTANTLY!
Also!
50 Foods to AVOID like the PLAGUE in
2 special reports
plus
ABSOLUTELY FREE Vitality Times monthly e-mail
newsletter of naturopathic healing strategies and
health updates.
Dr. Dennis Godby, M.A. NMD
Naturopathic Medical Doctor
CA-License #ND-84, Primary Care
Sutter Health Credentialed
Integrative Practitoner
