Naturopathic Medicine

Naturopathic Medicine is a practical approach to family medicine and primary care. In Washington State naturopaths can prescribe most conventional medications, however, nutrition, counseling, botanical medicine, homeopathy and other natural medicines are the treatments of choice.

Naturopathic medicine is guided by six principles that influence the therapeutic methods we use:

First Do No Harm           
Naturopathic medicine uses therapies that are safe and effective.

The Healing Power of Nature 
The physician's role is to facilitate the body’s innate healing ability with nontoxic therapies.

Discover and Treat the Cause
Physicians seek and treat the underlying cause of a disease. Symptoms are an expression of the body's natural attempt to heal. The origin of disease is removed or treated so the patient can recover.

Treat the Whole Person
Multiple factors influence the concept of health. Physicians provide flexible treatment programs to meet individual health care needs and address the whole person.

The Physician is a Teacher
A physician's role is to educate, empower, and motivate patients to take responsibility for their own health. Creating a healthy cooperative relationship with the patient has a strong therapeutic value.

Prevention
Naturopathic physicians are preventive medicine specialists. Physicians assess patient risk factors and heredity susceptibility and intervene appropriately to reduce risk and prevent illness. Prevention of disease is best accomplished through education and a lifestyle that supports health.