WHAT IS NATUROPATHIC MEDICINE?

Naturopathic medicine is founded on the premise that the human body has an inherent ability to heal. The practice of naturopathic medicine addresses the underlying or root causes of dysfunction in the body and seeks to restore balance from within. Naturopathic physicians, much like Functional medicine doctors, combine evidence-based medicine with traditional and natural healing methods to create a comprehensive diagnosis and treatment plan for patients.

Naturopathic Doctors (NDs) are trained in the art and science of natural health care at accredited medical colleges endorsed by the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians.

A naturopathic medical practice is built upon a foundation of six core principles:

1. Allow Nature to Heal: Naturopathic physicians recognize there is an inherent self-healing process in people that is ordered and intelligent. They help facilitate this inherent self-healing process by identifying and removing obstacles to healing and recovery.

2. Identify & Treat the Root Cause: Naturopathic physicians understand that the true path to healing is by identifying and removing the underlying causes of illness, rather than merely eliminating or suppressing symptoms.

3. First, Do No Harm: Naturopathic physicians follow 3 guidelines to ensure the patient’s safety:

• Use low-risk procedures and natural substances – like dietary supplements, herbal medicine, and homeopathy – with little to no side effects.
• When possible, do not suppress symptoms, which are the body’s way of working through illness and self-healing.
• Acknowledge, respect, and work with the unique biochemistry of every individual patient to formulate a personalized plan of care.

4. Educate Patients: Naturopathic physicians educate their patients on nutrition, exercise, relaxation, sleep hygiene and related health and wellness topics to empower patients to take charge of their own health. They work closely with each patient to help him or her achieve their health and wellness goals.

5. Treat the Whole Person: Naturopathic physicians treat each patient by taking into account individual physical, mental, emotional, genetic, environmental, social, and spiritual factors to craft a customized healthcare strategy and protocol.

6. Focus on Prevention: Naturopathic physicians practice proactive, rather than reactive, medicine. By assessing risk factors, heredity and susceptibility to disease, they promote wellness and prevention of illness.

Adapted from the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians

The best way to start is to know where you’re starting from.

Naturopathic practice includes functional and diagnostic laboratory testing. At Colorado Natural Medicine, we use the most advanced and comprehensive lab testing to find the root cause of your health issues. By identifying the root cause of your illness we can use targeted, natural treatments to restore your health.