Naturopathic medicine is a distinct system of healing, a philosophy, science, art and practice which seek to promote health by stimulating and supporting the body's inherent power to regain harmony and balance.  Although the term "naturopathy" was first used at the turn of the century, the philosophical basis and many of the methods of naturopathic medicine are ancient, some dating back to 400 B.C., when Hippocrates became famous for his treatment of disease in accordance with natural laws.  In fact, although Hippocrates is called the father of medicine, modern medical science completely ignores the self-evident laws of health laid down by him, which are stated above.

Philosophy of Naturopathy
The philosophy of naturopathic medicine is based upon three basic principles....

The first principle is that the body possesses the power to heal itself through its internal vitality and intelligence. This vital force is the foundation of naturopathic philosophy and all the naturopathic practitioner does is create the most favorable conditions to stimulate and enhance this healing power of nature.

The second principle is that disease is a manifestation of the vital force applying itself to the removal of obstructions to the normal functioning of organs and tissues. The naturopathic practitioner always seeks to discover and remove the basic causes of disease whether they be; chemical, mechanical, and /or psychological.

Chemical: i.e. an imbalance in the chemistry of the body fluids due to dietary, deficiency or dietary excess, retention of waste products due to inefficient functioning of the lungs, kidneys and bowels, or poor circulation of body fluids; 

Mechanical: i.e. muscular tensions, strained ligaments, stiff joints, poor posture due to occupational factors, as well as spinal misalignments, leading to an interference in the functioning of the nervous system and musculoskeletal in general; Psycho l Psychological:  i.e. impaired function induce by stress, which may be due to worries and upsets in personal and domestic life and /or anxieties and pressures at work.  The third principle is that naturopathic medicine is a holistic approach to health.  In other words, disease affects the whole person-body, mind and spirit, and not simply an isolated organ or system.  Each person responds in unique ways to his or her environment, each has individual strengths, weaknesses and needs.  Their body’s reactions to the same stress may be very different depending on their level of health, inherited tendencies, previous medical history, etc. In treating the whole person the naturopathic practitioner searches for causes at many levels, and attempts to eliminate the fundamental cause of illness, not simply to remove symptoms.

Naturopathic Principles of Healing
Homeostasis is a state in which the entire body is in complete harmony with itself.  Naturopathic medicine is a distinctively natural approach to health and healing that recognizes the integrity of the whole person.  Naturopathic medicine is heir to the vitalistic tradition of medicine in:

Homeostasis: A state In which the entire body is in complete harmony with itself.

Naturopathic Medicine is a distinctively natural approach to health and healing that recognizes the integrity of the whole person.

Naturopathic Medicine is heir to the vitalistic tradition of medicine in the western world, emphasizing the treatment of disease through the stimulation, enhancement, and support of the inherent healing capacity of the person. Methods of treatments are chosen to work with the patient’s vital force, respecting the intelligence of the natural healing process. Naturopathic principles of healing are based on the objective observation of the nature of health and disease, and are continually re-examined in light of scientific analysis.

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 physician’s  role is to facilitate and augment this process, to act and support the creation of a healthy internal and external environment. 

Practice
Naturopathic philosophy serves as the basis for naturopathic practice.  The current scope of naturopathic practice includes, but is not limited to Clinical nutrition, Botanical Medicine and Homeopathic Medicine, Physical Medicine and Oriental Medicine... more on this

Naturopathic philosophy serves as the basis for naturopathic practice. The current scope of naturopathic practice includes, but is not limited to: