Article by Antonio Colasurdo Board Certified Naturopath at Openspaceclinic.
FIRST, DO NO HARM
Naturopaths hold to the tenet of using non-invasive modalities and medicinal substances to minimize the risk of harmful side effects.
VITALITY
The body has an inherent ability to heal itself. Naturopaths act as facilitators to this process by identifying and removing obstacles to health in an effort to support the healing process.
IDENTIFYING THE CAUSE
Illness does not occur without a cause, and causes can occur on various levels including physically, mentally, and/or emotionally. Therefore, a Naturopath must identify the cause of illness rather than simply acting on the symptomatic expression of a disease.
TREAT THE WHOLE PERSON
Every individual is unique. Naturopaths use individualized protocols by understanding the interdependence between the physical, mental, emotional, environmental, genetic, and social factors which may contribute to illness.
NATUROPATHS AS TEACHERS
Naturopaths must take time to educate and empower clients concerning their health. This cooperative relationship has an inherent therapeutic value, which may enable clients to heal.
PREVENTION IS THE BEST CURE
The ultimate goal of Naturopathy is disease prevention. Naturopaths thoroughly assess any risk factors and hereditary susceptibility to disease and make appropriate interventions with the goal of maintaining health and preventing illness, as much as possible.