Naturopathic medicine is a primary healthcare profession that is regulated by federal accreditation and state licensing bodies. Naturopathic physicians undergo a doctorate education from a four-year post-graduate medical school after completing an undergraduate degree. The naturopathic medical degree covers equivalent training in basic sciences, pathology, diagnosis, and pharmacology. In addition, the curriculum also emphasizes holistic therapies such as clinical nutrition, botanical medicine, physical medicine, and more.

The naturopathic medicine philosophy is oriented toward prevention and optimizing health by encouraging each unique individual’s inherent self-healing processes. In Oregon, Naturopathic physicians are licensed as full-scope primary care physicians, and can practice both individual and family healthcare.

Principles of Naturopathic Medicine

1. Primum non nocere: First, do no harm

   Acknowledge, respect, and follow the individual’s self-healing process while striving to use the least invasive, most effective treatments possible to re-establish balance. 

2. Vis medicatrix naturae: Cooperate with the healing power of nature
   Identify and remove obstacles to healing and recovery by facilitating and augmenting the inherent self-healing process. 

3. Tolle causum: Identify & treat the root cause

   Seek to use symptoms as clues to identify and treat the underlying cause of ailment.

4. Docere: Doctor as teacher

   Educate and encourage the patient to take hold of their health. It is the patient, not the doctor who ultimately creates and accomplishes healing.

5. Tolle totum: Treat the whole person

   Address all aspects of each individual’s life, including physical, mental, emotional, genetic, environmental, social, and spiritual influences. 

6. Praevenire: Prevention

   Assess risk factors, heredity and susceptibility of disease or illness to eliminate or reduce potential future health disruptions.