Last Updated on 24 September 2024 by Brisbane Livewell Clinic
With thanks to our amazing Naturopaths Colleen Rowe, Emma Pumfrey, Jen Strachan and Amy Angus for their contributions to this article.
For anyone wondering whether they can trust their Naturopath, this article is for you!
The Practice of Naturopathy is based on six foundational ideals, which are referred to as the 6 Naturopathic Principles. These Principles of Naturopathy are not just guidelines – they are the essence of Naturopathic Practice and one of the key reasons why Naturopaths are one of the most trusted types of Practitioners in the complementary medicine space in Australia and Internationally.
Naturopaths are committed to helping their patients enhance their overall health and wellbeing, and it’s easy to see how the 6 Naturopathic Principles guide and govern them as they prepare to treat their patient, consult with their patient, then carry out future research and subsequent consultations as they work with their patients to improve their holistic health and wellness.
Learn more about Naturopaths and Naturopathy
What are the 6 Naturopathic Principles?
1. First Do No Harm (Primum Non Nocere)
The First Naturopathic Principle
Naturopaths commit to the safety of their clients, opting for treatments that are non-invasive and carry minimal risk of adverse reactions or side effects. This involves a meticulous assessment of each individual’s unique circumstances, ensuring the appropriateness of Naturopathic interventions and acknowledging the need to refer to other healthcare professionals when beyond their scope of practice.
Naturopaths aim for their medicine and treatments to be gentle and effective, using the lowest force or intervention necessary to shift their patient toward health. Their aim is to not inflict harm by neglecting patient symptoms or overusing medicines.1
In practice, this Naturopathic Principle guides Naturopaths to select gentle, supportive therapies. They strive to work in harmony with the body’s natural healing processes, avoiding the suppression of symptoms which can mask the underlying condition.
The emphasis of the Naturopath is on understanding and respecting the body’s unique response to healing, tailoring treatments to individual patients to complement this natural process.
2. The Healing Power of Nature (Vis Medicatrix Naturae)
The Second Naturopathic Principle
This principle is a testament to the body’s inherent ability to heal itself. Naturopaths utilise this natural propensity by choosing therapies that bolster the body’s own healing mechanisms.
The application of this principle involves the use of natural substances and treatments that align with the body’s rhythms.
Naturopaths focus on identifying and eliminating obstacles to health, whether they be environmental, dietary, or lifestyle-related. Naturopaths encourage practices that reconnect individuals with the natural world (eg walks on the beach, a jog through a park), acknowledging the health benefits derived from this connection with nature.
3. Identify and Treat the Causes (Tolle Causam)
The Third Naturopathic Principle
Naturopathy seeks to address more than just the symptoms a patient is aware of. Our Naturopaths aims to uncover and treat the root causes of illness, which often lie in aspects of lifestyle, diet, or habitual practices of their patients.
Naturopathic medicine aims to determine and treat the true cause of illness, rather than just treating the symptoms.2
The practical application involves a thorough evaluation to discern the underlying causes of a health issue. Naturopaths then design treatment plans that directly target these root causes, rather than simply alleviating symptoms.
This approach ensures a more effective and long-lasting resolution to health concerns.
4. Doctor as Teacher (Docere)
The Fourth Naturopathic Principle
A cornerstone of Naturopathy is the role of the Naturopath as an educator. Naturopaths empower patients by providing them with the knowledge and understanding necessary to take charge of their health.
Naturopaths educate and empower patients to take responsibility for their own health.5
In practical terms, Naturopaths offer extensive education on health and wellness.
Naturopaths guide their patients in making informed decisions about their health, fostering a collaborative relationship where the patient is an active participant in their healing journey. This approach leads to more sustainable health outcomes as patients are equipped with the knowledge to maintain their wellbeing.
5. Treat the Whole Person (Tolle Totum)
The Fifth Naturopathic Principle
This principle recognises the multifaceted nature of health, encompassing physical, emotional, genetic, environmental, and lifestyle elements.
The essence of a person’s health reaches beyond their physical or mental symptoms, and reconnecting with “wholeness” is a vital component of health.3
In application, Naturopaths consider all aspects of a patient’s life when developing treatment plans.
Recognising that each individual is unique, treatments are customised to address the specific needs and circumstances of each patient.
This holistic approach ensures that all contributing factors to a patient’s health are addressed, leading to more comprehensive and effective treatment outcomes.
6. Prevention (Praevenic)
The Sixth Naturopathic Principle
Prevention is a key focus in Naturopathy, with the aim of stopping minor health issues from developing into more serious conditions.
Naturopathic medicine affirms that it is better to prevent illness and suffering whenever possible, and positive actions taken today can have a profound influence on health.45
Naturopaths proactively address potential health issues through education on healthy lifestyle choices and the implementation of preventative measures. This includes advice on diet, stress management, and lifestyle adjustments.
By focusing on prevention, Naturopaths help patients avoid the escalation of health issues, contributing to long-term health and wellness.
Conclusion
In summary, the 6 Naturopathic Principles provide a thorough and multifaceted framework for promoting health and wellbeing.
By adhering to these principles, Naturopaths offer a comprehensive, patient-centred approach to healthcare, highlighting the body’s innate capacity for healing and the pivotal role of education and prevention in achieving optimal health.
