How Naturopathic Principles Support Whole-Person Health

Naturopathic medicine views health as a dynamic balance of body, mind, and spirit. Recognizing that physical symptoms often stem from deeper genetic, emotional, environmental, and lifestyle-related influences, naturopathic providers follow a thoughtful, step-by-step method. The process begins by uncovering and addressing root causes of illness. NDs promote recovery, incorporating the least invasive therapies with the lowest risk.

At the heart of this approach are six principles that guide all aspects of patient care. Together, these principles form a patient-centered model that empowers people to take an active role in their long-term health and healing.

First do no harm (primum non nocere)

Naturopathic doctors adhere to three philosophies that safeguard patients’ well-being:

1. Employing methods and therapies that minimize the potential for adverse effects, choosing the gentlest approaches necessary for diagnosis and treatment
2. Steering clear of detrimental symptom suppression when feasible
3. Recognizing and harnessing intrinsic self-healing mechanisms

The healing power of nature (vis medicatrix naturae)

Naturopathic medicine values the uniqueness of every person and tailors treatment plans to the specific needs, preferences, and circumstances of each patient. NDs use nature’s healing powers to remove obstacles to recovery, restore balance, and support inherent and natural recuperative processes.¹Kaufman JA. Nature, mind, and medicine: a model for mind-body healing. Explore (NY). 2018 Jul-Aug;14(4):268-276. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.explore.2018.01.001

Identify and treat the causes (tolle causam)

Naturopathic doctors seek to identify and address the underlying causes of illness while managing and eliminating symptoms. Multiple factors may contribute. To initiate the healing process, these factors or “contributors” must be identified and resolved. NDs help patients harness good health from the inside out by pinpointing the reasons for sickness and disease.

Doctor as teacher (docere)

Patient education is a central part of naturopathic practice. NDs decode the diagnostic and healing processes, empowering patients to make informed health choices. With the right tools and understanding, patients can actively participate in their own health care.

Treat the whole person (tolle totum)

Because health and disease are multifactorial, naturopathic doctors take a personalized approach to diagnosis and treatment. NDs treat the individual, taking into account physical, mental, emotional, genetic, environmental, social, and other factors. NDs also encourage patients to pursue personal and spiritual development to optimize their health.²Fleming SA, Gutknecht NC. Naturopathy and the primary care practice. Prim Care. 2010 Mar;37(1):119-36. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pop.2009.09.002

Prevention (preventare)

NDs prioritize disease prevention, addressing risk factors, genetic predisposition, and susceptibility to illness. Through comprehensive evaluations and collaborative discussions with patients, naturopathic doctors develop personalized strategies to reduce potential health hazards, thereby restoring wellness and preventing future illness. Proactive interventions may involve lifestyle modifications, nutritional guidance, and stress management techniques.³Oster H, Chaves I. Effects of healthy lifestyles on chronic diseases: diet, sleep, and exercise. Nutrients. 2023 Oct 31;15(21):4627. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15214627^,4Willett WC, Koplan JP, Nugent R, et al. Chapter 44. Prevention of chronic disease by means of diet and lifestyle changes. In: Jamison DT, Breman JG, Measham AR, et al., eds. Disease Control Priorities in Developing Countries. 2nd edition. The International Bank for Reconstruction and Development/The World Bank; 2006. Co-published by Oxford University Press. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK11795/?report=reader By empowering people to take purposeful steps toward good health, NDs take a pivotal role in fostering long-term vitality.

The therapeutic order

The therapeutic order is a framework for naturopathic medicine that guides the treatment approach and prioritizes interventions. This structured method helps determine the most appropriate and effective treatments for individual patients.⁵Zeff J, Snider P, Myers S. Chapter 3: A hierarchy of healing: the therapeutic order. a unifying theory of naturopathic medicine. In: Pizzorno J, Murray M, eds. The Textbook of Natural Medicine. 4th ed. Elsevier; 2013. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/273634914_A_Hierarchy_of_Healing_The_Therapeutic_Order_A_Unifying_Theory_of_Naturopathic_Medicine

Guided by the therapeutic order, NDs address the root causes of illness, support natural healing processes, and select safe, effective treatments that align with the principles of naturopathic medicine.

Seven steps in the therapeutic order delineate the natural sequence of care. Following this hierarchy, NDs can prioritize holistic strategies that stimulate recovery and target peak wellness.

1. Remove obstacles to health.
2. Stimulate self-healing mechanisms.
3. Restore weakened systems.
4. Correct structural integrity.
5. Use natural substances to restore and regenerate.
6. Use pharmacologic substances to halt progressive pathology.
7. Use high-force interventions to halt pathology.

Integrative medicine & whole-person health care

Natural medicine blends time-tested therapies with modern medical science. Applied in conventional care, this approach is known as integrative medicine, and it’s practiced by a wide range of providers, including naturopathic doctors (NDs), integrative and functional medicine physicians (MDs/DOs), nurse practitioners (NPs), registered dietitians (RDs), and others.

What sets integrative medicine apart is its focus on the whole person. It strengthens the connection between patient and provider, considers all aspects of health, and draws from both natural and conventional methods. The goal is not only to treat but also to prevent illness and improve how people feel every day.

This approach is gaining momentum because it reflects what many people want: care that’s personal, effective, and affordable. But stronger clinical research is needed for integrative medicine to become a widely adopted model, along with effective policies and healthcare systems that are ready to embrace it.

The interest is there, and the movement is growing. With the right support, integrative care can play a central role in building a healthier future for everyone.

Footnotes

• 1
  Kaufman JA. Nature, mind, and medicine: a model for mind-body healing. Explore (NY). 2018 Jul-Aug;14(4):268-276. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.explore.2018.01.001
• 2
  Fleming SA, Gutknecht NC. Naturopathy and the primary care practice. Prim Care. 2010 Mar;37(1):119-36. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pop.2009.09.002
• 3
  Oster H, Chaves I. Effects of healthy lifestyles on chronic diseases: diet, sleep, and exercise. Nutrients. 2023 Oct 31;15(21):4627. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15214627
• 4
  Willett WC, Koplan JP, Nugent R, et al. Chapter 44. Prevention of chronic disease by means of diet and lifestyle changes. In: Jamison DT, Breman JG, Measham AR, et al., eds. Disease Control Priorities in Developing Countries. 2nd edition. The International Bank for Reconstruction and Development/The World Bank; 2006. Co-published by Oxford University Press. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK11795/?report=reader
• 5
  Zeff J, Snider P, Myers S. Chapter 3: A hierarchy of healing: the therapeutic order. a unifying theory of naturopathic medicine. In: Pizzorno J, Murray M, eds. The Textbook of Natural Medicine. 4th ed. Elsevier; 2013. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/273634914_A_Hierarchy_of_Healing_The_Therapeutic_Order_A_Unifying_Theory_of_Naturopathic_Medicine