The 6 Naturopathic principles

The practice of Naturopathy is defined by the following six naturopathic principles. These principles help shape how and what we do as Naturopaths in helping individuals take their health to the next level.

1. First do no harm

Naturopathic practitioners prefer non-invasive treatments that minimise the risks of any reactions or harmful side effects. Safe and effective treatment is key. Naturopaths are trained to know which individuals they can treat safely, and which they need to refer to other health care practitioners.

2. The healing power of nature

Nature acts powerfully through healing mechanisms in the body and mind to maintain and restore health. Your body is so intelligent and strives to maintain optimal health at all times.

By using natural methods, Naturopaths work to restore and support these inherent healing systems when they have broken down.

3. Treat the cause

Every illness/imbalance within the body or mind has an underlying cause, often in aspects of lifestyle, diet or habits of the individual.

Naturopaths are trained to find and treat the underlying cause of a disease/imbalance.

If we were to only treat the presenting symptoms, whilst ignoring the root cause of a condition, we would be doing the healing process and recovery an enormous disservice.

4. Treat the whole person

Health or disease comes from a complex interaction of physical, emotional, dietary, genetic, environmental, social, lifestyle, and other factors.

Naturopaths treat the whole person, taking these numerous and varying factors into account. To treat an individual, we must look at their whole being. Each individual is unique and thus requires a unique naturopathic care plan, catering to their individual, holistic needs.

5. Preventative medicine

The naturopathic approach to health care aims to prevent minor illnesses from developing in to more serious or chronic degenerative diseases.

Patients are taught the principles with which to live a healthy life; by following these principles it can help to prevent major illnesses.

6. Patient education

A principal objective of Naturopahic care is to educate the patient and emphasise self-responsibility for health.