Naturopathic Medicine grew out of the eclectic healing systems of the 18th and 19th centuries, although its philosophy was first used in the Hippocratic School of Medicine of about 400 B.C.  Physicians in the time of Hippocrates believed that they should try to understand as much as possible about the laws of nature, and apply it to their practice in a practical way.  The core approach of a Naturopathic Physician is to discover and eliminate the causes of disease. When treatment is necessary, the most natural, non-toxic and least invasive therapy available is used.  Treatment modalities range from nutritional therapy, homeopathy, herbal medicine, hydrotherapy, spinal manipulation, acupuncture, exercise therapy, and counseling.  Naturopathic Physicians are currently licensed as primary care physicians in the following states:  Alaska, Arizona, California, Connecticut, Montana, New Hampshire, Oregon, Vermont, Washington, and Utah. 

 

The six principles that guide the therapeutic methods and modalities of naturopathic medicine include:

First Do No Harm - primum non nocere
Naturopathic medicine uses therapies that are safe and effective.

The Healing Power of Nature - vis medicatrix naturae
The human body possesses the inherent ability to restore health. The physician's role is to facilitate this process with the aid of natural, nontoxic therapies.

Discover and Treat the Cause, Not Just the Effect - tolle causam
Physicians seek and treat the underlying cause of a disease. Symptoms are viewed as expressions of the body's natural attempt to heal. The origin of disease is removed or treated so the patient can recover.

Treat the Whole Person - tolle totum
The multiple factors in health and disease are considered while treating the whole person. Physicians provide flexible treatment programs to meet individual health care needs.

The Physician is a Teacher - docere
The physician's major role is to educate, empower, and motivate patients to take responsibility for their own health. Creating a healthy cooperative relationship with the patient has a strong therapeutic value.

Prevention is the best "cure"
Naturopathic physicians are preventive medicine specialists. Physicians assess patient risk factors and heredity susceptibility and intervene appropriately to reduce risk and prevent illness. Prevention of disease is best accomplished through education and a lifestyle that supports health.

At the Wahi Center, we firmly believe in and adhere to these basic principles--which is the foundation for successful treatment of any kind!