Philosophy
Naturopathic Medicine
Naturopathic physicians are holistic primary care physicians. Naturopathic doctors diagnose and treat the full-spectrum of chronic and acute conditions. Because they address the whole person and seek out the cause of symptoms and conditions, naturopathic doctors offer an effective array of approaches and treatments for otherwise complicated health problems. The naturopathic profession emphasizes a distinctive approach to health and healing — an approach that considers the whole person when treating specific conditions, one that seeks to diagnose and treat causes wherever possible. Naturopathic medicine is heir to the vitalistic tradition of medicine in the Western world. This is evidenced by its emphasis in treating disease through the stimulation, enhancement, and support of the inherent healing power of the body. The practice of naturopathic medicine emerges from six principles of healing, each based on the objective observation of the nature of health and disease and examined continually in light of scientific analysis. These principles stand as the distinguishing marks of the profession: the healing power of nature; identify and treat the cause;first do no harm;treat the whole person; physician as teacher; prevention. Chosen methods of treatment are widely varied, but respect this natural healing process.
Classical Chinese Medicine
The defining image of Chinese medicine for most westerners is that of the acupuncturist’s needles extending porcupine-like from a patient’s skin. This is indeed a dramatic image, but it represents only a glimpse of the philosophy and practice of one of the world’s oldest intact systems of natural healing. Classical Chinese medicine is the practice of Chinese medicine as illustrated by the classics. It combines the art and science of a medicine developed over millennia with the belief in the healing power of nature, a focus on identifying the root causes of disease, and treatment of the person as a multifaceted entity. Classical Chinese medicine includes the practices of acupuncture, moxibustion, herbal therapies, gigong healing and traditional bodywork techniques.