The primary role of the naturopath is to bring out or enhance the innate healing power within his or her patients. The seven fundamental principles of naturopathic medicine are as follows:
- The healing power of nature (vis medicatrix nature)
- First do no harm (primum non nocere)
- Treat the whole person
- Preventive medicine
- Wellness
- Doctor as a teacher
Naturopathy encompasses a dynamic approach to assessing, preventing, and treating complex chronic disease. It identifies health as a positive vitality – not merely the absence of disease – and emphasize those factors that encourage a vigorous physiology.