NATUROPATHIC PRINCIPLES

Naturopathic medicine is built on core principles to which we commit by oath—not just in words, but in practice. I keep this oath framed on my clinic wall and tattooed on my heart, carrying it with me in every patient interaction.

Primum Non Nocere – First Do No Harm

Core to all medical practice is the desire to help the human form and condition. NDs typically approach care by utilizing the most natural, least invasive and least toxic therapies. NDs will refer when the patient’s presentation is outside their scope or level of skill.

Vis Medicatrix Naturae – The Healing Power of Nature

NDs recognize the value of our natural world in assisting the healing process. Not only do NDs utilize substances that originate in nature, but they also incorporate a healthy natural environment as foundational to human health. Naturopathic doctors recognize and harness the body’s inherent wisdom to heal itself in order to guide patients to wellness and total health.

Tolle Causam – Identify and Treat the Causes

There is a time and place for symptom suppression, however most naturopathic patients will benefit from identifying the underlying causes of illness and removing obstacles to cure.

Docere – Doctor as Teacher

Naturopathic doctors elevate patient health literacy. That means that NDs are part of the team helping patients have a better understanding of what it takes to be and stay well. Through education and a trust-based relationship, patients better understand the steps they need to take to achieve and maintain health.

Tolle Totum – Treat the Whole Person

Naturopathic doctors understand the interconnectedness of our body, our environment and our lifestyle on total health. It is only through this whole-person-based approach that NDs seek to restore balance and health.

Praevenire – Prevention

Naturopathic medicine affirms that it is better to prevent illness and suffering whenever possible. Through their comprehensive practice, NDs combine all six principles in order to identify potential areas of imbalance and teach patients how to get well and stay well.

My goal with each patient is to help them heal to the point where they no longer require ongoing interventions—whether drugs, surgery, supplements, injections, IV treatments, psychotherapy, chiropractic, acupuncture, or any other modality, natural or synthetic. I strive to accurately pinpoint and address the root causes of illness or imbalance, empowering patients to do the same for themselves. By understanding their bodies, they become their own healers, more self-aware and capable of maintaining their health.

True healing begins with the foundations of health: nutrition, sleep, movement, hydration, spiritual well-being, and behavior modification. These pillars lift a person out of illness. Along the way, we use tools like supplementation, stress management, and physical medicine for support—but only as temporary aids, not permanent crutches.

Naturopathic medicine differs from allopathic medicine in that it removes obstacles to cure rather than suppressing symptoms. We focus on eliminating the root causes of disease rather than merely managing its effects.

For example, a diabetic patient who transitions to a whole-food, ketogenic diet may no longer need life-long medications or supplements to control their blood sugar. They might temporarily use metformin, berberine, or inositol during the transition, but as they adapt, these supports become unnecessary.

Healing isn’t about endlessly adding more treatments—it’s about removing what’s no longer needed as health is restored. If your car’s radiator is cracked, you don’t just keep refilling it with fluid—you replace it. Likewise, my goal is to help patients repair their bodies, so they can enjoy a healthier, fully functioning version of themselves.

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