Part 2 of this series provided more information about the first and second core beliefs in the Naturopathic Philosophy, which were (1) do no harm and (2) the body possesses the ability to heal itself if given the proper opportunity (a belief in the healing power of nature). In order to remove obstacles to health to allow the body an opportunity to heal, we invoke the third core belief, which is to identify and address the root cause(s) of dis-ease or dysfunction.
Fundamental to the Naturopathic Philosophy is that if we identify and adequately address the root cause(s) of disease, thereby allowing the body to heal, the body will do so. To do this, we use several assessment techniques that allow us to determine which systems within the body are working properly and which ones indicate signs of dysfunction. Oftentimes, a breakdown in one particular system in the body can manifest as different clinical diseases in different people. Therefore, we are not so much concerned with the name or label placed on a diseased state (i.e., the diagnosis), as we are with the underlying root cause(s) the labeled disease connotes. Once we determine and begin to address these root causes, our job is to teach the client how to address them using natural healing methods. This leads us to the fourth principle – the doctor as a teacher.
The word ‘doctor’ is derived from the Latin word Docere, which means “teacher”. We believe therefore, that a fundamental aspect of our job, indeed the most important aspect, is to educate our clients about the natural laws governing health and how they can obtain and maintain a state of optimal wellness by abiding by those laws. We teach our clients how and what to eat for their particular condition/body chemistry, instruct them in the use of various forms of hydrotherapy, physiotherapy, relaxation and emotional release, among others, so that they can take control of their health care by taking a proactive role in it. We do NOT want our clients to be dependent on us for care; we want them to know what they must do and we motivate them to take the steps necessary to obtain and maintain their health. In this way, we teach them what they need to do and the principles they need to live by so that they regain control of their health and can make the necessary decisions to keep themselves well over time.
Part 4 of this series will expand upon the fifth and sixth core beliefs of the Naturopathic Philosophy, which are (5) to address the whole person – body, mind and spirit and (6) use first the therapy which requires the least force.
