Doctors of Natural Medicine (DNMs)
are clinically trained in the art and science of
natural medicine. Natural medicine is steeped in philosophy derived
from 2000 year old Hippocratic teaching — the Vis mediatrix naturae —
nature is the healer of all diseases. Doctors of Natural Medicine are
experts in natural medicine.
Although natural medicine training encompasses the same basic bio-medical science
that conventional medical practice embraces, the approach to health and
disease differs considerably. DNMs are well prepared in their training
to serve patients of all ages -- from infancy through maturity. DNMs use
history and health assessment to assess and monitor progress. They refer
to medical specialists when appropriate. In addition to assessing and
monitoring medical conditions with scientific lab testing, DNMs are also
skilled in observing and working with the body to correct imbalance.
The goal is to eliminate the obstacles to healing and to provide the
tools for patients to take responsibility for their health. This
approach offers patients the opportunity to learn about and incorporate
healthy lifestyles and thereby maintain resiliency and wellness for
life.
The type of care plan chosen is based on the individual needs
of the patient. This approach has proven successful in the management of
both acute and chronic conditions. Care relies on the use of
clinically successful, time tested, and often-researched natural
methods. Such methods or modalities include botanical medicine,
counseling, homeopathy, flower essences, hydrotherapy, physical
manipulation, biotherapeutic drainage,
and others. DNM’s strive to assist their patients in attaining and
maintaining optimal health throughout the transitions that life brings.
The Principles of Natural Medicine
Doctors
of Natural Medicine incorporate the following principles in their own
lives, and with every patient they encounter, thus promoting responsible
and healthy living for the individual and for society as a whole.
Methods and procedures that acknowledge, respect and work with the individual’s self-healing
process are encouraged. Suppressive methods are avoided.
- The Healing Power of Nature
Doctors
of Natural Medicine recognize the self-healing process in
every person. They utilize methods, procedures and lifestyle changes that
facilitate the natural healing process.
- Identify and treat the cause
Doctors of Natural Medicine seek to find and address the root cause of illness.
Each
patient is an individual that may manifest disease and imbalance
differently. Mental, emotional, spiritual, physical, genetic,
environmental and social issues are addressed. DNMs know their patients
because they spend time with them.
Prevention
is emphasized through assessing risk factors, disposition, heredity and
susceptibility to disease. Appropriate interventions and lifestyle
modifications are suggested to promote health and prevent chronic and
debilitating health conditions.
Doctors
of Natural Medicine educate their patients. Disease processes are
explained as are healthy lifestyles and habits that promote wellness.
Patients are encouraged to take responsibility for walking their own
path to wellness.