Naturopathic Medicine

How the 6 Principles of Naturopathy Transformed a Science Geek into a Doctor

June 20th, 2007
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I am a geek. I mean that in the best way. In my quest to become a doctor, I studied with a vengeance. I loved it! The more I learned, the more impassioned I grew. Biology, physiology, biochemistry and physics (my favorite) made sense to me. These sciences reinforced one another and collectively served as a foundation from which all other information was cultivated. With this knowledge I learned—and now wholeheartedly practice and teach—naturopathic medicine. I want to share the six fundamental principles of this medical art so you may understand why a science geek like me embraces a form of medicine deeply rooted in tradition.

1. The Healing Power of Nature

How amazing is life! As humans we know a lot, but we will never have the intellectual capacity to fully understand the body’s astounding ability to heal itself. As a doctor, my job is to help patients remove obstacles in the healing process, give the body the nutrition it needs, and get out of the way. This is a blow to a doctor’s ego. You see, when the patient gets better, technically we can’t take credit. Nature is responsible.

2. Doctor as Teacher

The word doctor comes from the Latin word docere, meaning “to teach.” Lifestyle changes are difficult to embrace sometimes. When a patient understands a little bit about how these modifications change the chemistry of the body and improve health, however, he or she is more likely to follow through.

3. Prevention

When we think of prevention in our culture, we think about taking an aspirin daily, vaccinating our children, and getting mammograms and colonoscopies. These things are important, but the most powerful way of preventing disease is through lifestyle choices. Eighty percent of diseases are directly related to lifestyle. So why are we not discussing lifestyle in eighty percent of our doctor visits? My patients and I do.

4. Treat the Cause

This is where we get to the nitty-gritty. Nothing excites the geek in me more than the quest for the root causes of illness. My goal as a doctor is to help my patients restore their health and quality of life. In order to accomplish this, we must remove roadblocks. This task requires great knowledge of physiology, endocrinology, immunology, and a bunch of other “-ologies.” In addition, most holistic practitioners believe that the true causes of most diseases are chronic inflammation, toxicity, hormone/neurotransmitter imbalances, and digestive problems. Not until these underlying issues are addressed can the body truly heal. Until then we are merely managing symptoms.

5. Treat the Whole Person

I am neither a symptom nor a disease. I am a wife, mother, daughter, sister, doctor, teacher and friend. (Did I mention I am also a geek?) I have a body, mind and soul; the health of each is crucial to my overall well-being. Do you feel the same way about yourself?

6. First do no Harm

The safety of medicines is something we all worry about. Naturopathic doctors are committed to using safe and effective methods of treatment such as homeopathy, clinical nutrition and herbal medicine. We routinely use the most natural, least toxic medicines first. This less invasive approach may seem simple, but why pull out the big guns when a gentle nudge will do the trick?

In upcoming postings I plan to explore these principles using the best of ancient wisdom and modern science. My goal is not only to share information with you about how your body works, but also to provide practical information and simple steps you can take to improve your health. Lastly, I hope to make Thomas Edison proud, as he once said, “The doctor of the future will give no medicine, but will interest his patient in the care of the human frame, in diet, and in the cause and prevention of disease.” Smart guy.

Take care of your (whole) self—

Amy Bader, ND

Want more expert tips for leading a natural healthier life? Visit Tips for Healthy Living.

Posted in Naturopathic Medicine, Naturopathic Medicine: Amy Bader, Nutrition

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4 Responses to “How the 6 Principles of Naturopathy Transformed a Science Geek into a Doctor”
  1. rita sawyer Says:

    i read a lot online about the anti-inflammation diet (eating more fish, less sugar and refined grains) and its health benefits so is this what you mean by reducing chronic inflammation? or can you do more than just change your diet?

  2. Tammy Says:

    I moved to a new area and got a new physician from a list of my in-network doctors. I knew I was in the wrong hands when he seemed not to listen at all to how I feel very stressed (I care for my mother and that was the main reason for the move and I also work full-time). My new doctor now does although. How things are in your life affect your health. I saw how my sister-in-law had colds and flus while trying to take care of her father. You can get sick from being rundown and it doesn’t take a doctor to know that!

  3. Amy Bader, ND Says:

    Rita,
    You read my mind. My posting for July will be a discussion of chronic inflammation. Diet affects the level of inflammation in your body profoundly. You are right– fruits, vegetables, fish, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and legumes work to decrease inflammation. On the flip side, food allergies, trans fats, sugar, and processed “foodstuffs” (my nickname for things which are technically edible yet shouldn’t be eaten due to additives, preservatives and overall low nutrient value) are damaging. The immune system wages an inflammatory war against them in the digestive tract. Ultimately, this war spills over into the liver and the rest of the body. Other factors which create inflammation include smoking, insulin resistance, the wrong mix of gut bacteria, chronic infections, environmental toxins and stress. Given this list, you can see why holistic practitioners promote healthy lifestyle decisions on every level. I look forward to sharing more information next month regarding this important topic, including steps you can take to reduce the inflammatory burden on your body.

  4. kathleen Says:

    I just loved the article above (written by the self-professed geek) and I do not think you are a geek! (only people who don’t know they are, are, right?!)…
    this is a great website! I liked the cakeplate article, as well as the caregiver tips. I have been struggling with a few family issues and liked reading such supportive words. thank you!

  5. Katie Says:

    I really enjoyed your articles. As a fellow geek and naturopath, I love to see articles that use and explain the basics of our medicine.

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