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

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, Nutrition