The Philosophy of Naturopathic Medicine

Naturopathic Doctors (NDs) are primary care health professionals who have attended a 4-year graduate level accredited medical school and passed rigorous licensure examinations NPLEX-1 and NPLEX-2. Many Naturopathic doctors go on to complete postdoctoral residencies and are eligible for further board certification and fellowships in Naturopathic oncology (FABNO), Naturopathic gastroenterology (FABNG), and more.

Naturopathic doctors may diagnose and treat acute and chronic illness, order and interpret laboratory tests, manage pharmaceutical prescriptions, and perform minor surgery in licensed states. Naturopathic doctors complete state mandated continuing education requirements yearly in order to maintain licensure and operate within their scope of practice as defined by state law.

The Principles of Naturopathic Medicine

  1. Do No Harm

  2. The Healing Power of Nature

  3. Treat the Whole Person

  4. Treat the Root Cause

  5. Doctor As Teacher

  6. Prevention As Cure

The Therapeutic Order

The Naturopathic Therapeutic Order guides physicians in using the lowest force necessary when choosing interventions to address a patient’s health concerns.

The Naturopathic Doctor’s Oath

I dedicate myself to the service of humanity as a practitioner of the art and science of Naturopathic medicine.

I will honor my teachers and all who have preserved and developed this knowledge and dedicate myself to supporting the growth and evolution of Naturopathic medicine. I will endeavor to continually improve my abilities as a healer through study, reflection, and genuine concern for humanity. I will impart knowledge of the advanced healing arts to dedicated colleagues and students.

Through precept, lecture, and example, I will assist and encourage others to strengthen their health, reduce risks for disease, and preserve the health of our planet for ourselves, our families, and future generations.

According to my best ability and judgment, I will use methods of treatment which follow the principles of Naturopathic medicine:

First of all, to do no harm.

To act in cooperation with the Healing Power of Nature.

To address the fundamental causes of disease.

To heal the whole person through individualized treatment.

To teach the principles of healthy living and preventive medicine.

I will conduct my life and the practice of Naturopathic health care with vigilance, integrity, and freedom from prejudice. I will abstain from voluntary acts of injustice and corruption. I will keep confidential whatever I am privileged to witness, whether professionally or privately, that should not be divulged.

With my whole heart, before this gathering of witnesses, as a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine, I pledge to remain true to this oath.