Naturopathic medicine is a primary health care system that blends modern science with traditional medicine. The naturopathic philosophy includes six basic principles:

• The Healing Power of Nature. The belief that the body has an innate ability to heal itself. The naturopathic doctor provides therapies that support this process.
• Doctor as teacher. Encouraging each patient through education to take an active role with respect to their health.
• The principle to first do no harm is fundamental to the naturopathic practice.
• To treat the causes of the disease, rather than the symptoms.
• Each person's treatment is individualized and takes into consideration all the presenting symptoms and causative factors.
• The belief that prevention is the best medicine for good health.