We get asked this A LOT. Is there a difference between Naturopathic Medicine and Holistic Medicine? And the answer is a matter of semantics.
Naturopathic medicine in San Diego indicates care that is provided by a naturopathic medical doctor who has attended a 4-year accredited medical doctoral program and whose patient care is guided by a set of six naturopathic principles. Where “holistic medicine” is simply the practice of looking at each patient from the stand-point of treating the whole person. That is, complete care that is inclusive of a mind, body and spirit. There are a number of healthcare practices that work from a holistic approach, which include acupuncture, chiropractic care, physical therapy, and, YES, naturopathic medicine.
In fact… among the principles of naturopathic medicine is the principle entitled “Tolle Totum”, which is latin for “treat the whole”.
As a reference, the Six Principles of Naturopathic Medicine Include:
- The Healing Power of Nature (Vis Medicatrix Naturae): Trust in the body’s inherent wisdom to heal itself.
- Identify and Treat the Causes (Tolle Causam): Look beyond the symptoms to the underlying cause.
- First Do No Harm (Primum non nocere): Utilize the most natural, least invasive and least toxic therapies.
- Doctor as Teacher (Docere): Educate patients in the steps to achieving and maintaining health.
- Treat the Whole Person (Tolle totum): View the body as an integrated whole in all its physical, emotional and spiritual dimensions.
- Prevention (Praevenire): Focus on overall health, wellness and disease prevention.
As naturopathic doctors in San Diego, we receive training in western medicine (which includes training to the level of a primary care physician, as well as education in modern diagnostics, pharmaceuticals, and physical exams) as well as the natural medicine modalities which include nutritional medicine / strategic use of vitamins and minerals, dietary and lifestyle medicine, botanical medicine, physical medicine / physical manipulation, IV therapy in San Diego, IV nutrient therapy in San Diego, homeopathy and a functional approach to diagnostic testing. Additionally, many NDs specialize and offer expertise in menopause treatments in San Diego and peri-menopause, auto-immune disease, gastrointestinal conditions, diabetes and metabolic conditions, as well as a whole host of other common areas of patient care.
As a result of our comprehensive and whole person approach, and a commitment to treating the cause (another naturopathic principle, “Tolle Causum”), we are able to offer patients an option in their care that allows for a real and lasting return to wellness by addressing the root of illness rather than providing a symptom-based approach to care. Although not all the time, but in many instances, the western medicine model is driven by a symptom-based approach which does not get to the root cause of illness but rather provides treatments for symptom relief rather than therapies that have the ability to bring about cure.
Here at NaturopathicRx, we view each patient as a unique individual, with unique personal and medical histories, unique stressors, and unique beliefs and philosophies. Our intention is to always meet the patient where they are at, become a partner in their wellness journey, and provide them with the tools and guidance to help them restore their own health and well being.
Get in touch with us today to schedule an appointment with one of our naturopathic doctors in San Diego.