What is Orthomolecular (Natural) Medicine?
Doctors of Natural Medicine (DNMs) are primary care providers clinically trained in the art and science of natural medicine. Natural medicine is steeped in philosophy derived from 2000 year old Hippocratic teaching — the Vis mediatrix naturae — nature is the healer of all diseases. Doctors of Natural Medicine are experts in natural medicine.
Although natural medicine training encompasses the same basic bio-medical science that conventional medical practice embraces, the approach to health and disease differs considerably. DNMs are well prepared in their training to serve patients of all ages -- from infancy through maturity. DNMs use history and physical exam to assess and monitor progress. They refer to medical specialists when appropriate. In addition to assessing and monitoring health conditions with scientific lab testing, DNMs are also skilled in observing and working with the body to correct imbalance. The goal is to eliminate the obstacles to healing and to provide the tools for patients to take responsibility for their health. This approach offers patients the opportunity to learn about and incorporate healthy lifestyles and thereby maintain resiliency and wellness for life.
The type of care plan chosen is based on the individual needs of the patient. This approach has proven successful in the management of both acute and chronic conditions. Care relies on the use of clinically successful, time tested, and often-researched natural methods. Such methods or modalities may include botanical medicine, counseling, homeopathy, homotoxicology, flower essences, hydrotherapy, physical manipulation, biotherapeutic drainage, diet and nutrition, IV therapy including chelation and others. DNM’s strive to assist their patients in attaining and maintaining optimal health throughout the transitions that life brings.
The Principles of Natural Medicine
Doctors of Natural Medicine incorporate the following principles in their own lives, and with every patient they encounter, thus promoting responsible and healthy living for the individual and for society as a whole.
Treatments that acknowledge, respect and work with the individual’s self-healing process are encouraged. Suppressive treatments are avoided, as are treatments that have potential to cause harmful side effects.
- The Healing Power of Nature
Doctors of Natural Medicine recognize the inherent self-healing process in every person. They utilize treatments and lifestyle changes that facilitate the natural healing process.
- Identify and treat the cause
Doctors of Natural Medicine seek to find and eliminate the root cause of illness.
Each patient is an individual that may manifest disease and imbalance differently. Mental, emotional, spiritual, physical, genetic, environmental and social issues are addressed. DNMs know their patients because they spend time with them.
Prevention is emphasized through assessing risk factors, disposition, heredity and susceptibility to disease. Appropriate interventions and lifestyle modifications are suggested to promote health and prevent chronic and debilitating health conditions.
Doctors of Natural Medicine educate their patients. Disease processes are explained as are healthy lifestyles and habits that promote wellness. Patients are encouraged to take responsibility for walking their own path to wellness
