Naturopathic Medicine

Naturopathy (also known as naturopathic medicine) focuses on the use of natural approaches and remedies to facilitate healing.  Naturopathy philosophy is built around the belief that the body carries within it a vital spark which promotes healing.  Because Naturopaths believe that the body is always trying to move towards wellness and optimal functioning, Naturopathic interventions are designed to assist the body in achieving this optimal health.  Hence, Naturopathy favors a holistic approach and the use of surgery and drugs only after more natural modalities have been explored.  Prevention through stress reduction and a healthy diet and lifestyle is also emphasized. Hippocrates, the ancient Greek “Father of Medicine,” is often considered to be first “naturopath,” even though the term was not in use until the late 1800s.  The Hippocratic therapeutic approach was based on “the healing power of nature” or vis medicatrix naturae in Latin.  In general, Hippocratic medicine was very kind to the patient; treatment was gentle, and emphasized keeping the patient clean and sterile. Hippocrates was reluctant to administer drugs and engage in specialized treatment that might prove to be wrongly chosen; generalized therapy followed a generalized diagnosis.  Potent drugs were, however, used on certain occasions. "I have attended many workshops, lectures and classes taught by Vicki Matthews and in every instance I learned the material in a friendly, exciting and detailed way.  Vicki has the ability to teach the subject matter in ways that inform, instruct, nurture and entertain.  When a new topic is presented, Vicki’s versatility shines as a lecturer and her enthusiasm reaches each and every person in the audience.  I look forward to her classes and workshops because I know I will leave having been taught by the best!"  -M.P. Today, Naturopathy is seen as a broad discipline with a focus on the philosophy of natural self-healing rather than individualized methods.  Practitioners use a wide variety of treatment modalities including, but are not limited to, herbal medicine, hydrotherapy, homeopathy, energy medicine, and nutritional therapies.  The philosophy of Naturopathic practice can be summarized by the following six core values: First, do no harm; provide the most effective health care available with the least risk to patients at all times (Primum Non Nocere). Recognize, respect and promote the self-healing power of nature inherent in each individual human being. (Vis Medicatrix Naturae). Identify and remove the causes of illness, rather than eliminate or suppress symtoms (Tolle Causum). Educate, inspire rational hope, and encourage self-responsibility for health (Doctor as Teacher). Treat each person by considering all individual health factors and influences (Treat the Whole Person). Emphasize the condition of health to promote well-being and to prevent diseases for the individual, each community, and our world (Health Promotion, the Best Prevention).