Principles of Naturopathy
- The Healing Power of Nature
- Identify and Treat the Cause
- Doctor as Teacher
- First Do No Harm
- Prevention
Naturopathy is a distinct system of health care founded on the principle that the body has the inherent ability to establish, maintain, and restore health. The naturopath’s role is to facilitate and support the process. By identifying and removing obstacles to health and recovery, naturopaths help to enhance the body’s innate healing process.
Homeopathy
Homeopathy works with the whole person – physical, mental, emotional – treats each person individually. Homeopathy is based on the principle that “like cures like,” that is, if a substance can cause symptoms in a healthy person, then it can stimulate self-healing of similar symptoms in a sick person.
The homeopath tries to get a complete picture of the person’s individual experience of their condition, and then chooses a homeopathic remedy that best matches that person’s unique set of symptoms.
The principle of similars was developed into a system of medicine called Homeopathy (meaning ’similar suffering’) by the German physician Samuel Hahnemann in the late 1700’s, but the concept dates back to the time of Hippocrates. The exact mechanism by which Homeopathy works is unknown, but 200 years of clinical experience, along with research published in such medical journals as The Lancet, Pediatrics, and the British Medical Journal have confirmed Homeopathy’s effectiveness.
Homeopathic remedies are prepared from natural substances and are used in extremely small amounts. They are recognized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, are non-toxic and, when properly administered, can be safely used with infants, children, and adults. There are no known or suspected contraindications or drug interactions between homeopathic and conventional drugs.
Naturopathic Care
Acute Conditions. Colds, flu, ear infections, and other routine illnesses can be helped with naturopathy. Potentially serious problems such as kidney infections, chest pain, pelvic pain, undiagnosed abdominal pain, and others will be referred to your primary care physician for diagnosis and management.
Chronic conditions. Chronic conditions can be greatly helped by naturopathic medicine. Naturopaths are trained to help clients with conditions which include, but are not limited to the following:
Cancer. Michael Reece, ND is available to work with cancer patients who are receiving conventional treatment. He keeps abreast of the latest research and uses scientifically valid natural therapies.
Health Maintenance. Michael Reece, ND sees many healthy clients who are interested in preventing disease and optimizing their health.
Michael Reece, ND is available to assist stable, unhospitalized patients. Dr. Reece does not provide emergency care.
Note that Michael Reece, ND does not diagnose or treat disease in Pennsylvania. The diagnosis and treatment of disease is the privilege of medical doctors, osteopathic doctors and other health care practitioners licensed in Pennsylvania.
Naturopathy in Pennsylvania
The PA Association of Naturopathic Physicians (PANP) is comprised of naturopaths throughout Pennsylvania who have graduated from four-year naturopathic medical programs. The PANP is working with state representatives to pass a bill that would license naturopathic doctors. The PANP feels that licensure is important for the following reasons.
You can help license ND’s by writing a letter to or meeting with your local representative and encouraging him/her to support naturopathic licensure.
For more information, or to locate a naturopath in your area, contact:
AANP
4435 Wisconsin Ave, Suite 403
Washington, DC 20016
(703) 610-9037
naturopathic.org