Ask Doctor Susie

by Susie Cooper, ND
Board Certified Doctor of Naturopathy

Naturopathic Philosophy

In a world with so many different techniques, modalities and practices in Natural Medicine, the question often comes up about what Naturopathy is exactly. How do we define our philosophy and technique of practice and what are the goals of Naturopathy?

Naturopathy can be described as:

• Honoring the integrity of the whole person.
  We strive to support the entirety of the person, physically, emotionally, mentally and to the deepest sense of Spirit. This is where the term "wholistic medicine" comes from.
  
  
• Supporting the inherent healing ability in each person.
  Naturopaths trust and respect the marvelous ability we have inside of ourselves to rebalance, strengthen and heal, if supported in the right way. When we do the best things for our body, mind and spirit, then the natural law of rebalancing is enlivened.
  
  
• A custom-designed program to work with the individual¹s own healing process.
  Utilizing a healthy diet, exercise, sunshine, clean water, proper breathing, stress reduction techniques, high quality supplements, botanical remedies, homeopathy or any combination of these tools and others, to re-teach and guide the system back to balance.
  
  
• We respect the healing process.
  
  
• We take time with each person, to allow for individual expression and for greater understanding of the person's needs.
  Most initial consultations will last from 1-3 hours, depending upon modalities and specialities used by the Naturopath. A relationship based upon the journey to wellness can develop between Naturopath and client, and through the process the client learns to build their own health. We take time...
  
  
• We are honored to be a part of the educational and supporting process of wellness of each individual.

RULES OF PRACTICE

All Naturopaths are trained to be dedicated to the following rules of practice. These basic "laws" are what first attracted me to natural medicine in my own life many years ago, and then continued to inspire me on my pathway of study.

• Honoring the healing power of nature.
  This refers to the person's natural tendency to achieve, maintain and restore health. The healing process is ordered and very intelligent. Naturopaths respect the life-force and proceed in a supporting manner to allow this process to unfold.
  
  
• Identify and treat the cause.
  We strive to discover the underlying cause of imbalance. In other words, we don't just look at symptoms and diseases, but aid the individual in addressing the underlying cause of imbalance.
  
  
• First do no harm.
  Natural modalities should compliment and support the healing process, refreshing the body, mind and spirit. Each person's healing journey is unique and special. We seek to gently guide and support the unfolding of that process.
  
  
• Treat the whole person.
  Again, the "wholeness" of the individual is considered, physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually. We also consider other factors such as environmental, genetic or social which may be influencing the person. Harmony of the "whole" person is our goal.
  
  
• The Naturopath is a teacher.
  We are dedicated to creating a healthy and sensitive relationship with the client through Education & Encouragement. The client learns to take responsibility for his/her own health, and in doing so, plays the main role in the healing process. The Naturopath is a catalyst or a tool to encourage and nurture the process of rebalancing.
  
  
• Prevention.
  We become familiar through much study and experience to understand and apply the basic lifestyle changes and improvements which can nourish, support, rebuild and strengthen the "whole" person (body, mind and spirit).
  
  

NATUROPATHIC TECHNIQUES

• Nutrition
  
  
• Supplements - vitamins, minerals, etc.
  
  
• Botanical Medicine - the traditional science of using plants to support health.
  
  
• Classical Homeopathy
  
  
• Exercise
  
  
• Physical Medicine - physical manipulation, massage, water therapy, hot and cold therapy, breathwork, etc.
  
  
• Oriental Medicine
  
  
• Psychological Medicine
  
  
• Spiritual - meditation, prayer, etc.

The overall study of natural medicine is therefore called Naturopathy or Naturopathic Medicine. Naturopaths love to work privately with individuals and also to teach larger groups of people. Education is our greatest dedication, whether one-on-one or through speaking to many people at once. We assist in opening minds to greater possibilities for health and wellness, and also teaching the long, time-honored healing traditions which have been so very forgotten and overlooked in the last century.

Susie Cooper, N.D.

Reading List:

Botanical Medicine, A Reference Guide to Wellness; Debbie Ioakim, N.M.D., PhD.
The Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine; Michael Murray, N.D.
Vibrational Medicine; Richard Gerber
The Nature Doctor; Dr. A. Vogler