Recently we reflected briefly on certain orthodox medical practices and concluded that regular, so-called scientific medicine has let itself down badly. The lowered standards of care in modern practice, high levels of iatragenesis and willingness to prescribe highly toxic substances resulted in a failing grade.
I didn’t use the term iatragenesis in that article. That’s the technical name for "doctor caused disease or pathology". It’s a shame that there should even be a need for such a term, but it has been around for a long time. The term may be old, but the modern-day levels are disturbing.
But this is not an article to get you down. Far from it. Today I want to highlight a contrast that allows a glimpse of a better way to practice medicine. A way where caring and real health outcomes are part of daily routine.
Consider the following: Six principles of naturopathy
FIRST DO NO HARM. Utilize the most natural, least invasive and least toxic therapies first.
IDENTIFY AND TREAT THE CAUSE. Look beyond the symptoms to effectively address the underlying cause(s) of illness.
THE HEALING POWER OF NATURE. Trust in the body’s inherent wisdom to heal itself.
TREAT THE WHOLE PERSON. View the body as an integrated whole in all its physical and spiritual dimensions.
DOCTOR AS TEACHER. Educate patients in the steps to achieving and maintaining optimal health.
PREVENTION. Focus on promoting health and wellness, and preventing disease.
— From the California Naturopathic Doctors Association
Yes, that’s much better isn’t it. As you can see, the six principles outlined above are taken from a position statement by the California Naturopathic Doctors Association. However, it is almost identical in meaning to many similar statement found not only across America, but around the world.
Now I realize that the contrast I am drawing is between what actually happens in orthodox practice and what is only claimed to happen in the statement above. My own extensive observations globally, across both orthodox and alternative domains, does suggest that practitioners of natural medicine do essentially follow the above principles.
Unfortunately, when considering similar statements of principles and documents such as the Hipocratic Oath, once touted widely by orthodox medicine, what I observe is a massive gap between the rhetoric and the reality. If you have never consulted a naturopathic doctor, consider doing so. You’ll probably be amazed at the difference.