First Do No Harm
(Primum Non Nocere)

Naturopathic physicians follow three precepts to avoid harming the patient:

• Naturopathic physicians utilize methods and medicinal substances which minimize the risk of harmful effects, and apply the least possible force or intervention necessary to diagnose illness and restore health.

• Whenever possible the suppression of symptoms is avoided as suppression generally interferes with the healing process.

• Naturopathic physicians respect and work with the vis medicatrix naturae in diagnosis, treatment and counseling, for if this self -healing process is not respected the patient may be harmed.