Naturopathic Medicine is a distinct primary health care system that blends modern scientific knowledge with traditional and natural forms of medicine. The Naturopathic philosophy is to stimulate the healing power of the body and treat the underlying cause of disease. Symptoms of disease are seen as warning signals of improper functioning of the body, and unfavourable lifestyle habits. Naturopathic Medicine emphasizes disease as a process rather than as an entity.
In addition to diet and lifestyle changes, natural therapies including botanical medicine, clinical nutrition, hydrotherapy, and homeopathy.

The Therapeutic Order:

The therapeutic order is a natural hierarchy of therapeutic intervention, based on or dictated by observations of the nature of the healing process, from ancient times through the present. It follows a natural ordering of the modalities of Naturopathic Medicine and their application. The basis of the naturopathic therapeutic order is that the body possesses an intrinsic nature to heal itself using the least possible force.

The therapeutic order is a natural order in which Naturopathic therapies should be applied in order to provide the greatest benefit with the least potential for damage. According to the therapeutic order, treatments recommendations are best prescribed in the following order:

• Remove obstacles to health – for example, poor diet, lack of sleep, digestive disturbances, chronic stress, spiritual disharmony, etc.
• Stimulate the Vis or the natural healing ability of the body using therapies such as nutrition, hydrotherapy, homeopathy, and acupuncture.
• Strengthen weakened systems, tissues and organs using botanical medicines, nutraceuticals, homeopathy and other natural therapies. In this phase the goals include strengthening the immune system, decreasing toxicity, normalizing inflammatory functions, optimizing metabolic functions, balancing regulatory systems, enhancing regeneration, harmonizing the life force and others.
• Correct structural integrity using naturopathic manipulation, postural correction, exercise therapy, and other hands-on therapies.
• Use natural substances to restore and regenerate as needed.
• Use pharmacological substances to halt the progressive pathology, if needed
• Use or refer for invasive modalities if needed. Use supportive therapies concurrently to decrease side effects and support recovery.