Do No Harm. Seems pretty basic, right? You wouldn’t think that a doctor would go around doing harm to their patients.
But it’s not enough to refrain from doing intentional harm. Every medical treatment or health related choice has a certain level of risk of harm. Naturopathic doctors (NDs) are committed to using treatments with the lowest possible risk that still meet the patient’s needs.
Now you may be thinking, “I still don’t see what’s so special about NDs committing to do no harm…shouldn’t any good doctor want their patient to minimize their risks as much as possible?”
Yes, seeking “to do no harm,” is a universally accepted medical principle. What is unique about NDs is that they are educated in a wider range of treatment options than many other medical professionals. An ND is likely to have a greater selection of minimum-risk treatments to bring to the table. It’s the job of an ND to help you understand all your treatment options, evaluate your risks, and support you in making health decisions with confidence.
Ok, sounds nice but what does that really mean? Let’s have an example:
If you have stomach pain, you might decide to use your dad’s method of “just pop an ibuprofen.”
However, the most common side effects of ibuprofen according to WebMD include: “upset stomach, nausea, vomiting, headache, diarrhea, constipation, dizziness, or drowsiness.” These effects are generally worse when taken on an empty stomach. Using this over-the-counter medication might help the pain, but it poses the risk of making the stomach discomfort worse, especially if taken regularly over time.
Ok, so maybe you know better than to keep using ibuprofen for stomach pain. So you decide to visit your conventional medical provider. Their recommendations will of course depend on the exact details of your complaint and their personal treatment preferences. It is quite likely they will recommend medications that neutralize or reduce stomach acid (like antacids, proton-pump inhibitors, and H2 blockers). This approach may be appropriate and helpful. But these medications all have their own list of side effects and may not actually be your lowest risk option.
What if there was another way? A way with side benefits instead of side effects?
Enter the naturopathic doctor.
Remember that NDs have a wider range of treatment options than your average healthcare provider? NDs will evaluate the bigger picture of your diet, digestive functioning, and other health factors. They will help you improve your eating choices and make lifestyle changes that improve digestion.
And, since NDs utilize herbal medicine, they could suggest herbs like mint or ginger that support digestive processes while also soothing pain. All of these things will lead to a healthier you (not just a pain free stomach), and can be safely continued over the long term.
Perhaps this approach resonates with you. If you’ve ever tried a home remedy before jumping right to medications, you’ve followed this principle!
Of course, if a naturopathic doctor feels that a condition is too severe for natural treatments, they will step up treatment intensity or provide a referral to an appropriate provider. Good relationships with MDs, DOs, and other practitioners is critical for offering all levels of care to the patient.
So there you have it! Treat the patient with the least invasive and least toxic method available and up the intensity only if needed.
Have you had success with natural treatments? Let’s hear your comments below!