Naturopathic
Principles, Philosophies and Theories
“Vitalism is a central tenet
in the philosophy of naturopathic medicine.”
- Bradley RS
Vitalism or Vital Force describes the intelligence that animates each and every person and it refers to forces beyond the physical self that govern life, health and healing. Vitalism postulates that there is a self-organizing principle within all life (some say within all matter). The vital force is an invisible power which is discernable only from its effects.
- Kaptchuck TJ
The concept of vital force dominated philosophy and scientific exploration prior to the 17th century. It postulates that life and its forms (morphology) develop out of, and under the influence of, an all pervading, unseen force, beyond the material substance. Vitalism is called by many different names, including life force, breath, chi, qi, ki, prana and mana; depending on the particular culture or tradition. Vitalism is also associated with the concepts of personal essence, spirit or soul.
- WNF White Paper: Naturopathic Philosophies, Principles and Theories
Naturopathic Theory:
Value of a Fever
“Fever is Nature’s engine,
which she brings to the field to remove her enemy.”
The understanding is that fevers are a sign of the body working to heal and to kill offending pathogens. All acute diseases are a sign of the innate healing and cleaning ability of the body. The goal is to support this process, not to suppress it unless it is causing a person harm.
In Naturopathy fevers are generally encouraged and sometimes stimulated, when the known cause of disease is a pathogen. The goal of treatment is to assist a patient in acquiring a fever so that they can naturally destroy the pathogen. Fevers, especially in children, are monitored to ensure that they are manageable. They are not suppressed, but may be lowered if considered to high for the individual to manage.
- WNF White Paper: Naturopathic Philosophies, Principles and Theories
The 7 Dimensions of Wellness
Wellness is commonly viewed as
having seven dimensions:
emotional, physical, social,
financial, spiritual,
environmental, and intellectual.
These dimensions are
interdependent and influence each other.
When one dimension of
our well-being
is out of balance,
the other dimensions are affected.
