Naturopathic Principle – DO NO HARM

Naturopathy is guided by 6 principles which make it different from all other forms of medicine. One of its core principle in particular, typically known as “First do no harm”, has its roots deep in ancient civilisation.

 

To fully understand what this means we need to go back thousands of years to the time of the great Indian sages whom graced our world with wisdom and compassion. But before then, here is the definition a naturopath may provide.

 

Do not harm the patient (promote self-healing mechanisms with the body).
“Illness is a purposeful process of the organism. The process of healing includes the generation of symptoms which are, in fact, an expression of the life force attempting to heal itself. Therapeutic actions should be complementary to and synergistic with this healing process. The physician’s actions can support or antagonize the actions of the healing power of Nature. Therefore, methods designed to suppress symptoms without removing the underlying causes are considered harmful and to be avoided or minimized.”

 

Now let’s go back in history to the time of the Vedas where the term Ahimsa was first introduced. Our whole body consists of mind-body-soul. A naturopath can deal with mind-body connection but what about the soul? Past Guru’s would say diseases are not a curse but a blessing (has purpose). Hidden blessing such as a reminder or warning of our lifestyle. Past Gurus told their followings not to kill or hurt any living being; not physically, verbally or in thought. So Ahimsa means not to harm a being at any level, including our selves. Not killing is easy to understand, but why not harming in speech and thought?