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Vis Medicatrix naturae (the Healing Power of
Nature)—The
body has the inherent ability to heal itself, restore health and ward off
disease.
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Treat the Whole Person—Health
and disease result from a complex interaction of physical, mental, emotional,
genetic, spiritual, environmental, social and other factors. Imbalance in one
part directly affects (and may cause dis-ease in) other parts of the whole.
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Primum no nocere (First Do No Harm)—Respecting
the inherent ability of the body to heal itself, the physician must be aware
of the consequences or side effects of treatment. The less invasive the
therapy, the less disruptive it will be to the patient’s integral whole.
Suppression of symptoms is avoided as much as possible to reduce interference
with the healing process.
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Tolle causam (Identify and Treat the Cause)—Illness
does not occur without cause, and symptoms are not the cause of illness. When
only the symptoms are treated, the underlying causes remain, and the patient
may develop a more serious, chronic disease.
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Prevention is the Best Cure—Health
is a reflection of how we choose to live. Physicians help patients recognize
their choices and how those choices affect their health. Risk factors and
hereditary susceptibility to disease are assessed to make appropriate
interventions for health.
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Docere (Doctor as Teacher)—The
original meaning of the word “doctor” was “teacher”. A principal
responsibility includes the education of the patient as well as encouragement
towards self-responsibility for health.
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