Naturopathic Medicine in Scottsdale Arizona

Naturopathic medicine is a system of health care that is an art, science, philosophy and practice of diagnosing, treating and preventing disease.

The following are the basic principles of Naturopathic Medicine.

• • The healing power of nature:
    The human body has an innate intelligence that is constantly striving for health. Illness manifests from the organism's attempt to defend and heal itself.

• • Treat the whole person:
    Health and disease are multifactorial, resulting from the complex interaction of physical, mental, emotional, genetic, spiritual, environmental, and other factors. In a healthy state, all aspects of the individual function harmoniously. Treatment of disease is directed at underlying and immediate causative factors to treat the whole person.

• • First do no harm:
    The least invasive and most gentle therapies are used first to support the body and minimize side effects.

• • Identify and treat the cause of illness:
    Symptoms, such as headaches and nausea, are signs that the body is out of balance and express the body's attempt to heal itself. The causes of illness are often found in the patient's lifestyle, diet, habits, or emotional state.

• • Prevention is the best cure:
    Prevention includes assessing risk factors and genetic predisposition to help guide in the determination of appropriate treatment. Also, the treatment of underlying causes of illness may prevent more serious, chronic disorders.

• • Doctor as teacher:
    The original meaning of the word "doctor" is "teacher." A principal responsibility of a naturopathic doctor is to educate the patient while encouraging self-responsibility for health. There is significant therapeutic value from a cooperative doctor-patient relationship.

As a naturopath, Dr. Rubiales can order and interpret lab tests, perform physical exams, and diagnose and treat illness. Naturopathic medicine helps identify what is needed to achieve healing and wellness.