When I tell people I’m a naturopath, I sometimes get asked whether we all follow some kind of secret code. Not quite—but there are seven foundational principles that guide how I approach every consultation, every treatment plan, and every conversation with clients.
These principles aren’t just philosophical window dressing. They’re practical frameworks that shape why I ask certain questions, why I recommend starting with diet changes before supplements, and why your first appointment with me involves talking about your sleep patterns when you came in for digestive issues.
After 12 years in practice, I still refer back to these principles—especially when a case gets complicated or when a client and I need to make tough decisions together. They keep me grounded in what naturopathy actually is, even as the field evolves with emerging research.
Let me walk you through each one, with real examples from my practice.
Where These Principles Come From
The seven principles of naturopathy have their roots in the work of Benedict Lust and other early naturopaths from the late 1800s and early 1900s. They drew from traditional healing systems—Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine, European nature cure—and distilled common themes into core tenets.
You might wonder why we’re still using principles from over a century ago. Fair question. Modern naturopathy has evolved significantly. We now integrate current research, evidence-based protocols, and collaborative care with other health practitioners. But these principles remain relevant because they shape the approach rather than dictate specific treatments.
They’re about how I think through problems, how I prioritise interventions, and how I build relationships with clients—regardless of whether I’m recommending meditation, magnesium, or a referral to a gastroenterologist.
Principle 1: First, Do No Harm (Primum Non Nocere)
This one sounds obvious until you dig into what it actually means in practice.
“First, do no harm” doesn’t just mean avoiding dangerous treatments. It means choosing the gentlest effective intervention first. It means not suppressing symptoms so aggressively that you mask what the body is trying to communicate. It means being realistic about risks versus benefits.
In my consultations, this principle shows up when I’m deciding where to start. If someone comes to me with mild digestive discomfort, I don’t immediately reach for strong antimicrobial herbs or suggest eliminating half their diet. I start with simple stuff: eating patterns, stress around meals, hydration, fibre intake. We build from there only if needed.
I’ve seen clients who’ve been through multiple practitioners who threw everything at them at once—restrictive diets, handfuls of supplements, intense protocols. Sometimes it worked, but often it created new problems: nutrient deficiencies, anxiety around food, financial stress, or simply burnout from trying to follow an impossibly complex plan.
Key Point: “Natural” doesn’t automatically mean harmless. Some herbs interact with medications. Some supplements cause side effects. Some dietary changes create more stress than they relieve. This principle keeps me honest about those realities.
The goal isn’t to avoid all intervention—it’s to intervene thoughtfully, with appropriate intensity for the situation. Sometimes that means being patient. Sometimes it means being more direct. The art is knowing which approach fits.
If you’re curious about what conditions typically respond well to this gentler approach, I’ve written about what conditions naturopathy can treat.
Principle 2: The Healing Power of Nature (Vis Medicatrix Naturae)
This principle gets misunderstood more than any other, often reduced to vague notions about “letting nature take its course” or only using plants.
What it actually means: The body has inherent self-repair mechanisms, and our job is to support those mechanisms rather than override them.
Think about a cut on your finger. You don’t heal it—your body does. You just clean it, maybe cover it, and stay out of the way while your cells do their work. Naturopathy extends this thinking to more complex conditions.
When someone comes to me with chronic inflammation, I’m not just trying to suppress the inflammation itself. I’m asking: Why is the body producing this inflammatory response? What’s it responding to? How can we address that while supporting the resolution process?
Sometimes the answer involves removing triggers (certain foods, environmental exposures, stress patterns). Sometimes it involves providing the raw materials the body needs to complete its repair work (specific nutrients, adequate sleep, nervous system regulation). Sometimes both.
I’m not naive about this. Some conditions need more direct intervention. Type 1 diabetes isn’t going to resolve through supporting innate healing mechanisms—insulin is non-negotiable. Acute bacterial infections often need antibiotics. Severe mental health crises need immediate psychiatric support.
But for many chronic conditions—hormonal imbalances, digestive dysfunction, fatigue syndromes, inflammatory skin conditions—there’s genuine value in asking, “What does this body need to heal itself?” before jumping to symptom suppression.
Principle 3: Identify and Treat the Cause (Tolle Causam)
This is the detective work principle, and it’s why your first appointment with me takes an hour.
Treating symptoms can bring relief, and sometimes that’s necessary. But if we don’t address underlying causes, symptoms either come back or shift into different forms.
A Real Example
I worked with a client who’d been managing reflux with antacids for years. They worked—mostly—but she was frustrated with the ongoing dependency and occasional breakthrough symptoms.
When we dug into her history, a pattern emerged:
- Symptoms worsened during stressful work periods
- She often ate lunch at her desk, distracted and rushed
- She’d developed a habit of eating large dinners late at night
- Her sleep was disrupted, partly from the reflux but also from racing thoughts
The reflux wasn’t just about stomach acid. It was connected to stress-driven changes in digestion, eating patterns that didn’t support optimal function, and a nervous system stuck in overdrive.
We addressed multiple layers: eating environment, meal timing and size, stress management techniques, and yes, some targeted nutritional support for digestive function. Her reflux improved significantly—not because we found one root cause, but because we addressed the constellation of factors maintaining the problem.
Important Caveat: “Root cause” can be a misleading term because it suggests there’s always one clear answer. Most chronic conditions are multifactorial. I’m looking for contributing causes, modifiable factors, and leverage points—not always a single root.
This principle is central to why people see a naturopath rather than just managing symptoms indefinitely.
Principle 4: Treat the Whole Person (Holism)
Your gut doesn’t exist in isolation from your stress levels. Your hormones are influenced by your sleep. Your immune function is affected by your relationships and sense of purpose.
This principle reminds me to look beyond the presenting complaint and consider the full context of someone’s life.
When I take a case history, I ask about things that might seem unrelated to why you booked:
- How’s your sleep quality and consistency?
- What’s your stress level like at work and home?
- How are your relationships?
- Do you feel like you have adequate support?
- What brings you joy or meaning?
- How’s your relationship with food and your body?
I’m not being nosy—I’m gathering information about factors that influence health outcomes.
I once worked with someone who came in for hormonal acne. Conventional treatment hadn’t worked, and previous naturopathic approaches (dairy elimination, specific supplements) gave minimal improvement.
As we talked, it became clear she was in a chronically stressful work environment, sleeping poorly, had irregular eating patterns due to shift work, and was experiencing significant relationship tension. Her skin was one manifestation of a system under sustained pressure.
We addressed the skin directly with some targeted nutritional support and topical recommendations. But we also worked on sleep hygiene despite the shift work constraints, stress management strategies she could actually implement, and realistic nutrition planning that fit her schedule.
Her skin improved—but so did her energy, mood, and sense of control over her health. That’s the whole person principle in action.
This doesn’t mean I need to fix every aspect of someone’s life before addressing their primary concern. It means I consider the broader context and work with what’s modifiable and meaningful to the client.
Principle 5: Doctor as Teacher (Docere)
I didn’t go into naturopathy to be a gatekeeper of health information or to create dependent relationships where clients can’t make decisions without me.
This principle shapes how I run consultations. I explain the reasoning behind my recommendations. I talk through the mechanisms where relevant. I present options and trade-offs rather than just handing over a prescription and sending people on their way.
When I recommend reducing caffeine intake, I explain why—how it affects cortisol rhythms, sleep architecture, and potentially digestive function or anxiety, depending on the person’s situation. When I suggest a particular supplement, I explain what it’s meant to do, how long we’re trialling it, and what we’re watching for.
This approach has a practical benefit: people are more likely to follow through with recommendations they understand.
It also respects client autonomy. Sometimes, after I’ve explained my reasoning, a client decides they’re not ready to make a particular change—or they want to try a different approach first. That’s fine. My job isn’t to dictate; it’s to inform and support.
I’ve had clients choose to continue with habits I genuinely think are counterproductive for their health. If I’ve explained the potential consequences and they’ve made an informed choice, I respect that. I’ll continue to work with them on the things they are ready to address.
Teaching also means helping clients build health literacy over time. I want people to leave our work together with better skills for navigating health information, understanding their own bodies, and making ongoing decisions without needing me for every question.
This educational focus is part of what naturopaths actually do beyond just prescribing herbs and supplements.
Principle 6: Prevention is Better Than Cure
Let’s be honest: prevention is less exciting than fixing an acute problem.
When someone’s in the middle of a health crisis—severe fatigue, painful symptoms, acute anxiety—they want relief now. And rightly so. Prevention feels irrelevant when you’re suffering.
But this principle becomes crucial for long-term health outcomes, especially when we’re talking about chronic disease risk.
Prevention in naturopathy looks like:
- Working with family history and genetic predispositions
- Addressing early warning signs before they become full-blown conditions
- Supporting healthy ageing and maintaining function
- Modifying lifestyle factors that increase disease risk
- Building resilience in body systems
I work with some clients who don’t have major health complaints—they just want to optimise function, support healthy ageing, or address family history concerns (cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, autoimmune conditions).
This requires a mindset shift. Instead of “What’s wrong and how do I fix it?”, it’s “What can I do now to support long-term health?”
Small, sustainable changes compound over time. The client who improves their sleep hygiene in their 30s is investing in cognitive health decades later. The person who establishes stress management practices now is reducing chronic disease risk down the line.
The challenge with prevention: it’s hard to measure success. You can’t prove that something didn’t happen because of choices you made. There’s no dramatic before-and-after.
But prevention remains one of the most valuable aspects of naturopathic care—even if it doesn’t make for compelling testimonials.
Principle 7: Establish Health and Wellness
The final principle is about orientation: focusing on creating health rather than just fighting disease.
This sounds semantic, but it changes how I approach care.
Instead of only asking “What’s wrong?”, I also ask “What would thriving look like for you?” Not perfect health—thriving within the context of your life, your body, your circumstances.
For some clients, wellness means having consistent energy throughout the day. For others, it’s digestive comfort, hormonal balance, mental clarity, or better stress resilience. The definition is personal.
This principle keeps me from getting tunnel vision on pathology. Yes, we need to address what’s not working. But we also build capacity, support optimal function, and create conditions for wellbeing.
However—and this is important—striving for perfect health can become its own problem. I’ve worked with clients who’ve become so fixated on optimisation that it creates anxiety and reduces quality of life. The wellness pursuit becomes counterproductive.
This principle works best when it’s about sustainable health practices that genuinely improve your life, not about achieving some idealised state of purity or perfection.
How These Principles Show Up in Real Consultations
Let me walk you through what a typical first appointment looks like and where these principles appear.
We start with your story (Holism, Treat the Whole Person). I’m gathering information about your main concerns, but also about your broader life context—work, relationships, sleep, stress, past health history, family history.
We explore underlying patterns (Identify and Treat the Cause). What triggered the current symptoms? What makes them better or worse? Are there connections you’ve noticed?
I explain what I’m thinking (Doctor as Teacher). I share my understanding of what might be contributing to your concerns, in language that makes sense to you.
We discuss options (First, Do No Harm). I typically present a staged approach—starting with foundational changes that carry minimal risk, then building from there if needed. We talk through trade-offs.
We create a realistic plan (Establish Health and Wellness). What can you actually implement given your current life circumstances? What changes matter most to you?
We consider future risk (Prevention). Depending on your age, family history, and current trajectory, we might discuss preventive strategies alongside addressing current concerns.
We trust your body’s capacity (Healing Power of Nature). The plan supports your inherent repair mechanisms rather than just suppressing symptoms.
All seven principles, woven through one consultation.
When these principles conflict with each other—which they sometimes do—we make decisions based on what matters most in your situation. Sometimes symptom relief takes precedence over addressing root causes. Sometimes we need to be more aggressive than “do no harm” would suggest because not intervening carries greater risk.
The principles guide decisions; they don’t dictate them rigidly.
The Limitations and Criticisms
I’d be dishonest if I didn’t acknowledge where these principles fall short or get misapplied.
Some criticisms are fair:
- The principles can be used to justify avoiding evidence-based medicine when it’s genuinely needed
- “Natural” approaches aren’t always safer or more effective than conventional treatments
- The focus on “root causes” can delay appropriate medical intervention
- The emphasis on individual responsibility can overlook social determinants of health
My perspective after 12 years:
Modern naturopathy at its best integrates these philosophical principles with current evidence, collaborative care, and honest acknowledgment of limitations. I regularly refer to GPs, specialists, psychologists, and other practitioners when that’s what’s needed.
These principles inform my approach, but they don’t override clinical judgment or research evidence. When studies show a particular intervention works, I use it—even if it doesn’t perfectly align with traditional naturopathic philosophy.
The principles are most valuable as a compass, not a rulebook.
I’ve written more about this tension in does naturopathy really work, where I discuss evidence, limitations, and realistic expectations.
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Key Principles at a Glance
1. First, Do No Harm: Choose the gentlest effective intervention; natural doesn’t mean risk-free
2. Healing Power of Nature: Support the body’s inherent self-repair mechanisms
3. Identify and Treat the Cause: Address underlying factors, not just symptoms
4. Treat the Whole Person: Consider physical, mental, emotional, and social factors
5. Doctor as Teacher: Explain reasoning, build health literacy, empower informed choices
6. Prevention is Better Than Cure: Address risk factors and early warning signs
7. Establish Health and Wellness: Focus on creating health, not just fighting disease </div>
What This Means for You as a Client
If you’re seeing a naturopath who practices according to these principles, here’s what you can expect:
Longer initial appointments. Understanding the whole person and identifying causes takes time. My first consultations are typically 60-75 minutes.
More questions than you might expect. I need context to practice holistically, which means asking about aspects of your life that might seem unrelated to your main concern.
Explanations, not just prescriptions. You should understand why I’m recommending what I’m recommending.
Collaborative decision-making. Your input, preferences, and readiness for change matter. We’re building a plan together.
Staged approaches. We often start with foundational changes before adding complexity.
Realistic expectations. Addressing causes and supporting natural healing often takes longer than symptom suppression—but tends to create more sustainable results.
Questions to Ask Your Naturopath
- How do you decide where to start with treatment?
- Can you explain why you’re recommending this approach?
- What are we trying to achieve, and how will we know if it’s working?
- How do you work with other health practitioners?
- When would you refer me to a GP or specialist?
Red Flags
Be cautious if a naturopath:
- Promises cures for serious conditions
- Discourages you from seeing your GP or taking prescribed medications
- Recommends expensive protocols without clear explanation
- Doesn’t consider your individual circumstances or preferences
- Uses fear-based messaging about conventional medicine
- Claims to treat conditions far outside their scope
Good naturopathic practice, grounded in these principles, is collaborative, transparent, and evidence-informed.
Final Thoughts
These seven principles aren’t just historical artifacts. They’re living frameworks that shape how I think through complex cases, make recommendations, and build relationships with clients.
They remind me to:
- Be gentle and thoughtful in my interventions
- Trust the body’s wisdom while supporting it appropriately
- Look beyond surface symptoms to deeper patterns
- See the whole person, not just a collection of symptoms
- Share knowledge rather than hoarding it
- Think long-term about health trajectories
- Focus on building wellness, not just fighting problems
After 12 years in practice, I’ve seen how these principles create space for genuine healing—the kind that’s sustainable, empowering, and respectful of individual complexity.
They’re not perfect. They don’t answer every question. They sometimes conflict with each other or with emerging evidence. But they provide a foundation that keeps naturopathic care rooted in something deeper than just protocols and prescriptions.
If this approach resonates with you—if you want someone who’ll take the time to understand your full picture, explain their thinking, and work with you as a partner in your health—that’s what principle-based naturopathic care offers.
And if you’re still wondering about the legitimacy and regulation of naturopathy in Australia, I’ve covered that in detail in is naturopathy legal in Australia.
I’m here if you’d like to experience this approach firsthand. Book a consultation, and we’ll work through your health concerns together—one principle-guided conversation at a time.
