Naturopathic Principles

There is a "Vital Force" or "Life Force" that, given the right conditions, will self-heal or self-correct.
The "Vital Force" is stimulated by factors, which promote health and suppressed by excesses and deficiencies .
Prevention is preferable to cure.
The root (underlying) cause of dysfunction is identified and treated, not the branches (symptoms).
The whole person is treated (Physically, Mentally, Emotionally & Spiritually).
Health is much greater than just the "absence of infirmity". It should be abundant vitality.
The person is treated, NOT the disease.
The individual is unique, each person responds in a different way.
All disease starts with a disruption to the body's *homeostatic mechanisms and Health is the return to balance of these mechanisms.
Ill-Health is a product of the internal environment of the body rather than external influences. It is the soil that is the problem, not the microbes per se.
Deficiency and Excess. If a person is deficient, treatment would be used to "build them up". If  excess (toxicity), treatment would involve "breaking down" toxins (detoxification ).
Ailments should not be suppressed. Symptoms are there for a reason and are manifestations of Nature's Healing Force. A Naturopath will encourage the body to promote its innate healing abilities.
A Naturopath is an educator/teacher, empowering the patient to take responsibility for his/her own health.

* From the Greek "homoios" (similar) + "stasis" (standing still) = to balance or remain constant.