Definition

Vis medicatrix naturae is a Latin phrase meaning 'the healing power of nature.' It is one of the foundational principles of naturopathic medicine, recognizing the body's inherent ability to heal itself when given the right conditions and support. Naturopathic doctors work to identify and remove obstacles to healing and support the body's natural healing processes.

Why It Matters

This principle distinguishes naturopathic medicine from conventional approaches that often suppress symptoms. By supporting the body's innate healing wisdom rather than overriding it, naturopathic treatments work with the body to restore balance, address root causes, and promote lasting health rather than temporary symptom relief.

Related Conditions

Autoimmunity Fatigue Anxiety Ibs Eczema

Related Modalities

Botanical Medicine Clinical Nutrition Lifestyle Medicine Ayurveda

Frequently Asked Questions

Naturopathic doctors support healing by removing obstacles (toxins, inflammatory foods, stress), providing essential nutrients, using botanicals and nutraceuticals to optimize function, addressing sleep and stress, and creating conditions that allow the body's innate healing mechanisms to work effectively.

No. Naturopathic doctors recognize that conventional interventions are sometimes necessary and life-saving. The goal is to use the least invasive, most natural approaches first while respecting the body's healing capacity, and to integrate conventional care when appropriate.