Support the person's own natural healing abilities. Utilize the healing abilities of nature's therapies.
Utilize the least invasive, least toxic methods possible in every case.
Acknowledge and address obstacles to cure difficulties in the patient's life.
Investigate underlying causative factors contributing to each person's disease. Listen well! People will tell you what is wrong with them if you listen long and well.
Work holistically addressing the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual aspects of the person.
Consider how the relationship, family, community, and cultural aspects of this person are involved in their illness. How can they be harnessed for promoting their health and wholeness?
How does the person view their illness? Can they picture themselves in wholeness or wellness?
Is referral to another type of health care practitioner best for this patient?
Recognize and alter or counter disease promoting factors. Promote healthy attitudes and habits.
Schedule appropriate screening examinations.
Encourage the cultivation of wellness in every patient's life.
"Wellness" and "healing" are not the same as a "cure." Strive for cure, but promote wellness and healing, even when cure is not possible.
Docere ("Doctor") means teacher. Educate patients on a health promoting lifestyle, diet, and attitude.
Respect the doctor-patient relationship as a partnership, with each taking a certain level of responsibility. Empower the patient to take control of their own health and wellness.
The teacher must never stop learning. We learn from reading, other practitioners, and mostly we learn from every patient we have the privilege to meet.