The practice and art of naturopathic medicine is based on traditional methods of healing, "nature cure" and homeopathy.  Modern naturopathic medicine includes knowledge of scientific medicine, imaging and diagnositic methods, herbal medicine, nutritional biochemistry, eastern-based medicine, physical medicine, and pharmacology.  It is the least invasive intervention that is often chosen, in order to allow the body to naturally heal.  Six principles explain the naturopathic approach to doctoring:

1. vis medicatrix naturae- The Healing Power of Nature
2. Treat the Whole Person
3. primum no nocere- First Do No Harm
4. tolle causm- Identify and Treat the Cause
5. Prevention is the Best Cure
6. docere- Doctor as Teacher

The American Association of Naturopathic Physicians has defined the practice of naturopathic medicine as follows:

Naturopathic medicine is a distinct method of primary care- an art, science, philosophy and practice of diagnosis, treatment and prevention of illness.
Naturopathic physicians seek to restore and maintain optimum health in their patients by emphasizing nature's inherent self-healing process, the vis medicatrix naturae.  This is accomplished through education and the rational use of natural therapies.

American Association of Naturopathic Physicians
Association of Accredited Naturopathic Medical Colleges