Decoding Naturopathy's Essential Vitalism - Hudson, T. (ND NCNM 1984) in Prevention 2007, ISBN 0879837888 1999:

here, I perform a typical service for the public / 'those interested' who may believe that naturopaths are 'above-board'. Well, they're not. Here's how NDs disguise their 'sectarian essential principle' [see 001., below] -- 'the science-ejected concept of vitalism' [see 002. & 003., below] -- through 'incomplete journalism' [001.a.] and 'incomplete descriptions' that NDs write in their books & web pages [001.b. & 001.c.]. Beware citizens:

001. Dr. Tori Hudson [not MD but ND], on the main ND principle:

001.a. Hudson is paraphrased in Prevention Magazine's article "World's Best Natural Cures" (2007-11):

"[per article author Wallace, H. (? ?)] one of the main principles of naturopathic medicine is the vis medicatrix naturae [VMN] -- usually interpreted as the ability of botanicals (herbs, food, etc.) to heal [p.185]."

Note: that's all that is provided regarding this MAIN ND principle!

001.b. Hudson writes in "Women's Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine" (ISBN 0879837888; 1999):

"the following seven principles are the foundation for naturopathic medicine [...#1] the healing power of nature (vis medicatrix naturae) [HPN-VMN]. The body has the ability to establish, maintain and restore health."

Note: that's essentially all that is provided regarding this FOUNDATION ND principle. Are you starting to notice a pattern? Nowhere in the index of this book are the terms: life force, vital force, vitalism, vitalistic or aliases like qi / chi, prana, spirit etc.

001.c. finally, at Hudson's Oregon ND practice -- where she practices with fellow NDs MacDonald, Kaplan, Lewis, Vannoy, Speirs, & Skinner -- naturopathy's PRIMARY / MAIN principle is MERELY described as:

"naturopathic medicine is founded on six principles which distinguish it from all other medical approaches. [#1] The healing power of nature."

Note: and, you guessed it, that's ALL that is said about HPN there.

002. also at that practice, Hudson's biography states her affiliations:

"Dr. Hudson graduated from the National College of Naturopathic Medicine in 1984 where she has since served in many capacities: Professor, Medical Director, Associate Academic Dean, and Academic Dean. In 1990, she was awarded the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians' President's Award, and in 1999, Naturopathic Physician of the Year, and in 2003 the NCNM Pioneer award [...] she is author of the book, 'Women's Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine'."

Note: she practices in Oregon [OBNE oversight], she graduated from NCNM. She is quite the ND luminary, having taught at the oldest FNPLA / CNME school, and having been awarded more than once by the AANP - including ND of the year. I will now decode 'naturopathy's essential science-ejected vitalism premise' using these overarching ND organizations' own definitions of naturopathy!

003. the science-ejected sectarian vitalism that dare not speak its name, spoken otherwheres within naturopathy and falsely claimed by naturopathy as able to survive scientific scrutiny:

003.a. Oregon's OBNE states in "Naturopathy":

"naturopathic physicians (N.D.) [...] are educated in conventional medical sciences [!!!...] naturopathic medicine emerges from six underlying principles of healing. These principles are based on the objective observation of the nature of health and disease, and are continually reexamined in light of scientific analysis [...] the healing power of nature. Vis medicatrix naturae. The body has the inherent ability to establish, maintain, and restore health. The healing process is ordered and intelligent; nature heals through the response of the life force [...this is] in fact."

Note: this is the .gov regulatory body that SUPPOSEDLY oversees Oregon NDs such as those listed above -- including Dr. Hudson & co. -- to SUPPOSEDLY protect the public.

003.b. the National College of Natural Medicine states in "Principles of Healing":

"the practice of naturopathic medicine emerges from six principles of healing. These principles are based on the objective observation of the nature of health and disease and are examined continually in light of scientific analysis [!!!...#1] the healing power of nature -- vis medicatrix naturae. The body has the inherent ability to establish, maintain, and restore health. The healing process is ordered and intelligent; nature heals through the response of the life force [...this is] in fact."

Note: vitalism is again claimed by naturopathy's core North American school, just as it was by the State of Oregon in 003.a., as "in fact" & able to survive scientific scrutiny. This is Dr. Hudson's ND alma mater.

003.c. the Federation of Naturopathic Licensing Authorities states in "Philosophy of Naturopathic Medicine":

"naturopathic medicine emphasizes the treatment of disease through the stimulation, enhancement, and support of the inherent healing capacity of the person [IHCP]. Methods of treatments are chosen to work with the patient's vital force [VF], respecting the intelligence of the natural healing process [INHP...#1] the healing power of nature. Vis medicatrix naturae [HPN-VMN]. The body has the inherent ability to establish, maintain, and restore health. The healing process is ordered and intelligent; nature heals through the response of the life force [LF...#3] first do no harm. Primum no nocere. Illness is a purposeful process of the organism. The process of healing includes the generation of symptoms which are, in fact, an expression of the life force [LF] attempting to heal itself."

Note: IHCP = VF = INHP = HPN-VMN = LF. This is North American naturopathy's 'umbrella consortia' which includes NCNM, OBNE, AANP and CNME etc. stating naturopathy's collectively agreed upon central premise -- vitalism.

003.d. keep in mind this ACTUAL context, when you consider naturopathy [government entities' fraud-enabling endorsements included!]:

falsely claimed as 'in fact scientific', naturopathy's essential vitalism is PROFOUNDLY science-ejected, while actual medicine ethically obligates an actual physician to scientific integrity and honesty.