Vis Medicatrix Naturae: Directing consciousness in every visit

One of the fundamental principles in Naturopathic Medicine is the Healing Power of Nature. This course will review this fundamental principle and how to consciously direct this energy in every visit no matter which modality of practice is worked with. 

It permeates all that we do and our entire practice. Over time, many healthcare professionals have forgotten how to utilize and direct this power into patient care.

Consciousness studies are the focus of much attention presently in Neuroscience, Psychology, Philosopy, Artificial Intelligence and Emergency Medicine. It’s time for Naturopathic Doctors to remember that this is the same as Vix Medicatrix Naturae and learn how to begin to apply this principle mindfully. In this course students will learn the current research and knowledge base for first understanding the meaning of this principle, then how this works through Naturopathic treatment modalities (including acupuncture, bodywork, counseling and botanical medicine). Finally, course attendees will learn how to mindfully apply the learning to practice through a mindfulness practice and a meditation practice too. Only through one’s own understanding and experience can we consciously direct our patient healing - this course is for such training.

Learning Objectives:

1. To define consciousness. Students should be able to define this in 2-3 sentences.
   
2. To describe one’s practice style and current goals fueling their own healthcare practice.  Describe how each goal effects the body, mind, and soul.
   
3. To demonstrate how one’s practice style and current goals are helped or hindered through the care they offer.
   
4. To identify one positive and one negative effect of one’s work style on themselves or their clients. 
   
5. To describe the benefits of mindfulness and mediation, as well as the differences between Western and Eastern approaches to these practices.
   
6. To apply mindfulness and meditation practice with patients in one’s practice.
   
7. To demonstrate mindfulness techniques, in order to apply how such exercises are beneficial to both practitioners and patients.
   
8. To demonstrate meditation techniques, in order to apply consciously working with the healing power of nature