Thursday, February 15, 2007

People are Each Others' Medicine

Another modality in medicine, and one that is particularly important in naturopathic medicine, is the human modality itself. I refer to this as the application of “people and organizations” to the patient. Giving the patient people, or groups of people, contains within itself a healing power. This may seem obvious to us, but we seldom prescribe people as a medicine or modality. In the practice of naturopathic medicine, as I view it, I often refer patients to a yoga class, not only for the exercise, a well recognized modality, but for the interaction of the patient to people who are also seeking wellness. People are each others’ medicine in the ideal world.
- William A. Mitchell, ND (1947 - 2007, one of the three co-founders of Bastyr University, the preeminent natural health sciences institution in the country. Remembrances of Dr. Mitchell are being posted here)