Being a doctor, naturopath, or any practitioner working with people to help them to heal or improve their health is a great responsibility. Since ancient times, doctors have taken the Hippocratic Oath which emphasises doing no harm to their patients. This practice continues today, with many doctors still taking this oath. Naturopathy has traditionally followed a set of guiding principles, which also includes similar statements, with a focus on finding the root cause and supporting the body’s natural healing mechanisms. I have found in my practice, that having the right intention and working with integrity is of the upmost importance, not just for the sake of ethics, but even for the sake of obtaining the best possible results for clients.
During my studies of the art of Chinese medicine, I came across an exceptional Chinese physician who lived in the Tang Dynasty between 581-682AD. He was known as the “King of Medicine”, no doubt due to the exceptional results he achieved with his patients and the work he did to further the practice of medicine. He also wrote extensively – one of his works covers the topics of ethics and best practice in medicine: “On the Absolute Sincerity of Great Physicians”. Like the Hippocratic Oath today for Western doctors, Sun Si Miao’s statement is required reading for all practitioners trained in China.
I believe it to be a superior and more complete statement than the Hippocratic Oath and that following it will lead to the best results possible for those that consult me and also for my self. I have included it in full below and write this is a pledge that I will do my best to follow it in my own practice.
- When I go to treat an illness I first must calm my mind and make steadfast my intentions.
- I shall not give way to idle wishes and desires but should first develop an attitude of compassion.
- I vow to rescue all living beings from their sufferings.
- If anyone comes to me because of an illness or any other difficulty I will not concern myself with whether they are powerful or humble, rich or poor, old or young, beautiful or ugly.
- Enemies, relatives, good friends, Chinese or barbarians, foolish and wise, they all are the same to me. I will think of each of them of them as a close and loved relative – or indeed as if it was I who had been struck down by an illness.
- I shall not worry about my own life or my fortunes or misfortunes. My purpose is to preserve the life of others.
- I shall not hide away in the mountains. Day and night, in cold and heat, in hunger, thirst and fatigue, I will single-mindedly go to the rescue. If I am able to act in this manner I may approach being a great doctor for those who are sick. If I act contrary to these precepts I am no more than a great thief to those who are alive.
- People all too often look with contempt on those who suffer from abominable things, such as ulcers or diarrhea, however I shall maintain an attitude of compassion, sympathy and care. Never in a great physician should there arise an attitude of rejection.
- I will not glory in my reputation. I will not discredit other physicians while I praise my own virtues.
- Thus I shall fulfill my responsibilities and my destiny as a physician until I am no longer capable of fulfilling my obligations, or until the end of my lifetime.
As well as care for others as if one were treating oneself, the oath contains elements of humility, compassion, empathy and the intention to relieve suffering. Truly a worthy set of principles for anyone to follow.
If you would like me to support you with your health, consider consulting with me. You can view my consultation and package options by clicking here, or read more about my services on this website. Please note that, according to the oath above, while I do publish my fees on that link, I will not reject the treatment of anyone for financial reasons. If you cannot afford my fees, but are truly commited to improving your health, please send me a message.
