> Attempt to clean up the waste, promote normal blood and lymph,
> and increase vitality (isn't that tweaking around on the physical
> level and hoping that the vital force can properly channel that
> amazing vis?).


Since mind/body/and spirit are not separate then how is it possible to tweak
only one? In addition many of our modalities focus act directly on the
non-physical aspect of the mind/body/spirit, as well as the physical ones.

As to "learning the vis" I have never heard of such a term either but I hope
that is precisely what we are doing. We are learning the laws of nature so that
we can live in accordance with them, help our patients to do so and to direct
our therapies in a way that makes use of this knowledge. You say the Vis is
God. I wouldn't disagree with you but I would say that in my opinion the
naturopathic view of god/nature is one that does not separate it from the
physical realm, nor make it inaccesible to human capacities. This split of
reality into Spirit and Matter is the basis of the philosophy of scientific
rationalism or mechanism and is quite different or even the opposite of what I
understand to be naturopathic principles. Certainly there are aspects that are
mysterious and beyond our knowledge but I think we are capable of "learning"
enough to work in accordance with it. That is why the Vis medicatrix is
partially defined in our six principles as being "the inherent self-organizing
and healing process of living systems which establishes, maintains and restores
health. Naturopathic medicine recognizes this healing process to be ordered and
intelligent. It is the naturopathic physician's role to support, facilitate and
augment this process by identifying and removing obstacles to health and
recovery, and by supporting the creation of a healthy internal and external
environment."

To merely "learn" the ways and complexity that makes it ordered and intelligent
and the different manifestations of the healing process is a great start to
catching a glimpse of its mysterious aspects. Other gifted individuals (NOT ME)
may in fact catch much more than a glimpse.

Luke, NCNM