Jared Zeff, ND, LAc, is a prominent naturopathic physician known for his significant contributions to articulating and formalizing **naturopathic philosophy** and clinical theory. His writings emphasize a vitalistic approach—focusing on the body's innate healing power (vis medicatrix naturae), the process of true healing, and structured ways to apply naturopathic principles in practice. He has practiced for decades (associated with Salmon Creek Clinic in Vancouver, Washington) and has been recognized with awards like the Living Legend honor from institutions such as NUNM and the OANP.

His most influential work in this area includes:
- **"The Process of Healing: A Unifying Theory of Naturopathic Medicine"** (published in the Journal of Naturopathic Medicine, 1997). This landmark article is widely regarded as foundational. It explores healing as the core origin of naturopathic philosophy, clarifying and expanding on how the body heals itself. Zeff presents a three-part system for clinical application: (1) determinants of health, (2) the process of disease and a model of healing (including concepts like toxemia as a source of chronic disease and the nature of healing reactions/responses), and (3) an initial four-level hierarchy of therapeutics. This work laid groundwork for understanding naturopathic thinking as distinct from conventional (allopathic) models, prioritizing stimulation of the vital force and natural processes over suppression of symptoms.
- Development and expansion of the **Therapeutic Order** (also called the Hierarchy of Healing). In collaboration with Dr. Pamela Snider, ND (starting around 1998), Zeff's original four-level model evolved into the now-standard **seven-level Therapeutic Order**. This framework guides naturopathic treatment from least to most invasive interventions:
1. Establish the conditions for health (e.g., diet, lifestyle, environment).
2. Stimulate the vis medicatrix naturae (self-healing processes).
3. Strengthen weakened or dysfunctional systems/organs.
4. Correct structural integrity.
5. Address pathology using natural substances (e.g., botanicals, nutrients).
6. Use pharmacological agents (when needed).
7. Use surgery, suppression, or other high-force interventions as a last resort.

 

The Therapeutic Order is a key tool for prioritizing individualized care, taught widely in naturopathic education, and referenced in sources like the American Association of Naturopathic Medical Colleges (AANMC) and World Naturopathic Federation materials.

Additional writings and contributions:
- He co-authored or contributed to pieces on the unifying principles of naturopathic medicine (e.g., with Snider, including definitions of naturopathic medicine from around 1989 onward, which distill core principles like vis medicatrix naturae, treat the cause, first do no harm, doctor as teacher, treat the whole person, and prevention).
- Articles and discussions on "how to think like an ND" (e.g., interviews/transcripts in NDNR – Naturopathic Doctor News and Review, such as multi-part series on naturopathic clinical reasoning and vitalistic approaches).
- Over 25 years of articles available on his clinic's site (Salmon Creek Clinic), covering naturopathic medical thinking, differences from conventional medicine, and practical philosophy.
- He contributed forewords or related content to books like *Philosophy of Naturopathic Medicine* (edited by Sussanna Czeranko), which lays out foundations for "thinking as a Naturopath."
- Later revisitations, such as "Naturopathic Model of Healing—The Process of Healing Revisited" (2019), where he reflects on and refines his earlier theories.
Overall, Zeff's writings focus on making naturopathic philosophy practical and clinically applicable, rooting it in observation of healing processes rather than just abstract principles. His work has influenced naturopathic education, research, and practice globally, emphasizing a return to vitalism and nature-based healing over symptom management. For primary sources, his 1997 article (available in some online archives or naturopathic journals) and collaborations on the Therapeutic Order are central starting points.

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