History of Naturopathic Medicine

Naturopathy—also called Naturopathic Medicine—is a medical system that has evolved from a combination of traditional practices and health care approaches popular in Europe during the 19th century.

Naturopathic practitioners use several treatment approaches, including:

  • Dietary and lifestyle changes

  • Stress reduction

  • Herbs and other dietary supplements

  • Homeopathy

  • Manipulative therapies

  • Exercise therapy

  • Practitioner-guided detoxification

  • Psychotherapy and counseling

Education and Licensure

There are three (3) types of naturopathic practitioners:

  • Naturopathic Physicians

    • North American 4-year, graduate-level Medical School recognized by the U.S. Department of Education

    • Accredited by the Council on Naturopathic Medical Education

    • In states that have licensing requirements, naturopathic physicians must graduate from a 4-year naturopathic medical college and pass an examination. They must also fulfill annual continuing education requirements.

  • Traditional Naturopaths, also known as “Naturopaths”

    • Receive training in a variety of ways

    • Not accredited by organizations recognized by the U.S. Department of Education

    • Not eligible for licensing.

  • Other Providers

    • Allopathic and Osteopathic physicians

    • Chiropractors, dentists, and nurses

    • May offer naturopathic treatments, functional medicine, or other holistic therapies, having pursued additional training in these areas.

    • Training programs vary.

Six Principles of Naturopathic Medicine: The Foundation of Naturopathic Medical Education and Patient Care

  1. The Healing Power of Nature (Vis Medicatrix Naturae): Identify and remove obstacles from the inherent self-healing process in people, and aim to facilitate and augment the process.

  2. Identify and Treat the Causes (Tolle Causam): Identify and remove the underlying causes of illness.

  3. First Do No Harm (Primum Non Nocere):

    Use methods and medicinal substances that minimize the risk of harmful side effects, using the least force necessary to diagnose and treat; 

    Avoid when possible the harmful suppression of symptoms; and

    Acknowledge, respect, and work with individuals’ self-healing process. 

  4. Doctor as Teacher (Docere): Educate patients and encourage self-responsibility for health. Recognize and employ the therapeutic potential of the doctor-patient relationship. 

  5. Treat the Whole Person: Take into account individual physical, mental, emotional, genetic, environmental, social, spiritual development, and other factors.

  6. Prevention: Emphasize the prevention of disease by assessing risk factors, heredity and susceptibility to disease, and by making appropriate interventions in partnership with their patients to prevent illness.

Naturopathic Practice

Naturopathic practice includes the following diagnostic and therapeutic modalities: clinical and laboratory diagnostic testing, nutritional medicine, botanical medicine, naturopathic physical medicine (including naturopathic manipulative therapy), public health measures, hygiene, counseling, minor surgery, homeopathy, acupuncture, prescription medication, intravenous and injection therapy, and naturopathic obstetrics (natural childbirth).

For More Information

The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) Clearinghouse provides information on several health approaches, including publications and searches of Federal databases of scientific and medical literature. The Clearinghouse does not provide medical advice, treatment recommendations, or referrals to practitioners.

Telephone: 888-644-6226 Website: https://www.nccih.nih.gov fo@nccih.nih.gov