What is Naturopathy?

Naturopathy is a medical system that takes a holistic approach to medical treatment. In the 1800’s it was an established practice in Germany where a man named Benedict Lust became seriously ill. A priest who used natural treatments such as water therapy, healthy foods, herbs and gentle exercise treated him and he was cured. When Lust moved to the US he brought this holistic system with him and called it Naturopathy. He established the first naturopathic college in America.  

Naturopathy is based on utilizing the body’s natural ability to heal. It uses similar principles to modern medicine as well.  These include:

•    First do no harm
•    The physician is a teacher and partner in health
•    Treat the whole person
•    Focus on prevention
•    Honor the healing power of nature
•    Treat the cause not the symptoms of disease

Naturopathic practitioners commonly use nutrition therapy, herbs, vitamins, massage, lifestyle counseling, massage and homeopathy as part of their practice.

Naturopathic doctors attend a four-year naturopathic medical college that is accredited by the Council on Naturopathic Medical Education. Licensing requirements and how much a naturopath can do (prescriptions, x-rays, procedures, etc.) varies by state.

Naturopathy is the practice of the use of natural substances to provide a healthier balance of internal chemistry.

A naturopath is a therapist who practices naturopathy. Naturopathic physicians (N.D.s) are primary healthcare practitioners. Naturopathic physicians are the highest trained practitioners in the broadest scope of naturopathic medical modalities. In addition to the basic medical sciences and conventional diagnostics, naturopathic education includes therapeutic nutrition, botanical medicine, homeopathy, natural childbirth, classical Chinese medicine, hydrotherapy, naturopathic manipulative therapy, pharmacology and minor surgery. Naturopathic practice excludes the use of most synthetic drugs and major surgery.

Naturopathic medicine is a natural and holistic approach to health and healing that recognizes the integrity of the whole person. Many treatment methods are used, including, nutrition, herbs, manipulation of the body, exercise, stress reduction, and acupuncture.

The practice of naturopathic medicine emerges from six underlying principles of healing. These principles are based on the objective observation of the nature of health and disease, and are continually reexamined in light of scientific analysis. It is these principles that distinguish the profession from other medical approaches: The body has the inherent ability to maintain and restore health. The physician aims to identify and treat the cause rather than the symptoms. Methods designed to suppress the symptoms and not the cause are considered harmful and should be avoided or minimized. The physician treats the whole person - taking into account the physical, spiritual, mental, and social aspects of the individual. The physician plays a role in educating and encouraging the patient to take responsibility for his health. The physician assesses risk factors and hereditary susceptibility to disease to make appropriate interventions to avoid further harm or risk to the patient.

The term natural medicine is not synonymous with alternative medicine. While most natural therapies are alternative, many alternative treatments are not natural (e.g., chelation therapy).

You should read product labels, and discuss all therapies with a qualified healthcare provider. Natural Standard information does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.