Naturopathic medicine uses natural remedies to assist the body in healing itself. Naturopathic practitioners incorporate a variety of therapies, including acupuncture, aromatherapy, color therapy, detoxification, exercise, herbs, massage, nutritional counseling, Reiki, stress management, and yoga.
Proponents of naturopathy often view it as a way of life, as they seek to live their lives in accordance with its principles, viewing it as more than an alternative treatment for disease. They believe that individuals need to be in complete harmony with themselves and with the nature around them in order to live their lives to their full potential. They also believe that prevention is more important than treatment.
The goal of naturopathy is to treat the whole person (mind, body, and spirit), and to target the illness's root causes, not just the symptoms.
Naturopathic physicians are also known as naturopathic doctors (NDs) or as doctors of naturopathic medicine (NMDs). Generally, they will attend an accredited, four-year, graduate-level school, where they study basic sciences, as in a conventional medical school, as well as nutrition, psychology, and complementary therapies, such as acupuncture, Ayurvedic medicine, herbal medicine, and homeopathy.
Some states and territories require naturopathic doctors to be licensed. ND and NMD doctoral programs include a four-year doctoral program from an accredited naturopathic medical school. The Council on Naturopathic Medical Education (CNME) lists nine programs in the United States that qualify graduates for licensure.
After completing a four-year program, NDs are required to pass the Naturopathic Physician's Licensing Examination (NPLEX), in which candidates are tested on a variety of topics, including biomedical subjects, diagnostics, treatment modalities, and medical interventions.
Following licensure, NDs are required to follow state guidelines for naturopathy while practicing medicine. Although requirements vary from state to state, they usually include annual continuing education requirements, and, of course, remaining within the state's specific scope of practice.
Traditional naturopaths are practitioners who don't attend an accredited naturopathic medical school or receive a license. Thus, their education varies widely.
Some medical doctors, dentists, doctors of osteopathy, chiropractors, and nurses have been trained in naturopathic medicine, and may incorporate naturopathy into their conventional medical practices.
Currently, Alaska, Arizona, California, Connecticut, Colorado, the District of Columbia, Hawaii, Kansas, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Oregon, Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands, Utah, Vermont, and Washington regular or license naturopathy, while Florida and Virginia license the practice under a grandfather clause.
Eleven states and the District of Columbia permit naturopathic physicians to prescribe drugs, while eight states and DC permit them to perform minor surgeries.
The practice of naturopathy is prohibited in South Carolina and Tennessee.
In Canada, the provinces of Ontario, British Columbia, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta license naturopathic doctors.
Naturopathy is not regulated in the United Kingdom, although publicly-funded universities in the UK dropped their alternative medicine programs in 2012.
The status of naturopathic medicine in Australia is less certain. The Australian Medical Association has taken the position that some aspects of complementary medicine can be part of patient care by a medical practitioner, but that there is limited evidence supporting it, and, in 2017, the Australian government named naturopathy as a practice that would not qualify for insurance subsidies.
While both naturopathic and holistic medicine focuses on promoting wellness in the mind, body, and soul, they differ in that holistic medicine isn't a separate branch of medicine, but one that uses both conventional and alternative medicine.
Naturopathy may be an option for those who have not found relief from traditional medicine. Many people choose to use both conventional and naturopathic medicine to treat an illness. As an example, a patient may feel that naturopathic medicine helps to ease the side effects of chemotherapy. Of course, those who are undergoing both conventional and naturopathic medicine should advise their medical doctor of any naturopathic treatments they may be taking, and their naturopathic doctor about conventional medications and treatments.
Recommended Resources
American Association of Naturopathic Physicians
Founded in 1985, the AANP is the national professional association representing licensed naturopathic doctors, students of naturopathic medicine, and other healthcare professionals allied with the naturopathic professions. The organization's physician members are graduates of naturopathic medical schools accredited by the Council on Naturopathic Medical Education, recognized by the US Department of Education as the national accrediting agency for programs leading to the ND or NMD degrees.
https://naturopathic.org/
American Naturopathic Medical Association
The ANMA was founded in 1981, and serves as a non-profit, scientific, educational organization. Its membership is open to individuals holding the Doctor of Naturopathy (ND) or Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine (NMD) degrees, as well as other healthcare fields. With members in the United States, Canada, and other countries, ANMA claims to be the largest professional naturopathic medical association in America. Membership benefits, an online application, and contacts are posted.
https://www.anma.org/
Association of Accredited Naturopathic Medical Colleges
The AANMC was formed to advance the naturopathic medical profession through the support of accredited schools of naturopathic medicine. Member schools and colleges are supported in order to aid in the development, growth, and preservation of the naturopathic medical profession, improve the quality of education, research, and patient care at member schools, and enhance the visibility of each of the schools. Collaboration between member schools and compatible organizations is fostered.
https://aanmc.org/
Situated in Rockport, Maine, Atlas Naturopathic serves the Midcoast area of the state, offering both in-person and telehealth options, including naturopathic family medicine, personalized nutrition counseling, treatments for Lyme disease, botanical medicine, therapeutic supplements, naturopathic adjustments, essential oils, and specialty and standard lab testing. Its team is introduced, pricing is listed, and appointments may be booked online. A FAQ is also available.
https://www.atlasnaturopathic.com/
Australian Bush Flower Essences
Flower remedies have been used by many cultures for thousands of years, and the Australian Bush Flower has been developed and researched by Ian White, a naturopath and fifth-generation herbalist. Flower essences and their uses are discussed, along with choosing the right essence, and answers to several other questions. Flower remedies are featured here, with prices, and online shopping capabilities, including bundles, books, CDs, DVDs, and other items. Educational resources are also available.
https://ausflowers.com.au/
British Columbia Naturopathic Doctors
BCND is a professional association for naturopathic doctors in British Columbia. The organization acts on behalf of (and for) the profession to promote the services provided by the naturopathic profession. BCND's doctor search engine gives patients access to more than seven hundred naturopathic doctors in British Columbia, and a private login gives members access to continuing education and networking resources. Classified advertising, a calendar of events, and contacts are included.
https://www.bcnd.ca/
California Neuropathic Doctors Association
Incorporated as a California mutual benefit 501(c)(6) non-profit corporation, the CNDA is a professional membership association representing California neuropathic doctors. Its stated mission is to advance and unite the field of neuropathic medicine within the state through advocacy and education. Membership policies, member resources, member deals, and a private member login are available, along with the CNDA's educational and advocacy activities, and partnerships.
https://www.calnd.org/
Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors
Incorporated in 1955, the CAND is the national non-profit professional association representing regulated (or, in unregulated jurisdictions, those who meet the criteria for regulation) naturopathic doctors, and its membership includes naturopathic doctors and naturopathic medical students, all of whom are graduates of, or students in, an accredited four-year, post-graduate level, naturopathic medical program. The CAND Journal is the official peer-reviewed publication of the CAND.
https://www.cand.ca/
Formulated by a naturopathic doctor who has treated constipation for more than ten years, Regularity Capsules are 100% natural, do not lead to dependency, do. not irritate the colon, have no unpleasant after-effects, and almost never cause cramping or other discomfort. The idea is that regular bowel movements are possible only when the digestion is good and strong, and this is what Regularity Capsules are designed to do, targeting the underlying cause of constipation.
http://www.constipationrx.com/
Council on Naturopathic Medical Education
Founded in 1978 as a non-profit organization, the CNME is an accrediting agency for doctoral programs in naturopathic medicine in the United States and Canada. Graduation from a CNME-accredited ND program makes the graduate eligible to take the NPLEX licensing examination and to become a licensed naturopathic physician in the US and Canadian states and provinces where naturopathic medicine is regulated. The CNME is a member of the Association of Specialized and Professional Accreditors.
https://cnme.org/
Federation of Naturopathic Medicine Regulatory Authorities, The
Established for the purpose of helping new and existing regulatory organizations fulfill their obligations to regular the naturopathic medicine profession, the FNMRA seeks to protect the public by connecting naturopathic regulatory authorities and promoting standards in the regulation of naturopathic medicine in North America. An FNMRA fact sheet, disciplinary actions summary from 2010 to the present, continuing education, and membership information are provided, along with contacts.
https://www.fnmra.org/
The FES is an international membership organization made up of health practitioners, researchers, students, and others interested in expanding their knowledge of flower essence therapy. Founded in 1979, the organization was incorporated as part of the non-profit organization, Earth-Spirit, in 1982. Its goals are to promote plant research and clinical research on the therapeutic effects of flower essences and to conduct training and certification programs for flower essence practitioners.
https://www.flowersociety.org/
General Council and Register of Naturopaths
Organized in 1920, the GCRN is a registering body for practitioners of naturopathy in the United Kingdom. Its objectives include establishing standards for practitioners, colleges, and courses, keeping a register of people qualified to practice, supervising the ethical behavior and conduct of practitioners on the register, promoting and providing education, investigation, and research into the science of naturopathy, and establishing a framework for naturopaths to work with conventional doctors.
https://www.gcrn.org.uk/
Guild of Naturopathic Iridologists
Iridology is the study of the iris of the eye, and its relationships with the body's genetic strengths and weaknesses, levels of inflammation and toxemia, and the efficiency of the eliminative systems and organs. Organized in the 1990s, the Guild has contributed to integrating iridology with naturopathy, and is the only umbrella organization for iridologists in the United Kingdom. Its objectives, membership policies, training programs, accredited colleges, and publications are featured.
http://www.gni-international.org/
While not specifically related to naturopathy, the Healing Food Reference highlights the healing abilities of various foods. As part of a public education project created by Mike Adams, and hosted by Truth Publishing, the site's purpose is to educate and empower consumers with information that can be used to prevent or help reverse degenerative disease. The database can be referenced by the specific food, or by health conditions for which specific foods may help to reverse or heal.
http://www.healingfoodreference.com/
Built on a Xenforo platform, the online discussion forum focuses on natural health topics, including the importance of whole foods, supplements, and natural, herbal, and holistic remedies. While anyone can read site topics, registration is required for participation in discussions. A variety of topics are included, such as nutrition, vitamins and supplements, mental health, exercise and dieting, cancer, systems and organs, dentistry, vision and hearing, diabetes, and others.
https://www.natmedtalk.com/
Nova Scotia Association of Naturopathic Doctors
Established in 1995, NSAND is a professional organization representing licensed naturopathic doctors (NDs) in Nova Scotia. Its mission includes being a resource for reliable information, news, and events related to naturopathic medicine, while upholding national standards of competency in naturopathic medicine, increasing the public's perception of naturopathic medicine, and acting as a support and resource system for its members. Doctor listings are included.
https://nsand.ca/
Maintained by the Naturopathic Medicine Network, an independent organization dedicated to advancing naturopathic medicine throughout the world, the site offers an overview of naturopathic medicine, naturopathic physicians, and naturopathic education. Naturopathic physicians who have graduated from an accredited graduate-level four-year medical school may be found here, and a moderated discussion forum on various naturopathic topics is included. Classified ads and sponsorships are included.
https://www.pandamedicine.com/
Quebec Association of Naturopathic Medicine
Known as the Association de Médecine Naturopathique au Québec (AMNQ) in French, the QANM's website is available in English and French. The AMNQ/QANM is a not-for-profit organization founded in 1994 to regulate naturopathic medicine in Quebec, uphold standards of excellence, support research, and be the voice of naturopathic doctors (NDs) in Quebec. Education, training, and accredited programs for naturopathy are featured, and a list of member NDs is presented. Contacts are included.
http://qanm.org/
Offering solutions to improving eyesight naturally, without resorting to correct lenses or invasive surgeries, Rebuild Your Vision offers alternatives through eye exercises and all-natural eye vitamins designed to strengthen and naturally improve vision. Included are more than three hundred articles on the subject, and information on vitamins and herbal supplements to support vision and eye health. Free eye exercises are included on the site, and orders may be placed online.
https://www.rebuildyourvision.com/
Washington Association of Naturopathic Physicians
WANP is a non-profit professional association for naturopathic physicians (NDs) in Washington State. Incorporated in 1934, the organization is supported and funded through member dues, contributions from corporate partners, and revenue from educational events. WANP offers legislative representation, continuing education, physician referrals, public outreach, collaboration, and various member benefits. Its committees, contacts, and events are highlighted.
https://www.wanp.org
The WNF represents naturopathic organizations throughout the world, with the goal of promoting the profession globally, supporting regulation and recognition of the neuropathic workforce, promoting accreditation and high educational standards for the global naturopathic profession, and encouraging and supporting naturopathic research. Its full, associate, and educational memberships, benefits, and costs are featured, along with corporate and non-profit sponsorships.
https://worldnaturopathicfederation.org/
