Naturopathy is based firmly in the belief that the body’s natural ability to heal and maintain a healthy condition can be enhanced with the use of nothing more than natural remedies. It is an all encompassing term for a variety of natural healing treatments, including acupuncture and homeopathy.

The term naturopathy became popular in the late 19th century when “the father of naturopathy,  Benedict Lust, became a well-known advocate. The holistic health movement of the 1970s made the naturopathy popular in the United States and Canada.

The healing power of nature is the underlying element of all forms of naturopathy. Many licensed primary care physicians within the United States are also licensed as naturopathy physicians, combining treatment recommendations for illnesses of both pharmaceutical and natural elements.

Unlike most alternative medical approaches, there are accredited schools that offer degrees in the field. A doctor trained in naturopathy within the United States or Canada will have the designation Naturopathic Doctor (ND) or Naturopathic Medical Doctor (NMD) following his or her name. The four year education program must include the study of basic medical sciences, natural remedies, pharmacology and even minor surgery.

Methods used in naturopathy are minimally invasive, which means treatments like radiation, drugs created by man (synthetic) or major surgery are avoided as much as possible. In fact, most naturopathic treatments emphasize stress reduction, a healthy diet/lifestyle and exercise as the core of any healing regimen.

There are six core values that make up the practice of naturopathy, which include:

1. Provide the most effective treatment with the least risk; do not harm.
2. Recognize, promote and respect the body’s natural power to heal.
3. Don’t treat just the symptoms, but find the cause of the illness and remove it.
4. Educate on and promote the benefits of a healthy lifestyle.
5. Treat the person as a whole, considering all health factors and bodily influences.
6. In addition to physical factors during the treatment process, consider a person’s environment.

With the continued increase in health care costs, many patients are first turning to less expensive alternatives, which has resulted in an increased interest in naturopathy.