Naturopathy: An Introduction

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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. Guided by a philosophy that emphasizes the healing power 

of nature, naturopathic practitioners now use a variety of traditional 

and modern therapies. This fact sheet provides a general overview 

of naturopathy and suggests sources for additional information.

Key Points 

• Although some of the individual therapies used in naturopathy 

have been studied for efficacy and safety, naturopathy as a 

general approach to health care has not been widely researched.

• “Natural” does not necessarily mean “safe.” Some therapies used 

in naturopathy, such as herbal supplements and restrictive or 

unconventional diets, have the potential to be harmful if not 

used under the direction of a well-trained practitioner.

• Some beliefs and approaches of naturopathic practitioners are 

not consistent with conventional medicine, and their safety may

not be supported by scientific evidence. For example, some 

practitioners may not recommend childhood vaccinations. The 

benefits of vaccination in preventing illness and death have been 

repeatedly proven and greatly outweigh the risks.

• Tell all your health care providers about any complementary 

health practices you use. Give them a full picture of what you do 

to manage your health. This will help ensure coordinated and 

safe care.

Background 

Naturopathy has its roots in Germany. It was further developed in 

the late 19th and early 20th centuries in the United States.

The word naturopathy comes from Greek and Latin and literally

translates as “nature disease.” A central belief in naturopathy is 

that nature has a healing power (a principle practitioners call vis 

medicatrix naturae). Practitioners view their role as supporting the
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body’s ability to maintain and restore health, and prefer to use treatment approaches they 

consider to be the most natural and least invasive.

Today, naturopathy is practiced in a number of countries, including the United States, Canada, 

Germany, Great Britain, Australia, and New Zealand.

Use in the United States 

According to the 2007 National Health Interview Survey, which included a comprehensive 

survey of the use of complementary health practices by Americans, an estimated 729,000 

adults and 237,000 children had used a naturopathic treatment in the previous year.

People visit naturopathic practitioners for various health-related purposes, including primary 

care, overall well-being, and complementary treatment (used in addition to conventional 

medical treatment) of chronic illnesses as well as acute conditions such as colds and flu. Many 

practitioners also provide complementary health care for patients with serious illnesses.

Underlying Principles 

The practice of naturopathy is based on principles that are similar to and consistent with the 

principles of primary care medicine as practiced by conventional physicians. These include:

• First do no harm. Try to minimize harmful side effects and avoid suppression of symptoms.

• Physician as teacher. Educate patients and encourage them to take responsibility for their 

own health.

• Treat the whole person. Consider all factors (e.g., physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, 

genetic, environmental, social) when tailoring treatment to each patient.

• Prevention. Assess risk factors and, in partnership with patients, make appropriate 

interventions to prevent illness.

• Healing power of nature. Seek to identify and remove obstacles to the body’s natural 

processes for maintaining and restoring health.

• Treat the cause. Focus on the causes of a disease or condition, rather than its symptoms.

Treatment 

Naturopathic practitioners use many different treatment modalities. Examples include:

• Nutrition counseling, including dietary changes (such as eating more whole and unprocessed 

foods) and use of vitamins, minerals, and other supplements

• Herbal medicines

• Homeopathy

• Hydrotherapy

• Physical medicine, such as therapeutic massage and joint manipulation
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• Exercise therapy

• Lifestyle counseling.

Some practitioners use other treatments as well or, if appropriate, may refer patients to 

conventional health care providers.

Efficacy and Safety

Some of the individual therapies used in naturopathy have been researched for their efficacy, 

with varying results. The complex treatment approaches that naturopathic physicians often 

use are challenging to study, and little scientific evidence is currently available on overall 

effectiveness. Related research is under way but is in the early stages.

Some studies have shown a few areas of scientific interest to pursue. For example, a study of 

warehouse employees with chronic low-back pain found that naturopathic care was a more 

cost-effective approach than standard physiotherapy advice. In another study, postal employees 

with chronic low-back pain had significantly greater improvement from naturopathic care than 

from standard physiotherapy advice. Researchers have also found evidence that naturopathic 

treatment may help improve quality of life in multiple sclerosis patients. A study of treatment 

approaches for patients with temporomandibular (jaw) disorders found that two complementary 

health practices—naturopathic medicine and traditional Chinese medicine—both resulted in 

greater pain reduction than state-of-the-art conventional care.

In assessing the safety of naturopathic care, points to consider include:

• Naturopathy is not a complete substitute for conventional care. Relying exclusively on 

naturopathic treatments and avoiding conventional medical care may be harmful or, in some 

circumstances (for example, a severe injury or an infection), have serious health consequences.

• Some beliefs and approaches of naturopathic practitioners are not consistent with 

conventional medicine, and their safety may not be supported by scientific evidence. For 

example, some practitioners may not recommend childhood vaccinations that are 

standard practice in conventional medicine (although a survey of naturopathic physicians 

in one state found that some provided childhood immunizations).

• Some therapies used in naturopathy have the potential to be harmful if not used under the 

direction of a well-trained practitioner. For example, herbs can cause side effects on their 

own and may interact with prescription or over-the-counter medicines or other herbs, and 

restrictive or other unconventional diets can be unsafe for some people.

Practitioners 

In the United States, naturopathy has three general categories of practitioners: naturopathic 

physicians, traditional naturopaths, and other health care providers who also offer naturopathic 

services. The titles used by practitioners may vary (for example, both naturopathic physicians 

and traditional naturopaths sometimes refer to themselves as “naturopathic doctors” or by the 

abbreviation N.D. or N.M.D.). As of 2000, an estimated 1,500 naturopathic physicians were 
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practicing in the United States; that estimate nearly doubled by 2006. As of 2001, an estimated 

3,600 traditional naturopaths were practicing in the United States.

Naturopathic physicians generally complete a 4-year, graduate-level program at one of the 

North American naturopathic medical schools accredited by the Council on Naturopathic 

Medical Education, an organization recognized for accreditation purposes by the U.S. 

Department of Education. Admission requirements generally include a bachelor’s degree and 

standard premedical courses. The study program includes basic sciences, naturopathic therapies 

and techniques, diagnostic techniques and tests, specialty courses, clinical sciences, and clinical 

training. Graduates receive the degree of N.D. (Naturopathic Doctor) or N.M.D. (Naturopathic 

Medical Doctor), depending on where the degree is issued. Although postdoctoral (residency) 

training is not required, some graduates pursue residency opportunities.

Some U.S. states and territories have licensing requirements for naturopathic physicians, but 

others do not. In those jurisdictions that have licensing requirements, naturopathic physicians 

must graduate from a 4-year naturopathic medical college and pass an examination to receive 

a license.1 They must also fulfill annual continuing education requirements. Their scope of 

practice is defined by law in the state in which they practice (for example, depending on the 

state, naturopathic physicians may or may not be allowed to prescribe drugs, perform minor 

surgery, practice acupuncture, and/or assist in childbirth).

Traditional naturopaths, also known simply as “naturopaths,” emphasize naturopathic 

approaches to a healthy lifestyle, strengthening and cleansing the body, and noninvasive 

treatments. They do not use prescription drugs, injections, x-rays, or surgery. Several schools 

offer training for people who want to become naturopaths, often through distance learning 

(correspondence or Internet courses). Admission requirements for schools can range from 

none, to a high school diploma, to specific degrees and coursework. Programs vary in length 

and content and are not accredited by organizations recognized for accreditation purposes by 

the U.S. Department of Education. Traditional naturopaths are not subject to licensing.

Other health care providers (such as physicians, osteopathic physicians, chiropractors, 

dentists, and nurses) sometimes offer naturopathic treatments and other holistic therapies, 

having pursued additional training in these areas. Training programs vary.

If You Are Thinking About Using Naturopathy 

Keep in mind the following points:

• Naturopathy practitioners’ qualifications may vary widely. Find out about the practitioner’s 

education and training. Ask whether the practitioner is licensed by the state, and about 

any other documented qualifications.

• Tell the practitioner about any medical conditions you have. Ask whether the practitioner 

has any specialized training and experience in them.

 

1 In states that license naturopathic physicians, that title as well as “naturopathic doctor” or even “naturopath” may be 

protected by law for practitioners who have completed a 4-year naturopathic medical school program.
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• Ask about the practitioner’s referral network and make sure the practitioner has 

experience coordinating care with other types of medical providers.

• Ask the practitioner about typical out-of-pocket costs and insurance coverage (if any).

• Tell the practitioner about all medications (prescription or over-the-counter) and dietary 

supplements you are taking. Naturopathic practitioners may use herbal remedies, or may 

be licensed to prescribe certain drugs. Avoiding potential interactions is important.

• Tell all of your health care providers about any complementary health practices you use. 

Give them a full picture of what you do to manage your health. This will help ensure 

coordinated and safe care. For tips about talking with your health care providers about 

complementary and alternative medicine, see NCCAM’s Time to Talk campaign at 

nccam.nih.gov/timetotalk.

NCCAM-Funded Research in Naturopathy

Some recent NCCAM-supported projects have been studying:

• A naturopathic dietary approach for type 2 diabetes

• Naturopathic treatments for periodontal (gum) disease

• Naturopathic herbal and dietary approaches for breast cancer prevention.

Selected References 

Albert DP, Martinez D. The supply of naturopathic physicians in the United States and Canada continues to increase. 

Complementary Health Practice Review. 2006;11:120-122.

Baer HA. The sociopolitical status of U.S. naturopathy at the dawn of the 21st century. Medical Anthropology Quarterly. 

2001;15(3):329-346.

Barnes PM, Bloom B, Nahin RL. Complementary and alternative medicine use among adults and children: United 

States, 2007. CDC National Health Statistics Report #12. 2008.

Boon HS, Cherkin DC, Erro J, et al. Practice patterns of naturopathic physicians: results from a random survey of 

licensed practitioners in two U.S. states. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2004;4:14.

Dunne N, Benda W, Kim L, et al. Naturopathic medicine: what can patients expect? Journal of Family Practice.

2005;54(12):1067-1072. 

Eisenberg DM, Cohen MH, Hrbek A, et al. Credentialing complementary and alternative medical providers. Annals of 

Internal Medicine. 2002;137(12):965-973.

Herman PM, Szczurko O, Cooley K, et al. Cost-effectiveness of naturopathic care for chronic low back pain. Alternative 

Therapies in Health and Medicine. 2008;14(2):32-39.

Hough HJ, Dower C, O’Neil EH. Profile of a Profession: Naturopathic Practice. Center for the Health Professions, 

University of California, San Francisco Web site. Accessed at http://futurehealth.ucsf.edu/Content/29/2001-

09_Profile_of_a_Profession_Naturopathic_Practice.pdf on August 19, 2011.

Myers T. Introduction to Naturopathic and Classical Chinese Medicine. National College of Natural Medicine Web site. 

Accessed at http://www.ncnm.edu/about/BriefHxNDCCM.pdf on April 23, 2009.
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Parkman CA. Issues in credentialing CAM providers. Case Manager. 2004;15(4):24-27.

Ritenbaugh C, Hammerschlag R, Calabrese C, et al. A pilot whole systems clinical trial of traditional Chinese medicine 

and naturopathic medicine for the treatment of temporomandibular disorders. Journal of Alternative and 

Complementary Medicine. 2008;14(5):475-487.

Shankar K, Liao LP. Traditional systems of medicine. Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Clinics of North America.

2004;15(4):725-747.

Shinto L, Calabrese C, Morris C, et al. A randomized pilot study of naturopathic medicine in multiple sclerosis. Journal 

of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. 2008;14(5):489-496.

Smith MJ, Logan AC. Naturopathy. Medical Clinics of North America. 2002;86(1):173-184.

Standish LJ, Calabrese C, Snider P. The naturopathic medical research agenda: the future and foundation of 

naturopathic medical science. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. 2006;12(3):341-345.

Szczurko O, Cooley K, Busse JW, et al. Naturopathic care for chronic low back pain: a randomized trial. PLoS One.

2007;2(9):e919.

U.S. Department of Labor. Dictionary of Occupational Titles (4th Ed., Rev. 1991). 079.101-014, Doctor, Naturopathic. U.S. 

Department of Labor Web site. Accessed at http://www.oalj.Dol.Gov/PUBLIC/DOT/REFERENCES/DOT01B.HTM on 

April 23, 2009.

Weber W, Taylor JA, McCarty RL, et al. Frequency and characteristics of pediatric and adolescent visits in naturopathic 

medical practice. Pediatrics. 2007;120(1):e142-e146.

For More Information

NCCAM Clearinghouse

The NCCAM Clearinghouse provides information on NCCAM and complementary health 

practices, 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.

Toll-free in the U.S.: 1-888-644-6226

TTY (for deaf and hard-of-hearing callers): 1-866-464-3615

Web site: nccam.nih.gov

E-mail: info@nccam.nih.gov

PubMed®

A service of the National Library of Medicine , PubMed contains publication information and 

(in most cases) brief summaries of articles from scientific and medical journals.

Web site: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez
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DIRLINE

DIRLINE (Directory of Information Resources Online) is a National Library of Medicine database 

that contains locations and descriptive information about a variety of health organizations, 

including associations and organizations related to complementary health practices.

Web site: dirline.nlm.nih.gov

ClinicalTrials.gov

ClinicalTrials.gov is a database of information on federally and privately supported clinical 

trials (research studies in people) for a wide range of diseases and conditions. It is sponsored 

by the National Institutes of Health and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Web site: www.clinicaltrials.gov

Research Portfolio Online Reporting Tools Expenditures and Results (RePORTER)

RePORTER is a database of information on federally funded scientific and medical research 

projects being conducted at research institutions.

Web site: projectreporter.nih.gov/reporter.cfm

Acknowledgments 

NCCAM thanks the following people for their technical expertise and review of the content 

update of this publication: Ali Ather, N.D., M.P.H., Prevention Research Center, Yale School of 

Medicine; Carlo Calabrese, N.D., M.P.H., Naturopathic Physicians Research Institute; Suzanna 

Zick, N.D., M.P.H., University of Michigan Health System; and Wendy Weber, N.D., Ph.D., 

M.P.H., NCCAM. Dr. Calabrese, Dr. Zick, and Dr. Weber also reviewed the original publication, 

as did Leanna Standish, N.D., Ph.D., Bastyr University.

This publication is not copyrighted and is in the public domain.

Duplication is encouraged.

NCCAM has provided this material for your information. It is not intended to substitute for the 

medical expertise and advice of your primary health care provider. We encourage you to 

discuss any decisions about treatment or care with your health care provider. The mention of 

any product, service, or therapy is not an endorsement by NCCAM.

National Institutes of Health

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U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
D372

Created April 2007

Updated March 2012