Advocates point to increasing evidence about the role of nutrition in disease. They claim that naturopathic doctors receive much better training in nutrition compared to mainstream doctors. The fact is, good nutrition is important and it may help prevent heart problems and some cancers, but no diet cures disease. Counseling or behavioral medicine is an important part of naturopathy. Naturopathic doctors are trained in counseling, biofeedback, stress reduction, and other means of helping improve mental health.
Naturopaths view what they do as an alternative to conventional primary care.
However, naturopathic medicine treats almost all illness, from self-limiting and minor conditions to major diseases such as AIDS and cancer. Some of these differences, however, are due to the fact that naturopaths refer complicated cases or patients needing major treatment to mainstream doctors. Naturopathy's overarching goal is to enlist the natural healing power of the body to fight disease. Some naturopaths equate this healing power to the vital force idea that underlies the traditional healing systems from many ancient cultures. A related emphasis is placed on uncovering and treating the cause of disease, instead of merely relieving symptoms.