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What Is Naturopathy?
Naturopathy is a whole-person approach to healthcare that emphasizes the body’s inherent ability to heal. It combines traditional healing wisdom with modern science, using nutrition, herbal medicine, lifestyle coaching, and physical therapies to prevent and address chronic issues.
In this video from Bastyr University, you'll learn how licensed naturopathic doctors are trained and how they approach chronic health challenges through root-cause care.
Where It Comes From
Naturopathy draws from various natural medical systems including European hydrotherapy, herbal traditions, and homeopathy. Modern naturopathic medicine began formalizing in the early 20th century and has evolved into a licensed health profession in many regions, especially North America.
What It’s Commonly Used For
- Digestive issues and food sensitivities
- Hormonal imbalance
- Chronic fatigue or stress-related illness
- Autoimmune conditions and inflammatory symptoms
- Preventative care and general wellness planning
How It Works (in Theory)
Naturopathy operates on the principle of treating the root cause, not just the symptoms. Practitioners aim to restore balance through diet, lifestyle, gentle therapies, and natural remedies. The goal is to support the body's self-regulation — not override it — and to view the patient as a whole person, not a set of isolated conditions.
The Evidence So Far
There is good evidence for many of the lifestyle and nutritional interventions used in naturopathy — especially for conditions like diabetes, cardiovascular health, and stress reduction. However, research on some natural remedies or individualized protocols is still emerging. The field would benefit from more targeted studies conducted in collaboration with, rather than opposition to, conventional medicine.
See Research →What to Expect in a Visit
Initial appointments often last 60–90 minutes and include a full health history, lifestyle review, and symptom analysis. Practitioners may recommend dietary changes, supplements, herbal remedies, lab testing, or physical therapies like hydrotherapy or acupuncture. The tone is usually educational and collaborative.
How to Vet a Naturopath
There are two main types of naturopaths: licensed naturopathic doctors (N.D.) and traditional naturopaths. N.D.s typically complete a four-year graduate-level program and are licensed in many U.S. states and Canada. Make sure your practitioner is qualified for the services they offer and is transparent about their approach.
Listen to Your Body
Naturopathy is not a quick fix. It’s a path for those who want to invest in long-term wellness. If you feel empowered, heard, and supported — that’s a good sign. Your intuition matters just as much as lab results. Healing is both personal and practical, and naturopathy honors that balance.