A Blend of Disciplines

At the turn of the 20th century, naturopathy was actually a blending of nature cure and homeopathy. Nature cure, also from Europe, was the treatment of diseased by the use of diet, lifestyle modifications, hydrotherapy (the use of water compresses, packs and mineral baths), fresh air and exercise.

The Education of a Naturopath

There are now several Naturopathic medical schools. These are four-year medical colleges (after pre-med undergraduate work) teaching the basic medical course work comparable to most medical schools. The emphasis and philosophy differs from medical school in the premise that the body can heal itself with the proper support and stimulation, instead of the need for drugs and surgery. That is not to say that medical doctors and hospitals aren't needed. Traditional doctors could place more emphasis on diet, exercise, nutrition and preventative care as well as treatment by more natural, non-toxic means. Naturopaths are trained to treat patients with diet, nutrition, counseling, herbal and homeopathic remedies, acupuncture, manipulation and massage, as well as to perform natural home childbirth.