"Naturopathy, or naturopathic medicine, is a form of alternative medicine."
The principles of naturopathic medicine, including treating the whole person, identifying and treating the root cause of illness, and using non-invasive and natural therapies.
Vitalism: This philosophy believes that living organisms have a life force or vital energy that differentiates them from non-living entities, and that this energy plays a vital role in health and healing.
Holistic Medicine: This approach considers the body and mind as a whole and seeks to treat the root cause of disease rather than just the symptoms.
Prevention: Naturopathy emphasizes preventative measures such as maintaining a healthy lifestyle, taking supplements, and identifying and treating imbalances before they become severe.
Nutrition: The foods we eat and their impact on our health and wellbeing is a central tenet of naturopathic medicine.
Herbal Medicine: The use of plants and their extracts for health benefits, including for promoting wellness, treating symptoms and reducing disease risks.
Mind-body medicine: The belief that mental and emotional wellbeing is essential to physical health, and the use of mindfulness, positive psychology, and other interventions to promote healing.
Physical Medicine: The application of physical therapies such as massage, hydrotherapy, and manipulation to promote healing and alleviate pain.
Environmental Medicine: The impact of environmental toxins and pollutants on health and treatments to mitigate their harmful effects.
Homeopathy: The use of highly diluted substances to treat symptoms, similar to the concept of vaccinations.
Anatomy and Physiology: Basic knowledge of human anatomy, physiology, and other biomedical sciences, including diagnosis and treatment of diseases.
Nutrition Therapy: Based on studies of nutrient deficiencies for various ailments and providing suitable foods according to the condition.
Hydrotherapy: Making beneficial use of water for healing ailments using hot and cold water therapy.
Herbal Medicine: Healing with plant-based medicines.
Acupuncture: Based on Traditional Chinese Medicine practices of stimulating chi force using needles at specific points.
Physical manipulation: Like massage therapy, spinal mobilization, and other forms of bodywork.
Lifestyle & Mind Body Medicine: Focusing on the critical impact of psychological and social factors on health outcomes.
Environmental Medicine: Dignosis and Treatment of Diseases caused by environmental pollution.
"A wide array of pseudoscientific practices branded as 'natural', 'non-invasive', or promoting 'self-healing' are employed by its practitioners."
"Outright quackery, like homeopathy."
"These treatments range from outright quackery... to widely accepted practices like certain forms of psychotherapy."
"The ideology and methods of naturopathy are based on vitalism and folk medicine rather than evidence-based medicine."
"Following modern medical practices, including but not limited to medical testing, drugs, vaccinations, and surgery."
"Naturopathic practice relies on unscientific notions, often leading naturopaths to diagnoses and treatments that have no factual merit."
"Naturopathy is considered by the medical profession to be ineffective and harmful."
"The ethical issues about its practice."
"The American Cancer Society... denounce[s] and accus[es] naturopaths of being charlatans."
"Naturopaths frequently campaign for legal recognition in the United States."
"Naturopathy is illegal in two U.S. states and tightly regulated in many others."
"The lack of accreditation, scientific medical training, and quantifiable positive results means they lack the competency of true medical doctors."
"Some states have lax regulations, however, and may allow naturopaths to perform minor surgery or even prescribe drugs."
"Although practitioners may use techniques supported by evidence."
"Naturopathy is considered by the medical profession to be ineffective and harmful."
"A wide array of pseudoscientific practices... these treatments range from outright quackery... to widely accepted practices."
"Naturopathic practitioners commonly recommend against following modern medical practices, including but not limited to medical testing, drugs, vaccinations, and surgery."
"Unscientific notions, often leading naturopaths to diagnoses and treatments that have no factual merit."
"Naturopathy is considered by the medical profession to be ineffective and harmful."