NATUROPATHY

Naturopathy (also known as naturopathic medicine or natural medicine) is an alternative medical system that focuses on natural remedies and the body's vital ability to heal and maintain itself. Naturopathic philosophy favors a holistic approach and minimal use of surgery and drugs. Naturopathy comprises many different treatment modalities of varying degrees of acceptance by the medical community; diet and lifestyle advice may be substantially similar to that offered by non-naturopaths; some herbal remedies may be effective in some cases.

After a period of rapid growth, naturopathy went into decline for several decades after the 1930s. In 1910, the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching published the Flexner Report, which criticized many aspects of medical education, especially quality and lack of scientific rigour. The advent of penicillin and other "miracle drugs" and the consequent popularity of modern medicine also contributed to naturopathy's decline. Following Lust's death in 1945, the ANA split into six distinct organizations.


There are two groups in North America calling themselves "naturopaths". The term when originally coined by John Scheel, and popularized by Benedict Lust was to apply to those receiving an education in the basic medical sciences with an emphasis on natural therapies. This usage best describes modern day naturopathic doctors. In the absence of universal regulation of naturopathy, another group of practitioners (the so-called 'traditional naturopaths') has emerged. Additionally, a variety of health care professionals may incorporate naturopathic principles and modalities into their practice.

In the 1940s and 1950s, a broadening in scope of practice laws led many chiropractic schools to drop their N.D. degrees, though many chiropractors continued to practice naturopathy. Since Naturopathy's focus is upon its philosophy of natural health rather than specific methods, practitioners use a wide variety of treatment modalities. Effectiveness of naturopathy as a whole system has not been systematically evaluated, and efficacy of individual methods used varies.