naturopathy

The term "naturopathy" originates from "natura" (Latin root for birth) and "pathos" (the Greek root for suffering) to suggest "natural healing". Naturopaths claim the ancient Greek "Father of Medicine", Hippocrates, as the first advocate of naturopathic medicine, before the term existed.{{cite web |url=http://www.ncahf.org/articles/j-n/naturo.html |title=NCAHF Fact Sheet on Naturopathy |access-date=2009-04-17 |date=January 30, 2001 |orig-date=copyright 1997 |vauthors=Jarvis WT |publisher=National Council Against Health Fraud |archive-date=September 27, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110927173337/http://www.ncahf.org/articles/j-n/naturo.html |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=http://www.naturopathy-uk.com/home/home-what-is-naturopathy/ |title=What is Naturopathy? |work=College of Naturopathic Medicine website |location=East Grinstead, England |access-date=16 September 2015 |author= |archive-date=September 18, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100918040756/http://www.naturopathy-uk.com/home/home-what-is-naturopathy/ |url-status=live }} Naturopathy has its roots in the 19th-century Natural Cure movement of Europe.{{cite journal | vauthors = Brown PS | title = Nineteenth-century American health reformers and the early nature cure movement in Britain | journal = Medical History | volume = 32 | issue = 2 | pages = 174–194 | date = April 1988 | pmid = 3287059 | pmc = 1139856 | doi = 10.1017/S0025727300047980 }}{{Cite web | vauthors = Langley S |title=History of Naturopathy |work=College of Naturopathic Medicine website |publisher= |location=UK |url=http://www.naturopathy-uk.com/blog/2007/11/28/history-of-naturopathy/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120829125721/http://www.naturopathy-uk.com/blog/2007/11/28/history-of-naturopathy/ |archive-date=2012-08-29 }} In Scotland, Thomas Allinson started advocating his "Hygienic Medicine" in the 1880s, promoting a natural diet and exercise with avoidance of tobacco and overwork.{{cite web |title= How it all began |url= http://www.allinsonflour.co.uk/history/ |author= |work= Allinson Flour website |publisher= Silver Spoon, British Sugar, Associated British Foods |access-date= September 3, 2008 |archive-date= August 13, 2010 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100813230535/http://www.allinsonflour.co.uk/history/ |url-status= live }}{{Cite journal |journal=BMJ |series=Views & Reviews: Medical Classics |title=A system of hygienic medicine (1886) and The advantages of wholemeal bread (1889) | vauthors = Beard JA |issue=7651 |page=1023 |date=May 3, 2008 |doi=10.1136/bmj.39562.446528.59 |volume=336 |pmc=2364871 }}

The term naturopathy was coined in 1895 by John Scheel, and purchased by Benedict Lust, whom naturopaths consider to be the "Father of U.S. Naturopathy".{{cite journal | vauthors = Baer HA | title = The sociopolitical status of U.S. naturopathy at the dawn of the 21st century | journal = Medical Anthropology Quarterly | volume = 15 | issue = 3 | pages = 329–346 | date = September 2001 | pmid = 11693035 | doi = 10.1525/maq.2001.15.3.329 }} Lust had been schooled in hydrotherapy and other natural health practices in Germany by Father Sebastian Kneipp; Kneipp sent Lust to the United States to spread his drugless methods.{{cite web |url= http://www.quackwatch.org/01QuackeryRelatedTopics/Naturopathy/naturopathy.html |vauthors= Barrett S |title= A close look at naturopathy |work= QuackWatch |date= November 26, 2013 |access-date= 2015-03-21 |archive-date= April 6, 2011 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110406111422/http://www.quackwatch.org/01QuackeryRelatedTopics/Naturopathy/naturopathy.html |url-status= live }} Lust defined naturopathy as a broad discipline rather than a particular method, and included such techniques as hydrotherapy, herbal medicine, and homeopathy, as well as eliminating overeating, tea, coffee, and alcohol.{{cite book |vauthors=Boughton RJ, Frey B |chapter=Naturopathic Medicine |year=2005 |chapter-url=http://www.encyclopedia.com/topic/Naturopathic_Medicine.aspx |title=Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine |publisher=Gale |edition=2nd |access-date=March 21, 2015 |archive-date=June 24, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130624073748/http://www.encyclopedia.com/topic/Naturopathic_Medicine.aspx |url-status=live }} He described the body in spiritual and vitalistic terms with "absolute reliance upon the cosmic forces of man's nature".Lust, Benedict cited in: {{cite book| vauthors = Whorton JC |title=Nature Cures : The History of Alternative Medicine in America: The History of Alternative Medicine in America|url=https://archive.org/details/naturecureshisto00whor |url-access=registration|access-date=2013-09-03 |date=2002|publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |isbn=978-0-19-534978-8 |page=[https://archive.org/details/naturecureshisto00whor/page/224 224]}} According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, the first known use of "naturopathy" in print is from 1901.{{cite web|url=http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/naturopath|title=Naturopathy - Definition of Naturopathy by Merriam-Webster|access-date=October 27, 2015|archive-date=November 19, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151119131441/http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/naturopath|url-status=live}}

From 1901, Lust founded the American School of Naturopathy in New York. In 1902, the original North American Kneipp Societies were discontinued and renamed "Naturopathic Societies". In September 1919, the Naturopathic Society of America was dissolved and Benedict Lust founded the American Naturopathic Association to supplant it.{{cite web |title= Naturopathy: A Critical Analysis |vauthors= Beyerstein BL, Downie S |date= May 12, 2004 |access-date= 2009-03-21 |work= NaturoWatch |publisher= QuackWatch |url= http://www.naturowatch.org/general/beyerstein.html |archive-date= March 7, 2009 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090307135314/http://naturowatch.org/general/beyerstein.html |url-status= live }} Naturopaths became licensed under naturopathic or drugless practitioner laws in 25 states in the first three decades of the twentieth century. Naturopathy was adopted by many chiropractors, and several schools offered both Doctor of Naturopathy (ND) and Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) degrees. Estimates of the number of naturopathic schools active in the United States during this period vary from about one to two dozen.{{cite web |url= http://www.idt.mdh.se/kurser/ct3340/archives/ht03/assignment-2d-extra-articles/Alternative%20Medicine.pdf |title= Report 12 of the Council on Scientific Affairs (A-97) |year= 1997 |website=American Medical Association |access-date= September 3, 2013 |archive-date= November 5, 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131105123407/http://www.idt.mdh.se/kurser/ct3340/archives/ht03/assignment-2d-extra-articles/Alternative%20Medicine.pdf}}

• {{lay source |template=cite web |title=1997 Annual Meeting of the American Medical Association: Summaries and Recommendations of the Council on Scientific Affairs |website=American Medical Association |url=http://www.ama-assn.org/resources/doc/csaph/csaa-97.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140102190820/http://www.ama-assn.org/resources/doc/csaph/csaa-97.pdf |archive-date=2014-01-02 |date=1997}}

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. In the 1940s and 1950s, a broadening in scope of practice laws led many chiropractic schools to drop their ND degrees, though many chiropractors continued to practice naturopathy. From 1940 to 1963, the American Medical Association campaigned against heterodox medical systems. By 1958, practice of naturopathy was licensed in only five states. In 1968, the United States Department of Health, Education, and Welfare issued a report on naturopathy concluding that naturopathy was not grounded in medical science and that naturopathic education was inadequate to prepare graduates to make appropriate diagnosis and provide treatment; the report recommends against expanding Medicare coverage to include naturopathic treatments.{{cite web |title=HEW Report on Naturopathy (1968) |url=http://www.quackwatch.org/01QuackeryRelatedTopics/Naturopathy/hew.html |author= |date=August 30, 1999 |work=QuackWatch |access-date=2013-09-03 |archive-date=August 14, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100814052625/http://www.quackwatch.org/01QuackeryRelatedTopics/Naturopathy/hew.html |url-status=live }} Citing: {{cite book | vauthors = Cohen WJ |title=Independent Practitioners Under Medicare: A Report to the Congress |publisher=United States Department of Health, Education, and Welfare |year= 1969 |oclc= 3000280 }} In 1977 an Australian committee of inquiry reached similar conclusions; it did not recommend licensure for naturopaths.{{cite web |title=Naturopathy: Report of the Australian Committee of Inquiry (1977) |url=http://www.naturowatch.org/hx/australia.html |author= |work=NaturoWatch |publisher=QuackWatch |date=December 25, 2003 |access-date=2013-09-03 |archive-date=September 6, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100906221113/http://www.naturowatch.org/hx/australia.html |url-status=live }} Citing: {{cite book | vauthors = Webb EC |title=Report of the Committee of Inquiry into Chiropractic, Osteopathy, Homoeopathy and Naturopathy |publisher=Australian Government Publishing Service |location=Canberra |year=1977 |isbn= 978-0-642-92287-8 |display-authors=etal}}

Beginning in the 1970s, there was a revival of interest in the United States and Canada, in conjunction with the "holistic health" movement. {{as of|2009}}, fifteen U.S. states, Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands and the District of Columbia licensed naturopathic doctors,{{cite web |url=http://www.naturopathic.org/content.asp?contentid=57 |title=Licensed States & Licensing Authorities |work= American Association of Naturopathic Physicians website |author= |publisher= |year=2009 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20091130234327/http://naturopathic.org/content.asp?contentid=57 |archive-date=November 30, 2009 }} and the State of Washington requires insurance companies to offer reimbursement for services provided by naturopathic physicians.{{cite web |title= Washington Administrative Code: Title 284, Chapter 43, Section 205: Every category of health providers |url= http://apps.leg.wa.gov/WAC/default.aspx?cite=284-43-205 |publisher= Washington State Legislature |date= August 28, 1999 |access-date= November 19, 2010 |archive-date= October 11, 2011 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20111011211431/http://apps.leg.wa.gov/WAC/default.aspx?cite=284-43-205 |url-status= live }} (effective){{cite episode |title=Insuring Alternatives |series=NewsHour with Jim Lehrer |series-link= PBS NewsHour | vauthors = Minott R |transcript=Online NewsHour transcript |transcript-url=https://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/health/july96/alt_medicines_7-3.html |date=July 3, 1996 |network=PBS}} On the other hand, some states such as South Carolina and Tennessee prohibit the practice of naturopathy.

In the United States, the Indian Health Service began accepting naturopathic doctors in their clinics and practice in 2013, also making loan repayment available to ND's."https://newsmaven.io/indiancountrytoday/archive/introducing-naturopathic-doctors-to-indian-health-service-clinics-Rn_RipOYh0Kgd9KR-5Ou_A/ {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191005024641/https://newsmaven.io/indiancountrytoday/archive/introducing-naturopathic-doctors-to-indian-health-service-clinics-Rn_RipOYh0Kgd9KR-5Ou_A/ |date=October 5, 2019 }}"

In 2015, a former naturopathic doctor, Britt Marie Hermes, began writing critically about her experience being trained in and practicing naturopathic medicine. Her blog garnered a large following among skeptics while enraging some proponents of alternative medicine.{{cite news |last1=Devlin |first1=Hannah |title=The naturopath whistleblower: 'It is surprisingly easy to sell snake oil' |url=https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2018/mar/27/naturopath-whistleblower-snake-oil-multi-billion-dollar |access-date=23 August 2021 |work=Guardian |date=27 March 2018}}

File:Portrait of Sebastian Kneipp. Wellcome L0005598.jpg|Sebastian Kneipp c. 1898, a Bavarian priest and forefather of naturopathy

File:BenedictLust.jpg|Benedict Lust c. 1902, the founder of naturopathy in the U.S.

File:QED 20161015 129.jpg|Britt Marie Hermes c. 2016, a former naturopathic doctor and major critic of naturopathic medicine{{cite news|vauthors=Thielking M|title='Essentially witchcraft:' A former naturopath takes on the field|url=https://www.statnews.com/2016/10/20/naturopath-critic-britt-hermes/|access-date=30 October 2016|work=STAT|date=20 October 2016|archive-date=October 25, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161025031403/https://www.statnews.com/2016/10/20/naturopath-critic-britt-hermes/|url-status=live}}

File:Rational hydrotherapy - a manual of the physiological and therapeutic effects of hydriatic procedures, and the technique of their application in the treatment of disease (1902) (14760420036).jpg session]]

File:Chromax II.JPG, Chromax II]]

File:Homeopathic332.JPG preparations are commonly used by naturopaths. The practice is considered a pseudoscience.{{cite journal |vauthors=Smith K |title=Homeopathy is Unscientific and Unethical |journal=Bioethics |volume=26 |issue=9 |doi=10.1111/j.1467-8519.2011.01956.x |pages=508–512 |year=2012 |s2cid=143067523 |url=https://zenodo.org/record/1035885 |access-date=October 28, 2017 |archive-date=October 29, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171029012949/https://zenodo.org/record/1035885 |url-status=live }}]]

In 2003, a report{{Cite journal |last=Atwood |first=Kimball C. |date=2003-12-30 |title=Naturopathy: a critical appraisal |url=https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14745386/ |journal=MedGenMed: Medscape General Medicine |volume=5 |issue=4 |pages=39 |issn=1531-0132 |pmid=14745386}} was presented by Kimball C. Atwood, an American medical doctor and researcher from Newton, Massachusetts, best known as a critic of naturopathic medicine, stating among other criticisms that "The practice of naturopathy is based on a belief in the body's ability to heal itself through a special vital energy or force guiding bodily processes internally".

Diagnosis and treatment concern primarily alternative therapies and "natural" methods that naturopaths claim promote the body's natural ability to heal.{{cite web |url= http://skepdic.com/natpathy.html |title= Naturopathy |access-date= March 21, 2015 |date= March 7, 2015 |vauthors= Carroll RT |work= The Skeptic's Dictionary |archive-date= September 1, 2010 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100901033549/http://www.skepdic.com/natpathy.html |url-status= live }} Many naturopaths in India now use modern diagnostic techniques in their practice.{{cite journal |last1=Nair |first1=Pradeep MK |last2=Nanda |first2=Awantika |title=Naturopathic medicine in India: Original Article |journal=Focus on Alternative and Complementary Therapies |date=September 2014 |volume=19 |issue=3 |pages=140–147 |doi=10.1111/fct.12125 }} Naturopaths focus on a holistic approach, avoiding the use of surgery and conventional medicines. Naturopaths aim to prevent illness through stress reduction and changes to diet and lifestyle, often rejecting the methods of evidence-based medicine.{{cite book |veditors= Clark CC, Gordon RJ |title= Encyclopedia of Complementary Health Practice |chapter-url= https://books.google.com/books?id=cwYnA1qunUwC&pg=PA57 |access-date= 2013-09-03 |year= 1999 |publisher= Springer Publishing |isbn= 978-0-8261-1722-9 |pages= 57–59 |chapter= Naturopathy: Practice Issues |vauthors= Pizzorno JE |archive-date= April 13, 2018 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180413121208/https://books.google.com/books?id=cwYnA1qunUwC&pg=PA57 |url-status= live }}

A consultation typically begins with a comprehensive patient interview assessing lifestyle, medical history, emotional tone, and physical features, as well as physical examination. Many naturopaths present themselves as primary care providers, and some naturopathic physicians may prescribe drugs, perform minor surgery, and integrate other conventional medical approaches such as diet and lifestyle counselling with their naturopathic practice.{{cite web |url= http://www.cnme.org/resources/2007_hoa.pdf |title= Handbook of Accreditation for Naturopathic Medicine Programs |year= 2007 |publisher= Council on Naturopathic Medical Education |access-date= 2010-11-20 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170209083708/http://www.cnme.org/resources/2007_hoa.pdf |archive-date= February 9, 2017 |url-status= dead }} Traditional naturopaths deal exclusively with lifestyle changes, not diagnosing or treating disease. Naturopaths do not generally recommend vaccines and antibiotics, based in part on the early views that shaped the profession, and they may provide alternative remedies even in cases where evidence-based medicine has been shown effective.

Naturopaths are often opposed to mainstream medicine and take an antivaccinationist stance.{{cite book |vauthors=Singh S, Ernst E |work=Trick or Treatment?: Alternative Medicine on Trial |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=nWnR1JI7G6gC&pg=PT197 |year=2009 |publisher=Transworld |isbn=978-1-4090-8180-7 |pages=197– |title=Naturopathy |quote=many naturopaths are against mainstream medicine and advise their patients accordingly{{snd}}for instance many are not in favour of vaccination. |access-date=January 27, 2016 |archive-date=February 6, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160206135211/https://books.google.com/books?id=nWnR1JI7G6gC&pg=PT197 |url-status=live }}

The particular modalities used by a naturopath vary with training and scope of practice. These may include herbalism, homeopathy, acupuncture, nature cures, physical medicine, applied kinesiology, colonic enemas,{{cite journal | vauthors = Caulfield T, Rachul C | title = Supported by science?: what canadian naturopaths advertise to the public | journal = Allergy, Asthma, and Clinical Immunology | volume = 7 | pages = 14 | date = September 2011 | issue = 1 | pmid = 21920039 | pmc = 3182944 | doi = 10.1186/1710-1492-7-14 | doi-access = free }} chelation therapy,{{cite journal | vauthors = Atwood KC | title = Naturopathy, pseudoscience, and medicine: myths and fallacies vs truth | journal = MedGenMed | volume = 6 | issue = 1 | pages = 33 | date = March 2004 | pmid = 15208545 | pmc = 1140750 }} color therapy,{{Cite book |url= http://www.pewscholars.com/pdf_files/Naturo2.pdf |title= Profile of a Profession: Naturopathic Practice | vauthors = Hough HJ, Dower C, O'Neil EH |publisher= Center for the Health Professions, University of California, San Francisco |date=September 2001 |page= 54 |url-status= dead |archive-date= 2008-10-02 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20081002072928/http://www.pewscholars.com/pdf_files/Naturo2.pdf }} cranial osteopathy, hair analysis, iridology, live blood analysis, ozone therapy, psychotherapy, public health measures and hygiene, reflexology, rolfing, massage therapy, and traditional Chinese medicine. Nature cures include a range of therapies based on exposure to natural elements such as sunshine, fresh air, or heat or cold, as well as nutrition advice such as following a vegetarian and whole food diet, fasting, or abstention from alcohol and sugar.{{Cite book |url=https://archive.org/details/complementarymed0000youn |title=Complementary Medicine for Dummies |vauthors=Young J |publisher=Wiley |year=2007 |isbn=978-0-470-02625-0 |location=Chichester, England |chapter=Chapters 8 & 13 |oclc=174043853 |url-access=registration}} Physical medicine includes naturopathic, osseous, or soft tissue manipulative therapy, sports medicine, exercise, and hydrotherapy. Psychological counseling includes meditation, relaxation, and other methods of stress management.

A 2004 survey determined the most commonly prescribed naturopathic therapeutics in Washington state and Connecticut were botanical medicines, vitamins, minerals, homeopathy, and allergy treatments.{{cite journal | vauthors = Boon HS, Cherkin DC, Erro J, Sherman KJ, Milliman B, Booker J, Cramer EH, Smith MJ, Deyo RA, Eisenberg DM | title = Practice patterns of naturopathic physicians: results from a random survey of licensed practitioners in two US States | journal = BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine | volume = 4 | pages = 14 | date = October 2004 | pmid = 15496231 | pmc = 529271 | doi = 10.1186/1472-6882-4-14 | doi-access = free }} An examination published in 2011 of naturopathic clinic websites in Alberta and British Columbia found that the most commonly advertised therapies were homeopathy, botanical medicine, nutrition, acupuncture, lifestyle counseling, and detoxification.

In 2020, a survey of methods used by naturopaths in fourteen countries reported that 27% of clients received acupuncture, 22% homeopathy, 16% "other energetic medicines", and 13.5% were given hydrotherapy. A mean of 4.0 "treatments" were provided to each customer. One-third (33%) of patients consulted with only the naturopath to manage their primary health concern.{{cite journal | vauthors = Steel A, Foley H, Bradley R, Van De Venter C, Lloyd I, Schloss J, Wardle J, Reid R | title = Overview of international naturopathic practice and patient characteristics: results from a cross-sectional study in 14 countries | journal = BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies | volume = 20 | issue = 1 | pages = 59 | date = February 2020 | pmid = 32070338 | pmc = 7076821 | doi = 10.1186/s12906-020-2851-7 | doi-access = free }}

{{See also|Evidence-based medicine}}

File:Soapsuds Enemas.jpgs: a bag and a bucket, each holding a gallon. Enemas and colonic irrigation are commonly used by naturopaths for a wide range of medical conditions, for which there are no known health benefits.{{cite journal |last1=Ernst |first1=E. |title=Colonic Irrigation and the Theory of Autointoxication: A Triumph of Ignorance over Science |journal=Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology |date=June 1997 |volume=24 |issue=4 |pages=196–198 |doi=10.1097/00004836-199706000-00002 |pmid=9252839 |doi-access=free }}]]

File:Rectal bulb syringe.jpg

File:Ozone IV Therapy AMA Skincare.jpg, "Ozone is a toxic gas with no known useful medical application in specific, adjunctive, or preventive therapy."{{cite web|title=Code of Federal Regulations Title 21, Sec. 801.415 Maximum acceptable level of ozone|url=http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/CFRsearch.cfm?fr=801.415|website=U.S. Food and Drug Administration|access-date=18 May 2016|date=1 April 2015|archive-date=March 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304035650/http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/CFRSearch.cfm?FR=801.415|url-status=live}}]]

Naturopathy as a whole lacks an adequate scientific basis,{{cite journal | vauthors = Jagtenberg T, Evans S, Grant A, Howden I, Lewis M, Singer J | title = Evidence-based medicine and naturopathy | journal = Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine | volume = 12 | issue = 3 | pages = 323–328 | date = April 2006 | pmid = 16646733 | doi = 10.1089/acm.2006.12.323}} and it is rejected by the medical community. Although it includes valid lifestyle advice from mainstream medicine (healthy sleep, balanced diet, regular exercise), it typically adds a range of pseudoscientific beliefs. Some methods rely on immaterial "vital energy fields", the existence of which has not been proven, and there is concern that naturopathy as a field tends towards isolation from general scientific discourse.{{cite book | vauthors = Herbert V, Barrett S |title= The Vitamin Pushers: How the "Health Food" Industry is Selling America a Bill of Goods |publisher= Prometheus Books |location= Buffalo, NY |year= 1994 |isbn= 978-0-87975-909-4 |url= https://archive.org/details/isbn_9780879759094 }}{{cite book | vauthors = Barrett S, Raso J |title=Mystical Diets: Paranormal, Spiritual, and Occult Nutrition Practices |publisher=Prometheus Books |location=Buffalo, New York |year=1993 |isbn=978-0-87975-761-8 |url=https://archive.org/details/mysticaldietspar0000raso }} Naturopathy is criticized for its reliance on and its association with unproven, disproven, and other controversial alternative medical treatments, and for its vitalistic underpinnings. Natural substances known as nutraceuticals show little promise in treating diseases, especially cancer, as laboratory experiments have shown limited therapeutic effect on biochemical pathways, while clinical trials demonstrate poor bioavailability.{{cite journal | vauthors = Ahmad A, Ginnebaugh KR, Li Y, Padhye SB, Sarkar FH | title = Molecular targets of naturopathy in cancer research: bridge to modern medicine | journal = Nutrients | volume = 7 | issue = 1 | pages = 321–334 | date = January 2015 | pmid = 25569626 | pmc = 4303842 | doi = 10.3390/nu7010321 | type = Review | doi-access = free }} According to the American Cancer Society, "scientific evidence does not support claims that naturopathic medicine can cure cancer or any other disease". According to Britt Hermes, naturopath student programs are problematic because "As a naturopath [student], you are making justifications to make the rules and to fudge the standards of how to interpret research all along the way. Because if you don't, you're not left with anything, basically".{{cite web |title=Episode #050, feat. Britt Hermes |url=http://theesp.eu/podcast_archive/episode_050_britt_hermes.html |website=The European Skeptics Podcast |date=November 29, 2016 |access-date=15 September 2018 |archive-date=September 9, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180909000353/http://theesp.eu/podcast_archive/episode_050_britt_hermes.html |url-status=live }}

In 2015, the Australian Government's Department of Health published the results of a review of alternative therapies that sought to determine if any were suitable for being covered by health insurance; Naturopathy was one of 17 therapies evaluated for which no clear evidence of effectiveness was found.{{cite web |url=http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/content/0E9129B3574FCA53CA257BF0001ACD11/$File/Natural%20Therapies%20Overview%20Report%20Final%20with%20copyright%2011%20March.pdf |publisher=Australian Government – Department of Health |author=Baggoley C |title=Review of the Australian Government Rebate on Natural Therapies for Private Health Insurance |year=2015 |access-date=December 12, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160626024750/http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/content/0E9129B3574FCA53CA257BF0001ACD11/$File/Natural%20Therapies%20Overview%20Report%20Final%20with%20copyright%2011%20March.pdf |archive-date=June 26, 2016}}

• {{lay source |template=cite web |author=Gavura, S. |date=19 November 2015 |title=Australian review finds no benefit to 17 natural therapies |url=https://www.sciencebasedmedicine.org/australian-review-finds-no-benefit-to-17-natural-therapies |website=Science-Based Medicine}}

Kimball C. Atwood IV writes, in the journal Medscape General Medicine,{{blockquote|Naturopathic physicians now claim to be primary care physicians proficient in the practice of both "conventional" and "natural" medicine. Their training, however, amounts to a small fraction of that of medical doctors who practice primary care. An examination of their literature, moreover, reveals that it is replete with pseudoscientific, ineffective, unethical, and potentially dangerous practices.|author=|title=|source=}} In another article, Atwood writes that "Physicians who consider naturopaths to be their colleagues thus find themselves in opposition to one of the fundamental ethical precepts of modern medicine. If naturopaths are not to be judged "nonscientific practitioners", the term has no useful meaning".

A former licensed naturopathic doctor, Britt Marie Hermes, states that "any product that is sold by a naturopath almost guarantees that there is no reliable scientific data to support whatever health claims are made,{{cite news|vauthors=Haglage A, Mak T|title=Trump Vitamins Were Fortified With B.S.|url=http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2016/05/25/inside-donald-trump-s-vitamin-scam.html|access-date=24 June 2016|work=The Daily Beast|date=25 May 2016|archive-date=January 14, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210114003653/https://www.thedailybeast.com/trump-vitamins-were-fortified-with-bs|url-status=live}} and that while some naturopaths claim to only practice evidence based medicine, "the problem is, all naturopaths in an accredited naturopathic program are required to extensively study homeopathy, herbal medicine, energy healing, chiropractic techniques, water therapy" and other pseudoscientific practices. Hermes further notes that, while some naturopaths claim that their method can be effective treatments for psychological disorders, "no naturopathic treatment has been clinically proven to be safe and effective for bipolar disorder or any other condition."{{cite journal | vauthors = Hermes B |title=Dubious claims in psychotherapy for youth |journal=Skeptical Inquirer |date=April 2020 |volume=44 |issue=2 |page=50 |url=https://skepticalinquirer.org/2020/01/dubious-claims-in-psychotherapy-for-youth/ }}

According to Arnold S. Relman, the Textbook of Natural Medicine is inadequate as a teaching tool, as it omits to mention or treat in detail many common ailments, improperly emphasizes treatments "not likely to be effective" over those that are, and promotes unproven herbal remedies at the expense of pharmaceuticals. He concludes that "the risks to many sick patients seeking care from the average naturopathic practitioner would far outweigh any possible benefits".{{cite web |url= http://www.quackwatch.org/01QuackeryRelatedTopics/Naturopathy/relman1.html |title= Textbook of Natural Medicine |access-date= 2009-04-17 |vauthors= Relman AS |author-link= Arnold S. Relman |orig-date= January 9, 2001 |date= April 10, 2002 |publisher= QuackWatch |archive-date= May 11, 2011 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110511175643/http://www.quackwatch.org/01QuackeryRelatedTopics/Naturopathy/relman1.html |url-status= live }}

The Massachusetts Medical Society states, "Naturopathic practices are unchanged by research and remain a large assortment of erroneous and potentially dangerous claims mixed with a sprinkling of non-controversial dietary and lifestyle advice."

Naturopaths often recommend exposure to naturally occurring substances, such as sunshine, herbs and certain foods, as well as activities they describe as natural, such as exercise, meditation and relaxation. Naturopaths claim that these natural treatments help restore the body's innate ability to heal itself without the adverse effects of conventional medicine. However, "natural" methods and chemicals are not necessarily safer or more effective than "artificial" or "synthetic" ones, and any treatment capable of eliciting an effect may also have deleterious side effects.{{cite web |url= http://skepdic.com/natural.html |title= Natural |access-date= 2013-09-08 |vauthors= Carroll R |work= The Skeptic's Dictionary |date= November 26, 2012 |archive-date= May 14, 2011 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110514011749/http://skepdic.com/natural.html |url-status= live }}{{cite web |url= http://www.ncahf.org/pp/herbal.html |title= NCAHF Position Paper on Over the Counter Herbal Remedies (1995) |access-date= 2009-04-17 |year= 1995 |publisher= National Council Against Health Fraud |archive-date= July 7, 2011 |archive-url= http://webarchive.loc.gov/all/20110707163329/http://www.ncahf.org/pp/herbal.html |url-status= live }}

Certain naturopathic treatments offered by naturopaths, such as homeopathy, rolfing, and iridology, are widely considered pseudoscience or quackery.{{cite web |title= Chapter 7 Science and Technology: Public Attitudes and Public Understanding, Section: Belief in Alternative Medicine |url= https://www.nsf.gov/statistics/seind02/c7/c7s5.htm#c7s5l2a |work= Science and Engineering Indicators - 2002 |date= January 15, 2002 |author= National Science Board |publisher= Division of Science Resources Statistics, National Science Foundation |location= Arlington, VA |access-date= 2018-04-06 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160616181809/http://www.nsf.gov/statistics/seind02/c7/c7s5.htm#c7s5l2a |archive-date= 2016-06-16 |url-status= dead |author-link= National Science Board }}{{cite journal | vauthors = Wahlberg A | title = A quackery with a difference-new medical pluralism and the problem of 'dangerous practitioners' in the United Kingdom | journal = Social Science & Medicine | volume = 65 | issue = 11 | pages = 2307–2316 | date = December 2007 | pmid = 17719708 | doi = 10.1016/j.socscimed.2007.07.024 | url = https://curis.ku.dk/ws/files/49590510/Wahlberg.2007.Aquackerywithadifference.pdf | access-date = December 10, 2019 | archive-date = January 14, 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210114003657/https://curis.ku.dk/ws/files/49590510/Wahlberg.2007.Aquackerywithadifference.pdf | url-status = live }}{{cite web |title= Iridology is Nonsense |url= http://www.quackwatch.com/01QuackeryRelatedTopics/iridology.html |vauthors= Barrett S |date= March 28, 2008 |work= QuackWatch |access-date= 2013-09-08 |archive-date= April 6, 2011 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110406120005/http://www.quackwatch.com/01QuackeryRelatedTopics/iridology.html |url-status= live }} Stephen Barrett of QuackWatch and the National Council Against Health Fraud has stated that naturopathy is "simplistic and that its practices are riddled with quackery".{{Cite web|title=Homeopathy|url=https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/homeopathy/|date=2017-10-18|website=nhs.uk|language=en|access-date=2020-05-21|archive-date=May 13, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200513190309/https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/homeopathy/|url-status=live}} "Non-scientific health care practitioners, including naturopaths, use unscientific methods and deception on a public who, lacking in-depth health care knowledge, must rely upon the assurance of providers. Quackery not only harms people, it undermines the ability to conduct scientific research and should be opposed by scientists", says William T. Jarvis.{{cite journal | vauthors = Jarvis WT | title = Quackery: a national scandal | journal = Clinical Chemistry | volume = 38 | issue = 8B Pt 2 | pages = 1574–1586 | date = August 1992 | pmid = 1643742 }} In the 2018 Australian case against Marlyin Bodnar, who advised a mother to treat her infant son's eczema with a raw food diet which nearly led to the child's starvation death, Judge Peter Berman said, "Well intentioned but seriously misguided advice is, as the facts of this case demonstrate, capable of causing great harm and even death to vulnerable children."{{cite web| vauthors = Sutton C |title=Naturopath jailed in starving baby case|url=http://www.news.com.au/national/nsw-act/courts-law/naturopath-faces-sentencing-in-starving-baby-case/news-story/bc594346e08341bfee402f19471b830d|website=news.com.au|access-date=24 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180424055207/http://www.news.com.au/national/nsw-act/courts-law/naturopath-faces-sentencing-in-starving-baby-case/news-story/bc594346e08341bfee402f19471b830d|archive-date=24 April 2018|language=en|date=5 April 2018}} Furthermore, Britt Hermes criticizes the "pervasive culture of patient blaming" among naturopathic practitioners, where "when something doesn't work for the patient and the patient is not experiencing all of the positive effects and zero side-effects that are promised with the therapy, it's never because the therapy doesn't work, it's because the patient didn't do something right."

{{See also|Vaccine hesitancy}}

alt=Cases of measles from 1938 to 1963 followed a highly variable epidemic pattern, with 150,000–850,000 cases reported per year. A sharp decline followed after the introduction of the first [[measles vaccine in 1963, with fewer than 25,000 cases reported in 1968. Outbreaks around 1971 and 1977 gave 75,000 and 57,000 cases, respectively. Cases were stable at a few thousand per year until an outbreak of 28,000 in 1990. Cases declined from a few hundred per year in the early 1990s to a few dozen in the 2000s. | thumb | Measles cases reported in the United States fell dramatically after the introduction of the measles vaccine.]]

Many naturopathy practitioners voice their opposition to vaccination. The reasons for this opposition are based, in part, on the early views which shaped the foundation of this occupation.{{cite journal | vauthors = Ernst E | title = Rise in popularity of complementary and alternative medicine: reasons and consequences for vaccination | journal = Vaccine | volume = 20 Suppl 1 | issue = Suppl. 1, 5th European Conference on Vaccinology: A Safe Future with Vaccination | pages = S90-3; discussion S89 | date = October 2001 | pmid = 11587822 | doi = 10.1016/S0264-410X(01)00290-0 | author-link = Edzard Ernst }} A naturopathy textbook, co-authored by Joseph Pizzorno, recalls anti-vaccine beliefs associated with the founding of naturopathy in the United States: "a return to nature in regulating the diet, breathing, exercising, bathing and the employment of various forces" in lieu of the smallpox vaccine.{{cite book| vauthors = Pizzorno JE, Murray MT |title=Textbook of Natural Medicine e-edition: Text with Continually Updated Online Reference, 2-Volume Set|date=2011|publisher=Elsevier|isbn=978-1-4557-0527-6|edition=third|quote=To understand how revolting these products are, let us just refer to the vaccine matter which is supposed to be an efficient preventive of smallpox. [...] The natural system for curing disease is based on a return to nature in regulating the diet, breathing, exercising, bathing and the employment of various forces to eliminate the poisonous products in the system, and so raise the vitality of the patient to a proper standard of health.|page=43}}

In general, evidence about associations between naturopathy and pediatric vaccination is sparse, but "published reports suggest that only a minority of naturopathic physicians actively support full vaccination".{{cite journal | vauthors = Downey L, Tyree PT, Huebner CE, Lafferty WE | title = Pediatric vaccination and vaccine-preventable disease acquisition: associations with care by complementary and alternative medicine providers | journal = Maternal and Child Health Journal | volume = 14 | issue = 6 | pages = 922–930 | date = November 2010 | pmid = 19760163 | pmc = 2924961 | doi = 10.1007/s10995-009-0519-5 }} Quote is taken from introduction to paper, not from results of research presented in this paper.{{cite journal | vauthors = Herzog R, Álvarez-Pasquin MJ, Díaz C, Del Barrio JL, Estrada JM, Gil Á | title = Are healthcare workers' intentions to vaccinate related to their knowledge, beliefs and attitudes? A systematic review | journal = BMC Public Health | volume = 13 | pages = 154 | date = February 2013 | pmid = 23421987 | pmc = 3602084 | doi = 10.1186/1471-2458-13-154 | doi-access = free }} In Washington state from 2000 to 2003, children were significantly less likely to receive immunizations if they had seen a naturopath. A survey of naturopathic students published in 2004 found that students at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine became less likely to recommend vaccinations to their patients and became more distrustful of public health and conventional medicine as they advanced in the program.

The British Columbia Naturopathic Association lists several major concerns regarding the pediatric vaccine schedule and vaccines in general,{{cite web|title=BCNA Vaccination Position Paper|url=http://www.bcna.ca/files_3/articles-vaccination.php|publisher=British Columbia Naturopathic Association|access-date=15 July 2014|archive-date=July 19, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140719051132/http://www.bcna.ca/files_3/articles-vaccination.php|url-status=live}} and the group's policy is to not advocate for or against vaccines.{{cite journal|vauthors=Brown H|title=Influenza Virus, Vaccination and Naturopathic Practice|journal=Naturopathic Doctor News and Review|date=21 December 2007|url=http://ndnr.com/nature-cure/influenza-virus-vaccination-and-naturopathic-practice/|access-date=20 October 2016|archive-date=January 14, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210114003701/https://ndnr.com/nature-cure/influenza-virus-vaccination-and-naturopathic-practice/|url-status=live}} The Oregon Association of Naturopathic Physicians reports that many naturopaths "customize" the pediatric vaccine schedule.{{cite web|title=Naturopathic Primary Care|url=http://www.thelundreport.org/sites/default/files/u967/ND%20Primary%20Care%20in%20Oregon%20White%20Paper%20-%20Final.pdf|publisher=Oregon Association of Naturopathic Physicians|access-date=15 July 2014|archive-date=June 14, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130614203253/http://www.thelundreport.org/sites/default/files/u967/ND%20Primary%20Care%20in%20Oregon%20White%20Paper%20-%20Final.pdf|url-status=live}}

As of April 25, 2022, a British Columbia government report found that 69.2% of naturopaths reported having received at least two COVID vaccines or receiving a medical exemption. This was much lower than all the other regulated medical professions in the report. The number for two professions{{snd}}dieticians and physicians/surgeons{{snd}}was 98%.{{cite news |title=Naturopaths, chiropractors least vaccinated of all B.C. health professionals, province says |last1=Larsen |first1=Karin |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/naturopaths-chiropractors-least-vaccinated-1.6439886 |access-date=11 May 2022 |agency=CBC |date=10 May 2022}}{{cite news |title=Data published on vaccination status of regulated health professions |url=https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2022HLTH0138-000737 |access-date=11 May 2022 |work=news.gov.bc.ca |agency=BC Gov News |date=10 May 2022 |language=en}}

{{as of|2016}}, the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians, which is the largest professional organization for licensed naturopaths in the U.S., is "still discussing its stance on vaccinations".{{cite news|vauthors=Robins R|title=Funded by vitamin makers, naturopaths push to expand in US|url=https://www.statnews.com/2016/05/17/naturopaths-go-mainstream/|access-date=18 May 2016|work=STAT|date=17 May 2016|archive-date=January 14, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210114003710/https://www.statnews.com/2016/05/17/naturopaths-go-mainstream/|url-status=live}}

Naturopath practitioners can generally be categorized into three groups: 1) those with a government issued license; 2) those who practice outside of an official status ("traditional naturopaths"); 3) those who are primarily another kind of health professional who also practices naturopathy.{{Cite web | title =Naturopathy: An Introduction | publisher =National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, National Institutes of Health, United States Department of Health and Human Services | orig-date =Created April 2007 | date =March 2012 | url =http://nccih.nih.gov/health/naturopathy/naturopathyintro.htm?nav=gsa | access-date =2013-03-16 | author = | volume =NCCIH Pub. No. D372 | archive-date =February 23, 2015 | archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20150223110947/https://nccih.nih.gov/health/naturopathy/naturopathyintro.htm?nav=gsa | url-status =live }}{{cite web |author= Iowa Board of Medicine |title= A Policy Statement on Naturopathy |url= http://medicalboard.iowa.gov/policies/naturopathy.html |publisher= Iowa Department of Public Health, State of Iowa |date= February 7, 2002 |access-date= 2013-09-01 |archive-date= April 12, 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130412204820/http://medicalboard.iowa.gov/policies/naturopathy.html |url-status= dead }}The Platform of the American Naturopathic Association as drawn up by the Golden Jubilee Congress. July 27th – August 2nd, 1947{{cite web |url= http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/hpsc/hop/nawg/summary092308.pdf |title= Traditional Naturopathy Working Session Summary September 23 and October 1, 2008 |author= Naturopathy Work Group |publisher= Minnesota Department of Health |access-date= 2010-11-20 |url-status= dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110726104027/http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/hpsc/hop/nawg/summary092308.pdf |archive-date= July 26, 2011 }}

In Switzerland, these divisions fall between those with a federal diploma, those recognized by health insurances, and those with neither federal diploma nor recognition by health insurances. Naturopaths with federal diploma can be divided into four categories: European traditional medicine, Chinese traditional medicine, ayurvedic medicine and homeopathy.{{cite web |url=http://www.sbfi.admin.ch/bvz/hbb/index.html?detail=1&typ=hfp&lang=fr&item=834&abfragen=Chercher |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150904074545/http://www.sbfi.admin.ch/bvz/hbb/index.html?detail=1&typ=hfp&lang=fr&item=834&abfragen=Chercher |url-status=dead |archive-date=2015-09-04 |publisher=State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation |title=Naturopathe avec diplôme fédéral |location=CH }}{{cite web |url=http://apps.who.int/medicinedocs/en/d/Jh2943e/7.19.html |publisher=World Health Organization |title=Legal Status of Traditional Medicine and Complementary/Alternative Medicine: A Worldwide Review |access-date=July 4, 2015 |archive-date=July 5, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150705180602/http://apps.who.int/medicinedocs/en/d/Jh2943e/7.19.html |url-status=dead }} The number of listed naturopaths (including traditional healers) in Switzerland rose from 223 in 1970 to 1835 in 2000.{{cite web |url=http://www.bfs.admin.ch/bfs/portal/fr/index/themen/14/03/04/key/01.html |title=Swiss Federal Statistical Office |location=Switzerland |access-date=2015-07-11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150708081400/http://www.bfs.admin.ch/bfs/portal/fr/index/themen/14/03/04/key/01.html |archive-date=2015-07-08 |url-status=dead }}

Licensed naturopaths may be referred to as "naturopathic doctors" or "naturopathic physicians" in 26 US states or territories and 5 Canadian provinces.{{Cite web|url=https://aanmc.org/naturopathic-news/naturopathic-doctors-wisconsin-licensure/|title=Naturopathic Doctors are Now Licensed in Wisconsin|date=2022-02-17|access-date=2022-02-21|website=AANMC|quote=Wisconsin has just become the 26th U.S. state/territory to regulate naturopathic doctors.}} Licensed naturopaths present themselves as primary care providers. Licensed naturopaths do not receive comparable training to medical doctors in terms of the quality of education or quantity of hours.

In British Columbia, legislation permits licensed naturopaths to use the title "doctor" or "physician".{{cite web |url=http://www.bclaws.ca/civix/document/id/complete/statreg/282_2008 |title=Health Professions Act: Naturopathic Physicians Regulation |at=B.C. Reg. 282/2008 M242/2008 |publisher=Queen's Printer |location=Victoria, British Columbia |date=October 2008 |access-date=18 August 2016 |archive-date=January 14, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210114003734/https://www.bclaws.gov.bc.ca/civix/document/id/complete/statreg/282_2008 |url-status=live }} However, section 102 of the bylaw of the College of Naturopathic Physicians of British Columbia (CNPBC), the terms "naturopathic" or "naturopathic medicine" must be included anytime the term doctor or physician is used by a member of the CNPBC.{{Cite web|url=http://www.cnpbc.bc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2019-12-27-CNPBC-Bylaws-Consolidation.pdf|title=Bylaws of the College of Naturopathic Physicians of British Columbia}}{{Cite web |url=https://www.straight.com/news/1360161/surrey-city-councillor-and-naturopath-allison-patton-fined-and-suspended-calling |title=Surrey city councillor and naturopath Allison Patton fined and suspended for calling herself a "physician" |date=February 13, 2020 |access-date=April 14, 2020 |archive-date=January 14, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210114003702/https://www.straight.com/news/1360161/surrey-city-councillor-and-naturopath-allison-patton-fined-and-suspended-calling |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |url=https://www.surreynowleader.com/news/surrey-councillor-fined-suspended-from-naturopathy-for-misusing-physician-title/ |title=Surrey councillor fined, suspended from naturopathy for misusing 'physician' title |date=February 12, 2020 |access-date=April 14, 2020 |archive-date=January 14, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210114003717/https://www.surreynowleader.com/news/surrey-councillor-fined-suspended-from-naturopathy-for-misusing-physician-title/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/complaint-filed-against-surrey-naturopath-turned-councillor-who-campaigned-as-physician-1.4907555 |title=Complaint filed against Surrey naturopath-turned-councillor who campaigned as 'physician' |access-date=April 14, 2020 |archive-date=January 14, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210114003716/https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/complaint-filed-against-surrey-naturopath-turned-councillor-who-campaigned-as-physician-1.4907555 |url-status=live }}

File:NCNM3.jpg trains students in naturopathic medicine who are eligible to become licensed in some jurisdictions in North America.]]

File:Bastyr University Garden.jpg, another naturopathic program whose graduates can become licensed naturopaths in some North American jurisdictions]]

Licensed naturopaths must pass the Naturopathic Physicians Licensing Examinations (NPLEX) administered by the North American Board of Naturopathic Examiners (NABNE){{cite web |url= https://www.nabne.org/home/about/ |title= About Us |access-date= 3 September 2013 |publisher= North American Board of Naturopathic Examiners |author= |date= |archive-date= October 5, 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131005181153/https://www.nabne.org/home/about/ |url-status= live }} after graduating from a program accredited by the Council on Naturopathic Medical Education (CNME).{{Cite web|title=Naturopathy|url=https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/naturopathy|website=NCCIH|language=en|access-date=2020-05-27|archive-date=March 31, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200331033317/https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/naturopathy|url-status=live}} Training in CNME-accredited programs includes basic medical diagnostics and procedures such as rudimentary physical exams and common blood tests, in addition to pseudoscientific modalities, such as homeopathy, acupuncture, and energy modalities.{{cite journal | vauthors = Atwood KC | title = Naturopathy: a critical appraisal | journal = MedGenMed | volume = 5 | issue = 4 | pages = 39 | date = December 2003 | pmid = 14745386 | url = http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/465994 | access-date = September 4, 2013 | archive-date = March 2, 2013 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130302030226/http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/465994 | url-status = live }}{{registration required}}

These accredited programs have been criticized for misrepresenting their medical rigor and teaching subjects that are antithetical to the best understandings of science and medicine.{{cite web|vauthors=Hermes B|author-link1=Britt Marie Hermes|title=ND Confession, Part 1: Clinical training inside and out|url=https://www.sciencebasedmedicine.org/nd-confession-part-1-clinical-training-inside-and-out|website=Science-Based Medicine|access-date=23 July 2016|date=13 March 2015|archive-date=January 14, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210114003703/https://sciencebasedmedicine.org/nd-confession-part-1-clinical-training-inside-and-out/|url-status=live}} The CNME as an accrediting authority has been characterized as unreliable and suffering from conflicts of interest.{{cite news|vauthors=Mangan KS|title=Report Recommends Stripping Naturopathy Council of Its Accrediting Authority|url=http://chronicle.com/article/Report-Recommends-Stripping/113719|access-date=23 July 2016|work=The Chronicle of Higher Education|date=2 December 1999|archive-date=January 14, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210114003742/https://www.chronicle.com/article/report-recommends-stripping-naturopathy-council-of-its-accrediting-authority/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|vauthors=Hermes B|author-link1=Britt Marie Hermes|title=ND Confession, Part II: The Accreditation of Naturopathic "Medical" Education|url=https://www.sciencebasedmedicine.org/nd-confession-part-ii-the-accreditation-of-naturopathic-medical-education/|website=Science-Based Medicine|access-date=23 July 2016|date=29 August 2015|archive-date=July 10, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160710155040/https://www.sciencebasedmedicine.org/nd-confession-part-ii-the-accreditation-of-naturopathic-medical-education/|url-status=live}}{{Cite report |author=Society for Science-Based Medicine |date=2014 |title=Report to the Maryland Board of Physicians Naturopathic Advisory Committee: Recommendations for Naturopathic Regulation |url=http://sfsbm.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=486:naturopathic-board&catid=52:legislative&Itemid=435 |access-date=23 July 2016 |archive-date=January 14, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210114003654/http://sfsbm.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=486%3Anaturopathic-board&catid=52%3Alegislative&Itemid=435 |url-status=live }} The naturopathic licensing exam has been called a mystery by those outside the naturopathic profession{{cite web|title=MMS Testimony in Opposition to H. 1992 and S. 1205, An Act to Create a Board of Registration in Naturopathy|url=http://www.massmed.org/Advocacy/MMS-Testimony/MMS-Testimony-in-Opposition-to-H--1992-and-S--1205,-An-Act-to-Create-a-Board-of-Registration-in-Naturopathy/#.VtgJaZMrKrO|website=Massachusetts Medical Society|access-date=30 July 2016|archive-date=May 22, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160522130005/http://www.massmed.org/Advocacy/MMS-Testimony/MMS-Testimony-in-Opposition-to-H--1992-and-S--1205,-An-Act-to-Create-a-Board-of-Registration-in-Naturopathy/#.VtgJaZMrKrO|url-status=live}} and criticized for testing on homeopathic remedies,{{cite web|vauthors=Gorski D|author-link1=David Gorski|title=Naturopathy and Science|url=https://www.sciencebasedmedicine.org/naturopathy-and-science/|publisher=ScienceBasedMedicine.org|access-date=3 March 2016|date=21 February 2011|archive-date=January 14, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210114003753/https://sciencebasedmedicine.org/naturopathy-and-science/|url-status=live}} including for the use to treat pediatric emergencies.

Several schools in North America exist for the study of naturopathic medicine, some accredited by the CNME.{{cite web |title=Accredited Naturopathic Medical Schools |url=https://aanmc.org/naturopathic-schools/ |website=Association of Accredited Naturopathic Medical Colleges }} The CNME and the Association of Accredited Naturopathic Medical Colleges (AANMC) claim entrance requirements and curricula at accredited colleges are often similar or comparable to those required and offered at conventional medical schools.{{cite web |title=ND, MD/DO, NP: WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE? |url=https://aanmc.org/comparing-nd-md-curricula/ |website=Association of Accredited Naturopathic Medical Colleges |access-date=15 November 2023}} However, the lack of accreditation by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education may indicate insufficiency of scientific medical training and/or quantifiable positive results, and accordingly it remains disputed whether graduates of medical colleges accredited by the CNME have the competency of Medical Doctors and Doctors of Osteopathy.{{cite web |title=ND Confession, Part II: The Accreditation of Naturopathic "Medical" Education |url=https://sciencebasedmedicine.org/nd-confession-part-ii-the-accreditation-of-naturopathic-medical-education/ |website=Science-Based Medicine |date=August 30, 2015 |access-date=15 November 2023}}

Naturopathic doctors are not eligible for medical residencies, which are available exclusively for medical doctors and doctors of osteopathic medicine. There are limited post-graduate "residency" positions available to naturopathic doctors offered through naturopathic schools and naturopathic clinics approved by the CNME.{{cite web|title=Handbook on CNME Postdoctoral Naturopathic Medical Education Sponsor Recognition Process and Standards (2005)|url=http://www.cnme.org/resources/residency_handbook.pdf|publisher=Council on Naturopathic Medical Education|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060615111625/https://cnme.org/resources/residency_handbook.pdf|archive-date=15 June 2006}} Most naturopathic doctors do not complete such a residency, and naturopathic doctors are not mandated to complete one for licensure, except in the states of Utah and Connecticut.{{cite web |url=http://www.dopl.utah.gov/licensing/forms/applications/072_naturopathic_phys.pdf |title=Application for Licensure: Naturopathic Physician |website=Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing, Utah Department of Commerce |publisher=State of Utah |date=February 17, 2012 |page=1 |access-date=2013-09-08 |archive-date=June 29, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100629150914/http://dopl.utah.gov/licensing/forms/applications/072_naturopathic_phys.pdf}} Continuing education in naturopathic modalities for health care professionals varies greatly.

Naturopathic practitioners affiliated with the CNME-accredited schools lobby state, provincial, and federal governments for medical licensure and participation in social health programs. The American Association of Naturopathic Physicians represents licensed naturopaths in the United States; the Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors represents licensed naturopaths in Canada.{{cite news|vauthors=Carly W|title=Are we being served by the regulation of naturopaths? Not if patients are still being misled|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/health-and-fitness/health/canadian-naturopaths-need-to-follow-the-rules-if-they-want-regulation/article29785140/|work=The Globe and Mail|access-date=23 July 2016|date=29 April 2016|archive-date=January 14, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210114003753/https://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/health-and-fitness/health/canadian-naturopaths-need-to-follow-the-rules-if-they-want-regulation/article29785140/|url-status=live}} Naturopathic lobbying efforts are funded by vitamin and supplement makers and focus on portraying naturopathic education as comparable to medical education received by physicians and on having high professional standards.{{cite news|title=ND vs MD -- Battle Lines Drawn in California|url=http://www.medpagetoday.com/publichealthpolicy/workforce/51917|access-date=24 July 2016|date=3 June 2015|archive-date=July 25, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160725123138/http://www.medpagetoday.com/publichealthpolicy/workforce/51917|url-status=live}} Medical societies and advocacy groups dispute these claims by citing evidence of licensed naturopathic practitioners using pseudoscientific methods without a sound evidence basis and lacking adequate clinical training to diagnose and treat disease competently according to the standard of care.{{cite news|vauthors=Frosch D|title=Licensing Naturopaths Incites Debate in Colorado|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/22/health/22license.html?_r=0|access-date=24 July 2016|work=The New York Times|date=21 February 2011|archive-date=February 2, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202003854/http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/22/health/22license.html?_r=0|url-status=live}}{{cite news|vauthors=Lambeck L|title=New law could let Connecticut naturopathic physicians write prescriptions|url=http://www.ctpost.com/local/article/New-law-could-let-Connecticut-naturopathic-7942677.php|access-date=25 July 2016|work=Connecticut Post|date=24 May 2016|archive-date=August 28, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160828130127/http://www.ctpost.com/local/article/New-law-could-let-Connecticut-naturopathic-7942677.php|url-status=live}} Jann Bellamy has characterized the process by which naturopathic practitioners and other practitioners of pseudoscience convince lawmakers to provide them with medical licenses as "legislative alchemy".{{cite web|vauthors=Bellamy J|title=Legislative Alchemy 2014 (so far)|url=https://www.sciencebasedmedicine.org/legislative-alchemy-2014-so-far/|website=Science-Based Medicine|access-date=21 July 2016|date=15 May 2014|archive-date=February 20, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160220135945/https://www.sciencebasedmedicine.org/legislative-alchemy-2014-so-far/|url-status=live}}

Since 2005, the Massachusetts Medical Society has opposed licensure based on concerns that NDs are not required to participate in residency and concerns that the practices of naturopaths included many "erroneous and potentially dangerous claims".{{cite web |first= |last= |title= Massachusetts Medical Society Testifies in Opposition to Licensing Naturopaths |date= May 11, 2005 |publisher= Massachusetts Medical Society |url= http://www.massmed.org/AM/PrinterTemplate.cfm?Section=Home&CONTENTID=12458&TEMPLATE=/CM/ContentDisplay.cfm |access-date= 2009-04-17 |archive-date= 2011-07-16 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110716132319/http://www.massmed.org/AM/PrinterTemplate.cfm?Section=Home&CONTENTID=12458&TEMPLATE=%2FCM%2FContentDisplay.cfm |url-status= dead }} The Massachusetts Special Commission on Complementary and Alternative Medical Practitioners rejected their concerns and recommended licensure.{{cite web |title=Majority Report of the Special Commission on Complementary and Alternative Medical Practitioners: A Report to the Legislature |date=January 2002 |author=The Special Commission on Complementary and Alternative Medical Practitioners |publisher=Massachusetts: The Special Commission on Complementary and Alternative Medical Practitioners |url=http://www.quackwatch.com/01QuackeryRelatedTopics/Naturopathy/majority.pdf |access-date=2010-11-10 |archive-date=January 21, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120121012802/http://www.quackwatch.com/01QuackeryRelatedTopics/Naturopathy/majority.pdf |url-status=live }} The Massachusetts Medical Society states:

{{Blockquote|Naturopathic medical school is not a medical school in anything but the appropriation of the word medical. Naturopathy is not a branch of medicine. It is a hodge podge of nutritional advice, home remedies and discredited treatments ... Naturopathic colleges claim accreditation but follow a true "alternative" accreditation method that is virtually meaningless. They are not accredited by the same bodies that accredit real medical schools and while some courses have similar titles to the curricula of legitimate medical schools the content is completely different.|author=|title=|source=}}

In 2015, a former naturopathic doctor, Britt Marie Hermes, who graduated from Bastyr University and practiced as a licensed ND in Washington and Arizona, began advocating against naturopathic medicine.{{cite journal | vauthors = Hermes B |title=Beware the Naturopathic Cancer Quack |journal=Skeptical Inquirer |date=April 2020 |volume=44 |issue=2 |pages=38–44 |url=https://skepticalinquirer.org/2020/03/beware-the-naturopathic-cancer-quack/ }}{{cite news| vauthors = Senapathy K |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/kavinsenapathy/2016/05/31/why-is-big-naturopathy-afraid-of-this-lone-whistleblower|title=Why Is Big Naturopathy Afraid Of This Lone Whistleblower?|date=2016-05-31|work=Forbes|url-status=live|archive-url=https://archive.today/20200322212737/https://www.forbes.com/sites/kavinsenapathy/2016/05/31/why-is-big-naturopathy-afraid-of-this-lone-whistleblower/%233d54f5de7ee4|archive-date=March 22, 2020|location=US|access-date=September 5, 2017}}{{cite news|vauthors=Belluz J|author-link=Julia Belluz|title=Why one naturopath quit after watching her peers treat cancer patients|url=https://www.vox.com/2015/9/2/9248713/britt-hermes|work=Vox|date=2 September 2015|access-date=June 13, 2017|archive-date=October 14, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171014084313/https://www.vox.com/2015/9/2/9248713/britt-hermes|url-status=live}} In addition to opposing further licensure, she believes that NDs should not be allowed to use the titles "doctor" or "physician", and be barred from treating children.{{cite news |publisher=CBC |author=Jim Brown |title=Former naturopathic doctor calls for an end to naturopathic pediatrics |work=The 180 |date=10 April 2016 |url=http://www.cbc.ca/radio/the180/a-former-naturopath-speaks-out-why-precarious-work-can-be-good-and-will-assisted-death-come-to-rural-canada-1.3525870/former-naturopathic-doctor-calls-for-an-end-to-naturopathic-pediatrics-1.3525946 |access-date=June 8, 2016 |archive-date=June 12, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160612215149/http://www.cbc.ca/radio/the180/a-former-naturopath-speaks-out-why-precarious-work-can-be-good-and-will-assisted-death-come-to-rural-canada-1.3525870/former-naturopathic-doctor-calls-for-an-end-to-naturopathic-pediatrics-1.3525946 |url-status=live }}{{cite news| vauthors = Kirkey S |title=Should naturopaths be restricted from treating children after tragic death of Alberta toddler? |url=http://news.nationalpost.com/news/canada/should-naturopaths-be-restricted-from-treating-children-in-wake-of-death-of-alberta-toddler |access-date=8 June 2016 |work=National Post |date=4 April 2016 }} She states:{{cite web|vauthors=Britt H|author-link1=Britt Marie Hermes|title=How A Former Naturopath Can Help Unravel The Trickery Of Alternative Medicine|url=http://www.science20.com/britt_marie_hermes/how_a_former_naturopath_can_help_unravel_the_trickery_of_alternative_medicine-175036|website=Science 2.0|access-date=30 July 2016|date=21 June 2016|archive-date=January 14, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210114003748/https://www.science20.com/britt_marie_hermes/how_a_former_naturopath_can_help_unravel_the_trickery_of_alternative_medicine-175036|url-status=live}}

{{Blockquote|Naturopaths aggressively lobby for laws to issue them medical licenses. I would characterize this political effort as a perverted redefinition of the words "physician", "doctor", "medical school", and "residency" in order to mask the inadequacy of the training provided in naturopathic programs. ND students do not realize that they are taking educational shortcuts and therefore do not possess any demonstrable competencies found in modern medicine.|author=|title=|source=}}

File:Hugh Mercer Apothecary 02.jpg in Fredericksburg, Virginia, a pharmacy founded by Hugh Mercer, a Scottish physician, in the mid-18th century. It is now a museum demonstrating 18th Century medical treatments.]]

Traditional naturopaths are represented in the United States by the American Naturopathic Association (ANA), representing about 1,800 practitioners{{cite book|veditors=Swartout KA|title=Encyclopedia of Associations|edition=44|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Wf6PPHSMD4IC|access-date=2013-09-04|year=2006|publisher=Thomson Gale|isbn=978-0-7876-8286-6|pages=1777–1778|archive-date=December 3, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161203184157/https://books.google.com/books?id=Wf6PPHSMD4IC|url-status=live}} and the American Naturopathic Medical Association (ANMA).

The level of naturopathic training varies among traditional naturopaths in the United States. Traditional naturopaths may complete non-degree certificate programs or undergraduate degree programs and generally refer to themselves as naturopathic consultants. These programs often offer online unaccredited degrees, but do not offer comprehensive biomedical education or clinical training.

Traditional naturopathic practitioners surveyed in Australia perceive evidence-based medicine to be an ideological assault on their beliefs in vitalistic and holistic principles. They advocate for the integrity of natural medicine practice.

Naturopaths graduating from accredited programs argued in 2002 that their training used evidence-based scientific principles unlike traditional naturopathic programs,{{cite journal | vauthors = Smith MJ, Logan AC | title = Naturopathy | journal = The Medical Clinics of North America | volume = 86 | issue = 1 | pages = 173–184 | date = January 2002 | pmid = 11795088 | doi = 10.1016/S0025-7125(03)00079-8 }} but this claim remains inaccurate.

Naturopathy is practiced in many countries and is subject to different standards of regulation and levels of acceptance. The scope of practice varies widely between jurisdictions, with some covering naturopathy under medical regulation and allowing practitioners to prescribe drugs and perform minor surgery, while other jurisdictions outlaw naturopathy entirely.{{citation needed|date=November 2022}}

In 1977, a Commonwealth Government inquiry reviewed all colleges of naturopathy in Australia and found that despite having syllabuses appearing to cover the basic biomedical sciences, actual lectures had little connection to those syllabuses and no significant practical work was available. In addition, there did not appear to be significant or systematic coverage of techniques favoured by naturopaths, such as homeopathy, Bach's floral remedies, or mineral salts.

The position of the Australian Medical Association is that "evidence-based aspects of complementary medicine can be part of patient care by a medical practitioner", but it has concerns that there is "limited efficacy evidence regarding most complementary medicine. Unproven complementary medicines and therapies can pose a risk to patient health either directly through misuse or indirectly if a patient defers seeking medical advice." The AMA's position on regulation is that "there should be appropriate regulation of complementary medicine practitioners and their activities".{{cite web |url=https://ama.com.au/position-statement/complementary-medicine-2012 |title=AMA Position Statement: Complementary Medicine - 2012 |date=28 August 2012 |publisher=Australian Medical Association |access-date=21 March 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402150707/https://ama.com.au/position-statement/complementary-medicine-2012 |archive-date=April 2, 2015 |url-status=dead }}

In 2015, the Australian government found no clear evidence of effectiveness for naturopathy. Accordingly, In 2017 the Australian government named naturopathy as a practice that would not qualify for insurance subsidies, saying this step would "ensure taxpayer funds are expended appropriately and not directed to therapies lacking evidence".{{cite journal |title=Homeopathy, naturopathy struck off private insurance list |author=Paola S |date=17 October 2017 |journal=Australian Journal of Pharmacy |url=https://ajp.com.au/news/homeopathy-naturopathy-struck-off-private-insurance-list/ |access-date=January 11, 2018 |archive-date=January 14, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210114003745/https://ajp.com.au/news/homeopathy-naturopathy-struck-off-private-insurance-list/ |url-status=live }}

In India, naturopathy is overseen by the Department of Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy (AYUSH); there is a 5½-year degree in "Bachelor of Naturopathy and Yogic Sciences" (BNYS) degree that was offered by twelve colleges in India {{as of|2010|August|lc=y}}.Ministry of AYUSH. Page updated August 21, 2010 [http://indianmedicine.nic.in/index2.asp?slid=34&sublinkid=22&lang=1 AYUSH: Naturopathy] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150306043724/http://www.indianmedicine.nic.in/index2.asp?slid=34&sublinkid=22&lang=1 |date=2015-03-06 }}. Page accessed March 21, 2015 The National Institute of Naturopathy in Pune that operates under AYUSH, which was established on December 22, 1986, and encourages facilities for standardization and propagation of the existing knowledge and its application through research in naturopathy throughout India.Ministry of AYUSH. Page updated September 23, 2010 [http://indianmedicine.nic.in/index3.asp?sslid=191&subsublinkid=84&lang=1 AYUSH: National Institute of Naturopathy, Pune] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150220002629/http://indianmedicine.nic.in/index3.asp?sslid=191&subsublinkid=84&lang=1 |date=2015-02-20 }}. Page accessed March 21, 2015{{cite web |url= http://punenin.org/about.htm |title= About: National Institute of Naturopathy |access-date= March 21, 2015 |archive-date= March 6, 2015 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150306211356/http://punenin.org/about.htm |url-status= live }}

{{anchor|Naturopathic Medical Doctor}}

In five Canadian provinces, seventeen U.S. states, and the District of Columbia, naturopathic doctors who are trained at an accredited school of naturopathic medicine in North America are entitled to use the designation ND or NMD. Elsewhere, the designations "naturopath", "naturopathic doctor", and "doctor of natural medicine" are generally unprotected or prohibited.{{Cite report |date=2009 |title=AMA Scope of Practice Data Series: Naturopaths |url=http://www.legis.state.ak.us/BASIS/get_documents.asp?session=26&docid=5692 |work=American Medical Association |via=The Alaska State Legislature |access-date=30 July 2016 |archive-date=June 29, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160629235905/http://www.legis.state.ak.us/BASIS/get_documents.asp?session=26&docid=5692 |url-status=live }}

In North America, each jurisdiction that regulates naturopathy defines a local scope of practice for naturopathic doctors that can vary considerably. Some regions permit minor surgery, access to prescription drugs, spinal manipulations, midwifery (natural childbirth), and gynecology; other regions exclude these from the naturopathic scope of practice or prohibit the practice of naturopathy entirely.{{cite web|url=http://www.dora.state.co.us/OPR/archive/2008NaturopathicPhysiciansSunrise.pdf |archive-date= 2008-10-02 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20081002001141/http://www.dora.state.co.us/opr/archive/2008NaturopathicPhysiciansSunrise.pdf |date= January 4, 2008 |title=2008 Sunrise Review: Naturopathic Physicians |pages=18–19 |website=Department of Regulatory Agencies |publisher=State of Colorado}}

Five Canadian provinces license naturopathic doctors: Ontario, British Columbia, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta.{{cite web |url= http://www.cand.ca/index.php?40 |title= Questions: Education and Regulation |access-date= 2013-09-06 |work= Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors website |publisher= |author= |date= |archive-date= July 6, 2011 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110706170455/http://www.cand.ca/index.php?40 |url-status= live }}{{Cite web|title = History of Naturopathic Medicine|url = http://www.cand.ca/index.php?51&L=0|website = www.cand.ca|access-date = 2016-02-17|archive-date = January 14, 2021|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210114003735/https://www.cand.ca/?51&L=0|url-status = live}} British Columbia has the largest scope of practice in Canada, allowing certified NDs to prescribe pharmaceuticals and perform minor surgeries.{{cite news |title= B.C. gives naturopaths right to prescribe drugs |url= https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/b-c-gives-naturopaths-right-to-prescribe-drugs-1.843524 |date= April 10, 2009 |author= |work= CBC News |access-date= September 6, 2013 |archive-date= August 20, 2012 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120820102601/http://www.cbc.ca/news/health/story/2009/04/10/bc-naturopaths.html |url-status= live }} Ontario also permits prescription from a modified formulary list, following separate examination.{{cite web |title=Naturopathic Regulatory Authority General Information Links |url=https://fnmra.org/ras |website=The Federation of Naturopathic Medicine Regulatory Authorities |access-date=15 November 2023}}

• U.S. jurisdictions that currently regulate or license naturopathy include Alaska, Arizona, California, Connecticut, Colorado, Delaware, District of Columbia, Hawaii, Idaho, Kansas, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Wisconsin, Puerto Rico,{{cite web |url=http://www.oslpr.org/download/ES/1997/208s0783.pdf |title=Ley para Reglamentar el Ejercicio de la Medicina Naturopática en Puerto Rico [Law to Regulate the Practice of Naturopathic Medicine in Puerto Rico] |language=es |date=December 30, 1997 |url-status= dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20081002072926/http://www.oslpr.org/download/ES/1997/208s0783.pdf |archive-date= 2008-10-02}} US Virgin Islands, Utah, Vermont, and Washington. Additionally, Virginia licenses the practice of naturopathy under a grandfather clause. (This was previously also the case in Florida, though currently no practitioners remain active under the grandfather provisions).{{cite web |title=AN ENDANGERED SPECIES NATUROPATHIC DOCTOR IS CLOSE TO EXTINCTION |url=https://www.orlandosentinel.com/1986/09/18/an-endangered-species-naturopathic-doctor-is-close-to-extinction/ |website=Orlando Sentinel |date=September 18, 1986 |access-date=17 November 2023}}
• U.S. jurisdictions that permit access to prescription drugs: Arizona, California, District of Columbia, Hawaii, Idaho, Kansas, Maine, Montana, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Vermont, and Washington.
• U.S. jurisdictions that permit minor surgery: Arizona, District of Columbia, Kansas, Maine, Montana, Oregon, Utah, Vermont, and Washington.
• Three U.S. states specifically prohibit the practice of naturopathy: Florida,{{cite web |title=Review of State Laws Regulating Naturopathy |url=https://ancb.net/legislative-action-and-advocacy/naturopathy-laws-state-by-state/ |website=American Naturopathic Certification Board |access-date=15 November 2023}}{{cite web |title=Title XXXII REGULATION OF PROFESSIONS AND OCCUPATIONS Chapter 462 NATUROPATHY |url=http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0400-0499/0462/0462.html |website=Online Sunshine |publisher=Florida Legislature |access-date=17 November 2023}} South Carolina{{cite web |url= http://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t40c031.htm |work= South Carolina Code of Laws (Unannotated), Current through the end of the 2007 Regular Session |title= Title 40, Chapter 31, Sections 10 & 20 |url-status= dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090112214025/http://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t40c031.htm |archive-date= January 12, 2009 |publisher= South Carolina Legislative Council}} and Tennessee.{{cite web |at=63.6.205 Practice of naturopathy |title=Title 63 Professions of the Healing Arts, Chapter 6 Medicine and Surgery, Part 2 General Provisions |work=Tennessee Code Annotated |author=State of Tennessee |publisher=Justia |url=http://law.justia.com/codes/tennessee/2010/title-63/chapter-6/part-2/63-6-205/ |year=2013 |access-date=September 7, 2013 |archive-date=October 7, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131007015741/http://law.justia.com/codes/tennessee/2010/title-63/chapter-6/part-2/63-6-205 |url-status=live }}

The Swiss Federal Constitution defines the Swiss Confederation and the Cantons of Switzerland within the scope of their powers to oversee complementary medicine.{{cite web |url= https://www.admin.ch/opc/en/classified-compilation/19995395/index.html#a118a/ |title= Federal Constitution of the Swiss Confederation |at= Art. 118a Complementary medicine |location= CH |access-date= July 4, 2015 |archive-date= June 21, 2016 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160621000507/https://www.admin.ch/opc/en/classified-compilation/19995395/index.html#a118a/ |url-status= live }} (English translation) In particular, the Federal authorities must set up diplomas for the practice of non-scientific medicine. The first of such diplomas has been validated in April 2015 for the practice of naturopathy. There is a long tradition of naturopathy and traditional medicine in Switzerland.{{Cite news|title=Swiss take an holistic approach|url=https://www.irishtimes.com/news/health/swiss-take-an-holistic-approach-1.771119|access-date=2021-11-29|newspaper=The Irish Times|language=en}} The Cantons of Switzerland make their own public health regulations. Although the law in certain cantons is typically monopolistic, the authorities are relatively tolerant with regard to alternative practitioners.

Naturopathy is not regulated in the United Kingdom. In 2012, publicly funded universities in the United Kingdom dropped their alternative medicine programs, including naturopathy.{{cite news |vauthors= Bevanger L |title= UK universities drop alternative medicine degree programs |url= http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,,15673133,00.html |access-date= 2012-02-05 |newspaper= Deutsche Welle |date= January 18, 2012 |archive-date= January 25, 2012 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120125180218/http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,,15673133,00.html |url-status= live }}

{{Portal|Medicine}}

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• Appeal to nature
• Arnold Ehret
• Essential nutrient
• Friedrich Eduard Bilz
• Barbara O'Neill
• Health freedom movement
• Heilpraktiker
• Kneipp facility
• List of ineffective cancer treatments
• List of topics characterized as pseudoscience
• Megavitamin therapy
• Orthomolecular medicine
• Osteopathy and osteopathic medicine
• Phytonutrient
• Therapeutic nihilism

{{div col end}}

{{Reflist}}

{{Commons category}}

• [http://www.cnme.org Council on Naturopathic Medical Education]
• [http://www.anma.org/ American Naturopathic Medical Association]
• [http://www.naturopathic.org/ American Association of Naturopathic Physicians]
• [http://www.cand.ca/ Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors]

{{Naturopathy}}

{{Traditional Medicine}}

{{Pseudoscience}}

{{Authority control}}

Category:Vitalism

Category:Pseudoscience

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