Naturopathy, though older than modern medicine, is relatively unknown in the United States. It uses natural processes to encourage the body's immune system.

A Brief History

The European history of naturopathy goes back to Hippocrates and the principles of using natural means such as herbs or hot springs to stimulate healing have existed throughout history. In the eighteenth century in Europe there was a movement within medicine to be very scientific and use strong chemicals to control illness. This is sometimes referred to as “heroic medicine.” Naturopathy, as we know it today, evolved as a natural reaction against “heroic medicine.”

Some pioneers

Vincent Priessnitz (1799-1852)

As a boy, Priessnitz watched a stag bathing an injured leg in a mountain stream over a period of several days. Later as a hard-working farmer, he would bath his injuries in the cold brooks that ran through his farm. He began treating his neighbors and over time developed a reputation as a healer. The medical authorities charged him with practicing medicine but when they raided his home they found only sponges. By 1833 he was seeing hundreds of patients in a clinic that provided cold water treatments.

Arnold Rikli (1823-1906)

Rikli was known as the “sun doctor” because he believed in fresh air and sun to cure most ailments. He also added steam and hot water treatments believing that the contrast between hot and cold was therapeutic.

Sebastian Kneipp (1824-1897)

Kneipp was a humble priest in a small village when he began curing his flock with pure water, air, exercise and herbs. He is possibly the first person who could be thought of as a modern naturopath. In the late 1800s, an American newspaper surveyed their two million readers asking who were the most famous people in the world. Father Kneipp was number three behind the president of the US and the chancellor of Germany.

Dozens of other natural healers, both from educated and humble backgrounds, applied various theories to healing. Homeopathy was added and became very prevalent in the US during the late 1800s until the pharmaceutical companies began supporting the medical colleges and influencing their curriculums. Chiropractic, massage and other manipulation therapies were added in the early part of the twentieth century.

A Current Definition:

The U.S. Department of Labor defines the naturopathic physician as one who “diagnoses, treats, and cares for patients, using a system of practice that bases its treatment of all physiological functions and abnormal conditions on natural laws governing the body, utilizes physiological, psychological and mechanical methods, such as air, water, heat, earth, phytotherapy (treatment by use of plants), electrotherapy, physiotherapy, minor or orificial surgery, mechanotherapy, naturopathic corrections and manipulation, and all natural methods or modalities, together with natural medicines, natural processed foods, herbs, and natural remedies. Excludes major surgery, therapeutic use of x-ray and radium, and use of drugs, except those assimilable substances containing elements or compounds which are compounds of body tissues and are physiologically compatible to body processes for maintenance of life.”

Schools of Naturopathy in the US and Canada

Bastyr University, Seattle Washington

Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine, British Columbia

Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine, Toronto, ON

Clayton College of Natural Health, Birmingham, AL

Global College of Natural Medicine, Santa Cruz, CA

National College of Natural Medicine, Portland, OR

Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine, Scottsdale, AZ

University of Bridgeport, College of Naturopathic Medicine