The History of Naturopathic Medicine

Naturopathic medicine is one of the oldest continuously licensed health care
professions in the country. Its roots lie in German traditions of “Water Cure” or
hydrotherapy advocated by Sebastian Kneipp in the mid-19th century.

Dr. Benedict Lust, considered to be the Father of Naturopathic Medicine,
expanded upon the European water cure and herbal therapies to develop a
comprehensive philosophy and system of health which he brought to the United
States around the turn of the century.

In 1901, Dr. Lust opened the American School of Naturopathy in Manhattan. Its
approach emphasized diet, exercise, physical medicine, herbs, and homeopathy
as ways to improve and maintain good health. Naturopathic medicine grew
quickly as a profession and by 1925 there were approximately 2,500 practicing
naturopathic doctors and more than a dozen schools. During this period,
regulations were enacted in many states, with about half of the states licensing or
regulating naturopathic medicine. This rise in popularity created strong
opposition from allopathic medicine, which labeled naturopathic medicine as
“quackery.”

Naturopathic medicine experienced a significant decline in popularity from the
post World War II era until the 1970s as most health care at that time centered
on the allopathic medical model and the increased use and development of drugs
and antibiotics. In the 1970s, with increased interest in holistic and alternative
health care, naturopathic medicine experienced a resurgence of interest with
expanded educational programs and state licensure. In the past 30 years,
naturopathic medicine has experienced dramatic growth with new schools being
established, standardization of education and accreditation, and expanded
research on safety and efficacy of naturopathic practices.
In 2003, California became the 13th state to recognize naturopathic medicine and
provide licensure to naturopathic doctors.

Naturopathic Medicine Today

Naturopathic medicine is a distinct and comprehensive system of primary health
care that uses natural methods and substances to support and stimulate the
body’s self-healing process.

Currently, 14 states, the District of Columbia, and the US territories of Puerto
Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands have licensing laws for naturopathic doctors.
The Alliance for State Licensing (Alliance) is a group of representatives from
various state naturopathic associations that align with each other to share
information, support, and experience in their quest for licensure, under the
auspices of the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians. According to
the Alliance, the states of Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Massachusetts, Minnesota,
New Mexico, New York, and Virginia have introduced legislation during the last
year or will be introducing legislation next year. The states of Maryland,
Michigan, Nevada, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Wisconsin are moving
towards legislation in the near future.

How To Choose A Naturopathic Doctor?

Choose a practitioner with care

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