Naturopathy
Naturopathy, or naturopathic medicine, is a system of medicine based on the healing power of nature. Naturopathy is a holistic system, meaning that naturopathic doctors (N.D.s) strive to find the cause of disease by understanding the patient as a totality of body, mind,

and spirit. Most N.D.s use a wide variety of therapies and techniques (such as nutrition, herbal medicine, homeopathy, and acupuncture).
    Naturopathy (also known as naturopathic or natural medicine) is a complementary and alternative medicine which emphasizes the body's intrinsic ability to heal and maintain itself.

Naturopathy has its origins in the Nature Cure movement of Europe It is practiced in many countries but subject to different standards of regulation and levels of acceptance.
    In five Canadian provinces, fifteen US 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 designation is generally unprotected. Those from these particular accredited schools are trained to use diagnostic tests such as imaging and blood tests before deciding upon the full course of treatment, and to refer to other health professionals for standard medical care where it is required. However, the scope of practice for Naturopathic doctors varies widely amongst jurisdictions, and naturopaths in unregulated jurisdictions may use the ND designation or other titles regardless of level of education.

Practitioners
    There are two groups in North America calling themselves "naturopaths". The term when originally coined by John Scheel, and popularized by Dr. 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.