The History

Naturopathic medicine has been a distinct American health care
profession for over 100 years. In the late 1800s, practitioners from
several medical disciplines combined to form the first naturopathic
professional societies. By the early 20th century, more than 20
naturopathic medical colleges had been founded in the US, and
naturopathic physicians were licensed in a majority of states. By the
1920s, naturopathic medical conventions attracted more than 10,000
practitioners.

Naturopathic medicine experienced a decline in the middle of the 20th
century with the rise of technological medicine, pharmaceutical drugs and
the "quick fix" idea that drugs and surgery could eliminate all diseases.
Over the last three decades, however, a health conscious public has
increasingly sought alternatives to conventional medical philosophy.

The naturopathic profession is committed to on-going scientific research
and development. Today's practitioners add to the growing body of
research by incorporating modern scientific methods that expand the
understanding of the mechanisms of natural healing and therapeutics.
Ongoing research in immunology, diagnosis, clinical nutrition, botanical
medicine, psychology and other clinical sciences contribute to the
development of naturopathic medicine.