Naturopathic medicine is a distinct healthcare profession that combines the wisdom of centuries of natural, non-toxic therapies with current advances in health and medicine. Naturopathic physicians are clinically trained in a wide variety of natural therapeutics adapted to each individual patient. Naturopathic patients continue to visit their primary care and specialist physicians, and integrate naturopathic services to add to their healthcare options.
Some of the therapies used by naturopathic physicians include:
* Diet and Clinical Nutritional Therapy
* Homeopathy
* Botanical/Herbal Medicine
* Physical Medicine
* Counseling and Stress Management (mind/body medicine)
* Public Health Measures
Naturopathic doctors receive their training at four to five-year, graduate level naturopathic medical schools with admissions requirements comparable to those of other medical schools. This Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine degree (N.D.) is awarded only after the completion of classroom, clinic and practical study. Each state in the United States legislates the practice of medicine. Currently, 12 states (and Puerto Rico) have licensing laws for naturopathic doctors: Alaska, Arizona, California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Maine, Montana, New Hampshire, Oregon, Utah, Vermont, and Washington. The scope of practice for licensed naturopathic physicians is defined by their state laws.

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