This article describes theories, methods or activities that are inconsistent with established medical knowledge or guidelines. It may contain disputed practices. Readers are strongly advised not to confuse this topic with actual medicine.

Naturopathy is a form of alternative medicine. It is based on the belief that a special energy called "vital energy" guides bodily functions such as metabolism, reproduction and growth.^[1] Naturopaths use various froms of treament, such as herbal medicine and massaging with a holistic view. They generally avoid the use of surgery and synthetic drugs. In Naturopathy, evidence-based medicine is thought of as being only part of the evidence.^[2] Taken as a whole, naturopathy is an ideologic system, not a scientific one.^[3]

The term naturopathy comes from Greek and Latin, meaning "natural therapy".^[4] Modern naturopathy developed from the Natural Cure movement in Europe.^[5][6]

• Osteopathy

• Naturopathy at the Open Directory Project
• Council on Naturopathic Medical Education

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