Naturopathic medicine, or naturopathy, is an alternative approach to health care. It emphasizes preventive measures to maintain health; patient education and active participation in therapy; and noninterference with the body's natural healing processes. In most states of the United States, naturopaths (practitioners of naturopathy) do not prescribe synthetic drugs or practice major surgery. Naturopathy is not one particular approach to health care. Rather it is a collection of treatment methods that share a common philosophy.

The term naturopathy, or nature cure, was first used in 1895 by Dr. John Scheel, a physician practicing in New York City. Scheel combined natural healing techniques that dated back to Hippocrates (c. 400 BC) with more recent practices, such as the 19th century German custom of vacationing at hot springs or health spas. Bennedict Lust, who popularized naturopathy in the United States around the turn of the century, defined naturopathy as a...