A Traditional Naturopath is a natural health practitioner who focuses on supporting the body’s own healing ability through non-invasive, holistic methods. Unlike a Naturopathic Doctor (ND)—who is medically trained and licensed in some regions to diagnose and treat illness—a traditional naturopath does not perform medical diagnoses, prescribe pharmaceutical drugs, or perform surgery. Instead, they work on promoting wellness by addressing imbalances in the body, mind, and lifestyle.

There are a handful of careers that are called “naturopathic” that are not physicians or naturopathic doctors. Some of these non-doctor naturopathic careers are “Holistic Health Practitioner,” “Holistic Consultant,” “Naturopathic Practitioner,” or “Traditional Naturopath.” They study in a non-medical school or university, most of the coursework is done online and sometimes entirely.

What Does a Traditional Naturopath Do?

Traditional naturopaths emphasize:

• Prevention and the root causes of imbalance, not just symptom management.

• Self-healing by supporting the body’s natural processes.

• Natural remedies, including herbs, food, water, rest, stress management, and physical activity.

• A holistic view of health, considering physical, emotional, mental, and sometimes spiritual aspects.

Areas of Study

Traditional naturopaths typically study a wide range of natural health disciplines. Here's an overview of their core areas of knowledge:

1. Nutrition and Diet Therapy

• Whole foods and their healing properties

• Nutrient deficiencies and dietary imbalances

• Food intolerances and gut health

• Detoxification and cleansing diets

2. Herbal Medicine (Botanical Medicine)

• Use of herbs to support various body systems

• Herbal preparations (teas, tinctures, capsules, salves)

• Safety and traditional usage of medicinal plants

3. Homeopathy

• Ultra-diluted substances used to stimulate the body’s healing

• “Like cures like” principle

• Matching remedies to a person’s symptom pattern

4. Iridology

• Reading the iris of the eye to identify potential health issues or genetic predispositions

• Used as an assessment tool rather than a diagnostic method

5. Aromatherapy

• Use of essential oils for physical, mental, and emotional support

• Methods of application: inhalation, topical, baths

6. Hydrotherapy

• Use of water (temperature, pressure, applications) to stimulate circulation and healing

• Contrast showers, baths, compresses

7. Detoxification Techniques

• Fasting, cleansing programs, colon hydrotherapy

• Liver, kidney, and lymphatic support

8. Lifestyle Counseling

• Sleep hygiene, stress management, emotional wellness

• Mind-body practices: meditation, breathing, grounding

Philosophy and Approach

Traditional naturopathy is based on several foundational principles:

1. The Healing Power of Nature – The body has an inherent ability to heal itself if given the right conditions.

2. Identify and Remove the Cause – Rather than suppressing symptoms, find and remove the underlying cause.

3. Do No Harm – Use gentle, non-invasive methods that do not have harmful side effects.

4. Treat the Whole Person – Consider all aspects of a person’s life and health, not just the physical symptoms.

5. Teach Rather Than Treat – Educate clients so they can take responsibility for their health.

Legal Scope and Licensing

It's important to note:

• Traditional naturopaths are not licensed medical professionals in most regions.

• Their scope of practice is wellness education and natural support—not diagnosing or treating disease.

• They may be certified through private naturopathic schools or associations.

Typical Client Goals

People often visit traditional naturopaths for:

• Fatigue or low energy

• Digestive issues

• Stress and anxiety

• General wellness and prevention

• Natural alternatives to conventional treatments