Naturopathic medicine is a distinct primary health care system that blends modern scientific knowledge with traditional and natural forms of medicine. The naturopathic philosophy’s central tenet is that of stimulation of the healing power of the body and treating the underlying cause of disease.

 Symptoms of disease are seen as warning signals of improper functioning of the body, and unfavourable lifestyle habits. Naturopathic Medicine emphasizes disease as a process rather than as an entity. Treating both acute- and chronic conditions, naturopathic treatments are chosen based on the individual patient – their physiological, structural, psychological, social, environment and lifestyle factors. In addition to diet- and lifestyle changes, natural therapies including botanical medicine, clinical nutrition, hydrotherapy, homeopathy and Iridology.

 Hippocrates, a Greek physician who lived 2400 years ago, first formulated the concept of "the healing power of nature". This concept has long been at the core of medicine around the world and remains one of the central principles of naturopathic medicine. In North America, naturopathic medicine traces its origins to Dr. Benedict Lust. He used the term "naturopathy" to describe a clinical practice, which integrated such natural healing methods as botanical medicine, homeopathy, nutritional therapy, manipulative therapy, acupuncture and lifestyle counselling.

 Naturopathic medicine treats all forms of health concerns -- from paediatric to geriatric, from acute- to chronic illness and from the physical to the psychological. It is the approach, philosophy and training of naturopathic doctors that sets it apart from other forms of health care.

There are typically three types of patients that seek naturopathic medical care:

 Patients that are looking for disease prevention and health promotion strategies. Individuals that recognize that health doesn't just happen by chance, that it is a life-long process that involves a clear understanding of the factors that affect health and how to deal with them on a daily basis.

 Patients that have a range of symptoms that they have been unable to address on their own or with the help of other medical practitioners. With Naturopathic medicine's broad understanding of health and the relationship between health, life and the environment naturopathic doctors are often able to offer patients a new perspective and provide safe and effective ways to restore health.

 Patients that have been diagnosed with an illness and are looking for alternative treatments. Naturopathic medicine is very effective in improving quality of life for those with serious and life threatening illnesses. It is used extensively and effectively for those patients that are looking to combine conventional and naturopathic treatments with the aim of minimizing the side effects of drugs, surgery or conventional treatments.

 Naturopathic doctors use conventional and naturopathic diagnostic tools for assessing health concerns and determining the most appropriate treatment program. The diagnostic tools used include:

 Detailed Health History 

 The initial consultation with a Naturopathic Doctor (ND) is usually about 1 hour in length and includes a detailed history. He/she will take the time to find out about your family history, your lifestyle, the stressors in your life, past medical history, history of accidents or injuries and the significant events in your life that have affected your health or well-being.

 Nutritional Analysis

 Understanding your nutritional status, eating habits and patterns and the type of food that you eat on a regular is an important part of the naturopathic assessment.

 Physical Examinations

 NDs are trained to do complete physical exams as use them as a standard part of an assessment. They often take the time to ensure that the "small" symptoms are identified and addressed before they become a "bigger" problem.

 Comprehensive Laboratory Testing 

 NDs will use standard laboratory testing to provide them with further information for a complete assessment if needed. Previous Medical Reports and Diagnostic Testing All medical reports, such as MRIs, X-rays or scans are valuable assets that a naturopathic doctor will use during their assessment of your health concerns. NDs will refer to another medical health professional when appropriate to ensure that all patients receive the best quality health care possible.

 In South Africa, the naturopathic medical profession’s infrastructure includes accredited educational institutions, professional licensing, national standards of practice, and a commitment to state-of-the-art scientific research.