As a distinct American health care profession, naturopathic medicine is over 100 years old. In the late 1800's, practitioners of several medical disciplines combined to form the first naturopathic professional medical societies. By the 1920's, naturopathic medical conventions attracted more than 10,000 practitioners. There were over twenty naturopathic medical schools, and NDs were licensed in most states, including Oregon. Technological medicine, pharmaceutical drugs and the "quick fix" idea that drugs could eliminate all disease became dominant forces. Fortunately, a health-conscious public has sought alternatives to allopathic medicine. The modern resurgence of naturopathic medicine has been built upon scientific knowledge of the mechanisms of natural healing and therapeutics. Ongoing research in immunology, diagnosis, clinical nutrition, botanical medicine, psychology and other clinical sciences contribute to the development of naturopathic medical science.

Association of Naturopathic Physicians

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