Methods
The particular modalities used by an individual naturopath varies with training and scope of practice. The demonstrated efficacy and scientific rationale also varies. These include:
Acupuncture,
applied kinesiology,
[32] botanical medicine,
brainwave entrainment,
chelation therapy for
atherosclerosis,
[33] colonic enemas,
[15] color therapy,
[32] cranial osteopathy,
[30] hair analysis,
[30] homeopathy,
[34] iridology,
[32] live blood analysis,
nature cures—i.e. a range of therapies based upon exposure to natural elements such as
sunshine, fresh air, heat, or cold,
nutrition (examples include
vegetarian and
wholefood diet,
fasting, and
abstention from
alcohol and
sugar,
[35] ozone therapy,
[2] physical medicine (e.g., naturopathic, osseous, and soft tissue
manipulative therapy,
sports medicine,
exercise, and
hydrotherapy),
Psychological counseling (e.g.,
meditation,
relaxation, and other methods of
stress management[35]),
public health measures and
hygiene,
[24] reflexology,
[32] rolfing,
[18] and
traditional Chinese medicine.
A 2004 survey determined the most commonly prescribed naturopathic therapeutics in Washington State and Connecticut were botanical medicines, vitamins, minerals, homeopathy, and allergy treatments.
[34]
Vaccination
See also:
Vaccination and
Vaccine controversies
Many forms of alternative medicine, including naturopathy, homeopathy, and
chiropractic are based on beliefs opposed to vaccination and have practitioners who voice their opposition. This includes non-medically trained naturopaths. The reasons for this negative vaccination view are complicated and rest, at least in part, on the early views which shape the foundation of these professions.
[36] A survey of a cross section of students of a major complementary and alternative medicine college in Canada reported that students in the later years of the program opposed vaccination more strongly than newer students.
[37]
A
University of Washington study investigated insurance claim histories for alternative medicine use in relation to the receipt of vaccinations against preventable illnesses, grouped into children aged 1–2 years and 1–17 years. Both groups were significantly less likely to receive a number of their vaccinations if they visited a naturopath. The study found a significant association between visits to naturopaths with a reduced receipt of pediatric vaccinations and with increased infection by
vaccine-preventable diseases.
[29]