What is Naturopathic Medicine? Naturopathic medicine is a distinct profession of licensed physicians.  While naturopathic physicians are trained to make conventional diagnoses, the philosophy and methods by which disease is then treated are based upon the idea that the body has an inherent, ordered and intelligent ability to heal itself.  Whenever possible, naturopathic medicine integrates centuries-old remedies and traditions with evidence-based research. Naturopathic medicine was established in the United States over 100 years ago.  In the 1920’s, there were more than 20 naturopathic medical colleges and more than 10,000 naturopathic physicians licensed in the U.S.  In the mid-20th century with the rise in popularity of pharmaceutical drugs, technological medicine and the notion that drugs could eliminate all disease, naturopathic medicine experienced a decline.  As a result of a health conscious public seeking out alternatives to conventional medicine, naturopathic medicine has experienced a resurgence in the last two decades. The naturopathic physician has a Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine from a four year, graduate level naturopathic medical college.  Naturopathic physicians are general practitioners trained as specialists in natural medicine and preventative health care.  With a curriculum including 4,500-5,000 hours of instruction, they are trained in the basic and clinical sciences as well as in naturopathic therapeutics, including therapeutic nutrition, botanical medicine, homeopathy, counseling, hydrotherapy and naturopathic manipulative therapy. 26 Trumbull Street New Haven, CT 06511 - t: 203.776.1212 - f: 203.776.1213