Understanding the Difference between Homeopaths and Naturopaths
These two professions are similar, and I know keeping them straight can be confusing. Although I only practice homeopathy, I have extensive training in both naturopathic and homeopathic medicine, so I am intimately familiar with the nuances between the two.
How are they different?
Homeopathy is a stand-alone system of medicine. It has a unique philosophy on how to use and administer medicines in every case of disease, just like traditional Chinese medicine or ayurvedic medicine. Whether you have a cold, cancer or colic, these medical systems have a way to help you. Homeopathy is the same. The homeopathic principles can be used in (almost) every case of disease. Generally, one homeopathic remedy is prescribed based on all your current symptoms and the remedy triggers your body’s innate healing mechanism. Over time, this means you should need less and less of the homeopathic remedy (unlike other therapies where you generally need more and more). With homeopaths, you will always be prescribed a homeopathic remedy, but sometimes practitioners prescribe multiple remedies, sometimes just one, and some will add supplements or lifestyle prescriptions. As a classical homeopath, I prescribe one, individualized, remedy and rarely prescribe supplements.
Naturopathic medicine, in contrast, is an amalgamation of different therapies. Naturopaths learn a little bit about hydrotherapy, herbal therapies, acupuncture, homeopathy, supplements, and many other therapies. They are also well versed in conventional medical treatment, diagnosis, and lab testing. They are considered physicians and can officially diagnose you and order lab work (homeopaths are cannot). Because being well versed in all those different therapies is difficult, Naturopaths generally choose one or more therapeutics to “specialize” in, depending on their strengths, opinions, and interests. So, one naturopath may only use supplements and acupuncture, another one may focus on diet, herbal therapies, and meditation, and yet another may only use homeopathy and lifestyle.
Which one should I choose?
Not all naturopaths, nor all homeopaths, practice the same, so if you try one that doesn’t jive with you, don’t be afraid to find someone new. There is no one “right” answer. Some people have a naturopath and a homeopath “on call” for their own care, some people prefer one over the other. It just depends on what works for you.