Traditional & natural medicine

Naturopathy

ธรรมชาติบำบัด

A broad 'natural health' approach built on lifestyle, diet and a mix of complementary therapies.

IntensityGentle

Origin

Europe (19th century), then the United States

History

Grew from 19th-century European 'nature cure' movements; the name was coined in 1895

Licence in Thailand

Not required

Where it comes from

Naturopathy grew out of traditional practices and health approaches popular in 19th-century Europe, such as the 'nature cure' movement and water therapies. The word 'naturopathy' was coined in 1895 by John Scheel and taken up by Benedict Lust, who had trained in hydrotherapy in Germany with Sebastian Kneipp before moving to the United States.

Lust founded the American School of Naturopathy in New York in 1901. The practice declined after the 1930s and revived in North America in the 1970s.

Today its status varies widely: some US states and Canadian provinces license naturopathic doctors who complete a four-year graduate programme, India regulates a degree in naturopathy and yogic sciences under its Ministry of AYUSH, and the UK does not regulate it at all.

The principle

Naturopathy aims to prevent and treat disease by addressing what it sees as the root cause, treating symptoms as the body's way of signalling an underlying problem. It takes a holistic view, stressing physical activity, balanced nutrition and stress management, and holds that the body has a natural ability to heal itself.

In practice it is an umbrella that can include herbs and supplements, homeopathy, manual therapies, hydrotherapy and 'detox' programmes. Critical reviews conclude that naturopathy as a whole lacks an adequate scientific basis, and a 2015 Australian government review found no clear evidence of its effectiveness, so each specific method should be judged on its own evidence.

What people come for

Support to change diet, exercise and sleep habits
Help with stress management
Wanting a long consultation that looks at the whole lifestyle
Interest in natural or complementary approaches, alongside regular medical care

How it works on the body

Naturopathy works mainly through daily habits, food, movement, rest and stress, with some practitioners adding herbs, supplements or water therapies.

A session, step by step

01
Health history
The practitioner asks about your health, lifestyle, diet, stress and the medicines and supplements you take.
02
Examination
Where a licence exists, naturopathic doctors may use a physical exam, lab tests or imaging; traditional naturopaths are not eligible for such a licence.
03
Personal plan
You usually receive a plan on diet, exercise and stress, sometimes with herbs or supplements.
04
Referral
A responsible practitioner refers you to a medical doctor when a problem needs conventional care.
05
Follow-up
Further visits review how the changes are working for you.

Precautions

Credentials vary widely and do not guarantee safe, effective care; ask about each practitioner's training.
Herbs and supplements can interact with medicines and are not tested in pregnancy or for children; tell your doctor about everything you take.
Colonic irrigation and enemas have no known health benefits; be wary of extreme 'detox' or fasting programmes.
Homeopathic 'nosodes' cannot replace vaccines: keep following medical vaccination advice.
Do not stop prescribed treatment, and see a doctor for symptoms that persist, come back or worsen.

Complementary practice: does not replace medical advice.

In Thailand

In Thai the word ธรรมชาติบำบัด is used very broadly, covering detox, aromatherapy, yoga, herbs, spa treatments, massage, qigong and natural diets, so offers labelled 'naturopathy' differ a lot. Naturopathy is not among the healing-art professions that Thailand's Ministry of Public Health licenses (its 2025 list includes branches such as Chinese medicine and chiropractic), so there is no Thai naturopath licence to check: ask practitioners about their training, and any herbal products they suggest should carry a Thai FDA number.

Frequently asked questions

Is a naturopath a doctor?

Usually not in the medical sense. Only a few countries license naturopathic doctors, and Thailand has no such licence.

Is naturopathy evidence-based?

As a whole, no: reviews have not found clear evidence it works. Some of its advice, like better diet and more activity, matches general health guidance.

Can I combine it with my medical treatment?

Yes, as long as your doctor knows, you do not stop prescribed treatment, and any supplements are checked for interactions.

What should I bring to a first visit?

A list of your medicines and supplements, and any recent medical test results.

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Find a Naturopathy practitioner

AriyA Wellness Center
Bangkok
Naturopathy
Samyaek Holistic Clinic
Pattaya
Naturopathy

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