The doctor and the naturopath

Is the naturopath a doctor? What is the difference between the two professional figures? Let’s find out what a naturopath does, a professional who sees man as a holistic unit and the patient, first of all, as a man.

The doctor and the naturopath

Doctor and naturopath, to understand the differences, let’s focus on the second professional figure. The naturopath represents the “basic” operator of holistic well-being according to nature , a true professional who deals with active prevention and self-healing pedagogy.

In the deontological code of the naturopath found on the FE.N.NA.P. it is read:

“The activities covered by the naturopathic profession are based on specific methodologies and techniques aimed at study, research, consultancy, analysis, empirical evaluation and intervention on phenomena, processes, structures, lifestyles , on value orientations.
The profession of naturopath is carried out through research, analysis and naturopathic practices having as their object the maintenance of the state of health as a dynamic psycho-physical-social balance. His work is mainly aimed at prevention, placing himself in relation to the curate as guide, counselor, tutor and curator. “

In the toolbox of a naturopathic doctor you will therefore find a balanced diet, herbs and essences (phytotherapy, Bach flowers), massages (Shiatsu), meditation and energy disciplines (Reiki). And so on.

The profession of naturopath includes research, experimentation, planning, programming, design, organization, evaluation, training, teaching and consultancy activities.

The naturopath can practice freelance or work as a scientific informant, commercial agent, consultant in medical offices, pharmacies, herbalists, wellness centers and so on.

Become a naturopathic doctor

The training course to become a naturopathic doctor lasts from three to four years, depending on the level of study and the school you choose. In Italy there are five main naturopathic schools, all private.

Naturopathy is regulated in 26 of the 27 European countries: only in Italy we are still at the level of a draft law: the latest bill (n.2152) on the regulation of the figure of naturopathic health worker is dated May 3, 2010 .

The violation of the criminal law can be configured both by the Schools of Naturopathy towards their students, and by the naturopaths towards their clients.