The World Federation of Naturopathy brings together many of the world’s leading naturopaths. It was founded at the International Congress of Naturopathic Medicine in Paris, France, in 2014. His site is full of interesting information. You can even download the very serious 754-page pdf book that reviews the current state of naturopathy.

In the United States and Canada, there are naturopathic universities. Their competence is debated, but when you know that the entire profession is sometimes debated, I can’t have a well-founded opinion on these schools. Still, I think it’s great that there are real university degrees, research centers and clinical schools. Details of what the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) has to say on the subject can be found on this page.

At European level, Reformed seeks to harmonize knowledge and skills at European and international level, and theUnion Européenne de Naturopathie (UEN ) has several aims, including the integration of naturopathy in a more homogeneous way in all European countries.

*** Edit of 21.07.2023 ***

Two weeks ago, I attended the International Congress of Naturopathic Medicine in Paris for the first time. I’ve been lucky enough to meet some wonderful English, American, Canadian and Australian naturopaths, and can now attest to the seriousness of their training and approach.

In the United States and Canada, naturopathic universities offer a four-year program, following a pre-medical curriculum. So you take a first course that prepares you for medicine, and then you go on to either medicine or naturopathy, depending on what speaks to you. Legislation governing the profession differs from state to state. At worst, we’re barely recognized as a potentially ancillary profession in the healthcare system, unofficially and unregulated. At best, as in Texas, naturopaths can, in addition to their basic skills, perform blood tests, injections and even minor surgery!

In Australia, the system is similar, with university courses and an extremely advanced scientific approach.

*** End of edict of 21.07.2023 ***

In France, naturopathy is not exactly recognized and is listed as a sect (). To proclaim yourself a naturopath, all you have to do is decide one morning! Quality naturopaths do exist, however, and will usually have studied for several years in an appropriate school. FENA is the governing body of the profession, and an accredited school or therapist will normally be of the right quality. Mély from Chaudron Pastel has written an excellent article setting out a series of points to promote therapeutic quality. As a French company, it relies on the relevant organizations in France. However, all his tips for guaranteeing quality support are universal!