Originally coined by the German pioneer Benedict Lust, naturopathy means, literally, 'natural treatment,' and today its practitioners are generally those trained at specialist colleges in a range of skills that include acupuncture, herbalism, homeopathy, osteopathy, hydrotherapy, massage, nutrition, and diet.

Lust came up with the term 'naturopathy' after he, and his fellow-countryman Henry Lindlahr, emigrated to the United States early in the 20th century. But he based his ideas almost entirely on those of a 19th century German predecessor Vincent Preissnitz, who founded 'Nature Cure,' and the Austrian Dominican friar Father Kneipp. Nature Cure, and 'natural hygiene,' are still terms used by practitioners who claim to follow this form of natural medicine first recommended by Hippocrates.

Training in naturopathy is becoming standard for those interested in practicing natural medicine in its widest sense. Countries such as the United Stated, Australia, Canada, Germany, Israel, New Zealand, and South Africa now run full three to four year course leading to a recognized degree or diploma.

Naturopaths hold that infections seldom occur if the body is looked after in the way nature intended and that the body will cure itself of anything as long as it takes in only pure air and water, is kept clean, and given the right food and healthy activity. But they also believe that illness is natural and that methods of cure should follow the same natural principles.