Naturopathy treats many forms of illness, both acute and chronic, by using nature (natural remedies) and the human body’s own healing powers. It is often called "alternative medicine" or "natural health".

Naturopathy is an holistic form of medicine. Using healthy lifestyle changes as the core theme, treatment may also incorporate herbal remedies, massage, acupuncture and homeopathy. Treatment is based on six foundation principles: Use the healing power of nature; First do no harm; Find and treat the cause, not only the symptom; Always treat the whole person, not only their disease; Education; and Prevention. Naturopathy is considered suitable for patients of any age.

Known as naturopathic doctors (NDs) or naturopathic medical doctors (NMDs), naturopaths will go to great detail in assessing you before treatment. They will inquire about your diet, lifestyle, family background and environment. The most common disorders treated by naturopaths are: Fatigue; Digestive complaints; Mood disorders and depression; Allergies; Behavioural problems; Chronic fatigue syndrome; Musculoskeletal complaints such as arthritis; Cardiovascular (heart and blood vessel) problems; High blood pressure; Fertility problems; Endocrine disturbance; and Hormonal imbalances, such as premenstrual tension and menopause.

Naturopaths use non-invasive techniques in their treatments. Common techniques are: Nutrition and dietary advice – a poor diet disrupts the body’s functions and can cause a build-up of toxins; Herbal medicine – herbs are considered to be as potent as pharmaceutical drugs; Homeopathy – homeopathic treatments are used to stimulate the immune system; Hydrotherapy (water therapy) – in some treatments, hot and cold compresses might be applied to influence the flow of blood and body heat; Physical therapies – such as massage, Bowen, acupressure, bio-puncture or mechanotherapy; Kinesiology and integrated bio-dynamics (IBD); Counselling techniques – emotional proband stress can interfere with the healing process. This can include stress management strategies and life coaching. A naturopath might use less conventional treatments, such as flower essences to enhance the emotional aspect of healing. Fasting is also a form of treatment, but can be dangerous and must be undertaken only under the strict guidance of a qualified practitioner. Detoxification has become a popular application of naturopathy. This therapy is strictly supervised by a qualified naturopath, and involves removing toxins from the body by fasting, using enemas, and regular drinking of copious amounts of water. Homeopathy is another option used by a naturopath in treatment. Virtually all homeopathic medicines are produced from natural sources, such as plants, animals and minerals. Traditional Chinese and herbal medicine may be confused with homeopathy, but homeopathists are quick to point out that they are all different interpretations and applications of holistic medicine. Some naturopaths apply traditional Chinese medicine principles to their treatment techniques, such as eye iris, tongue and pulse diagnosis, Chinese herbs, nutrition, and acupuncture. Although this medical system has been recorded as dating back 3000 years, it was only introduced to the Western World at the turn of the last century. Even Hollywood films often feature traditional Chinese medicine as a genuine and significant option in today’s array of medical treatments.

Further information on naturopathy can be found at the Australian Register of Naturopaths and Herbalists (ARONAH), the Australian Naturopathic Practitioners Association (ANPA), and the Australian Naturopathic Network (ANN).