ABSTRACT
The roots of naturopathic medicine extend into humanity's earliest histories, where the early healers and shamans considered the human mind, body, and spirit to be one, and one with nature. The naturopathic physician in both primary and specialty care settings works to remove any impediments to health, be they intrinsic or extrinsic. This is a strong tradition in the healing arts and in traditional medicines—ancestral healers often simultaneously were the priest, priestess, or religious and spiritual leader. In 1985 the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians was formed and the profession began to work toward the unification and a modern re-articulation of the philosophy and principles upon which it was founded. The past, present, and future development of naturopathic medicine and the education of naturopathic physicians represent a collective and continuous evolution of critical inquiry, educational discovery, scientific evaluation, and active dialog.
