History and Philosophy of Naturopathic Medicine Curriculum

Naturopathic medicine has a rich history in Europe, specifically in Germany. Its roots are deep in the nature cure tradition, which uses natural agents such as water, sunlight, fresh air, nutrition, rest, and exercise to promote optimal health and cure many conditions in patients. In Germany in the 1800s, many of the nature cure doctors had no formal medical training.

The History and Philosophy of Naturopathic Medicine course consist of the following 11 lessons:

Lesson 1 – Introductory Background and History

Lesson 2 – A Review of the Pioneers – Part 1

• Vincent Priessnitz
• Johann Schroth
• H. Rausse

Lesson 3 – A Review of the Pioneers – Part 2

• Theodor Hahn
• Arnold Rikli

Lesson 4 – A Review of the Pioneers – Part 3

• Sebastian Kneipp
• Louis Kuhne
• Adolf Just

Lesson 5 – A Review of the Pioneers – Part 4

• Emanuel Felke
• Heinrich Lahmann
• Ernst Schweninger
• Franz Schonenberger
• Alfred Brauchle
• Benedict Lust

Lesson 6 – A Review of the Pioneers – Part 5

• Louisa Lust
• Henry Lindlahr
• Otis George Carroll

Lesson 7 – A Review of the Pioneers – Part 6

• James C. Thomson
• Stanley Lief

Lesson 8 – A Review of the Pioneers – Part 7

• Arno Rudolph Koegler
• Joseph A. Boucher
• John Bastyr

Lesson 9 – Discussion of six cornerstones of optimum health

Lesson 10 – A Review of Evidence-Based Research

Lesson 11 – Conclusions