People often ask what the difference is between the practice of homeopathy and naturopathy . 

First, this comparison only considers individuals registered with either the Ontario Homeopathic Association or the Ontario Assocation of Naturopathic Doctors.  

Only Homeopathic Doctors Registered with the Ontario Homeopathic Association are true homeopathic specialists whereas Naturopathic Doctors (naturopaths) are generalists. 

Naturopathy is an eclectic practice that draws from a range of therapies. Originally, naturopathy used "drugless" lifestyle approaches like diet, exercise, fresh air, pure water, sunshine, and massage. Today, it may include other therapies such as herbs, homeopathy, supplements, chiropractic, oriental medicine, acupuncture  and more. Each naturopath will have his or her own preferences for treatment.  

If you choose naturopathic treatment that blends many therapies together - how do you know which therapy is working ?

Are there similarities?

In the Naturopathic curriculum Naturopaths have received introductory training - roughly 400 hours in homeopathy and can prescribe homeopathic remedies for simple acute complaints or first aid situations. Unless they have undertaken further studies and become a specialist in homeopathy, a naturopath is should recognize their limitations and clearly refer long term or chronic problems to a registered Homeopathic Doctor.

What is the difference?

In North America, a naturopath is taught 'a bit of many things' over a 4-year full-time course (4 years bachelor degree prerequisite preferred). A homeopath studies only homeopathy (4,000 hours) and related subjects in their 3-year full-time course (4 years bachelor degree prerequisite preferred). Your homeopath is qualified to treat the full range of acute and chronic disorders with homeopathy, while your naturopath is not. 

The Ontario Homeopathic Association (OHA) is the only professional association that supported the Re-Regulation of the practice of Homeopathic Medicine in Ontario.  The OHA established the bar to meet government-endorsed standards for homeopathic competencies and education.

While many  therapies are useful in themselves, none have the breadth and depth of homeopathic medicine.

Some focus only on mental and emotional problems while others deal with just the physical. Most work by palliation or suppression while some, such as herbal medicine, may occasionally apply the homeopathic effect by accident. 

In contrast, homeopathy can be systematically applied at a deep energetic level to heal mental, emotional and physical symptoms of ill-health. Its remedies are non-toxic, do not interact with other medications, and taste great. Everyone and anyone can use them. 

Homeopathy is truly a remarkable system of medicine.