About Naturopathy and Naprapathy

Naturopathic medicine, or naturopathy, originated in the 19th century and has since evolved into a holistic system built around six foundational principles that define our philosophy and approach to health:

​

1. First, do no harm

2. The healing power of nature

3. Identify and treat the cause

4. Treat the whole person

5. Doctor as teacher

6. Prevention is better than cure

 

Naturopathy is an eclectic blend of natural therapies, meaning no two practitioners will use exactly the same methods. While rooted in tradition, modern naturopathy integrates biomedical sciences, diagnostics, and evidence-based natural therapies, delivered through a person-centred approach. Today, naturopaths may work independently or as part of a multidisciplinary healthcare team.

​

In many countries, naturopaths are licensed healthcare professionals, some with legal rights to diagnose, prescribe, and even perform minor surgical procedures. However, in the UK, the profession remains unregulated. This often leads to confusion among the public and healthcare providers regarding the training, accountability, and professionalism of practitioners. As a result, the UK relies on self-regulation through voluntary organisations, and we are one such organisation.

​

Naprapathy in the UK: Pioneering Standards

​

The profession of Naprapathy is still in its infancy in the UK, and to our knowledge, we are the only organisation voluntarily regulating it.

​

Naprapathy focuses on diagnosing and treating connective tissue disorders, such as misalignments of the spine, ligaments, and joints. Unlike osteopathy or chiropractic care, which primarily address bony structures, naprapathy targets the soft tissue network to restore structural integrity and support the body’s natural healing process. Our program trains students to relieve pain and improve mobility without heavy reliance on medication or invasive procedures.

​

What We Do

 

We oversee the registration and licensure of individual practitioners, ensuring they meet our professional standards (which are comparable to the HCPC) before acceptance. We also accredit and recognise training courses delivered by education providers.

​

What Makes Us Different?

​

Higher Standards

We require all registrants to meet strict academic, practical, and clinical training thresholds that match their level of registration or licensure. Ongoing professional development (CPD) is mandatory.

​

Qualified Educators

All accredited training organisations must ensure their staff hold or are undertaking UK-regulated teaching qualifications, including:

​

• Level 3 Award in Education and Training (AET)

• Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement (CAVA), including Recognition of Prior Learning

• Level 4 Award in Internal Quality Assurance (IQA)

 

This contrasts with many providers who do not require formal teaching, assessing, or IQA qualifications.

​

Independent Inspections

We mandate unbiased inspections carried out by individuals who have no ties to our organisation or the training providers. Inspectors may include lawyers, MPs, laypersons, academics, lecturers, retired professors, GPs, or consultants, ensuring impartiality and transparency.

​

Robust Quality Assurance

All our accredited training organisations must implement and uphold a transparent, comprehensive quality assurance system, and we will check this regularly, holding them accountable. 

​

Why This Matters

​

In the absence of statutory regulation, this is the best protection we can offer for our members, and, more importantly, for the public.

​

They say, "Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery." Until formal regulation arrives, we aim to mirror the practices of statutory bodies like the GMC or HCPC, setting a high standard that others can follow. If or when statutory regulation happens for Naturopathy or Naprapathy, our registered and licensed members will be ready to jump straight in. 

​

Our mission is simple: to raise the bar for training, professionalism, and public safety in naturopathy and naprapathy in the UK.

​

Our aim is also to increase and extend the scope of practice and take some of the strain off our medical colleagues, some of whom we also treat and care for. Being a health care professional is hard and stressful, and we look after our colleagues in many ways. We're proud to look after those who look after us.