Naturopathy, formerly also called physiatry, is a form of medicine that is based primarily on dietary and physical remedies, places particular emphasis on a natural way of life and (apart from medicinal plants) largely avoids the use of pharmaceuticals.

The term naturopathy therefore describes a spectrum of different natural healing methods that do not use any technological aids and are intended to activate the body's own ability to heal itself (spontaneous healing). To do this, these methods preferably use the means or stimuli found in nature.

Naturopathy is also often used to describe areas of alternative medicine and, in a narrower sense, parts of complementary medicine (i.e. procedures that are not scientifically recognized but complement medicine).

Naturopathic remedies include the sun, light, air, movement, rest, food, water, cold, earth, breathing, thoughts, feelings and volition. In a broader sense, “natural” medicines, especially medicinal plants and their preparations, are also included.

Classical naturopathy generally includes the following natural healing methods:

Phytotherapy – use of plant-based active ingredients

Hydrotherapy and balneotherapy – water treatments (heat and cold therapy, “water cures”)

Exercise therapy[4]

Nutritional therapy – supporting treatments through healthy food and a diet adapted to the disease

Order therapy – structuring the external and internal order of life in order to influence the health of body, mind and soul in a positive way.