Naturopathic Medicine vs. Homeopathy — They’re Not the Same Thing

 I get asked a lot if I am a Homeopathic doctor, or if I ‘do homeopathy’. And what I have found is that people don’t actually know what homeopathy means, they tend to use it as a catch all phrase for holistic or natural medicine. So lets break it down a bit, what is homeopathy and what kind of medicine do I do as an NAD, DAC, LAc.

Not All Doctors Are the Same Kind of “Doctor”

There are many types of healthcare doctors, each trained in a different system of medicine:

MD – Medical Doctor

The conventional, Western medical degree. Think your family physician or specialist. 4 years of medical school, residency, and often board certification.

DO – Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine

Similar training to MDs but with an added focus on the musculoskeletal system and “whole-person” care. Still primarily trained in conventional medicine, can prescribe medications and perform surgery.

ND/NMD – Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine

Four years of graduate medical training in anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, diagnostics, nutrition, herbal medicine, homeopathy, counseling, and physical medicine. Licensed in certain U.S. states (like Arizona). Focused on treating the root cause and using natural therapies whenever possible.

DAC – Doctor of Acupuncture

A clinical doctorate focused on acupuncture, and the philosophy and diagnostics of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Not the same as a medical degree in the states.

DC – Doctor of Chiropractic

Focused on the spine, nervous system, and musculoskeletal health. Typically uses adjustments and physical therapies, not prescription drugs or surgery.

DDS/DMD – Doctor of Dental Surgery / Doctor of Dental Medicine

Your dentist. Medical degree focused on oral health.

And then there’s the one that causes the most confusion…

“Homeopathic Doctor”

Here’s the thing: there really aren’t any accredited homeopathic medical schools in the U.S. anymore. Historically, there were — in the 1800s and early 1900s, several medical colleges trained “homeopathic physicians.” But those schools were gradually shut down as conventional medicine took over. Today, “homeopathic doctor” isn’t a recognized medical degree in the U.S. (though it still exists in parts of Canada, Europe, and India).

Most people practicing homeopathy in the U.S. today are homeopathic practitioners — not licensed physicians. They may have studied through certification programs, often online or through private institutes. That’s not a bad thing — it’s just different.

What Is Homeopathy, Really?

Homeopathy is its own healing system, developed in the late 1700s by Samuel Hahnemann. Its core principle is “like cures like” — a substance that causes symptoms in a healthy person can, when highly diluted, stimulate healing in someone experiencing similar symptoms.

Homeopathy uses ultra-diluted natural substances prepared in very specific ways. A typical homeopathic intake can last over two hours and often results in a single remedy chosen for your unique constitution and symptom picture.

And when it works, it can be beautiful.

But here’s where the misunderstanding comes in: homeopathy is not the same as holistic or naturopathic medicine. It’s one branch on a much bigger tree.

What Naturopathic Medicine Includes

Naturopathic medicine is whole-person medicine. It’s rooted in science, guided by nature, and built on the understanding that your body has an innate capacity to heal — if we remove the obstacles and give it the right support.

That support might include:

• Clinical nutrition

• Herbal medicine

• Homeopathy

• Lifestyle modification

• Acupuncture

• Physical medicine

• Mind-body support

• Lab testing and diagnostics

So yes, I do use homeopathy — but when someone asks if I’m a “homeopathic doctor,” I have to pause. Because I’m not sure what they mean. Do you mean holistic? Do you mean natural? Do you mean I use remedies?

Because yes, I use homeopathy — but I also use herbs, nutrition, supplements, lifestyle work, emotional regulation tools, and sometimes even acupuncture.

When you come in for a naturopathic visit, you’re not just getting one remedy. You’re getting a full toolkit designed specifically for your body, your story, and your goals.

  One Size Does Not Fit All

A homeopathic intake can be a wonderful experience — sometimes over two hours of deep, individualized conversation. You leave with one carefully chosen remedy, and if that’s exactly what your body needs, it can be profoundly healing.

But naturopathic care is a multifactorial approach. You’ll leave with a customized plan that might include nutrition shifts, herbal formulas, supplements, homeopathics, and lifestyle tools — a full 360° strategy to move you toward balance.

It’s the difference between having one key for one lock versus having the whole keyring for your body’s healing systems.

Why It Matters

When people use “homeopathic doctor” as a blanket term for anyone holistic, it erases the depth and diversity of holistic healthcare. It also confuses patients who are trying to figure out who can actually diagnose, prescribe, or run labs — and who can’t.

Naturopathic doctors are licensed healthcare providers (in certain states) trained to bridge natural and conventional medicine safely. We can use homeopathy — but we’re not limited to it.

So next time you’re looking for holistic care, remember:

Homeopathy is a tool.

Naturopathic medicine is a whole toolkit.