The foundations of naturopathy are the naturopathic principles

In 1986, the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians (AANP) undertook the task to unify naturopathic philosophy. A select group of naturopathic leaders undertook this task involving an in-depth discussion and debate on the unification and categorisation of naturopathic philosophies into a group of naturopathic principles Snider & Zeff, 2019).

The naturopathic principles are a set of eight principles that have been developed to align with naturopathic philosophy. These principles have evolved and been categorised since 1986. In 1986, six of these naturopathic principles were categorised, with the seventh principle categorised more recently due to the development of naturopathic teachings in naturopathic education World Naturopathic Federation, 2017. In 2018, researchers and naturopaths proposed an eighth naturopathic principle Logan et al., 2018. The seventh and eighth naturopathic principles have yet to be fully up taken by all naturopathic education institutions, but both align with naturopathic education, clinical practice, and advancement towards professionalisation.

The categorisation of the naturopathic principles resulted in the recommendation that these naturopathic principles be formally reviewed every 5 years to ensure relevance and further evolution as the naturopathic profession continues to grow and advance. The naturopathic principles have received global consensus within the profession and work in conjunction with naturopathic philosophies and theories to deliver patient-centric care.