Naturopathy is a distinct method of healing that follows a philosophical perspective, which recognizes the inherent ability of all living beings to self-regulate and self-heal. Naturopathic approaches in health care support and enhance the body’s own ability to heal itself through natural remedies. This modality embraces the use of therapy, herbs, massage, acupuncture, exercise, and nutritional counseling.

PITAHC convened the Technical Working Group to discuss the competency standard for Naturopathy, holding public hearings, and then presented the competency to the Board of Trustees (BOT) for approval. The TWG subsequently convened to discuss the Guidelines on the National Certification of practitioners. PITAHC then held a Public Hearing for the Guidelines, presented these to the Board of Trustees (BOT) for approval before publication. PITAHC then organized a National Certification Committee for Naturopathy composed of representatives from the following sectors: Medical Naturopaths, Naturopathic practitioners, representatives from an Accredited Naturopathy Training Center or School, representatives from a Naturopathy-related consumer Group or Health-Related NGO.

In 2019 the National Certification Committee for Naturopathy (NCCN) reviewed, approved and issued certificates to practitioners. The NCC for Naturopathy conducts regular committee meetings to review and approve practitioners, training centers and schools.

As of December 2020, there are a total of 152 certified naturopathic practitioners.

The Science Behind the Modality
Based on WHO Benchmark
PITAHC circular No. 02, series of 2013, Guidelines Implementing R.A. 8423 IRR on the National Certification of Naturopaths and Accreditation of Naturopathy Training Programs, Training Centers, Centers and Naturopathy Centers/Facilities
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1IHVNzLmsNbCln3bPCv1IxzXsYAp0YQGt/view

How To Become A Certified Practitioner (Education And Training)

Candidates for Certified Naturopaths must:
have completed the prescribed Naturopathy course in a learning institution accredited by the PITAHC NCC for Naturopathy. This refers to no less than 1,500 hours, including no less than 400 hours of supervised clinical training or equivalent
have satisfactorily passed the corresponding Naturopathic Certification Examination
be a holder of a valid Certificate of Registration duly issued by the PITAHC National Certification Committee for Naturopathy

Candidates for Certified Medical Naturopath must be:
a licensed physician of good moral character
a graduate who has served not less than 1000 hours, including no fewer than 400 hours of supervised clinical training in Naturopathy for Physicians as a technique for clinical work with:
500 hours (450-600 hours) of Basic Principles and Theories
500 hours (415-550 hours) of clinical preceptorship

Note: The number of hours required is based on the WHO Benchmark for Training in Naturopathy