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 lifestyle and (apart from medicinal plants) largely avoids the use of pharmaceuticals.

The term naturopathy thus refers to a spectrum of different natural healing methods that do not use technological aids and are intended to activate the body's own ability to heal itself (spontaneously). To achieve this, these methods primarily use natural remedies or stimuli.

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

Naturopathic remedies include the sun, light, air, exercise, 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 active ingredients

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

Exercise therapy[4]

Nutritional therapy – supporting treatments through healthy eating and a diet adapted to the clinical picture

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