Perspectives on naturopathy: Diversity and disunity in a developing profession

Naturopathy is a growing and increasingly professionalised arena in a number of countries. Despite its growth and increasing acceptance there is little research on this profession. This book gives voice to the perspectives of seven senior practitioners in Melbourne Australia on topics including practitioner regulation, research and the professional knowledge-base. It reveals how, despite a history of marginalisation, the naturopathic community in Australia has been shaped by intra-professional conflict and tensions. The incorporation of new knowledge and practices, embraced as a strategy to protect the profession from the threats of powerful external lobby groups, has led to the development of factions and disunity. Disagreement on the need and appropriateness of government mandated statutory registration of practitioners has also led to volatile disputes. Disunity may be indicative of positive diversity and is not uncommon in the development of new professions. Similarities of opinion between factions may provide avenues for unification as the profession matures. This book will appeal to natural therapists, social and health scientists, and consumers of complementary medicine.