“Natural medicine” is a broad umbrella term that covers a wide range of modalities, philosophies, and approaches to health. Because natural medicine includes many different approaches and specialties, there are several types of natural medicine providers that you may encounter—from naturopathic doctors to acupuncturists, herbalists, functional medicine practitioners, and more.

Although it’s wonderful to have so many choices, this variety can also be confusing. Some providers may use similar titles or offer overlapping services, even though their education, clinical experience, and scope of practice differ greatly. This guide explains the main types of natural medicine providers and their training, so you can make informed choices about your healthcare.

Naturopathic Doctors (ND or NMD)

Naturopathic doctors complete a four-year, accredited naturopathic medical program, which includes over 1,200 hours of supervised clinical training. Their education covers biomedical sciences, laboratory analysis and physical examinations, diagnosis, pharmacology, advanced clinical nutrition, herbal medicine, physical medicine, IV therapy, and other evidence-informed natural therapies. Upon completion and passing national board exams, they are eligible for licensure as a ND or NMD in states that regulate the profession.

There are only six accredited naturopathic medical schools in North America: Bastyr University, Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine, National University of Natural Medicine, National University of Health Sciences, Sonoran University of Health Sciences (formerly SCNM), and Universidad Ana G. Mendez. Asking a ND where they trained is an easy way to verify their credentials—especially since some individuals use the titles “naturopathic doctor” and “ND” without completing an accredited naturopathic medical program.

Naturopaths

These individuals complete short online or correspondence programs in naturopathy, typically ranging from 100–300 hours. While these programs provide basic training in natural health concepts, the depth and scope are a small fraction of what NDs receive, and there is no clinical training.

Naturopaths do not hold a recognized medical credential and are not licensable anywhere in the U.S., yet many still use the titles “naturopathic doctor” and “ND,” which does not accurately reflect their training or licensure. In states that don’t recognize or license naturopathic doctors (Arkansas is one of them), you should always ask anyone representing themselves as a naturopathic doctor or ND where they went to school. This ensures you are working with someone who has the level of training you are looking for.

Chiropractors (DC)

Chiropractors complete a four-year, accredited doctoral program focused primarily on musculoskeletal health, spinal alignment, and nervous system function. Their education includes biomedical sciences, diagnostics, extensive hands-on manual therapy instruction, clinical nutrition, and supervised clinical training. Chiropractors practice holistic medicine (looking at the body as a whole), but their training does not include natural therapies such as advanced nutrition, herbal medicine, homeopathy, or comprehensive lifestyle medicine. Some chiropractors may seek additional training or choose to incorporate various natural therapies into their practice.

Chinese Medicine Practitioners / Acupuncturists (LAc)

A licensed Chinese medicine practitioner / acupuncturist (LAc) completes a four-year, accredited master’s program in Chinese medicine and acupuncture, which includes supervised clinical training. Acupuncture training (the insertion of fine needles to correct various imbalances) makes up a substantial portion of the program. Students also study Western biomedicine, traditional diagnostics (such as pulse and tongue diagnosis), Chinese medicine energy practices (like Qigong and Taiji), Chinese herbal medicine, Chinese medical nutrition, and classical Chinese medical theory. Some practitioners pursue doctoral-level training (DACM/DAcOM), but licensure is based on passing board exams after completing the master’s degree.

Dry Needling or “Acupuncture” Performed by Other Medical Providers (MD, DO, DC, DPT)

These practitioners complete short certification courses in dry needling (sometimes mistakenly referred to as “acupuncture”) ranging from ~30 to 300 hours. This education is largely divorced from Chinese medicine philosophy and is far shorter than the training required for licensed acupuncturists. Skill and depth vary depending on course length and prior background. Only a licensed acupuncturist (LAc) practices true acupuncture.

Functional Medicine Practitioners

Functional medicine is a systems-based framework, not a separate profession. Any healthcare practitioner—MD, DO, ND, DC, APRN, LAc, nutritionist, health coach, etc.—can pursue training in functional medicine. Certification programs vary widely, and the leading U.S. program includes about 143 hours of formal training. Functional medicine provides a lens for root-cause, systems-based care, but it does not replace a primary medical or clinical degree. The scope of practice for a functional medicine practitioner and how they implement their functional medicine training depends on their other medical credentials. There is no such thing as a “functional medicine doctor”—unless the practitioner holds a doctorate degree (MD, DO, ND, DC, DPT, DNP) and sought additional training in functional medicine.

Registered Dietitians / Nutritionists (RD or RDN)

A registered dietitian completes a bachelor’s or master’s degree in nutrition or dietetics, which includes supervised clinical training. They provide evidence-based nutrition counseling, medical nutrition therapy, and guidance for managing conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, or digestive disorders using nutrition. Some individuals may call themselves “nutritionists” without formal credentials.

Health Coaches

Health coaches focus on behavioral support, lifestyle changes, and wellness coaching. There is no standardized or required medical training, and programs can range from tens to hundreds of hours. Health coaches often provide motivation, habit tracking, and accountability, but they cannot diagnose or treat medical conditions.

Herbalists

Herbalists are trained in the use of herbs through certificate programs, apprenticeships, or self-study. Only licensed naturopathic doctors (ND) and licensed Chinese medicine practitioners / acupuncturists (LAc) receive formal, clinically supervised herbal medicine training as part of their medical education. Many herbalists are knowledgeable, but there is no standardized training or protected credential.

Homeopaths

Homeopathy is a distinct modality based on the principle “like cures like,” using highly diluted remedies. Homeopaths complete standalone homeopathy courses with no medical training required, while naturopathic doctors (ND) are the only medical professionals whose formal education includes homeopathy as part of an accredited medical curriculum.

Ayurvedic Practitioners

Ayurvedic practitioners are trained in traditional Indian medicine through multi-year certificate programs, apprenticeships, or degree programs (sometimes abroad). They focus on herbal medicine, diet, lifestyle, and mind-body practices based on Ayurvedic principles. In the U.S., most are not licensed health professionals, and their scope varies widely. Their training and approach are different from naturopathic doctors, licensed acupuncturists, or other natural medicine providers.

Massage Therapists & Bodywork Practitioners (LMT)

Massage therapists use hands-on techniques to support circulation, mobility, lymphatic flow, and the nervous system. Training requirements vary by state, but most complete 500–1,000+ hours of education in anatomy, physiology, pathology, and supervised clinical practice. Beyond standard massage therapy, some practitioners pursue additional education in specialized modalities such as myofascial release, lymphatic drainage, craniosacral therapy, neuromuscular therapy, structural integration, or other bodywork systems.

Energy Medicine Practitioners

Energy medicine practitioners work with the body’s natural energy systems to support physical, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing. Practitioners use gentle, noninvasive techniques to help restore balance and promote relaxation. Common types of energy work include Reiki, healing touch, Qi-based practices like Qigong or Taiji, and crystal or sound healing. Training varies widely—some programs offer certifications that take months to complete, while others require multi-year study, supervised practice, and continuing education.

Integrative or Holistic Practitioners

“Integrative” and “holistic” are catch-all terms that can apply to many types of natural medicine providers. Anyone focusing on a mind-body-spirit approach and utilizing natural therapies may use these descriptive terms. This can include any of the natural medicine providers listed above, and it can extend to medical doctors (MD), osteopathic physicians (DO), and other conventional medicine providers who have chosen to incorporate natural therapies into their practice. “Complimentary” is also used to convey that a conventionally-trained provider incorporates natural modalities into their healthcare approach. “Integrative doctor” and “holistic doctor” are not actual credentials but can imply that someone has received doctoral-level training when that may not be the case.

As you can see, the term “natural medicine” covers a wide range of providers, training levels, and approaches. From naturopathic doctors to acupuncturists, nutritionists, health coaches, chiropractors, and more, there is a lot of variability—and not all providers have the same scope, clinical training, or expertise. Understanding the different types of natural medicine providers can help you choose one whose training and approach best fits your health goals.

My Unique Approach to Natural Medicine

I am a naturopathic doctor (ND), and I completed a four-year, accredited naturopathic medical program with advanced clinical training in diagnosis, pharmacology, nutrition, herbal medicine, physical medicine, and integrative therapies. Arkansas does not currently recognize or license NDs, so I hold licensure in Vermont.

I am also an Arkansas-licensed Chinese medicine provider and acupuncturist (LAc), and I completed a four-year accredited master’s program with extensive clinical training in acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine and nutrition, diagnostics, and Chinese medical theory.

In addition to this dual medical training, I have spent the past 14+ years accumulating hundreds of hours of continuing education in functional medicine, deepening my expertise in systems-based, root-cause assessment and integrative care.

My training allows me to offer a unique approach that combines naturopathic medicine, Chinese medicine, and functional medicine. This integrated framework gives me a rare perspective on the root causes of symptoms, along with a skillset for addressing them that other types of natural medicine providers don’t have. My background spans biomedical sciences, pharmacology, Western and Chinese herbal medicine, advanced nutrition, physical medicine, acupuncture, and systems-driven root-cause evaluation—giving you access to a breadth of expertise that few providers can match.

I am the only provider in Arkansas with this distinctive blend of training and expertise. If you’re seeking personalized, integrative care guided by a deeply trained and experienced provider, I invite you to learn more about my approach and how we can work together here. Your journey toward whole-body wellness deserves guidance from someone with comprehensive clinical training across multiple natural and integrative medicine disciplines—and that is exactly what I offer.