A chronological account of the history & progress of naturopathy in Ghana

Abstract

Naturopathy is the general practice of Natural remedies. Others have also opined that Naturopathy is the way of life. Additionally, any natural modality that is effective and has scientific support is considered Naturopathy in the modern dispensation. The naturopathic movement started in the 19th century by the hydrotherapy and nature cure proponents in Austria and Germany and professionalized in North America. Africa, Naturopathy is well appreciated in South Africa and is a highly regulated Profession. In Ghana, we found that the Naturopathy movement started in the 1960s. It has however gained momentum in the current dispensation with the development of Ghana’s first National Occupational Standards in Naturopathy at the Higher National Diploma and Bachelors level awaiting accreditation. Research and standardization have also intensified due to the work of Ghana’s first Naturopathic Medical School; Nyarkotey University College of Holistic Medicine & Technology (NUCHMT). We provide commentary on the Naturopathy journey in Ghana in this article.