Naturopathy is a system of medicine that emphasizes the use of natural therapies to promote healing and maintain health. Naturopathic doctors (NDs) use a variety of modalities, including nutrition, herbal medicine, homeopathy and acupuncture, to treat a wide range of conditions. Naturopathic medicine is based on the principle that the body has an innate ability to heal itself. Consequently, the aim of naturopathic treatment is to support and facilitate this process by correcting imbalances that may hinder the body's ability to heal itself. Naturopathic medicine is often used as a complement to conventional medical care. It can also be used as a stand-alone system of medicine for those who prefer to avoid or minimize the use of drugs and surgery.