NM Academy

Codifying our knowledge.  It’s time.

Skemania Lodge origjnal meeting about the project

We are a team of more than 300 international contributors working collaboratively to agree upon a diverse range of content for a multi-volume medical textbook addressing the central and foundational concepts of naturopathic medicine.

THIS IS OUR PURPOSE:

Click Foundations Cover
for Table of Contents

It’s here!   The much anticipated TIMELINE volume Is now available for free, 

and coming soon,  purchase a high quality tabletop printed book!

Click book cover to access your options.

Leonard Wisneski, MD

What a gem! Timeline is indeed, a tapestry of people, events, and institutions. It is that rare compendium that honors the past, curates knowledge, models collective effort, provides current insights and self-awareness, and welcomes future additions. Its methodology is worthy of the most astute professional historians …Timeline does not posture as one immutable “fixed truth.” It is a living document, compiled collaboratively from both oral and written traditions. In an era that often publicly rejects unity, collaboration, and hope, Timeline serves a far deeper purpose: it signals humanity’s ability to work collectively for the betterment of all. 


-Susan E. Cayleff, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus, Department of Women, Gender and Sexuality Studies, San Diego State University; Author: Nature's Path: A History of Naturopathic Healing in America. UNITED STATES

What a gem!  Timeline spans the roots and streams of ancient medicines (2700 BCE-1000CE) through the early twenty-first century, compiled by a veritable Who’s Who in Naturopathic healing and medicine. It is that rare compendium that honors the past, curates knowledge, models collective effort,  provides current insights and self-awareness, and welcomes future additions. And it delivers on all fronts." Susan Cayleff

“The contributions and influence of naturopathic doctors, the naturopathic medicine profession and the health reform movements to and on the public’s health over the last century are often dismissed, under-appreciated or claimed by others. The history catalogued in this TIMELINE takes an important, impactful and unprecedented first step towards setting that record straight.


-John S Finnell, ND, PhD, MPH, MS, DiplOM, FAIHM

Associate Clinical Scientist, Bastyr University Research Institute

Adjunct Assistant Professor, UTHealth Houston School of Public Health at Austin

Clinical Director, Whole Health and Integrative Health Services, Central Texas Veterans Administration.  UNITED STATES

The at once highly complex and beautifully simple principles of the medicine which this TIMELINE shows, manifesting as they have over many, many years, help keep our path forward clearer, more certain and ultimately sustainable… secure in its derivation and invariably stronger going forward in its historical and current relevance and application.  -David J. Schleich, PhD; President Emeritus National University of Natural Medicine; Past President, NUNM  CANADA

The at once highly complex and beautifully simple principles of the medicine which this TIMELINE shows, manifesting as they have over many, many years, help keep our path forward clearer, more certain and ultimately sustainable… secure in its derivation and invariably stronger going forward in its historical and current relevance and application.


-David J. Schleich, PhD; President Emeritus National University of Natural Medicine; Past President, NUNM           CANADA

Now, more than ever, we find ourselves at a pivotal moment in health care. The national conversation is shifting toward whole-person health, prevention, and wellness—principles at the heart of naturopathic medicine. This is an opportune time to honor our history, share our story, and affirm our role in shaping a future system that values and learns from the integrative, patient-centered approach we embody. With great pride and anticipation, I welcome you to explore this remarkable chronicle of our profession’s past—a foundation for building a healthier, more holistic future!  -Michelle Simon, PhD, ND; President & CEO,  Institute for Natural Medicine   UNITED STATES

Now, more than ever, we find ourselves at a pivotal moment in health care. The national conversation is shifting toward whole-person health, prevention, and wellness—principles at the heart of naturopathic medicine. This is an opportune time to honor our history, share our story, and affirm our role in shaping a future system that values and learns from the integrative, patient-centered approach we embody. With great pride and anticipation, I welcome you to explore this remarkable chronicle of our profession’s past—a foundation for building a healthier, more holistic future!

-Michelle Simon, PhD, ND; President & CEO, 

Institute for Natural Medicine   UNITED STATES

As the TIMELINE of the naturopathic profession extends across the centuries, there have been iconic foundation stones laid to chart the course. This text is one of those significant guides to light our way. Naturopaths from nations across the planet, including Australia, have together forged an irreplaceable scholarly document for all who are committed to exploring the naturopathic way of healthcare. It’s an amazing resource! Dr Paul J Orrock, PhD, MAppSc (Res), Grad CertHEd, ND, DO; Adjunct Associate Professor, Faculty of Health, Southern Cross University, New South Wales

As the TIMELINE of the naturopathic profession extends across the centuries, there have been iconic foundation stones laid to chart the course. This text is one of those significant guides to light our way. Naturopaths from nations across the planet, including Australia, have together forged an irreplaceable scholarly document for all who are committed to exploring the naturopathic way of healthcare. It’s an amazing resource!


-Dr Paul J Orrock, PhD, MAppSc (Res), Grad Cert HEd, ND, DO; Adjunct Associate Professor, Faculty of Health, Southern Cross University, NEW SOUTH WALES

Historical context is of vast importance. There is much to learn from those who went before us. TIMELINE is a wonderful gift to all health and health related professions…. We owe a great debt of gratitude to the authors and editors of this seminal volume.   Leonard A. Wisneski, MD, FACP, Faculty Positions at George Washington University, Georgetown University, and University of Colorado                                                                                                               UNITED STATES

Historical context is of vast importance. There is much to learn from those who went before us. TIMELINE is a wonderful gift to all health and health related professions…. We owe a great debt of gratitude to the authors and editors of this seminal volume.


-Leonard A. Wisneski, MD, FACP, Faculty Positions at George Washington University, Georgetown University, and University of Colorado     UNITED STATES

This isn't just a book—it's a meticulously crafted chronicle.  In its pages, you'll rediscover the pivotal moments that shaped us.  There is power in perspective. Timeline offers exactly that—a lens to reflect on our shared heritage, to inspire our doctors amid today's challenges, and to fuel the innovations of tomorrow, providing vital historical context to the existence and purpose of the Naturopathic profession.  



Rick Kirschner, ND, VNMI

Bestselling Author, Filmmaker
Past President, Naturopathic Medicine Institute

Current President, Naturopathic Medicine Academy
UNITED STATES


 © Naturopathic Medicine Academy 2007-2026

(formerly Foundations of Naturopathic Medicine Institute)

This beautiful and thoughtfully developed 29 chapter volume addresses the primary therapies and modalities of Naturopathic medicine
quote symbolquote symbol

Nature Cure

Nature cure is both a philosophy and a practice that is the basis for contemporary naturopathic medicine.  

This beautiful and thoughtfully developed 29-chapter volume addresses the primary therapies and modalities of nature cure that support your patients’ inherent self-healing capacity.

The practice of basic nature cure skills is fundamental to every therapeutic endeavor in naturopathic medicine, no matter what other modalities might be applied.

Roger Newman Turner, ND, DO, BAc

quote symbolquote symbol

Click on cover for access

All of the Nature Cure volume is available now for free download. 
However, please note, this material is copyright to the
Naturopathic Medicine Academy and the 

Foundations of Naturopathic Medicine Institute, and may not be republished.

The Therapeutic Order was first developed by naturopathic physicians Dr. Jared Zeff and Dr. Pamela Snider.  Dr. Zeff’s landmark 1997 article [Zeff, 1997] proposed the four-part Hierarchy of Healing in “The Process of Healing – A Unifying Theory of Naturopathic Medicine.”

Click here for more…

The Naturopathic Medicine Therapeutic Order is (1) a roadmap to the transformation of health care (2) a guide to the healing power of nature in treating disease by restoring health; (3) a strategy for health creation that will lead to a healthier world (4) an approach to medicine which respects nature and its natural systems.

Additional volumes in the works!

As the Academy picks up volunteers, the work expands

How it all began:

Click image to see our Founding brochure

Click on image to see 

our founding brochure.

Slideshow of Founders
Slideshow of Founders
Slideshow of Founders
Slideshow of Founders
Photo Gallery

Label 6

Slideshow of Founders
Slideshow of Founders
Slideshow of Founders

A profession must codify its unique knowledge to grow. It must find a powerful way to transfer its knowledge to new generations of practitioners.

Snider, P., Zeff, J., Sensenig, J., Pizzorno, Myers, S.P., Newman Turner, R., Warren, D., Campbell, V. with Schleich, D., Mitchell, W., Louise, C., Kruzel, T., Rogers, C., Bettenburg, R., Kronenberg, l. (Watrous, L.), Milliman, B., Orrock, P., Joiner-Bey, H., Smith, F., Standish, L., Bezy, E., Edwards, L., Blake, E., Stargrove. M., Keppler, W., Grontkowski, C.; and Agency Liaisons; Student Consultants; Hunter, S., and Campbell, V. and Associates. Codifying Our Knowledge - It's Time. First International Editors Retreat Full Proceedings Report with Executive Summary.Pub. Foundations of Naturopathic Medicine Project (Foundations of Naturopathic Medicine Institute, Naturopathic Medicine Academy); Snoqualmie, WA. 2007. Copyright 2007-2025. All Rights Reserved.

https://naturemedacademy.org

Click on image for the
2006 NDNR article

 before the retreat

Click to see the 2013 AANP slideshow about the Foundations project of FNMI
The first international editors retreat for the FNMI textbook project

Click on image for the elegant rendering of the proceedings from that first meeting at Skemania Lodge.

“In years to come, this landmark event will likely be cited as the Skamania Breakthrough Convocation.”

Closing Plenary, April 5, 2007

James Sensenig, ND Founder, Naturopathic Medicine Institute

Click on image to see 

The 2013 AANP Slideshow

NMA logo

Get Involved!   The Naturopathic Medicine Academy is interested in your feedback!   Volume 1 of Nature Cure is now in pre-print, which means subject to change.  We’d also love your feedback on the Timeline volume.  

And please check back for updates.

The Institute for Natural Medicine 

is the administrative home of 

the Naturopathic Medicine Academy. 


The Institute for Natural Medicine (INM) 

is a 501(c3) organization devoted 

to engaging philanthropy 

and increasing public awareness 

of Naturopathic Medicine.

Institute for Natural Medicine logo

ABOUT NMA:  The Naturopathic Medicine Academy is an international and intergenerational team of more than 300 authors, 33 editors, 11 colleges and universities, and 13 agencies of the global naturopathic medical community.

Our Mission is to codify, transcribe, publish and distribute naturopathic medical knowledge, concepts, models and their applications to benefit, vitalize, and sustain our health, humanity and biosphere for present and future generations

Mailing:
NMA
P.O. Box 857
Snoqualmie, WA 98065

© Naturopathic Medicine Academy 2007-2026 

(formerly Foundations of Naturopathic Medicine Institute)

Twitter @iamdrknd

Google Analytics is a web analysis service provided by Google. Google utilizes the data collected to track and examine the use of this site, to prepare reports on its activities and share them with other Google services.

Google may use the data collected to contextualize and personalize the ads of its own advertising network.

Personal data collected: Cookie and Usage Data. Place of processing: USA. Find Google's privacy policy here.

Google Analytics is a web analysis service provided by Google. Google utilizes the data collected to track and examine the use of this site, to prepare reports on its activities and share them with other Google services.

Google may use the data collected to contextualize and personalize the ads of its own advertising network.

Personal data collected: Cookie and Usage Data. Place of processing: USA. Find Google's privacy policy here.

This website makes use of cookies. Please see our privacy policy for details.