NATUROPATHY PRACTICE IN THE PHILIPPINES FROM 2020 TO 2026: A NARRATIVE LITERATURE REVIEW
Growing interest in preventive, holistic, and patient-centered healthcare has increased attention toward naturopathy and traditional, complementary, and alternative medicine (TCAM) in the Philippines. Despite policy support through Republic Act No. 8423 and the Philippine Institute of Traditional and Alternative Health Care, evidence on naturopathy remains limited. This narrative literature review examined naturopathy practice in the Philippines from 2020 to 2026, focusing on regulatory frameworks, commonly utilized modalities, healthcare utilization, research developments, and existing challenges. Relevant literature was identified through PubMed and Google Scholar and synthesized using thematic narrative analysis. Findings indicate that naturopathy in the Philippines remains largely embedded within the broader TCAM framework, with herbal medicine, nutritional and lifestyle interventions, massage, acupuncture, and wellness-oriented practices representing the most commonly reported modalities. The literature suggests growing public acceptance and institutional recognition of naturopathy; however, progress is constrained by limited clinical evidence, inconsistent practitioner regulation, lack of standardized educational pathways, and challenges in integration with conventional health care. Overall, naturopathy demonstrates increasing relevance within Philippine preventive and integrative health care, but its advancement requires stronger evidence-based research, professional standardization, regulatory development, and interdisciplinary collaboration.