What the heck is a Naturopath?

Here are a few commonly asked questions regarding the mysterious world of Naturopathy, I thought you may like me to address!

What is Naturopathy?

Naturopathy is a wholistic natural medical system that aims to treat the root cause of a person’s disease, rather than just offering a band-aid solution.  It is built upon some really beautiful tenants which are the following:

• The Healing Power of Nature: The belief in the body’s own healing mechanisms when granted the appropriate natural conditions to do so (exposure to nature, an optimum diet, exercise, rest, sleep and a positive outlook).  The naturopath’s task is to support the body’s natural capability to heal.
• Identify and treat the cause: This involves identifying the factors which are contributing to the disease presentation.  We gather extensive information and dig deep into what may be influencing a person’s state of health (from diet, to living conditions, to other stressors), and we put together a treatment programme to address those that we can change.  Whilst there is often a genetic component to disease, there is a lot we can do to influence the expression of those genes, and to  provide the body with the optimum conditions for recovery.
• Treat the whole person:  In Naturopathy we look at the patient holistically, and at the interplay between different body systems and symptoms.  Sometimes symptoms which may seem totally unrelated at first glance are actually very much intertwined; one well known example of this would be the relationship between the gut and the mind. It is very common that as the main condition improves, so too do many aspects of the person’s health and life.
• First Do No Harm: Naturopathy considers the person’s current state of vitality and current medications in providing natural treatment that should pose minimal chance of causing harm.  We endeavour to provide safe, non-invasive treatment that does not simply mask the symptoms.
• Doctor as teacher: The healing process is seen to be a collaborative process.  Naturopathy places a great emphasis on teaching the person healthful practices that they can use their whole lives, educating them as to why dysfunction may have occurred in the body and what the treatment protocol is designed to achieve.
• Prevention: The healthful dietary and lifestyle choices taught in naturopathic consultation will likely minimise the risk of future health problems.  A perfect example of this is the implementation of a whole food plant based diet, which significantly reduces the risk of many chronic disease states from obesity to cancer.

Naturopaths use a range of modalities to support the body in its healing process; depending on the naturopath’s training this will predominantly include nutritional medicine, herbal medicine and lifestyle modifications, but may also include flower essences, homeopathy, massage, hydrotherapy, mineral celloids and tissue salts.

In certain states of America and Canada, licensed naturopathic doctors also have access to certain restricted pharmaceutical medications which they will use only as required.

Naturopaths should never tell you to cease taking your prescribed medication, and should be delighted to work alongside your other health care providers for the best and safest holistic treatment.

How do you learn to become a naturopath?

The regulation of naturopaths varies widely from country-to-country, as does the level of education available to them.  In the UK for instance, the highest standard of education would be a diploma, in Australia a four-year Bachelor of Health Science degree with extensive education of biosciences, nutrition, natural medicines and clinical practice.  The US and Canada offer a four year programme training their naturopaths as naturopathic doctors.  Regardless of the level of education available country to country, naturopaths may continue their education with Masters or PhDs in specialised areas of interest.  Naturopaths who are appropriately registered with a legitimate association, will also be required to continue their education with seminars, webinars or courses which keep them up to date with the latest evidence-based practice.

Why did I become a naturopath?

Aside from being the perfect hybrid of academic and white witch for me (I’m very much of the Harry Potter era), I discovered the power of natural medicine when I transformed my health from depressed, anxious and arthritic, with low energy and a poor immune system, to happy, energetic, 95% of the time bodily pain free, and rarely ever sick.  I achieved this through following an optimised plant based diet, and the use of some fairly magical natural medicines to give my body the extra push it needed.  I am immensely grateful for the shift in my own health I have enjoyed, and gain so much joy in supporting others in transforming their own health.

Check out “Prices and Bookings” to find out more about the types of consults I offer and the conditions I like to work with.  I hope to work with you soon!