ABOUT NATUROPATHY
What is Naturopathy? Naturopathy is an age-old science, based on a long traditional history of use that evolved out the ancient healing traditions of Europe, with its roots firmly grounded in Greek philosophy.
Today Naturopathy means much more. Naturopaths today integrate traditional medicines and natural therapies with conventional health sciences. Understanding of the latest biochemical research involving nutrition, botanicals, homeopathy and other natural treatments is coupled with empirical knowledge to get the best results for each and every client.
The practice of Naturopathy has a focus strongly on preventing health problems and on the early detection of a person's likelihood of developing a health disorder (predisposition). It is also very effective at treating acute and chronic health issues. It is a system of healing that aims to provide holistic (or whole body) healthcare. Naturopathy seeks to use the natural healing powers of the body to cure itself and it focuses on treating the cause of a disease rather than the symptoms themselves.
A Naturopath aims to:
- Minimise acute symptoms
- Support the body's vital force (capacity to self-heal)
- Rebalance the system so that illness is less likely to occur in the future
- Educate the patient to look after their own health and the health of their family.
A naturopath works under the premise that the body has the capacity to heal itself if given the right conditions. My role as a naturopath is to work with you to promote the natural healing of your body as well as to educate, empower and motivate you to take control of your health and to understand what has contributed to your current health situation; knowledge is power. Health is more that the absence of disease and part of the process of aiding the body to heal is to recognise areas of weakness in the body and to strengthen and support these symptoms.
Disease is caused by a unique combination of factors (including biochemical, environmental, social, physical, emotional and mental factors), which are different in each person. By taking all of these factors into consideration, a naturopath is able to identify and remove obstacles to the body, allowing it to bring itself back into balance, and effectively treating the cause of the problem.
WHAT CONDITIONS CAN NATUROPATHY TREAT?
Naturopathy can be used not only to treat existing health conditions but also to maintain health and prevent disease. Read more.
TREATMENTS
I use a range of methods to assist in the healing process including herbal medicine, nutrition, diet and lifestyle modification to address health concerns and reestablish balance within the body.
Herbal Medicine
Herbal medicines are sourced from medicinal plants and are prescribed in the form of liquid extracts, teas, powders or tablets. Herbal medicine is the oldest form of medicine and has been practiced by many cultures throughout the world for thousands of years. It is still the most widely used form of medicine today.
Many modern medicines are isolated constituents sourced from herbs. For example, aspirin is derived from white willow bark. In herbal medicine the whole plant is sued which displays a milder effect and enhances the synergy and safety of the plant. Knowledge of herbs is based on thousands of years of wisdom and practice and the latest scientific research and validation.
Nutritional Medicine
Nutritional medicine is the use of supplements or dietary modifications to correct deficiencies or treat disease states. Nutritional supplements may be prescribed in the form of tablets, capsules or powders. They are prescribed in therapeutic dosages, in synergistic combinations and in the most effective form.
Diet and lifestyle counseling
Diet and lifestyle advice is the main foundation of naturopathic medicine. Education is an important aspect of healing and understanding the causes of illness or dysfunction is an essential step towards true healing. Educating my clients as to how their diet and lifestyle is contributing to, or directly causing their health complaints means that in the long-run they have more control over their health, leaving them with a feeling of empowerment.
Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy is the use of concentrated aromatic or essential oils for therapeutic purposes. These essential oils are extracted from the flowers, leaves, berries, barks or roots of plants. Aromatherapy is a fast acting form of treatment. It can be used atmospherically, in massage, in skin care, as a body oil, in a bath or as an inhalation. Essential oils will be chosen to best suit you and will be prescribed alone or in a synergistic blend. Not only is aromatherapy a gentle and effective treatment for adults and children alike but it also smells great.
Reiki
Reiki is a safe, gentle, non-intrusive hands-on healing technique and is the oldest known form of healing in the world. Reiki means universal life force energy and is a powerful yet gentle healing form. Reiki aids in the healing of numerous disorders and diseases by channeling and directing energy to the source of the problem or pain. It's a holistic system for balancing and healing all aspects of our health, our bodies, minds, emotions and spirit and can be used with all other therapies. A reiki treatment leaves the receiver deeply relaxed and revitalized. This is a fantastic treatment to combat stress, assist in recovery from illness, or simply to re-energise.
Flower Essences
Flower essences are vibrational medicines, made from the flowers of wild plants bushes and trees. They produce subtle and gentle effects in all areas of physical, emotional, mental or spiritual imbalances or blockages and to shift certain behaviors. Flower essences are well tolerated and are safe for adults, children and pets alike.
WHAT TO EXPECT IN A CONSULTATION
Initial consultations take around 1-11/2 hrs. This ensures we have adequate time to talk about your health concerns and to assess your current health status.
Consultations involve a comprehensive questioning process and a combination of traditional and modern diagnostic techniques. These may include iridology, nail and tongue analysis, zinc deficiency testing and blood pressure reading.
Other in-house laboratory tests may be utilised as required and include celiac testing, candida testing, live blood analysis and bowel toxicity analysis
Read more about additional Testing Procedures
On completion of your consultation you may be recommended herbal or nutritional treatment and possibly given some diet or lifestyle guidance. Your treatment plan will be explained thoroughly and you will be given an idea of what will be involved in restoring your health.
You will always be treated individually in a confidential and professional manner. Education is a key part of my health philosophy and I aim to empower and motivate you to reach your health goals.
QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor of Health Science (Naturopathy)
Advanced Diploma of Naturopathy
Diploma of Herbal Medicine
Diploma of Nutrition
Reiki Practitioner