What does a Naturopath do?

What is it that I do? I thought a good place to start was to explain what it is that Naturopaths do, including what is involved in a consultation with me and the principles used to support your health/wellbeing journey. 

So what does a Naturopath do? They look at you holistically which allows them to specifically treat the cause rather than ‘band-aiding’ the problem. During your initial consultation in the clinic I will be collecting information based on your main health complaints via your signs, symptoms, lifestyle choices, dietary patterns and physical assessments. This allows me to gather insight into all aspects of wellbeing and assess what may be contributing to the main health issues. From this, I endeavour to communicate my knowledge to empower patients to make educated decisions surrounding their health. Following on from this, the most suitable treatment will be discussed in which may include lifestyle alterations, diet therapy, herbal therapeutics and nutritional medicine. The treatment plan is something that we will collaboratively work together on which will help to ensure it is achievable and sustainable allowing you to reach your goals.  

What naturopaths focus on is not treating the symptom but identifying and addressing the underlying cause(s) to therefore prevent further havoc in the body. Naturopaths work by focusing on preventative medicine which produces long term benefits because it has the power to reduce the risk of future complications by addressing the problems today.

Naturopathic principles 

Something, we (naturopaths), follow quite diligently and hold close to our hearts.

- first do no harm 
- the healing power of nature (trust the body’s ability to heal itself) 
- identify and treat the cause (by looking beyond symptoms to address the causative factors) 
- doctor as teacher (educate and empower patients) 
- treat the whole person (view the body and all its systems in its entirety) 
- prevention (focusing on the overall health & long term outcomes) 

 What else do I need to know?

·      In my practice, evidence-based science plays a major role when I am addressing your health concerns and creating a treatment plan. However, I also reflect on my clinical experience, intuition and education to ensure I make the most suitable judgements when formulating your plan. 

·      I aim to work collaboratively with other health care practitioners as I believe this is where we will see the best results. By working as a team to focus on the health of one individual ensures all bases are covered, and allows for an integrated approach.