What is naturopathy?
Naturopathy is one of the most popular forms of complementary medicine in Australia today. It emphasises holistic disease prevention through natural, therapeutic methods. It’s based on the principle that the body has an intrinsic ability to heal itself, with the body, mind, and emotions supported during the healing process.
Patients who undergo naturopathic treatments are treated as individuals, and treatment involves the entire body, not just the area of their body that is affected. The focus is also on the cause of health issues, not just the symptoms.
What are the naturopathic principles?
Naturopaths perform over 4.9 million consultations in Australia every year. They will often recommend a combination of therapies and use preventative medicine practices to ensure the body heals, restores, and nourishes itself to remain strong and vital. The six foundation principles that naturopaths practise are:
First, do no harm
The healing power of nature
Find and treat the cause whenever possible, not only the symptoms
Doctor as teacher
Treat the whole person
Education and prevention
Naturopathy techniques
Naturopaths will typically work alongside your doctor or other health professionals to offer the best possible patient-centred care. They will use non-invasive and natural treatments that work in harmony with the body’s own healing mechanisms. Naturopaths will also focus on disease prevention and the influence of the environment, lifestyle, and emotions on a patient’s holistic health. Naturopathy is suitable for people of all ages, and can alleviate a wide range of conditions.
The naturopathy techniques undertaken to treat clients can differ depending on the modalities they’ve studied, as well as their healing philosophy. A naturopath will typically start by asking you questions about your lifestyle, diet, stress, bowel habits, energy levels, sleep quality, environment, family background, and any history of illness. After compiling a detailed health history, then may then also use other techniques, including:
Iridology
Stool and urine analysis
Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis
Food Compatability Testing
Nail analysis
Functional testing
They will then design a naturopathy treatment plan to support your body’s ability to heal itself. They will advise you on which areas of your body need treatment and which body systems are under pressure. Treatment options, what your treatment journey will look like, and what treatments and supplements will cost will also be discussed. They may then use a range of non-invasive techniques to treat you, including:
Administering naturopathic remedies such as herbal medicines or nutritional supplements to treat and prevent a range of illnesses.
Offering dietary and nutritional advice to restore balance, assist with detoxification and disease prevention. This can include recommending patients avoid or eat certain foods.
Recommending detoxification in terms of undertaking a cleansing diet, and eliminating tea, coffee, tobacco, and alcohol.
Giving lifestyle advice to promote wellbeing and reduce stress.
Undertaking hydrotherapy to stimulate the body’s immune system and natural defences.
Using heat/cold packs and compresses to stimulate organ function, reduce pain, and influence the flow of blood and body heat.
Some naturopaths also:
Use flower essences and/or herbal medicines to enhance the emotional aspects of healing.
Manipulate soft tissue to enhance detoxification, reduce pain and rebalance the body’s systems.
Administer homeopathic medicines that use predominantly plant, mineral and animal substances to stimulate the body’s own healing responses.
Practise psychological counselling, including encouraging meditation and relaxation techniques.
Administer massage therapy, Bowel therapy, acupressure, mechanotherapy, bio-puncture, reflexology, acupuncture and/or homeopathy techniques.
Which conditions does naturopathy treat?
Naturopaths will typically formulate a holistic health plan that targets a variety of deficiencies and imbalances to help patients understand how their diet, lifestyle, environment, stress levels, and relationships could be impacting their health. These include:
Digestive or gastrointestinal issues
Low immunity or energy
Fatigue
General aches and pains
Stress-related ailments
Hormone imbalance, fertility issues and premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
Male and female reproductive health
Skin, sleep and weight concerns
Cardiovascular issues
Migraines and headaches
Joint health and degenerative illnesses, including arthritis
It’s also worth mentioning that natural remedies aren’t always a “quick fix” solution. While there will be an inital focus on symptom relief, they work on healing the body over time and offer a long-term solution to health problems. A change in your symptoms will depend on your age, the severity of your symptoms and how long you have had your health condition/s. Some patients start to feel results within a couple of days, but for others, it will take a few weeks or even longer. Typically, naturopaths will be keen to know of your progress between consultations and will suggest follow-up appointments, including an annual check-up.
What can I expect from my first naturopathy appointment?
In your first appointment with a naturopath, you can expect the following:
A discussion of your health history, prescription drugs, diet, lifestyle, and your main health concerns.
A review of your bodily systems, which may include your respiratory, digestive, skin, musculoskeletal, and other important systems.
Order relevant diagnostic tests.
Creation of a holistic, personalised health plan that aims to heal your imbalances and promote well-being.