Naturopathy
Naturopathy
A naturopath is basically a modern herbalist, with a few additional skills. During an initial consultation, a naturopath will examine the whole person, assessing each body system for dysfunction, or glitches in biochemical processing. Following the initial assessment, further specialised diagnostic and functional testing may be recommended to assist with targeted protocols.
Naturopathy will include personalised advice regarding nutrition (including foods and supplements) that will benefit you, herbs that may include herbal tonics, traditional formulations or tea, stress management and lifestyle advice.Naturopathy examines all systems of the body, instead of focusing on one small symptom, or acute problem.
Herbal Medicine
Herbal medicines have been used for centuries to target illness. When we investigate the chemical constituents in plant medicine, we understand the isolation and manipulation of these individual chemical components in most orthodox, or pharmaceutical medicines on the market today. If you’d like to find out more - WHO Monographs on Selected Medicinal Plants.
Thankfully, scientific investigation is increasingly validating the advantages of Herbal Medicine.
Nutritional Supplementation
Nutrients are a broad category and include macronutrients, vitamins, minerals and other substances vital for health. Our metabolic processes rely on nutrients to feed the function of our organs and body systems. Nutritional supplements are sometimes prescribed at therapeutic dosages to address and prevent deficiencies, and improve overall health and well-being.When you buy over the counter products, you are generally getting a cheaply manufactured product that is poor in dosage and bioavailability. What’s the harm though, right?Wrong! Nutritional supplements also overload the liver, just like medication, drugs and alcohol, so it is important to use practitioner grade products, that are targeted to your specific needs.
Clinical nutrition
Let food be thy medicine is, without a doubt, the most important, and empowering phrase patients could take away from a naturopathic consultation.Nutritional advice will form a large part of any protocol given to patients, and may include specific nutrition plans, coordination, implementation and evaluation of dietary interventions.
Lifestyle advice and stress management
A Naturopath treats the whole person, and not just the physical body. Lifestyle recommendations aim to improve overall health and well-being, and let’s face it, who isn’t stressed or worn out these days? Some of the interventions patients may incorporate include;
Sleep habits & hygiene
Targeted exercise and physical activity, with referral to specialist services if appropriate
Relaxation, meditation and mindfulness
Self-care
Eliminating and avoiding environmental toxins
Referral to specialised practitioners for further support