Why go to see a Naturopath?

Today many of us are interested in our health and implement positive food choices, additional supplements and lifestyle adjustments to take care of ourselves. This is a fantastic thing and shows how often simple changes, that are right for you, can greatly improve health, vitality and happiness.

There is a plethora of health information available to us via friends, print media and online.  Discerning fact from fiction and fad from cutting edge scientific breakthrough is a daunting task. 

Consultation with a qualified Naturopath is an opportunity to review your health goals, discuss your medical conditions and symptoms and to analyse and evaluate your whole health picture. 
It is an opportunity to draw on a wealth of modern health science and traditional natural medicine knowledge. 

 A Naturopath has the time to listen and explain and support you that Doctors and specialists often don’t.

 As part of the overall health care system in Australia a Naturopath offers:
 Support – by listening, hearing and encouraging you on your healthy living or journey to health for those with present symptoms or medical conditions.
 And
 Information – a thorough understanding of the human body, how it works and what it needs. 
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Naturopath training in Australia

Today Naturopaths study modern Health Science; human anatomy, physiology, biochemistry and pathophysiology, alongside herbalism, nutrition and Traditional Western Medicine philosophy. 

Evidence based medicine (EBM), verified with clinical trials and scientific studies provide a sound foundation to safely and effectively employ natural medicines as a complement to conventional health care.  Natuorpaths are required to keep up to date with medical knowledge and EBM findings.

Naturopaths provide nutritional analysis, diet plans, promote and support healthy eating and lifestyle practices that your GP would approve of. 

​Each Naturopath has other therapies and modalities that they train in and can offer to assist you.  In my case I also provide Usui Reiki and Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) for stress relief, emotional balance and relaxation.  I personally avoid homeopathy and am in favour of most Immunisations.  I am a fan of science and the knowledge base that it provides.  Marketing misinformation and profit driven  purposes are a disturbing factor in the health and wellness industry, which are mitigated by seeing qualified professionals that have your best interests and health at heart. 

With a Bachelor of Health Sceince Complementary Medicine - Naturopathy and as a member of a Professional Association - the Australian Traditional Medicine Society (ATMS), I am a fully qualified Naturopath. 

You can read the full outline of minimum education standards for Australian Naturopaths here: www.atms.com.au/modalities/naturopathy/ 

Australian Naturopaths are considered Health Professionals and are covered by the The National Code of Conduct for Health Care Workers (Queensland) which you can access here: www.health.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0014/444101/national-code-conduct-health-workers.pdf
 
The scientific evidence of the safety, mechanism of action and effectiveness of natural medicines available today gives a vast array of proven means to provide real health care benefits.

What does a Naturopath do?

A naturopath has the time to look at all of your body systems, past health issues, current signs symptoms and medical diagnoses to create a clear and holistic picture of your overall health.
With the inclusion of dietary analysis, iridology, blood pressure, blood glucose monitoring and urinalysis, a thorough and personalised health assessment is possible.

A unique treatment plan can then be defined for your individual needs.  This treatment plan is based on a broad foundation of anatomy, biochemistry, physiology, pathology, traditional nature cure knowledge, holistic thinking and current scientific research.
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Any modifications to diet, lifestyle or prescribed therapeutic products are then gradually introduced into your daily routine in a simple yet effective way.

Benefits of Naturopathy

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​Real fixes for everyday problems such as:

Herbs that: prevent menstrual pain, wind, indigestion, bloating, calm the nerves, assist sleep, heal and manage skin conditions. 

Nutrients for increased energy, skin, mood and whole-body health.
Pain relieving herbs and nutrients. 

Prevention: diagnostics pinpoint areas of weakness in the body where systems are under pressure, strain or inflammation.  These areas can be addressed to provide relief and potentially prevent further issues.
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Medical information about current health conditions. Learn about the disease and then you have the power to take control of your health through diet, lifestyle and natural medicines that complement your conventional medical care.

More Benefits of Consulting a Naturopath

• Identifying and treating the cause of current health conditions and preventing future health conditions.
• Prevent harmful/ counterproductive pharmaceutical drug, herb, vitamin, mineral, food or nutrient interactions.
• Advise of therapeutics that are contra indicated (ie. potentially harmful or counterproductive) that are best avoided in your individual case.
• Only taking supplements that you require, the right supplement for you, for now. A time frame for treatment and benchmarks for effectiveness of supplements.
• Less worry about your health management via support of your Naturopath. 
• Someone to discuss your health concerns and triumphs with. 

This is perhaps the defining role of a Naturopath as GPs and Specialists often have very limited time to discuss in detail our health concerns or to explain in detail how our body is functioning and what is happening.  This understanding gives a purpose for lifestyle and dietary changes or regularly taking  therapeutic supplements , herbs or pharmaceutical medication and empowers us in managing our health conditions and maintaining our vitality.  Thereby giving a reason for taking care of ourselves in our daily lives. 

Possible discovery of underlying health conditions, allergies, sensitivities and avenues of further exploration to find undiagnosed conditions.

Naturopaths are unable to provide diagnosis yet may be able to identify areas that need to be further explored by your General Practitioner Doctor.

Referral to GPS when needed and other therapists such as counsellors, psychologists, chiropractic, massage, cranio-sacral therapy, EFT, and many other health modalities.
Access to naturopathic diagnostics such as nail and tongue analysis and Iridology as well as hair analysis and allergy testing.
Treatment for signs and symptoms of conditions that remain undiagnosed and illusive.
Simple and safe remedies for common ailments and symptoms.
Complementing medical treatment and pharmaceuticals with herbs, nutrients and therapeutics

Providing alternatives to harsh pharmaceuticals in instances when such will not put the patient in a life threatening situation or prove detrimental to long term health.

Often drugs are used first and to treat symptoms that are easily and often cheaply alleviated with natural medicines.  An example of this is Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) for indigestion and heartburn or in some cases meadowsweet herb.  This symptom can be due to low stomach acid which ferments and froths causing symptoms.  This is alleviated by ACV and the stomach is then able to carry out its function of breaking down proteins and food particles for absorption in the small intestine.  These economical and safe remedies can replace the often prescribed proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) such as Somac that affect the activity of numerous cells in the body outside of the stomach and acid production, interfering with vital processes that need not be disturbed.  Proton pumps are sodium-potassium pumps embedded in the walls of cells that actively transport these ions into and out of the cell allowing correct cellular function and in some cells an energy gradient that provides the electrical impulses of nerve conduction.  These pumps maintain body fluid levels, pH balance and form part of the bodies physical information communication highways.  Inhibition of these for extended periods will upset the delicate homeostasis or balance of the body causing malfunction in multiple areas.
I am not anti modern medicine I simply believe that natural remedies should be used whenever possible and that herbs, nutrition, exercise, diet and lifestyle changes, and other natural therapies are very viable options.  

A Naturopath views you as an individual and a whole being and aims to support you in gaining and maintaining health.  Utilizing the combination of assisting the vitalism of your body, providing knowledge, treating the cause, viewing the body as a whole and doing no harm are the foundational principles of Naturopathy and allows Empowerment of individuals to retain Autonomy and enjoy health, vitality and happiness wherever possible.

 In my clinic I Focus on providing professional personal Naturopathic consults with herbal medicine, food as medicine, dietary, nutritional and lifestyle support, flower essences and Usui and Tibetan Reiki energy healing treatments.   Herbal formulas and nutritional supplements are ordered as and if required. I have access to practitioner only products which may be beneficial in acute situations and for managing specific conditions.

 Diet and lifestyle are the health factors that we have ultimate individual control over.
It is us whom decides. We can choose consciously and profoundly transform our health.  

A healthy body allows a healthy mind and in turn a healthy spirit.

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