So what's it all about?
Naturopathy is a branch of complementary and alternative medicine that utilises a wide array of natural remedies and techniques to restore and maintain health in a way that encourages and supports the body’s own innate ability to heal itself. Naturopathic medicine aims to identify and treat the cause of imbalance within the body, and not only addresses physical ailments, but also encompasses the mental, emotional, spiritual and environmental aspects of an individuals wellbeing.
Naturopathic techniques include the use of herbal, nutritional and energetic medicine, along with comprehensive dietary and lifestyle advice. These techniques can be used to treat a range of conditions from fatigue and low vitality, to nutritional deficiencies, digestive disorders, food allergies and intolerances, skin conditions, hormonal imbalances, detoxification, metabolic disorders, weight loss, stress management, anxiety, depression, common colds and viruses, parasitic infections, chronic illness, autoimmune disease, supportive therapy for cancer and much more.
Because naturopathic medicines are derived directly from nature, they are easily recognised and utilised by the body, making them a highly effective and safe form of treatment.
"The natural healing force within each one of us is the greatest force in getting well".
— Hippocrates —
The 6 Naturopathic Principles...
PRIMUM NON NOCERE
First do no harm
The most important principle for all health care providers is to ensure that a patients health will not deteriorate as a result of treatment. Practitioners must practise within their scope and know their limitations to avoid being negligent and causing harm to a person.
TOLLE CAUSAM
Identify & treat the cause
Unless the cause of a condition is identified and treated, the condition will never fully heal. Naturopathic medicine does not focus on the suppression of symptoms, rather it aims to treat the underlying cause of imbalance within the body, resulting in a more thorough healing process.
TOLLE TOTUM
Treat the whole person
Naturopathic medicine acknowledges that the physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, environmental, social, behavioural and genetic aspects of an individuals life can all impact overall health and wellbeing. A Naturopath will consider all of these things, along with the unique traits of an individual, when developing a treatment plan.
VIS MEDICATRIX NATURAE
The healing power of nature
Nature is the most powerful healer of all because the body can easily recognise and respond to the naturally occurring compounds found in all living things. Whether it be food or plant medicine, a walk in the forest or a swim at the beach, fresh air or sunshine, the role of nature in restoring and maintaining optimal health is a very important one.
DOCERE
Doctor as teacher
A Naturopath has a responsibility to ensure the patient has a thorough understanding of why their condition has manifested, what is currently occurring within their body and the best possible way they can regain control of their health. It is the hope that with this knowledge, the patient can themselves maintain optimal health.
PREVENTARE
Prevention
The preservation of health is easier than the cure of disease. Naturopathic medicine ultimately strives to preserve health where good health prevails. By making healthy changes earlier in life, one can prevent the development of poor health, chronic illness and genetic diseases. A Naturopath is able to help patients identify and avoid risk factors for disease.
