Naturopathy

What is Naturopathy?

Naturopathy has developed from Europe over thousands of years. The learned Greek Hippocrates was involved in the creation and formalization of the ideas and concepts that have become embodied into naturopathy. The word naturopathy itself means “nature’s disease”.
In modern times naturopathy has blended the traditions of hundreds of years with newly discovered scientific research to become the contempary system it is today.
There are a number of definitions of naturopathy that are all different but still contribute to our understanding of what it is all about.
A medical definition talks about a system of therapeutics where medicinal and surgical agents are not used. In their place is reliance upon natural remedies. Others define naturopathy as a system of natural medicine that focuses on the importance of our lifestyle: fresh air, exercise, sunshine, wholesome diet, pure water, healthy environment, rest and emotional balance.
Most definitions place an emphasis on the self-healing capacities of the person and so concentrate on providing the correct external and internal environments so that repair and recovery can be allowed to occur.

How does it work?

Naturopathy is based upon the premise that Nature will, given the right conditions cure all maladies. The healing force within us can heal all diseases if given conditions such as nutritious food, pure water, exercise, sunshine, fresh air and rest. Without these conditions, the body will be vulnerable to disease.
There are four basic principles in Naturopathic medicine:
  1. We are all unique
  2. We all have the power to heal ourselves
  3. To overcome disease we must treat the causes as well as the symptoms
  4. The whole of a person must be treated.
The philosophy, science and art of Naturopathy enables the practitioner to recognize and remove barriers to the healing process. The plan is based around concepts that require the naturopath to; Treat the cause of the illness
  1. Treat the patient as a whole
  2. Educate the patient about what is wrong with them and what to do about it
  3. Discuss prevention strategies for their future well-being.

How does naturopathy care for my safety?

Naturopathic training supports the Hippocratic Oath which includes “To practice and prescribe to the best of my ability for the good of my patients, and to try to avoid harming them”. This age old document, actually not thought to have been penned by Hippocrates, gives rise to some broader themes.
By “doing no harm” means a number of things including;
  1. Do not give false promise
  2. Using substances and methods that have minimal risk of injury
  3. Avoiding choices that merely suppress symptoms and create illusions
  4. Know your professional limits and refer to others whose expertise is relevant

Naturopathic treatment - what is involved?

In your first visit a Naturopath will take a detailed study of your medical history with particular attention to your lifestyle. The consultation can be flexible in its direction depending on the personal circumstances of presentation. Your naturopath will construct a picture of your health within the framework of your life. From this foundation your naturopath can start upon a course of treatment directed at the disease and at the underlying cause as found in your medical and personal history.
The primary objective will be to remove the obstacles to well-being and so empower you to restore your own health and vitality.
.Naturopathic diagnostic and treatment options are based on patient individuality.

Diagnostic options may include: Iridology
Naturopathic treatment programs may include:

Naturopaths will recognize the need to refer out to others. Naturopathy is evolving from its early days as a fringe area of medicine and is developing a stronger profile as a valid and well-accepted form of treatment. Many Naturopaths now view their profession as complementary to orthodox medicine rather than as an alternative. This provides the person with more choice and opinion from which to make well-considered decisions. Thus your naturopath will consider referring to a wide network of health professionals including general practitioners, masseurs, chiropractors, osteopaths, pilates and yoga instructors.

Benefits of Seeing a Reflexologist

Reflexology is based on the principle that congestion or tension in any part of the foot mirrors congestion or tension in a corresponding part of the body. These parts, known as reflex points can also be found on the hands and other body parts, however, the most commonly treated area is the feet.

Reflexology has many beneficial and lasting effects. Some treatments are gentle in nature, aiming to restore systems for better function while others are more specific, addressing the client's particular conditions. It is a healing process that can be safely used when it is not convenient to treat other body parts. As a non-intrusive technique, it heals indirectly. Reflexology can be a relaxing therapy that works on many levels, soothing, calming, balancing and boosting the entire body.

The client's case history leads to the treatment protocol so that the technique is tailored to the needs of the client. A Reflexologist can facilitate relief for:

General benefits of Reflexology include:

Foot Reflexology Sessions

A foot reflexology session usually lasts about an hour, depending on the age and state of the patient's health. There is no need to get undressed as it is required that only shoes and socks are removed. After a session, the patient will become aware of the changes taking place as toxins released from congested systems are processed and eliminated.

What can naturopathy help?

Naturopathy can successfully treat most health problems, either in conjunction with medical treatment or in many instances as an alternative. Naturopathic treatments are well suited to chronic conditions such as arthritis, asthma, skin disorders and digestive problems. Naturopathy is also highly effective for the treatment of female menstrual problems such as period pain, excessive or disordered menstruation, pre-menstrual syndrome, and fertility issues.
Many people just suffer from “modern lifestyle” syndrome. Overwork, life pressures, stress, junk food, environmental and home pollution, weight gain, lethargy and poor muscle tone. The list goes on.
Been to a medical appointment lately? Could anyone really call the experience satisfactory for being well? The average general practitioner is overworked and under time pressures. Under the current manner and paradigm of general practitioner remuneration the majority are rewarded financially for how many people they see. Not for the outstanding quality of care with exponential well-being outcomes. This is simply impossible under the present model of sickness-care.
There is much more scope of receiving wellness-care from your naturopath. Naturopathic principles are a sound prescription for creating health. Medical literature is now full of research confirming the importance of diet and lifestyle to our general health and many studies are now relating specific foods and lifestyle practices to specific diseases. Naturopathy understands these principles and applies them to the individual and how they live. They take the time to draw out the parts of your life that are constantly breaking down your resistance to being well rather than just attacking a specific disease.
Anyone suffering from any condition can therefore have better well-being with naturopathy regardless of their medical diagnosis.

What are the educational standards of naturopathy?

There is variation in the courses available to study naturopathy with differing levels of education. To further examine the courses go to the website of the Australian Traditional-Medicine Society at ATMS.

How do l know I’m visiting a qualified naturopath?

There is no restriction at this stage about who can use the term naturopath. With the passage of time it is likely that statutory registration will occur and to call yourself a naturopath will require a particular academic study and registration with a board. However, if the person you are seeing is a member of the Australian Traditional-Medicine Society (ATMS) or of the Australian Natural Therapies Association (ANTA) then they have studied and completed a recognized and rigorous naturopathy course.