What is Naturopathy

Naturopathic medicine is the study of nature’s natural healing powers and the positive effects they have on man. It is as old as healing itself and has been used in various cultures around the world for tens of thousands of years. It utilises the most natural and least invasive therapies to treat illness and to promote wellness by viewing the body as an integrated whole.

Natural and alternative medicine is a great approach for those seeking long-term health and wellness with minimal negative effects. It can be used throughout all ages of life, from preconception, to infancy, through to the elderly with great results.

Naturopathic medicine is defined by principles rather than by methods or modalities. Above all, it honours the body’s self-healing, self-regulating systems and provides the essential tools to allow the body’s innate wisdom to heal.

The healing power of nature

The healing power of nature is deep rooted and sustained by natural healing mechanisms within the plant. Naturopathic medicine recognises this special healing process and facilitates healing by implementing strategies to achieve optimal health and well-being. The naturopath’s job is to identify and remove any obstacles which may be causing any negative effects and create a healthy environment to which the person can thrive in.

First do no harm

A naturopath’s duty is to restore health by utilising practices which are gentle, yet effective, while minimising the risk of harmful effects.

Treat the whole person

Naturopaths take into consideration the physical body, the persons state of mind, their emotions and their spiritual beliefs. For greater success, the practitioner must address not only the symptoms but also the whole person, mind, body and spirit.

Treat the cause

Only treating the symptoms never resolves the problem or the underlying issues driving the condition. A well-trained naturopath has the capability to remove the cause while providing symptomatic relief, allowing recovery to occur.

Practitioner as teacher

It is the duty of the naturopath to educate the client about their condition and emphasise the importance of self-responsibility. By sharing knowledge, the client develops more faith in the treatment and self-responsibility. This empowers the client to take control of their own health.

Prevention

Prevention is best practice. The prevention of disease is attained by achieving optimal health. Optimal health is achieved through education and making the right lifestyle choices to suit their individual needs.