Questions you might have about working with a Naturopath

What is naturopathy?
Naturopathy is a discipline that is underpinned by a strong philosophy of six key principles:-

 

 

  • First, do no harm
  • Healing power of nature
  • Identify and treat the cause(s)
  • Doctor as teacher
  • Treat the whole person
  • Prevention

These principles depict the consultation process and the care throughout.

How does naturopathic medicine work?
Naturopathic medicine first looks to recognise the obstacles to healing, let’s call these ‘disturbing factors’. For instance, you might not be eating enough nutritious food, you might be getting very little sleep or be extremely stressed due to work pressures. Once they have been recognised, naturopaths will make diet and lifestyle recommendations to help you overcome these obstacles. Naturopaths also look to analysis the functioning of your digestion, adrenals, organs of detoxification, nervous system and other body systems. If any of these are working sub-optimally, recommendations will be made utilising both nutritional and herbal medicines to optimise function and help you feel better. To put it simply, naturopathic medicine aims to recognise the cause of your condition or dis-ease and to help you move towards long-term healing and vitality, and not merely place a band-aid onto the problem, wellness is the goal.
What conditions do naturopaths see?
All sorts, including many conditions where people feel that they have not received answers from conventional medicine, for example:-

  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome with symptoms such as bloating and indigestion
  • Low mood and anxiety
  • Under-functioning thyroid gland
  • Autoimmune conditions
  • Skin conditions such as psoriasis, acne and eczema
  • Period problems
  • Fertility issues
  • Frequent colds and flu

Also, some people visit naturopaths for prevention and to optimise their wellness, for example, vegetarians and vegans to check they are getting all the nutrition they need from their diet or prospective parents wanting to get healthy before having a baby.

How is naturopathic medicine different from conventional medicine?

No. Naturopaths understand that there are times when drugs and major surgery will be the most appropriate care for the individual. Even at these times, naturopathic medicine still has a role to play alongside conventional medicine. For example, they have shown that patients after undergoing major cardiac surgery have better health outcomes if they receive naturopathic care including diet therapy, nutritional supplementation, and bodywork such as feet massage.

Is naturopathic medicine effective?

Yes. Naturopathic medicine has a long history of traditional evidence to demonstrate effectiveness as well as also scientific evidence, for instance, the usefulness of naturopathic medicine has been shown in weight management and in the treatment of menopausal symptoms – to name just two conditions. Also, there are many clinical studies that show the efficacy of the
naturopathic approach in a variety of other health conditions using diet and lifestyle therapy, nutritional supplementation and herbal medicines. Also, there are many clinical studies that show the efficacy of the naturopathic approach of using diet therapy, lifestyle modifications, nutritional supplements and herbal medicine interventions.

Is naturopathic medicine safe?
Yes. Naturopaths are experts in the safe use of natural medicines. Naturopaths work successfully with pregnant women, newborns, children, the elderly and the very ill. It is important to make sure the naturopath you choose is a member of a professional body, in Australia this includes Australian Traditional Medicine Society, Naturopathic Herbalist Association of Australia, Complementary Medicine Society or Australian Natural Therapist Association. To become a member of these associations a Naturopath must have an accredited naturopathic qualification, hold up to date professional indemnity insurance and a first aid certificate as well as undertake yearly professional development to maintain their skills.
What training does an Australian naturopath have?
Training in Australia involves a 3 to 4 year full-time advanced diploma and/or science degree, which includes training in the medical sciences, natural medicine modalities including nutrition, herbal medicine, bodywork and homoeopathy, as well as 400 hours of direct clinical experience under the supervision of a qualified naturopath.
Are naturopaths opposed to drugs and major surgery?

Naturopaths understand that there are times when drugs and major surgery will be the most appropriate care for the individual. Even at these times, naturopathic medicine still has a role to play alongside conventional medicine. They have shown that patients after undergoing major cardiac surgery have better health outcomes if they receive naturopathic care including diet therapy, nutritional supplementation and bodywork such as feet massage.