Naturopathy is a natural medicine practice that recognises the body’s inherent ability to heal itself. A naturopath uses dietary changes, lifestyle advice, and herbal or nutritional supplementation to support these natural processes.
To understand what each person needs, a naturopath will ask numerous questions around specific health complaints (e.g. headaches, eczema) as well as general body systems (e.g. digestion, immune function). They will also check physical parameters, such as blood pressure, and review pathology or medical testing if available.
Naturopathic treatment aims to relieve symptoms and/or specific complaints, while also preventing further ill health, by strengthening the body’s natural healing abilities.
Individualised treatment is a key tenet of naturopathy, as no two people are the same, and recommendations are tailored to the needs of each person. When illness strikes – as it does for everyone – effective treatments can be devised that will address both presenting symptoms and the underlying cause.
Naturopaths look at all factors that may be impacting on a person’s health and wellbeing. This can include physical health, mental health, emotional wellbeing, genetic tendencies, environmental influences, and dietary intake.
Naturopathy can be used to help with a variety of conditions, including the following:
・Digestive complaints such as reflux, bloating, pain, flatulence, constipation and diarrhoea
・Stress, anxiety and mood disorders
・Energy and fatigue
・Cognitive issues including poor memory and recurrent headaches
・Immune challenges, including recurrent infections, allergies and autoimmune conditions
・Respiratory conditions including sore throats, coughs and colds, asthma, bronchitis, tonsillitis, rhinitis, and sinusitis
・Cardiovascular issues, such as high blood pressure and atherosclerosis
・Skin disorders such as eczema, psoriasis and acne
・Menstrual complaints such as PMS, irregular cycles, pain and heavy bleeding
・Fertility support and preconception care
・Pregnancy, breastfeeding and postpartum care
・Menopause, andropause and healthy ageing