What is a Naturopath?
What is a Naturopath?
A Naturopath is a holistic health coach – someone who will help you, guide you, teach you and support you in all areas of your health and wellbeing.
They utilise scientifically-proven natural medicine to get to the bottom of your health complaints and develop a treatment plan designed to treat the causes, not just the symptoms.
To do this, Naturopaths draw on a wide range of treatment methods, including: herbal medicine, nutritional medicine, homeopathy, dietary and lifestyle advice or other therapies.
Naturopaths are also preventative medicine specialists, supporting you in your goal to achieve your best health for life. A Naturopathic Assessment is one of the best preventative medicine tools available, and can often uncover the beginnings of disease long before it has become diagnosable.
Above all, Naturopaths firmly believe your health is your wealth. You only have one body to live in, so it is important to make sure you understand it, nurture it and support it.
WHAT WILL I GET OUT OF WORKING WITH A NATUROPATH?
A Naturopath will provide you with an understanding of your current health and how your diet, lifestyle, relationships, stress and workplace has contributed to where you currently are.
We also offer:
- Specialised testing to uncover the underlying issues, including: iridology, zinc, live blood, salivary cortisol, stool testing, food intolerance
- Access to the best natural therapies and medicines available
- Someone who listens to your health concerns and works with you to set simple, achievable goals to help you start feeling well again
- Coaching and support every step of the way
- The ability to regain your health, happiness and vitality
WHAT QUALIFICATIONS AND SPECIALISATIONS DO NATUROPATHS HAVE?
Until recently, Naturopathy was not taught in mainstream institutions and was only offered as a Diploma at private colleges. Now, there are lots of options. The Bachelor of Applied Science (specialising in Naturopathy) is the ideal qualification.
A good Naturopath must also be a member of an Association, such as ANTA or ANPA and be actively engaged in ongoing education. Our Naturopaths attend at least 2 major seminars a year, as well as completing frequent webinars and short courses.
Our Naturopaths have specialised training in Iridology, natural fertility, GAPS (very few Naturopaths offer this), children’s health, gut health, weight loss, cancer support, thyroid disorders, stress and adrenal fatigue. They also all have qualifications in Nutritional medicine, Herbal medicine and Homeopathy.
What is the difference between a naturopath and a nutritionist?
A Nutritionist advises you on what to eat in order to reach a specific health goal or lead a healthy lifestyle.
A Naturopath looks at food as just one piece of the health puzzle. They first use specialised testing to uncover the underlying cause of your health concerns, and then use natural medicines, food and lifestyle changes to correct those conditions.
For example, you can do the FODMAP diet on your own to reduce symptoms of IBS, but it is very difficult to fix the underlying issues and heal your gut properly without the help of a Naturopath.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A NATUROPATH AND A HERBALIST?
In terms of education, a Herbalist studies herbal medicine, whereas a Naturopath studies nutrition, homeopathy and lifestyle medicine in addition to herbal medicine.
While herbalists have only herbal medicine in their tool kit, Naturopaths are able to use a wide range of healing tools to achieve the best outcome for you.
Naturopaths focus on treating the body as a whole – physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually – and specialise in finding the cause of your health complaints, not just treating the symptoms.
HOW IS A NATUROPATH BETTER COMPARED TO OTHER HEALTH SERVICES?
Think of your Naturopath as being able to see the forest for the trees. Unlike other health services, Naturopaths look at ALL aspects of your health, taking into consideration of your physical, emotional, mental and spiritual well-being.
Naturopaths help you work out an individual plan for your ideal health, and then help you implement it. If they believe you would benefit from further treatment, a good Naturopath will help you coordinate referrals to trusted professionals in the specific order that you need.
Do you want to find out more about how naturopathy can help you?
Click here to download our free guide that answers some of the questions you may have about what a Naturopath can do for you.
