Naturopathy is a system of medicine that focuses on wellness rather than illness. It is a holistic modality that seeks to understand the underlying cause and address all aspects of dis-ease whether they stem from the body, mind or spirit.

Two fundamental tenants of naturopathy are the healing power of nature and empowerment of individuals through education. The healing power of nature is based on the premise that we all have a vital force that strives to find balance and maintain health. Our vital force promotes self-detoxification, self-repair, and therefore self-healing. Naturopaths treat by supporting the vital force rather than by suppression of symptoms. The education of individuals about their wellbeing is a key to not just healing but maintaining health.

Naturopaths treat both short bouts of illness and chronic conditions; they promote the prevention of disease and patient education first and foremost.

Using a scale of importance the primary aim of treatment is as follows:

• 1. Dietary modification (Food As Medicine)

• 2. Lifestyle assessment and modification

• 3. Correction of structural imbalance

• 4. Supplementation with herbs or nutrients as needed

An initial consultation with a naturopath will last about 75 minutes in which a comprehensive health assessment will take place. The naturopath will ask questions about the systems of your body such as the digestive, immune and nervous systems. You will generally be asked what types of foods you eat and enjoy as well as tongue, nail and iris assessment. This enables the naturopath to understand the causes of ill health and put together a treatment plan that works towards wellness.

A naturopath may also put together a specific program such as detoxification, digestive repair or individualised weight loss program. However, naturopathy isn’t limited to these conditions and naturopaths are successful at treating a wide range of conditions because they seek to find and address the underlying cause of ill health rather than just treating the symptoms.

Naturopathy is covered by private health insurance.