Naturopathy

Pronounced ‘naturopathy’ or ‘naturopathy’. Either way is fine

Whilst some call naturopathy “alternative medicine”, it is more accurate to think of it as “complementary medicine”. Naturopathy can nicely complement other forms of healthcare.

The naturopathic model of healthcare is a non-invasive approach to healing which incorporates wellness principles before reliance on medications and surgical intervention.

Naturopathy is science-based natural medicine which integrates mind, body, spirit and nature to support a healthy lifestyle, help prevent illness and improve the function of the whole body, without doing any harm.

The 7 guiding principles of Naturopathic Philosophy

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  • Naturopathic care hinges on a theory of process called the Therapeutic Order which guides practitioners to not cause harm when treating clients. As a member of the Naturopaths and Herbalists Association of Australia and a degree qualified naturopath, I strive to apply the least possible force necessary to restore health and to avoid symptom suppression and harmful side-effects.

  • Naturopathy respects and promotes the body’s self-healing process. Nature is the master remedy - the nature which surrounds us and the nature within us, just as with all other animals. Naturopaths do not heal - the body and the vital force of nature heals. As a naturopath, I aim to gently stimulate the body’s healing force to restore health.

  • I believe that patients who understand the root cause of their condition and play a decision-making part in their healthcare, will fare much better in the long-run. I work with my clients to best determine the underlying cause of health disturbances.

  • I love listening to people’s health journeys and gleaning a deep, holistic understanding of their needs. We are not a diagnosis or condition. It is worth knowing that even where illness exists, health does too. Naturopathy addresses many factors affecting each person- internal and external- to treat the whole individual.

  • Sharing knowledge is a key part of naturopathy. I enjoy empowering my clients through education and including them in their own treatment options. I aim to meet people “where they are at”. Change is often gradual, if required. I love it when my clients are open to learning. I, in turn, also continually learn from my clients.

  • Naturopathy focuses on preventative measures to promote health and energy. It is an holistic medicine system which seeks to address any root causes of chronic illness. Naturopathy is not the modality for treating a sudden life-threatening situation - hospitals are fabulous for medical emergencies. Naturopathy may be able to assist with after-care such as wound healing, reducing inflammation or improving immune health.

  • Naturopathy follows a “salutogenic” approach to wellness (and therefore well-being). Salutogenenis refers to health creation focusing on proactive approaches enhancing many factors that promote and sustain well-being and wellness. (This differs from pathogenesis with a focus on illness and diagnosis).

“If you follow your bliss, you put yourself on a kind of track that has been there all the while, waiting for you, and the life you ought to be living is the one that you are living.”

~Joseph Campbell

Western Herbal medicine

Medicinal-grade liquid herbs contain powerful plant compounds which are regulated by Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration.

Many of the plant extracts have been used for millennia to holistically prevent illness and restore health. Modern science is now uncovering wonderful evidence of their clinical benefits.

As part of a client’s treatment plan, I may prescribe and prepare a unique herbal blend, individualised for each person.

A patient’s health status and budget are taken into account, as well as any medications that might interact.

Nutritional medicine

Real food cannot be underestimated when it comes to its crucial role in health. I’m here to help you gently tweak any food choices that might benefit you, at your own pace. Nutritional medicine encompasses food as ‘medicine’ as well as high quality nutritional supplements. If necessary, I prescribe Practitioner-Only Products to my clients - these are potent and often quite different to supplements found in supermarkets and pharmacies. Aside from the tablets and capsules you’re likely already familiar with, nutritional supplements can also come in very effective powder forms which are often more ‘bio-available’. This means they are more easily absorbed by our bodies and therefore may be able to work well in a shorter amount of time. Advice and prescriptions are only dispensed following a thorough consultation with naturopath Belinda.