Naturopathy

 

What most of us fail to realise is that ‘the cure’ comes from within. Nature has provided us with a wondrous immune system, and we have to take care of this inner healing force and learn to interpret what it means for us to be well in body mind and soul. Health is not just the absence of pathology, nor is it exclusive to able bodied, young, fit people; our attitude to life and ageing will very much dictate how we cope with and support the inevitable ageing process. Because most of us have a profound lack of knowledge as to what our bodies need to function properly, we find ourselves out of balance and susceptible to all sorts of illness and disease.
A naturopath is a primary contact practitioner who is trained to a competent standard of nature cure including the modalities of nutrition, herbal medicine and homeopathy along with the conventional health sciences. Naturopathy places emphasis on a preventative approach to healing and treating the causes of a disease state, which is in contrast to the modern medical approach of naming (diagnosis) and treating the symptoms by prescribing drugs or performing surgery. Naturopaths use a range of non-invasive techniques to assess the causative factors of a persons’ health problems.  It is not necessary for a naturopath to name a disease as the holistic approach takes into account the physical, mental and emotional behaviour and the functionality of body systems together with external influences. The word ‘naturopathy’ was not used until the late 19th century. Philosophical roots can be traced back to Hippocrates. It is a system of health-orientated medicine which stresses maintenance of health and prevention of disease. It contrasts markedly with the current disease orientated system (allopathy).

TRADITIONAL PROGRAM FOR  NATUROPATHY OR NATURE CURE

1. Elimination of poor or destructive habits.

2. Corrective habits.

3. New principles of living.

WHAT TO EXPECT DURING A NATUROPATHIC CONSULT

An initial naturopathic consultation takes approximately one hour. Your current health status and past health history is covered, along with inspecting the iris, tongue and nails to help assess digestive function, possible mineral deficiencies and constitutional integrity (the health bank account you are born with). Consultations are aimed at formulating a simple but effective protocol to improve your condition and wellbeing and reaching an understanding of the reasons behind what is causing your symptoms. At the end of your consultation, certain supplements, herbal remedies, physical therapies or dietary changes may be suggested. A follow-up consult is usually booked for 1-3 weeks later to assess your progress, modify a prescription or to continue physical therapy (e.g. remedial therapies).

Healthy Ageing - Do you want to know your biological age?
If you are curious to know your ‘biological’ age, please go to www.metagenics.com.au/healthy-ageing-questionnaire  click on Healthy Ageing Questionnaire and start filling out the form. It will ask you for your practitioner’s number, that is 9289. Answer all the questions and click send. To get the answers you will need to book a consult to do some further measurements such as height, weight & blood pressure along with information from any recent blood tests you might have e.g. cholesterol, triglycerides, thyroid, iron studies etc. NB Note there are two questionnaires so make sure you click on the Healthy Ageing one (it takes 10-15 mins). You need to mention you have done the  test if you book in for a consultation with either Karen or Patrick.