Naturopathy cure is underpinned by a fundamental principle “Vis medicatrix naturae” – the healing power of nature.
Hippocrates (the father of modern medicine) said “Health is the harmonious balance between various components of man’s nature, the environment and ways of life”. Naturopaths seek to work in a way very close to this definition of health. They are practitioners of what is nowadays termed functional medicine. Naturopathy and functional medicine are one and the same.
Functional medicine practitioners look at an illness from a holistic perspective whilst at the same time recognising where the person is at in terms of their journey with conventional medicine. In fact the FM practitioner or naturopath is actually much more in tune with the way emerging scientific research is trending in the area of management of complex diseases than current medical practice. There can be as much as a fifty year gap between new scientific research and its integration into medical practice according to the institute for functional medicine www.functionalmedicine.org
The naturopathic model of treatment is extremely comprehensive and will cover mind body and spirit approaches where deemed necessary. Dietary and lifestyle changes will be recommended. Certain food supplements may be offered in addition to herbs, acupuncture or homeopathy depending on an individual practitioner’s training. Certain laboratory tests also may on occasion be offered as a valuable tool in assembling the pieces of a complex illness puzzle.
Many conditions not well recognised by or not very easily treated by conventional medicine respond well to naturopathy such as
- candidiasis
- leaky gut
- irritable bowel syndrome
- ulcerative colitis and crohn’s disease
- food intolerances
- unexplained tiredness
- acne
- adrenal exhaustion
- ongoing stress
- migraine
- unexplained itch
- foggy thinking
- repeated colds and flus
- sinus congestion
- hay fever
- non seasonal allergic rhinitis
- poor circulation
- constipation
- abdominal bloating and flatulence
- carpal tunnel syndrome
- pcos
- infertility
- benign prostatic hypertrophy (enlarged prostate)
Whatever it takes to restore wholeness, where fragmentation has become the norm, the naturopath will do. A return of equilibrium to a human being is worth its weight in gold and a visit to a naturopath may just tip the scales in favour of abundance. The music within us should not be deadened or drowned out by our worries about health. Our body music is an ensemble piece and the challenge for the complementary therapist is to allow all that makes us who we truly are to play in harmony and with perfect synchronicity.
What to expect from a consultation
At the first consultation, a detailed case history will be taken. There will also be extensive discussion around the issue to be addressed. This generally takes in the region of 90 minutes. A list of any medications being currently taken should be brought along or the medicines themselves can be shown. If necessary, blood pressure may be taken. Generally there will be an examination of tongue and pulse according to traditional Chinese diagnostic methods.
Diet and lifestyle will be discussed and suggested alterations to same will be given to the client. Some food supplements may be advised which will bring about a quicker resolution of the problem. These suggestions will be given in written form by myself so there need be no worries about remembering so much information. Herbs are usually prescribed but if the client prefers just a nutritional consultation ,then that’s perfectly acceptable.
At the end of the consultation, a follow on is usually suggested and is booked then. Follow ons are vital as very often the condition to be treated has lingered a while and “Rome wasn’t built in a day.”There may be a need for a number of visits and this can be decided between the client and myself as we progress on this healing journey together. However there will be absolutely no pressure exerted at any time to book a next appointment .At all times. I am contactable by phone if there are any queries whatsoever. Never think any concern you have is too trivial. A follow on usually takes about 30 to 45 minutes.