What is Naturopathy? Why I Became A Naturopath
It's NZ Naturopathic Medicine Week 🌱
I thought it would be a great opportunity to explain a little bit more about naturopathy, and why I choose to be a naturopath.
Firstly, What is naturopathy?
Naturopathy is a holistic healthcare system that takes into account the whole person, their lifestyle, as well as internal and external factors. It is a personalised approach to health care. It recognises that one size does not fit all and we all have individual factors in our lives which can contribute to health (or ill-health).
In a naturopathic consultation we uncover those factors, in order to treat the root cause of your symptoms and concerns. This can take time and investigation, which is why a longer consultation is dedicated to you, telling your own story.
I listen to your health goals and work along side you on your health journey by providing personalised wellness plans utilising herbal medicine, nutrition and lifestyle changes. I walk along-side you on your health and wellness journey, while we make these discoveries together and work through a step-by-step wellness plan that best suits you, your lifestyle and your budget. Every wellness plan is different and can consist of nutritional recommendations, lifestyle changes, supplementation as well as herbal medicine.
The 7 Naturopathic Principles;
These seven principle are what shapes the practice of naturopathic medicine and helps to guide naturopaths when assisting their clients on the journey to health and wellbeing.
➢ The Healing Power of Nature (vis medicatrix naturae)
➢ Treat the Whole Person (tolle totum)
➢ Treat the Cause (tolle causam)
➢ First, Do No Harm (primum non nocere)
➢ Naturopathic Doctor as Teacher (docere)
➢ Health Promotion and Disease Prevention
➢ Wellness
Why I Became A Naturopath
I grew up loving the outdoors and nature, and spent many days in the garden making "flower potions" with my sister. I could always sense there was a greater healing power within nature. As a child, if anyone around me was sick or not feeling 100%, I would be drawn to them and do anything within my power to help them or make them feel better. This is a habit that has carried on through my whole life.
I knew I wanted to be a naturopath when I turned 17, but felt I still had a lot of life to experience and wisdom to gain before I began down that path. This allowed me to also go through my own health struggles and wellness journey.
Learning and understanding the human body has been a privilege, and taking the role of a naturopath has allowed me to gain insight that I am only here to act as a guide to assist the body to come back to a state of balance and health.
It gives me so much hope that more and more people are turning back towards natural healing. This isn't new or alternative, it is what our ancestors knew and were practicing for millions of years before us.
My approach, is to utilise modern technologies and research to use evidence-based, integrated medicine, while still respecting and honouring tradition and culture of naturopathic and plant healing.