Naturopathy

What is Naturopathy?

Naturopathy is a form of alternative (complementary) medicine that aims to provide a holistic approach to healthcare using natural remedies to help the body heal itself and promote overall health. It draws upon many therapies from an array of disciplines.

Naturopathy involves treating the whole body and getting to the root cause of any disease or imbalance. It aims to address the underlying cause of the illness or imbalance, rather than simply masking or treating the symptoms. This holistic approach is particularly beneficial for conditions such as anxiety, acne, fertility issues, women's health concerns, PCOS, thyroid disorders, endometriosis, eczema, pregnancy, weight loss, fibromyalgia, ADHD, and autoimmune diseases.

History of Naturopathy:

Naturopathy has a long and varied history, with roots dating back to ancient Greece and Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine. However, the modern form of naturopathy we know today originated in the United States during the 19th century. The principles of naturopathy have since spread throughout the world, with many practitioners working to provide natural and holistic healthcare solutions.

What can Naturopathy help treat?

Naturopathy can be used to help alleviate symptoms and manage many different health conditions, including:

Allergies,
Headaches,
Fertility issues,
Menopause,
Digestive problems,
Obesity,
Hormonal imbalances,
Chronic pain,
Chronic fatigue syndrome,
Sleep disorders,
Degenerative illnesses such as arthritis,
and many others.

Naturopathic treatments focus on prevention and optimal health, so they are often used in conjunction with conventional medicine to provide a well-rounded approach to healthcare. Naturopathy can also provide a tailored and holistic support system to allow individuals to live a healthy lifestyle.

Naturopathic principles & techniques:

Naturopathy is founded on six principles, including the healing power of nature, identifying and treating the root cause, treating the whole person, using the least invasive treatments possible, focusing on prevention and education, and promoting wellness.

The principles of naturopathy are based on the idea that the body has the ability to heal itself, given the right conditions. Naturopaths aim to create an environment that supports the body's natural healing processes. They use a range of therapies and techniques, including herbal medicine, Bach Flower Remedies, massage, acupuncture, exercise, and nutritional counselling and education, to help their clients achieve optimal health.

Some Naturopaths may also use touch, such as massage and pressure, to create balance in the body and even incorporate breathwork or Reiki with the client.

Are Naturopaths doctors?

Naturopaths are not medical doctors and do not prescribe pharmaceutical medications or perform surgery. However, they are highly trained healthcare professionals, and in Australia are degree certified who use natural remedies and complementary therapies (doubling up) to help their clients achieve optimal health. They are licensed to practise in many countries around the world and may hold degrees in naturopathy, herbal medicine, or other related fields. Naturopaths may work in private practice or in healthcare settings alongside other medical professionals.

Naturopathic practitioners undergo extensive education and training, including completion of a four-year doctoral program. In some countries, they must also pass a licensing exam to practise. On Bodhi Holistic Hub, all naturopaths have been vetted and their licences and diploma verified.

What to expect from a session with a naturopath?

During a typical session, a naturopath may spend 1-1.5 hours examining you, asking questions about your health history, stress levels, and lifestyle habits. They may also order lab, and stool tests and discuss your health goals and what you want to achieve from your sessions.

Once they have thoroughly assessed your complete lifestyle and contributing factors, they will create a personalised health plan that may include dietary changes, exercise, stress management, and complementary therapies. Follow-up sessions are typically scheduled to monitor progress and adjust the treatment plan as needed.

The benefits of booking a Naturopathic session:

People who visit a naturopath are more likely to have improved overall health and well-being, are less reliant on medication, and have more personalised care and treatment plans best suited to their physical, emotional, and lifestyle factors and long-term preventative healthcare. Naturopathic therapies can help restore balance and enhance the body's natural healing processes.

How to choose a naturopath?

Here are some tips to help you find the right naturopathic doctor:

Look for a licensed and accredited naturopathic doctor: Make sure the naturopath you are considering is licensed and accredited by a reputable organisation, such as the Australian Naturopathic Practitioners’ Association (ANPA) or the Naturopaths & Herbalists Association of Australia (NHAA). This ensures that they have completed a rigorous education and training program and adhere to professional standards of practice.
Check their experience and area of expertise: Find out how long the naturopath has been practicing and what areas of specialization they have. You may also want to ask if they have experience working with your specific health concerns.
Evaluate their communication skills: A good naturopath should be able to listen carefully to your concerns, explain their approach and treatment options clearly, and answer your questions in a way that is easy to understand. They should also be able to work collaboratively with other healthcare providers if needed.
Check for reviews and testimonials: Look for online reviews or ask for referrals from friends or family members who have seen a naturopath they trust. You can also ask
Consider cost and session type: Make sure you understand the costs and payment options for naturopathic treatments, including any supplements or lab tests that may be recommended. You may also want to check if the sessions are offered online or in-person.

Another great resource for finding a qualified and caring naturopathic doctor is Bodhi Holistic Hub. We carefully select and vet naturopaths to ensure that they meet high standards of education, training, and professionalism. With Bodhi Holistic Hub, you can easily filter your search by location, specialisation, and other criteria to find a practitioner who fits your specific needs. We also provide detailed profiles of each practitioner, including their education, experience, areas of expertise, and reviews, making it easy for you to compare and choose the right practitioner. With Bodhi Holistic Hub, you can feel confident in your choice of naturopath and get the care you need to support your health and wellbeing. Click here to discover our practitioners.

Back to main category

"Let food be thy medicine and let medicine be thy food"

Hippocrates

Discover our vetted practitioners

See all