What is naturopathy & holistic nutrition?
One of the most common questions I get after I tell someone I’m a Naturopath and Nutritionist is “So, like a dietitian?” Weeeelllll the short answer is no! While we all work with food the principals that underpin our training and approach to healing differ greatly.
Naturopathy is holistic system of healing that incorporates a range of treatments and natural therapies, with the underlying belief that your body, given the right support, is able to heal itself. Using the healing power of nature and gentle therapeutic tools, the body, mind and emotions are supported during the healing process. Now does that mean that we ignore modern medicine? Absolutely not! Western medicine has developed, originally from plants, rapidly within the last 100 years or so and can be life saving. Unfortunately many are also suffering the side effects that come with pharmaceutical drug use and in particular poly-pharmacy (multiple medications being taken at the same time and often with one to counter the side effects of another). Fundamental to Naturopathic philosophy is prevention and education. I don’t believe in waiting until you are really sick before seeking help and will always do my best to teach and educate you about your body, health and treatment/management options so you are able to make informed decisions and take charge of your health.
The overarching title of Naturopath can include a variety of modalities but underpinning all training is herbal medicine and nutrition. So while I have a second (well actually my first) qualification in nutritional medicine I practice with a holistic Naturopathic philosophy. Nutritional medicine combines the tradition of food as medicine and dietary planning with research based use of nutrients at therapeutic doses in the treatment, management and prevention of illness. Treatment incorporates the study of human nutrition, food pharmacology and human biochemistry along with the social, environmental and psychological implications on our health.
A Naturopath and Holistic Nutrition practitioner is able to assist with a broad range of health conditions, both acute and chronic, and do so while treating the whole person. You are not simply the amount of food you eat or the amount you exercise or the diagnosis. You are a person and each person has individual and specific factors that contribute to their health. Each of those factors deserves consideration. Treatment is always designed in consultation with you, the patient, to achieve YOUR goals in a supportive and encouraging environment.
Herbal medicine and nutritional therapy have been found to be helpful in the treatment and management of conditions including low energy/fatigue; metabolic syndrome; insulin resistance; high cholesterol & blood pressure; women’s health concerns including PMS, menopausal symptoms, morning sickness, PCOS; mild-moderate anxiety & depression; digestive discomfort; low immunity & recurrent infections including skin concerns; to name just a few.
If you are wondering if I might be able to help you and your current state of health please don’t hesitate to get in touch.