What happens when you see a Naturopath?

28 Sep What happens when you see a Naturopath?

Posted at 00:39h in Alternative Medicine, Complimentary Medicine, Natural health support, Naturopathy by Angela McTaggart - Naturopath, Brunswick Naturopathy 0 Comments

More and more Australians are choosing to see a Naturopath to solve their health issues. It is estimated that two out of three Australians use complementary medicine. Naturopathy is a holistic approach to wellness, and if you want to feel healthier, whether it’s chronic stress, anxiety, digestive issues, pain, immune concerns, hormonal imbalances, or you want to shed a few kilos, you may want to see a naturopath.

So why should you see a Naturopath?

A Naturopath can help you work out why you are unwell

This can occur due to poor diet, nutrient deficiencies, physical or emotional stress, food processing methods, digestive problems causing poor absorption, certain medications, excessive alcohol and smoking and many other causes. Naturopaths focus on identifying causes of ill health rather than just the symptoms of disease and therefore help you to restore balance, vitality and good health.

A Naturopath treats the whole person

We are complex and no-one ever comes in with just one health issue, it’s often a chain reaction. Our approach to healthcare encompasses all aspects of a person’s health including physical, mental and emotional issues. Many of our physical problems are the result of underlying emotional origins. A harmonious interrelationship between different systems in the body is essential. Our aim is to restore harmony throughout.

Naturopaths use a personalized medicine approach

Everyone is different and your body’s needs are unique to you. We will fully investigate your concerns and work out why you are experiencing these symptoms. We will look at your diet, check function, and assess your general health for any contributing factors or consequences resulting from your condition. We can tailor a treatment plan to suit people of all ages and achieve beneficial results.

A Naturopath uses gentle non-invasive and natural treatments

Naturopathy is based on the healing power of nature. We have some amazing natural remedies that are highly effective without unwanted side effects. When you visit a naturopath, a conscious effort is made to use methods that do not suppress symptoms. Your recommended treatment plan will draw on the body’s ability to heal itself. Treatments are natural, safe and gentle and can be personalized to suit your individual needs.

Many people see a Naturopath for alternative medicine

Naturopathy is growing in popularity as an alternative medicine that people are turning to when conventional medicine fails to produce beneficial results. Naturopathy can assist with many chronic health conditions including some that don’t respond to conventional medicine. This includes, but is not limited to: allergies, fatigue, pain, anxiety, sleep disturbance, hormonal issues, skin problems and digestive disorders.

Many people see a Naturopath for complimentary medicine

If you are working with a GP to manage your health, you can also visit a naturopath for further support. You can use natural herbal and nutritional remedies alongside pharmaceutical medicine under the guidance of a naturopath. In fact in many cases it is necessary to supplement with natural remedies to combat unwanted side effects of pharmaceutical medicines. Some medications can actually cause depletion of particular vitamins and minerals, so addressing these can be very beneficial for health.

A Naturopath focuses on disease prevention

It’s far easier to prevent a disease than to treat it. Your body has an inherent ability to restore and maintain health. As a Naturopath, I can help to facilitate this healing process before you become very unwell and help you to maintain optimal health.

Do you have to be sick to see a Naturopath?

No, you do not necessarily need an illness in order to visit a naturopath. If you are healthy, you may just want to optimize your health or performance. You may want nutritional support through your pregnancy or you may just want to ensure that you maintain good health as you age.

Naturopathy consultations are affordable

Naturopathy consultations can range from $60 to $90 for an hourly consultation. That’s less than the cost of a facial or massage! And when you think of the benefits to your health and wellbeing, why would you hesitate? (Please note that supplements are additional).

What Treatments are used when I see a Naturopath?

Naturopathy combines an evidence-based with a traditional approach to healing. We may use herbal medicine, nutrition, diet and lifestyle advice, mineral therapy, homoeopathy, flower essences, iridology and a range of other modalities to design an individual treatment programme.

Herbal Medicine

Herbal medicines have been used throughout the ages across all cultures to support healing. Now with up-to-date scientific research to support their use, we are using herbal medicine in even more diverse ways to support healing and wellness. Plants are safer alternatives to synthetic drugs and yet can be extremely powerful healing agents. For almost all health conditions and even the most serious diseases, herbal medicine can provide health-enhancing effective solutions.

Nutrition

Good nutrition is the foundation of good health. Our nutritional and dietary needs vary and change throughout our lives depending on our levels of activity, lifestyle, environment, work schedules, sleep patterns and developmental stages, etc. The first step toward better health is to ensure you are getting the correct amount and balance of nutrients.

Homeopathy

If you are sensitive to medicines or even supplements, then homeopathy is a gentle and effective, chemical free approach to health that works on an energetic level to promote general health by supporting the body’s own natural healing.

What should I expect when I first see a Naturopath?

The Initial appointment with a naturopath tends to be much longer than a conventional medical appointment (usually 60 to 90 minutes). This will involve taking a detailed case history to help identify the underlying causes of your health problem. I will ask you about current health, diet, lifestyle, health history and family history. We will then decide if you need any further specific pathology tests. Please bring along a copy of any recent medical tests and a list or photo of supplements or medications.

We can then put together the most effective treatment plan to meet your needs

I can help you to set goals, priorities and timelines. Then I will help to set challenges in manageable steps so that you can easily make progress. For example, you may want help to set goals and make a plan to start introducing changes to your eating habits. Or you may need support to develop some good sleep habits or get started on an exercise programme when you haven’t been exercising for a while?

Follow-up visits are recommended to assess how well the plan fits and to make any necessary changes

It is important that you attend regularly to get the most out of your support as your treatment plan, prescription and remedies will be modified as required and as your condition improves. The duration of treatment will depend on your presenting health condition and the level of complexity. You may need to come weekly or fortnightly at first, then monthly. You will generally start to notice changes within a week or two of starting treatment. However, I usually recommend a 6 – 12 week program to fully implement changes. Many people then schedule a 3 monthly check up after they complete their treatment.

For more information visit Brunswick Naturopathy FAQ page

If you would like an appointment with a Naturopath, call on 0403 755 584 or book online