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My holistic practice
philosophy
Naturopathy is a gentle, holistic and complementary approach to healthcare. The foundations of naturopathic practice are based on the principle that the body has an innate capacity to heal itself when given the right environment to do so. The role of the naturopath is to support the body while finding and treating the underlying cause of disharmony in the body by taking physical, mental and emotional causes into consideration. The emphasis is on education, prevention and allowing the body to heal using a range of modalities which may include herbal medicine, holistic nutrition and nutritional supplementation, flower essences, homoeopathy, lifestyle changes, exercise as well as various tactile or energetic therapies such as massage, reflexology, aromatherapy or reiki.
My Philosophy
On one hand, as a herbalist and naturopath, I believe that I walk in the footsteps of the village healers and wise women of old which allows me to draw on the beauty, richness and depth of centuries of the wise woman tradition and herbal medicine knowledge. On the other, I have also been trained in modern medical science and have access to a growing body of clinical trials into herbal medicine and naturopathic practice which are based on rigorous scientific research methods. I find it endlessly fascinating that science continues to further validate what traditional empirical knowledge has always taught about the healing capacity of natural therapies and herbal medicines. I feel that this gives me the best of both worlds and allows me to make the most informed clinical decisions I can for each of my clients.
My Role
My role as a naturopath is to support the innate capacity of your body to heal and return to balance. I teach you to reconnect with your deep inner knowing so that you can listen to whispers of your body and learn how to honour its needs. I do this using a beautiful and unique combination of naturopathic medicine modalities that include western herbal medicine, holistic nutrition and supplementation, flower essences and iridology interwoven with menstrual and life cycle awareness.
What I Value
Family, friends, community, good food and herbal tea, soul conversations, gardening, bushwalking, books and quiet time are the central ingredients that make a happy life. My work is my passion, my calling and every client that walks through my clinic doors is my inspiration, my motivation and a teacher on my path of being a practicing herbalist in a modern world.
Traditional Principles of Naturopathic Medicine
The practice of naturopathic medicine is based on the following six core principles which define the individual therapeutic relationship, diagnosis and holistic treatment approach taken by the practitioner for every client.
The Healing Power of Nature (vis medicatrix naturae) refers to the innate healing capacity present within all living beings that is responsible for maintaining and restoring health and wellbeing. Naturopathic medicine recognises that the healing process is powerful, intelligent and ordered and that the body has considerable power to heal itself. The role of the naturopath is to facilitate and enhance this process using natural therapies.
First do no Harm (primum non nocere) states that the naturopath seeks to do no harm by using safe, effective and non-invasive natural therapies. Naturopaths work with the innate healing capacity of the body and wherever possible the suppression of symptoms is avoided. All treatments must take into account possible interactions between pharmaceutical and herbal medicines in order to minimise any potential harm due to adverse reactions or side effects. A collaborative patient-centered approach also requires that referrals to other allied health or medical professionals must be made if a client would benefit from their services.
Treat the Whole Person (tolle totum) outlines the holistic approach to health taken by naturopaths. It recognises that health is the sum total of complex interactions so physical, mental, emotional, spiritual and environmental influences must all be taken into consideration when treating each person. The harmonious functioning of all aspects of the individual are essential to long term health and wellbeing.
Identify and Treat the Cause (tolle causum) explains that the role of the naturopath is to identify and treat the root cause of disease. Symptoms are viewed as signposts of underlying disease or disharmony in the body and may be the body's attempt to defend, adapt or recover. By identifying and treating the root cause of disease, rather than suppressing symptoms, deeper and more long-term healing can occur.
Naturopath as Teacher (docere) outlines that the role of the naturopath is to provide support and education. By encouraging active participation and personal responsibility in the healing process, the naturopath can teach the principles of good health so that a healthy body, mind, spirit can be maintained for ongoing health and wellbeing.
Prevention (preventare) is the best cure and naturopathic medicine is excellent at preventative medicine. Prevention calls for the assessment of individual risk factors such as heredity and susceptibility to illness to determine appropriate interventions in the prevention of disease. Wellness requires not just the absence of disease, but a balance and harmony of body, mind and spirit.
“Natural forces within us are the true healers of disease.”
- Hippocrates
