What is Naturopathy?

Naturopathy is an empowering, holistic approach to health and wellness. Naturopathy utilises nutrition, massage therapy, herbal medicine and homoeopathy treatments to stimulate self-healing properties within our bodies.

In Australia, Naturopathy is increasingly being used for holistic healing as an alternative, or accompaniment to, conventional western medicine. This natural approach provides a safe treatment method for many people and ailments, with the ultimate goal of ensuring vibrant wellbeing by treating any underlying causes in the body. From massage therapy to herbs and supplements, this progressive practice encourages our bodies' own therapeutic abilities.

Naturopathy takes a holistic approach to health and wellbeing, allowing the body's natural healing processes to take effect. It differs from conventional therapies as it puts emphasis on individualised assessments of diet, lifestyle factors and genetic makeup in order to identify the root cause of an illness or disease. While naturopathy can be used alone as a preventative measure against many types of ailments or illnesses, it also works well alongside medical treatments for an integrated form of care that minimises harsh chemicals while promoting self care at its core.

“Health is the expression of a harmonious balance between various components of man’s nature, the environment and ways of life – nature is the physician of disease.” – Hippocrates

Where does naturopathy originate from?

The field of naturopathy is based on Hippocrates' groundbreaking principle that we should use natural foods to maintain health and prevent or treat illnesses. His famous quote "Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food" - has resonated since 2,400 years ago as a key founding philosophy of naturopathic practice.

Modern naturopathy continues the philosophy of the Natural Cure Movement that was embraced by Europe in the 18th century. The natural healing systems make use of natural elements such as air, light, food, water and herbs - this collective philosophy continues today in modern naturopathy.

Naturopathic fundamental principles

6 principles of Naturopathic treatment:

#1 Do no harm

#2 Nature’s healing power

#3 Find and treat the causes

#4 Doctor as teacher

#5 Treat the whole person

#6 Education and prevention

Naturopaths strive to empower their patients by not only educating them, but also fostering self-responsibility when it comes to making healthy choices. This approach encourages the individual's own natural healing process while promoting preventative measures that can strengthen immunity and improve mental health for a balanced body functioning.

What treatments are used in Naturopathy?

Naturopaths use a wide variety of treatments, including (but not limited to):

• Kinesiology
• Integrated Bio-Dynamics (IBD)
• Physical therapies
• Herbal medicine and other dietary supplements
• Psychology and counselling techniques
• Nutrition and lifestyle changes
• Exercise therapy
• Iridology
• Blood analysis
• Homoeopathy
• Hydrotherapy (water therapy)

Naturopathy can be used to treat conditions such as:

• Tiredness – low energy
• Weight loss
• Headaches and migraines
• Digestive complaints
• Poor immune systems
• Allergies and food intolerances
• High blood pressure
• Heart and circulation problems
• Hormonal problems
• Polycystic ovary syndrome
• Stress, depression, anxiety
• ADD/ADHD
• Sporting injuries
• Skin conditions
• Blood sugar irregularities
• Adult-onset diabetes
• Arthritis – joint and muscle pain
• Asthma, sinusitis, cough
• And many more!

Naturopathy for holistic treatment in Brisbane

In summary, naturopathy is the fastest growing healing treatment for Australians and for good reason! Naturopathy has attained huge respect due to the all-encompassing treatments for health and wellness both alongside conventional medicines, and in its own right. Talk to a qualified naturopath for more details on how it can help you and the preventative measures naturopathy can bring to your health and wellness care plan.

If you would like some further information in relation to naturopathy and the services that our Brisbane naturopaths can provide, contact the Health & Healing Wellness Centre on 07 3186 0587 and we can discuss your health needs.