What is Naturopathy?

Naturopathy is a system of health care that promotes the body’s own self-healing mechanism. It uses natural therapies such as nutrition, herbal medicine, acupuncture, homeopathy, physical manipulations, hydrotherapy, fasting, exercise and other modalities, in accordance with naturopathic principles. These principles are kept in mind when a Naturopath takes a case to develop and offer treatment plans as well as maintenance support for long-term good health. 

Principles of Naturopathy

Naturopathy employs various therapies and diagnostic tools and is based on the following Naturopathic Principles. A practitioner who follows and practises these principles can be called a Naturopathic Therapist, or simply a Naturopath.

The Naturopathic Principles are:

The healing power of nature

The body can heal itself, given the right condition and treatment. There is a Vital Force which is stimulated to promote health.

Treat the cause, not the symptom

Identify the underlying cause of illness rather than eliminating (suppressing) symptoms.

Treat the whole person

Recognise a patient’s uniqueness by taking into account individual physical, mental, genetic, environmental, social and other factors.

Prevention is preferable to cure

Prevention is preferable to cure in order to keep the Vital Force at its optimum level at all times.

Education

Naturopaths educate their patients by bringing a better understanding of health, how to maintain it and how to avoid getting sick. This way, patients can take responsibility for themselves.

Naturopathic Nutritionist

A Naturopathic Nutritionist focuses on the following:

• Use of whole and organic food as medicine.

• The importance of detoxification and cleansing.

• Assessment of the constitution of a patient (TCM / Ayurveda).

• Applying tongue, face and nail diagnostic, functional testing, herbs and Bach Flower Remedies.

Naturopathic Nutritional Therapy.

Nutritional therapy focuses on whole, organic and GMO-free food as medicine. Depending on the individual constitution and the state of health, supplements are used and processes employed to detox the body.

What is a Naturopathic Nutritional Therapist?

Nutritional therapy focuses on the nutrient value of food to ensure the optimal well-being and sustained health for patients. Nutritional therapy encompasses lifestyle and environmental factors that detract from the state of ultimate well-being. Various tests might be employed to find the cause of disease. The client will always be educated on the benefits of dietary and lifestyle interventions. This way, clients take charge of their own health. Naturopathic Nutritionists know that the body can heal itself given the right food and treatment and they may employ other natural therapies and diagnostic tools, such as functional diagnostic, iridology, tongue and pulse diagnostics.

Anybody who wants to improve their overall diet or who wants to address the real cause of disease should consult a Naturopathic Nutritional Therapist.

The Naturopathic Nutritional Therapist consultation.

A Naturopathic Nutritional Therapist will normally assign an initial first-time appointment that takes between 60 and 90 minutes. During this time, a detailed case history is taken, and lab or other tests are recommended to find the underlying cause of disease. An individual diet plan and supplements if indicated, will be given at the end of the consultation. The Naturopathic Nutritional Therapist works with other natural therapists and medical experts as needed to achieve the best outcome for the client.

Follow-up consultations are shorter.

Naturopathic Nutritionists are registered with the ANP which is regulated by the GNC (General Naturopathic Council). ANP members follow a Code of Ethics which includes client confidentiality. All ANP members have gone through an intensive training schedule and are committed to confidentiality.

How long does a treatment take?

The length of a treatment and the frequency of visits depend on the state of health and disease. Chronic conditions can often develop over decades and will, therefore, require more appointments. Acute conditions may take only one consultation.

What can Nutritional Therapy help with?

There is no person who will not benefit from the advice of a Naturopathic Nutritional Therapist. Common complaints for which a Naturopathic Nutritional Therapist is consulted are:

• Weight loss / gain.

• Hormonal imbalances and fertility problems.

• Skin diseases.

• Stress-related conditions.

• Sleep problems.

• Poor immunity.

• Blood sugar management.

• Ageing conditions.

• Circulation and joint problems.