Naturopathic Medicine
Naturopathic medicine is an integrative holistic approach to healthcare that combines the art and science of healing.
Naturopathic practitioners like myself, utilise a range of tools to personalise your treatments which may include elements of functional testing, iridology, Flower Essences, Herbal Medicine, Nutritional Medicine and Lifestyle Medicine amongst others.
Herbal medicine is the oldest and most widely used system of medicine in the world. Indigenous cultures as far back as the Ancient Egyptians used herbal therapies to heal diseases.
Today, the efficacy of traditional remedies passed down through the generations can be validated using modern chemical analysis techniques. Using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) scientists can now profile the active constituents of plants and carry out rigorous testing of the biological properties.
The complex chemical nature of a plant means that it does not contain just one isolated ingredient like a pharmaceutical drug. Instead, herbs deliver a unique blend of many chemical constituents that produce a multifaceted therapeutic effect on the body. This distinctive difference is what sets herbal medicine apart and provides significant advantages when treating many complex health conditions.
Just as the human body is a complex interconnected system, the herbal extracts used by herbalists to enact change within their patients are complex too. That's why it's so important to consult a qualified professional who can ensure your pharmaceutical medications or specific health conditions are considered when prescribing a herbal blend.
Naturopathic medicine regards quality nutrition as the foundational determinant of good health. Our entire body is influenced by vitamins and minerals, so it is impossible to reach optimal health when the diet lacking. Put simply, without the necessary fuel your whole body suffers.
As a degree qualified clinical nutritionist, I focus on monitoring and modifying dietary nutrient consumption from whole foods in order to promote health. Interventions may include tailored dietary advice, recipes, meal plans and food swaps. Unfortunately, the quality of food we eat is declining and the absorption of nutrients from our food can be impacted by gastrointestinal conditions so often we cannot get all we need from food alone. As a result, it is often necessary to prescribe quality supplements in states of chronic deficiency, to alleviate symptoms and prevent disease development.
Please know that my own personal journey has influenced the manner in which I approach dietary all changes. I am about providing pragmatic and realistic recommendations that teach you how to eat well for life.
Real foods, no extreme diets and no long-term food restrictions!
Lifestyle medicine is a multi-disciplinary approach that addresses the environmental, social, behavioural and motivational aspects of health. Providing a holistic system that targets the prevention and reversal of chronic and lifestyle-related diseases, Lifestyle Medicine is about modifying the drivers of illness like physical inactivity, excessive alcohol consumption or chronic stress.
Where appropriate this may include referral to other allied health professionals as we work together to adapt your daily self-care and self-management habits. Lifestyle medicine is about ensuring you are getting good quality sleep, you are socially connected with your community, physically active, prudent with your alcohol consumption and have strategies to manage daily anxiety and stressors.
This is holistic medicine at its very best, establishing the foundations of healthy living whilst removing obstacles or barriers that may undermine your progress.
