Many people are unsure what to expect from a naturopathic consultation, and how this may differ from seeing your family doctor or GP. Medical doctors have traditionally focused on the treatment of the symptoms of an illness or disease. They typically have a limited amount of time to spend with a patient, after which medication is often prescribed to deal with the symptoms being experienced. This is in contrast to naturopaths, who are more interested in the underlying cause of an illness or infection. This is informed by a holistic ethos which views any illness as an imbalance in the body, with the goal of naturopathy to assist the body to heal itself. This is achieved via a number of non-invasive natural therapies, treatments and approaches.
Consultation with a Naturopath
A consultation with a naturopath will often be a lot longer than one you may have experienced with your family doctor or GP, with the first visit often taking from 1 to 2 hours. This is because a thorough assessment of your health status needs to be made, examining all aspects. Subsequent sessions are likely to be for a shorter period, depending on the condition experienced. The following steps will generally form the basis for any naturopathic consultation:
- Health profile – the practitioner will make a thorough assessment your case history, in an attempt to identify the root cause of your health problem/s
- Dietary advice – dietary advice is based on the patient’s health and lifestyle, and the practitioner will draw on herbal medicine, as well as vitamin and mineral supplements to maintain or restore optimal health
- Blood analysis – this element of a consultation is based on haematology, where an analysis of an individual’s blood is made. A white and red blood cell count can reveal a lot about your general health, including your immune system health and levels of fat in your blood
- Iridology – analysis of the iris of the eye can tell a naturopath a range of health facts, specifically identifying inherited health issues and any toxicity present in the body
Treatment
A range of treatment options are available to naturopaths, including the following modalities:
- Blood Analysis
- Counselling
- Herbal medicine
- Homeopathy
- Iridology
- Massage
- Nutrition
Like your consultation with a GP, all the personal information you provide to your naturopath is held in the strictest confidence.
Naturopath Training
Naturopath training typically involves a diploma or degree level qualification, taken over a number of years. Naturopaths are typically accredited by national associations, which ensure that practitioners have undergone the required training, and comply with the highest standards of naturopathic practice.
Find a naturopath in your local area.
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Do you have a passion for Naturopathy? Would you love to turn your passion for Naturopathy into a rewarding career? Check out the information we have available on what the Naturopathy course involves and thousands of other Natural Therapy Courses we have available online and throughout Australia. Why not let us help you find the right course for you today on 1300 924 960 |
