Health Dimensions

NATUROPATHY

Our naturopaths/herbalists are qualified, experienced therapists who treat from our Windsor clinic.

Naturopathy is a holistic healing system that aims to treat the whole person by seeking the cause of your ill health. Naturopaths believe the body is able to heal itself if its provided  the materials it needs to do so. Naturopathy uses a variety of natural therapies such as herbal and nutritional medicine. Our naturopaths determine the best solution and work with you to achieve your recovery and wellness goals.

When should I see a naturopath?

Naturopathic medicine may be applied to most health concerns. You don't need to be sick to see a Naturopath. Prevention is a focus with the goal of improved wellness, vitality and energy.

What will I be prescribed to help me?

Treatments vary from person to person and may include herbal medicines in a liquid or tablet form, nutritional supplements, flower essences or a detailed dietary plan.

What is the origin of naturopathy?

The Healing Power of Nature was first formulated by the Greek physician, Hippocrates 2400 years ago. He believed in a "healthy mind in a healthy body".

Meet Our Naturopaths

Alison Mitchell

B.App.Sc. (Nat) Post Grad. Dip. (Nat) CIMI (Certified Infant Massage Instructor)
Member ATMS, NHAA

Alison Mitchell is a certified naturopath and infant massage instructor. She compares her treatment approach to a jigsaw puzzle, where you piece together the symptoms of an ailment and conduct in-depth research to get to the bottom of the problem.

She integrates the aspect of nutrition into every treatment plan and encourages her patients to take account of their health in order to make positive changes to it.

As an enthusiastic foodie with a flair for whipping up delicious meals made from natural ingredients, Alison is a firm believer of the 80/20 rule; 80% of what you consume goes to your body, while 20% of it nourishes your soul. She teaches her patients about the healing properties of food and how these can contribute to their health and wellbeing.

She works with traditional healing modalities that are supported by research to treat a variety of conditions. She specialises in the treatment of women’s health, digestive issues, urinary tract infections, and skin problems.

Alison Kandelas

Herbalist/Nutritionist/Remedial Massage/Naturopath
Adv. Dip. Herbal Medicine Adv. Dip. Naturopathy Adv. Dip. Nutrition Dip. Remedial Massage
Member ATMS

Alison Kandelas uses her knowledge and skills in naturopathy to guide people towards a healthier lifestyle. She supports their health with herbs, which she considers an ideal alternative to pharmaceutical drugs or other chemically-infused medications.

During treatment, she educates her patients on the importance of nutrition to their health. She walks them through the dangers they could be facing by consuming high amounts of processed foods that are rich in sugar, preservatives, cholesterol and artificial flavours and colours.

Alison has qualifications for remedial massage therapy, which she uses to manage pain. Several of her clients have shared with her their difficulty in finding natural remedies for managing their pain. To help them out, she created her own brand, Alison Herbal Remedies, and rolled the Cayenne Balm which relieves chronic pain. 

Paige Cowley

Naturopath
BHSc. Naturopathy
Member NHAA, NMZNZ

Paige Cowley graduated from Endeavour College of Natural Health in 2016 after completing a Bachelor of Health Science Naturopathy. She has since worked in clinical practice in Australia and New Zealand, treating people in person and online to achieve their health goals.  

With over 10 years experience in the health industry, first as a nurse and now as a naturopath, Paige has dedicated herself to learning, understanding and educating on the best way to empower health and wellbeing through life’s stages. She is passionate about helping people achieve their health goals and believes that poor sleep is often a major block for healing. 

Paige believes being a Naturopath is a holistic approach to healthcare, aiming to support individuals in utilising the body’s ability to innately heal itself. Working as a clinical Naturopath, Paige has worked with people across their life stages through a variety of health conditions including thyroid dysfunction, adrenal fatigue, stress, fertility, family health, digestive concerns, headaches, hormonal imbalances, acne, eczema, psoriasis, weight loss and sleep disturbance. Digestive and skin health are areas of interest for Paige, along with allergies, hormonal imbalances, and headaches/migraines.  

Paige’s approach with all areas begins with nourishing the body’s foundations – with sleep, whole foods, quality products, and down-to-earth actionable advice.

Melanie Harrison

Naturopath
B.App.Hlth Sc. (Nat)
Member ANTA
Melanie Harrison completed her degree in naturopathy at the Australasian College of Natural Therapies where she also studied nutrition and developed a love for the benefits of natural herbal remedies.

Naturopaths believe everyone has a ‘vital force’ which allows the body to heal itself. With this in mind, Melanie’s goal is educating you so you feel empowered and motivated in your journey to restoring and optimising your health and wellbeing. While she treats a range of health issues, her special interests are digestion, stress and anxiety, sleep issues, fatigue, weight loss and reproductive health.

Your initial appointment with Melanie involves answering questions regarding your body’s systems to obtain a whole-body understanding of the cause of your health issue. Melanie may conduct physical examinations such as biomedical blood pressure testing and naturopathic examinations such as iridology. At your appointment’s conclusion you’ll have an individualised treatment plan which may include dietary advice, lifestyle recommendations, nutrient supplements and/or herbal preparations.

Melanie recently moved to Sydney’s north-west along with her husband and two young children and is now practicing from our Bella Vista clinic.

NUTRITION

Our nutritionist is a qualified, experienced therapist who treats from both our Windsor and Bella Vista clinics.

The foods you eat determine whether you have enough nutrients for energy, to make and repair tissue and to support your immunity. Nutrients reduce your risk of disease, while improving your physical and mental development.  A nutritionist is trained to provide you with information and advice about the importance of eating healthy food for your dietary needs to achieve your optimal wellbeing.

When should I see a nutritionist?     

There are several reasons why it might be beneficial to you to consult a nutritionist: if you think you have a food intolerance or allergy or if you have regular constipation or diarrhoea; if any food makes you fell unwell or you’re unable to lose or gain weight; if you regularly suffer with acid reflux or heartburn; if your hunger levels has dramatically changed; if you’ve become obsessed by food; if you’re prone to stress fractures; if you binge eat or overeat when you’re emotional; when life is too hectic; or you want to have a baby.

What is a healthy diet?

It is eating a balance of foods from the five food groups, depicted in the Healthy Eating Pyramid: vegetables and legumes (peas and beans); fruit; grains and cereals; lean meat, poultry, fish, eggs, legumes (peas and beans), tofu, nuts, seeds; and meat, cheese, yoghurt  or alternatives.

What is the Healthy Eating Pyramid?

It is a visual guide showing the types of foods (see the answer above) and the proportions that should be eaten every day.

What does RDI stand for?

RDI is short for Recommended Daily Intake. Australian dietary guidelines make recommendations for how much of any nutrient or mineral and standard serves of any given food a person needs, depending on their stage of life for optimum nutrition.

Which fats are good for me?

Healthy fats are those found in olive oil, coconut oil, butter, ghee, sesame oil and flax seed oil. You’ll also find healthy fats in pine nuts, walnuts and brazil nuts, and seeds such as linseed, chia, sunflower and sesame seeds. Other healthy fat food choices are avocados, eggs, dark chocolate, full fat yoghurt and fatty fish such as salmon, herring, sardines, anchovies, tuna, mackerel, halibut and rainbow trout.

Meet Our Nutritionist

Mary Collis

Nutritionist
Ad.Dip. (Nutr.Med.)
Member ATMS

Mary Collis’ inspiration to study nutrition came after discovering a change in food and lifestyle creates significant differences for most diseases.

Growing up, Mary endured digestive issues for many years and suffered silently as she became increasingly isolated. Her grandmother, who died young, battled both rheumatoid arthritis and the side effects of her prescribed medication. When Mary’s mother was diagnosed with breast cancer, Mary wondered whether the role of food could achieve a healthy outcome. When she wasn’t able to find a practitioner to help her mother, Mary returned to college to learn about the impacts of food and lifestyle on the human body.

Mary develops a personalised plan for her clients whether they’re enduring an autoimmune disease, mental illness, digestive issues or another of the many conditions she’s qualified and experienced to treat.

She believes the effects of most diseases can be improved, particularly through eating better and making positive and healthy lifestyle changes.

Mary is married to Paul who is a finance and management expert in the building industry. They have five adult children and one grandchild.

Book an appointment and learn how to activate your body’s healing function.