Naturopathy

Naturopathy a definition:

Naturopathy is a holistic approach to healthcare that aims to support the body’s inherent ability to heal itself with the support of natural substances and therapies. A thorough understanding of a person’s unique constitutional picture is developed through exploring their individual hereditary, biographical, environmental and emotional history. This is combined with a grounded assessment of the current health of the physical body, life force, soul life and sense of self in the world. Every attempt is made to be clinically and diagnostically astute whilst acknowledging that there is also a complex psychological and spiritual element to wellbeing.

 

Nutrition and Gut Health

Supporting intestinal microbiota and liver health through nutrition, herbal medicine and probiotics (fermented food and later as stain specific powders) has been the primary role of Naturopaths for over a 100 years. Naturopathy is committed to the whole-person view of health; it is through this lens that we have developed a deep understanding of gastrointestinal disorders and seek to find the most natural and sustainable option. Our treatment is informed out of both empirical wisdom and evidence-based research. In my clinical practice, I see a large amount of gastrointestinal and metabolic imbalances. I believe these imbalances are associated with a population (frequently third and fourth generation) that has become progressively dependent on processed foods and the increase in pesticides used in the farming industry and chemicals used in the food industry. Symptoms may manifest as discomfort, bloating and flatulence, sensitivities and allergies. Food sensitivities and gastrointestinal health also appear to have a significant role in autoimmune imbalances such as arthritis, eczema and psoriasis. Current research suggests gastrointestinal dysfunction may play a major role in cognitive and behavioural disorders. Chronic imbalance may lead to metabolic disorders such as diabetes and high cholesterol.

 

Anthroposophic Medicine

​Rudolf Steiner’s philosophy of Anthroposophy—derived from the Greek words Anthro (man) and Sophia (wisdom)—is the foundation of Waldorf/Steiner education, biodynamic farming, and Anthroposophic medicine. At its core, Anthroposophy is dedicated to developing methods for observing and supporting health in both individuals and the environment, recognising the profound interconnectedness of the three and four fold pictures of the human being. Anthroposophic medicine is rooted in the belief that illness draws our attention to imbalances within ourselves and offers us the opportunity to restore equilibrium. This approach provides a detailed framework for understanding hereditary, developmental, and constitutional imbalances, aiming not just to treat symptoms but to address the deeper causes of illness and support the individual’s journey towards healing.​​​​​

 

Classical Homeopathy

Homeopathics focus on symptoms unique to the individual, are suitable for acute and chronic ailments and can provide constitutional and psychological support. Homeopathy offers an extensive range of substances and potencies. Remedy selection is focused on the symptom picture and constitution of each individual patient. Both physical and mental ailments respond well to the correctly selected remedy. I find Homeopathics are particularly useful when working with deep emotional issues such as grief or anger and difficult ailments that are unresponsive to other therapies. Homoeopathics are often a safe option when needing to be cautious about interfering with other prescription medication.​​​​​

 

Herbal Medicine

Natural plant extracts can be very effective in shifting stubborn physical ailments, supporting the immune system, balancing organs and hormones and detoxifying the body. Herbal teas are a gentle and accessible option for almost everyone. There is a significant body of evidence-based research supporting the efficacy and safety of herbs, from which I am constantly researching and updating my knowledge.

 

Biographical Exploration

Health and well-being are a mirror of people’s physical and emotional experiences over a lifetime. Often, the most important details lie in the subtle symptoms frequently experienced throughout our life, or major events that we were somehow unable to fully absorb or overcome. Illness pictures are deeply revealed through specific biographical ages. Referral to a biographical counsellor may be recommended to clients with deep biographical trauma.

 

External Compresses

External compresses have been part of naturopathy for hundreds of years and are an important part of Anthroposophic medicine. They support both physical and psychological ailments, are often used in organ therapy and are potentially one of the most subtle but powerful medicines available. Complex clients will often be referred to an anthroposophic nurse for therapeutic baths, compresses and body oiling.

 

Supported Ailments:

Acne; Allergies; Anxiety; Asthma; Behavioral problems (gut or allergy related); Blood sugar levels; Cancer; Candida, Cardiovascular health; CFS, Chronic respiratory infections (ears, nose, throat, lungs); Colic; Crones disease; Constipation; Dermatitis; Detoxification; Diabetes; Digestive problems; Diarrhea (chronic); Eczema; Fructose malabsorption; General first aid (homoeopathic); Gluten intolerance; Grief; Gut problems; GORD; IBS; Indigestion; Kidney infections (chronic); Liver congestion; Menopausal symptoms; Metabolic disorders; Painful periods; PMS; Psoriasis; Reflux; Sleep problems; Thyroid; Travel first aid (homoeopathic); Weight management.

 

Professional Standards

Nicole is a fellow of the Australian Natural Therapists Association (ANTA) and has completed a Bachelor of Health Science (Naturopathy). A Health Science Degree - Naturopathy, involves four years full-time study in core natural therapies subjects including nutrition, botanic medicine, homoeopathy and remedial therapies. A Health Science Degree- Naturopathy, also includes an extensive range of government approved health science subjects including chemistry, anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, research methods and biostatistics. Accredited naturopaths have a TGA certificate which enables them to legally prescribe practitioner only products.  

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