What is naturopathy?
Naturopathy is a holistic approach to health care that seeks to uncover the underlying cause of a condition. By treating the root cause, we can truly address the problem. Holistic, from the Greek word holos meaning ‘entire’ or ‘all’, acknowledges that the body’s systems work in relation to one another, not independently, and incorporates the mind-body connection, to treat the body as a ‘whole’.
A naturopathic approach is focused on health care and prevention, not disease management. We look to optimise health through preventative and restorative means. To gain a holistic perspective, we examine current and historical health, as well as family history. Diet, lifestyle, and environmental aspects are also analysed, to assess their contribution to a health concern.
Naturopaths treat the individual with a personalised approach, specific to the health condition - there is no ‘one size fits all’ as each person is different. Naturopaths treat the person, not the disease.
One of the principles of naturopathy is ‘naturopath as teacher’, we understand the value of education and nurture clients to recognise their role and involvement in their healing. As naturopaths and teachers, we work in a collaborative partnership with our clients, there is no hierarchy in the healing process.
Naturopathy holds in high esteem the healing power of nature and appreciates that, given the right environment, the body has the wisdom and capability to heal itself, with little intervention. We encourage change and apply methods such as herbal formulas, and complementary remedies that minimize the risk of harmful affects and avoid interfering with the natural healing process, working with the body to restore health, and following the Hippocratic oath of ‘first do no harm’.
The Six Principles of Naturopathy…..
Vis Medicatrix Naturae: The Healing Power of Nature
Primum Non Nocere: First Do No Harm
Tolle Totum: Treat the Whole Person
Tolle Causam: Treat the Cause
Docere: Naturopath as Teacher
Preventare: Prevention
My story…
As with many people who tread the healing path, my story begins with my own health issues.
Poor concentration and agitation during my school years was often dismissed as disruptive behaviour. My frustration grew over time and manifested into barely controllable rage. This continued throughout my school years leaving me disillusioned and feeling abandoned. The idea that my junk food diet may be contributing to my problems wasn’t considered…it was the early 80s - who knew!? (and sadly, still commonly disregarded today).
Around the age of 18 I began having gut issues. I was in pain, constipated, bloated, and uncomfortable - my gut ruled my life. My GP diagnosed me with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and told me to eat more fibre (which for me, and many others, makes things worse).
I moved to London and, as my career in the corporate world took off, so did my symptoms. As my work-hard/play-hard lifestyle ramped up, so did the stress and the side effects of burning the candle at both ends.
A newfound passion for cooking dramatically improved my diet, however, my partying antics and skyrocketing stress levels kept me firmly in the grips of IBS for the next 20 years.
When I moved to NZ in 2010 my lifestyle changed for the better; the ‘weekend warrior’ partying was a thing of the past, as I delved deeper into healthy eating, my love of cooking increased; I explored stress management and incorporated ways to get to grips with my ongoing stress and anxiety along with minimising environmental toxins as much as possible. By applying these modifications, I noticed my symptoms reduce and my gut issues eventually became a thing of the past. I was stunned and became fascinated with the gut-brain connection and the impact of stress on our health; my curiosity around food as medicine, herbal remedies, and alternative therapies grew.
The death of my father in 2017 was a time of deep reflection, particularly around health and wellness. I decided to cultivate my curiosity in natural health and nutrition; pushing aside my doubts and fears around education developed in my school days, I embarked on the 5 years of study to become a naturopath, medical herbalist, and nutritionist.
And this is where I am today, living a life true to my values and sharing the skills I’ve learned to help others do the same, digging deep and reconnecting with the inert healing power within .
To say I’m excited to have found my true mission in life would be a huge understatement. I am thrilled to bring together my passion for cooking, growing fresh produce, and natural medicine to support, motivate and guide you on your personal pathway to becoming the healthiest version of you. I look forward to supporting you on this exciting learning experience.