Naturopathy

Naturopathic Medicine, or Naturopathy, is a practice of preventing, assessing and treating conditions of the human mind and body. By integrating conventional health sciences with a range of natural therapies and traditional medicines, naturopathy treats the patient's mental, emotional and physical states for a lasting effect.

The foundation of Naturopathy is the philosophy of the "healing power of nature". This means that the body has its own healing energy within and with the help of naturopathic treatment, the body can repair itself and recover from illness if it is in a healthy and supportive environment.

The Role of the Naturopath

A Naturopath aims to educate, empower and motivate the patient to assume more personal responsibility for his or her health by adopting a healthy attitude, lifestyle and diet. They do not simply treat the manifestation of a disease and its effects but rather search for the cause and treat it, rather than the effect. Prevention of disease is accomplished through naturopathic education which builds a lifestyle that supports health and wellbeing.

Benefits of Naturopathy

A Naturopath is trained to employ safe and effective natural therapies that will support and stimulate the healing power of nature in the gentlest, least invasive and most efficient manner possible. Naturopaths use a range of methods to assist in the healing process including Herbal Medicine, nutrition – diet and lifestyle recommendations, vitamins and minerals, flower essences, Homeopathy, hair, tongue, and nail analysis, Iridolgy and massage.

The individual is viewed and treated in naturopathic medicine as a whole, composed of a complex interaction of physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, social and other factors. Thus patients suffering from everyday colds as well as some more serious, chronic conditions such as allergies may benefit from naturopathic treatment.

What to expect at your first visit

An initial appointment with a Naturopath will take between 1-2 hours in which your medical history and general lifestyle will be reviewed in order to determine a naturopathic treatment regime suited to your individual needs. Diagnostic procedures such as physical exams, blood and urine analysis may be required in order to establish a treatment and health-promoting program. Naturopathy is suitable for everyone, from infants to the aged.

Laura C Butler BHSc, Adv. Dip Nat, Dip Nut, Dip Bot Med. Member of NHAA.

Laura is a qualified Naturopath, Herbalist and Nutritionist. Laura holds a Bachelor of Health Science in Naturopathy from the University of New England in Armidale, an Advanced Diploma of Naturopathy, Diploma of Botanical Medicine and Diploma of Nutrition from the Nature Care College in St Leonard's. Laura is a member of the National Herbalists Association of Australia  (NHAA) and her hobbies include yoga, gym, Capoeira and swimming. Laura is available for consultations on Thursdays and alternate Saturdays.

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