Can you share what a naturopath’s role looks like and how it contributes to our holistic approach?
A naturopath will ask in-depth questions about your body systems related to your health concerns, as well as investigate aspects of your life such as diet, exercise, hobbies, and family history. This comprehensive approach provides insight into the many factors that could be contributing to your state of health, allowing us to address the root causes of issues. Our treatments include food as medicine, herbal medicine, nutritional supplementation, and lifestyle advice.
What do you think people need to know about naturopathy and its role in holistic health?
It is definitely important that people know that although Naturopathy is a form of natural medicine, it doesn’t mean that treatments we use aren’t evidence based. Australian Naturopaths are regulated by a governing body such as Naturopaths & Herbalists Association of Australia (NHAA), and they hold Bachelor’s in Health Science majoring in Naturopathy.
Naturopathy plays a significant role in holistic health and upholds six core principles:
- First Do No Harm
- The Healing Power of Nature
- Identify and Treat the Causes
- Doctor as Teacher
- Treat the Whole Person
- Prevention
How do you navigate any stigma or challenges associated with naturopathy in the broader healthcare industry?
As mentioned previously, Australian Naturopaths hold Bachelor’s in Health Science and are heavily regulated. Ensuring people know this definitely helps to reduce some of the stigma associated with Naturopathy and natural medicine. I feel that it is also so important to continue to educate patients on natural medicine and to just keep advocating! I think it is only uphill from here.
How do you stay up to date with the latest industry updates, research, and developments in natural medicine/therapy?
I stay current by attending annual symposiums and regularly participating in webinars hosted by other practitioners or naturopathic associations. I also read journal articles and enjoy discussing new research with colleagues from my university studies.
What do you hope for the future of natural therapy?
I hope that in the future natural medicine starts to get more recognition for it is – effective! I really hope for more clinical trials and other quality research to prove the efficiency herbal medicine has on treating various conditions and the quality of life it can provide to patients.
If you work directly with patients, can you share a story of how natural medicine has positively impacted someone’s life?
I have seen natural medicine positively impact so many people’s lives. The first that comes to mind are my Endometriosis patients. Various natural treatments have been widely studied regarding their anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective and hepatoprotective capabilities for Endometriosis. Through using the natural approach, I have seen a great deal of positive changes with the patients mental health, as well as a reduction in their pain and inflammation. I have also seen positive changes with their liver function – the liver is a key part of treating Endometriosis as we need the liver to be functioning optimally so oestrogen is not being poorly metabolised and being reabsorbed in the body, as this can lead to an increase in endometriosis flare up due to it being an oestrogen dominant condition.
We’re proud to have such a dedicated naturopath on our team, whose commitment to evidence-based practices and patient empowerment aligns perfectly with our holistic vision. Her passion for natural medicine and her proactive approach to health are valuable assets to Astrid, and we look forward to the positive impact she will continue to make on our patients’ lives.
Book a naturopathy appointment with Georgina here.
