Frequently Asked Questions
Never worked with a naturopath before? Then here are a few questions you may have in mind that you want answered.
A naturopath is a healthcare practitioner who specialises in natural and holistic approaches to wellness. They focus on treating the whole person, rather than just addressing symptoms, by utilising a range of therapies including nutrition, herbal medicine, and lifestyle counseling.
- Healing Power of Nature: Trusting the body’s innate ability to heal itself.
- Identify and Treat the Causes: Looking beyond symptoms to identify the underlying causes of illness.
- First Do No Harm: Using the least invasive methods to support the whole person.
- Doctor as Teacher: Educating patients on how to achieve and maintain health.
- Treat the Whole Person: Considering the physical, mental, emotional, genetic, environmental, and social factors affecting health.
- Prevention: Focusing on wellness and prevention of disease.
As a naturopath and pharmacist, I guide individuals towards optimal health by developing personalised treatment plans that support their body’s natural ability to heal and thrive. This includes checking for safely using herbs and nutritional support with medications.
Treating the root cause in naturopathy means addressing the underlying factors that contribute to an individual’s health issues, rather than just alleviating symptoms. This holistic approach involves understanding and identifying the physical, mental, emotional, and environmental aspects that may be affecting a person’s well-being.
For instance, if someone is experiencing chronic headaches, a naturopath would investigate various potential causes such as dietary habits, stress levels, sleep patterns, and possible exposure to toxins. They would then devise a personalized treatment plan that might include dietary adjustments, stress management techniques, herbal supplements, and lifestyle changes aimed at remedying these specific issues.
By focusing on the root cause, naturopathy aims to facilitate long-term health improvements and prevent recurrence of the problem. This comprehensive method not only helps in healing but also empowers individuals to maintain their health through informed lifestyle choices.
Get to know how Anita personalises your naturopathic healing journey and what to expect when you choose to work with Anita
Firstly, I collaborate closely with your doctor to ensure you receive the highest standard of care. While I cannot adjust or discontinue prescribed medications without your doctor’s approval, I can provide support to enhance the effectiveness of your current treatments. Our initial appointment lasts one hour, allowing me to deeply understand your current health status and your goals for improvement. Together, we will tailor a personalized path that aligns with your preferences and pace. Whether you prefer to make comprehensive changes immediately or progress gradually, I am here to support your journey toward better health.
- Let’s start with a free 15 minute Introductory call, here’s the link: https://app.simpleclinic.net/public/diary/index/pQ6?location_id=451&service_id=2244
- While on the call we can book you in for your initial consultation. You can choose in person or online. Your first appointment lasts one hour, during which, we will talk and I will check for signs and symptoms that help assess your current health. This information, combined with pre-appointment questionnaires and recent blood work helps with your treatment plan.
- Working together, we’ll move you towards your health goals at your pace. Follow up appointment spacing depends on individual goals and how much accountability you need to successfully make changes.
The timeline for experiencing improvements with naturopathic treatment can vary based on several factors, such as the nature of your condition, your overall health, and your adherence to the prescribed treatment plan. Generally, here are some key points:
- Immediate Relief: Some patients begin to notice relief in certain symptoms within a few days to weeks, especially if dietary changes or supplements are involved.
- Short-Term Improvement: For many, noticeable improvements often occur within about 4 to 6 weeks as the body adjusts and begins to heal.
- Long-Term Benefits: Achieving optimal health and long-term benefits might take several months, depending on the complexity of the condition and individual factors.
Remember, naturopathic treatment focuses on addressing the root causes of health issues and promoting overall wellness, which can sometimes take time. Patience and consistency are key.
Often, I will start with current blood test results combined with questionnaires. When looking at blood tests, I will analyse them to check if you are within an “optimal range” or just in the lab standard range, or outside of these ranges.
When needed to help get a better health picture, I may recommend Functional testing. Functional tests refers to the use of a variety of diagnostic tests and assessments to identify imbalances or dysfunctions in the body that may be contributing to health issues. These tests aim to uncover the underlying causes of symptoms by evaluating how different systems in the body are functioning.
Common types of functional testing include:
- Hormone Panels: To assess imbalances that could affect mood, energy levels, or reproductive health.
- Nutrient Deficiency Assessments: To identify deficiencies in vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients essential for health.
- Digestive Function Analysis: To evaluate gut health, digestion, and absorption, which can impact overall well-being.
- Food Sensitivity Analysis: To detect adverse reactions to certain foods that may be causing inflammation or other symptoms.
- Metabolic Testing: To assess metabolic function and detect issues like blood sugar imbalances or thyroid dysfunction.
- Detoxification Pathways: To analyse how well the body is detoxifying and eliminating waste products.
By utilising these tests, I can gain a comprehensive understanding of an individual’s health and develop personalised treatment plans that target the root causes of their conditions, leading to more effective and sustainable health outcomes.
