Treating the whole you

Plant medicines contain a large number of naturally occurring chemicals (constituents) that have some type of biological activity in the body. Herbs work in a similar fashion to many pharmaceutical preparations — in fact, some pharmaceutical medicines are still obtained from plants, such as aspirin, which is sourced from white willow bark.

Herbs are complex forms of medicine and often have therapeutic effects across many body systems, with all the components of the plant working synergistically. While pharmaceutical drugs have their place in medicine, herbs can offer a wide range of medicinal effects, often with fewer side effects and adverse reactions. In herbalism we see that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.

Addressing the diet is a key aspect of naturopathy. Optimal health is reliant on feeding and nourishing the body. Many diseased states stem from poor nutrition and can manifest as anything from mood disorders, infertility and digestive ailments to poor sleep, hormone dysfunction and stress. A naturopath may modify the diet to remove any triggers to poor health, and encourage therapeutic foods depending on the individual case. Food as medicine is a key element of practice.

Nutraceuticals, or nutritional supplements, allow for optimal nutrient intake in a therapeutic dose that directly targets a deficiency, supports a biological pathway, or enhances the functioning of a body system. Common nutrients to supplement include iron, B vitamins, vitamin C, D and amino acids.

Another key component of naturopathy is addressing the lifestyle of each client — identifying harmful behavioural patterns and encouraging exercise, fresh air, sunlight, sleep, healthy relationships, support networks, connection, and doing what you love.

Counselling is a skill learned in the naturopathic degree, and we are trained to help identify stress management techniques and mindfulness skills, and refer on to other modalities when needed. Treatment plans may include exercise regimes, yoga practices and meditation.