Naturopathy

(By Samantha Mitchell BSc (Hons) OST MED. DIP NAT)

Naturopathy, as the name suggests, is a natural approach to diet and lifestyle, aimed at achieving optimal health.

It could be described as “a fence at the top of the cliff, rather than an ambulance at the bottom!” (A quote from one of my favourite teachers.)

It aims to keep you in the best physical and emotional health. A Naturopathic practitioner analysises everything from the nutritional value of your diet to the type of exercise you take, to advising on work/life balance.

A naturopathic diet is tailored to the individual's needs firstly assessing vitamin and mineral content and using raw and whole foods with techniques such as juicing to improve these levels. This is followed by analysing the specific needs of the individual which could involve any health issues from joint problems to asthma or food sensitivity.

Although it can be a total change I attempt to break each person into their new lifestyle gently with the focus being on “lifestyle” not fad dieting, in order that each person eventually adjusts and feels great!

Naturopathy has no mystery involved, it is just healthy eating in order to optimise health and prevent disease and for this reason everyone benefits from the approach.