Naturopathy: The Facts

What can naturopathy offer me?

Naturopathy can be used safely by everyone. It does not aim to replace medical care and can be used alongside conventional care to improve wellbeing and even reduce side effects. Naturopathy is particularly effective for supporting individuals with long term chronic issues. Naturopathy encompasses a wide variety of tools including nutritional and lifestyle advice and the use of vitamins, minerals and herbs to offer individualised person-centered care. 

 

Why should I see a naturopath when I can order supplements online?

While it may seem expensive to consult a naturopath when supplements are readily available, naturopaths are trained to identify core issues and recommend better quality supplements, resulting in fewer supplements taken. Naturopaths are primary healthcare workers who take a person-centered approach to your healthcare and are able to communicate with your other healthcare providers to support your wellbeing and ensure there are no contraindications between medications and supplements.

While it may seem cheaper to order supplements online, the truth is many online (and even retail) supplements are of poor quality and are more focused on marketing. Naturopaths are trained to use supplements only when needed. While practitioner-brand supplements may seem expensive, this reflects the quality, time and labour involved in their production. For example, many supplements include patented forms or isolated compounds from herbs that have strict growing requirements. Additionally, practitioner-brand supplements are also designed to meet various dietary restrictions and are TGA listed, ensuring a level of safety and rigour.  

 

How do I know that my practitioner is qualified?

Professional associations are important, especially in Australia as naturopaths are not registered healthcare practitioners. These associations ensure member practitioners perform to high standards and abide by a Code of Conduct.