Why I Work Naturopathically
Naturopathic nutrition considers the person as a whole; physical, mental, emotional, lifestyle, genetic inheritance and considers what is currently happening in their work and life.
It takes into account a person’s unique biological make up and how they are as an individual. It is based on the principle that the body has an inherent ability to heal itself and it is the practitioner’s role to support this process. Naturopathic nutrition seeks to get to the core of health issues rather than only treating the symptoms, so searches to discover the underlying causes. Its aim is to work with the body towards increased vitality and improved health and overall wellbeing.
I recognise every patient as an individual and as having a unique genetic inheritance. All diseases are seen as attempts by the body to purify itself of toxins and as a naturopathic nutritional therapist I look to support this detoxification rather than suppressing the disease which is a more allopathic approach.
I believe it is important to have a real understanding of why a person has certain symptoms in the first place and to explore any connections with what is happening for them in their life currently. The mind is not separate from the body and what might be happening physically is linked to that person mentally and emotionally and vice versa. So the person needs to be treated as a whole.
In naturopathic nutrition we look at the least invasive therapies first, so I could tell a client that drinking tea and coffee, which are diuretics, are causing a loss of potassium and magnesium, which causes a change in PH in their body and an imbalance in electrolytes, which will result in lowered intake and reduced absorption of nutrients. So I can look at how I can educate a client and take simple steps to regain balance.
As a naturopathic nutritional therapist I will follow the general naturopathic principles:
- Work with nature and trust the body’s inherent ability to heal itself when obstacles are removed
- Address the underlying cause of the dis-ease rather than just treating the symptoms
- Use the most natural, least toxic and least invasive therapies first
- Support the person as a whole and consider all factors that influence well-being
- Educate people in self-care and what they need to do to achieve optimal health
- Encourage people in how they can promote their health and prevent disease
I will work in partnership with people, acknowledging that each person is an individual and that their interaction with nutrients will be unique to them. I encourage and empower them to accept greater responsibility for their own health. I will advise on lifestyle recommendations alongside dietary advice and will look to include other energy medicine disciplines such as homeopathy, acupuncture and healing such as Reiki, if appropriate for that person at that time.
I think that Hippocrates summed it up very well:
‘Let food be your medicine and medicine be your food.’
‘It is only nature that heals and wherever and whenever possible nature should be given the opportunity to do so.’
Naturopathic nutrition considers the whole person so not just physical and laboratory findings but also the person’s attitude, psychological and spiritual state, social circumstances, lifestyle, diet, inherited factors and environment.