Naturopathy is a health care system which focuses on using natural remedies to re-establish the body’s ability to heal and maintain itself. It looks at the body as a whole and examines a wide range of causes for ill-health. Every patient is treated and respected as an individual and receives a health-care plan specific to them.
A Naturopath will examine your medical history, including relevant family history as well as your current diet and lifestyle. Pathology testing may be used to help understand exactly what is happening in the body and to specify treatment. Treatment may include dietary and lifestyle changes, herbal medicines and/or nutritional supplements.
How does it work?
Naturopathy works by recognising and removing barriers to the healing process. So, a Naturopath will:
- Treat the underlying cause of illness – not just symptoms;
- Treat the whole patient;
- Educate patients about their illness and how to care for themselves; and
- Develop strategies to maintain good health.
What is it good for?
Naturopathy is good for a wide range of health issues from specific disease states to enhancing general health and wellbeing. Some of the many conditions treated include: digestive health complaints; poor immune function; insomnia; weight loss; menstrual dysfunction; mental health issues; autism; allergies and intolerances; fertility management; fatigue; thyroid problems; autoimmune diseases; polycystic ovarian syndrome, endometriosis, asthma; eczema; psoriasis; diabetes; metabolic syndrome; stress; depression; anxiety; infections and much much more!
What are the benefits of treatment?
Naturopathic treatment aims to bring the whole body back into a state of balance and best health. Many people are amazed that during naturopathic treatment, their initial problem or symptoms are gone or reduced and that on the whole, they feel better and healthier than they can remember feeling in years!
What type of person will benefit?
Any person of any age who is interested in taking charge of their health will benefit from naturopathic treatment. Your naturopath should be a source of inspiration, motivation and education for you. As you learn more about your health and the needs of your body, you are empowered with control of your own health and wellbeing.
What can I expect on my first visit?
During your initial naturopathic consultation, which is usually one hour in duration, your naturopath will talk to you about your medical history, including relevant family history as well as your current diet and lifestyle.
A three-day food diary and short general health questionnaire will be sent to you prior to your first appointment. These should be completed and brought to your first appointment along with the results of any recent medical reports and pathology results.
During this consultation, an individual health care plan will be formulated. This may include dietary and lifestyle changes, herbal medicines and/or nutritional supplements. Your naturopath will always ensure that you have a thorough understanding of how to implement the advice given.
How long should I expect a course of treatment to be?
This depends on the condition being treated. It is usual for patients to return about two weeks after their initial appointment to discuss any questions they may have and to make any necessary adjustments or modification to treatment in the light of results.
- Acute conditions are usually resolved quickly and may only need one or two appointments.
- Chronic health problems are usually monitored every 4-6 weeks.
- Preconception and fertility patients usually require an appointment at the beginning of each menstrual cycle or every four weeks.
What is my investment?
- Initial naturopathic consultations are $100.
- Subsequent consultations are $85.
- Initial Fertility consultations are $300 (per couple).
- Subsequent fertility consultations are $100 (per couple).
- Acute and Results consultations are $30 (often via telephone).
Health Fund Rebates
Belinda is registered with most private health funds which may provide rebates for Naturopathic appointments for patients. This will depend on your level of cover. Please call your health fund for information.
Structure of consultations:
Initial Naturopathic Consultations
During your initial naturopathic consultation, which is usually one hour in duration, your naturopath will talk to you about your medical history, including relevant family history as well as your current diet and lifestyle. Please bring copies of any medical reports or recent pathology tests to your initial consultation.
Follow up consultations
Follow up consultations are usually at fortnightly, monthly or six-week intervals depending on the conditions being treated. These appointments are 45 minutes in duration and include reviews and ongoing health assessments and possible changes to your health care plan as required.
Fertility and Preconception consultations
Initial fertility consultations are usually two hours in duration. It is recommended that both partners attend whenever possible. The consultation will involve assessment of the medical history of both partners and discussion of your fertility journey. Pathology tests will be examined and referrals given for further blood, urine and semen testing, where required. Patients will be taught how to chart the menstrual cycle and a fertility diet, lifestyle modifications and appropriate herbal medicines and supplements for both partners will be discussed.
A complementary 15-minute phone consultation is available for all patients considering fertility treatment, so please feel free to call and ask any questions you may have before making an appointment.
Follow up consultations are one hour in length and usually held at monthly intervals.
Acute consultations
15 minute consultations are available for children and adults with acute illnesses such as earaches, digestive upsets, cold and flu or other complaints. These may be done as telephone consultations for existing patients.
Where to from here?
Read about some of Belinda’s client’s success stories
Check out the research on naturopathy