Naturopathy is a multi-disciplinary approach to health care that recognises the body's innate ability to heal itself. By integrating conventional health sciences with natural therapies and traditional medicines, naturopathy treats the patient's mental, emotional and physical states for a lasting effect.

The foundation of Naturopathy is the philosophy of the healing power of nature. This means that the body has its own healing energy and, with the help of naturopathic treatment, the body can repair itself and recover from illness if it is in a healthy and supportive environment.

Naturopaths aim to educate, empower and motivate the patient to assume personal responsibility for his or her health by adopting a healthy attitude, diet and lifestyle. They do not simply treat the manifestation of a disease and its effects, but rather search for and treat the causes of it instead. Prevention of disease is accomplished through naturopathic education which builds a lifestyle which supports health and well-being.

Naturopaths are trained to use safe and effective natural therapies that support and stimulate the healing power of nature in the gentlest, least invasive and most efficient way possible. They use a range of methods to assist in the healing process including herbal medicine, nutrition, diet and lifestyle recommendations, vitamins and minerals, flower essences, homeopathy, hair, tongue and nail analysis, iridology and massage.

In naturopathy, the patient is viewed and treated wholistically - that is as a whole person - a complex interaction of physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, social and other factors any of which can combine to affect his or her health. Thus, patients suffering ailments from everyday problems like a cold to more serious chronic conditions and allergies may benefit from naturopathic treatment.

Many types of conditions may be helped through naturopathy including;

• arthritis

• asthma

• allergies

• ADD / ADHD / hyperactivity

• candida

• cystitis

• depression

• digestive disorders

• eczema / skin disorders

• fatigue

• food intolerance

• headache / migraine

• hormonal disorders

• insomnia

• ME

• menopause

• prostate problems

• PMS

• stress

• thrush

• weight loss / management

An initial consultation generally takes between 1 and 2 hours during which the patient's medical history and general lifestyle is reviewed in order to determine a naturopathic treatment regime best suited to his or her individual needs. The latest advances in health screening, diagnostic testing  and blood and urine analysis may be required in order to establish a treatnebt and health-promoting program.

Naturopathy is suitable for everyone, from infants to the aged, irrespective of their health condition.