The information provided on this website is intended for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It does not take into account a person’s individual or specific health needs, including but not limited to, health status, allergies, medical conditions, prescribed medications and/or health supplements. You should always consult with your medical doctor or other qualified health provider to discuss your individual health needs.
Naturopathy 101
In this health insight, the first of our collection, we hear from Naturopath Xavier Wood (Founder & Managing Director of Optimal Vitality). Xavier discusses the modality of naturopathy and aims to clear up some misconceptions about naturopathic practice in a genuine and honest way.
Xavier’s views are his own formed from his personal experience and his own observations and these views may not necessary represent the views and opinions of all naturopathic practitioners.
What is Naturopathy?
In short, Naturopathy is a form of alternative or complimentary medicine that emphasises the body's ability to heal itself through natural therapies and treatments. Naturopathic medicine focuses on treating the whole person — mind, body, and spirit — while addressing the underlying causes of illness, rather than just managing symptoms.
Naturopathic treatments often include a variety of modalities such as:
Herbal and nutraceutical medicines
Nutritional counselling
Lifestyle counselling
Homeopathy
Iridology
Body work such as massage or hydrotherapy.
What do you think is the biggest misconception regarding naturopathy?
I think one of the biggest misconceptions about naturopathy is that some people, including a few Medical Doctors, compare naturopaths to traditional herbalists. By traditional herbalists, I mean (and I say this a bit tongue-in-cheek) people in the medieval times who lived in the woods picking fresh herbs by day to stir into their cauldrons at night - to make potions and medicines for their apothecaries.
Sure, herbal medicine is one modality of naturopathy but it is not the full scope of a naturopathic practice. And as a naturopathic practitioner, I fully appreciate and respect all those people who came before me, including traditional herbalists (who may have been a village healer living in the forest), who treated people with herbs and evaluated the health benefits of individual herbs through the observation of treating people - benefits which have been passed on from generation to generation. I should also say that many of these folklore health benefits have been confirmed in recent times through scientific means, including in clinical studies.
I recall years ago being treated by a naturopath and learning about the gut microflora, gut dysbiosis and its effect on the immune system and mental health, as well as, the gut-brain-axis. Some time after I spoke to my GP about this and recall my doctor brushing it aside as ‘nonsense’ either because the information had come from a naturopath or because at the time it was unproven by science. Naturopaths in many respects seem to be ahead of the game. Other examples include mindfulness in reducing stress and the health benefits associated with adequate vitamin D. Although, I must give credit where it is due, doctors are becoming more open and understanding in respect to naturopathy and the health benefits attributed to following a naturopathic lifestyle.
How has Naturopathy changed in recent years?
The naturopathic landscape has changed a lot over the last 50 years or so. I would say, the biggest changes of naturopathy are due to advances in both science and technology. For example, naturopathic degrees are science-based, therefore students graduate with a Bachelor of Science (as I did). Herbal and nutraceutical medicines are tested for efficacy in clinical laboratories. Also, science and technology combined allow naturopathic practitioners to request a multitude of diagnostic tests such as genetic testing. I’m also excited to learn how artificial intelligence (AI) may be deployed in the future. Equally, I’m somewhat concerned with technology in respect to cyber security and hope the Australian Government does more to protect the privacy of Australians, especially relating to health information. We live in a new world.
Can Naturopathy treat and cure all ailments, illnesses and diseases?
The short answer is ‘no’, naturopaths cannot cure all ailments, illnesses and diseases. Any naturopath who tells you otherwise should be viewed with a high degree of scrutiny. There is an extensive list of ailments, illnesses, diseases, signs and symptoms that naturopaths can treat as ‘primary health care providers’ but some are beyond the scope of naturopathy. Some examples that are beyond the scope of naturopathy (as a primary health care provider) include cancer, degenerative diseases and acute emergencies requiring hospital attention.
However, naturopathy is a form of complimentary medicine and naturopathy can compliment and support mainstream medicine. For example, many naturopathic practitioners (as secondary health care providers) work with oncologists to support people going through cancer and undergoing chemo and/or radiotherapy.
While naturopaths may not be able to cure people of specific diseases or illnesses (cancer as an example), naturopaths can provide nutraceutical or herbal medicine to support the immune system; provide diet and nutritional counselling to support overall wellbeing; and offer lifestyle counselling, including mental health support. Naturopathic treatment should also be viewed in some respects as preventative treatment or rather the aim of all health advice provided by a naturopathic practitioner to a client is to empower the client to make healthier choices to therefore live a life in balance with nature and the environment. Hallmarks include eating nutritious food and maintaining hydration, exercising regularly, ensuring sufficient sleep and rest, while reducing stress and toxic load.
As a primary health care providers, naturopaths can treat a multitude of conditions - the list would be too long to write. Similar to GPs (General Practitioners) there are naturopaths who treat general health conditions and there are naturopaths who specialise in one or more areas of health to provide specialist or expert care.
However, naturopaths should not replace or be a substitute for medical doctors, medical specialists or emergency services and hospitals.
What to look out for when choosing a Naturopathic Practitioner
Before choosing a naturopath or a new naturopath practitioner, it is important to do some background checking. Firstly, check related sources of information on the internet. For example, the website or social media accounts of the naturopathic practitioner or of the clinic of practice. Consider the experience of the naturopathic practitioner, including any specialisations or areas of interest, which may align with your health needs and goals.
The practice of naturopathy in Australia is unregulated by the Government. As such, not all people who promote themselves as naturopaths are qualified to do so. For example, an unqualified practitioner may attend a weekend course on natural health and upon completion, begin to promote themselves as a naturopath. However, a weekend course on natural health falls well short of a Bachelor of Science degree in Naturopathy. To avoid this situation or a similar scenario ensure the naturopathic practitioner is registered with an appropriate association (i.e. NHAA or ANTA). Naturopathic practitioners can only register with an association if they have met the minimum qualification threshold such as a Bachelor of Science degree in Naturopathy or an acceptable qualification with experience. Registration also ensure naturopathic practitioners continue to update their knowledge and skills via the association’s Continued Practical Education program. Furthermore, registration ensures naturopathic practitioners hold the relevant professional indemnity insurance to cover their scope of practice.
Finally, trust, integrity and overall vibe is essential. It’s important you trust your practitioner and feel at ease in their presence. Client’s usually receive the best health outcomes when they feel comfortable sharing health information with their chosen naturopathic practitioner.
What is the difference between a Nutritionalist and a Naturopath?
There are a number of differences between a nutritionalist and a naturopath. Firstly, a degree level qualification in nutritional is usually a three year qualification (full-time study), where as a degree level qualification in naturopathy is usually a four year qualification (full-time study). The difference in duration is because a Bachelor of Health Science in Naturopathy covers nutrition (in addition to elements of modern medicine, psychology, science and of course naturopathy and herbalism). A Bachelor of Health Science in Nutrition is largely similar to Naturopathy (including elements of modern medicine, psychology, science and nutrition), although it is shorter in duration because it doesn’t cover naturopathy and herbalism.
This means that the scope of practice for a Nutritionalist incudes:
A significant focus on diet and nutrition
Nutritional and dietary advice
Prescribing nutritional nutraceutical supplements and compounding
Counselling and foundational psycho-therapy.
Whilst the scope of practice for a Naturopath includes:
A significant focus on holism and naturopathic philosophy, principles and practice
Nutritional and dietary advice
Prescribing nutritional nutraceutical supplements and compounding
Naturopathic lifestyle recommendations and modifications (some examples include mindfulness and hydrotherapy)
Prescribing herbal medicine and herbal nutraceutical supplements
Counselling and foundational psycho-therapy.
Deciding on whether to engage a Nutritionalist or a Naturopath to assist you on your health journey will largely depend on whether you only require diet and nutritional support or whether you require diet and nutritional support, in addition to naturopathic lifestyle recommendations and herbal medicine.
The information provided on this website is intended for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice.
Schedule an appointment with a Naturopathic Practitioner at Optimal Vitality to learn more about how naturopathy can support you on your health journey.