Naturopathy

After practicing as a Herbalist for years, Mel added an Advanced Diploma of Naturopathy to her skillset. This has allowed her to go onto HICAPS for her clients and be recognised by health funds that did not previously rebate for Herbalism alone. 

Naturopathy is unique in that it is based on six principles. These are:

First, Do No Harm (Primum non nocere)
Naturopathic physicians choose the most non-invasive and least toxic treatments necessary for each patient.

The Healing Power of Nature (Vis medicatrix naturae)
Naturopathic doctors recognize the body’s inherent ability to heal itself.

Identify and Treat the Causes (Tolle causam)
Naturopathic doctors identify, address and remove the underlying causes of disease.

Doctor as Teacher (Docere)
Educating and supporting patients on personal health management is an important role for naturopathic doctors. They empower patients to take responsibility for their own health. They also acknowledge the therapeutic value inherent in the doctor-patient relationship.

Treat the Whole Person (Tolle totum)
This is a holistic concept that recognizes the body as an integrated whole. Naturopathic doctors treat the patient, not the disease. A naturopathic assessment addresses the nutritional status, lifestyle, family history, physical, mental, emotional, genetic, environmental and social factors in a person’s life.

Prevention (Praevenic)
Naturopathic doctors promote a focus on overall health, wellness and disease prevention.

Mel still uses a diverse range of herbal medicine and calls herself a herbalist at heart. She recommends supplementation where needed, mostly as a short term to do exactly what it implies - supplement.