About Natural Health and Naturopathy

Naturopathy takes a holistic approach to illness and disease rather than just treating symptoms. By working in this way, we strive to restore balance to the body and treat the cause of the issue. An important part of this process is using natural medicines (herbs), nutrition and lifestyle changes to facilitate the process.

I really enjoy helping people find their way back to great health. Life can be a bit tricky these days, we are all so busy and stressed. Herbal medicines can be a gentle way to support the body during these ups and downs. Giving the body the right tools to stay healthy and balanced can make such a difference.

How I Discovered Naturopathy

My interest in Naturopathy began when I was diagnosed with endometriosis and I was not happy with the side effects and treatment options that were available at the time. I wanted to try alternatives. Many years later, I have been able to manage my condition very well over time with herbal medicine, nourishing food and lifestyle changes. I was also fortunate enough to have my son despite doubts that I would be able to. Wanting to help others find alternatives for themselves, I have completed an Advanced Diploma of Naturopathy through The Australian Institute of Applied Science.

Changing Your Health

Change is hard for anyone. I offer an understanding and supportive environment to help you on your way. I take a practical approach to life and understand that taking 20 supplements combined with unrealistic expectations around a change of habits is hard for anyone to maintain. We just need to keep moving in the right direction and we can go at your speed.

We can set health goals together and map out how we are going to get there.  Once we get to the cause of what is going on for you and put the right support for your body into place, you may be surprised at how keen you are to embrace the process. Being a recipe freak, I can provide lots of great food ideas so you won’t be left wondering what, on earth, you can have for dinner!  Naturopathy can also work well alongside conventional medicine to support you on your healing journey.

Over the time that I have been practising, I have seen frequent issues with:

• digestion,
• sleep,
• anxiety,
• depression and low energy.

Herbs can help alleviate some of these acute symptoms while we work together on what is happening to create these symptoms. Liquid herbal blends made up for you at the consultation are unique to you and what is happening with you right now. These liquid blends change as your health changes.

Digestive Issues

Digestion issues can be pretty miserable. That nice dinner, lovingly prepared by your significant other can become memorable for all the wrong reasons! Or not being able to enjoy foods that everyone else seems to on a regular basis can be frustrating. An unhappy gut not only contributes to unpleasant symptoms such as gas, bloating, reflux, constipation or diarrhoea, but it can also impact our mood and sleep, immunity and sensitivity. Showing our gut some love with a protocol to repair, soothe and nourish can make a big difference in our overall health and of course, help deal with those nasty symptoms. Using functional foods, herbs and probiotics in the right way is a key part of this process.

Anxiety and Depression

Anxiety and depression, unfortunately, seem to be widespread concerns for general health at the moment. I feel these are symptoms due in part to our Western diet and lifestyle and constant exposure to the internet and social media.  These are complicated issues that need a multi-faceted approach to  treatment. There may be a physiological basis that also needs to be addressed. Testing can help identify if this applies to you and will form the basis of the treatment plan.

Sometimes there is no specific issue presenting other than you have just lost your mojo! I get it! We all deserve to feel full of joy and energy every day, to have that bounce in our step. But sometimes all we feel is lethargic, tired and cranky. This is the time that herbal medicine really shines! I love my herbs and if we let them, they will love us right back. There are some beautiful herbs that we can incorporate into our day to help us get that little bit of extra energy (caffeine-free and non-addictive). They can also help wind us down and relax at the end of the day (even better than a glass of wine!)

Hormonal Health

Women’s health is another common concern. With my history of endometriosis, I know all too well how debilitating some of these issues can be. Quality of life can become really impacted and maybe even our self-esteem and mental health. Puberty and menopause are other periods in women’s lives when additional support is often needed to manage well-being. In fact, this can be a crucial time for dealing with niggling little health concerns before they become bigger ones. Investing in your health and well-being at this stage in your life is a wise decision.

I look forward to seeing you in the clinic and supporting you on your health journey.