One of the aims at Wildsoul is to be able to support our members and the greater community through all aspects of well-being. Offering Naturopathy and Nutrition at Wildsoul Wellness through natural and nutritional medicine our practitioners work with their patients on many health issues such as, gut inflammation and imbalances, hormonal conditions and pre and post conception health, weight-loss, stress, sleep, energy and overall health and wellness.
Having a good understanding about these offerings is vital for anyone interested in improving their health or any underlying health conditions they may have.
Natural medicine is a broad term that encompasses a range of alternative therapies, practices, and remedies that focus on the body’s innate ability to heal itself. From herbal medicine to kinesiology, from nutritional therapy to yoga, natural medicine offers a holistic approach to healthcare that aims to promote well-being and prevent illness.
In this blog, we will explore the basics of natural medicine, including what it is, how it works, and the different types of treatments available at Wildsoul. We will also discuss the role of naturopaths in natural medicine and how we can help you achieve optimal health and wellness.
What is Natural Medicine?
Natural medicine is a traditional form of healthcare that focuses on using natural remedies, therapies, and practices to treat illness and promote well-being. It is based on the principle that the body has an innate ability to heal itself and with a holistic approach it addresses the underlying causes of illness rather than simply treating the symptoms. “Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food” hearkens back to Hippocrates, the father of medicine and is the fundamental approach to Natural Medicine. The common catch-all term for all of these is ‘complementary and alternative medicine’ CAM
Natural medicine encompasses a range of practices, including:
Herbal Medicine / Naturopathy: the use of plants and plant extracts to treat illness and promote health. Naturopathy is concerned with treating the whole person, and seeking the underlying cause of any problems and symptoms, taking into account mental and social factors, rather than focusing on treating a person’s particular illness or complaint. This ‘holistic’ focus is gradually finding more acceptance in mainstream medicine.
In naturopathy, health is a state of wellness in which a person is not only without disease, but is also mentally and physically balanced, energetic and vitality.
Naturopathy aims to achieve the best possible state of well-being, restore health where it has deteriorated, or slow down and prevent any further decline in health.
When treating a person, the naturopath will usually:
- take a thorough case history to identify key health issues and changes
- assess risk factors for ill-health
- examine the diet for any deficiencies or inadequacies
- recommend appropriate dietary advice and lifestyle modifications
- prescribe herbal medicine and nutritional supplements if needed.
Herbal medicine is the use of medicines made only from plants. This is the oldest, and still the most widely used, system of medicine in the world. In Australia, the most common types of herbal medicine are:
- Western (based mostly on European herbal medicine traditions)
- Chinese
- Ayurvedic (Indian)
- Australian Aboriginal
Herbal medicines are available as various preparations. These include:
- herbal teas (decoctions and infusions)
- alcoholic extracts (tinctures and fluid extracts)
- non alcoholic glycerine extracts (glycetracts, syrups and oxymels)
- powders
- tablets
- capsules
- topical preparations (creams, ointments, liniments, pessaries, infused oils, poultices and compresses)
Evidence on the effectiveness of herbal medicine varies, and has shown positive effects of some herbs.
Kinesiology: encompasses holistic health disciplines which use the gentle art of muscle monitoring to access information about a person’s well-being. It combines Western techniques and Eastern wisdom to promote physical, emotional, mental and spiritual health. Kinesiology identifies the elements which inhibit the body’s natural internal energies and accesses the life enhancing potential within the individual. A non-invasive, client centred, holistic and integrative modality which requires utilising the skills of muscle monitoring (as a verification or biofeedback mechanism) for anatomical, physiological and psychological stressors within the person.
Muscle testing involves challenging the bio-feedback mechanism present in all muscles to reveal imbalances within the body. At its most simple, it involves gentle pressure on a midpoint of any particular muscle. The ‘read out’, or findings may present in various ways causing symptoms and issues.
What is Nutritional therapy
The use of diet and nutritional supplements to treat illness and promote health. Nutritional Medicine is the science of using foods, and nutrients, as medicine in order to prevent disease and promote optimal well-being. With a practitioner of Nutritional Medicine, your diet will be personalised to match your specific needs, taking into account your whole health picture, goals, history, cultural preferences and taste preferences.The aim of a Nutritional Medicine practitioner is to counsel you to work with your preferences, budget and any limitations you may have, to create a personalised diet specific to your unique requirements. A Nutritional Medicine practitioner is uniquely qualified to tailor personalised treatment programs to suit a range of health conditions.
How does Natural Medicine work?
Natural medicine works by addressing the root cause of illness rather than simply treating the symptoms. It takes a holistic approach to healthcare, focusing on the whole person rather than just the physical body.
Many natural remedies and therapies work by supporting the body’s natural healing processes. For example, herbal medicine can help strengthen the immune system, while acupuncture can help stimulate the flow of energy through the body.
Nutritional therapy can help address deficiencies in the diet that may be contributing to illness, while yoga and meditation can help reduce stress and promote relaxation.
The Role of Naturopaths in Natural Medicine
Naturopaths are healthcare practitioners who specialize in natural medicine. They are trained to use a range of natural therapies and remedies to treat illness and promote well-being.
Naturopaths take a holistic approach to healthcare, taking into account a person’s physical, emotional, and spiritual health when developing a treatment plan. They work with their patients to identify the underlying causes of illness and develop personalized treatment plans that address those causes.
Naturopaths may use a range of therapies and remedies, including herbal medicine, acupuncture, nutritional therapy, homeopathy, and physical therapy. They may also recommend lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise to help their patients achieve optimal health and wellness.
The Benefits of Natural Medicine
There are many benefits to natural medicine, including:
A focus on treating the root cause of illness rather than just the symptoms.
A holistic approach to health care that takes into account the whole person.
A focus on natural remedies and therapies that have fewer side effects than traditional medications.
The ability to work with a healthcare practitioner who specializes in natural medicine and can provide personalized treatment plans.
Conclusion:
Naturopaths are healthcare practitioners who specialize in natural medicine. They are trained to treat the whole person, taking into account the physical, emotional, and social aspects of health and wellness. They work with patients to identify the underlying causes of illness and create personalized treatment plans that incorporate natural remedies and therapies, such as herbal medicine, nutritional therapy, and lifestyle modifications.
Naturopaths are trained in the same basic medical sciences as conventional doctors but take a more holistic approach to healthcare. They may use laboratory tests, physical exams, and medical histories to diagnose and treat illness, but they also focus on preventing disease and promoting wellness.
Naturopaths often spend more time with patients than conventional doctors, allowing them to build strong relationships and gain a deep understanding of each patient’s unique health needs. They work collaboratively with patients to create treatment plans that are tailored to their specific goals and preferences.
At Wildsoul Wellness, our naturopath, Mel is highly trained and experienced in natural medicine. She works with patients to address a wide range of health concerns, from gut inflammation and hormonal imbalances to stress, sleep, and energy. Mel takes a personalized approach to healthcare, working with each patient to create a treatment plan that supports their unique health goals and needs.
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