Val is known as one of Perth’s best recognised and most respected natural therapists having been in full time practice since 1979. She has been closely involved in taking Naturopathy
Our Natural Therapy Association has been accrediting naturopaths for more than 60 years, ensuring that they meet the highest educational and training standards required for membership.
All of the naturopaths in our directory are qualified and capable of delivering first-rate treatments.
Find naturopathic practitioners across Australia, in our directory of experts. Or find naturopath women’s health near me.
Naturopathy emphasises a holistic approach to disease prevention, and the treatment and promotion of optimal health through natural, therapeutic means. These may include homeopathy, nutritional medicine, herbal medicine, massage therapy and lifestyle and dietary advice.
Inherent to naturopathy is the principle that the body has an intrinsic ability to heal itself. Using the healing power of nature and gentle therapeutic techniques, the mind, body and emotions are supported during this healing process.
Naturopathy is one of the most popular forms of complementary medicine in Australia today, with naturopaths performing over 4.9 million consultations every year. They will often recommend a combination of therapies, and use preventative medicine practices to ensure the body restores, heals, and nourishes itself to remain vital and strong. According to naturopathic principles, naturopaths treat each client as an individual, treat the whole body and not just an affected area, and address the cause of health issues, not just the symptoms.
The term “naturopathy” originates from the Lain root for birth (“natura”) and the Greek root for suffering (“pathos”) to suggest “natural healing.” The first advocate of naturopathic medicine was believed to be Hippocrates, and the modern form of naturopathy can be traced to 18th- and 19th-century natural healing systems. These include hydrotherapy (water therapy), which was popular in Germany, and “nature cure” (the use of air, light, food, herbs and water to treat illness), which was developed in Austria.
Benjamin Lust first introduced naturopathy to the US in 1901, with the founding of the American School of Naturopathy. It emphasised the use of natural health practices including herbal medicine, hydrotherapy and homeopathy, the avoidance of overeating, and the elimination of tea, coffee, and alcohol. Naturopaths eventually became licensed under drugless practitioner and naturopathic laws in 25 American states. Naturopathy was adopted by many chiropractors, and several universities offered Doctor of Naturopathy (ND) degrees.
Naturopathy continued to gain popularity due to social and cultural change and government policies that highlighted freedom of choice and individual responsibility, and today, naturopaths are licensed primary care providers offering advice on a range of complementary and alternative therapies, including homeopathy, herbal remedies, vitamin and mineral supplements, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and relaxation techniques.
Naturopathic practices focus on the use of natural and non-invasive treatments that work in harmony with the body’s natural healing mechanisms. Naturopaths also consider disease prevention and the influence of emotions, the environment, and lifestyle on a client’s holistic health.
Naturopathy encompasses a range of treatment methods, including:
Some naturopaths are also trained in:
A naturopath can assist with a holistic health plan by helping you understand how a variety of imbalances, deficiencies, diet, environment, lifestyle, relationships and stress levels could be impacting your health. These include:
Naturopathy is used to treat a wide range of health issues and concerns. These are some of the most common:
The difference between a naturopath, a herbalist, and a nutritionist is one of scope. Herbalists specialise in herbal medicines, which they mix and administer based on the issue being targeted. Nutritionists make dietary recommendations and teach you how to eat more healthily. Naturopaths can do both of these things and more. They are skilled in herbal medicine, nutrition, massage, and more, which means they have a much broader scope than other natural therapists, and may be able to help you with a wider variety of issues.
ANTA is committed to the delivery of quality health care, public safety, and helping people to make informed health choices. These principles are reflected in our Scope and Standards of Practice, which helps us to attract the very best naturopaths in Melbourne and Australia. For this reason, the easiest way to find a skilled, capable naturopath is using our practitioner directory at the top of the page.
If you would like to find a naturopath yourself, these are the main things to look out for:
The methods that naturopaths take will depend on their healing philosophy and the modalities they have studied. Usually, a naturopath will start with an exhaustive consultation that may cover your symptoms, medical history, stress levels, diet, lifestyle, and bowel habits. They will discuss your emotional well being, your quality of sleep, and your energy levels from day to day. They may also complete a physical assessment, and chat to you about when your health concerns started.
Once they are clear on your current health status, they will create a tailored treatment plan to stimulate your body’s natural defences. This may include advice to tackle underlying causes of stress, dietary changes, nutritional supplements, and more. They may also recommend detoxification, which includes cutting out toxins like tobacco, alcohol, and possibly caffeine.
Education is a big part of what a naturopath does, so they will likely advise you on the underlying factors for your health, as well as treatment options, and your overall treatment journey. They might also suggest follow-up appointments, depending on the treatment you’re receiving.
During your first appointment with a naturopath, they are likely to ask about your current medications (if they don’t, be sure to tell them). This will allow them to identify any possible conflicts with the treatments they recommend to you. But these conflicts are likely to be minimal.
We have Perth-based naturopaths who can help with your fertility issues. Just be sure to contact them to check whether they have experience in this area.
The speed of naturopathy treatment depends on the issue being treated, and the severity of your symptoms. Long-term chronic illnesses will tend to take a lot longer than less “serious” problems. But in general, you should start to see results in about two days.
Nutrition is a big part of naturopathy. They will be able to create a realistic nutritional plan for you that can help you to lose weight. This may include food recommendations, when to eat, and how to achieve a truly healthy nutritional balance to get the nutrients you need while achieving your weight loss goals. They are not likely to recommend fad diets or anything like that—just good advice on what you should and shouldn’t eat to be healthy.
