What is naturopathy?

Naturopathy is a system of medicine that supports your own ability to heal without the use of drugs.  A combination of nutrition, herbs, supplements and lifestyle modifications are used to restore your body to health, and to regain your vitality.

Do I need a referral from my GP?

No. You can make appointments directly without a referral. 

Why do I need to complete paperwork before my first consultation?

A comprehensive New Patient Form and other questionnaires may be needed for naturopathic treatments.  These treatments are wholistic, which means they take into account all aspects of your life, as these have direct effects on your health and capacity to recover.  Often symptoms that appear random can be inter-related, or can point to a particular health condition you were unaware of.  As such, details about your lifestyle, diet, environment and test results are needed in order to investigate the underlying cause of your symptoms.  This can sometimes take a long time to document during a consultation.  Submitting this background information before the consult ensures the most cost-effective use of the face to face time with your practitioner.

 Your practitioner needs to obtain your approval to treat you, so you may also be asked to sign a ‘Consent Form’.  This is required for each practitioner you see within the practice.

 What happens during the first consultation?

Your practitioner will ask you about your presenting problem and symptoms.  Further information about your medical history, pathology results and medications will also be discussed.  If any additional testing or investigations are required, these will be ordered.  Clinic tests (such as weight, urine sample, blood pressure etc) might be undertaken too.  Your practitioner will discuss your treatment goals and provide initial treatment advice during the session, and a written copy will be sent to you after the consultation.   This will be a personalised treatment program, and might involve a combination of dietary advice, herbal medicine, supplements or lifestyle modifications.