Definition:
Naturopathy is a field of healthcare, which works in harmony with the body’s own natural healing efforts, to allow the optimal expression of physiological, mental, emotional, and physical health in the individual.

History:
The origins of Naturopathic philosophy date back over 2000 years to Hippocrates, the great Greek Physician, who stated “Let your Medicine be your food and your food be thy Medicine ”. Later in Germany and Europe during the 19th Century, natural methods of healing know as “the Nature Cure” were pioneered by people such as Vincent Priessnitz, Theodor Hahn, Arnold Rikli, and Father Sebastian Kneipp. Later, Benedict Lust (treated by Father Sebastian Kneipp) returned to America from Europe in 1896 and began what is now Modern Naturopathy.

Philosophy:
Naturopathy is based on the following underlying principles and beliefs:
• The principle of Vitalism, or that every living thing has a Vital Force.
• Accordingly, that there exists a healing power in Nature. This is concept is termed Vis Medicatrix Naturae, or the healing power of nature.
• Therefore that the human body possesses an innate ability to heal itself
• That an interconnection exists between the structural, bio-chemical and mental/emotional aspects of all living beings, termed the “Triad of Health” and so a holistic approach to treating each person must be taken.
• All living beings are unique creations and therefore must all be treated as an individual. This is similar to the Chinese Medicine philosophy, which states that “anything can come from anything” suggesting that an issue may express itself in one form, in one individual, and in a completely different way in another. Similarly then, it can not be assumed that a particular disease state is caused by the exact same factors in one individual as compared to another individual.
• Acute diseases are frequently understood to be natural healing reactions of the body as it attempts to re-establish equilibrium and return to a state of balance. For example, a fever is a normal healing reaction of the body as it aims to create unfavorable conditions for invading organisms.
• The human body requires sufficient fresh food, clean air, exercise, sunlight, fresh water and relaxation in order to maintain optimal health.
• A Naturopathic approach includes consideration of lifestyle factors and stresses the education and self-empowerment of the client, towards maintaining, improving and taking responsibility for their own health.

Methods of Treatment:
Naturopathic methods of treatment aim to treat the underlying cause of illness, to treat the whole person, to educate the client, and to develop strategies to prevent future illness. The Naturopath as a healer has a teaching role, both in guiding the client towards wellness, but more importantly, by integrating the principles and practice of “Nature Cure” into their own lives, so as to lead by example. Specific methods of treatment used to stimulate the body to heal itself may include: sunshine, hydrotherapy, detoxification, diet and nutritional treatments, massage, exercise, meditation, herbs, homeopathy and numerous other natural therapies.

NB: Accredited Naturopaths recommend and supply a range of Therapeutic Grade Nutritional Products which are Registered with, and controlled by, the Therapeutic Goods Administration of Australia (TGA). These products are classified as “Practitioner Only Products” and must only be supplied by a Registered Healthcare Professional in the context of a Full Health Consultation. As Registered Healthcare Professionals, Naturopaths will always be a member of at least one Professional Healthcare Industry Association.

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