So what does a Health Scientist/Naturopath do, exactly?
Healthcare scientists do everything from investigating genetics to measuring organ function. We are trained in biochemistry, nutrition, orthomolecular medicine (vitamin therapy), alternative medicines and counselling. We utilise conventional pathology in combination with functional pathology. Our focus on biochemical individuality of the patient addresses the underlying causes of disease, using a systems-oriented approach and engaging both patient and practitioner in a therapeutic partnership. It is an evolution in the practice of medicine that better addresses the healthcare needs of the 21st century. By shifting the traditional disease-centered focus of medical practice to a more patient-centered approach, functional medicine addresses the whole person, not just an isolated set of symptoms. Functional medicine practitioners spend time with their patients, listening to their histories and looking at the interactions among genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors that can influence long-term health and complex, chronic disease. In this way, functional medicine supports the unique expression of health and vitality for each individual
What is Functional Medicine?
Functional Medicine is an integrative, science-based healthcare approach that treats illness and promotes wellness by focusing on the bio-chemically unique aspects of each patient, and then individually tailoring interventions to restore physiological, psychological, and structural balance.
What does a Health Scientist/Naturopath do? Role in allied Health?
This profession is relatively new in the allied health services. I have studied biochemistry, basic counseling, nutritional medicine and my role is to SUPPORT orthodox doctors in their treatment of complex cases, particularly chronic illness. We have a focus on preventative health.
A patient can be treated by both orthodox Doctors and Naturopathic Medicine together to achieve optimal health and reduce contributing lifestyle and dietary factors that may be compounding symptoms. It is not a one or the other choice for people, it’s actually complementary.
How do we differ from an orthodox Nutritionist/Dietitian?
We have a focus on whole foods, as natural as possible with no calorie counting. We use nutritional supplementation and herbal medicines and treat disease states as well as addressing diet.
What is included in a Naturopathic assessment?
- Detailed case history of the patient – 1 hour
- Review of current medication, supplementation
- Review of current Pathology
- Lifestyle/Relationship Review
- Dietary review
- Physical examination
- Referral for further pathology testing or functional pathology
- Referral to other practitioners – Doctors, Psychologist, Osteopath etc if required
- Treatment plan – Dietary, Lifestyle, Supplementation, and Herbal Medicines.
Why do we use nutritional supplements and Herbal Medicines?
- Current western diet – poor nutrient content.
- Busy Lifestyles – stress – higher demand for macro/micronutrients
- Improve patient compliance
- Speed healing process
Lifestyle Counselling
Lifestyle counselling is supporting you in finding and living the life you want to live in terms of your overall well being. This includes your physical, mental, emotional and spiritual.
These personalised consultations are one on one sessions addressing topics such as self-awareness, depression, loneliness, grief and loss, self esteem, stress/anxiety, anger, problem solving, goal setting and relationships.
An initial consultation will combine naturopathic wellness covering a thorough case history with the motivation of Lifestyle counselling and will greatly benefit those who want to achieve their health goals.
Naturopathy
Naturopathy is a holistic method of healing which recognises the ability of the body to overcome disease. Treatments aim to support and aid the body to heal itself, Naturopathic practitioners use gentle, scientifically based natural therapies including: Nutrition, Lifestyle Counselling, Botanical Medicine, Homeopathic Medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine. They work in partnership with other health care providers to ensure that patients receive the most comprehensive and effective care possible.
Naturopathic medicine promotes healing on all levels of being – the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual. Each treatment is individualized to encompass the totality of patient. Naturopathic practitioners use natural therapies for the purpose of stimulating the innate healing power of the body to alleviate current systems, to prevent future “dis-ease”, and to maintain optimal health.
Nutrition
Nutrition is the treatment of disorders using food as medicine. With the fast paced stressful lifestyle of our society, many of us are eating highly refined foods. This does not supply us with the nutrients we need to maintain good health. The naturopathic nutritionist uses fresh whole foods and supplements to re-establish an optimum nutritional status required for good health.
Your Initial consultation will review your individual case, including any current symptoms you may be experiencing, medical history of illness, diet and lifestyle behaviours, and any emotions you may be feeling.Once the practitioner has a considered all signs and symptoms to develop a total picture of your health condition, appropriate testing or a personalized treatment plan will then be discussed