What Exactly Is a Naturopath?

Since I’ve arrived in Wales and introduced myself as a Naturopath to others, I’ve either received a blank look, or ‘What’s that then?’.

I guess it’s a sign of the times that the oldest form of medicine is quietly being forgotten.

Firstly, here is the dictionary definition:

“A Naturopath is a healthcare practitioner who specialises in naturopathy, a distinct system of complementary and alternative medicine focused on supporting the body's natural self-healing abilities. Rather than simply managing isolated symptoms, naturopaths view the patient through a holistic lens—integrating the body, mind, and spirit—to identify and treat the underlying root causes of illness”

When you read the definition, don’t you think that all medicine should take this approach? Every day, I’m shocked and surprised about how far off this path we have veered.

Every day, I hear stories about how the mainstream medical system has let us all down.

But enough of my ramblings…

How does a Naturopath work? And what tools do they use?

There are many different types of Naturopaths, firstly European Naturopaths, tend to be called Naturopaths which North Americans tend to be called Naturopathic Doctors or NDs.

There are many different ways to study and some Naturopaths and NDs are very similar to functional doctors, ie they use lots of medical or functional medical tests and give lots of supplements. Sometimes they are homeopaths and sometimes they use energy medicine alongside their other skills.

Here is what I feel that a Naturopath should always be:

-Curious about the life and health of the client

-A good mentor

-A good detective

-Understanding and supportive of terrain theory, rather than germ theory, which underpins the mainstream medical system

-Aware that overall health is influenced by physical, mental, emotional and spiritual aspects

-Anti-vaccine

-Anti-drug as far as humanly possible

-Have an understanding how the mainstream system affects all of society

I feel that these attributes are more (or as) important than the skills that they employ. All Naturopaths should have a good grounding in lifestyle medicine and nutrition, plus knowledge of age-old naturopathic protocols. In addition, herbal medicine or homeopathy is important. I personally use iridology which is the study of the iris and helps me to identify weaker organs and systems, and by supporting those, it can help to bring the whole body into balance.

Naturopathy is spending time with an individual to discover possible root causes of dis-ease, developing a program for healing that is right for them and supporting them through the process.

This could take days or years, depending on the individual.

Personally, I think that a lost client is something to be celebrated. If they have got to a level where they do not need you any more, this is a very good thing indeed.

I always offer FREE Initial 20 min Consultations for anyone who like my advice or would like to discover whether a longer consultation might help them.

Ally van de Pol is a Certified Naturopath, Healing Diets Coach, Iridologist and Herbal Medicine Therapist. She is a member of the Complementary Medical Association.