A naturopathic practitioner can be likened to a general practitioner of natural medicine – they are multi-disciplinary and trained to degree level, and often beyond, in human anatomy and physiology as well as a number of therapeutic modalities.
A naturopathic practitioner applies their skills based on two major philosophies: the recognition of a vital force driving life and a holistic approach to their clients, the whole person being greater than the sum of their parts.
Furthermore, the naturopath practises according to the major tenets of their profession: the healing power of nature, treating the whole person and recognizing their uniqueness, treating the cause and not just the symptoms.
The General Naturopathic Council defines Naturopathy as a therapeutic system which, amongst other distinguishing features, has four principal hallmarks:
- It seeks to facilitate and promote the body’s inherent physiological self-healing
- It recognizes the uniqueness of each patient
- It always attempts to establish and support the cause of a condition, not merely the end effect
- It requires an holistic approach, taking into consideration the inter-relationship of all organs and systems of the body, not just consideration of the local area or organ that may seem to be affected.
Registered with the GNC (General Naturopathic Council).
