Naturopathy is a form of medicine practiced widely throughout the world. It has the longest tradition of any healiing system, and the forerunner of modern medicine.

"Let food be our medicine and medicine be our food" - Hippocrates in 400BC

It is basically concerned with discovering and removing the root cause of disease whether it be from faulty eating, drinking, breathing, elimination or spinal mal-alignment, muscular tension, stiff joints, bad posture, or psychological.

Registered Naturopaths in New Zealand are the Natural Healing equivalent of General Practitioners, with four to five years training.
They deal with a wide variety of complaints, and are qualified to prescribe Herbal Medicines, Homoeopathics, Vitamins and Minerals, Flower Essences, Nutritional advice, perform Massages and other Remedial Body Therapies.

What is a Naturopath

Naturopathy is the study of Natural Health Medicine and a Naturopath is a Natural Health Practitioner.
Primarily, the fundamental basis of naturopathy is the practise of preventing disease by way of assisting the body to remain healthy or to regain health in a natural way that can cause no harm.

When you hear or see the word Naturopath you may think of a Natural Health Practitioner, someone who would treat you with natural remedies or/and adjust your diet using supplements and/or organic natural foods.

In actual fact a naturopath does do these things, and they will possibly be trained in many other modalities as well, which they may use in conjunction with the nutritional, dietary and supplemental therapies.
Many of these you may have heard of and some others may be new to you.

Bowen Technique: This remedial body therapy is practised by many naturopaths as it addresses and treats many body dysfunctions gently and effectively. Some of the problems Bowen treats include: Lower back problems, sciatica, knees, frozen shoulders, neck problems and many more.
For more information about Bowen find a naturopath that practises Bowen Technique here.

Homeopathy: Potentised remedies that treat specific ailments on a mental emotional and physical level 'like cures like'. The Queen and her family have always had their own royal Homeopath. Homeopathic remedies are easy to give to children and great for pets too.

Herbal Medicine: Many naturopaths are also trained as Medical Herbalists and will treat disorders with herbal remedies.

Massage: There are different kinds of massage, therapeutic, sports massage, Swedish massage, to name a few.
Most naturopaths are trained in therapeutic massage and many use massage therapy of some kind in conjunction with other modalities in their practice.Find a massage therapist

Some naturopaths specialise in fertility, allergies, pregnancy, iridology, reflexology, childbirth, baby massage, aromatherapy, nutrition and much much more. The list is endless.
The New Zealand Society of Naturopaths has a list of qualified practitioners and as you will see, most naturopaths specialise in other modalities as well as naturopathy.
A naturopath can refer you to a laboratory for tests if they are applicable, or to your medical practitioner if appropriate.
Some naturopaths work alongside medical practitioners.

Choosing a Naturopath

Some tips to remember when choosing your natural health practitioner:

1. Make sure they have current qualifications, a diploma in naturopathy and a current practicing certificate.
2. A qualified naturopath is bound by a code of ethics and rules of practice.
3. A Naturopath is trained in nutrition, but do not assume a nutritionist is a Naturopath.
4. A naturopath should belong to a society/assoc. that monitors ongoing standards and continuing education hours for their specific qualifications.
5. Ask questions. You need to feel confident that your choice of health professional is the right one for you.