NATUROPATHY
Naturopathy is a system of healthcare which encourages the body's self-healing mechanisms. It is one of the 7 traditional medical systems acknowledged by the World Health Organisation.
A Naturopath is a health practitioner who applies natural therapies to treat the person not the disease. Using a range of alternative methods of diagnosis, such as Iridology, TCM and Ayurvedic diagnostics as well as taking a complex case history, a Naturopath can often successfully pin-point a predisposition in the body, before the onset of acute disease, and treat the patient with specific therapies, such as Herbal Medicine, Soft Tissue Therapy and changes in the patient’s diet and lifestyle.
A Naturopaths spectrum comprises far more than fasting, nutrition, water, and exercise; it includes approved natural healing practices such as Herbal Medicine. The philosophical principles can be traced to the practice of medicine in Hippocratic schools. At a time when modern technology, environmental pollution, poor diet, and stress play a significant role in the degradation of health, a Naturopath’s ability to apply natural methods of healing is of considerable importance.
Frequently, a Naturopath is the last resort in a patient’s long search for health. Providing personalised care to each patient, the naturopath sees humankind as a holistic unity of body, mind, and spirit.
HERBAL MEDICINE
Herbal medicine is the study and practice of the therapeutic and medicinal properties of plants. This form of medicine has long been used throughout history in many different countries and traditions such as Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Western Herbal Medicine and Traditional African Herbal Medicine.
Although the tradition of applying herbs was generally passed down through the generations, the modern scientific era brings an understanding of the chemistry and pharmacology of plants. Western Herbal Medicine (WHM) in particular traditionally began with the Great Greek Physician, Hippocrates (BCE460-377). It developed in Western Europe and later into Northern America, Britain and Australia. Today WHM also includes influences from TCM, Ayurveda and international research.
Plants are the origin of many pharmaceutical medicines. A properly trained Herbal Practitioner will have a good understanding of plants and their chemical constituents as well the nature of pathology and illness.
DISPENSARY
Sana Natura dispensary contains carefully selected herbs, supplements, Bach Flower remedies, Tissue salts and First Aid Homeopathy.
In most cases, if appropriate, a prescription tincture will be made up as part of your treatment plan. Tinctures are an alcohol extract of specific plant chemicals. The percentage of alcohol will depend on the targeted phytochemical, but the dosage is usually small, so will not interfere with your day to day activities. There are many situations where an alcohol based medicine may not be the best option, but this will be discussed during your appointment. Other prescriptions may include herbal teas, powders or powdered capsules, syrups, ointments, washes, gargles and the like.
Due to the nature of Naturopathy, treatment and prescription is not symptom based but rather aimed at supporting the body as a whole to best address ill health. As a naturopathic consultation is very individualised, your prescription will be specifically made up for you and will be available for collection or delivery as soon as possible following your appointment. Where some items are not available within the dispensary, recommendations of preferred brands and stockists will be recommended.