What is Naturopathy?

Naturopathy / Naturopathic medicine is a holistic therapeutic medical system which aims to facilitate and promote the body's inherent physiological self-healing mechanisms via natural methods, whilst recognising the individual uniqueness of each patient.

A Naturopath is trained in the diagnosis of illness and physiological / biochemical dysfunctions, and their treatment and prevention by making use of natural means available, as well as by supporting and harnessing the patient's own self-healing potential.

The Naturopathic Practitioner makes use of supportive physical forces and agents such as diet and nutrition, sunlight, water, fresh air, thermal effects, stress management, exercise prescription, rest, relaxation, fasting, detoxification, hydrotherapy, and more.

Matthew proclaims that Naturopathic interventions allow an individual to reach their own unique potential for maximum health.

The philosophical principles of Naturopathic practice include:

1. First, do no harm (primum no nocere).

2. The healing power of nature (vis medicatrix naturae) - the assistance and the augmentation of the inherent healing processes should be facilitated utilising natural non-toxic therapies.

3. The treatment of the causative factors (tolle causam) - taking account of physical, biochemical, mental-emotional, and spiritual contributions, rather than symptom suppression.

4. Treat the whole person - in relation to the physical, biochemical, mental-emotional, and spiritual planes of being.

5. The physician as teacher - empowerment through education in the principles of naturopathic medicine, providing appropriate advice and promoting self-education.

6. Prevention is the best cure - encouraging the patient to take a proactive role in the therapeutic relationship, with the aim of health promotion and disease avoidance.

7. Establish health and wellness - health is a normal and harmonious vibration of the elements and forces composing the human entity on the physical, mental, moral and spiritual planes of being.

Naturopathic interventions attempt to adjust lifestyle and dietary factors which contribute to poor health, whilst providing health building solutions to give the patient the maximum chance for achieving health.

Matthew favours an integrated approach to healthcare utilising the specialist knowledge of Osteopathy, Naturopathy and modern science. Hence, where appropriate treatment can complement other treatment being received.

Osteopaths and Naturopaths are both primary healthcare practices, hence no referral is necessary to come and see one.