Naturopathy Frequently Asked Questions
How long will a consultation last?
The first or Initial Consultation generally takes 60 to 90 minutes. This is because we need to gather a lot of information to put together a short term plan for any immediate discomfort, and a longer term plan to address the causes of your unwellness. Subsequent consultations are usually shorter, around 30 to 45 minutes.
What happens when I come for a Naturopathic consultation?
From the Initial Assessment form, we discuss the symptoms you may be experiencing, and assess any nutrient deficiencies. Many of the questions asked are to determine what is causing the illness you are experiencing. Medicines that address these symptoms and causes are prescribed, and we discuss the role of food and lifestyle practices in your recovery. I help you understand your symptoms, and how to work with them.
What kind of medicines do you use?
Herbal, homeopathic and nutritional medicines are used in liquid, powder or tablet forms. The medicine of food is also important, and eating is discussed in most consultations.
What do I need to bring to my first consultation?
How long will it be before I am well again?
This will vary from person to person. Most people start to feel positive effects from their treatment after 3 or 4 days. If the illness is acute and recent, recovery is generally quick and within a few weeks. If the condition has been present for a long time, it may take many months to completely recover. This will be discussed in your first consultation.
The first or Initial Consultation generally takes 60 to 90 minutes. This is because we need to gather a lot of information to put together a short term plan for any immediate discomfort, and a longer term plan to address the causes of your unwellness. Subsequent consultations are usually shorter, around 30 to 45 minutes.
What happens when I come for a Naturopathic consultation?
From the Initial Assessment form, we discuss the symptoms you may be experiencing, and assess any nutrient deficiencies. Many of the questions asked are to determine what is causing the illness you are experiencing. Medicines that address these symptoms and causes are prescribed, and we discuss the role of food and lifestyle practices in your recovery. I help you understand your symptoms, and how to work with them.
What kind of medicines do you use?
Herbal, homeopathic and nutritional medicines are used in liquid, powder or tablet forms. The medicine of food is also important, and eating is discussed in most consultations.
What do I need to bring to my first consultation?
- Your completed Initial Assessment form,
- Any blood tests or scans you have had in the last 6 months,
- Any pharmaceutical medicines (prescribed by your doctor) or nutritional supplements (from health food stores) or complementary medicines (prescribed from other health professionals).
How long will it be before I am well again?
This will vary from person to person. Most people start to feel positive effects from their treatment after 3 or 4 days. If the illness is acute and recent, recovery is generally quick and within a few weeks. If the condition has been present for a long time, it may take many months to completely recover. This will be discussed in your first consultation.
How often do I need to come to an appointment?
Generally once every 4 weeks, although it may be shorter if you are experiencing rapidly changing symptoms. Once your symptoms have reduced and your health is stable, appointments are further apart.
How is a Naturopathic consultation different to a medical consultation?
I help people to learn about their body and their illness, and what they can do to achieve better health. Questions are encouraged and discussion is a crucial part of the process. You must feel comfortable with your treatment, and it has to both fit in with your lifestyle, and be sustainable over the long term. I talk you through the process of recovering good health, and walk with you on your health journey.
What if I experience problems with the treatment?
If you have any difficulties or questions regarding your treatment, I encourage you to contact me to discuss it. Your treatment should make you feel better, and if it’s not, then we need to change it!
Do you treat overweight people for weight loss?
Weight is not a disease. However, excess weight can lead to disease. I am interested in helping people to be healthy, and generally weight is excessive when health problems have not been addressed. Over the course of time, as we address all the health issues, weight usually comes down. Health is the goal. Skinny people can still be unhealthy!
Will I have to give up all my favourite foods?
We discuss food in the real world – your world. We look at how and when and why you eat, and how you can make changes to feel more healthy. That may mean not eating some foods, and reducing others. This is your choice, and generally people choose to stop eating a food that is making them feel bad. You may also start to eat new, different foods. Who knows – your ideas of what your ‘favourite foods’ are might change!
Generally once every 4 weeks, although it may be shorter if you are experiencing rapidly changing symptoms. Once your symptoms have reduced and your health is stable, appointments are further apart.
How is a Naturopathic consultation different to a medical consultation?
I help people to learn about their body and their illness, and what they can do to achieve better health. Questions are encouraged and discussion is a crucial part of the process. You must feel comfortable with your treatment, and it has to both fit in with your lifestyle, and be sustainable over the long term. I talk you through the process of recovering good health, and walk with you on your health journey.
What if I experience problems with the treatment?
If you have any difficulties or questions regarding your treatment, I encourage you to contact me to discuss it. Your treatment should make you feel better, and if it’s not, then we need to change it!
Do you treat overweight people for weight loss?
Weight is not a disease. However, excess weight can lead to disease. I am interested in helping people to be healthy, and generally weight is excessive when health problems have not been addressed. Over the course of time, as we address all the health issues, weight usually comes down. Health is the goal. Skinny people can still be unhealthy!
Will I have to give up all my favourite foods?
We discuss food in the real world – your world. We look at how and when and why you eat, and how you can make changes to feel more healthy. That may mean not eating some foods, and reducing others. This is your choice, and generally people choose to stop eating a food that is making them feel bad. You may also start to eat new, different foods. Who knows – your ideas of what your ‘favourite foods’ are might change!
