Naturopathy is the art of assisting the body in it’s own well-being efforts through natural, biologically adequate, non-invasive modalities. It is the technique through which One “gets himself out of the way” to allow the body to do what it was created to do :: THRIVE.
I don’t think I actually knew that when I started my studies.
I was under the impression I’d be trained to recommend supplements and potions. Which I was. But Life knows I learned SO. MUCH. MORE.
Naturopathy is about supporting one’s biochemistry; not seeking to alter it with a bunch of bottled substances.
Through my education I was (thankfully) mostly taught about the mind-boggling ability our bodies have to restore and regenerate.
Turns out :: Life wants to… live?!
The tools I was trained to use are merely the necessary “crutches” one can use while establishing habits that promote vitality. And while “crutches” are sometimes essential, they weren’t designed to be used forever.
That is what a good naturopath will suggest for you :: a plethora of temporary AND long-term measures to assist and help your body do it’s thang. You should eventually be left tincture, herb and supplement free, simply to be, so alive and oh-so well!
Focus should first be placed on the body’s innate ability to create vitality.
Inevitably PREVENTION of discomforts through the Pillars of Health should take center stage.
Prevention :: a very, terribly, saaadly unpopular concept that we should all learn to embrace a touch more.
A naturopath is a bit like a detective that works to identify the habits governing your wellbeing (or lack thereof?!). He never sees body systems as separate, but as a whole, all parts forever influencing all bits, at all times.
Your natural health practionner can offer solutions to ease discomfort via natural modalities while working on (re)establishing the very foundation of vitality. At your own pace.
A naturopath has had training in anatomy, physiology, chemistry, biochemistry, pathology, biology and microbiology, psychology, histology, phytochemistry, nutrition, immunology…
While nutrition and lifestyle are THE MOST important tools in helping clients achieve optimum levels of health; a naturopath is also trained in methods such as oligotherapy, phytotherapy, gemmotherapy, aromatherapy, hydrotherapy, homeopathy… Some practitionners also work with traditional chinese medicine-TCM principles and/or Ayurveda and/or energy healing… Naturopathic tools consist of naturally occurring substances and non invasive methods. *More and more of these methods now scientifically backed and extensively researched.
A good naturopath is aware of his strengths and limitations and will NEVER oppose to the integration of conventional medicine. If he/she does :: run away as fast as you can and NEVER look back!
I’m a firm believer that Science & Nature can work together when both parties are willing to recognize the strengths and limitations of one another.
It is your right and duty to “shop around” and find a like-minded, compassionate guide whose methods and approach resonate with YOU.
Naturopathy is all about promoting your own empowering skills. Education, naturopathic modalities and some well planned lifestyle alterations can be much more powerful than the sum of all parts.
A naturopath, has a grand luxury ; TIME with his client.
A typical journey
The first visit, which involves extensive personal info collecting, should last about an hour and a half. Data collected will include details about all the subtleties regarding your physical, mental, emotional and spiritual wellbeing. It lists key, daily, personal habits and lifestyle choices of yours in order to get a full picture of your life’s rythm. Visual clues will be noted; so will your impressions, ideal timeline and desired outcome. In some cases, some specific tests might be suggested to round out the info.
What should follow is a partnership between you and your naturopath that should last no less than 3 months, as most naturopathic modalities are based on the body’s own gentle regenerating abilities and NOT on an outside, forced, “on the spot” quick fix or cover up.
Once a month should be plenty for most.
Follow-up appointments are an hour long and will include plenty of education and safe, realistic and personalized recommendations. Most of the suggestions will be lifestyle based and ALL of them will ultimately be approved by YOU. Deep awareness of self, limitations and needs&desires are invualuable assets in this partnership.
It can be as intense or as mellow as you want it to be; simply know that wellbeing is absolutely proportional to your involvement in the process. There is nothing wrong with wanting to take it easy or slow if you are “in it” for the long run.
Once the level of vitality you were aiming for has been achieved, you should not need to see your naturopath more than once a year, or once a season, if you so choose. He can then provide more expertise on altering and/or sustaining your habits, or offer guidance on punctual fasting or periodic “upkeep”.
It should be noted that my approach is heavily nutrition and lifestyle based and requires true commitment to change. Our daily actions massively dictate our state of health and if yours have not brought you the level of wellbeing you desire, you ARE going to have to create change. The naturopathic approach does not work unless YOU do!
I do prone an evidence based, whole foods, heavily plant-based diet. While it does NOT mean you have to become vegetarian in order to “feel your best”, know that my skills are based on a biologically adequate diet and that it would be impossible for me to help you ease your discomforts without you loving more (and more!) plants on your plate everyday.
With nutrition as a foundation, my preferred healing tools are a combination of orthomolecular approach, oligotherapy, gemmotherapy, phytotherapy, hydrotherapy and aromatherapy, depending on the person and situation. It is a known fact that natural restorative techniques definitely work better when part of “a team”. At this point in time, I choose NOT to include homeopathy in my repertoire.
I hope this demystifies naturopathy for you!? It is a beautifully simple, compassionate, safe path to wellness that depends highly on your commitment to YOUR wellbeing.
If you still have questions about the naturopathic healing process, please add them below so others can benefit from the answer.
If you are ready to get to work and would like to partner with me, simply visit the contact section of this website or send me an e-mail. I presently offer virtual sessions.
For a light, safe, non “person specific” approach, read my articles and get busy!
Always stay curious and humble,
Be well,
Vicky x
vbnaturopathe.com 