Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is Naturopathy?

A: Naturopathy is a holistic form of health care that treats the whole person rather than just the disease. It utilizes natural substances, nutrition, and other holistic therapies to support the natural healing ability of the body, and helps to provide an optimal internal environment for the body to function effectively. The causes of disease are investigated and treated, rather than just the symptoms. Although, many naturopathic treatments can also be used to reduce symptoms and to reduce side effects of some medications.

Q: What sort of training did you do to become a Naturopath?

A: To become a Naturopath, I first completed an Advanced Diploma of Naturopathy and then did further study at Charles Sturt University to gain a Bachelor of Health Science (Complementary Medicine). My studies took the equivalent of four years of full time study. My studies involved a combination of medical science subjects and naturopathic subjects, such as anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pathophysiology, behavioural neuroscience, medical terminology, iridology, herbal medicine, clinical and naturopathic nutrition, massage, basic homeopathy, and also counselling. My academic studies were complemented with clinical placements in which I learned the skills necessary to work with patients in a clinical setting.

Q: What health conditions can Naturopathy treat?

A: Because Naturopathy treats the whole person, not just the disease, Naturopathy can be beneficial for everyone regardless of what condition a person has. It will help give the body the tools it needs to cope with any disease that is present, and may help the body be more responsive to other treatments. Having said this, Naturopathy can also be used for specific conditions, in a similar way to conventional medicine, except that natural medicines are used instead of pharmaceutical medicines (For example; there are both pharmaceutical and natural anti-inflammatory medicines available). Naturopathy can be particularly beneficial for people suffering with osteoarthritis, digestive problems, viral infections, depression, hormonal imbalances, and many chronic diseases that people attribute to 'old age'. For a list of 'conditions' that I have a special interest in, click on 'Specialisations' in the menu.

Q: Can I afford to see a Naturopath?

A: To see what costs are involved in a consultation at Intrahealth Naturopathic Clinic, click on 'Costs involved' in the menu. The overall costs of your treatment will depend on how many visits are required, what level of care you go into, and whether you are prescribed any supplements. I will take your financial situation into consideration when planning your treatment, and help to make it as affordable as possible without compromising the success of your treatment. Keep in mind that your health is one of the most important things you can have in life, and sometimes we need reminding that it should be one of our top priorities. Any expenses related to worthwhile treatments for our health can be seen as an investment. Some people insist that they can't afford natural health care, and yet they might buy a weekly magazine, a coffee each day, lottery tickets, the latest technology...etc. These things add up and there are usually areas where expenses can be cut back to put the money towards something more important (unless those little things take priority over health!).

Naturopathic health care can be seen as a type of proactive 'health insurance'.

Q: How many consultations do I need to attend?

A: This depends a lot on your specific health issues, monthly visits for a few months may be recommended, a review of your situation every three months, or at the absolute minimum it is best to have at least one follow-up visit after your initial consultation. If you are happy with the supplements/herbs I have prescribed, then you may pick up more of them from the clinic without needing an appointment (although it is best to call first and make sure I have your products in stock). Any long term treatment however, should probably be reviewed every six months or so. Most people will need a few appointments, the frequency of which will vary depending on your concerns and financial situation. You can also talk to me over the phone and via email during your treatment about any questions you have, or to let me know how you are going.

Q: Do you do internet or phone consultations?

A: No, to follow the code of ethics of my professional association ANTA, I don't do internet or phone consultations.

Q: Is there an alternative to taking liquid herbs?

A: In some cases I will recommend a liquid herbal formula which I make up myself (this contains a mixture of different herbs, specific to your individual health needs). The advantage of this is that I can choose what goes into the mixture and adjust the proportions and dosages of the herbs to suit the individual. In some cases, it may also work out to be less expensive than tablet alternatives. Liquid herbs are also easy to digest, and the bitter nature of many herbs makes them beneficial for stimulating digestion. They are also good for those who have difficulty swallowing tablets. Some people however, prefer not to take them because of the taste (although you get used to them after a while), so I can either add a natural sweetener or offer a suitable alternative (if available) in tablet or capsule form (for children there are pleasant tasting powders of some herbs).

Q: Do you treat children?

A: Yes, I treat everyone, regardless of age. I am especially interested in helping children with autism / aspergers, ADHD, and other behavioural problems. If necessary, a consultation for a child can be split into two separate appointments to make it easier for them, or I can have one consultation with the child there, and the other just with a parent (this may be beneficial if the child is bit older and is embarrassed hearing their parent talk to me about their problems).

Q: Will my treatment interfere with my medications?

A: At your consultation, I will need to know everything you are taking, both medications and natural supplements, so when planning your treatment, I can take this into consideration to make sure there will be no harmful interactions. It is important that I am made aware of everything you are taking, even over the counter products, as some natural medicines interact adversely with some pharmaceutical drugs. I will recommend that next time you visit your doctor you inform him or her of the new supplements you are taking (I can give you a list), in case they prescribe anything new for you. And please let me know if you start taking a new medication or discontinue an old one, as your natural treatment may need to be adjusted. In many cases, natural medicine can be used successfully on its own, however, I also support the use of it alongside medical treatment, and believe that natural and conventional medicine can work effectively together to bring about the best outcomes for each person.

Q: Do I need a multivitamin? Can't I get everything I need from food?

A: I usually recommend that most people take a multivitamin and mineral formula, especially those over thirty years old, although the choice to do so always remains yours. Taking a multi every day is like nutritional insurance, it ensures that you get all the essential vitamins and minerals your body needs every day, as even a very healthy diet might not provide you with everything you need on a daily basis. Some nutrients are used up by the body rapidly and need to be constantly replaced. When you are suffering from an illness or under stress, your body is going to be using these nutrients at an even faster rate, and food may not provide you with enough nutrients to replace those that are lost. Having said this, a multivitamin cannot replace a healthy diet, that is why they are called 'supplements', they supplement our diet. Also, the soil that our plant and grain foods are grown in is being increasingly depleted of nutrients by modern farming methods, so if there's less in the soil, there's less in the food. Regardless of the reasons for taking a multivitamin, most people simply find that they feel better when taking them, have more energy, and feel less stressed. I can advise you of the best multivitamin for your needs as there are many on the market and they differ greatly in price as well as quality.

Q: How will I remember everything you tell me?

A: You are not expected to leave your appointment with a heap of information to remember, and you are not simply left to fend for yourself. I will give you a form with all the advice I have recommended written on it, including dosages and any other information that will help you. Your treatment may involve nutritional and lifestyle changes, exercise advice, herbal medicines, supplements, and recommendations or referrals to other practitioners if necessary. I may also give you information sheets or fact sheets on various topics to inform you about certain conditions, treatments, or dietary changes. If you have any further questions after leaving the clinic, you can call or email me and I will be happy to help you.

Q: Can you help me lose weight?

A: Yes, I can help determine whether there may be an underlying reason for your weight problem (such as a hormonal condition), and give you the information, advice and support you need to lose body fat (not just weight) in a healthy way for the long term. Practical nutritional and exercise advice is given to suit your lifestyle, and I can provide regular monitoring to help ensure constant progress and prevent regaining the weight that has been lost. I can measure your body fat percentage each time you visit to provide a more accurate result than weighing alone.

I also offer a specific fat loss program that is scientifically based and helps you not only to lose weight, but to optimise your overall health as well. For an email information pack and costs involved, please contact me. This program is available without a consultation, and I can provide ongoing support via email/phone. However, a doctors check up and blood pressure check is recommended before starting the program.

Q: Can I get a health fund rebate?

A: I am a registered provider with many health funds, so if you have the appropriate health cover including naturopathic consultations, and I am registered with your fund, then you will be able to get a health fund rebate. To find out if I am a registered provider with the health fund that you belong to, you can call or email me first before making your appointment, or check with your fund.

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Q: Do you offer hair analysis?

A: Yes, I can arrange for you to have a hair tissue mineral analysis through Interclinical Laboratories if you are interested in this. To receive the analysis at the GST free price of $120, you need to book in for a consultation at the clinic. Please email me if you would like more information about hair analysis.

If you have any questions that aren't answered here, please contact me.

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