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| Definition |
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Naturopathy is a system of healthcare that emphasises optimal wellness, disease prevention, patient education and the use of natural, non-toxic remedies to support the body’s inherent healing processes. As such, the cause of the disease is sought rather than simply suppressing the symptoms, which are viewed as the body’s natural attempt to heal. The remedies and lifestyle modifications prescribed abide by the principles of naturopathic philosophy:
- Support and utilise the healing power of nature (vis medicatrix naturae)
- First do no harm (primum non nocere)
- Identify and treat the cause (tolle causam)
- Treat the whole person
- Aim for optimal wellness and disease prevention
- Doctor as educator (docere)
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| How It Works |
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Naturopathic medicine is vitalistic in its approach, embracing the beliefs that life is more than the sum of its parts and that living systems have an innate intelligence that constantly strives for health. The choice of treatments varies between each practitioner, however treatment approaches usually involve nutritional medicine, herbal medicine and homoeopathic medicine in addition to counselling and massage therapy. |
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| Conditions |
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Naturopathic principles may be applied to almost any health concern, acute (eg. colds and flu) or chronic. Chronic conditions may particularly benefit because of their connection to diet and lifestyle behaviours. Conditions such as acne, asthma, chronic fatigue, eczema, psoriasis, migraine, irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel diseases, male and female infertility, rheumatoid arthritis, female reproductive problems such as endometriosis, menopausal symptoms, premenstrual syndrome, and polycystic ovarian syndrome respond well to Naturopathic treatment. |
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| Expect |
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In the initial visit, which typically lasts an hour or more, a thorough history is taken. This includes an exploration of diet, lifestyle, stress, and environmental factors. Physical examination, clinical and laboratory diagnostic tests may be performed or recommended. Patients are encouraged to be involved in their care, and a treatment plan usually includes lifestyle modifications (e.g., sleep, exercise and relaxation practices), dietary recommendations, homeopathic, herbal and/or nutritional supplements. |
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| Education |
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- Bachelor of Health Sciences, Naturopathy, from Australian Universities
- Diploma of Naturopathy, from private colleges
- Your Health Naturopaths are required to be a member of at least one registering body/association and to attend continuing education seminars.
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| Cost |
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Ask YourHealth Reception for exact costs when booking. |
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| Cover |
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Naturopathic consultations are not covered under Medicare unless the practitioner is also a medical doctor. Many private health funds cover Naturopathy consultations (depending on the level of cover), however each choice of cover carries different yearly limits. Also, you may get more back from your first consultation, with decreasing returns with subsequent visits. Contact your fund for more information. Approximate rebates are outlined in the list below – please note this is only a guide.
Naturopathy (includes Herbal Medicine, Homoeopathy, and in some cases, Nutrition):
- Axa (131243) - $24/visit
- Grand United (1800 800 245) - 70-80% of visit cost up to $16-25/visit
- Government Employees (1300 366 868) - $21-28/visit
- HCF (131334) - $15/visit
- Manchester Unity (131372) - $10-28/visit
- MBF (132623) - $21-30/visit
- Medibank Private (132331) - 100% of visit cost if Medibank-approved practitioner, 60% of visit cost if Non- approved practitioner. Limits apply.
- NIB (131463) - $11-19/visit
- Teachers Health Fund (1300 728 188) - $29/visit
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