What is Naturopathy?

Naturopathy is the knowledge and use of natural medicine and its procedures (methods) to determine health issues and treat them in accordance with the body’s natural rhythms and the integration of the whole person within their environment.

Naturopathy combines different modalities, so-called alternative therapies. These include herbal medicine, homeopathy and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), as well as various forms of bodywork, alongside a sound knowledge of anatomy, physiology and pathology of the human body.

The approach to health and the body in naturopathy is holistic. Holistic means that all our physical, social, mental and spiritual needs are considered. In this sense, the spiritual aspect is not associated with religious ideology. It is related more to the ‘core self’ within us.

The effects of natural medicine are often more subtle than those of conventional medicine. Sometimes ‘healing reactions’ can appear and be part of the natural process. At the same time, natural remedies are safer for you to take, as there are fewer side effects, and when these occur, they are also more subtle.

Natural Health and Self-Responsibility

For example, during a detoxification (cleansing) process, the body eliminates toxins through the skin, causing a worsened skin reaction before improvement occurs. These healing reactions need to be supervised by your natural health practitioner and shouldn’t last for long periods.

With natural medicine, the responsibility for health is given back into your own hands. Natural medicine can also be a preventative, and many people use it to maintain health. With natural medicine, your body is given a chance to heal and balance itself.

Today we need to be taught and remember how to heal our bodies and maintain balance to prevent illnesses’ re-occurrence. Natural medicine can prevent illness from manifesting profoundly and does not only treat the symptoms but focuses cause.

The conventional medical and natural holistic ways can work perfectly together and assist each other to reach the best results.

Autumn’s Training in Natural Medicine

Autumn studied naturopathy at the German ‘Institut fuer Phytotherapy’, a Berlin school well known for it’s focus on plant medicine (Medical Herbalism) and Iridology. She attended the institute during 2004 – 2007, and graduated after her statutory exams in 2008.

Her studies also included basic homeopathy, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and a range of complementary therapies. Autumn integrates iridology into each natural health consultation, and draws on her wide range of options in each individualised treatment plan.