The BioMedica office will be closed for Easter from Thursday 17th April 5.00pm to Tuesday 22nd April 8.30am. Please check this page for further information on orders and deliveries.
The BioMedica office will be closed for Easter from Thursday 17th April 5.00pm to Tuesday 22nd April 8.30am. Please check this page for further information on orders and deliveries.
Naturopathy and natural medicine stems from the application and interplay of the seven naturopathic principles that we recently discussed. These principles impact every aspect of the therapeutic exchange – assessment, diagnosis and treatment.
The primary naturopathic principle by which we are guided is First, Do No Harm (primum non nocere).
Here, we ask ourselves as practitioners “what is the minimum level of intervention needed to facilitate the self-healing process?” We generate a treatment strategy that is the most gentle and least invasive for each individual patient – that stimulates the body’s own ability to heal. We recognise that health can be restored by modifying ones diet and lifestyle, and by removing environmental, social and psychological stressors. By respecting the holistic nature of each patient and their health, we ensure that the healing process is supported rather than suppressed.
We recognise the scope within which we are trained. We educate ourselves and seek guidance with respect to diseases processes, are aware of safety issues and are very mindful of herb-drug-nutrient interactions. We refer on to other practitioners when necessary. We also recognise that we practice complimentary medicine – our role is to complement any other intervention that has been applied.
Written By
Chantelle van der Weyden, BPsych (Hons), AdvDip(Nat), AdvDip(NutMed)
Naturopathy stems from the interplay of 7 naturopathic principles which impact the therapeutic exchange – assessment, diagnosis, treatment and prevention. Principle 5, Doctor as Teacher, describes the role of holistic practitioners, in educating and guiding their patients in healthy lifestyle choices, taking ownership of their health. This determines long term health and leads to Principle 6, Disease Prevention.
The fourth principle, Treat the Whole Person, encompasses the concept that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. Illness and disease impact the whole person, not just a specific organ or body system and as such, natural health practitioners take a individualised, “patient centred” approach. Read more to find out why treating the whole person can be key to achieving the desired health outcomes.
The third principle is Treat the Cause. Identifying and treating the cause is based on the assumption that health and disease happen for a reason, include factors such as genetics and physiology, diet, lifestyle, social-economic status, previous medical intervention or resilience. As such, health can be improved by addressing the factors placing strain on the body, interfering with its ability to heal.
The next naturopathic philosophy is the Healing Power of Nature, which refers to the body’s innate ability to heal itself. When illness or imbalance occurs the body naturally wants to correct this in order to be healthy and well. Naturopaths believe symptoms are a manifestation of the body’s attempt to rehabilitate and their role is to support and encourage this intrinsic healing process.
Here at Biomedica, we hold these naturopathic principles close to our hearts and they guide all that we do. We support our practitioner’s work with their patients in this same way. Read on as we bring you a weekly series on the Naturopathic Principles and Philosophies.
