Naturopathy is the philosophy, science and art of healing that aims to support the body's innate ability to heal itself by removing obstacles to health and providing appropriate support to restore one's health, wellness and vitality and to increase the quality and longevity of one's life. Naturopaths are highly qualified and continually researching and training in the philosophies, principles practices of western herbal medicine and nutrition as well as maintaining up to date knowledge and understanding of medical science.
Naturopathy seeks to use the natural healing powers of the body to cure itself. It focuses on treating the cause of the condition rather than only the symptoms themselves when they present. Initially the naturopath may treat symptoms to alleviate the presenting state of un-wellness and to increase the sense of wellbeing of the client but it is the long term treatment plan that the Naturopath devises with their client which is most important in the clients program to increasing their long term total health and wellbeing.
Although Naturopathy is often described as an alternative medicine, it is not really an alternative to modern medicine, but is an additional therapy or alternative for some non serious medical conditions. Naturopathy can successfully treat most health problems. In some conditions a Naturopath will work with the client and their conventional medical doctor in creating the best possible care for the client. Naturopathic treatments are well suited to chronic conditions such as asthma, digestive conditions and arthritis.
What can Naturopaths treat?
Naturopaths seek to treat an array of common ailments by relieving symptoms and treating the underlying causes. These include
Diagnostic options used by a Naturopath
When you see a Naturopath at The Vitality Zone you will spend an hour with them for your initial consultation where they will help to identify the crux of your presenting complaints. All Naturopaths will gather a detailed medical history of the client and their family history, current medications and supplements. From there the diagnostic tools may vary from client to client. Other tools used may include
• Iridology – reading of the iris
• Blood Typing – to tell you're A, B, O typing for dietary analysis
• Urinary Analysis – for bacteria levels – monitored for detox purposes
• Blood Pressure
• Referral for medical blood tests and functional tests
• Cellular Health Analysis
• Skin and Nail Diagnosis
• Zinc Tally Testing
Once this information is gathered it will provide a sound insight and an individual treatment strategy as part of an integrated approach. Managing your specific health needs may include several different treatment strategies.
Treatment strategies employed by Naturopaths
Dietary Modification is one of the most important long term forms of treatment for clients in the treatment and prevention of illness. We aim at educating people about food and it's positive and negative effects on the body. Many people have allergies and intolerances to foods and can miss out on whole food groups and therefore the bodies building blocks which leads to chronic illness. Naturopaths aim to educate people on how to cope with these conditions and prevent conditions such as blood sugar disorders later on in life like Diabetes. Many children's complaints such as ADHD can be corrected with Diet Modification.
Much of today's dis-ease arises because of Lifestyle Imbalances. Naturopaths aim to help people bring balance back into their lives which in turn helps them to restore health and wellness
By far the most wide spread form of medicinal use worldwide. Scientific research is always continuing to validate the efficacy of herbal medicine
Mineral Therapy is aimed at restoring and balancing the body's mineral status. Areas of deficiency or increased needs are identified, allowing low dose mineral supplementation to be prescribed.
Nutritional Medicine is one of the most important forms of treatment used to support and improve the body's biochemical pathways. If we do not have biochemical balance through nutrition health and healing are incomplete.
Flower Essences are a form of Vibrational medicine that act as a catalyst for positive inner transformation working on a physical, emotional and spiritual level to restore harmony and balance.
Implementing exercise programs to incorporate in a total health and wellness package. In some cases may include referral to different types of exercise and physiology trainers.
By using the above tools your Naturopath will devise an individual program to best suit you and your health needs.
QUALIFICATION DETAILS
Melina Dowl N.D., BHSc, ATMS., graduated from the Australian College of Natural Medicine in Brisbane in 2004.
She is a member of the Australian Traditional Medicine Society and updates her qualifications regularly by attending seminars and conferences relating to complimentary and mainstream medicine. At end 2004 Melina attended a course in Healthy Aging and Longevity and now specializes in the use of Cellular Health Analysis in her diagnostic options. Last year she also attended the International Conference of Natural Medicine lead by some of the top International Medical and Complimentary specialists. Most recently she updated her training in the treatment of Meatbolic Syndrome and Circulatory and Inflammatory conditions.
At The Vitality Zone Melina's speciality is Detoxification programs and Fat Loss Programs although she treats an array of other conditions aswell.