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This page contains the following topics:
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Naturopathic Medicine
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Holistic wisdom of the past combined with scientific knowledge of the present.
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What is Naturopathy?
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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. Its roots lie in classical Greek medicine, as practised by Hippocrates, and as such the cause of the disease is sought rather than simply suppressing the symptoms. 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. Its roots lie in classical Greek medicine, as practised by Hippocrates, and as such the cause of the disease is sought rather than simply suppressing the symptoms. The symptoms of a disease are always viewed as the body’s natural attempt to heal. A naturopath’s goal is therefore not to impose an outside order but to allow the inherent internal one to be restored. To heal in harmony with the natural functions of the body, without causing harm, is the underlying principle of the naturopathic medicine. The naturopathic way of understanding the complex influences affecting everyone is to consider emotional, psychological, structural and biochemical (diet, toxicity, deficiency) factors as they interact with each individual. The intent to support the natural healing potential of the human body is validated by modern scientific research. It is this combination of the healing power of nature with scientific methods that makes naturopathic medicine an important system of medicine for today's health care.
Theremedies and lifestyle modifications prescribed abide by the principles of naturopathic philosophy:
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- First, do no harm
- Find the cause
- Treat the whole person
- View medicine as preventative
- Utilise the healing power of nature
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What to expect in consultation
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- The initial visit typically lasts an hour and a thorough patient history is taken including: an exploration of diet, lifestyle, stress, and environmental factors. Iridology, nail and tongue analysis, laboratory diagnostic tests (hair, saliva, stool, urine, blood) may be performed or recommended.
- Neuro-Emotional Technique (NET) maybe performed also. NET is a technique that uses muscle testing, body reflex points, and semantic reactions (physiological reactions to memories or words) to assist and guide you to recall a specific negative emotion and when it first occurred. NET is a tool used to address the emotional cause of disease and seeks to detect and alleviate the effect of emotional stressors on the body.
- Follow up visits are 15 or 30 minutes and involve reassessment and adjustment of treatment as well as ongoing care of patient.
- A treatment plan usually includes lifestyle modifications (e.g., sleep, exercise and relaxation practices), dietary recommendations, homeopathic, herbal and/or nutritional supplements. A patient is encouraged to be proactive in their self-care. Naturopathy is complimentary with all branches of medical science, and individuals may be referred to specialist practitioners for diagnosis or treatment where appropriate.
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Conditions Commonly Treated
Naturopathic principles may be applied to almost any health concern, acute (e.g., colds and flu) or chronic (e.g., 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, cancer support and polycystic ovarian syndrome). Chronic conditions respond particularly well to naturopathic treatment because of their connection to diet and lifestyle behaviours.
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Medicare And Private Health Insurance
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Naturopathic consultations are not covered under Medicare. However, private health funds do cover Naturopathy consultations depending on your level of cover. Each fund and level of cover carries different yearly limits. Contact your fund for more information. Nicholas Smith is a registered practitioner with each of the following funds, approximate rebates are outlined in the list below. Please note that this is only a guide.
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.
NIB (131463) - $11-19/visit
Teachers Health Fund (1300 728 188) - $29/visit
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