Naturopathy is a holistic system of healing that incorporates a range of treatments and natural therapies, with the underlying belief that your body, given the right support, is able to heal itself (1).

A naturopathic practitioner deals with internal health problems, metabolic disorders and imbalances, through treatment of the whole person. In general, a wide range of assessment techniques are employed to uncover the causative factors, and treatment may involve nutritional advice, dietary changes, herbal medicines, homoeopathy, bodywork or nutritional supplements. Naturopaths will not necessarily utilise all of these therapies, but will have a range of therapies they specialise in (1).

Some naturopaths are also trained in flower essences (to enhance the emotional aspect of healing), soft tissue manipulation (to rebalance the body's systems, reduce pain and to enable detoxification) or homoeopathy (2).

Naturopathy can alleviate a wide range of conditions and is suitable for all ages. Some of the more common conditions treated include fatigue, stress related ailments, digestive problems, PMT and general aches and pains. However, you do not need to be unwell to benefit from naturopathy. Naturopathic treatments boost the body's natural healing potential, restoring harmony and preventing disease (2).