Naturopathy is a holistic model of healthcare that promotes good health
and vitality through attending to the basics - nutritious food, clean
water, exercise and a relaxed and healthy balance to life. Naturopaths aim
to treat the whole person, optimizing health in the
physical body as well as examining emotional and spiritual aspects to
health. This holistic perspective means they seek to unravel the causes
behind a person's health
complaints rather than just treating the symptoms.
In Australia, naturopaths must complete a 4 year bachelor degree in
health science, which covers training in medical sciences alongside
traditional models of natural health care. They are trained to
emphasize prevention and patient education as well as understanding
the role natural medicines can play in supporting each
individual's quest
for health. Therapies employed by naturopaths include diet
modification and nutritional supplements, herbal
medicine,homoeopathy, flower essences and counseling and may also
include physical therapies such as massage and yoga.