Introduction to Holistic Naturopathy 

Holistic naturopathy is a system of healthcare that focuses on the whole person, including their physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. It is based on the principle that the body has an innate ability to heal itself, given the right conditions. Naturopathic practitioners use a variety of natural therapies to support the body's healing process, such as nutrition, herbal medicine, aromatherapy, hydrotherapy, and lifestyle counselling. 

Principles of Holistic Naturopathy 

The following are some of the key principles of holistic naturopathy: 

• Finding the Root Cause: Holistic naturopathy aims to identify and address the underlying causes of illness, rather than simply suppressing symptoms. 

• Treating the Whole Person: Holistic naturopathy recognises that the mind, body, and spirit are interconnected and that illness can affect all aspects of a person's well-being. 

• The Healing Power of Nature: Holistic naturopathy utilises the healing power of nature to support the body's natural healing processes. 

• Prevention: Holistic naturopathy emphasises preventing disease through healthy lifestyle choices. 

• Patient Education: Holistic naturopathy empowers patients to take an active role in their health and well-being. 

Holistic Naturopathy and Allopathic Medicine 

Holistic naturopathy differs from conventional allopathic medicine in its approach to healthcare. While allopathic medicine focuses on treating disease, holistic naturopathy focuses on promoting health and well-being. Allopathic medicine often uses drugs and surgery to treat disease, while holistic naturopathy uses natural therapies to support the body's healing process. 

The Body's Innate Healing Ability and Homeostasis 

A fundamental principle of holistic naturopathy is that the body has an innate ability to heal itself. This healing ability is guided by homeostasis, which is the body's natural tendency to maintain balance and stability. Holistic naturopathy supports homeostasis by removing obstacles to healing and providing the body with the resources it needs to heal. 

Emotional Centres in Holistic Naturopathy 

Holistic naturopathy recognises the strong connection between the mind and body and the impact that emotions can have on physical health. It identifies seven emotional centres, each associated with specific organs and systems in the body: 

Centre 1: Social Relations - Musculoskeletal system, blood, immune system, and skin. 

Centre 2: Money and Love - Urinary system, reproductive organs, lumbar region, and pelvis. 

Centre 3: Self-Esteem - Digestive system, body weight, adrenal glands, and pancreas. 

Centre 4: Personal Desires - Heart, circulatory system, breasts, arms, and hands. 

Centre 5: Communication - Lungs, respiratory system, throat, mouth, teeth, and neck. 

Centre 6: Open-mindedness - Brain, eyes, and ears. 

Centre 7: Spirituality - Chronic and degenerative diseases. 

Imbalances in these emotional centres can contribute to physical illness. Holistic naturopaths use techniques such as counselling, meditation, breathwork, and relaxation to help patients address emotional imbalances and promote healing. 

Naturopathic Therapies 

Holistic naturopaths use a wide range of natural therapies to support the body's healing process. Some of the most common therapies include: 

Nutrition: A healthy diet is the foundation of holistic naturopathy. Naturopaths may recommend a plant-based diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds. They may also advise patients on maintaining a healthy acid/base balance. 

Herbal Medicine: Herbal medicine uses plants and plant extracts to treat illness and promote health. Naturopaths may recommend herbal teas, tinctures, or capsules. 

Aromatherapy: Aromatherapy uses essential oils to treat a variety of conditions. Essential oils can be inhaled, applied topically, or added to bathwater. 

Hydrotherapy: Hydrotherapy uses water to treat illness and promote health. Naturopaths may recommend baths, showers, compresses, or colonics. 

Lifestyle Counselling: Naturopaths may also provide lifestyle counselling on topics such as stress management, sleep hygiene, and exercise. 

Holistic Naturopathy Consultation 

A holistic naturopathy consultation typically involves a thorough assessment of the patient's health history, lifestyle, and emotional well-being. This assessment helps the naturopath to identify the underlying causes of the patient's health concerns and to develop a personalised treatment plan. The naturopath may use a variety of techniques to gather information, such as: 

Questionnaire: The questionnaire may cover topics such as medical history, diet, exercise, sleep, stress, and emotional health. 

Physical Exam: The naturopath may also conduct a physical exam to assess the patient's overall health. 

Iridology: Iridology is the study of the iris, which naturopaths believe can provide insights into a person's health. 

Based on the assessment, the naturopath will develop a treatment plan that addresses the patient's individual needs. The treatment plan may include dietary and lifestyle changes, herbal medicine, aromatherapy, hydrotherapy, or other natural therapies. 

The Importance of a Holistic Approach 

A holistic approach to healthcare is essential for achieving optimal health and well-being. By addressing the whole person, including their physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health, holistic naturopathy can help individuals to live healthier, happier, and more fulfilling lives. 

 Author: Coralee Roberts

Coralee is a passionate health and wellness advocate with a deep understanding of holistic living. Driven by a desire to empower herself and others to achieve optimal health and well-being, Coralee completed her Diploma of Naturopathy in 2015 and her Certificate in Holistic Naturopathic Coaching in 2024. Through her writing and teachings, Coralee aims to inspire and support others on their own paths towards wellness and resilience.