| ABOUT | WHAT TO EXPECT |
| THE SEVEN PRINCIPLES OF NATUROPATHIC MEDICINE | TESTS |
| WHAT CAN NATUROPATHY TREAT | CLINIC DETAILS |
Naturopathic medicine, or naturopathy, is the practice of preventing, assessing, and treating conditions of the human mind and body. By integrating conventional health sciences with a range of natural therapies and traditional medicines, naturopathy treats the patient’s mental, emotional, and physical states for a lasting effect.
The foundation of naturopathy is the philosophy of the ‘healing power of nature’. his is based on the philosophy that the body has its own healing energy within and that naturopathic treatment will enhance and optimise the body to repair itself and recover from illness.
Johanna’s method of treatment is based on naturopathic principles and supports the body’s innate capacity to heal itself. She utilises nutritional medicine (therapeutic supplementation with ‘practitioner only’ nutritional supplements), food as medicine, dietary changes and interventions, Western herbal medicine, flower essences, along with counselling and lifestyle strategies/advice to enhance and promote wellbeing.
Johanna seeks to empower her patients by taking a firmer hold on their health status and to develop with them, realistic and achievable goals. Using the basic philosophy of treating underlying causes as well as the presenting symptoms rather than suppressing them, she provides a holistic approach to treating disease and illness.
Based on her knowledge and understanding of the overall health and wellbeing of each of her patients, Johanna then employs a combination of personal care and attention, traditional wisdom and skills, along with scientific knowledge and research, to develop a total health assessment and program.
In line with naturopathic philosophy, Johanna promotes the principle that health is more than just the absence of disease. Good health is the result of the balance of many factors including mental/emotional wellbeing and physical and biochemical limitations. Johanna also promotes the integration of all forms of medicine/healing to ensure the best outcome for her patients.
She enjoys working with a wide range of clients from children to the elderly, students to corporates and athletes to expecting mothers – all of who can benefit from the holistic and integrative approach provided by natural medicine.
THE SEVEN PRINCIPLES OF NATUROPATHIC MEDICINE
- The Healing Power of Nature (Vis Medicatrix Naturae)
- First Do No Harm (Primum no nocere)
Naturopathic physicians follow three principles to avoid harming the patient:
- They utilise methods and medical substances that minimise the risk of harmful side effects, using the least force necessary to diagnose and treat.
- They avoid, where possible, the harmful suppression of symptoms.
- They acknowledge, respect and work with the individual’s self-healing process.
- Doctor As Teacher (Docere)
- Treat the Whole Person
- Identify and Treat the Cause (Tolle Causam)
- Prevention is Better Than Cure
- The Hierarchy of Therapeutics
Naturopathic medicine recognises an inherent self-healing process in the person that is ordered and intelligent. Naturopathic physicians act to identify and remove obstacles to healing and recovery, and to facilitate and augment this inherent self-healing process.
Identify and treat the cause - the naturopathic physician seeks to identify and remove the underlying causes of illness rather than merely eliminate or suppress the symptoms.
Naturopathic physicians educate their patients and encourage self-responsibility for health. They also recognise and employ the therapeutic potential of the doctor-patient relationship.
Naturopathic physicians treat each patient by taking into account individual physical, mental, emotional, genetic, environmental, social and other factors. Since total health also includes spiritual health, naturopathic physicians encourage individuals to pursue their personal spiritual development.
In any state of dis-ease, the underlying root cause must be sought, identified and addressed for complete healing to take place. Root causes often become maintaining factors in ill-health and may exist on many levels: environmental, emotional, mental, physical, spiritual, etc. It is the naturopath’s ultimate challenge to identify root causes and to offer strategies to deal with them.
Naturopathic physicians emphasise the prevention of disease by assessing risk factors, heredity and susceptibility to disease and making appropriate interventions in partnership with their patients to prevent illness and empower individuals to find the ideal, healthy balance on his or her path to wellness. Naturopathic medicine is committed to the creation of a healthy world in which humanity may thrive.
This is the philosophy of using medicines with the least force necessary to bring about a long-lasting, non-suppressive therapeutic effect in someone who is sick.
This is a very rational, decision-making process for the physician based on knowledge, experience and good intuitive sense into a patient’s vital force and the seriousness of the illness. It is important in patient care to employ the least force (low force) intervention in order to bring about success with minimal side effects and patient trauma. Alternatively, if a physician decides to use an intervention that is not strong enough for the patient’s illness, the treatment will be unsuccessful and the patient, although experiencing minimal side effects and trauma, will not have been cured.
THE HIERACHY OF THERAPEUTICS IS VISIBLY BEST DEPICTED ON A SPECTRUM
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Low Force Interventions |
High Force Interventions |
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Energetic Medicine |
Lifestyle and |
Nutritional |
Pharmaceutical |
Surgery |
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Homeopathy Acupuncture Constitutional Hydro Reiki Prayer |
Exercise Weight Loss Changing to a Allergy Elimination Quitting Smoking |
Botanicals Vitamins Minerals Accessory Nutrients I.V. Nutrients |
Chelation Therapy Cholesterol Lowering RX Anti-hypertensives Anti-psychotics Antibiotics |
Cardiac Bypass Angioplasty Resection etc. |
Naturopathy can be used effectively to treat, manage and prevent a vast range of acute and chronic illnesses. However, you needn’t be ‘unwell’ to benefit from the services of a naturopath. Johanna also uses natural medicine as a tool for restoring and promoting vitality and general wellbeing. Don’t be satisfied with merely feeling fifty per cent.
EXAMPLES OF CONDITIONS/REASONS WHY YOU MAY SEE A NATUROPATH
- Female reproductive system – menstrual problems and irregularities, PMS, period pain, PCOS, endometriosis, menopause, infertility, candida, libido
- Male reproductive system – prostrate problems, infertility, libido
- Family planning
- Urinary system – urinary tract infections
- Immune system – frequent infections, glandular fever, slow recovery after infection, autoimmune diseases
- Nervous system – anxiety, stress, insomnia, headaches
- Digestive system – irritable bowel syndrome, coeliac disease, constipation, nausea, bloating, diarrhea, indigestion, reflux, giardia, parasitic infections
- Respiratory system - frequent colds, sinusitis, tonsillitis, ear infections, hay fever
- Cardiovascular system – preventative health, circulation, high blood pressure, high cholesterol
- Endocrine disorders – diabetes
- Mental illness and depression
- Allergies and intolerances
- Weight management
- Detoxification and liver conditions
- Diet analysis
- Fatigue and failure to thrive
- Sports injuries and endurance
- Nutritional deficiencies
- Premature ageing
- Anorexia nervosa and eating disorders
Initial consultation (45 min – 1 hour)
On making your first consultation you will be either emailed or posted out a letter outlining what will be involved.
Testing included in the first consult: VLA: Biological Impedence, Urinary Indican and Zinc Tally Test.
You will also be asked to complete an online Health Appraisal Questionnaire and a Diet Diary.
A full case history will be taken and on completion Johanna may recommended herbal and or nutritional treatment and give you one or two dietary and lifestyle tasks.
*For more information regarding the testing please head to TESTS
Return consultation (30 min)
Johanna will usually wish to see you within 1 to 2 weeks of your initial consult. Depending on your health concerns, your goals and the type of treatment plan you are after (symptomatic/acute care or more long term corrective, wellness and longevity care) may be following up with Johanna on a weekly, bi weekly, monthly or bi monthly etc basis.
All of Johanna’s patients are treated individually in a confidential and professional manner. Each patient should feel empowered and motivated to be able to reach his or her realistic health goals after each consultation.
Johanna uses a number of investigative approaches including extensive case taking, iridology, tongue and nail diagnosis, as well as more modern techniques such as blood pressure and body composition.
In some cases further investigation is required to assist Johanna to gain a full understanding of all possible catalysts for the presenting condition and determine the most suitable treatment. Below outlines a number of these tests:
VLA: Biological Impendence Analysis
FIND OUT YOUR BIOLOGICAL AGE…
YOU MAY BE YOUNGER THAN YOU REALIZE!
VLA (Vitality, Longevity and Healthy Aging): Biological Impedence Analysis
A state of the art scientific tool to determine very important markers of disease and ageing.
Find out:
- Your Muscle mass including its size and quality – Is your exercise regime giving you the results you need? Do you want to increase your muscle tone and fitness?
- Your Fat mass – Are you losing fat mass, muscle mass or fluid on your current weight loss program?
- Your Hydration status – Are you drinking enough water?
- If the fluid in your body is where it should be – inside your cells. Are your cells looking like plump, energized luscious grapes or shriveled sultanas?
- The ability of your cells to produce energy – Are you pushing yourself too hard? Do you want to increase your energy?
- If your cells are absorbing all of the wonderful nutrition you are supplying them. How well do you digest your food? Any history of abdominal bloating, pain, excess wind…???
- If you have any excess and unwanted inflammation going on in your body
- How you can help yourself age well…
Discover the missing pieces to your ongoing health and wellbeing and maximize your energy!
How do you achieve Vitality, Longevity and Healthy Ageing (VLA)?…
Johanna is one of a select group of Healthcare Professionals who has received extensive training in maximising healthy ageing and improving vitality, making her ideally suited to help you achieve your health and wellbeing goals.
Johanna uses a scientifically validated test known as Biological Impedance Analysis (BIA), which assists her to design a program specifically tailored for your needs. Nutritional supplements, herbal medicines, exercise recommendations and dietary and lifestyle advice will be recommended to give your body the building blocks for maximum health and energy.
What is Biological Impedance Analysis (BIA)?
BIA is a science that was originally developed for monitoring patients after surgery in a hospital setting. Johanna will connect leads to your hands and feet and the small machine will pass a low voltage electrical current through your body. This may sound alarming, but it is safe and painless, and provides Johanna with insight into aspects of your health such the quality and quantity of your muscle, total body fat, toxicity levels, the extent of any inflammation, energy levels, your response to treatment…
This science has even been used in several missions to space, to monitor the changes to the astronauts body composition.
Who wants more vitality?
Johanna will conduct this test during your first consultation. You will receive:
- A computerized analysis of your health
- Individual health goals specifically tailored to you and your concerns
- Specific lifestyle and dietary recommendations and possible nutritional and herbal supplementation. In addition to the VLA Johanna will also take a thorough case history and conduct a couple of additional in clinic tests to design a specifically tailored treatment plan within the initial consultation.
- On-going monitoring and comparative report analysis observing the improvement in energy, vitality and longevity that results from treatment and a commitment to your own health. The specific VLA may need to be conducted every 2-4 weeks initially.
How does VLA Bioimpedance technology differ from bioimpedance scales?
VLA is a far more accurate way to measure body fat, muscle and fluid levels than bioimpedance scales you stand on or hold. Scales or hand held body fat monitors do not send the small electrical current evenly throughout the entire body, with usually the upper part of the body not measured at all when using scales and vice versa with hand held devices. However, with VLA Bioimpedance, you lie flat on a treatment table to stabilise fluid levels and the current is run through your upper and lower body via the foot and hand. This is far superior technology for accurate measurement of fat, muscle and the key biomarkers of ageing.
Health Appraisal Questionnaire
Designed to help Johanna down to the nuts and bolts of your health issues. You will be instructed before your first consult to complete this questionnaire.
A simple urine test which will indicate the level of overgrowth in the bowel of “bad” bacteria. The darker the colour revealed in the test tube at completion of the test, the worse the overgrowth or “dysbiosis”. Useful for indicating the need for a bowel detox – clear and repair. This test is conducted at the clinic.
Zinc Tally and other Vitamins, Minerals and Antioxidants
A zinc tally test is a simple assessment designed to measure the amount of zinc in your body. Zinc is the most important mineral for the immune system and vital for healthy hormones, skin, wound healing and repair, libido, and sense of taste and smell. A 10 second test will reveal the levels of zinc in your body and whether you should supplement with this important mineral. As this test is so quick and simple, levels can regularly be monitored.
Numerous other nutrient levels (such as Folate, Iron Studies, Vitamin D, B12…) may also require assessment and this will be conducted through ARL (Analytical Reference Laboratory) or you will be referred back to your GP.
It may sound strange but heavy metal toxicity can cause widely varying symptoms for those people suffering from heavy metal poisoning. This test is conducted through ARL.
Perhaps you’re feeling fatigued or moody due to a hormonal imbalance? Gathering information on your hormonal levels can provide a fabulous insight into your current health and provide long awaited answers to those tough questions. The salivary hormone tests can measureoestrogen (E1, E2 & E3), progesterone, testosterone, cortisol and DHEA levels. Variations in these hormones play a large role in the changes seen in life cycle events such as pregnancy, menopause and aging. Saliva tests have an advantage over blood tests as saliva reflects the free, bio-available hormone levels (unlike blood which measures total levels). This test is conducted through ARL.
When most people have their thyroid function tested, only part of the activity of the gland is assessed. Hormones that are relevant to how the thyroid gland is functioning are numerous and only when they are all assessed can an accurate picture of thyroid function be determined. Symptoms of an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) include dry skin, lethargy, constipation, weight gain, heavy and irregular periods and depression. Symptoms of an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) include fast metabolic rate, nervousness, palpitations, weight loss and frequent bowel motions. Johanna will most likely refer you back to your GP to get this full assessment.
This test provides laboratory accuracy for the detection of Candida albicans infections within 10 minutes. Candida can cause a variety of symptoms including:
- Bloating
- Constipation or diarrhoea
- Food allergies
- Migraines
- Depression and lack of concentration
- Thrush oral or vaginal
- Fungal infections – ‘athlete’s foot’, tinea
- PMS
- Weight gain
- Joint pain
- Cystitis
- Sinusitis and hayfever
- Chronic fatigue and generally feeling unwell
- Infertility
- Eczema, acne, alopecia
This test is based on new discoveries by leading scientists. It is an accurate, easy to use test that can diagnose celiac disease with 96.3% accuracy. Symptoms of celiac disease include abdominal pain, bloating, constipation or diarrhea, nausea and vomiting.
Both the Candida and Coeliac test are conducted at the clinic.
Comprehensive Digestive Stool Analysis
This is a functional test that provides and overview of the components of digestion, absorption, intestinal function and microbial flora, as well as identifying pathogenic bacteria, parasites and yeasts. Poor digestive function and imbalanced gut flora may play a crucial role in the underlying cause of numerous health conditions creating symptoms such as constipation, diarrhea, flatulence, bloating, cramps, bad breath or fatigue. The test is conducted through ARL.
Functional Liver Detoxification Profile
Many people believe that if a blood liver function test (LFT) comes back as normal that their liver is functioning properly and is healthy. A LFT only tests for damage that is done to the liver but does not indicate how well the liver is performing other important roles such as detoxification. Only a functional liver detoxification profile can determine this. This test is conducted through ARL.
Symptoms typical of poor liver function include:
- Poor appetite
- Muscle weakness or pain
- Recurrent infection
- Headaches or migraines
- Chronic fatigue
- Digestive discomfort
- Nausea
- Bloating
- Intolerance of fatty food
- Chemical sensitivities
- Hormonal imbalances
Other testing that Johanna may request include:
- Semen analysis
- Further questionnaires (e.g. DASS)
- Intestinal Permeability
- Full Blood analysis
- Cardiovascular Risk factors such as CRP, homocysteine, HDL, LDL, Triglycerides, Methyl factors
- Neurotransmitter pathways
City Health Melbourne
Level 4, 407 – 409 Swanston Street
Melbourne VIC 3000
Phone +61 3 9662 2395
Fax +61 3 9662 3844
www.cityhealthmelbourne.com.au
