Kimberley Porteous Naturopath
Bringing overworked professionals back into balance
Frequently Asked Questions
Naturopathy is a traditional medical system, which the World Health Organization believes should be integrated into conventional healthcare models. It draws upon millennia-old systems of plant-based medicine, nutritional medicine, and evidence-based scientific research to treat the whole person.
No, naturopathy is not an alternative health practice, as naturopathy is based on biomedical science just like conventional medicine. Naturopathic treatment aims to improve biochemical processes in the body, just like conventional medical doctors. Naturopathy is considered a complementary health service as it works well with the acute and emergency care provided by hospitals and GPs, and is safe to use in conjunction with conventional medicine.
Naturopathy is particularly effective at managing chronic health conditions as it investigates and treats the root cause to attenuate further decline and improve quality of life. In many cases it may improve the condition. Naturopathy also promotes disease prevention, so the ideal time to consult a naturopath is when you first begin to notice a loss of vitality, or before you inherit the health conditions of your parents.
Naturopathy is truly functional medicine, as it investigates and treats the root causes behind the biochemical processes occurring within your body, rather than merely palliating and masking your symptoms, while the underlying pathology continues.
Unfortunately naturopathy is not currently covered by private health insurance, although this is under review.
Please bring along any blood tests or pathology results you have, whether recent or old, and a complete list of all supplements and medications you may be taking.
A diet diary kept for a minimum of three days (ideally seven days), preferably including at least one weekend day, is also very helpful.
Naturopaths are trained to identify the root medical cause of your condition which involves thorough investigation of your complete history, which takes time. We also treat the whole person because we understand how psychological stress impacts your endocrine system and digestion, for example. Therefore we need to discuss your whole body, which is not possible within 15 minutes.
Naturopathy is highly individual: the multiple underlying causes of an illness differs markedly in each person, so treatment also differs between individuals. It also depends on your willingness to make dietary and lifestyle changes.
Some people see a resolution of symptoms within a few short months, while others managing chronic and serious conditions may continue treatment on a regular basis long-term.
An annual check-in to keep an eye on all of your health parameters is an option many people also take.
