Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the difference between a naturopath, herbalist and homeopath?
All three therapies are holistic and very similar. Treatment usually involves slightly different techniques. Naturopaths usually use a mixture of therapies during treatment. These may include: massage, aromatherapy, reflexology, herbal medicine, nutrition, homeopathy etc. Herbalists are usually more specialised in using herbal medicines for your treatment. They may also recommend dietary or lifestyle alterations to you. Homeopaths specialise in the use of homeopathic remedies and prescribing methods. They will usually consider the mental and emotional issues affecting you, even if your symptoms are of a purely physical nature. Homeopaths focus on boosting your vitality so that your body can heal itself.
It is important to note that naturopaths are not necessarily homeopaths. Naturopathic training does not meet the government’s education standards for homeopathy, although some naturopaths may have undertaken additional studies to meet these requirements. If a person dispenses homeopathic medicines it does not necessarily mean that they are a fully qualified and registered homeopath. Many people mistakenly think that “Homeopathy” and “Naturopathy” are one and the same. Naturopaths are often considered to be the 'General Practitioners' of natural therapies, whilst homeopaths are specialists in homeopathy, making it a separate therapy in its own right.
Naturopathic training only includes training in homeopathy as an elective option amongst a range of therapies, rather than as the major dedicated focus of study. Government endorsed training standards specifically state that naturopaths who have not undertaken the full training required are only qualified to treat acute and simple first aid cases homeopathically, and that they should refer more complex cases to qualified homeopaths.
2. Are the medicines safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding?
Homeopathic medicines are classified as low risk and can be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding. In fact, I highly recommend their use as they may help achieve healthy and uncomplicated pregnancies and births. Complications might include morning sickness, back pains, heartburn, cramps, constipation, labour pains, to assist with recovery after labour or surgery (e.g. caesarean) and poor milk flow. I also strongly recommend a homeopathic consultation for preconception care to improve general well-being.
Some herbal medicines are contraindicated (i.e. not suitable or safe) to use during different stages of pregnancy or while breastfeeding. This includes culinary herbs that you may commonly use in cooking such as parsley, oregano, sage and more. Therefore, herbal preparations must be tailored to your individual needs during these stages and only prescribed by professional and appropriately registered practitioners like myself. Correctly used, herbal medicines can provide you with wonderful support during this challenging period of your life.
3. Are the medicines safe to take with conventional drugs?
Homeopathic medicines may be taken in conjunction with conventional drugs with a very low risk of adverse effects; however, the Australian Homoeopathic Association (AHA) recommends that the advice of an AROH-registered professional homeopath such as myself be sought regarding this matter.
Herbal medicines work in a similar way to conventional drugs, so they are likely to interact with them. Therefore, herbal medicines prescribed for anyone taking conventional drugs, should always be made by a fully qualified, registered and professional herbalist such as myself. It is important that you keep your regular doctor informed of any herbal medications you are prescribed and also keep your herbalist informed of any conventional drugs you are taking. With careful management, you can utilise both methods effectively.
4. What is the difference between homeopathy and isopathy?
Homeopathy is a form of alternative or complementary medicine that uses natural products in a highly diluted form, working on the principle of “like cures like”. The basis of homeopathy is that the most successful remedy to be prescribed would be one where the characteristics of the remedy in question share a close similarity to the symptoms of the patient. For example, using a homeopathic preparation of coffee to treat insomnia, since coffee has the potential to cause insomnia in a healthy person. Homeopathy works by stimulating your life force (vitality) and healing you at your deepest (energetic) level.
Isopathy is a variation within homeopathy that works on the principle of healing with the “same” substance. For example, using a potentised (diluted and energised) lead chelate to remove lead stored in the body’s tissues or using a potentised version of a pharmaceutical drug to counteract its negative effects in the body.
Most homeopathic and isopathic medicines originate from plant, mineral or animal sources.
5. Is your clinic eligible for rebates from health funds?
Due to changes in government legislation, rebates for natural therapies are no longer available from the health funds. This includes the following therapies: Alexander technique, Aromatherapy, Ayurveda, Bowen therapy, Buteyko, Feidenkrais, Herbal medicine (Western), Homeopathy, Iridology, Kinesiology, Massage therapy, Naturopathy, Pilates, Reflexology, Rolfing, Tai Chi and Yoga. If you want to help protect your right of choice in healthcare, please sign the petition at Your Health Your Choice via the following webpage: https://www.yourhealthyourchoice.com.au/
6. Are you a properly qualified and registered therapist?
Yes. Only fully qualified and competent practitioners can be registered with the National Herbalists Association (NHAA), Australian Homoeopathic Association Inc. (AHA) and Australian Register of Homoeopaths Ltd (AROH).
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