Naturopathy believes the body has the knowledge to heal itself and treatment looks at the underlying causes of illness. Naturopaths use a variety of techniques including dietary advice, herbal preparations, hydrotherapy, physiotherapy, therapeutic exercise and some also use complementary therapies such as osteopathy, chiropractic or acupuncture. A qualified naturopath will have the letters ND after their name and will have spent at three – four years training, making them one of the most respected complementary therapists.

Naturopathy began in the late 19th century when it was known as natural healing. The term naturopathy was first used in 1895 and then later by Benedict Lust who became known as the father of naturopathy, he founded the American school of naturopathy in New York in 1896.

Naturopathy is particularly useful where health conditions have been caused, or are made worse by dient, lifestyle and environmental factors such as pollution. Naturopathy aims to increase the resilience of an individual and strengthen the immune system. There are three basic principles of naturopathy;

• The body has a natural drive to maintain equilibrium, symptoms of disease are indications that the body is trying to heal itself.
• The root cause of all disease is the accumulation of waste products and toxins due to poor lifestyle habits.
• The body contains the wisdom and power to heal itself, provided treatment serves to enhance this power.