Last Updated on 5 November 2024 by Brisbane Livewell Clinic
Understanding Naturopathic Medicine
Holistic Approach to Health
Naturopathic medicine focuses on treating the whole person, including mind, body, and spirit. This approach aims to heal the root causes of an illness rather than just addressing the symptoms. By looking at the interconnectedness of your physical, emotional, and mental health, naturopathic doctors strive to create a comprehensive treatment plan that addresses your overall well-being. Naturopathic medicine combines traditional treatments with some aspects of modern science. This integrative approach allows naturopathic doctors to use a variety of evidence-based natural therapies to support your health. These therapies can include clinical nutrition, botanical medicine, and behavioral interventions.Principles of Naturopathic Medicine
Naturopathic medicine is grounded in several key principles that guide the practice and ensure a holistic approach to health. Here are the main principles:- First Do No Harm (Primum Non Nocere): Naturopathic doctors prioritize safe and non-invasive treatments to minimize the risk of harm.
- The Healing Power of Nature (Vis Medicatrix Naturae): Trusting the body’s inherent ability to heal itself, naturopaths use natural therapies to support this process.
- Identify and Treat the Causes (Tolle Causam): Rather than merely treating symptoms, naturopathic medicine seeks to identify and address the underlying causes of illness.
- Doctor as Teacher (Docere): Naturopathic doctors educate patients about their health and empower them to take an active role in their healing journey.
- Treat the Whole Person: Naturopaths consider all aspects of a person’s health, including physical, emotional, mental, and social factors.
- Prevention: Emphasizing the importance of preventive care, naturopathic doctors work to prevent illness and promote long-term wellness.
Naturopathic Doctors and Anxiety
Naturopathic doctors are well-equipped to help you manage anxiety through a holistic approach. Let’s explore how they examine and assess patients and the treatment modalities they utilize.Patient Examination and Assessment
When you visit a naturopathic doctor for anxiety, the initial examination is thorough and detailed. Naturopathic doctors may spend 1 to 2 hours examining you, asking about your health history, stress levels, and lifestyle habits. This comprehensive approach ensures that they understand the full scope of your condition and can create a tailored treatment plan.Examination Components | Description |
---|---|
Health History | Detailed inquiry into past and present medical issues |
Stress Levels | Assessment of stressors and their impact on your life |
Lifestyle Habits | Evaluation of diet, exercise, sleep, and other daily routines |
Treatment Modalities
Naturopathic doctors utilize a variety of treatment modalities to help manage anxiety. These treatments are highly individualized and focus on treating the whole person, addressing the underlying causes of anxiety (Institute for Natural Medicine).- Behavioral Treatments and Mind-Body Medicine:
- Mindfulness
- Therapeutic exercise/yoga
- Biofeedback
- Progressive muscle relaxation
- Breath work
- Meditation
- Nutritional and Botanical Supplements:
- GABA
- L-theanine
- Passionflower
- Skullcap
- Hops
- Kava
- Lavender
- Ashwagandha
- Lithium orotate
- Magnesium
Naturopathic Treatments for Anxiety
When addressing anxiety through naturopathic means, a range of treatments can be employed to support your mental health and overall well-being. These treatments emphasize a holistic approach, focusing on natural remedies, lifestyle adjustments, and mind-body techniques.Herbal Remedies
Herbal remedies are frequently used in naturopathic medicine to alleviate anxiety symptoms. Some commonly recommended herbs include:- GABA: Helps to promote relaxation and reduce stress.
- L-theanine: Found in tea leaves, known for its calming effects.
- Passionflower: Used to reduce anxiety and improve sleep.
- Skullcap: Traditionally used for its calming properties.
- Kava: Effective for easing anxiety but should be used with caution due to potential liver toxicity.
- Lavender: Known for its soothing effects.
- Ashwagandha: An adaptogen that helps the body manage stress.
- Magnesium: Essential mineral that supports relaxation.
Herbal Remedy | Potential Benefits | Precautions |
---|---|---|
GABA | Promotes relaxation | Consult with a doctor |
L-theanine | Reduces stress | Safe in moderate amounts |
Passionflower | Improves sleep | May cause dizziness |
Skullcap | Calms the nerves | Avoid during pregnancy |
Kava | Eases anxiety | Potential liver toxicity |
Lavender | Soothes mind | Safe for most people |
Ashwagandha | Manages stress | May interact with thyroid meds |
Magnesium | Supports relaxation | Overuse can cause diarrhea |
Lifestyle Recommendations
Naturopathic doctors often recommend lifestyle changes to help manage anxiety. These changes can include:- Diet: Consuming a balanced diet rich in whole foods, vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, and healthy fats.
- Exercise: Regular physical activity, such as walking, swimming, or yoga, to boost mood and reduce stress.
- Sleep: Establishing a regular sleep schedule and ensuring adequate rest.
- Hydration: Drinking plenty of water throughout the day.
- Stress Management: Incorporating techniques like deep breathing, journaling, and setting boundaries to manage stress effectively.
Mind-Body Techniques
Mind-body techniques are a cornerstone of naturopathic anxiety medication. These methods focus on the connection between mental and physical health, aiming to reduce anxiety through practices that promote relaxation and mindfulness. Common techniques include:- Mindfulness: Staying present and fully engaging with the current moment.
- Therapeutic Exercise/Yoga: Combining physical movement with breath control to enhance mental clarity and reduce stress.
- Biofeedback: Using technology to gain awareness and control over physiological functions.
- Progressive Muscle Relaxation: Alternating tension and relaxation in different muscle groups to reduce physical tension.
- Breath Work: Focusing on deep, controlled breathing to calm the mind.
- Meditation: Practicing focused attention and relaxation to achieve mental clarity.
Benefits of Naturopathic Care
When dealing with anxiety, many individuals find that conventional treatments alone do not fully address their needs. Naturopathic care offers a unique approach that can complement traditional methods, providing comprehensive and personalized care.Individualized Therapies
Naturopathic doctors (NDs) provide highly individualized therapies tailored to your specific needs. They spend considerable time examining patients, often ranging from 1 to 2 hours, to understand your health history, stress levels, and lifestyle habits. This thorough examination allows NDs to create a customized health plan that includes education, prevention strategies, diet, exercise, stress management tips, and the use of complementary medicine like homeopathy, herbal medicine, and acupuncture. NDs utilize evidence-based nutritional and botanical supplements to treat anxiety. Commonly used supplements include GABA, L-theanine, passionflower, skullcap, hops, kava, lavender, ashwagandha, lithium rotate, and magnesium (Institute for Natural Medicine). These natural remedies can help manage anxiety symptoms effectively while minimizing side effects. For more information on the types of natural remedies used, you can explore our section on naturopathic medicine for anxiety.Addressing Underlying Causes
One of the significant advantages of naturopathic care is its focus on addressing the underlying causes of anxiety. NDs are trained to evaluate anxiety symptoms in the context of your lifestyle, behavior, and socio-cultural environment (Institute for Natural Medicine). By understanding these root causes, NDs can prescribe effective, evidence-based behavioral treatments and mind-body medicine techniques. Mind-body techniques commonly recommended by NDs include mindfulness, therapeutic exercise/yoga, biofeedback, progressive muscle relaxation, breath work, and meditation. These methods not only help in managing anxiety symptoms but also promote overall well-being. Research supports the effectiveness of naturopathic care in reducing anxiety symptoms. A randomized controlled trial conducted in Toronto, Canada, in 2006 found that naturopathic care led to a 56.5% decrease in anxiety symptoms compared to a 30.5% decrease in the standardized psychotherapy intervention group over a 12-week period (NCBI). The Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) scores significantly decreased in the naturopathic care group, highlighting its efficacy.Treatment Type | Anxiety Symptom Reduction (%) |
---|---|
Naturopathic Care | 56.5 |
Standardized Psychotherapy | 30.5 |
Naturopathic Therapies vs. Conventional Treatments
Comparing Approaches
When managing anxiety, there are distinct differences between conventional treatments and naturopathic anxiety medication. Conventional medicine often relies on prescription medications like SSRIs (e.g., Prozac, Lexapro) and benzodiazepines (e.g., Xanax, Ativan). While effective, these medications can cause unwanted side effects and dependency. In contrast, naturopathic doctors provide individualized therapies focusing on the root causes of anxiety. They utilize evidence-based nutritional and botanical supplements, including GABA, L-theanine, passionflower, skullcap, hops, kava, lavender, ashwagandha, lithium rotate, and magnesium (Institute for Natural Medicine). This holistic approach aims to balance the body and mind without the side effects associated with conventional medications.Treatment Type | Approach | Examples | Side Effects |
---|---|---|---|
Conventional | Prescription Medications | SSRIs, Benzodiazepines | Dependency, Drowsiness, Weight Gain |
Naturopathic | Nutritional & Botanical Supplements | GABA, L-theanine, Ashwagandha | Minimal, Natural |
Integrative Medicine Approach
Integrative medicine combines the strengths of both conventional and naturopathic therapies to provide comprehensive care. Naturopathic doctors are trained to evaluate anxiety symptoms in the context of an individual’s lifestyle, behavior, and socio-cultural environment. They can prescribe effective, evidence-based behavioral treatments and mind-body techniques such as mindfulness, therapeutic exercise/yoga, biofeedback, progressive muscle relaxation, breath work, and meditation (Institute for Natural Medicine). Research supports the efficacy of naturopathic care in reducing anxiety symptoms. A randomized controlled trial conducted in Toronto, Canada, demonstrated that naturopathic care led to a 56.5% decrease in anxiety symptoms, compared to a 30.5% decrease with standardized psychotherapy intervention. This highlights the potential benefits of an integrative approach. For those seeking a more holistic approach to managing anxiety, consulting with a naturopathic practitioner can provide a balanced and effective treatment plan. For further information, explore our resources on naturopathic remedies for insomnia and naturopathic detox.Research and Evidence
Studies on Naturopathic Treatments
Research supports the effectiveness of naturopathic treatments for anxiety. A notable study conducted in Toronto, Canada in 2006 compared naturopathic care to standardized psychotherapy over a 12-week period. Participants in the naturopathic group experienced a 56.5% decrease in anxiety symptoms, while those in the psychotherapy group saw a 30.5% decrease. The Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) scores significantly decreased in the naturopathic care group compared to the psychotherapy group (p = 0.003).Treatment Group | Anxiety Symptom Decrease (%) | BAI Score Improvement (p-value) |
---|---|---|
Naturopathic Care | 56.5% | 0.003 |
Psychotherapy | 30.5% | Not Significant |
Supportive Evidence for Naturopathic Medicine
The same study demonstrated that naturopathic treatment led to significant improvements in mental health, concentration, fatigue, social functioning, vitality, and overall quality of life compared to standardized psychotherapy. These findings suggest that naturopathic approaches not only alleviate anxiety but also enhance overall well-being. Another study highlighted the clinical benefits of naturopathic therapies. It involved a double-blind randomized controlled trial comparing a naturopathic therapy protocol including the herbal medicine Ashwagandha, dietary counseling, breathing relaxation techniques, and a standard multivitamin to a standardized psychotherapy intervention over 12 weeks. Results showed a highly significant advantage for the naturopathic therapy group in reducing anxiety symptoms.Study Element | Naturopathic Care Group | Psychotherapy Group |
---|---|---|
Herbal Medicine | Ashwagandha | Placebo |
Other Treatments | Dietary counseling, deep breathing relaxation techniques, multi-vitamin | Psychotherapy, matched breathing relaxation techniques |
Our Amazing Naturopaths at Brisbane Livewell Clinic
Shella Hall (Sunshine Coast and online)
Amy Angus (Wavell Heights and online)
Jen Strachan (Cannon Hill and online)
Nicole Odlum (Wavell Heights and online)
Dominique Johanson (Wavell Heights and online)
Locations We Service – Naturopathy
Naturopath Caloundra
Naturopath Wavell Heights
Naturopath Cannon Hill
Naturopath Sunshine Coast
Naturopath Brisbane Northside
Naturopath Brisbane
Naturopaths Brisbane
Brisbane Naturopaths
Naturopathy Brisbane
Best Naturopaths Near Me
Best Naturopath Near Me
Relevant Naturopath links
Why You May Wish to Consult a Naturopath
Gut Health
- Gut Health
- Solving Gut Issues by Treating SIBO
- Daily Ritual Gut Health
- 6 Digestive Problems that Cause Weight Gain
- How Stool Testing Helps IBS Sufferers Part 1: Digestive Markers
- How Stool Testing Helps IBS Sufferers Part 2: Microbial Markers
- Gut Health with Parasite Cleanse
- Natural Parasite Cleanse Australia
- The Gut-Brain Connection to Mental Health
- The Gut-Brain Connection: How to Feed Your Brain
- Controlling Constipation and Bloating
- How Stool Testing Helps Find the Causes of IBS and Other Digestive Health Problems
- Gut Health Brisbane
- Gut Health Specialist Brisbane
Hormone Health and Thyroid Issues
- Hormonal Health and Thyroid Issues
- PCOS and the Insulin Connection
- Identifying Insulin Resistance
- Looking at Luteal Phase Deficiency
- Experiencing Painful Periods? Here’s What Might Be Causing It
- When You Suspect You Have Thyroid Issues
- Subclinical Hypothyroidism: When You Suspect You Have a Thyroid Issue
- Thyroid Disorders from a Naturopathic Aspect
- Thyroid Health for the Winter Months
- Thyroid Disease: A Brief Guide to Common Disorders
- Naturopathic Thyroid Specialist Near Me
- Hyperthyroidism
- Hypothyroidism and Hashimoto’s
- Thyroid
- Hyperthyroidism and Graves’ Disease
Detox and Cleansing
- Heavy Metal Toxicity: Strategies for Detoxing
- Detoxing Your Lifestyle, Not Just Your Body
- Naturopathic Detox Cleanse
- Naturopath Detox
- Do I Need a Heavy Metal Detox?
- Heavy Metal Detox Australia
Insomnia and Sleep Health
- Save Your Sleep with What You Eat
- Insomnia Linked to Mineral Deficiency
- Solving Insomnia: Naturopathy’s Five-Step Solution
- 5 Ways Insomnia Can Affect Your Life and What You Can Do About It
- Natural Treatment for Insomnia
- Naturopathic Remedies for Insomnia
Autoimmune Conditions
Mental Health
- The Gut-Brain Connection to Mental Health
- The Gut-Brain Connection: How to Feed Your Brain
- Treating Depression with Naturopathy: What You Should Consider
- A Naturopath’s Guide to Improving Mental Health
- Naturopathic Anxiety Medication
- Naturopath Anxiety
- Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD): How a Naturopath Helps
Women’s Health
- Women’s Health
- Hormonal Imbalance
- Naturopath Women’s Health
- Women’s Health Week: It’s All About Women’s Wellness and Wellbeing
- Treating Vaginal Thrush the Natural Way
- The Lowdown on Low Libido
- Regulating Menstrual Cycles with Chaste Tree
- Painful Periods and Naturopathy
- Preventing Post-Pill Acne
Fertility and Pregnancy
- Pregnancy
- Pre-Pregnancy Fertility Care with Naturopathic Nutrition
- Fertility Naturopath Brisbane
- Acupuncture and Naturopathy for Pre-Conception Care
- Pregnancy Care and Naturopathy
- Maximising Nutrition Before and During Pregnancy
- Getting Quality Sleep in the 3rd Trimester of Pregnancy
- Pregnancy Wellbeing and Naturopathy are Great Partners
- Naturopathy for the Management of Constipation During Pregnancy
- Prenatal Naturopath
- Postpartum Depression and Anxiety
- Keeping Calm About Colic
Men’s Health
- Men’s Health
- The Sperm Health Decline
- Better Prostate Health with Natural Medicine
- Naturopathy and Men’s Health
- Support Your Thyroid Health Naturally
DNA Testing
- DNA Testing & Personalised Medicine
- DNA Testing Brisbane
- DNA Testing Brisbane, Australia
- Methylation Test Near Me
- Testing Functional Medicine
- Genetic Methylation Test Brisbane
- DUTCH Test Providers Near Me
Leaky Gut Syndrome
Food Intolerances and Allergies
- 7 Useful Strategies for Overcoming Food Intolerance
- Hayfever and the Gastrointestinal Immune System
- Food Intolerance, Hypersensitivity, and Allergies Explained
- Everything You Need to Know About Food Intolerance
- Food Allergy Testing Near Me
- Food Intolerance Testing Brisbane
- Food Allergy Testing
- Food Intolerance Testing
- Food Intolerance Testing Package
Weight Loss
- Naturopathy for Weight Loss
- Natural Weight Loss for Summer
- A Naturopathic Approach to Achieving an Ideal and Healthy Weight
- Intermittent Fasting: A Naturopath’s Guide to Success
- Weight Loss Naturopath
- Kick-Start Weight Loss: 5 Science-Backed Tips
- Combining Therapies for a Healthy Weight
- Naturopath’s Weight Loss Programme
Nutrition and Mineral Deficiencies
- Nutrition and Naturopathy: Healthy Diet
- Optimising Nutrition for Skin Health
- The Seriousness of Sugar
- The Importance of Mindfulness and Meditation in Natural Medicine
- Nutrition Deficiency: Visible Body Look Signs
- Helping Cardiovascular Disease in Women
- Sports Nutrition and Your Ideal Protein Requirements
- Creating a Healthy Diet for Good Health and Wellbeing
- Maximising Nutrition Before and During Pregnancy
- Nutrition and Naturopathy: Healthy Diet
- Combining Therapies for a Healthy Weight
- Intermittent Fasting: A Naturopath’s Guide to Success
- Iron Deficiency and Anaemia: When Things Go from Bad to Worse
- Naturopathic Medicine: What You Need to Know
- National Herbal Medicine Week
- The Role of Nutrition and Naturopathy in Wellbeing
Parasites
- Natural Parasite Cleanse Australia
- Parasites from Traveling
- Natural Treatments for Those Pesky Parasites
- Clean Your Body of Parasites
- Parasite Cleanse
External References
Naturopathic Care for Anxiety: A Randomised Controlled Trial PLOS ONE
Global Naturopathy Research as Reflected by Scopus (2000–2019) – Emerald Insight
Selenium and Naturopathic Treatment of Hashimoto’s Disease – PubMed
Global Strategy for Traditional and Complementary Medicine – World Health Organization (WHO)
Naturopathy for Mental Health: Approaches to Anxiety and Depression – Journal of Integrative Medicine
Naturopathic Research Resources – World Naturopathic Federation
World Naturopathic Federation – Naturopathic Research Resources
BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies – Overview of International Naturopathic Practice and Patient Characteristics
National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) – Evidence-Based Naturopathy for Chronic Disease Management
Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine – Naturopathic Research Capacity in Clinical Practice
PubMed – Clinical Evidence for Selenium and Naturopathic Treatment of Hashimoto’s Disease
World Health Organization (WHO) – Traditional and Complementary Medicine Strategy
Journal of Integrative Medicine – Naturopathic Approaches to Anxiety and Depression
National University of Health Sciences – Resources for Naturopathic Research
Cambridge Media Journals – Naturopathy in Clinical Practice Guidelines
The American Journal of Medicine – The Integration of Naturopathy in Chronic Disease Management
External Resources
– National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH)
– Australian Government: Department of Health
– World Health Organization (WHO) – Traditional Medicine
– National Institutes of Health (NIH) – MedlinePlus: Complementary and Integrative Medicine
– Australian Research Centre in Complementary and Integrative Medicine (ARCCIM)
– British Medical Journal (BMJ) Complementary Medicine
– Australian Traditional-Medicine Society (ATMS)
– University of Sydney – Complementary Medicine Research
– Australian College of Natural Medicine
– Natural and Traditional Medicine Program at the Australian National University