(3) Techniques
Overview of Naturopathic Interventions
I trained full time for four year in Medical Herbalism, Massage and Aromatherapy. I am also a Reiki teacher and have pursued many ongoing trainings since graduating. In particular I now draw heavily on the meridian system as used in Traditional Chinese Medicine to help people interpret experiences within their bodies.
Below is a brief overview of the various techniques we may call upon:
(1) Herbs
Herbs in the form of tea, essence or tincture are core to much of the work I do. There are herbs that can have strong, immediate effects, but I find that gentle approaches create the most sustained and long term results. I am fully trained in issues of herbal safety and herb-drug interaction and am a member of NIMH. My work in developing the Insight Herbalism qualification guides me in helping you deepen your own relationship with any plants we work with.
(2) Bodywork, Breath and Body awareness
With over 15 years experience in bodywork (massage, aromatherapy, reiki) I have learnt how to help people listen more closely to their own bodies. I would far rather you are guided by your own body that told by me what I think you need! The sensitivity and skill for listening to your body can take a while to develop, and I am experienced in guiding people into this ability to listen. You will be surprised at quite how much more you can understand about your health when you are able to listen deeply. Often during a session I will spend the first half helping your body relax and the second half guiding you into a deeper relationship with it.
For some personal thoughts on the nature of healing see this link
(3) Diet
Diet is very important to any naturopathic work and was a significant theme throughout my training in Medical Herbalism. When exploring your diet, I am particularly interested in discerning food that truly brings nutrition to your body and food that is eaten out of habit. Few of us have learnt how to really listen to our body’s needs and respond to them, but this skill is a foundation for a good diet.
(4) Mindfulness
Every one of the practices above requires a development of mindfulness. This is the ability to witness yourself, your thoughts, your feelings and your body, without reacting or responding. Anyone who has started exploring a path of meditation (my own path is very much based on Buddhism) will know what a challenge it is to develop true equanimity and heart centred awareness. I enjoy sharing my experience of this practice with people and helping guide them deeper into it themselves.