Frequently Asked Questions
What is a naturopath?
The term naturopath is used to represent practitioners who are guided by a set of naturopathic principles. These principles emphasise the healing power of nature and the body's innate healing potential.
Naturopaths can utilise a range of different sub-modalities. In my clinic, this includes: nutritional advice, lifestyle advice (e.g. exercise, stress management), herbal remedies, mineral therapy and nutritional supplements.
What is a registered naturopath?
In New Zealand, registration for naturopaths is voluntary.
Naturopaths & Medical Herbalists of New Zealand (Inc) is a self-governing society for registered naturopaths working in New Zealand. Members of the society are required to meet and uphold professional standards such as training and education (including ongoing education), working within a scope of practice and following a Code of Conduct.
How long will it take to feel better?
This is always a difficult question to answer because everyone's situation is unique.
Some people may notice improvements quite quickly, while for others it might take a bit longer. Regardless, I'm always looking for signs early on that indicate we're on the right track.
What is herbal medicine?
Herbal medicine is the use of herbs (plants) for therapeutic benefit - a practice that has been around for thousands of years. The most common forms of herbal medicine are: tablets, capsules, liquids (usually in an alcohol base) and infusions (strong tea). Topical applications such as creams, oils and balms are also widely available.
Traditionally the efficacy of herbs was discovered through the simple method of observing the therapeutic benefit when the herb was either taken internally or applied topically. Over time this collective knowledge has formed a body of empirical data, which we now commonly refer to as 'traditional knowledge'.
In more modern times, some of this empirical knowledge has been investigated and/or validated by scientific research and has contributed valuable information towards the understanding of how certain herbs may exert their therapeutic effects.
What is the difference between menopause, peri-menopause and post-menopause?
The term menopause is used to define the specific point in time when your menstrual cycles end. This is usually confirmed retrospectively - 12 months after your last menstrual period.
Peri-menopause encompasses the years leading up to menopause. This is when you may notice changes in your menstrual cycle (often becoming irregular and unpredictable) and symptoms associated with menopause such as hot flushes, sleep disturbances or changes in mood.
Post-menopause begins immediately after menopause and describes the phase in your life when you are no longer menstruating.
For more information see: Is This Menopause?
What supplements do you supply?
I have access to a wide range of high-quality supplements and each supplement I recommend is selected based on your individual requirements.
Many of the supplements I use are 'practitioner-only', which means they can only be provided after a consultation (i.e. they are not available via usual retail channels).
However I do sometimes recommend high-quality retail supplements.
How do I order more supplements?
Most supplements can easily be re-ordered online. Payment can be made via credit card or direct debit and delivery within the Auckland region is usually within two business days*.
* allow an extra one to two days for rural delivery.
How do I book an online consultation?
If you'd like to have your follow-up consultation online, please let me know at the time of booking.
When I email you your appointment confirmation, I will include a link to my online virtual waiting room. Then at your scheduled appointment time, all you need to do is click on the link and enter your name to check in. When I see that you have arrived in the virtual waiting room, I will begin our video call.
What software is required for online consultations?
I use a secure telemedicine platform (called Doxy.me) for all online consultations. Doxy.me has been specifically developed for online healthcare consultations and is very simple to use. There is no need to download an app or any special software and you don't even need to create a user account.
You can connect using your desktop computer (if it has a camera and a microphone), laptop, tablet or smartphone.
Supported devices include: PC/Mac (using Chrome, Firefox or Safari), Android (using Chrome) and iOS (using Safari). If you're not sure if you have a supported device, please let me know at the time of booking your appointment and I can confirm this for you.