What is Naturopathy?

Naturopathy is a distinctive form of holistic healthcare, rooted in traditional philosophies and offering a wide range of natural treatment options. While the United States is considered the birthplace of modern naturopathy, its foundational principles trace back to Europe in the 16th and 17th centuries.

Naturopaths and herbalists focus on treating each person as an individual, aiming to address the root cause of illness, not just the symptoms. During a consultation, your practitioner will take a comprehensive look at your health concerns, considering every aspect of your well-being. Diagnostic testing may be recommended if necessary, and treatment plans often include nutritional guidance, lifestyle adjustments, and mental health support. As Nurture Point is affiliated with the NHAA, we take a special interest in practicing Western Herbal Medicine, using a variety of plant-based remedies to support healing and wellness, applying the principles of the Naturopathic Therapeutic Order.

The Therapeutic Order is a framework that guides the application of naturopathic principles, grounded in the belief that the human body has a natural ability to heal itself. It emphasizes using the gentlest and least invasive treatments necessary to achieve safe, lasting health and well-being. This model outlines the ideal sequence of therapeutic interventions to maximize patient benefit while minimizing potential risks. Naturopathic care is always tailored to the individual, focusing on what is best for the patient at any given time.

The concept of the Therapeutic Order was initially developed by naturopathic physicians Drs. Jared Zeff and Pamela Snider. Dr. Zeff introduced the "Hierarchy of Healing" in his influential 1997 article, “The Process of Healing – A Unifying Theory of Naturopathic Medicine.” In 1998, Drs. Snider and Zeff expanded the four-part model into the seven-step Therapeutic Order. It has since been refined through further research and publications, serving as a core tool for naturopathic physicians in prioritising and personalising treatment.

The Therapeutic Order is structured from the least to the most invasive interventions, addressing health from the inside out. It begins with broad strategies and progresses to more specific and targeted therapies as needed to restore balance and vitality. The seven steps are designed to be flexible, allowing the practitioner to adapt the approach to each patient's unique circumstances.

Below are the seven stages of the Therapeutic Order:

1 Remove Obstacles to Health

2. Stimulate the body’s self-healing mechanisms

3. Strengthen Weakened or Damaged Systems

4. Correct Structural Integrity

5. Use Natural Therapies to Address Pathology and Symptoms

6. Use High Force, Invasive Therapies to Suppress Pathology (i.e. refer)

What is Western Herbal Medicine?

Throughout history, people have relied on the healing properties of plants to support their health and well-being.

Nurture Point naturopaths use potent plant-based compounds to influence the body’s natural functions. A qualified herbalist can create a personalised blend of medicinal-grade herbs in liquid form or provide high-quality, compounded herbal products tailored to your needs.

Western Herbal Medicine in Australia has roots that go back to the arrival of the First Fleet, which brought European plants to cultivate in the garden of the first colonial hospital. This tradition originates from European herbal practices and plants.

Although Western Herbal Medicine has a European foundation that arrived with colonisation, Nurture Point recognises and respects the rich heritage of traditional herbal practices among Australia's First Nations. We honour the deep, enduring connection to the land held by Indigenous Australians and their extensive knowledge of the native flora and fauna.

The herbal medicines used by Nurture Point practitioners are regulated by the Therapeutic Goods Administration to ensure safety and quality.