What Is Naturopathy? An Interview By Jane Thurnell-Read

Naturopathy sounds like something to do with nature, but what exactly is it? I decided to ask Dilys Gannon-Bone. Dilys sits on the Naturopathic Council and is the chair of the Colonic Association. She practices in London, and is also starting to practice in Exeter, UK.

Dilys told me: "I came to naturopathy as a result of a life threatening illness (cancer) that happened over 12 years ago. I have worked with Dr Paul in the US now for many years, and he is approaching 99 this year, looking 60 and feeling great and moving as if he were a man much younger than he is. He too had liver cancer and a brain tumour at the age of 50+ and set about finding out why. He is making a study of longevity, and I think of all the people who talk about it (who incidentally have not reached 60), then he is an example of what can be done." Dilys energy and enthusiasm at 71 is a testimonial both to her and to the power of naturopathy, so she is an ideal person to explain about this interesting therapy.

What is naturopathy?

"I wish I could define it completely to you. Even the Naturopathic Council have had difficulties in defining what constitutes a Naturopath. Most of the naturopaths are a mixture of several different disciplines which they include in their diagnostic work.

"Fundamentally we believe that the body is able to heal itself given the right set of tools as well as helping people to realize that their lifestyle may be responsible for their illness. A naturopath uses nutrition (dietary changes and supplements) and may be trained in such disciplines as iridology, kinesiology, herbal medicine, colonic irrigation, osteopathy, cranial osteopathy, and chiropractics. Some naturopaths have also studied homoeopathy or other therapies and will include these in their treatments. Can you see why it is so difficult to define naturopathy?"

Who can benefit from it?

"Everyone! If only people would do a regular health check with a naturopath, then many of the illnesses would not become as chronic as we are seeing today. Problems such as IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), ME (post viral syndrome), multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases would not be as serious as they are if we could recommend proper nutrition and supplementation before the chronic stage. The majority of people come to a naturopath as a last resort when all else has failed, rather than looking at the natural procedures which could help them.

"As part of my logo I have the words by Father Sebastian Kneipp which say:

Those who do not find some time every day for health must sacrifice a lot of time one day for illness.

"Illness takes time to reach the symptom stage and often there have been several minor indications on the way, but we are taught to ignore these and define any action to do with self as being selfish. Taking preventative steps in maintaining good health is easier than trying to recover that lost vitality. A vitality that may be lost for ever, if we do not cherish and nourish it by taking some simple precautions. "

What happens in a typical session?

"Because different naturopaths have different skills, there isn't really a typical session. I usually start by talking to the person at length, after they have filled out a 5-page questionnaire. Many naturopaths will concentrate on the physical body, but I feel it is important to concentrate on both the physical and the emotional issues. Whatever skills they have, the naturopath will normally use some sort of diagnostic system (for the want of a better word) - they may use laboratory tests, iridology or kinesiology. I use kinesiology in my work as it helps me to define what the body really requires.

"Usually the client will go away with advice about diet, food sensitivities, and supplements which may include herbal and homoeopathic medication. In addition I may advise them to use enemas, or have colonic hydrotherapy."

How often is naturopathy needed?

"Initially, it may be once a month, but if the person is seriously ill it may be once a week or every two weeks to start with. They may need to make some big life changes, so it is important for the naturopath to support them while that's happening."

How many sessions will be required?

"Normally I would expect most clients to be on a maintenance programme within 5 to 6 sessions, but it may take longer - it varies a lot from one person to another. Unfortunately, many people want quick results, and don't want to take responsibility for their problems, so when it doesn't work immediately they just give up."

How can a good naturopath be found?

"Recommendation is obviously a good start, but really the question is 'What constitutes a good naturopath for you?' Some people are drawn to naturopaths who look at illness only from a physical point of view and may be use lab tests and colonic irrigation; whereas others prefer a naturopath who includes the emotional aspects along with the physical. The UK Naturopathic Council is currently reviewing training and is looking to make it more holistic and less akin to the medical model of illness. The important thing is that the client and naturopath have a good rapport and can work together to make the necessary changes in the client's life that will bring about a return to good health and healing."

Click here to email Dilys, or click here to visits her web site.

Here some naturopathic associations. Click on the name to get directed to that association's web site:

The American Association of Naturopathic Physicians

Association of Naturopathic Practitioners (UK & Ireland)

Australian Naturopathic Association

The British Naturopathic Association

Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors

or check out our therapist listing to find a naturopath.