Naturopath

Introduction

Naturopaths treat the patient as a whole person and not just their symptoms. They believe that disease indicates an imbalance in the body. Naturopaths help their patients to correct this imbalance by changing their lifestyle.

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Work Activities

Naturopathic medicine is based on a belief that disease indicates an imbalance in the body. Naturopaths believe in the connection between the structural, biochemical and emotional components of the individual: "the Triad of Health". If one of these components is disrupted, then the body will become imbalanced and might experience ill health or disease. The imbalance could be chemical, mechanical (joints and muscles) and/or psychological.

Naturopathic medicine aims to promote health by regaining the balance in the body's systems. The naturopath treats the whole person and not just the symptoms; this is called a 'holistic' approach.

To make a diagnosis, naturopaths first talk to their patients. They find out about their general lifestyle and medical history as well as their symptoms. After this, the naturopath carries out a physical examination. Using notes from this consultation and the examination, the naturopath makes a diagnosis and starts treatment.

The treatments used by naturopaths include:
• giving advice about diet
• recommending fasting
• using osteopathic or chiropractic manipulation
• hydrotherapy (using water internally and externally)
• teaching the patient exercises and relaxation techniques.

The naturopath may use one, any or all of these treatments depending on the problem. With the emphasis on self-help, naturopaths teach the patient to take responsibility for their own well-being through healthy nutrition, fresh air, exercise and a positive attitude towards themselves.

Self-employed naturopaths may also have to deal with taking payment and handling their own appointment book.

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Personal Qualities and Skills

You need to be interested in the physical, mental and emotional condition of people. It is vital to have good communication skills to assist in diagnosing, treating and teaching patients.

Good listening skills, patience, a sympathetic manner and motivating skills are also important. Care, accuracy and sound judgement are needed when giving treatment.

It would also be useful if you have some commercial and business skills, as most naturopaths are self-employed.

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Pay and Opportunities

Earnings for naturopaths vary, depending on the number of clients they see.

The pay rates given below are approximate.

Self-employed naturopaths usually charge around £30 per half-hour session. Annual earnings can exceed £30,000 a year, depending on the success of the practice. However, earnings can be considerably less than these, especially when starting out.

Most practitioners are self-employed. They may choose their hours of work to suit their clients. Evening and weekend work is common and some naturopaths make home visits.

There may be opportunities to join an established practice.

Some naturopaths work from home, hire a room at a complementary therapy centre or establish their own treatment premises.

This is a small but expanding profession.

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Adult Opportunities

It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

If you don't have the usual academic qualifications for entry to their courses, the British College of Osteopathic Medicine will consider your application on its individual merit.

However, you will need to have proven ability in Biology and Chemistry at Higher standard. You could show this by having successfully completed an Access Course, eg, Access to Science, or by having the International Baccalaureate.

The General Council and Register of Naturopaths (GCRN) does not recognise part-time or distance learning courses. If you have taken such a course, the GCRN may assess your academic record against its criteria for registration.

• 61% of people in occupations such as naturopathy are self-employed.
• 55% work part-time.
• 8% have flexible hours.

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