There is much more to becoming a Naturopath than just “do this course”. (Although if you are looking for a course we can help!)
People of any ages, stages and walks of life can study to become a Naturopath.
If you are still at school and have decided on a career in naturopathy, select relevant subjects e.g. Health, Food Tech, Sciences (Biology and possibly Chemistry) and P.E.
If you aren’t a young, budding high school student don’t be scared away! These subjects are helpful but by no means necessary before you study.
Why Become a Naturopath?
People often become a Naturopath after experiencing their own (or a family member’s) health issues. This is their WHY.
Do you:
- have a desire to help people become healthier and the best version of themselves?
- want to educate people on how to live a healthier life?
- always choose the natural option e.g. natural foods or natural medicines?
- want to share your knowledge to inspire and motivate others?
- love herbs and maybe grow your own herbs and vegetables?
- believe in a holistic approach in medicine for health and wellbeing?
Are you:
- naturally inclined to eat SLOW (Seasonal, Local, Organic, Whole)?
This is the career for you!
Being a Naturopath is a satisfying and rewarding career which allows the flexibility of being your own boss and working on your own terms – for some people this is a full-time career but for others it is part-time, alongside being a parent and juggling all of the other commitments that life throws at us.
What’s YOUR WHY?
Naturopath vs. Doctor
The main difference between a Naturopath and a Medical Doctor is that Naturopaths look at the body as a whole and treat the underlying cause, while Doctors treat the symptoms.
Naturopaths believe that the body has the inherent wisdom to heal itself, with the support of Nutrition, Herbal Medicine and lifestyle practices – Doctors rely on synthetic medications to mask the symptoms of a disease.
Of course, there is a time and place for Western Medicine during emergencies. However, the majority of our modern diseases are the result of poor diet and lifestyle choices e.g. obesity, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and some cancers.
Top Tips
- Work part time in the industry at a heath/organic food store. Or even as a receptionist/admin assistant in a clinic, working for a Naturopath. This allows you to utilise your knowledge in a practical way, while you are learning before stepping out into the big, wide world.
- Expand your knowledge as much as possible. Read books, blogs, articles in the media, and attend all of the seminars and short courses that you can. Even when you graduate, never stop learning.
- Start a blog and social media, even when you are a student. This will all add up to create a website full of articles once you graduate. You may even gain potential clients along the way, who follow your journey and book in for a consultation with you upon graduation.
- Practise what you preach. Live and breathe health and wellness until it oozes out of you. Be a role model to your clients. Your clients will sense if you are passionate or faking it.
Past and Future Medicine
Naturopathic Medicine is past and future medicine.
The public are becoming more and more aware of health through the news and media. With the increasing concerns of side effects from drugs and antibiotic resistance, getting back to nature and natural remedies is more important now than ever.
“Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food” Hippocrates, the Ancient Greek “Father of Medicine”.
The 6 Naturopathic Principles
- The healing power of nature – trust in the body’s inherent wisdom to heal itself
- Identify and treat the causes – look beyond the symptoms to the underlying cause
- First do no harm – utilise the most natural, least invasive and least toxic therapies
- Doctor as teacher – educate patients in the steps to achieving and maintaining health
- Treat the whole person – view the body as an integrated whole in all its physical and spiritual dimensions
- Prevention – focus on overall health, wellness and disease prevention
This article was written by Olivia Kennedy – Tutor, Level 5 and 7
