Are you thinking about seeing a naturopath but unsure what goes on?
It’s common to want to know more about who you are entrusting your health to. Our Newcastle Naturopaths are really passionate about what they do, and will happily answer all of your questions.
Here’s some common questions we are asked by our clients about Naturopathy and how our Newcastle naturopaths’ practice at CK health:
Where are you located?
Our wellness clinic is in a time-honoured converted cottage at 136 Glebe Rd Merewether, directly across the road from the Prince of Wales hotel. We have lots of signage, you can’t miss it!
Do you have parking?
We don’t have a client cark park, however, there is 2hr on street parking directly outside, including a disabled spot.
Can you do distance consultations?
Yes. We have clients from all over the world that we support using Telehealth. We can have phone or skype sessions with you.
Can I claim on my private health insurance?
Naturopathy has unfortunately, been removed from private health care by the Government, however, when we do nutritional medicine consultations, that may be covered. Check your fund and let us know so we can help you claim during these specific appointments.
Do you offer NDIS rebates?
We have worked with self managed NDIS funded clients, but we are not registered. If you are self managed, check what you are able to claim in terms of health and nutrition support.
How long will it take until I get better?
It is difficult to predict how you will respond to treatment. There are lots of factors that impact this question, like, is this an acute infection or chronic illness? Are there genetic factors influencing your health outcomes? How willing are you to change your diet and lifestyle and how compliant will you be with taking your supplements or prescribed changes? In general, we think an average of 5-6 appointments will have you on your way to feeling great. However, some people feel better after 2 visits, and a long-term illness may need long term support.
What actually happens in a session?
Over the course of our appointments we discuss your symptoms, case history, and dietary intake. We will look at all of your body systems and how they interact, looking for red flags for health issues, and assess your family history for predispositions.
Naturopathic medicine is more than just helping you with symptom relief; it is a system that aims to achieve optimal health by preventing illness and helping you feel your best.
Do I have to talk about my family history? What if I don’t know it?
The more details you can bring to the table, the better we are at putting the pieces of the puzzle together. You do not have to disclose anything you don’t feel comfortable talking about, however, by not letting us know areas of your health history, we may miss red flags that can help us treat you more effectively now. Of course, it’s not an expectation that you will tell us your deepest secrets! But if you have had a significant trauma or event you might want to say I have PTSD or trauma and I don’t wish to discuss it, and that’s ok. We are obligated to keep anything you tell us private. For people that are adopted or estranged from their family, we can look at gene testing for you to map out your gene snps and health predispositions.
How much will it cost?
The costs vary for your sessions, depending on what is prescribed to you. Our initial appointment generally costs you a little bit more, as we spend more time together, and you take home your treatment plan alongside what we have prescribed to you to help get your symptoms managed.
Ongoing, the costs tend to be less. To find out more, phone the clinic or book in for a free 20-minute assessment.
How are you qualified?
In Australia, the qualifications to be a naturopath have changed over time. When it was first introduced, it was a diploma qualification. Until recently you needed an advanced diploma, and in the past few years, a bachelor of naturopathy has been introduced and the teaching of the advanced diploma has been stopped.
Our Newcastle naturopaths are all highly qualified and have excellent reputations in their field. Senior naturopath, Cody, has since gone on to study a Bachelor of Medicines Management with Honours in Complementary Medicine.
Our Naturopaths also have special interests that they have done extra training in, including GAPS, IVF fertility and natural pregnancy support, children’s health, autoimmune disease and Lyme support.
What kinds of things do you treat?
There’s really not a lot of things that naturopaths can’t treat. We have wonderful remedies for acute illnesses like cold, flu, cough, and wound healing for injuries. We work wonders with skin conditions like eczema, acne, and hives. Gut health is a big focus- whether you have a diagnosed condition like ulcerative colitis or IBS, or just have tummy issues; we LOVE helping you improve your gut health.
Mental health is another big area that our Newcastle naturopaths can assist in, things like ASD, ADHD, anxiety, depression, OCD, and more. Children’s and adults mental health can be helped with natural medicine. We can work alongside your Doctor to help improve your symptoms.
Where naturopathy really shines is the chronic conditions. The things that you feel like you have tried everything for. Autoimmune conditions, Lyme disease, infertility.
Natural medicine can help you find underlying causes and bring them back to balance.
Should I see a naturopath instead of a doctor?
Natural medicine really should be seen as primary health care givers. However, we prefer to work alongside your doctor and help you optimise your health with the best support you can get.
Will you make me change my diet and lifestyle?
The short answer is YES. We most probably will. If you aren’t prepared to make these changes, then have a think about how prepared you are to live with your symptoms. Diet and lifestyle medicines are powerful. Diet can cause disease as well as reverse it.
We aim to help you optimise your health and really need you to be motivated to do that. We don’t expect you to do a complete overhaul in the first week! We are there to support you through any changes, and help you implement these changes for long term success.
If you have any more questions please contact our team and we can help you. We’d love to support your health, and recommend you book in for a free 20 minute assessment so we can learn all about you and how we can work to support you with your health goals.
