Q. How would you describe Naturopathy to someone that has not come across the practice before?
A. Naturopathy is an umbrella term that describes a person who practices a number of forms of natural medicine.
These are Herbal Medicine, Homeopathy, Nutrition, Iridology, and possibly some form of Bodywork such as massage.
Herbal Medicine, Homeopathic Remedies, Vitamins, Minerals, Supplements, Diet & Lifestyle and, if required, forms of emotional counselling are all used.

Q. What part do herbs play in Naturopathy and how can herbs work in conjunction with other forms of natural medicine?
A. Herbal Medicine plays a big role in a Naturopathic Treatment. It is possible to treat a number of different problems in the same bottle of herbal medicine. A Herbalist will look at the case history that has been taken, assess what is the top priority to treat, check this with the patient, and then choose a number of different herbal remedies to combine in to the one treatment.
If,for example, a patient has constipation, sinus problems and is lacking in energy, a number of different herbal remedies would be combined in to one bottle and the patient would be given dietary advice to increase fibre and recommended to by a bottle of B Complex.

Q. What would be the most common reasons why someone decides to visit a Naturopath?
A. People consult Naturopaths for chronic conditions. Conditions that orthodox medicine can’t help. Things like lack of energy, period problems, allergies, sinus, aches and pains, constipation, irritable bowel to name a few.

Q. If someone comes to see you, say for a lack of energy, how do ascertain which route within Naturopathy to take?
A. By taking a case history and assessing what is the most important cause of this condition and treating accordingly.

Q.You also have an interest in children. What symptoms prompt parents to bring their children to see a Naturopath?
A. Usually conditions such as eczema, allergies, food intolerances, teething.

Q. Could you recommend which natural & herbal medicine alleviates some of the following ‘common’ conditions:
A.

Q. How long does it take to be fully qualified and what are the key subjects?
A. Most courses are three or four years. The student covers all medical science subjects as well as herbal medicine, homeopathy, nutrition, counseling and iridology.

Q. What career options are available at the ACNT if someone has an interest in Naturopathy? Is there a taster course and do you run courses part-time for those who can not dedicate to full-time to study?
A. We provide courses face to face, by distance, and by flexible delivery.

Q. What options are there for overseas students who wish to study at the ACNT?
A. ACNT accepts international students in to a large number of courses.

Q. Is there a recognized body for Naturopaths in Australia and worldwide?
A. There are a number, but Australian Traditional Medicine Society is the biggest (www.atms.com.au). All of our (ACNT) courses are accredited with this professional body.

Q. Some people know from a very early age the career path they will follow. Was this the case for you with naturopathy?
A. No. While I was at home with small children I looked around for something I could train for, something I thought I would really enjoy. This is what brought me to Naturopathy.
Being a Naturopath is an extremely rewarding career. There is great pleasure in showing the path back to health to patients and experiencing with them the empowerment they gain from a return to health through their choices and actions.

Q. How do you adopt Naturopathic practices in your daily routine?
A. Basic Naturopathic principles are those of a healthy lifestyle. I believe in practicing what I preach in eating healthy fresh food and try to keep stress down to a minimum.


For more information on Alison Johnson visit www.alisonjohnson.com.au
And for courses at the Australasian College of Natural Therapies visit www.acnt.edu.au

Thank you Alison for taking part in the web interview!

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