What is it?
Naturopathy focuses on the foods you eat, and your individual health, wellbeing and nutrition needs.
Key concepts
- Good health depends on the connection between the mind, body and spirit.
- The body has the ability to heal.
- Based on 6 principles:
- use the healing power of nature
- find and treat the causes
- first do no harm
- doctor as teacher
- treat the whole person
- focus on prevention.
What to expect
After asking about your health, a naturopath may suggest:
- changes to your diet
- more time in nature (e.g. water and sunlight)
- massage or exercise
- lifestyle changes
- counselling
- herbal or nutritional remedies.
A naturopathic nutritionist gives advice on diet using nutrient-rich whole foods. They recommend avoiding artificial flavours, chemicals and other additives. You may be prescribed specific herbs or supplements.
What is the evidence?
Clinical evidence supports the use of a healthy diet for good health. Learn more about eating well during cancer.
Meditation and Relaxation Podcast
Listen to more of our meditation and relaxation podcast for people affected by cancer
Key resource
Download a PDF booklet on this topic.
More resources
A/Prof Geraldine McDonald, Director Patient Experience and Wellbeing, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, VIC; Laura Carman, 13 11 20 Consultant, Cancer Council Victoria; A/Prof Christine Carrington, Senior Consultant Pharmacist Cancer Services, Princess Alexandra Hospital and Metro South Health and The University of Queensland, QLD; Kellie Giannarelli, Consumer; Dr Suzanne Grant, Senior Research Fellow, Integrative Oncology, NICM Health Research Institute, Chris O’Brien Lifehouse, NSW; Vivienne Hansen, Bush and Western Herbal Medicine Practitioner, WA; Karla Jaji, Administration Officer, Nepean Cancer and Wellness Centre, NSW; Dr Laura Kirsten, Senior Clinical Psychologist, Nepean Cancer Services, Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District, NSW; A/Prof Judith Lacey, Director of Supportive Care and Integrative Oncology, Chris O’Brien Lifehouse, NSW; Adjunct Professor Danforn Lim, Western Sydney University and University of Technology Sydney, NSW; Dr David Mizrahi, Senior Research Fellow and Accredited Exercise Physiologist, The Daffodil Centre, University of Sydney and Cancer Council NSW; Professor Avni Sali AM, Founder and Director, National Institute of Integrative Medicine, VIC; Gillian Thompson, Consumer; A/Prof Kate Webber, Medical Oncologist, Monash Health, VIC; Tanya Wells, Integrative Oncology Consultant and Naturopath, Melbourne Integrative Oncology Group, VIC; Prof Kate White, Professor Cancer Nursing, Cancer Care Research Unit, The Daffodil Centre, University of Sydney and Cancer Council NSW.
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