What Guides Naturopathy —And What You Can Expect From Your Care

with Jacqueline Stenhouse, Naturopath, Nutritionist & Iridologist

Since writing my first article on natural health and seeing so many wonderful clients in the Donnybrook-Balingup region, this edition is about clarity — understanding the principles behind naturopathy and what to genuinely expect when working with a qualified practitioner. These foundations ensure your care is safe, thoughtful, and tailored, helping you make confident decisions about your health.

The Naturopathic Principles – What Natural Health Professionals Follow

First, Do No HarmThis is one of the most important principles in naturopathy — and one people often misunderstand.

Natural therapies are generally gentle, but “natural” doesn’t automatically mean suitable for everyone. A qualified naturopath carefully assesses:

·         medications you’re taking

·         your medical history

·         potential drug–herbal or drug–nutrient interactions

·         appropriate dosing

·         whether a remedy is right for you now

Safety is never assumed — it’s deliberately considered. Your practitioner’s priority is choosing the safest path for your individual situation.

Other Naturopathic Principles

To keep it simple, here’s a snapshot:

·         The Healing Power of Nature: Your body can repair and rebalance when properly supported.

·         Identify and Treat the Cause: Symptoms signal why something is happening.

·         Treat the Whole Person: Sleep, diet, history, lifestyle, stress, hormones — all matter.

·         Doctor as Teacher: Knowledge empowers lasting health change.

·         Prevention: Supporting your health now helps reduce future issues.

What a Naturopath Can Do

Naturopathy is structured, personalised, and collaborative. Here’s what working with a qualified naturopath typically involves:

Comprehensive Health Assessments

Appointments take time. Your practitioner listens, investigates, and builds a full understanding of your health story.

Nutrition and Dietary Guidance

Food choices influence energy, digestion, hormones, mood, and resilience. Plans are tailored — not copied from trends.

Herbal and Nutritional Support

Practitioner-grade herbs and nutrients are used carefully, based on your unique needs and the “First, Do No Harm” principle.

Lifestyle Recommendations

Sleep, stress, movement, and daily routines all affect wellbeing. Suggestions are practical and achievable.

Functional Testing and Interpretation

Your practitioner may refer for pathology or functional tests (digestive stool analysis, hair mineral tissue analysis, etc.) and explain results in the context of your broader health picture.

Long-Term Health Planning

Naturopathy focuses on steady, meaningful progress. Plans evolve with you.

What Naturopathy Can’t Do

Honesty about limitations is essential. Naturopathy cannot:

· Provide an Immediate Fix: Change occurs gradually; long-term symptoms rarely resolve in days.

· Override a Body Asking for Attention: Symptoms signal underlying issues, not inconveniences to silence.

· Replace Urgent Medical Care: Acute illness, serious pain, or rapidly changing symptoms require conventional medical attention.

·  Work Without Your Participation: Results reflect your involvement. Small, consistent changes matter most.

·    Ignore Safety for Speed: Overnight results are unlikely to be safe or naturopathic.

·  Prescribe Substances That Interact with Medication: Qualified practitioners avoid herbs or nutrients that interfere with medications, adjusting plans to fully support your health. This is part of “First, Do No Harm.”

Putting It All Together

Naturopathy isn’t about quick fixes or one-size-fits-all plans. It’s about understanding your body, supporting its natural processes, and making safe, personalised decisions that create lasting change.

Jacqueline Stenhouse, qualified Naturopath, Nutritionist, and internationally certified Iridologist from The Healthy Alternative, offers iridology consults and natural health advice in Donnybrook at her home clinic and supports Balingup, Stratham, Bridgetown & Collie with visits and workshops.

Contact her on 0428 921656 to book an appointment.