A Naturopathic Understanding of Weight Management.
Does one size fit all? Certainly not, we are all shapes & sizes, maintaining, losing or gaining weight for very different complex reasons. Naturopathic weight management assesses a person’s whole health profile including; their physical health and nutritional intake, exercise or activity levels, as well as, psycho-emotional and spiritual health. The client’s case is then managed efficiently and gently by treatments and medicines. It is not about fad diets or quick fixes. However, a short program is possible if you need to lose a few kilos.
A Weight Management Protocol falls into my clinical theory of clients’ needs. Often their requirements are one or a combination of the following:
- Cleansing and detoxification.
- Building up, repair and fortifying.
- Maintenance, balancing, encouragement and education.
Assessment of weight management
A) Cleansing and Detoxifying
- Ascertain body fat excess, stored toxic by-products or fluid.
- Exercise or activity, pH, pain, restriction, limitation or inertia.
- Diet summary including; food, junk, sugar or cravings.
- Health issues and illness; understanding the client’s blood pathology, such as lipid (fats) levels, inflammation, infections or parasites.
- Blood sugar levels; insulin resistance with excess tummy fat may indicate high blood pressure, as well as diabetes.
- Digestive, bowel, liver and/or thyroid complaints.
- Food intolerances.
Psycho-emotional problems can present themselves in the form of poor long-term dietary choices, or comfort eating. Also it is helpful to understand the concept of carrying too much ‘baggage’ and carrying extra weight due to past trauma, abuse or pregnancies and surgery.
B) Building up, repair and fortifying
- Poor diet and Nutritional deficiencies. Fatigue.
- Malabsorption Illnesses such as; coeliac, graves disease or leaky gut.
- Occupational, stress, social or relationship contributors.
- Insomnia and sleep feeding.
- Dental problems.
The Psycho-emotional problems associated with this assessment are related to body image and eating disorders, or people suffering from depression, isolation, anxiety or exhaustion.
C) Maintenance, Balancing, Encouragement and Education
Glandular problems and associated hormonal, peptide and neurotransmitter response, so called The ‘Gut-brain’ association. Hormonal and life phase changes.
Genetic contribution.
Being ‘stuck’ or unmotivated for change.
Depending on client’s requirement’s Treatment options are:
Dietary requirements and changes for life, balancing macro-nutrients, protein, carbohydrates and fats, as well as micro-nutrients, vitamins and minerals.
Pharmacologically active Herbal Medicines; balancing blood and lipid levels, reduce cravings, balance Hormones, repair and assist the gut with absorption for assimilation of nutrients. Increase energy levels.
Body therapies, Flower and/or homeopathic medicines to assist with psycho- emotional or spiritual problems.
Health and vitality are the main goals in naturopathic weight management.
Essence Natural Therapy 