What is Naturopathy?
Naturopathic medicine, or naturopathy, is the practice of preventing, assessing, and treating conditions of the human mind and body. By integrating conventional health sciences with a range of natural therapies and traditional medicines, naturopathy treats the patient’s mental, emotional, and physical states for a lasting effect.
The foundation of naturopathy is the philosophy of the ‘healing power of nature’. This is based on the philosophy that the body has the ability to heal and that naturopathic treatment will enhance and optimise the body to repair itself and recover from illness.
Prevention of illness is an important part of naturopathy. Preventitive medicine involves taking steps to ensure a disease does not reocur, as well as by promoting optimal health to protect against the development of disease.
What does a naturopath do?
As a naturopath I can offer you a comprehensive approach to your health care. Naturopaths take the time to get a thorough understanding of you and your body by taking longer in consultations and out of consultation hours and by thorough methods of assessment. Comprehensive testing is available to help provide you with answers about your health.
Naturopaths use nutritional and herbal medicine to support a variety of biochemical pathways for health and well-being and in order to encourage your body to heal itself. Diet and environmental factors are also taken into consideration.
I make an effort to educate my patients, not only about their condition but also about nutrition. Through this I hope to empower you to take charge of your health and attain long term wellbeing.
Location.
I practice at Health Dimensions as part of complete health care team including osteopaths, massage therapists, acupuncturists, kinesiologists and hypnotherapist. This wide variety of practitioners means that all your natural health-care needs are in the one place. You also receive the benefit of not just one person, but a whole team looking after you.
For your convenience, I practice from clinics in Bella Vista and Windsor. Please see below which days of the week are available for a consultation near you.
Windsor
1 New St, Windsor, NSW 2756
Street parking is available. Parking is also available in the shopping centre opposite.
Phone: 02 45776215
Monday : 2:00pm-6:00pm
Wednesday : 12:30pm-6:00pm
Saturday : 9:00am – 1:00pm
Call or email anytime for an appointment, or click here to use our simple contact form.
Bella Vista
206/33 Lexington Dr, Bella Vista, NSW 2153
Limited parking is available on the street or around the building. Parking is also available in the Home Maker Centre (less than 5 minute walk away).
Phone: 02 88246792
Monday: 10:00am-1:00pm
Tuesday: 11:30am-6:00pm
Friday: 10:00am – 3:00pm
Call or email anytime for an appointment, or click here to use our simple contact form.
Alison Mitchell
I graduated from University of Western Sydney in 2007 after 4 years full time study. I was privileged to learn from some of the best naturopaths in NSW and to have the basis of my education from a scientific background. This allows me to give my patients a higher standard of treatment that are based on quality research and diagnostic testing. I have been practicing for over 4 years… and I love it!
I love naturopathy because I am determined to get to the bottom of the cause of illness, and not just put a band-aid over the symptoms and send you on your way. It’s like a puzzle where I get to put all the pieces together, do the research and nut out what is really going on for you. My approach to treatment it to keep it as simple as possible, to always work with your goals. I also like to incorporate nutritional education into my appointments, with the aim to empower you to take control of your health and make lasting changes.
I’m a bit of foodie. I love cooking and eating fresh, delicious, nutritious, unprocessed food, and discovering new foods and recipes. I’m also an advocate of the 80/20 rule – 80% for your body and 20% for your soul. I love the philosophies of naturopathic nutrition because it’s not just about calorie counting, it’s looking at the healing properties of foods (food as medicine)and understanding how to achieve balance with food. I love sharing my nutrition knowledge and educating others about the best choices for optimal health and wellbeing.
Unlike your average naturopath, I consider myself to be quite laid-back! I think that life is meant to be enjoyed, and it’s not uncommon to see me enjoying a cuppa in the local coffee shop, or enjoying a glass of wine. It’s all about moderation and knowing what you as an individual can tolerate. This is part of why I am so passionate about the need for individualised treatment plans.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor of Applied Science (Naturopathy)
- Post Graduate Diploma (Naturopathy)
Memberships
What to expect
You can expect to receive a high standard of professional naturopathic care with treatment that is individualised to you. Your treatment program will aim to get to the underlying cause of ill health and will help you to obtain more energy, vitality and to look and feel GREAT!
Treatment is based on a combination of up-to-date scientific research and traditional empirical herbal and naturopathic knowledge. Easy-to-follow, personalised nutritional and lifestyle advice will be provided over the course of your treatment program, and any changes that may need to be made will be taken at your pace.
You will be empowered with the knowledge you gain of your condition, and how to eat and do whats best for you.
You can expect to have more energy, healthier looking skin, a happier stomach, and a healthier weight once you start to follow the diet advice provided and your body is brought into balance with herbs and nutrition.
Initial consultation
During this time we will be taking a thorough case history, covering the different body systems to assess for any imbalances and clues as to the underlying cause of illness. We will discuss your health concerns and goals for the treatment. This appointment may go for 45-60 minutes.
Second consultation
This is the testing appointment, and in this time we will screen for underlying causes of illness to help fine-tune your treatment. Testing performed is the bio-impendance analysis, urinary indicans, zinc tally and pH testing. Other testing is available is required or requested. Your naturopath will then be able to combine the test results with the information found in your health history to formulate a treatment plan individually designed to suit your needs.
Third consultation
In this appointment you will be provided with a summary of your results and a detailed treatment plan. Supplements, herbs and dietary advice may be prescribed depending on your test results and health goals.
Follow up consultations
Follow up consultations will be 15-30 minutes long. This is where we continue to refine the changes you have made and tackle any new concerns that may come to light. By this stage you are well into the particular program prescribed and it is now our job to keep it all on track.
Costs
Naturopathy
Initial consultation – $90
Testing appointment – $124.50
Standard consultation – $65
Short consultation – $45
Ear candling – $79
Massage
30 minutes – $49
60 minutes – $89
Costs of supplements and herbal formulas will vary. A quote for expected costs can be provided in the treatment plan if requested.
Policies
Cancellations
24 hour notice is required for cancellation. This is the amount of time required to rebook the appointment with a client on the waiting list. Cancellation with less than 24 hours notice, or failing to show for a scheduled appointment will incur a 50% cancellation fee to be paid upon your next visit.
Conditions Treated
Alison treats a wide range of conditions including the following:
Health and Vitality Support
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Women’s Wellbeing
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Digestive Health
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Immune health
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Mind Wellbeing
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Blood Sugar Imbalances
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…and General Health Concerns |
Health websites and articles are available below.
For information specific to you, please click here to make an appointment in Bella Vista or Windsor, NSW, Australia.
Published articles
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) PDF
Eating for Menopause – Hawkesbury District Independant News, Issue 20, December 2011
Gut Health PDF - Hawkesbury District Independant News, Issue 18, October 2011
Organic Food - Hawkesbury District Independant News, Issue 17, September 2011
Eczema PDF - Hawkesbury District Independant News, Issue 12, April 2011
How hormones affect weight loss PDF - Hawkesbury Way, Issue 21, February 2011
Vitamin D PDF - Hawkesbury Way, Issue 20, January 2011
Hormones and their effect on our skin PDF - Hawkesbury Way, Issue 19, December 2010
Alison Mitchell
Alison’s “Natural Therapy Pages’ Site
Associations
National Herbalists Association Australia
Australian Traditional Medicine Society
Australian Natural Therapists Association
Breast feeding
Australian Breast Feeding Association
Australian Lactation Consultants Association
Mothering your nursing toddler
Network of Australian Lactation Colleges
Pro Mom 101 reasons to breast feed your child
Children
Sprout Right – Nutrition from tummy to toddler
Directories
Food additives
Nutrition
Children
Sprout Right – Nutrition from tummy to toddler
Allergies
GFCF Cooking – Gluten, casein and egg free recipes
Syndian - Vegetarian and Gluten free foods
Glycemic Index
Hypoglycemic Health Association of Australia
Organic food
Recipes and Information
Pregnancy & Birth
Resources, Networks and Forums
Joyous Birth – Australian Home Birth Network
Pregnancy
Sea Bands – morning sickness remedy
Birth Attendants
Doula and Birth Attendant Directory Australia
VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Caesarean)
Birth Rites – Healing after Caesarian
Caesarean Awareness Recovery Education Support
Women’s Health
Continence Foundation of Australia
Dr Marilyn Glenville: Women’s General Health Problems
The Museum of Menstruation and Women’s Health
The Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Association of Australia
The Royal Woman’s Hospital Well Women’s Website
Wire – Women’s Information and Referral Exchange
Standard tests
Urinary Indicans
This is a simple urine test which will indicate the level of overgrowth of bad bacteria in the bowel- dysbiosis. Dysbiosis can lead a variety of digestive symptoms and is useful for indicating the need for a detoxification program.
Zinc tally
Zinc levels can be assessed using a Zinc taste test. Zinc is the most important mineral for the immune system and vital for healthy hormones, skin, wound healing and repair, libido, and sense of taste and smell. This quick and simple test gives a great indication of your zinc status and can also be used to monitor zinc absorption.
pH
Subtle changes to the pH of the body can have substantial impacts on a range of health conditions, including stress, bone density, pain, muscle mass and hormonal balance.
Bio-Impedance Analysis / VLA
The Vitality, Longevity and Anti-aging (VLA) machine uses a gentle electrical current to test a number of factors which which assists us to design a program specifically tailored for your needs. This technology measures important markers of ageing- your cellular toxicity, cellular vitality, fat mass, muscle mass, hydration and fluid balance. This test provides us with a good insight into your general health status. With the results of this test we are given an indication of inflammation, toxicity, poor nutrition and dehydration. Most importantly, it acts as a measure that we can use to demonstrate your progress during treatment.
Call or email anytime for an appointment, or click here to use our simple contact form.
Optional Tests
There are a variety of other tests that may be prescribed depending on your individual presentation. These tests are referred to as ‘functional pathology’ and are often employed by holistic/integrative doctors and some naturopaths.
Some of the more common tests referred for are:
Food Intolerance testing
Many conditions are triggered/worsened by eating foods that you have a sensitivity to such as digestive disorders e.g. IBS, constipation, flatulence, bloating, Crohn’s disease, Ulcerative colitis etc., as well as several other conditions.
There are several methods of assessing for food intolerances such as an elimination diet, or blood tests. The blood tests are different than the commonly performed scratch tests, as they are assessing levels of IgG antibodies.
IgG antibodies are elevated when you have a sensitivity/intolerance to a food. Symptoms can take up to 48hrs to develop. IgE antibodies are elevated in true allergies and symptoms develop almost immediately.
The Food Detective kit is an accurate method of assessing for IgG food sensitivies and can be performed in clinic. http://food-detective.com.au/
Laboratory testing is also available.
Call or email anytime for an appointment, or click here to use our simple contact form.
Saliva Hormone Testing
Saliva testing can be done to determine the levels of hormones in males and females, which may be indicated if a condition is linked to hormonal imbalances. Saliva testing is not invasive and also give a more accurate result than serum testing as it measures the ‘free’ hormones. When hormones are circulating through the body, some of them are bound to carrier proteins. It is the hormones that are not bound, also known as ‘free’ hormones that are active in the body. They best reflect a patient’s hormonally-related symptoms, rather than total or bound hormone levels (as measured in serum).
Call or email anytime for an appointment, or click here to use our simple contact form.
Baseline Hormone Profile
This can be performed for men and women and measures the following hormones:
Males:
- Testosterone (TT)
- Oestradiol (E2)
- DHEA-S
- Cortisol
Females:
- Oestrone (E1)
- Oestradiol (E2)
- Oestriol (E3)
- Progesterone (P4)
- Testosterone (TT)
- DHEA – S
Call or email anytime for an appointment, or click here to use our simple contact form.
Adrenal Hormone Profile
The adrenal hormones can be measured to asses for adrenal fatigue, which occurs after periods of prolonged stress. Symptoms such as anxiety, depression, mood swings, insomnia, headaches, low energy, stress, hormonal imbalances and poor immune function can be related to an issue with the adrenal glands. This is measured by saliva, and can be requested together with the hormonal profile. http://healthscopepathology.com.au/html/functionalPathology/ahp.shtml
Call or email anytime for an appointment, or click here to use our simple contact form.
Hair Mineral Analysis
A sample of hair can be analysed to assess for mineral imbalances, such as a deficiency in the minerals we need (e.g. calcium) or an excess of the minerals that make us ill (e.g. lead). By testing the hair we get an indication of the mineral deposits in the cells of the hair over the last 2-3 month period. http://healthscopepathology.com.au/html/functionalPathology/hma.shtml
Call or email anytime for an appointment, or click here to use our simple contact form.
Intestinal Permeability (IP)
The Intestinal Permeability (IP) test, also referred to as a “leaky gut” test, is a precise and non-invasive method for assessing gastrointestinal mucosal integrity. Damage to the lining of the gastrointestinal tract (small and large intestine) is common in people with conditions such as food sensitivity and food allergy, irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn’s disease, arthritis, coeliac disease and dermatological conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and acne.
The lining of the gut wall is often subjected to a wide variety of insults from substances such as alcohol, caffeine, spices, medicines and environmental chemicals. The impact of chronic stress may also affect the permeability of the gut wall over time. Correcting the altered permeability may have an immediate effect on the relief of symptoms and facilitate the gradual improvement in the underlying condition.
The IP is a challenge test using Lactulose and Mannitol. http://healthscopepathology.com.au/html/functionalPathology/ip.shtml
Call or email anytime for an appointment, or click here to use our simple contact form.
Functional Liver Detoxification Profile (FLDP)
Many people believe that if a blood liver function test (LFT) comes back as normal that their liver is functioning properly and is healthy. A LFT only tests for damage that is done to the liver but does not indicate how well the liver is performing other important roles such as detoxification. Only a functional liver detoxification profile can determine this. The Functional Liver Detoxification Profile (FLDP) challenges the liver’s Phase I and Phase II detoxification capacity with low doses of Caffeine, Aspirin and Paracetamol. Saliva and urine specimens, collected at timed intervals, are then analysed for metabolites of the three compounds to determine the efficiency of the liver in their conversion and clearance from the body. This test may be indicated in people who suffer from food allergies, multiple chemical sensitivities, chronic fatigue syndrome, “leaky gut” and hormonal imbalance eg. premenstrual syndrome and menopausal symptoms.
Call or email anytime for an appointment, or click here to use our simple contact form.
Urinary Iodine
http://healthscopepathology.com.au/html/functionalPathology/ui.shtml
The measurement of urinary iodine (UI) provides an accurate approximation of dietary iodine intake in view of the fact that the majority of iodine ingested (~90%) is excreted via the urine. Therefore, UI measurements provide a biological indicator of Iodine Deficiency Disorders. Iodine’s main action is involved in thyroid function. Other actions include the formation and integrity of normal breast tissue, foetal brain development and function, and anti-microbial effects.
Call or email anytime for an appointment, or click here to use our simple contact form.
To improve your health the natural way, contact Alison Mitchell today.
Call 02 4577 6215 for Windsor
Call 02 8824 6792 for Bella Vista
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Windsor/ Hawkesbury Clinic
1 New St, Windsor, NSW, 2756, Australia
02 4577 6215
Possible appointment times:
Monday 2-6pm
Wednesday 12.30-6pm
Saturday 9am-1pm
Street parking is available. Parking is also available in the shopping centre opposite.
Bella Vista/ Hills Clinic
206/33 Lexington Dr, Bella Vista, NSW 2153 Australia
02 4577 6215
Possible appointment times:
Monday 10am-1pm
Tuesday 11:30am-6pm
Friday 10am-3pm
Limited parking is available on the street or around the building. Parking is also available in the Home Maker Centre (less than 5 minute walk away).
Call or email anytime for an appointment.
