FAQ

What is Naturopathy - What you can expect in your Naturopathy consultation:

• Initial consultation has a duration of 1 hour with follow up consultations lasting 45 minutes
• Thorough case history taking
• Specialized treatment formulated for each individual to ensure maximum results
• Test for status of zinc levels
• Nail and tongue diagnosis
• Iridology
• Diet analysis and recommendation

Therapies Available

• Western Herbal Medicine
• Nutritional Medicine
• Natural Fertility Management
• Homeopathic Family Medicine
• Weight Loss
• Iridology
• Ear Candling
• Flower Essences
• HypnoBirthing® 

Western Herbal Medicine

What is Western Herbal Medicine?

For thousands of year's western herbal medicine has been used by indigenous societies to treat their ills. Both in the east and in the west, philosophies as well as tradition have maintained a strong influence on health care systems. Today it is recognized by the World Health Organisation that herbs are the most widespread form of medicine used by people living on our planet. The amount of scientific research being conducted on western herbal medicine is increasing as the need for evidence based medicine becomes greater. Traditional medicine has proven that herbal medicines are effective but now we are beginning to delve into the field of chemistry to try and discern how these herbal medicines actually work.

Who uses Western Herbal Medicine?

Western Herbal medicine has maintained its popularity in all regions of the developing world and its use is rapidly spreading in industrialized countries. The World Health Organization recognizes that western herbal medicine is one of the most important resources which can be mobilized for the attainment of health as it has contributed significantly to man's struggle against disease and has been an important component of health care systems for thousands of years.

How do you take Western Herbal Medicine?

All patients will experience the benefits of herbal medicine via taking the herbs in a liquid form. These are manufactured to the highest levels of quality assurance by utilising high performance liquid chromatography and a 1:2 cold percolation extraction process. This ensures a high quality herbal medicine which is free of contaminants such as heavy metals and pesticides. Emma makes use of extracts and tinctures derived exclusively from plants. Herbal preparations are able to balance the whole body unlike pharmaceuticals, which only work on one specific system. The correct herbs, when used at their appropriate doses can have a profoundly positive effect on an individual's health. Western herbal medicine is safe when used by a qualified practitioner and is constantly substantiated with updated scientific research. The use of liquid extracts enables Emma to compound a formula that is tailor made for the individual which results in a specific and very effective medicine.

Here is what one woman had to say about her tailored health program formulated by Emma:
"I first saw Emma in November 2005 – I was lethargic, irritable, had a serious skin disorder around my eyes and basically rundown. Her first course of treatment was a herbal tonic: taken a couple of times a day. This tonic and support from Emma turned my life around. Within 2 months I was back to my old energy levels – gym/cycling 5 times a week and feeling fabulous. My husband was the first one to comment on my new found energy! Continuing the treatment also cleared up my skin condition around my eyes and I noticed a change in my complexion too. If anyone around me talks of physical complaints my first word to them is “Emma”. Thank you very much for your help."
Kathy Morris

Nutritional Medicine

Why is Nutrition so Important?

The importance of a clean and healthy diet cannot be understated. From our food we obtain the building blocks of our body and the vitamins and minerals required to help our cells function. The rising incidence of many chronic diseases has been positively correlated to the Western diet. Diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer's disease, high cholesterol levels and many types of cancer to name a few. To avoid these chronic diseases, it is more important than ever to consume a natural diet filled with vital, living fresh foods.

How do I know What I Should be Eating?

Many of the foods found in supermarkets are processed and refined with little nutritional benefit left. Consumers are bombarded with information about what they should be eating to improve their health but this often leaves people confused and unsure about what to eat. For example, we were told for years that eggs were bad as they raised cholesterol but now the National Heart Foundation gives eggs a tick. Emma is trained in nutrition and guides her patients around this problem by giving simple and easily achievable dietary modifications tailored for the patient. The emphasis is always on fresh, organic where possible and unprocessed foods.

Here is what one woman had to say about her tailored health program formulated by Emma:
"I initially consulted Emma to get some support with menopausal symptoms. With what she prescribed for me, herbs and nutritional supplements, it was nothing short of miraculous. My hot flushes ceased within a week and I could sleep through the night again. I feel great and in control of my own health again."  Dianne Butler

Natural Fertility Management

Discover the best option for your fertility goals and consult a specialised fertility naturopath...

A study conducted by Foresight, the Association for the Promotion of Preconception Care , which was established in the United Kingdom in 1978, has shown remarkable results with their preconception program. Of all participants with a history of infertility, 81% gave birth within a two year period! This clearly demonstrates how incredibly important it is for the potential mother and father to follow a specific, tailored health program before conception. As sperm formation and egg maturation typically occur over a three month period, preconception planning should begin at least three months before conception. 

Emma, a fertility naturopath, practices from Darling Street Health Centre, a multi modality clinic in Balmain that specialises in female health. Come into the warm, relaxed atmosphere and experience the peaceful, friendly surrounds.

Here is what one woman had to say about her tailored health program formulated by Emma:
"It's been almost a year since I began to see Emma and my improvement has been amazing! Emma is not only compassionate but thorough in her over all diagnosis. I saw Emma regarding my polycystic ovaries and had no idea about the recent treatments or whether there were any available. I can confidently say that Emma had a lot to do with setting me on the road to recovery offering guidance and prescribing me with the perfect herbs."
Tania Doria

Homeopathic Family Medicine

What is homeopathy?

Homeopathy is a therapy based on the theory of treating like with like. Homeopaths treat patient's symptoms by giving a highly dilute form of a substance, which if taken in a crude dose, would causes similar symptoms when given to a healthy person. In assessing the patient, homeopaths often take into account a range of physical, emotional and lifestyle factors. Homeopathy was developed over 200 years ago and is now used worldwide. It is acknowledged by the World Health Organisation as a valid form of healthcare. Its effectiveness has been clearly established by over 200 years of clinical experience and has a pharmacy of over 3000 medicines, which are non-toxic and non-addictive.

 How does it work?

Homeopathy works by using minute doses of substances, which cause symptoms similar to the illness being treated. Examples of this are:

• the use of homeopathically prepared red onion (Allium cepa), which, in crude dose would cause watery eyes and sneezing, may be used for hay fever and some allergies
• the use of homeopathically prepared coffee (Coffea) as a treatment for insomnia

What conditions can homeopathy treat?

The system of homeopathy is based on the selection of a medicine that causes symptoms similar to those that the sick person is experiencing, this “ Law of Similars”, as it is called, is a practical method of finding the substance to which a person is sensitive. Wherever a set of symptoms can be obtained, a condition can be treated. For example, headaches in different patients would each be treated with different medicines, according to the patient's individual symptoms. Therefore homeopathy can treat a wide range of chronic and acute illnesses.

Here is what one woman had to say about her tailored health program formulated by Emma:
"I've always considered myself to be relatively healthy but decided to visit Emma after a long period of feeling run-down and suffering influenza symptoms. After only two visits with Emma, I felt a world of difference... her assistance improved my energy levels leaps and bounds and gave me a general feeling of well-being. I feel like Emma really listens to my concerns and gets to the root of the problem."
Simone Stopford

Effective Weight Loss

Important news for all dieters – don't count another calorie until you read this...
The most effective weight loss method is to have a program tailored to your individual needs, a program that is specific for your metabolic type and feasible with your current demands. There are many lifestyle and food choices that Emma can share with you to help burn those calories. Depending on your individual situation, herbal medicine, homeopathy or supplements may be used to facilitate your road to your goal weight . Effective weight loss is easy when you are supported by an experienced practitioner!

 Here is what one woman had to say about her tailored health program formulated by Emma:
I am a 41 year old reasonably fit, single mum with a very demanding job.  I came to see Emma in complete desperation last year.  I had a recurring glandular virus, was completely run down, could not lose that last 5 kilos, and was feeling frazzled.  Three months down the track I have lost the excess 5 kilos, plus another 2, am positively jumping out of my skin, and feeling very happy and healthy.  Emma spent the time finding out about not just my health, but my well-being.  She mixed up a magic tonic for me (I believe it is truly magic), gave me understandable information, and has managed to educate me about what I put into my body. What Emma recommended was nothing extreme, but the subtle changes I have made to my lifestyle have made an enormous difference.
Vanessa Priest

Iridology

What is Iridology?

Iridology is the study of the colored part of the eye (called the iris) to determine potential health problems. Iridologists observe patterns and markings in the iris to reveal emerging conditions in every part of the body and to identify inherited weaknesses that may lead to physical and emotional disorders.

What can iridology determine?

Iridology cannot detect a specific disease. Rather, it is a preventive practice that helps people to understand their basic health issues so that they can seek treatment, if necessary, from the appropriate specialist. According to iridologists, if a health problem is detected at an early stage, something can then be done to prevent it from becoming a full-blown disease. The idea that the eyes are a mirror to the body is an ancient one: The Greek physician Hippocrates was known to examine patients' eyes for signs of illness. A complete iris analysis will show whether a person exhibits a generally good constitution or a poor one, depending upon the density of the iris fibers. The patterns, structures, colors and degrees of lightness and darkness in the iris tell if an area of the body is inherently strong or weak. It also reveals the relative site of over-activity, irritation, injury or degeneration of the tissues and organs. Toxic accumulation levels can he observed as well as nutritional and chemical imbalances. 

Here is what one man had to say about his tailored health program formulated by Emma:
"I recommend Emma's services to anyone who is interested in making positive changes to their health and outlook on life. I have found the herbs, vitamins and diet advice very useful. What I especially liked was the way she carefully researched my behaviours, likes, dislikes and lifestyle before recommending pragmatic steps to improve the things I wanted to work on."
Mark Runnalls

What is Ear Candling?

Excuse me, I can't hear you...
Ear candling is a simple, gentle and effective therapy used in the treatment of swimmers ear, sinusitis, headaches, T.M.J. pain, otitis externa, tropical ear, tinnitus, and many stress related symptoms. The healing properties of ear candles have its foundation in two primary physical actions. Firstly, the slight vacuum (the chimney effect) inside the ear candle and the vibration of the rising air column serve to gently massage the ear drum and promote drainage of the frontal and paranasal sinuses. This has an immediate subjective effect of regulating ear pressure. Users of ear candles describe a soothing, light sensation in the ear/head area. Secondly, the locally applied warmth stimulates the local circulation, invigorates local circulation and reinforces the flow of lymph. Emma only uses candles made from pure beeswax, precious honey extracts and organic cotton. 

Flower Essences

Flower essences have a long history. The Egyptians and early Aboriginals were among those who knew of flowers' healing properties. Flower essences are natural remedies that address negative emotional states, sometimes physical ailments, and help to bring about a more positive mind-set and enhance one's wellbeing. Due to the gentleness of flower essences they can be used safely for old, young, pregnant, sick or even the family puppy!

Emma has been specialising in women's health care for quite a number of years and has played a key role in caring for many mothers to be. She has a great passion for natural birth and believes that calm, serene and empowering birth provides the most solid foundation for the physical and emotional health of mother and child. This belief lead her to seek additional training as a Certified HypnoBirthing® Practitioner to enable her to empower women and their birthing companions to trust in their natural birthing instincts.

What is HypnoBirthing®?

HypnoBirthing® - The Mongan Method is as much a philosophy as it is a technique. The concept of HypnoBirthing is not new, but rather a "rebirth" of the philosophy of birthing as it existed thousands of years ago and as it was recaptured in the work of Dr. Grantly Dick-Read, an English obstetrician, who, in the 1920s, was one of the first to forward the concept of natural birthing. The method teaches you that, in the absence of fear and tension, or special medical circumstances, severe pain does not have to be an accompaniment of labor.

The HypnoBirthing® Advantage:

You Will Learn:

 What is Hypnosis?

When you have your baby with HypnoBirthing®, you will not be in a trance or a sleep. What you will experience is similar to the daydreaming, or focusing, that occurs when you are engrossed in a book or a movie or staring into a fire. You will be conversant and in good spirits--totally relaxed, but fully in control. Awake throughout, you will be aware of your body's surges and your baby's progress; but because you will have trained yourself to reach complete relaxation, you will be able to determine the degree and the manner in which you will feel the surges. You will experience birthing in an atmosphere of calm relaxation, free of the fear that prevents the muscles of your body from functioning as nature intended them to. In this calm state, your body's natural relaxant, endorphins, replaces the stress hormones that constrict and cause pain.

How does HypnoBirthing® differ from other childbirth preparation methods?

Unlike other childbirth methods that teach you how to cope with and manage pain, HypnoBirthing® is based on the premise that childbirth does not necessarily need to be painful if the mother is properly prepared and relaxed. When women understand that pain is caused by constrictor hormones, created by fear, they learn, instead, to release fear thus creating endorphins-the feel good hormones. They are then able to change their expectations of long, painful labor and are able to replace them with expectations of a more comfortable birthing. Rather than exhausting, shallow breathing and the distraction techniques of typical "prepared childbirth" programs, HypnoBirthing® parents learn deep abdominal breathing and total relaxation, enabling the laboring mother to work in harmony with her body and her baby. This allows her to achieve a shorter and more comfortable labor for herself and baby.

How is the Birth Companion involved?

The Birth Companion of the mother's choice (e.g. husband, partner, friend) is an integral part of the HypnoBirthing® experience. He or she practices with the mother in helping to prepare for deep relaxation. During labor the Birth Companion guides the laboring mother through hypnosis prompts, relaxation techniques, deepening methods, and visualizations, provides comfort measures, and joins in welcoming the new baby, often by receiving the baby as he emerges.

Will HypnoBirthing® be useful to me if I don't opt for a natural birth or if circumstances necessitate medical intervention?

Absolutely. The things you will learn in your HypnoBirthing® classes will help you to learn relaxation skills that will be useful to both you and your baby, regardless of your birth experience. In the event that medical intervention of any sort is needed, you will find yourself better able to remain calm and in control. Mothers who have needed scheduled cesareans for medical reasons report that they were totally relaxed before, during and after the procedure. Many report that they needed little or no medication following the birth, and they were able to return to normal functioning in a very short period of time.

What if my doctor/midwife is not familiar with HypnoBirthing®?

More and more care providers are becoming aware of the benefits of HypnoBirthing®. In class, you will learn how to create a plan of Birth Preferences, which will help you to communicate your birthing goals and preferences to your doctor or midwife.

 Class Structure

All HypnoBirthing® Classes are taught in a series of small-group classes, conducted on a once-weekly basis. The classes are informal and relaxed and provide a special opportunity to connect with Yourself, Your Baby, Your Birthing Companion and Your Birth.

Individual Sessions

If you prefer individual support or you are very near to your birthing time, we can make special arrangements for individual sessions with you.

When is a good time to start?

Many women choose to start their HypnoBirthing® sessions in the beginning of the 2nd trimester of pregnancy. The more time you have to practice the methods the better. Even if you are very late in your pregnancy, HypnoBirthing® can still help you.

What is your investment?

Five Group Sessions: $500

Five Private Sessions: $900 ($180 per session)

Please call either Balmain (9555 8806) or Hurstville (95792480) for further information on session availability.