PRACTITIONER PROFILE
curriculum ; political ( federal ) interference in natural medicine . For example , the removal of provider numbers for accredited naturopaths .
How do you envisage natural medicine developing over the next 30 years ? OR What changes in natural medicine would you most like to see ? I envisage that natural medicine will be more controlled by the ‘ system ’ than ever before . Meaning that natural medicine will be more restricted in terms of its ability to apply specific modalities . I would like to see a self-regulated industry following the guidelines for unregistered health practitioners ( I ’ m referring to the SA Government guidelines ). The use of the term ‘ accredited natural health practitioner ’ to inspire greater public confidence .
What advice do you have for today ’ s emerging practitioners ? Learn the history of natural medicine and mainstream medicine in various parts of the world , especially Australia , USA and Europe . Learn , if possible , some of the modalities I believe are no longer taught as part of the Bachelor course ( e . g ., iris analysis ).
Kaiya Seaton
What has kept you practising for 30 + years ? A deep held belief in the value and importance of CAM as well as rewarding relationships with clients , colleagues and my local community of healthcare practitioners in the Blue Mountains has kept my passion for my work alive . Assisting my long term clients on their healthcare journey , across different life stages and including other members of their families , plus developing relationships based on loyalty and trust , has supported me as a practitioner . It has been a privilege to work with my clients and be a member of our healthcare community . I also enjoy sharing my knowledge and experience with my students as both a teacher and a mentor . This keeps me inspired and reminds me why I love what I do .
What have been the most important changes to natural medicine you have seen during your career ? I have been in private practice since 1991 and in healthcare since 1983 . During that time I have seen CAM embrace the use of scientific research to support claims of the benefits of our modalities , while retaining the core values of our profession , that is , the belief in the innate ability of the person to heal themselves and the principle of treating in a holistic manner . healthcare management is increasing , particularly in areas of cancer support , palliative care , pain management and mental health , with more referral networks developing in this area .
Use of digital technologies such as social media platforms , online booking systems and telehealth have changed the way we run our clinics and interact with our clients . COVID has shown us how we can adapt to changing circumstances and are now viewed as an essential service by the health department .
How do you envisage natural medicine developing over the next 30 years ? A renewed respect for traditional healing methods and indigenous knowledge . They help us understand the power of the natural world and the importance of connecting to nature . This can help guide us through the turbulent and volatile times ahead as our world changes around us .
Energetic and vibrational medicine may be backed by scientific research as we explore the universe and deepen our understanding of quantum physics . Certain herbal remedies and supplements such as fish oil may no longer be available and other , more sustainable , alternatives will need to be found . I see an increase in home remedies being grown and produced as climate and supply issues affects our access to products . We may be incorporating more diagnostic testing into our own clinic practice as these become more relevant , affordable and accessible to us . CAM therapies may integrate further into allied healthcare in response to an ageing population , overburdened healthcare system and the growing prevalence of chronic diseases as our lifespan increases .
Amid the stress of adapting to a changing world , the need for a supportive healthcare model , where clients are given the space and time to receive help in a relaxing and caring environment will be increasingly important .
What advice do you have for today ’ s emerging practitioners ? Practice adaptability , sustainability and collaboration , and love what you do . Help others and share your skills , do swaps and volunteer work as you build your own practice . Now is the time to build supportive networks with other healthcare practitioners in your community . Be confident in your abilities . Your knowledge is based on thousands of years of traditional healing practices and provides a solid foundation for healthcare needs in this modern world . Respect and connect with nature and it will support and guide you .
There has recently been a move away from a focus on pharmaceuticals to a team-care approach in mainstream medicine . The importance of treating the whole person is echoed in this approach and opens the way for integrative healthcare . The importance and value of CAM in preventative and chronic
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