We recently caught up with Olivier Sanchez, a Naturopath at Nutrunity.com. We learnt more about his therapist experience including his journey into Naturopathy, his perspectives of it, and what you can expect as one of his patients.
1. Can you tell me about your journey into complementary health and why you chose Naturopathy?
I was born from a very stressed mother and this had a direct impact on essential physiological processes, such as neurotransmitter clearing and production of melatonin. Further to this, I am lactose and gluten intolerant and suffered from multiple conditions as an infant, making my sleep and putting on weight extremely difficult. In the 70s there was no consensus on food hypersensitivities and doctor were not trained to identify such issues. Therefore, it took for me to leave home and eating the food I wanted that symptoms started to disappear and only in my early 30s that I was officially diagnosed. I have been a chef for over 35 years and working long hours and running on stress hormones and little food intake has also led my body to crash in my mid-20s. I was diagnosed with adrenal exhaustion and for the next 18 months I was only the shadow of the person I once was. This has led me to question everything and to understand the power of food on the human body. Now, soon in my 50s, I have never been so happy, full of energy and helping my clients achieve the same.
2. How would you explain the benefits of Naturopathy to someone unfamiliar with it?
Once you experience living life to the fullest, you will not only feel mad at yourself for waiting for so long to change but it will also be incentive to never want to get back to your old ways.
3. What do you wish more people knew about Naturopathy? What is the biggest misconception?
Naturopathic nutrition is not only about changing diet. It encompasses all principles of naturopathic medicine and, therefore, understands the interconnectedness of our body and systems, our environment and our lifestyle on total health. But there is more to it, and people are not aware of it: Health and disease are conditions involving a complex interaction of physical, spiritual, mental, emotional, genetic, environmental, and social factors, so in practice I factor all those aspects of life before writing a personalised plan.
4. What advice do you have for individuals interested in exploring Naturopathy options for their own wellness?
Health start by taking responsibility. Taking a pill without questioning the reasoning of your doctor is the complete opposite. Do not trust blindly the advise of your doctor or health practitioners. QUESTION EVERYTHING!
5. How do you approach appointments with your patients?
We only offer initial + first follow-up as a package to ensure compliance and accountability. Clients may not come back because they feel better but come back after a while because they fell back into their old habits. Then repeat the process. We are accountable for results but we are also expect our clients to take responsibility. Our promises are made on their commitment.
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