I often get asked the same questions, so I have compiled a data base of frequently asked questions to help save you time and put the right information at your fingertips. Search our database of FAQs by entering a key word into the search bar below.

1. Naturopathic Appointments

Can I claim my appointment costs through my health fund?

Previously as a degree qualified Naturopath and professional member of the National Herbalists Association of Australia, Tania has been registered with all major health funds. However, thanks to recent, shortsighted, government reforms of the health insurance industry, this is no longer available as of the 1st of April 2019. Rest assured, our industry, clients and concerned members of the general public, along with high profile advocates of natural medicine such as Dr Kerryn Phelps, have been lobbying tirelessly to have this decision reviewed and we are hoping this ruling will be overturned upon review. After all, Natural Medicine has a strong focus on preventative health care which only helps to keep people out of our  already overloaded public health system. We will notify patients when we have an update on this.  

How much does it cost?

Initial Naturopathic Telehealth Appointment (1 hour) - $230.00 Extended Initial Naturopathic Telehealth Appointment (1.5 hours) - $345.00 Follow up Naturopathic Telehealth Appointment (30 minutes) - $115.00 Extended Naturopathic Followup Telehealth Appointment (45 minutes) - $172.50

What can I expect at my initial Naturopathic appointment?

During your initial appointment Tania will take a thorough health history and review all of the information you provided prior to your appointment, including any recent pathology you choose to bring to your appointment. Tania will discuss your diet, lifestyle, current health, personal and family health history and help you set your goals and clarify the steps needed to achieve these. Tania will use your diet diary to analyse your nutritional status. You may also be referred for further general or functional pathology testing if indicated. At the end of the appointment you will be provided with information and tools to start changing your health along with your Health Care Plan.

What kind of information will I receive to help me improve my health?

At your initial appointment you will receive a health care plan which includes nutritional advice and a summary report from your online health assessment questionnaire. You will also receive a Cellular Health (bioimpedance) analysis report which screens for markers of cellular and metabolic health (this is included in your initial appointment if time permits). If indicated, you may be prescribed one of our exclusive, online, patient only, nutritional programs which will provide you with information about healthy eating, delicious recipes, resources and educational tools to help you improve your health and vitality through diet.

2. DNA Testing

Can I claim my appointment costs trough my health fund?

Yes, health fund rebates apply to all in-clinic Naturopathic appointments. The rebate amount depends on your individual health fund and level of cover. However, please note that online Skype appointments are not eligible for health fund rebates, unless you have had at least one face-to-face appointment in the clinic beforehand. To see a full list of eligible health funds click here.

Where is the DNA testing performed?

The DNA testing is performed by the geneticists at Smart DNA in their lab based in Melbourne.

How long does it take to get my results back?

The turnaround time on DNA testing is approximately 4 weeks after the lab receives your sample.

I don’t live in Sydney, can I have an online appointment over Telehealth?

Yes, all appointments are conducted via our easy to use, secure, telehealth system, so you can book an appointment regardless of where you live in Australia.

Can this type of DNA testing diagnose genetic diseases?

No, Genomic Wellness DNA testing investigates the genes involved in specific biological pathways in the body. This type of DNA testing is designed to help people optimize their health by understanding their individual genetic profile and identifying aspects of health that may benefit from specific dietary and lifestyle modification.

How much does DNA testing cost?

Genomic Wellness DNA test (saliva test) – $396.00 (this amount is paid directly to the lab) DNA testing also requires two appointments. In the initial screening appointment (one hour) we gather details of your personal and family health history along with information about your current dietary and lifestyle choices, along with your health goals. Genes alone are not predictive of disease, it is the combination of genes and environmental factors, including diet and lifestyle factors that dictate health. The information gathered in this first appointment helps us to clarify your health goals, assess your current health and provide you with personalised health advice. In the second ‘Report of Findings’ appointment (1 hour) you will receive your extensive DNA report complied by the geneticists at Smart DNA. You will also receive a Health Care Plan which provides you with easy to understand information and nutritional and lifestyle advice to optimise your health. **please note: appointments are are paid separately

3. Gut Testing

Gut Microbiome Testing

Microbiome testing is the gold standard in gut testing. This stool test examines the DNA of all bacteria present and allows for identification of species not usually reported on in other tests. It provides you with an understanding of the balance of the species in the gut and can identify species that have been associated with leaky gut, inflammation, metabolic syndrome, autoimmunity and many other conditions. Gut Microbiome testing costs $330.00 and turn around time to receive your report is approximately 6 weeks.

Comprehensive Stool and Digestive Analysis

This stool test uses microscopy to identify bacteria, yeasts and parasites that can cause gut problems. Once identified any problematic microbes are then tested in the lab for their sensitivity to natural medicines, to ensure appropriate treatment. Depending on the level of CDSA you choose it can also report on a range of other important markers, such as absorption, inflammation, short chain fatty acid production, hormone metabolism via the gut and Helicobacter pylori status. The cost of a CDSA ranges from $145.00 upwards, depending on the level you choose. The turn around time from the lab is approximately 3 weeks.

PCR Stool Test

This is a quick simple DNA test that we use to identify common parasites along with major gut pathogens. It is performed through a standard medical lab. It is a highly sensitive DNA test and can identify even low level amounts of pathogen. This test costs $48.00 and the turn around time is approximately 3 days.

SIBO Breath Testing

Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth has been associated with Irritable Bowel Syndrome and a range of other digestive disorders. While lower gut function is easily assessed using stool testing upper gut function can be more difficult to assess. We use breath testing to identify SIBO. This non-invasive test provides valuable information on upper gut function that helps us to structure an appropriate gut healing protocol using natural medicines and specific dietary interventions. The cost of SIBO Breath testing starts at  $195.00 and depends on what level you choose. The turn around time is two weeks.

4. Food Intolerance Testing

Food Intolerance Testing

There are a range of food intolerance tests available to help you clearly identify foods that you may be reacting to. Avoiding reactive foods can be an important step in healing the gut. However, it is best we talk you through your options as often it is better to do preliminary gut testing before going straight to food intolerance testing. This could save you money in the long run. We will talk you through all of your options and help you choose the most appropriate and cost effective testing to help you achieve healthy, comfortable digestion.

5. Health Conditions – Can we help you with….?

Acne

Yes we do treat acne. Acne is a surprisingly complex condition that is usually a result of a mix of genetic and hormonal factors as well as less than optimal detoxification processes. Treatment involves the use of nutritional and herbal medicines and dietary intervention to regulate hormones and support healthy detoxification and elimination.

Adrenal Fatigue

Adrenal fatigue is a term that describes ongoing feelings of fatigue or exhaustion that is not relieved by sleep. The adrenal glands sit on top of the kidneys and are responsible for the secretion of adrenaline, cortisol, DHEA and other hormones that are required to help your body function during times of stress, whether it is physical, emotional or mental. Adrenal fatigue usually occurs after a period of prolonged stress, over work or over training. We use functional pathology to investigate cortisol and DHEA levels. There are different stages of adrenal fatigue, with the most advanced cases being associated with chronic fatigue. Herbal medicine provides the most effective treatment for adrenal fatigue while nutritional support and dietary intervention is also important.

Allergies

Allergies are incredibly common. Whether it be asthma, eczema, hay fever or some other type of allergy natural medicine can provide significant relief and give you long term strategies to support your immune system. We use a range of treatments including herbal and nutritional medicine, homotoxicology and dietary intervention to effectively reduce the symptoms and modulate the immune system.

Anxiety

Stress and anxiety seem to be a modern epidemic these days, busy people juggling work, family and households, everyone seems to be have so much on their plate. While a little bit of stress can help you get things done, ongoing unrelenting stress can cause anxiety and is damaging to your long-term health and has been related to compromised immune system, depleted adrenal function, chronic disease and cancer. Herbal and nutritional medicine has a lot to offer people suffering from stress and anxiety. Even if you are already taking pharmaceutical medications, providing the nutrients to nourish the nervous system and adrenal glands and providing the building blocks for neurotransmitters can make a big impact on your health now and into the future.

Asthma

Yes, we can support the immune system and respiratory function of people with asthma, without interfering with their preventative or acute medication protocols. Natural medicine can provide significant relief and give you long term strategies to modulate your immune system. We use a range of treatments including herbal and nutritional medicine, homotoxicology and dietary intervention to effectively reduce the symptoms and modulate the immune system.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome is usually the result of years of adrenal fatigue, which may be further complicated by post viral syndrome or chronic infection as the immune system is usually significantly affected. Natural medicine has a lot to offer people suffering from this chronic condition and uses adaptogen and immunomodulating herbal medicine, nutritional support and dietary intervention. Homotoxicology may also be used to support very sensitive patients.

Depression

Yes we do offer a range of support treatments for people suffering from depression and mood disorders. Herbal and nutritional medicine has a lot to offer people suffering from depression and mood disorders. Even if you are already taking pharmaceutical medications, providing the nutrients to nourish the nervous system and adrenal glands and providing the building blocks for neurotransmitters can make a big impact on your health now and into the future. Aside from nutritional and herbal medicine support we also offer a range of functional pathology testing including amino acid profiling, kryptopyrrole testing and adrenal assay that may help identify areas of your health that could be improved to make a positive impact on your mental health.

Eczema

Yes, we treat eczema and other forms of allergic skin reactions. Treatment may consist of herbal and nutritional medicines, homotoxicology and dietary interventions. We always start treatment of eczema and allergic skin reactions via modulation of the immune system based around the gastrointestinal tract. Addressing immune imbalance this way gets great results in both adults and children.

Endometriosis

Natural medicine has a lot to offer women who suffer from endometriosis. Endometriosis is a complex condition which is driven by poor oestrogen metabolism and further complicated by inflammation. We offer DNA testing, (which gives a clear understanding of both of these important pathways) or functional pathology oestrogen metabolism testing (that allows us to track improvements in oestrogen metabolism). Endometriosis is a very painful condition and may also cause problems with fertility. Treatment using herbal and nutritional medicines is aimed at decreasing pain and inflammation while supporting effective oestrogen metabolism and regulating hormones.

Food Intolerance

Food intolerance are incredibly common and many people don’t know which foods they are reacting to. Many people adopt a very restricted diet in order to avoid foods they may react to, this can lead to lots of confusion about dietary choices and potentially cause unnecessary nutrient deficiencies. We offer a range of functional testing to help you identify foods that are causing your symptoms and provide dietary advice on how to avoid those foods in the diet while strengthening and modulating your immune system. You may also be interested in gene testing that can clarify your potential for coeliac disease or lactose intolerance.

Leaky Gut

We test everyone who comes to see us for Leaky Gut using a simple urine test that we perform on the spot, in clinic. Leaky gut is an incredibly common condition that is often a driving factor behind many other conditions including, allergies, autoimmune disease, hormonal disruption and weight problems to name a few. The term ‘Leaky gut’ means that the membranes of the digestive tract become open and porous, which lets undigested food, toxins and bacteria pass into the system. This causes significant irritation to the immune system which is always on alert in this area to protect the body. Another common feature of leaky gut is dysbiosis, or the overgrowth of ‘bad’ bacteria in the digestive tract. Bacteria can give off toxins and chemicals which cause the membranes of the digestive tract to become more porous in the first place. Natural medicine offers excellent treatment options for Leaky gut, including herbal antimicrobial treatment, probiotic and prebiotic therapy and nutritional medicine to heal the gut wall. As it is such a strong driving factor in many health conditions we often use Leaky Gut treatment as a starting point in our health protocols.

High Blood Pressure

Patients with hypertension can be effectively supported with natural medicine without interfering with their anti-hypertensive medications. In some cases, people who have hypertension associated with weight problems, sleep apnoea or stress may achieve significant improvement in their blood pressure by treating the underlying cause with natural medicine including herbal and nutritional medicines, dietary intervention and homotoxicology.

High Cholesterol

High cholesterol is very common and pharmaceutical medications used to lower cholesterol can cause significant side effects. Natural medicine has many effective treatments to help manage cholesterol levels, including herbal and nutritional medicines and dietary interventions. We offer DNA testing to fully understand the genetic drivers behind high cholesterol and state of the art pathology testing through a laboratory in Germany which accurately predicts the potential for oxidation of LDL (low density lipoprotien) cholesterol.

Hormone Imbalance

Yes, we have extensive experience in treating hormone imbalance. Most women experience symptoms associated with hormonal imbalance at some time in their lives, this may include PMT, irregular menstrual cycle, mood disruption, heavy bleeding, bloating, breast tenderness, acne etc . Hormones may become disrupted due to stress, changes in body weight or diet or after discontinuation of the oral contraceptive pill. Women also experience hormonal changes in their teenage years and again from their mid 30′s onwards as hormone levels change. Herbal medicine has been used throughout history to help regulate the menstrual cycle and balance hormones, effectively reducing symptoms and easing times of transition.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome can be a disabling chronic condition for some people. Herbal and nutritional medicine along with dietary intervention and homotoxicology may be used to help regulate bowel function and provide significant symptom relief. We also offer comprehensive bowel and digestive function testing which is able to clearly identify any potential pathogens present that are having a negative effect on bowel function and helps to pinpoint areas of the digestive function that may need additional support.

Infertility

According to statistics one in every six couples experiences infertility. Natural medicine has a long history of use for the treatment of both male and female infertility. In women it is used to support hormonal health and regulate menstrual the cycle and promote ovulation. Male fertility also responds well to treatment with herbal and nutritional medicine and problems such as low sperm count, poor motility or high morphology can all be addressed using these type of treatments. Preconception care is an important part of infertility treatment and may involve detoxification, nutritional support and dietary intervention in order to ensure that both parents are in optimal health prior to conception.

Metabolism Problems

Many people have difficulty losing weight despite their best efforts with diet and exercise. This may be due to metabolism problems. Our ability to lose or gain weight is effected by several different factors, including genetic variations, high cortisol levels due to stress, thyroid problems or the presence of gut dysbiosis, which has been shown to interfere with insulin signaling and have a direct association with weight retention and obesity. Other issues which could cause metabolism problems and block weight loss is fatty liver, insulin resistance and low grade systemic toxicity. We have a range of different functional pathology tests and offer cutting edge Wellness Genomics DNA testing to accurately identify the causes of metabolism problems. Our weight loss programs can be tailored suit each individual and herbal and nutritional medicine can be used to treat the driving factors behind metabolism problems.

Menopause and Peri-Menopause

Hormonal fluctuations from the age of 35 onwards can be associated with peri-menopause, a term used to describe the lead up to menopause. Some women start experience symptoms such as mood swings, irregular periods, insomnia, night sweats, hot flushes, lowered energy in the lead up to and during menopause. For other women however the onset of menopause is quite sudden and the transition can be challenging. Natural medicine and particularly herbal medicine can be used to support hormonal balance and effectively lessen the symptoms associated with Menopause or peri-menopause.

Migraine

Migraine can cause significant disruption to the lives of people who experience them frequently. Natural medicine, including herbal and nutritional medicine, can help reduce the frequency and severity of migraines and in some cases be used as a primary form of treatment.

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a complex endocrine condition that is caused by a number of driving factors including a genetic tendency towards blood sugar disruption, hormonal imbalance and often involves adrenal disruption. The symptoms can vary from women to women and may include weight gain, irregular menstrual cycle, acne, excess hair growth, insulin resistance and or cysts present on the ovaries. Natural medicine provides effective support for women with PCOS and aims to regulate the menstrual cycle and support hormone balance using herbal medicine, promote healthy weight management using nutritional medicine and dietary interventions. This treatment is particularly important for women who are planning on pregnancy in the future as it increases the possibility of natural conception.

Stress

Stress seems to be a modern epidemic these days, people are busy juggling work, family and households and social commitments. While a little bit of stress can help you get things done, ongoing unrelenting stress is damaging to your long-term health and has been related to compromised immune system, depleted adrenal function, chronic disease and cancer. Ongoing stress is also one of the causative factors of depression, mood disorders and insomnia. Herbal and nutritional medicine provide effective treatment for the symptoms of stress and can be used to nourish and support the nervous system and minimize the effects of stress.

Thyroid Problems

Thyroid gland function may become unstable during times of stress in genetically susceptible people, it is also highly sensitive to oxidative stress which may trigger thyroid disruption. While medical treatment for thyroid problems is effective, many people start to feel the effects of thyroid disruption long before they are deemed to fit into the category of frank ‘thyroid disease’. Natural medicine works beautifully to help balance thyroid function and nourish the thyroid gland and is of particular benefit when thyroid function starts to become disrupted, prior to diagnosis with frank thyroid disease.