Kirsten Donovan is a registered Naturopath with NMHNZ (Naturopaths and Medical Herbalists of New Zealand) and has been practicing naturopathy for 17 years in private practice and within a corporate setting. She has continuing education in nutrigenomic medicine using the GEMM protocol for enhancing cell health and longevity. She is also a qualified QRA practitioner (an advanced form of kinesiology).

Kirsten is a general practitioner so can help you with any health complaint by looking at the body as a whole and applying naturopathic principles - treat the whole person, identify and treat the root cause and first do no harm.She enjoys applying her years of knowledge and experience with nutrition, herbal medicine, homeobotanicals and nutritional supplementation to help people gain optimal health.

Kirsten can not only work with you to identify the areas of your wellness that need addressing using pathology testing (registered with Pathlab Waikato) and functional testing (urine, stool and breath testing), she can help you formulate a wholistic plan to move forward and overcome health issues.

Working with Kirsten, you can expect to come out with your own personalised prescription including; nutritional plan, lifestyle plan and supplemental regime to get you back to your best health. All supplements and herbs can be couriered straight to your door. 

WHAT IS A NATUROPATH?
"Naturopathic medicine prioritizes the most natural, least invasive and least toxic therapies to treat illness"

Naturopathic medicine is both as old as healing itself and as new as the latest scientific breakthroughs. All naturopaths prescribe to the 6 tenants of Naturopathy which embrace Nature's healing powers.

Naturopathic medicine prioritizes the most natural, least invasive and least toxic therapies to treat illness, and promotes wellness by viewing the body as whole. It is a complementary, not alternative, medicine – we work alongside allied and allopathic practitioners, including GPs.  Typical treatments involve nutrition advice, herbal medicine, homeobotanical remedies and nutritional supplements that have been tailored to the individual. No two cases are treated alike as each body is considered unique. 

Registered naturopaths in New Zealand study 4 years to receive degree qualifications or 3 years for an Advanced Diploma and are familiar with Anatomy and Physiology to level 5 - similar to that of a Nursing qualification.

We have the opportunity to join registered bodies such as NMHNZ (Naturopaths and Medical Herbalists of New Zealand) that require valid certification from accredited colleges and ongoing education to earn CPE points to keep our registration. It is recommended that you choose a registered naturopath to ensure that they meet the high standards of the NMHNZ.  

Naturopaths may use a variety of testing modalities to identify nutritional deficiencies or other imbalances in the body. It is common for naturopaths to read blood test or request urine, stool or breath tests. Our testing methods are unique to our trade and often very comprehensive.

The Naturopathic Tenants

First Do No Harm  Core to all medical practice is the desire to help the human form and condition. Naturopaths typically approach care by utilizing the most natural, least invasive and least toxic therapies. Naturopaths will refer when the patient’s presentation is outside their scope or level of skill.
The Healing Power of Nature  Naturopaths recognize the value of our natural world in assisting the healing process. Not only do naturopaths utilize substances that originate in nature, but they also incorporate a healthy natural environment as foundational to human health. Naturopaths recognize and harness the body’s inherent wisdom to heal itself in order to guide patients to wellness and total health.
Identify and Treat the Causes  There is a time and place for symptom suppression, however most naturopathic patients will benefit from identifying the underlying causes of illness and removing obstacles to cure.
Doctor as Teacher  Naturopaths elevate patient health literacy. That means that naturopaths are part of the team helping patients have a better understanding of what it takes to be and stay well. Through education and a trust-based relationship, patients better understand the steps they need to take to achieve and maintain health.
Treat the Whole Person  Naturopaths understand the interconnectedness of our body, our environment and our lifestyle on total health. It is only through this whole-person-based approach that naturopaths seek to restore balance and health.
Prevention  Naturopathic medicine affirms that it is better to prevent illness and suffering whenever possible. Through their comprehensive practice, naturopaths combine all six principles in order to identify potential areas of imbalance and teach patients how to get well and stay well.

Website: kirstendonovan.co.nz

Email for enquiries: hello@kirstendonovan.co.nz

Phone: 021 338 320