Study aims: To identify the views of naturopathic graduates regarding the integration of naturopathy within mainstream primary health care to support the health and wellbeing of New Zealanders. Methods: Participants were 15 graduates of a naturopathic degree completed in Auckland, New Zealand. Participants were individually interviewed, and data was analysed using an inductive thematic approach. Results and conclusions: Participants provided examples of conditions and symptoms where integration of naturopathy with mainstream primary health care/biomedicine could benefit the health and wellbeing of individuals. Discussed was the need for naturopaths to work alongside biomedicine practitioners to provide integrative health care.

Key Learning Objectives:

1. To gain an understanding of naturopathic graduates’ views regarding the integration of naturopathy with mainstream primary health care/biomedicine (as these graduates will help shape the future of naturopathic practice in New Zealand)

2. To identify conditions and symptoms that naturopathic graduates perceive can benefit from integrative health care (i.e., integration of naturopathy with biomedicine).

3. To identify naturopathic graduates’ suggestions on how to integrate naturopathy with mainstream primary health care/biomedicine.

Study aims: To explore the role of naturopathy and herbal medicine, as preventive health care in supporting the wellbeing of individuals with pre-diabetes.

Methods: Case study; female client, 62 years old, with an HbA1c of 53mmol/mol. 

Results: Treatment was provided over an eight-month period focused on; low glycaemic index foods, exercise, sleep hygiene, breath work, personalised herbal medicine formulas to support blood glucose, and supplementary support. The clients HbA1c went from 53mmol/mol to 43mmol/mol.

Conclusions: This case study demonstrates holistic naturopathic and herbal medicine for clients with prediabetes can be effective, reducing HbA1c, positively impacting client’s wellness.

Key Learning Objectives:

1. Case study demonstrating naturopathic care, reducing blood glucose levels from a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes with an HbA1c of 53mmol/mol to 43mmol/mol.

2. To gain further understanding of naturopathic principles of practice and naturopathic modalities which can be utilised for high blood glucose.

3. The case study identifies a role which naturopathic principles, and application of care, could play when integrated within the public health care system.

Study aims: To identify how clinical outcome measures allow for objective assessment and consequent in-depth client care.

Methods: A case study using the Health Survey and Endometriosis Health Profile-30 (EHP-30) to support reassessment of clinical recommendations; lifestyle, dietary, herbal formula, and supplementation for a female client diagnosed with endometriosis. 

Results and conclusions: Client showed reduction in both the Health Survey and EHP-30 clinical outcome measures across all symptoms. Of note was a reduction in the client’s experience in endometriosis associated pain, which was a considered part of the clients’ recommendations through: breathwork, gluten free diet, herbal formula and supplementation.

Key Learning Objectives:

1. To gain understanding of how clinical outcome measures can support ongoing assessment of client care.

2. To identify and assess the symptom areas within a client’s experiences of endometriosis (Pain, Control and Powerlessness, Emotional well-being, Social Support, Self-image).

3. To highlight the profound impact of breath work and herbal medicine to support our innate individual self-healing processes.

Study aims: Holistic clinical considerations approached through naturopathic and Ayurveda lenses to support reduction of stress, guided by the General Anxiety Disorder 7-item scale (GAD-7). 

Methods: Female, 26 years, scoring a severe level of anxiety on the GAD-7. 

Results and conclusions: Treatment focused on; stabilising digestive health, herbal medicine, safe sun exposure, movement, and dietary variety. Using the principles of, identify and treat the cause, and the healing power of nature to support reducing her experience of anxiety, the GAD-7 score went from severe anxiety to mild anxiety, demonstrating the body’s innate ability to restore balance.

Key Learning Objectives:

1. Case study demonstrating how traditional healing systems can complement naturopathic and herbal medicine practices to offer a holistic approach to successful health outcomes. 

2. Foster culturally respectful and responsive care that meet the needs of diverse communities in Aotearoa New Zealand.

3. How indigenous and western healing systems enhance overall psychological and physiological wellbeing in clinical practice.