Another challenge is the lack of regulation of Natural Health Practitioners. Although it takes years of study, commitment and determination to become a qualified Natural Healthcare Practitioner; while it is not currently mandatory for Natural Health Practitioners to be regulated, anyone can go out there and call themselves a Naturopath or Herbalist (or worse still, post literally anything online!). This places the public in danger as credible, reliable and accurate information can get drowned out, and a portion of the community end up taking unneeded or incorrect supplements. There’s no denying that caring for yourself means so much more than just consuming the cheapest ‘natural’ health product sold over the counter, but it can be a difficult mindset to change.
Not only do natural health supplements often need to be appropriately aligned with our bodies, but supplements/herbal products are not all created equal; quality, excipients/fillers, evidence-based research and therapeutic dosages vary significantly. Advice from a professional should always be sought, especially when someone is on medications or is wanting to safely and effectively support their health condition. Seeking qualified advice may initially attract additional cost, however there’s much benefit that can be derived with guidance from someone who not only knows about health conditions, but also has an intimate knowledge about how each nutrient or herb interacts with one another, with medications and with your body. I have always been driven to help people, and advocating consultations with your Natural Healthcare Practitioner who can provide researched, authoritative information for people to base their decisions on, is where it all starts.
For better or worse: How do you manage the ebb and flow of a Natural Health business?
Running your own business means that you only have yourself to rely on! This makes the prospect of holidays a little tricky and your time management skills are often pushed to the brink, but a little challenge is good for the soul! It affords flexibility and opportunities to explore different ideas; life is rarely straight forward, so we have to adapt and evolve, quickly. We are constantly innovating to help teach parents about health and empower them to make decisions that are right for them and their family.
Recently, there has been a huge push for online consultations – these can be booked during times best suited to the patient during or after regular working hours. Online consultations are still very interactive, and help those who cannot leave their home or eliminate the need to pack the kids up and ship them along to an appointment. Even though our clinic colouring pencils are feeling a little lonely and I miss all the baby cuddles, we have had to adjust to people’s needs. Our Luxe Tribe Wellness Dispensary website also enables the delivery of products and prescriptions right to your front door – anything we can do to support parents is our jam! Consultations form part of a more thorough assessment of your health, but also empower and motivate patients through their experiences. Because Natural Medicine is not all about taking supplements, it is important to be aware of the specific diet and lifestyle modifications that will support positive healing outcomes. Patients under the care of a Natural Health Practitioner benefit that much more because of the support and encouragement we give, and our intimate knowledge of natural health medicines.
As a family run business, we have managed to keep most aspects of the business within our control; we hand-pack and dispatch all orders ourselves (sometimes we even deliver ourselves!). When you receive an order from us, you receive all the love and intention that goes with it. Sounds a bit hippie I know, but it really does mean something! Our customers are conscious consumers who not only care about how products are made, but they care about where they come from and how they are handled. We want our customers to know they are a part of a community – the Luxe Tribe – a place they can come to connect, learn and heal.
Being a Natural Healthcare Practitioner is deeply fulfilling work. By gently guiding, listening and coaching, we are rewarded when people start feeling better within themselves, their health improves and they are more emotionally component. They are learning how to take care of themselves and their families the truest way possible. I am excited about what we have to offer, and look forward to what the future has in store!
Hopes and dreams: What next?
We are so passionate and motivated by what we do and hope that we can make a positive difference in the lives of our community by promoting health, wellness, self-care and resilience in this busy and challenging world. Galvanising like-minded people with a new paradigm of health – where it is safe to explore and discover unfamiliar methods of healing and preventative health. We are excited to be a part of an increasing need for integrative solutions, working hand-in-hand with medical professionals to improve health outcomes. It’s not one or the other, it’s the best of both worlds. We dream of a world where everyone seeks out their best health and can live a happy, joyful life. We are super excited about a number of new initiatives to further our support for busy parents… stay tuned!!
Visit the Luxe Tribe Dispensary website to find out more, and join their communities on Facebook and Instagram.
