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What is Naturopathy, and What Does a Traditional Naturopath Do?

  • Writer: Brenda Elving
    Brenda Elving
  • Jun 21, 2025
  • 3 min read

Updated: Sep 8, 2025

Brenda Elving ND in her home office in front of  her certification wall.

Naturopathy is an approach to health that focuses on natural healing methods. As a Traditional Naturopath, I do not wear a conventional white coat or use backside-revealing gowns. While I may occasionally use a stethoscope or labs, my focus remains on holistic health and drugless healing.


Understanding the Role of a Traditional Naturopath


Many people aren’t sure how a Traditional Naturopath differs from other holistic health practitioners. My own path reflects both decades of independent study and formal training. Long before beginning professional coursework, I spent nearly 20 years studying nutrition, environmental stressors, and homeopathy, using what I learned on my own family. This experience gave me a solid foundation that my peers and mentors recognized immediately.


I earned my Naturopathic Doctor (ND) diploma through Trinity School of Natural Health. This education is not a licensed medical degree, but it does include extensive training in anatomy, physiology, nutrition, and a variety of drugless therapies. Wanting to further refine my expertise and demonstrate a higher professional standard in a field where training can vary widely, I continued my education at the Institute of Holistic Integrative Studies, where I received the Traditional Naturopath (TN) diploma.


While terms like “Traditional Naturopath,” “Naturopathic Doctor,” and “Holistic Health Practitioner” are sometimes used interchangeably, my focus is clear: combining time-honored natural methods with disciplined training to help the body restore balance and heal itself.


The Healing Process


At your first visit, I want to learn your story and understand what brought you to where you are today. That may take over an hour. I use Muscle Response Testing, also known as Applied Kinesiology, which is a technique that allows me to evaluate the body as a whole. I identify underlying imbalances and choose appropriate remedies tailored to your body. This insight helps me to work with you to develop a support plan that fits your unique needs. Healing is not a generic path; it is deeply personal, and your body knows what it needs. You deserve personalized care.


Unlike conventional medicine, I don’t diagnose or treat specific diseases, nor do I prescribe pharmaceuticals. I can assess lab results if you have them, and we can run labs if you so desire. I do not require them.


Guiding Principles of Healing


Every woman's healing journey is unique, but several key principles guide my approach to care:


🔹 Chronic Illness Is Not Just Genetic

Many chronic conditions, such as fatigue, hormone imbalance, and autoimmune issues, often stem from diet, lifestyle, and stress. The terrain of your body is grounded in genetics, but often, "hereditary" patterns can be traced back to family recipes or traditions. The good news is that many issues considered "normal aging" can often be reversed with the right approach.


🔹 Healing Is Not One-Size-Fits-All

Each person requires different healing methods. For toddlers and sensitive individuals, the gentle approach of homeopathy may be the best choice. Others may flourish with more structured fitness and targeted nutrition. Some may only need consistent rhythms and herbal teas to initiate healing. What's most important is understanding what is right for you at this moment.


🔹 Every Healing Path Is Unique

I do not claim to possess all the answers. I begin each day with prayer. As stated in James 5:15, "the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up." I trust that through divine guidance, your body's signals, and measurable results, we can navigate the path to healing together.


Embracing Your Healing Journey


Dr. Nicholas Gonzalez once noted: "Over the years, I have come to recognize certain intangible qualities that I invariably see in my successful cancer patients. These include an enormous capacity for faith, a quality of trust, fearlessness even in the face of death, and gratitude.” Your body is capable of much more than conventional wisdom suggests, especially when prayer is involved.


If you're ready to delve deeper into the possibilities of healing, I invite you to schedule a free discovery call here. Together, we can pave the way to your unique healing journey.

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Brenda Elving, ND

(512) 677-4609 

Board-Certified Traditional Naturopath

Virtual Appointments Available Nationwide
Serving clients locally in Georgetown, TX and the greater Austin, Texas area brenda@brendaelvingnd.com

©2024 by Brenda Elving, ND in Georgetown, TX

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