5 Minutes with Naturopath, Michelle Campbell
We ask our Naturopath, Michelle Campbell, 10 questions about her motivations, advice and what gets her out of bed every morning.
Beattie Street’s Naturopath, Michelle Campbell
What gets you out of bed every day?
The opportunity to help people, to be a catalyst for change and a path to better health. It is something I can personally relate to due to my own health issues, after seeing a naturopath many years ago, it made a huge difference to my health journey and I’d like to do the same thing for others. On a personal note, the love I have for my kids and my partner provide me the energy I need to keep going through the good and bad days and keep motivated, grounded and happy.
What is something that you do routinely throughout the week (for your self care)?
After the birth of my second child I joined a post-natal outdoor fitness group as I wanted to get out and socialise with other mums. As my kids have grown, I’ve continued with outdoor training and I still meet up with some of the mums I originally started with. I’m also a member of a women’s running group and do a weekly early morning group run. I love combining the social connection, movement and being in a green space. It sets up me up for the rest of the day, feeling energised, relaxed and positive.
What do you find most rewarding about what you do?
When a client experiences a positive change in their health and this impacts not only on their quality of life, but their family and people around them.
Who or what inspires you?
The beauty, intelligence and healing power of nature always fascinates and inspires me. I love spending time in the natural environment and the state of mindfulness and gratitude that it brings. Appreciating the colours of a sunrise or the beauty of a full moon, reminds me to slow down and be in the moment. The complexity and intelligence of all living things inspires me to be curious and keep learning - as humans we still have a lot to discover and understand when it comes to ourselves and the natural world we live in.
What is your mantra or favourite quote?
All is well, right here, right now.
What advice would you give your younger self?
You are enough. Don’t spend your energy on worrying about the expectations or opinions of other people. Your life is your own path to tread.
What is the most frequently asked question you receive from patients?
Are you going to make me give up all the yummy stuff I love?! (e.g. chocolate, ice-cream, wine) The answer is – it depends on you! I am all for promoting healthy choices, but I do also believe in balance. Incremental, rather than drastic changes are usually the most effective in the long term. I will work with you to achieve a balance between diet and lifestyle changes that are both practical and achievable for you.
What is your number one resource (book, website, etc) you recommend to patients and why?
It’s hard to pick just one!
As inflammation is a driver in so many chronic health conditions, I commonly recommend to my clients the anti-inflammatory diet guidelines which closely follow the principles of the Mediterranean diet. The principles are not about eliminating food groups and being rigid, it’s about changing habits and making better food choices and a lifestyle for the longer term.
When it comes to women’s health depending on the stage of life the client is in, I frequently recommend Lara Briden’s books, ‘Period Repair Manual’ and ‘Hormone Repair Manual’. They are both easy to read and practical resources to help women get a better understanding of their reproductive health and all the curve balls that it throws at us!
How would you describe what you do?
I provide holistic healthcare that focuses on the whole person. I provide a space for the client to be heard, listening to their health concerns and understanding what their health priorities are. I work with clients in partnership, helping them achieve their health goals through a combination of customised nutritional and supplement advice, herbal medicine, flower essence therapy and lifestyle strategies.
What five words would your friends and loved ones use to describe you?
I got my kids to help me answer this question! Curious, kind, understanding, unique, happy.
Michelle Campbell is a degree-qualified naturopath, with a passion for helping your body find its natural balance, offering a holistic and realistic approach to achieving optimal health.