CNM, the College of Naturopathic Medicine, interviewed four people who changed their lives to work in natural medicine, asking them why they made the change and if they are happy that they did.
Roisin O’Kelly
RN. Dip. Nat. Dip. Herb
CNM Graduate 2003
Owner of Breath of Life Clinic, Dublin
Initially, my career was in nursing. I worked as a children’s nurse, general nurse and midwife for over 15 years. I always loved my job. I was working in Temple Street Intensive Care Unit when our first son Ciaran came along. At 6 weeks, out of nowhere, he developed severe eczema. We tried everything, emollients, steroid creams, antihistamines, antibiotics…all to no avail. We explored dietary change, cotton clothes, non-biological washing powders, still with no improvement. At the age of 12 years, his skin was worse than ever. A very prayerful person suggested we start him on Complex Homeopathy. Within 24 hours, there was a dramatic improvement. Within 1 week, his skin was clear for the first time in his life. This experience encouraged me to resign there and then, as a nurse, and begin my lifelong study of Natural Healing. I embarked upon the Naturopathy/Herbal Medicine training at CNM.
I am so glad I made the change. Each day is an adventure, each day I learn more. It is hard work but a great challenge. Every day, in my clinic, I see miracles which raise my spirits and give me joy.
In recent weeks, a couple, who had previously been infertile, brought their beautiful new baby to meet us; a patient, who had been obese, came to visit, slim and trim after a long battle with his weight; an infant with a chronic respiratory infection showed huge improvement; a cancer patient, who had been suffering badly, reported feeling much better. My work is very worthwhile. I feel I make a difference in peoples lives.
Avril Lane-Watson
BSc. Dip.Nat. Dip.Ac.
CNM Graduate 2005
Owner of Cara Clinic, Tipperary
I have always felt that there is a preordained path that we are born to follow. I qualified originally as a teacher, moving into remedial education. I really enjoyed this, but I came from a family where there were doctors and dieticians and I had always been fascinated by medicine.
In the late 90’s, my mum became ill with breast cancer, and this was a huge turning point in my life. She suffered a lot, but at that time there was no general awareness of how complementary approaches could have helped alleviate her suffering. It was only in 2001, after she had passed away that I really decided to become a practitioner, to learn as much about natural medicine as possible and to really focus on how it can relieve suffering.
I trained as an Acupuncturist and a Naturopath at CNM. Acupuncture is so powerful for pain relief and the Naturopathy tools help empower the patient to help themselves. I love running my own practise and being able to help people, and cannot imagine doing anything else. I love seeing the results as people respond to treatment, the light coming back into their eyes, pain intensity and frequency reducing over time, hope coming back. I give a lot, but receive so much back.
Paula Duggan
Dip. NT. Chek. Exercise coach, Eki, NDEFE, MIANT
CNM Graduate 2008
I travelled extensively through Australia and New Zealand over a couple of years. During my travels, it became clear to me that other cultures prioritise their own health and wellbeing much more than we do here in Ireland. Abroad, I found it so much easier to eat well, no matter where I went. I enjoyed the benefits of eating so well, and found myself feeling positive and energised. I was meeting so many people who were aware of the impact of food and exercise on wellness. I also had the opportunity to work in a health cafe which promoted wholesome fresh produce. All of this inspired me to embark upon a career in nutrition and fitness.
When I returned to Ireland, I enrolled in a 3 year diploma course with CNM. I thoroughly enjoyed the training. It was the catalyst for me to start my own business as a Nutritional Therapist and Personal Trainer.
I really love my work. I get to help people on a really fundamental level. A lot of my work is about education and inspiration. I focus on getting people to realise how wonderful they can feel when they follow a nutrient dense diet and make exercise a part of their lives. I respond to each client individually, depending on their needs. Many report an improved quality of life and increased confidence and energy.
Rory Hafford
MSC Medical Science, ND, Dip Ac, Dip Psych
CNM Graduate 2009
Owner of Stress & Wellness Clinic, Dublin
My background was initially in Allopathic Medicine. As the years passed, I became more and more interested in other models of healthcare, especially as so many of the illnesses I was witnessing had lifestyle factors at their core – stress, poor nutrition, emotional problems. I recognized that there were many things that were helping people that seemed to be outside the sphere of the Allopathic model. This put me on a path to discover more.
At this point, I had over 15 years in the orthodox medical world, working as a medical journalist with some of the leading medical publications, writing books and serving at one point as the CEO for the Association of General Practitioners.
In 2007, I decided to study Natural medicine and began with Naturopathy and Acupuncture at CNM. It was fantastic. It allowed me to pull everything I had ever studied together and to truly work with people on a mind/body/spirit level. I went on to further train in Osteopathy and Counselling.
I love the work I do. It allows me to really connect with people, to create a space where they can open up. It allows me to help people when they most need it. I would recommend the use of natural medicine and lifestyle change to everyone.
Applications for all CNM diploma courses – Nutritional Medicine, Herbal Medicine, Acupuncture, Naturopathy – and short courses – Nutrition for Everyday Living (starting October) – now being accepted.
Contact 01-2353094 or www.naturopathy.ie or dublininfo@naturopathy-ireland.com
