Sunday, 26 June 2022
Lindy Smithies joined Endeavour College in 2014 as a lecturer, using her wealth of experience in naturopathy and acupuncture to teach future natural health professionals. Today she talks about her love of natural health, why it’s so rewarding and offers some advice for those hoping to get into the space.
Prior to joining Endeavour College in 2014, I had a long career in clinical practice as a Naturopath and Acupuncturist. I worked both as a solo practitioner and in multi-modality health clinics. Working in a team can be a lot of fun, as well as providing a combined approach to client’s health outcomes.
I feel incredibly fortunate to have had a career in natural medicine, and to have seen the growing acceptance and understanding of natural remedies in Australia since I started studying in the early 1990’s. I always wanted a career working with people, and I had an interest in health, so when I found out about naturopathy I knew I had found my career path.
The most rewarding aspect is helping clients achieve their health goals – feeling better, relief from debilitating illness, improving the health of their family – whatever their aims are. I also love formulating and dispensing remedies. I still love mixing herbal medicine formulas and flower essences, creating creams and teas.
If I was asked for a piece of advice, it would be to follow your heart and pursue your interests. If I hadn’t studied naturopathy in the 1990s (when it was a very misunderstood career choice), I wouldn’t have had the amazing 25+ year career that I have had. It’s never too late to learn something new and incorporate it into your life.
I’m motivated by continually learning – staying up to date with new research, or new treatment options, that I can discuss with students in the classroom, and adapt into treatments for clients.
Don’t give up!
If you’re considering studying Naturopathy, there are many short courses that will be of interest. Naturopathy is a framework for practice within a holistic model and it includes many different therapies – herbal medicine, nutritional medicine, lifestyle and wellness practices, flower essences, hydrotherapy, homoeopathy…
Attending the Graduation Ceremony and seeing the students that I’ve taught and mentored graduate and join our profession is always an amazing highlight to celebrate.
In my spare time I love hanging out with my family, reading, going on a lazy Sunday bike ride, and making herbal creams and “potions”.
Empower yourself with knowledge — find out more about our range of Natural Health Short Courses and take the plunge towards a happier, healthier you.
Endeavour College of Natural Health is Australia's largest Higher Education provider of natural medicine courses.
The College is known as the centre of excellence for natural medicine and is respected for its internationally recognised academic teams and high calibre graduates. Endeavour offers higher education Diplomas in Health Science and Bachelor of Health Science degrees in Naturopathy, Nutritional and Dietetic Medicine, Acupuncture Therapies and Chinese Medicine.
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