Frequently Asked Questions

During the consultation, I will ask you several questions, feel your wrist pulses, and examine your tongue as I undertake an evaluation. Both are very good at determining your health status. After discussing the findings, I will address your primary health concern or most bothersome symptoms and offer some suggestions. One can treat Multiple conditions simultaneously; however, sometimes, the primary condition needs to be treated first before others ( otherwise, one has to take too many supplements).

You will be given strategies and a health plan detailing suggestions for resolving your complaints.

Please bring the results of any medical tests or diagnoses that you may have, including what medications or supplements you are taking. The first session is to get you going on a program and the second session is on follow up and adjustment to your health program. Preferably wear loose, comfortable clothing and loose sleeves as I may take your blood pressure.

I am not a medical doctor. Therefore, I do not diagnose medical conditions. Suppose I suspect through my training and interview that you possibly have a medical condition. In that case, I will refer you back to your regular doctor or nominate another health professional who can assist your needs. I may comment about prescribed pharmaceutical medicines that you are taking that, in my opinion, is not in your interest for obtaining radiant health or may be causing you side effects. If there is an issue, I will always refer you back to your prescribing doctor.

Based on the functional assessment, I will prescribe a customised Herbal formula to address your health problem. I prescribe practitioner-only products as they are more robust and better formulated than many retail products. Herbs prescribed are Practitioner strength and approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration.

Most Herbs can be taken by those using prescription drugs without interactions. However, Herbs should be taken at least 2 hours before prescription drugs are taken. There are some exceptions, of course. Those on Warfarin or other blood thinners may not take some herbal supplements, and you will be given further advice during the consultation.

Herbs may be reordered by e-mail at plfarnsworth@gmail.com, by text message at 0438584123, posted to you, or collected at the clinic. Liquid herbs will be collected at Biophilia Herbal Dispensary in the Adelaide CBD.

If you have a PayPal account, you can transfer money to me via PayPal.me/Peter Farnsworth or plfarnsworth@gmail.com. If a bank transfer, please email for details or call me with your credit card details.

Please place orders a week before you run out, as the effectiveness of therapy depends on the consistency of taking your formula.

There is no Natural Cure for cancer, but there are evidence-based nutritional and Herbal protocols that can stimulate the immune system and may assist in slowing down the progression and growth of cancer. For example, there has been considerable research into Curcumin ( a compound of Tumeric ) that has many trials to show that it may be beneficial in slowing down the progression of cancer, helps stimulate white blood cells, and even destroys cancer stem cells. Whilst Curcumin does not cure cancer, its use in the correct way may be beneficial and supportive in an overall health program. If you are confused about what may be helpful to you, then in a one-hour consultation, I can show you a program that will assist. There are no size suits all approach in treating any chronic disease, and every program must be individualised for you.

As a Naturopath, I am a holistic health practitioner who prioritises natural healing methods and preventive care. I focus on treating the root cause of illnesses rather than simply alleviating symptoms. My profession emphasises the body's ability to heal itself and the use of a combination of therapies, including herbal medicine, nutrition, and lifestyle counselling. I also advocate for patient education and empowerment, encouraging individuals to participate in their health actively.

I use a variety of diagnostic aids to help formulate the best treatment plan for your health conditions.

Iridology :

Iridology examines the Patterns and phenomena of eye signs, which gives information about genetic traits and a person's constitution. Iridology cannot diagnose disease but can determine organ strengths and weaknesses and influences on the body’s nervous system. Unlike pulse diagnosis, Iridology does not reveal what is happening in real-time but serves as a metabolic constitutional reference. It is a perfect tool for health preventative care and supplement maintenance programs.

Nutrient & Toxic Element Testing :

A Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis ( HTMA) provides reliable clinical data on over 36 nutrient and toxic minerals and 27 significant mineral ratios. This information is obtained by spectrometry analysis of a hair sample. The study gives information on a person's biochemistry, which is not often revealed in standard blood tests or dietary health intakes. This test is essential for anyone with a chronic health problem or those on specific diets who want to know how they are doing. Test, don’t guess!

Dietary Analysis :

The analysis of diet is essential in treating any condition. Some foods can aggravate a health condition, whereas some can help. I do not subscribe to any diet or eating regime but advise on the most appropriate eating plan for the treated condition.

Tongue diagnosis

The tongue provides information on internal circulation, the metabolic state of various organs, the digestive system, and the microbiome. In short, it is a quick visual snapshot of what is happening internally. With modern photography, before-and-after treatment pictures can be taken to chart the body's response to Herbal or Dietary Therapy. Photos of the sublingual tongue have been likened to having a “ CT scan” of the whole body.

Pulse diagnosis

Through the ages, pulse diagnosis has been utilised in the Orient to discover the root causes of health imbalances in the body, making it the earliest form of functional medicine practice.  By examining the pulse in the wrist, which reflects the functions and workings of the body, I can identify the specific body organs associated with each pulse position. By assessing the strength or weakness, depth, force, and width of the pulse, I can gauge the organ or tissue's balance and chart a course of treatment to restore equilibrium. For example, by examining the pulse, I can determine which herbs or supplements suit the body and which do not.

To summarise :

The body reveals itself by signs and symptoms like it always has, and by reading these signs, the body shows what needs to be done to achieve balance.

Due to Australian Government regulations, as of 1 April 2019, Herbal Medicine and Naturopathy are no longer covered by private health funds in Australia. Remedial massage is still covered.

Herbs have a nutrient effect on the heart and blood vessels. This New Evidence-based medicine means that many who have Heart problems such as arrhythmia, weak heart, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and Coronary Artery disease can be significantly assisted with appropriate Herbal nutrition. Most Herbs can be taken by those on pharmaceuticals and even Blood thinners for health enhancement and longevity.

Nutrient and toxic element test via Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis ( HTMA) tests for 36 nutrient and toxic minerals and 27 significant mineral ratios. This data is required to determine what diet is appropriate for your needs as any disorder, medication, stress, and eating habits all impact minerals. Minerals are the building blocks of the cell and respond to the factors mentioned. They are the barometer of the impacts of internal and external environment on Cell metabolism. To correct any imbalances caused by dietary correction, one needs to know what the imbalances are in the first place. This test will spotlight those imbalances so that corrective measures may be undertaken.

What can a pulse reading really tell you?

Pulse diagnosis is a practical, time-tested way of assessing how your body is functioning beneath the surface. By feeling specific qualities in the pulse, we can assess patterns related to organ function, metabolism, stress response, and recovery capacity.

Rather than focusing only on symptoms, a pulse reading helps identify why the body may be out of balance. It offers a clear snapshot of your current health state, often highlighting contributing factors that don’t show up in standard tests.

The process is simple, non-invasive, and takes less than 10 minutes. For many clients, it provides a logical and efficient starting point—helping guide treatment decisions with greater accuracy from the very first consultation.