Melbourne Naturopath

02/04/2026

It crept up slowly. I didn’t realise what was happening at first.

I was tired. But I had a small child and I was working a lot. So naturally I was tired, right?
I was snappy and easily irritated. But people are annoying and I was tired. It made sense. Right?

I was putting on weight. But I’ve never been skinny and I gave in to cravings because I was exhausted and it was an easy dopamine boost. And I had no time or energy to exercise. Completely logical and expected.

Then I had a photoshoot.

I was shocked. I looked awful. But maybe the photographer was bad. And I had a cold that day so my face was puffy and swollen. And my friend did my hair (to the best of her limited ability). I decided to get over it and move on.

A few months later I had another photoshoot. This time with a photographer I trusted. She took many gorgeous photos of me three years ago. Surely she could do it again.

Shock horror. I looked awful.

Between the photos from three years ago and now, I had aged fifteen years. There were no excuses left. No bad photographers. No colds. No unfortunate hair days. If I didn’t act fast, this would be the new me, and it would only get worse.

So I went to my GP. Got the blood tests, the ultrasounds, the referrals. The results told a story I recognised immediately. I’ve seen it in my patients a hundred times.

Here’s the thing.

I’m a naturopath with 15 years of clinical experience. A Masters in women’s health medicine. A full subject on menopause. Another on reproductive endocrinology. I know this transition better than most GPs.

I knew exactly what was happening to me.

I kept telling myself I was different.

I’m not.

So I’m going to document everything I do about it. Not as a patient. As a clinician who just became her own case study.
You get to watch this unfold.

First thing I’m starting with?

It’s not hormones.

30/03/2026

This is not protocol-based care.

Your treatment is developed from a detailed understanding of your health, with interventions selected based on clinical relevance, not trends.

From there, we track, adjust, and refine.

Because effective care requires precision, not guesswork.

Drop a message or comment, ask a question or book your first appointment.

Website is now live (link in comments section below)

29/03/2026

I’m Inna Mitelman, naturopath, university lecturer, leech therapist and mum of two, but it all started when I was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease at 17, and then told at 20 that I’d never conceive without IVF. I’ve been Crohn’s-free for 32 years. I have two children, both conceived naturally with the youngest arriving at age 43.

Swipe to learn more about my story and my work.

08/10/2025

The weather is warming up, and leeches are out of hybernation!

After their winter rest, our leeches are active again and ready to ease your pain.

If you’ve been waiting to continue your treatments or were due for a maintenance session, this is the perfect time — the leeches are in peak condition, and results tend to be strongest in the first few months after hibernation.

Leech therapy can help ease joint or muscle pain, reduce inflammation, support circulation, and speed recovery after injury or surgery.

All treatments are carried out under strict hygienic conditions using individually sourced, single-use medical leeches.

If you’d like to book your next session, simply reply to this message or get in touch to schedule a time that suits you.

16/04/2025

Exciting news! The first Australian certification course in Hirudotherapy has just concluded, and our first cohort of students has successfully completed their practical workshops. Once their assessments are finalized, they’ll be ready to bring the healing power of leech therapy into clinical practice.

This marks a significant milestone as we now have trained leech therapy practitioners ready to serve communities across Australia, from major cities to country towns. Our mission is to make this remarkable healing modality widely accessible, offering natural relief for various conditions. 

If you’re seeking a practitioner near you, feel free to leave a comment or send me a private message. We’re here to connect you with qualified professionals who can assist you on your healing journey.

For health practitioners interested in expanding their therapeutic repertoire, we’re now accepting expressions of interest for the next intake of our Hirudotherapy certification course. This comprehensive program covers everything from the history and benefits of leech therapy to hands-on application techniques, ensuring you’re well-equipped to integrate this therapy into your practice.

Join us in revitalizing an ancient healing art and making a meaningful impact on patient health.

25/06/2024

Dealing with diabetic neuropathy can be incredibly challenging, especially when conventional treatments offer little relief. But did you know that leech therapy, an ancient healing practice, is showing excellent results in managing this condition?

Leeches release a unique blend of bioactive substances, including hirudin, which helps improve blood circulation, reduce inflammation, and promote healing in affected areas. For those suffering from diabetic neuropathy, this means potential relief from pain and numbness that other treatments might not provide.

If you or a loved one are struggling with diabetic neuropathy and seeking alternative solutions, leech therapy might be worth exploring. Send me a private message or call 0411230026 to discuss your needs.

My name is Inna Mitelman, I am a clinical naturopath leech therapist and a health sciences lecturer.

02/09/2023

The relationship between leeches and humans has always been symbiotic. We feed them, they heal us.

These little miracles reduce pain and inflammation, improve tissue repair and promote healing.

If you suffer from arthritis, varicose veins, alopecia, skin problems such as eczema, acne, psoriasis, and many others - ask me if hirudotherapy is right for you.

01/07/2023

Look at the difference after only 2 treatments. The swelling has gone down so much, the patient is wearing rings for the first time in 7 years ❤️
PS look at the skin also. Unintended side effect - less wrinkles, skin is more supple and youthful looking.

26/04/2023

Medicinal Leech therapy is now offered at the Your Health Place clinic in Glenhuntly. I haven’t used them since COVID started, but they’re back now.

Have you heard of Hirudotherapy (medicinal leech therapy) before? Do you know it’s incredibly safe and effective for cardiovascular conditions, arthritic and other joint / inflammatory disorders, such as bursitis, as well as many others (I promise I’ll write an article soon).

Do you know leeches are used at Australian hospitals? Do you know their saliva contains hundreds of bio-active compounds which have been studied extensively and cannot be synthetically replicated? (Not for the lack of trying)

Leave a comment below if you’re interested in trying it out, I’ve had a long waiting list but most people on it are now allocated.

03/02/2022

Oats and berries - the ultimate breakfast. Both are full of antioxidants that protect you against heart disease, cancer, hypertension. Both contain soluble and insoluble fiber to stabilize your blood sugar, lower your cholesterol and prevent conscription. Both are low in calories, and provide a decent amount of protein (in oats), vitamins and minerals.

20/01/2022

It’s day 3 of the January FMD and my crew is coming up with some stunning meals that I can’t help but share ❤️

17/01/2022

Spent a whole day food prepping for FMD for myself and two lucky clients. Finally done. Feeling pretty accomplished 😁