Autoimmune Naturopath
Melbourne

Naturopathic support for autoimmune conditions that have not responded to symptom-only management

4.8

Stars

63 Google Reviews

25+

Clinical Experience

ATMS

Registered

Telehealth

Australia-Wide

No referral required. Free 20-minute discovery call available in-clinic and via telehealth.

When the Immune System Turns Against You

An autoimmune condition occurs when the immune system mistakes the body’s own tissues for a threat. What is less clear in standard medicine is why it happens and what factors are maintaining the immune dysregulation. Treatment is frequently applied to the label rather than to the individual’s specific immune pattern, gut environment, and inflammatory load.

Gut health sits at the centre of immune regulation. When intestinal permeability is present, undigested particles and bacterial endotoxins enter the bloodstream triggering systemic immune activation. For many people, addressing gut health is not peripheral to autoimmune treatment. It is the central driver

Autoimmune Conditions We Work With

Naturopathic support at Vital Health is provided alongside conventional medical care, not as a replacement for it. The focus is on identifying and reducing the drivers of immune dysregulation rather than managing symptoms in isolation.

Hashimoto's Thyroiditis

The most common autoimmune thyroid condition. Frequently missed because TSH remains in range until significant tissue damage has occurred. Gut dysbiosis, intestinal permeability, and selenium deficiency are consistently identified as contributing drivers.‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎

Functional Focus

Thyroid antibody panel including TPO and TgAb, GI microbiome map, selenium and nutrient panel.‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎

Rheumatoid Arthritis

A systemic inflammatory condition attacking the synovial lining of joints. Gut dysbiosis and elevated intestinal permeability are frequently present and contribute to the inflammatory burden driving joint destruction.‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎

Functional Focus

GI microbiome map for dysbiosis and permeability, food sensitivity panel, comprehensive inflammatory markers.

Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis

Inflammatory bowel conditions where the immune system attacks the gut lining. Naturopathic support focuses on reducing inflammation, restoring mucosal integrity, and correcting nutritional deficiencies caused by malabsorption, alongside gastroenterology management.

Functional Focus

GI microbiome map for pathogen load, dysbiosis, and calprotectin. Comprehensive nutrient panel for malabsorption-driven deficiencies.

Eczema, Psoriasis, and Hidradenitis Suppurativa

Skin-based autoimmune and inflammatory conditions that respond strongly to gut intervention. Many clients have not had their gut assessed despite years of topical treatment.‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎

Functional Focus

GI microbiome map, food sensitivity panel, OAT for inflammation and oxidative stress markers.

Lupus (SLE)

A systemic autoimmune condition affecting multiple organs. Naturopathic support focuses on reducing inflammatory burden, supporting immune regulation, and identifying environmental and dietary triggers contributing to flares.‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎

Functional Focus

Comprehensive inflammatory and nutrient panel, GI microbiome map, vitamin D assessment.

Type 1 Diabetes

An autoimmune condition destroying insulin-producing beta cells. Naturopathic support focuses on protecting remaining beta cell function, optimising blood sugar regulation, and addressing gut health given the established gut-pancreas immune axis.

Functional Focus

Fasting insulin and glucose, GI microbiome map, comprehensive nutrient panel.

Multiple Sclerosis

A neurological autoimmune condition attacking the myelin sheath. Naturopathic support focuses on reducing systemic inflammation, optimising vitamin D, addressing gut dysbiosis, and supporting mitochondrial function.

Functional Focus

Vitamin D, OAT for mitochondrial and oxidative stress markers, GI microbiome map.

Sjogren's Syndrome

An autoimmune condition primarily affecting moisture-producing glands. Naturopathic support focuses on immune regulation, anti-inflammatory nutrition, and essential fatty acid support for gland function.

Functional Focus

Comprehensive inflammatory markers, food sensitivity panel, GI microbiome map.

No Single Test Defines an Autoimmune Condition

Standard autoimmune testing confirms a diagnosis but rarely explains why the immune system became dysregulated or which modifiable drivers are present. Functional testing investigates the gut environment, immune activation patterns, nutritional status, and inflammatory burden driving immune dysfunction.

Standard Testing Identifies	Functional Testing Investigates
Antibody presence confirming diagnosis	Intestinal permeability allowing immune triggers to enter circulation
Inflammatory markers CRP and ESR	Specific dysbiosis patterns driving systemic inflammation
Organ function after damage has occurred	Nutritional deficiencies impairing immune regulation
TSH for thyroid function	Thyroid antibodies, conversion dysfunction, and gut-thyroid axis drivers
Not assessed: gut microbiome	Pathogen load, beneficial bacteria depletion, and mucosal immune markers
Not assessed: food sensitivities	IgG and IgA food reactions contributing to ongoing immune activation

Not sure where to start? The free discovery call is designed exactly for this.

How Naturopathic Support for Autoimmune Conditions Works

The approach at Vital Health begins with identifying which drivers are present through functional testing, then builds a protocol sequenced around those findings. Most autoimmune clients require gut repair, immune modulation, nutritional repletion, and lifestyle intervention applied in the right order.

Gut Integrity and Microbiome Restoration

The gut wall is the primary site of immune activation in most autoimmune conditions. Restoring intestinal barrier integrity and correcting dysbiosis removes the ongoing immune stimulus keeping the inflammatory response active.

Nutritional Repletion

Vitamin D, zinc, selenium, magnesium, omega-3 fatty acids, and B vitamins each play defined roles in immune modulation. Deficiencies are identified through testing and corrected with targeted supplementation.

Dietary Intervention

Food sensitivity testing identifies specific IgG and IgA reactions contributing to ongoing immune activation. Dietary changes are based on test findings rather than generic elimination protocols.

Immune Modulation Through Herbal Medicine

Specific herbal medicines modulate immune activity, reduce inflammatory cytokine production, and support regulatory T-cell function. Protocols are selected based on the autoimmune pattern and current medication load to ensure compatibility.

Stress and Nervous System Support

Chronic stress sustains inflammatory signalling through HPA axis activation. Addressing cortisol dysregulation and sleep quality are consistently necessary components, often the factor preventing improvement despite appropriate gut and nutritional intervention.

The ROOT Method Applied to Autoimmune Conditions

Autoimmune conditions involve multiple systems simultaneously. The ROOT Method is Domenic's clinical framework for working through interconnected drivers systematically, because addressing any one in isolation rarely produces lasting change.

R — Reveal

Identify Root Drivers

Identify immune triggers, gut drivers, nutritional gaps, and inflammatory patterns through targeted functional testing.

O — Optimise

Restore Key Systems

Restore gut integrity, correct deficiencies, and reduce the highest-burden inflammatory drivers first.

O — Orchestrate

Build Sequentially

Sequence dietary, herbal, and lifestyle interventions so each phase prepares the ground for the next.

T — Track

Measure Progress

Monitor immune markers, symptom patterns, and functional test results to confirm progress and refine the protocol.

What Clients Say

Mark B.

2 months ago

I have nothing but high praise for Domenic. I’ve struggled with my weight for 30+ years as well as gut problems which no one could seem to fix. Domenic is highly knowledgeable in his field as well as a genuine person. I believe that if anybody is struggling with any of these issues I highly recommend that they go and see him.

Tara G.

4 months ago

Dominic took the time to explain my symptoms clearly and created a plan that helped me understand what was going on.

After six weeks of support, I felt much more informed and comfortable with my gut health.

He was professional, thorough, and easy to talk to throughout the process.

Highly recommend seeing him!

Anna C

5 months ago

I've been going to Domenic for almost 20 years. During this time, he's helped me immensely - more so than any other health practitioner.

He's helped me improve my health in a holistic and sustainable way with regard to different adrenals/anxiety and fertility/hormonal issues.

Most recently, I went to three GPs with a range of symptoms. All of them said that despite the severity of my symptoms there was nothing they could do - basically I had to put up with the symptoms for the rest of my life. It was such a cop-out and they all lacked interest in trying to find out the root cause of my symptoms. With some of them, I barely spent five minutes talking to them before they finished up the consult.

Consistently with Domenic, he takes his time to really find out how I'm feeling. Not just the surface, immediate concerns - he wants to know how I'm going in all aspects of my life. From that, he is able to discern what might be the underlying cause of the seemingly random symptoms. I really feel seen and heard when I go to him, no matter how unusual my symptoms might be.

Always, my body and mind feels so much better - often in a matter of a day or two after taking the supplements he's prescribed. It always marvels me that when my symptoms start to fade, I feel like my mind and body are "coming home". I feel so much more in balance, so much more of myself again.

For me, the reality is that there may or may not be a magic bullet solution. However, through his skills and expertise, Domenic definitely helps me feel stronger, empowered and more in charge to manage my symptoms so that I live the life I want and not be overwhelmed by my symptoms.

Jessika J.

5 months ago

After 17 years on Cymbalta, I knew coming off would require the right support — and working with Dom was one of the best decisions I made.
From the beginning, he took a thorough and thoughtful approach, including comprehensive urine testing to truly understand what my body needed. That testing allowed us to create a clear, personalised plan rather than relying on guesswork, which gave me enormous confidence in the process.
Dom focused on supporting my nervous system, sleep, mood and overall wellbeing throughout withdrawal. While there were challenging moments, I never felt alone — I felt guided. His depth of knowledge, reassurance and practical strategies helped me stay grounded and empowered every step of the way.
What really stood out was Dom’s honesty and integrity. Unlike other practitioners I’ve encountered, there was never a sense of being “sold to” or pushed into unnecessary treatments. His focus was always on what was genuinely best for my health and long‑term wellbeing.
Dom’s holistic and ethical approach made what could have been a daunting experience feel manageable, supported and safe. I’m incredibly grateful.

Elisa C.

6 months ago

I’ve been seeing Dominic since October for gut health and a recurring issue and he’s been great. He’s very knowledgeable, straight to the point, and focuses on actually getting to the root cause rather than just treating symptoms.
He takes the time to explain what’s going on and puts together a plan that’s practical and tailored to you. I’ve learnt a lot about my health since seeing him and would definitely recommend him to anyone looking for a naturopath who knows his stuff.

Mike W.

6 months ago

Like many others reading through the reviews, I was sceptical about the whole idea of natural health. I started to see Domenic last year and I cannot recommend him highly enough. My life was pretty miserable with regular uncomfortable stomach issues before our first consultation. Rather than just throwing medication at the problem like a GP, he listened, did tests and came up with a plan. It has resolved so many issues that were making life difficult for me. I have continued to visit Domenic and my quality of life has improved considerably. Definitely worth a shot!!!

Melinda C.

9 months ago

I found Domenic after about a year of searching for someone to help my daughter with her chronic fatigue symptoms. He was the first practitioner to genuinely listen to my concerns and work collaboratively with me to find the best way forward for my daughter. Just once month after starting targeted supplements I noticed a big improvement. Up until this point nothing I had tried, from my own research or from recommendations from other practitioners, had made much of a difference. Domenic always explained how each supplement would help and considered practical things like cost and number of pills (for teenager compliance). He also gave useful diet and lifestyle advice. Each month showed more improvements in symptoms. After 6 months my daughter was back to almost full time schooling (prior to this she could only manage 2 half days a week). She now also has the energy to socialise with her friends. I can’t thank Domenic enough for his help in giving my daughter back her health.

jasmin S.

10 months ago

I had a really bad anxiety flare up and spent nearly a year trying to find the cause with a GP with no luck. I booked an appointment with Domenic and he was able to find the underlying cause and bring me my quality of life back. Im so thankful for his expertise and to feel like myself again. His help has drastically changed my quality of life and I'm so thankful.

Lucy B.

2 years ago

My family has been seeing Dom for a number of years. He is personable, competent and pragmatic. I appreciate his curiosity in getting to the root cause of any gut or health issues. He has guided us in improving our overall health and wellbeing. We are big fans of Dom and his practice and couldn’t recommend him more highly!

Lia L (Lia L.

2 years ago

After having tried everything, I visited Vital Health as the last resort. I had never considered naturopathy as a possible solution to help solve my fatigue - but in one consultation, Dominic was able to find the issue, and in 2 weeks I was back to the version of myself I had missed for almost 1 year - full of vitality and energy again! I can’t thank Vital Health enough for giving me my life back 🙏🏼🫶🏻

Who We Can Help and Who We Probably Cannot

We Can Help If You:

Have a confirmed or suspected autoimmune condition and want to address underlying drivers
Are managing an autoimmune condition with medication and want complementary naturopathic support
Have symptoms suggesting autoimmune activity but have not received a clear diagnosis
Are willing to invest in functional testing to identify what is sustaining immune dysregulation
Have skin, gut, thyroid, or joint symptoms that have not responded to standard treatment
Are open to dietary and lifestyle changes as part of a structured protocol

We Probably Cannot Help If You:

Are seeking to stop prescribed immunosuppressant medication without specialist oversight
Are in an acute disease flare requiring immediate medical management
Are unwilling to invest in diagnostic testing
Expect rapid resolution of a long-standing autoimmune condition
Are not open to dietary or lifestyle modification
Have a condition requiring urgent specialist medical intervention

Naturopath Domenic Pisanelli

Domenic Pisanelli is a registered naturopath and functional medicine practitioner with over 25 years of clinical experience. His qualifications span Medical Herbalism, Nutritional Medicine, Live Blood Analysis, Electro-Dermal Screening (CEDS), Iridology, and Functional Medicine. He is an ATMS member.

As a naturopath specialising in autoimmune disease, Domenic works alongside the client’s existing medical team to investigate the modifiable drivers of immune dysregulation, including gut health, nutritional status, and inflammatory load.

Serving Melbourne’s Western and Northern Suburbs

Primary Suburbs

Kealba (Our Clinic)

Keilor

Essendon

Caroline Springs

Moonee Ponds

Sunshine

St Albans

Deer Park

Footscray

Yarraville

Taylors Lakes

Sydenham

Altona

Williamstown

Niddrie

Airport West

We also see patients from Richmond, Fitzroy, Brunswick, Frankston, Dandenong, and surrounding Melbourne suburbs — and telehealth patients from across Australia.

Not on the list? We still see you. Get in touch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, as a complementary approach alongside conventional care. At Vital Health, functional testing identifies gut-based immune triggers, nutritional deficiencies, and inflammatory patterns driving the condition. These findings inform a targeted protocol built around each client's specific test results.

A GP or immunologist focuses on diagnosis and medication management. A naturopath specialising in autoimmune disease investigates why the immune system became dysregulated, assessing gut integrity, microbiome balance, food sensitivities, and nutritional status that standard autoimmune care does not routinely assess.

Yes. The majority of immune tissue is located in and around the gut wall. Intestinal permeability allows bacterial endotoxins to enter the bloodstream and trigger systemic immune activation. Research consistently shows elevated permeability markers in people with Hashimoto's, rheumatoid arthritis, and multiple sclerosis.

The most commonly used tests are the Complete GI Microbiome Map for intestinal permeability, dysbiosis, and mucosal immune markers, and a comprehensive nutrient panel covering vitamin D, zinc, selenium, magnesium, B12, and folate. A food sensitivity panel and thyroid antibody testing are added when relevant.

Yes. Eczema and psoriasis respond well to gut-focused intervention because dysbiosis, intestinal permeability, and food sensitivities drive the systemic inflammation that manifests at the skin. GI microbiome testing and food sensitivity panels frequently reveal specific triggers that produce significant skin improvement when addressed.

Naturopathic protocols are designed to complement prescribed treatment. Domenic reviews all current medications before recommending any herbal medicines or supplements to ensure compatibility, particularly for clients on immunosuppressants, corticosteroids, or biologics.

Most clients notice early changes in energy, gut comfort, and inflammatory symptoms within 6 to 8 weeks. More significant changes in immune markers typically take 3 to 6 months. Progress is tracked through retesting rather than symptom observation alone.

No referral is required. Book directly via the website or by calling the clinic. The first step is a free 20-minute discovery call to discuss your condition and whether functional testing is the right next step. Available in-clinic at Kealba or via telehealth across Australia.

Book a Free Discovery Call

Speak directly with Domenic about your autoimmune condition, what has already been investigated, and whether naturopathic functional testing is appropriate for your situation. No obligation. Available in-clinic and via telehealth across Australia.

Autoimmune Naturopath
Melbourne

When the Immune System Turns Against You