In this special bonus episode of The Integrative Continuum, Dr. Richard Rocker is joined by Dallas Shanks, organiser and driving force behind the Association of Naturopathic Practitioners Ireland: ANP Ireland.
This short conversation looks at the role of the ANP in supporting naturopathic, nutritional, functional, and integrative health practitioners across Ireland, the UK, and Europe. Dallas explains how the ANP supports practitioners through education, CPD, professional community, business support, practitioner resources, and wider advocacy for natural medicine.
The conversation also previews the upcoming ANP Ireland Summit 2026, taking place on 24 October 2026 at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Athlone. This year’s theme focuses on the nervous system and mental wellness, exploring how stress, metabolism, toxins, herbal medicine, diet, the microbiome, and resilience all connect in clinical practice.
Dr. Richard Rocker will be opening the event as keynote speaker, with a talk exploring why the nervous system must be understood as a central regulator of health, rather than simply a separate system to be treated in isolation.
This episode also touches on the importance of moving beyond symptom-based care, the need for practitioners to look at the whole system, and why integrative and naturopathic medicine are becoming increasingly relevant in today’s healthcare landscape.
Topics discussed include:
• What the Association of Naturopathic Practitioners is and who it supports
• The role of ANP in practitioner education, CPD, and professional community
• Why practitioner support and networking are essential in natural medicine
• The importance of herb, nutrient, and medication interaction awareness
• How naturopathic and integrative medicine are evolving in Ireland
• Why the nervous system and mental wellness are central themes for this year’s summit
• Why stress, metabolism, toxins, gut health, and inflammation must be understood together
• Why symptom-based care often fails to address the deeper drivers of illness
• What attendees can expect from the ANP Ireland Summit 2026
• Dr. Richard Rocker’s role as opening keynote speaker
This is a short bonus conversation for practitioners, students, clinicians, and anyone interested in the future of naturopathic and integrative medicine in Ireland.
SUMMIT INFO:
https://theanp.co.uk/anpirelandsummit2026/
Disclaimer:
This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and should not replace care from your GP, consultant, or qualified healthcare practitioner.
The discussion in this episode includes professional education, naturopathic and integrative medicine, practitioner support, and event information related to the ANP Ireland Summit. Any views expressed are part of an open educational conversation and do not constitute individual health advice.
If you have a medical condition, are taking medication, or are considering changes to your health, nutrition, supplement, or treatment plan, please consult an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.
Event details, speakers, dates, and availability may be subject to change. Please check directly with the ANP for the most up-to-date information.
Dr Richard Rocker Contact Info:
Website: https://rockerclinic.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drrichardrocker/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RockerClinic
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-richard-rocker-589127/
