PETER W. EDWARDS
ND, PhD, B.App.Sc.
Naturopathic Physician | Author | Educator
Peter Edwards is one of Australia’s most experienced naturopathic physicians, with over forty years in clinical practice. A bestselling author, Master Iridologist, and recipient of the Excellence in Naturopathy Award, he is known for achieving breakthroughs using less medicines, not more. Peter challenges both mainstream and modern complementary medicine to return to what actually ignites the healing response: identifying root causes, showing how to deal with them, giving the body what is needed for self-healing then trusting the body’s remarkable capacity to self-regulate, self-adjust and heal itself.
What if the answer isn’t more medicines? What if it’s less?
Peter Edwards has spent over forty years proving this isn’t wishful thinking. It’s clinical reality, demonstrated in thousands of patients and tested twice in his own body.
In 1975, a surfing accident left Peter with spinal injuries severe enough that specialists said he might never compete again. He pursued every available treatment: chiropractic, osteopathy, massage, powerful antibiotics for the cystic acne that followed. Years passed. The pain remained. Then a naturopath offered a different approach: stop chasing symptoms and address what the body was actually trying to communicate. A straightforward detoxification protocol achieved what all previous treatments combined could not.
That insight changed the direction of his life. But it would be tested again.
In 1992, a rock climbing fall crushed multiple intervertebral discs and fractured his thoracic spine. Surgeons outlined his options. Peter already knew what worked. He applied everything he had learned, practiced, and taught: corrective exercise (therapeutic yoga), targeted nutrition, fasting, and the mental disciplines that govern physical healing. The recovery that followed was, in his words, outstandingly successful.
He had become living proof of his own philosophy.
Today, Peter Edwards is recognised as one of Australia’s most experienced naturopathic physicians. His clinical practice spans four decades. He is the author of fourteen books, a Master Iridologist, clinical nutritionist, medical herbalist and Remedial Physical Therapist. He has received the Excellence in Naturopathy Award, served as a Visiting Professor of Health Science, and in 2024 presented as Guest of Honour at the International Congress on Naturopathic Medicines in Barcelona.
Yet what truly sets Peter apart is his willingness to challenge not just mainstream medicine, but modern complementary medicine as well. Both, he argues, have become too quick to prescribe, too slow to investigate, too focused on managing symptoms rather than understanding cause. His approach is deliberately different: correctly identify what the body is dealing with, ‘the cause’! Remove the obstacle, give the body the opportunity to rejuvenate and trust the remarkable healing intelligence within. Minimum medication, maximum education.
He calls it breakthroughs using less medicines, not more.
Peter consults from his wellness centre in Robina offering both in-person and online consultations worldwide. Through the ‘Peter Edwards Open International Academy of Holistic Therapies’, he continues to train practitioners in traditional naturopathic arts that modern curricula have largely abandoned.
Peter’s story:
A Different Kind of Medicine
In an age when both mainstream medicine and modern natural medicine have become increasingly dependent on prescribing medicines and supplements to treat disease, Peter Edwards has spent over forty years demonstrating another way. His philosophy is simple, uncommon, and proven in thousands of clinical cases: achieve breakthroughs using less medicines, not more!
This is not a rejection of medicine. It is a return to fundamentals. Correctly identifying and dealing with the underlying cause of the disease. Showing the patient how to give their body the opportunity to heal and then trusting the body’s remarkable capacity to heal itself once given the chance. After four decades in practice, Peter has witnessed recoveries that patients were told would never happen. The method works. Results speak the loudest.
The First Turning Point
Peter Edwards was born and raised on Queensland’s Gold Coast, where sport was central to his identity. He was an Australian roller skating champion, the youngest Artistic Roller Skating Judge for the Australian Federation, an Australian Tae Kwon Do champion, and his school’s Athletic Champion. He completed a four-year carpentry apprenticeship while dreaming of competing at the World Roller Skating Titles.
All of that came to an abrupt halt on 24 May 1975.
A surfing accident caused serious spinal injury to his neck and back. Specialists said he might never play sport again. What followed was years of searching: chiropractic, osteopathy, massage therapy, powerful antibiotics for the severe cystic acne that developed. The drugs, now used as chemotherapy agents, quite literally poisoned him. Much of his hair fell out. He became what he describes as a digestive cripple. The spinal pain remained constant. For the first time in his life, Peter experienced the bitter taste of depression and desperation.
In 1976, a referral to a naturopath changed everything.
By changing his diet and undertaking a detoxification protocol, the cystic acne that had plagued him for four years disappeared. More significantly, the detox did more for his neck and back than anything he had tried previously, including all the manual therapies he had received. Something clicked. Peter realised the body could heal itself when given the chance. He experienced what he calls ‘a moment of truth’, and the decision was made. He would study naturopathy.
Building Expertise
What began as personal necessity became professional calling. Peter discovered the physical benefits of corrective exercise, was introduced to Hatha Yoga, Pranayama, and meditation. He found a natural inclination for the healing arts that quickly developed into daily practice and lifelong passion.
During this time, Peter studied under Alexander Everett, an American meditation teacher whose seminars had a profound effect on his recovery. He discovered the power and miracle of his mind learning guided meditation, creative visualisation, positive affirmation, and deep relaxation. His awareness, as he puts it, was awoken.
He commenced part-time work as a naturopathic assistant in 1976, graduated as a Remedial Massage Therapist in 1978, and completed a Diploma in Physical Culture and Human Performance in 1984, specialising in corrective exercise and therapeutic yoga. That same year, he opened his own clinic focusing on musculoskeletal problems and detoxification. It would become one of the largest clinics in Queensland.
The qualifications accumulated steadily: Bachelor of Massage Therapy, Advanced Diploma of Nutritional Science, Certification in Medical Acupuncture, Diplomas in Iridology. In 1988, Peter graduated as a Naturopathic Physician. In 1992, he earned his Bachelor of Applied Science in Naturopathy and Traditional Medicine. Throughout this period, he was in constant demand as a lecturer at naturopathic colleges and government teaching establishments, presenting on naturopathic prescribing, naturopathic philosophy, iridology, and lifestyle education.
The Second Test
In January 1992, Peter’s philosophy was put to the ultimate test.
While rock climbing on a vertical rock face, he disturbed a nest of wasps. Startled, he slipped and fell. Tree branches partially broke his fall before he landed hard on his left hip. Specialist examination revealed he had crushed several intervertebral discs in his lumbar spine and sustained multiple compression fractures in his thoracic spine.
This was the moment that separated theory from truth.
Peter drew on everything he had learned and taught. He created a systematic routine of corrective exercise and therapeutic yoga. He employed inversion therapy to decompress his spinal column. He used fasting, detoxification, and targeted nutrition. The outcome was outstandingly successful. His own body had become the proving ground for his methods.
As providence would have it, while attending the National Natural Health Conference later that year, the keynote speaker was injured and could not present. Peter was asked to step in. He shared his story of recovery and was swamped by delegates asking if he had written a book. Realising the opportunity, he said yes.
The result was Back Magic: Rejuvenate Your Body and Keep it Young for Life, followed by Vitality Breathing and a complete healthcare series. The Vitality Living HealthCare Series launched in December 1998 at the Gold Coast International Hotel. To date, Peter has authored fourteen books and produced ten DVDs, many of which are used by universities and naturopathic colleges teaching health science.
The Third Lesson: Mind Governs Body
As if two serious physical challenges were not enough, Peter faced a third crisis that would complete his understanding of holistic health.
Years of digestive damage from the acne medications of his youth, combined with intense personal stress, led to a bowel condition that doctors said would require surgery. He almost gave up his work. Life had reached the point where he had to make an all-out effort or have the operation and perhaps abandon his plans for teaching and travel.
During this period, Peter experienced anxiety and panic attacks firsthand. He learned a truth that would become central to his teaching: a fit body is not a happy place to live when there is no peace of mind.
He had done everything possible to treat the bowel condition physically. It was not enough. Something was missing. At his lowest point, he recalled how meditation had helped during his first crisis. He returned to the mental disciplines. Utilising his mind to help his body made all the difference. That was the key. The missing link.
Once he understood this, the panic attacks stopped. The anxiety ceased. His bowels worked properly. He was set free from the bondage he had created simply by not knowing how to use his mind correctly. Our state of mind, Peter realised, has a governing influence in determining not only the function of our body but ultimately the quality of life we enjoy.
Now he had another book to write.
Recognition
In 1999, Peter received the Excellence in Naturopathy Award from the Queensland Naturopathic Association for outstanding contribution to naturopathic practice.
In 2000, eight years of research, writing, and publication formed the basis of his thesis, leading to a Doctor of Philosophy in Health Science from the Open International University for Complementary Medicines. His research included evidence demonstrating that many people experience health problems from gluten without having celiac disease, a condition now scientifically validated as Non-Celiac Gluten Intolerance.
In 2001, he received a Doctor of Literature (Honoris Causa) for educational material in the field of bibliotherapy, using information in books as therapy. That same year, he was awarded the Gold Medal of Excellence from Medicina Alternativa.
From 2002 to 2007, Peter served as Visiting Professor within the Open International University Academic System. In 2002, he was formally knighted as a Knight of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem, known as a Knight of Malta, in recognition of his contribution and service in health.
In 2024, Peter presented as Guest of Honour at the 8th International Congress on Naturopathic Medicines in Barcelona, Spain, delivering his message of forty years: the Art of Safe Biological Detoxification.
What Makes Peter Edwards Different
He is a product of his own philosophy, therapy, and treatments.
Beyond formal qualifications gained over forty years of academic study and selective postgraduate education, the serious life challenges Peter has successfully overcome have provided a unique set of skills. He has walked through the fire ‘three times’ and emerged with methods that work.
His stance is direct. Modern medicine and modern natural medicine have both become too caught up in prescribing substances to treat disease. Less time investigating causative factors. Swift prescribing of medicines and supplements. Protocols followed as gospel. The individual’s mindset, internal and external environment are often overlooked, even though these may be producing the toxic chemistry and biological responses affecting health.
We can do better than this, Peter says.
Central to his clinical success is the science and practice of Iridology. Peter has developed one of the most advanced iridology microscopes with photographic facilities in the world. The iris reveals information about the chemistry, structure, and function of the body at a cellular level. Abnormalities within tissues, organs and systems can often be seen before symptoms appear. His extensive library of eye photographs has been used by industry leaders such as Blackmores Professional Services as teaching aids for naturopaths worldwide.
Notably, iridology is no longer taught in government-approved teaching establishments. It is dismissed as unproven and unscientific. Peter’s mastery of this diagnostic art becomes rarer and more valuable with each passing year.
Today
Peter practices from his Wellness Centre in Robina with his wife Patricia who is a nutritional consultant. Through the Peter Edwards Open International Academy of Holistic Therapies, he continues to graduate highly skilled practitioners trained in traditional naturopathic arts that modern curricula have abandoned.
Peter offers both in-person and online consultations worldwide. Online consultations require a clear, high-resolution photograph of both eyes for iridology assessment.
His focus remains simple. Correctly identify the cause. Show the patient how it can be removed. Give the body the opportunity it needs, the correct biological conditions to self-regulate, self-adjust and self-heal, then trust the healing response. After forty years, the principle has not changed because it does not need to.
“Lasting improvement and recovery are only possible when the underlying cause has been successfully identified and removed. The body has a tremendous ability to heal itself once given the chance. I offer no wonder drugs, only the resources of nature, working with the natural laws that govern health and wellness. It has been my repeated experience that the body is extremely resilient and responds remarkably once given the chance. Only by working with your body and its needs, reading the symptoms correctly and not just treating them, can an individual hope to realistically work towards a positive and lasting recovery.”
— Peter W. Edwards
Current Professional Designations
ND (Naturopathic Physician)
PhD (Health Science)
D.Litt. Honoris Causa (Literature)
B.App.Sc. (Naturopathy and Traditional Medicine)
RT (Remedial Therapist)
MYT (Master Yoga Teacher, Therapeutic)
Professor of Health Science (Retired)
Clinical Specialisations:
Medical Herbalist
Clinical Nutritionist
Master Iridologist
Traditional Hydrotherapist
Nature Cure Practitioner
Bachelor, Remedial Physical Therapies
Humanistic Psychology, Psychoanalysis
Medical Acupuncture and Dry Needling
Gymnasium and Fitness Instructor
Certified Functional Ageing Specialist
Certified Brain Health Trainer
Certified Neuro Trainer
Professional Memberships and Fellowships
Fellow, The Australian Traditional Medicine Society
Fellow, The Register of Royal Complementary Practitioners
Member, Yoga Alliance International
Knight of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem (Knighthood of Malta)
Current Roles
Naturopathic Physician | Author | Educator/Mentor
Founder and Principal, Peter Edwards Open International Academy of Holistic Therapies
Chronological Timeline
1974–1989
1974–78: Carpentry apprenticeship
1977: Certificate of Basic Sciences (Anatomy and Physiology), NSW College of Naturopathic Sciences
1978: Diploma of Massage Therapy, Health Schools International
1979–81: Two-year self-funded full-time missionary experience
1984: Diploma of Physical Culture and Human Performance, Health Schools International
1984: Opened clinical practice specialising in musculoskeletal problems and detoxification
1985: Diploma of Nutritional Science, Health Schools International
1985: Full member, Australian Traditional Medicine Society
1085: Full member, Australian Natural Therapists Association
1985: Bachelor of Massage Therapy, All Australian Registrar of Massage Therapists
1986: Certificate of Medical Acupuncture, Medicina Alternativa
1986: Gravity Guiding System of Inversion Therapy, Dr. Robert Lockhart D.C.
1988: Diplomas 1 and 2 of Opthalmotropic Phenomena (Iridology), College of Somatic Studies
1988: Certificate of Merit, Bernard Jensen International
1988: Diploma of Naturopathy, Health Schools Australia
1990–1999
1992: Diploma of Applied Science (Naturopathy), Gold Coast Academy of Natural Therapies
1992: Bachelor of Applied Science (Naturopathy and Traditional Medicine), Gold Coast Academy of Natural Therapies
1992: Diploma of Nature Cure, Northern College of Naturopathy
1998: Launched Vitality Living HealthCare Series (five books, four DVDs)
1998: Full member, Australian Society of Authors Limited
1999: Excellence in Naturopathy Award for Outstanding Contribution to Naturopathic Practice, Queensland Naturopathic Association
2000–2009
2000: Doctor of Philosophy (Health Science), Open International University for Complementary Medicines
2001: Doctor of Literature Honoris Causa, Open International University for Complementary Medicines
2001: Gold Medal of Excellence Award, Medicina Alternativa
2001: Fellowship Register of Royal Complementary Practitioners F.R.C.P. (M.A.)
2001: VIP Speaker, Open International University for Complementary Medicines
2002: Medical Knighthood of Malta, Knight of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem
2002: Distinguished Award, Mankind Enlightenment Love (M-E-L)
2002: Founded Academy of Biological Lifestyle Therapies
2002: Established Pan Harmony International Education and Rejuvenation Retreat
2002–2007: Visiting Professor, Open International University for Complementary Medicines
2010–2019
2013: Integrative Oncology Master Class, Postgraduate Studies (Henry Osiecki)
2014: Advanced Diploma of Naturopathy, Health Schools Australia
2014: Advanced Diploma of Nutritional Medicine, Health Schools Australia
2014: Advanced Diploma of Western Herbal Medicine, Health Schools Australia
2014: Diploma of Remedial Therapies, Health Schools Australia
2014: Certificate III and IV in Fitness and Personal Training, Fitnance Australia
2014: Registered Senior Level Advanced Exercise Professional, Fitness Australia
2014: Certified Functional Ageing Specialist, Functional Ageing Institute USA
2014: Certificate of Teaching, Registered Yoga Teacher, Nicki Knoff School of Yoga
2015: YogaFit Instructor, YogaFit Australia
2017: Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (P.T.S.D.) Yoga Teacher, YogaFit Australia
2017: Expert Teacher Designation, Yoga Alliance Australia
2017: Founded Peter Edwards Healthy Ageing Institute
2019: Certified Brain Health Trainer, Functional Ageing Institute USA
2019: Certified Neuro Trainer, Functional Ageing Institute USA
2020–Present
2024: Senior Level 6 Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher 1500
2024: Launch of Peter Edwards Open International Academy of Holistic Therapies
2024: Guest of Honour and Presenter, 8th International Congress on Naturopathic Medicines, Barcelona, Spain
Awards and Honours Summary
Excellence in Naturopathy Award (1999), Queensland Naturopathic Association
Doctor of Philosophy, Health Science (2000)
Doctor of Literature Honoris Causa (2001)
Gold Medal of Excellence (2001), Medicina Alternativa
Distinguished Award, Mankind Enlightenment Love (2002)
Knighthood of Malta (2002), Knight of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem
Expert Teacher Designation (2017), Yoga Alliance Australia
Guest of Honour (2024), International Congress on Naturopathic Medicines
Publications
Author of fourteen books and ten DVDs in the Vitality Living HealthCare Series, used by public libraries throughout Australia and by universities and naturopathic colleges teaching Health Science.
