Feeling Stuck in Your Health Journey? 3 Ways Naturopathic Medicine Offers a Fresh Perspective
Are you struggling with constant fatigue, mysterious aches and pains, and a feeling that your body just isn’t cooperating? You’ve likely tried various diets and medications, seen multiple doctors and specialists, and read countless books. While some things have brought relief, very little has been long-lasting or sustainable.
If this sounds like you, you’re in the right place! Naturopathic doctors are trained in conventional and natural medicine with the goal of helping you heal your body and live your happiest and healthiest life. We take a different approach to help you address and heal chronic conditions like burnout, chronic fatigue, Lyme disease, and Long-COVID.
In this blog post, I’ll be discussing three main guiding concepts of naturopathic medicine.
#1: Symptoms as Messengers: What Naturopathic Medicine Understands
Think about the last time you got sick. What were you doing right before you got sick?
I imagine you were in the middle of a big work project, final exams at school, or coming off of a long stretch of travel. Maybe you struggled to get adequate sleep or nutrition or simply were stressed out of your mind.
Naturopathic doctors view symptoms as valuable clues from your body, signaling that something is out of balance. When you were sick, it is likely that you weren’t getting enough sleep or you were consuming more caffeine than water. There is no judgment here. No matter the specifics of the situation, there was an imbalance.
Your body’s main goal is to maintain homeostasis (otherwise known as balance). When it senses that it is out of balance, it sends a signal. The signal can show up as a physical symptom like headache, sinus pressure, or earache, or as a mental symptom or feeling like anxiety, fear, or depression.
When you visit a naturopathic doctor, we help you find relief and healing of your symptoms with natural remedies like herbs, supplements, homeopathy, diet, and lifestyle changes. We also work to identify the reasons why you got sick in the first place. By identifying the root cause of your illness, we can also work towards long-term solutions, prevent it from occurring again, and help you build the happiest, healthiest version of yourself.
#2: Your Body’s Healing Power: How Naturopathic Medicine Supports It
At the end of summer, I walk around amazed by all the beautiful flower gardens rich with blooming luscious flowers, happy birds and bees, and an occasional bunny hopping through. It can be easy to look at a garden with awe and think it just bloomed overnight.
The reality is that this year's garden started last fall by cutting down all the dead flowers, planting new bulbs before the frost, putting the beds to sleep for the winter, letting the compost rest, tiling the soil with fresh compost, correcting any soil deficiencies, finding adequate sun and rain consistently, and meditating that new life will come.
Your body is exactly like your favorite garden. Flowers can bloom in poor soil with inadequate sunlight and drought conditions, but they may not be as sturdy when the late summer winds come.
Creating the right conditions for your body to heal from burnout, acute or chronic illness, Lyme disease, and other chronic conditions often means removing irritating factors like food intolerances or limiting time with unsupportive people, and finding adequate rest in sleep and restorative practices. It often includes correcting vitamin and mineral deficiencies so you can create from a solid place, filling your body with nourishing foods, meditation and prayers, and finding joy and meaning.
Naturopathic medicine emphasizes supporting your body’s innate healing mechanisms. When your soil is strong, you’ll likely be amazed by how much easier it is for your body to heal.
#3: You’re Not Alone: Partnering with a Naturopathic Doctor
A naturopathic doctor is a partner with you on your health and wellness journey. We take time to listen to your whole story, understand your hopes, dreams, and goals, and witness and celebrate your progress. There is simply no one-size-fits-all approach. It’s about collaboration and helping you rediscover your most vibrant health.
In my virtual practice, you have access to me at all times. The body rarely fits in the weekday 9-5 schedule. I offer early morning and late-night appointments and am available by request for weekend appointments. You can always send a portal message, and I aim to respond as quickly as possible.
You deserve to feel well. Your body has the power to heal with the right support. Naturopathic medicine offers a fresh perspective, toolkit, and a personalized path toward achieving vibrant health.
If you’re ready to ditch the frustration and take the next step towards feeling better, let’s work together! Schedule a free 15-minute consult call.