Naturopaths take a holistic approach to healthcare, which means they consider the physical, emotional, and environmental factors that contribute to a person's overall health and well-being. The person is treated as a whole. There is an inherent understanding that whole person is made up of all different organs, systems and components that depend on one another, and if one part isn't working properly, all the other parts will be affected.
Chronic and unrelenting stress can manifest in many different ways:
Headaches and migraine
Muscular and joint pain
Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
Insomnia
Depression
Digestive disorders
Depression
Weight gain
Hormonal imbalances
Memory impairment and struggling to focus
Impaired immune system
Increased risk of other serious health concerns such as heart disease
Naturopathic medicine can offer profoundly effective treatments for a range of ailments and health concerns without the side effects of prescriptive or over-the-counter-medications. Stress and anxiety are two key areas that Naturopathic medicine can offer long-term and drug-free solutions. Naturopaths can also work with medical practitioners as part of a holistic team of health professionals in the care of individuals dealing with stress and anxiety.
Here are seven ways a naturopath may help treat stress and anxiety:
Dietary Considerations: Naturopaths can provide guidance on a balanced diet that includes foods rich in nutrients that support mental health. They advocate for food as medicine and recognize that our best health response is through a healthy and balanced diet. Naturopaths may recommend foods high in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and B vitamins that can support a healthy nervous system. At the same time, they can also suggest ways to minimize those foods that may negatively impact and further exacerbate stress symptoms. They can support you by creating strategies to reduce intake of excessive caffeine, sugar, and processed foods.
Stress Reduction: Naturopaths work with patients to identify and address the root causes of stress in their lives. They may suggest changes in work-life balance, time management, and other stress-reduction strategies.
Herbal Medicine Remedies: Naturopaths are also often trained as herbal medicine practitioners. Part of a naturopathic consultation can include the prescription of herbal medicine and/or teas that can promote deep relaxation, calm an overworked mind, ease muscular tension and reduce anxiety. A Naturopath can create an individualised herbal remedy that addresses symptoms that are specific to each person. Common herbs for treating symptoms of stress and anxiety include chamomile, valerian root, St John's Wort, passionflower, and lavender.
Nutritional Supplements: Whilst Naturopaths advocate that food is our best medicine, they also recognize that lifestyle choices and a modern lifestyle may aggravate stress, anxiety and other symptoms, and may suggest nutritional supplements such as magnesium, vitamin D, and amino acids like L-theanine and 5-HTP to support the nervous system and promote relaxation.
Lifestyle Modifications: Naturopaths focus on lifestyle changes that can reduce stress and anxiety. This may include stress management techniques like meditation, yoga, deep breathing exercises, spending time in nature and regular physical activity.
Sleep Improvement: Quality sleep is crucial for managing stress and anxiety in the long-term. naturopaths can recommend sleep hygiene practices and natural remedies like Melatonin, herbal tinctures or herbal teas to improve sleep patterns.
Mind-Body Techniques: Some naturopaths may incorporate mind-body therapies like acupuncture, acupressure, and massage therapy, or refer a client to another professional, to help alleviate physical tension and promote relaxation, which can reduce anxiety symptoms.
It's essential to remember that naturopathic treatments for stress and anxiety should be integrated into a comprehensive approach to mental health. If you or someone you know is struggling with anxiety, it's crucial to consult with a healthcare professional, such as a licensed naturopath, a holistic therapist, or a medical practitioner, to develop a personalized treatment plan that may include a combination of natural remedies and conventional therapies. Naturopathic treatment should be done under the guidance and supervision of a qualified practitioner to ensure safety and effectiveness.
If you or someone you love is currently living with high levels of stress and anxiety and would like to discuss this with us, our Naturopath, Keri Hogarth, has over 25 years' experience. Remember you are not alone. We may be able to offer you effective, long-term and drug-free solutions to stress and anxiety.