14 Mar How to Start a Holistic Health Journey
Many people start their health journey for different reasons. Some start their journey as a way to counteract their past, and others want to take a preventative approach to health and aging. Some even ask if it’s already too late to start this journey — the answer is that it is never too late!
Almost all of our patients have already started to do their research online, and sometimes, it can get very overwhelming! The web provides a plethora of treatments, holistic health programs, and approaches to good health — some backed by research and others not. That’s where a Naturopathic doctor can provide holistic guidance based on botanical medicine, nutrition, homeopathic medicine, and traditional Chinese medicine.
The purpose of a Naturopathic approach to health is to gain lifelong lessons and tools and to be able to take care of oneself without the need for drastic interventions. Having said that, it is imperative to remember that there is a time and place for every modality of medicine. As naturopathic doctors, we help our patients become self-sustaining and able to make sound decisions with regards to their To start this journey, A naturopathic doctor can help provide insight based on your past medical history, family history, diet/nutrition and exercise habits. Not everyone is ready to consult with a naturopathic doctor from the start. However it is important to know your family history as it can shine light on possible ailments that can arise with aging. In addition, it is essential to look back and be able to identify the different symptoms that impacted your quality of life and activities of daily living, as it can tie into a clinical picture. It is also important to remember that the average person needs at least one moderate/comfortable physical exercise, such as 30-45 min of walking per day!
Most of us are familiar with healthy daily routines such as hygiene practices, but we tend to forget about one of the most important routines that should happen before sleep. In this busy day and age, some remain active online up until falling asleep but we all know that it can’t be good for us! Try unplugging from electronics and social media one hour before sleep. This will drastically reduce the cortisol hormone (stress hormone). Try your best to have supper at least 3 hours before sleeping. Remember that sleeping is a complex process, and you won’t be able to go to deep sleep when your stomach is trying to digest your food!
As one can see, a holistic health journey can start from the basics. It doesn’t have to be complex! However, some of us need more specific guidance to deal with certain health problems. This is where your naturopathic doctor can provide holistic guidance based on your symptoms, live blood analysis (with a unique story), and other tests that can be used to bring balance and homeostasis back in place. The live blood analysis is a qualitative assessment of the blood, which can provide insightful information on blood flow, liver health, immune system, and more! It can be used to see what is in excess and what is deficient. The best way to assess the blood is both in a quantitative and qualitative manner. Many patients have gone through multiple tests with their doctors, and all the numbers come back normal. Yet they have unwanted symptoms! This is where a live blood analysis can shine light on missing variables.
When starting your health journey, it is important to remember that every modality of medicine has its place and time. Holistic health programs can be a great way to begin, offering personalized strategies to improve well-being and prevent future health issues. Start by going back to the basics and learning about diet, exercise, and lifestyle factors that are right for you. Holistic guidance can be advantageous at the start, helping to develop strong lifelong skills to age gracefully and with gusto!
Your pal,
Dr. Ryan Milan ND
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