‘Natural’ and ‘holistic’ health are terms that refer to a self-care approach, enhancing the intrinsic and intuitive powers of the human body to restore health and wellness. Approaching health in this way involves considering the whole person—their mind, body, and emotions—to achieve balance and harmony from within.
In this blog we dive into what natural therapies all about, and how you could consider these therapies in your individual health and wellness journey.
What is “natural therapy”?
Some people have turned to natural health after unsuccessful attempts or have exhausted multiple approaches involving conventional medicines or surgery. Others may have experienced unpleasant adverse effects from these treatments. Many people also choose to adopt alternative approaches to healthcare as part of their broader lifestyle choices.
Natural therapies are becoming increasingly popular within our modern-day society, as conceptions of health broaden. This approach empowers individuals to take control of their own health and healing journeys, by educating themselves, making necessary lifestyle changes, and trusting in their own unique bodies and senses of intuition.
Natural healing through the endocannabinoid system
The process of natural healing stems from the ‘naturopathic’ model, which details the fundamental process of disturbance and recovery within the living body. This is in contrast to the conventional model of western medicine and its emphasis on ‘diagnosis and treatment of disease’.
Let’s look at an example of a natural therapy, and how it might be used, by considering inflammation and the endocannabinoid system.
From a naturopathic perspective, inflammation might be viewed as a normal response or reaction to a disturbance (such as injury, trauma, stress, or infection). The immune system, recognising the harmful or foreign stimuli, begins its healing process.
However, when environmental stress (exposure), poor lifestyle habits (diet and exercise) and emotional stress repeatedly interrupt these natural healing responses, our bodies can become overwhelmed, suppressed, fatigued and deficient. Our bodies can struggle to get themselves back to “normal” health.
These symptoms are often reflected in people who are experiencing:
- chronic pain (such as, but not limited to arthritis or endometriosis)
- chronic inflammatory conditions (such as irritable bowel syndrome)
- increased stress
- poor quality sleep or chronic fatigue (including fibromyalgia)
Introducing the endocannabinoid system (ECS), an emerging topic in the realm of natural therapies and chronic disease management!
The ECS involves a complex network of cannabinoid receptors, enzymes, and endocannabinoids that are found throughout the body, and plays a fascinating role in regulating various physiological processes. It can help maintain balance, or homeostasis, within the body.
In the situation of chronic disease or prolonged illness, the ECS often becomes dysregulated, meaning it’s not functioning optimally. It has been suggested that cannabinoids, from both endocannabinoids (produced by the body) and plant-sourced phytocannabinoids, can help restore balance and alleviate symptoms.
Symptoms may include:
- Pain relief: by modulating pain signals within the nervous system.
- Reduced Inflammation: by regulating immune and inflammatory responses. This may be beneficial for conditions characterised by excessive inflammation, such as arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and autoimmune disorders.
- Anxiolytic and Antidepressant Effects: modulate mood-related neurotransmitters and receptors in the brain.
- Neuroprotection: helping to preserve the health and function of nerve cells in the brain and nervous system.
- Antiemetic Properties: alleviate nausea and vomiting.
- Improved Sleep: modulate sleep patterns and promote better sleep quality.
A Holistic Approach
Natural therapies can be safely integrated with conventional treatments and are always the most effective under the guidance of a supportive healthcare team.
Our partnership with One Health Clinics Australia offers a collaborative approach between your local WholeLife pharmacy and a trusted prescriber to assist you with your wellness journey that considers your physical, mental and spiritual wellbeing.
At WholeLife Pharmacy & Healthfoods, our passionate pharmacists are readily available to discuss the potential of natural therapies appropriate for you and your health needs. Click here to learn more about WholeLife Natural Therapies today.
References:
Skaper, Stephen D, and Vincenzo Di Marzo. “Endocannabinoids in nervous system health and disease: the big picture in a nutshell.” Philosophical transactions of the Royal Society of London. Series B, Biological sciences vol. 367,1607 (2012): 3193-200. doi:10.1098/rstb.2012.0313
Zeff, Jared et al. “Naturopathic Model of Healing-The Process of Healing Revisited.” Integrative medicine (Encinitas, Calif.) vol. 18,4 (2019): 26-30.