“We’re going to find the root cause, Michelle, and not just treat the symptoms.”
As someone living with chronic sciatic pain, hearing those words from my new pelvic floor physical therapist gave me renewed hope. It’s been months of trying different treatments, but each one has focused on just temporarily reducing the pain. With guidance from my pelvic floor PT, I’ve entered a new phase of healing that I didn’t realize was possible.
Healing at the root
My PT practices holistic medicine, which emphasizes caring about the whole person (mind, body, and spirit) to help patients live their healthiest lives. The belief is that if you have a problem in one area, it can harm your overall health, so treatment focuses on identifying the underlying cause of the pain to repair that interconnected balance.
Think of holistic health as the roots of a tree; it’s the broad philosophy of health care that treats the whole person. Naturopathy can be considered a branch of that tree – a form of holistic medicine that takes on the whole-person approach by using natural remedies.
“We focus on restoring and optimizing wellness by integrating natural therapies such as botanical medicine, dietary counseling and therapeutic nutrition, and behavioral medicine,” explains Catherine Ako, ND, a naturopathic doctor and founder of Oahu Natural Care.
Catherine Ako, ND. Photo courtesy Dr. Ako
Naturopathic medicine is guided by six principles that stand as the distinguishing marks of the profession. These principles:
- Emphasize prevention and self-care as cornerstones of health.
- Focus on patient-centered care.
- Prioritize a therapeutic order that begins with minimal intervention and progresses to higher levels of intervention.
- Address the underlying cause of a condition rather than focusing solely on symptomatic treatment.
Ultimately, naturopathy believes in the body’s inherent wisdom to heal itself.
When relief isn’t enough
Since my sciatica symptoms began last April, I’ve tried traditional physical therapy, a variety of medications, and shockwave therapy. After months of pain and little results, I finally began exploring complementary medicine, including acupuncture and massage. My story isn’t unlike that of many patients who seek holistic care.
“Many patients seek my care because they haven’t responded well to pharmaceutical management and are looking for a natural alternative approach, while others are interested in an integrated approach that combines both,” says Dr. Ako. “We diagnose and treat many of the same acute and chronic conditions as medical doctors.”
The difference is in treatment. Instead of asking, ‘What do I have?’ the question becomes, ‘Why is this happening?’
“Symptoms are indicators or results of an underlying condition or the body’s response to it,” says Dr. Ako. “Health and disease are conditions of the whole organism, involving a complex interaction of physical, spiritual, mental, emotional, genetic, environmental, and social factors.”
Restoring the rhythm
In naturopathic medicine, lifestyle factors such as nutrition and diet, sleep, and physical activity are considered the cornerstone of health. Stress could be causing digestive issues, or poor sleep and diet may contribute to chronic fatigue.
“There are a lot of medical conditions that can be effectively treated with food,” says Dr. Ako. “That’s why we’re trained to provide dietary and nutritional counseling.”
Naturopathic physicians also assess patients’ sleep patterns, stress levels, and physical activity. Treatment can include personalized exercise regimens and dietary plans, techniques to reduce stress, and strategies to improve sleep. Botanical medication can also be a powerful remedy since many plant substances can safely address a variety of problems simultaneously.
Listening to your body
Seeking holistic care has offered me relief and perspective. I’ve long known that my anxiety has been a barrier, but the addition of physical pain has forced me to confront some unresolved trauma and work on regulating my nervous system, which my PT and therapist believe is the root cause of my pain.
“When we talk about treating the whole person, we have to consider the mental attitude and emotional state because that can influence and cause physical illness as well,” explains Dr. Ako.
So, while the short-term goal is to become pain-free, I’ve learned that this healing journey is a lifetime commitment to self-care, which is something Dr. Ako also hopes for her patients.
“My goal for my patients is to optimize their health and wellness,” she says, “and to empower them to take responsibility for their own long-term health, becoming a true partner for them in their overall wellness journey.”
Not all HMSA plans cover complementary or alternative medicine. Always check your Guide to Benefits.
Integrative health care
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