Clinical Focus

Chronic fatigue is a prevalent issue in today’s world. It is more than feeling tired. It is a pervasive and overwhelming exhaustion that resists conventional solutions. Naturopathic doctors recognize that chronic fatigue can stem from numerous factors, including but not limited to immune disturbances, nervous system dysregulation, various life stresses, hormonal imbalances, and nutritional deficiencies. An individualized approach is key; combining lifestyle modifications, dietary adjustments, botanical therapies, and nutraceuticals can alleviate and modulate chronic fatigue.

Chronic, unresolved pain can be draining on physical, mental, and emotional reserves. It affects sleep duration and quality, cognition, mood, the ability to eat and exercise, the ability to work or connect with family and friends, and the ability to maintain self-care. Naturopathic medicine has a multipronged approach to addressing chronic pain that is highly individualized.

Dysautonomia is the dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system, presenting unique challenges in a person’s health by impacting multiple bodily functions. The nervous system is divided into the central nervous system, which includes all the nerves in the brain and spinal cord, and the peripheral nervous system, which includes all the nerves in the body other than the brain and spinal cord. The peripheral nervous system is further split into two – the somatic and the autonomic divisions. The somatic division is involved in voluntary control of things like skeletal muscle movement as well as conscious sensory processing. The autonomic division is in charge of all involuntary functions, such as regulation of breathing, heart rate, blood pressure, temperature, and digestion. It also has influence over certain glandular secretions, bladder contractility and relaxation, and indirectly, sleep.

Dysautonomia can not only present in a variety of ways across the board, but two people with the same form of dysautonomia may have different symptoms. Some of the more common examples of dysautonomia are orthostatic hypotension, POTS (postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome), vasovagal syncope, and IST (inappropriate sinus tachycardia).

Gastrointestinal conditions can significantly affect health and overall well-being. Naturopathic medicine’s approach to these issues involves comprehensive assessments, both by a verbal history intake and physical exam, that lay the path to personalized treatment plans. Treatment plans target not only bothersome symptoms, but underlying causes. By utilizing dietary recommendations, botanical medicine, lifestyle adjustments, short term supplements, acupuncture, and homeopathy, NDs offer a tailored approach to restore digestive balance. Empowering people with knowledge and tools for better health is essential in addressing gastrointestinal concerns holistically.

Mental health affects every aspect of a person’s life, especially in the context of co-existing chronic illness. For example, patients with chronic pain experience significantly higher rates of anxiety and depression than those without chronic pain. Patients may grieve who they were before chronic illness appeared. Medical burnout and trauma is unfortunately common. Chronic health conditions co-existing with mental health challenges make daily self care and social connections markedly harder, which in turn may decrease quality of life. A strong doctor-patient therapeutic relationship fosters a foundation on which healing may begin to bloom. The goal of naturopathic medicine is to treat the whole person, not just their symptoms.