Menopausal Weight Gain

In my practice as a naturopathic physician, I often see women in their 40s and 50s who are doing everything right—eating well, staying active—yet still struggling with unwanted weight gain and declining energy. What they’re experiencing isn’t a failure of willpower. It’s a reflection of the profound hormonal changes that accompany perimenopause and menopause, changes that affect metabolism, fat storage, sleep, mood, and appetite regulation.

Weight gain during this life stage is common, but it isn’t inevitable. The key is understanding the “why.” As estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone begin their often erratic fluctuations and eventual decline, the body undergoes significant shifts in its fundamental processes. These hormonal shifts make the body less efficient at managing blood sugar, preserving lean muscle mass, and regulating cortisol, our primary stress hormone. Specifically, declining estrogen levels can lead to increased insulin resistance, making it harder for cells to absorb glucose, contributing to higher blood sugar and increased fat storage, particularly around the abdomen.

Furthermore, the decrease in these hormones, especially testosterone and estrogen, directly impacts muscle protein synthesis and maintenance, leading to an accelerated loss of lean muscle mass – a process known as sarcopenia. This reduction in metabolically active tissue further slows metabolism. Concurrently, the fluctuating and declining levels of estrogen and progesterone can disrupt the delicate balance of the HPA (hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal) axis, impairing the body’s ability to effectively manage stress and often leading to higher or more erratic cortisol levels. This hormonal interplay often leads to increased abdominal fat, a propensity for insulin resistance, and a frustrating sense of metabolic slowdown, even for those with disciplined lifestyles.

Unfortunately, conventional weight loss advice like eating less and exercising more can make things worse. Restrictive diets and excessive cardio elevate cortisol levels, which further disrupts metabolism and encourages the body to store fat. What’s needed is not more discipline, but a more intelligent and personalized approach.

That’s where naturopathic medicine shines. When I work with women navigating midlife weight changes, the process begins with comprehensive lab testing. We assess thyroid function, insulin sensitivity, cortisol patterns, and sometimes a detailed sex hormone panel to understand where the imbalances lie. These results guide every step of the treatment plan.

From there, we craft an individualized strategy that may include:

  • Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT), tailored to each woman’s unique needs and stage of life to restore hormonal balance and support energy, sleep, and metabolism.
  • Targeted natural medicines to help balance hormones and to support insulin sensitivity, adrenal function, and liver detoxification.
  • Nutritional guidance that supports metabolism without deprivation, with an emphasis on protein intake, blood sugar balance, and anti-inflammatory foods.
  • Movement recommendations that respect the body’s changing physiology, focusing on strength, stability, and nervous system regulation.
  • Support for stress and sleep, both of which directly influence hormone balance and weight.

This is not a one-size-fits-all approach. It’s a partnership grounded in physiology, clinical data, and the lived experience of each woman. When we address the underlying hormonal and metabolic shifts of perimenopause and menopause, the results go far beyond weight loss. Women report better mood, clearer thinking, deeper sleep, and a renewed sense of vitality.

If you’re approaching or moving through midlife and feel frustrated by changes in your body, know that you can reclaim your health with strategies that are rooted in science and personalized to suit you.

Dr. Deidre Macdonald is a naturopathic physician who has practiced in Courtenay since 1997. (250) 897-0235 or www.getwellhere.com

Dr. Deidre Macdonald

Naturopathic Physician

250 897-0235

www.getwellhere.com

Brain Fog? The Gut-Brain Connection

Many of my patients come to me with concerns that feel both familiar and frustrating: mood swings, brain fog, and memory lapses. While these symptoms are often chalked up to changes in the brain itself, research is increasingly pointing to a less obvious but powerful player: the gut. In this article, I’ll explore the fascinating connection between our digestive system and mental health, known as the gut-brain axis, and share the strategies I use as a naturopathic physician to support this system, especially for those navigating the physical and hormonal shifts that often begin after 50.

The gut-brain axis represents a sophisticated, two-way communication system involving neural, hormonal, and immune pathways. At the heart of this dialogue is the gut microbiome, the trillions of microorganisms that reside in our digestive tract. This internal ecosystem influences nutrient absorption, immune health, and even the production of neurotransmitters like serotonin, a chemical strongly tied to mood regulation. In fact, the majority of the body’s serotonin is produced in the gut, underscoring the biochemical link between digestive health and emotional well-being.

As we age, or when lifestyle and environmental stressors take a toll, this internal balance can be disrupted. Digestive issues like bloating, irregular bowel habits, and indigestion may be more than minor annoyances. They can signal deeper imbalances in the gut ecosystem, known as dysbiosis. Two conditions commonly linked to these symptoms are Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) and Intestinal Candidiasis.

SIBO arises when excess bacteria grow in the small intestine, where bacterial counts are typically low. This overgrowth can interfere with digestion and nutrient absorption and may contribute to symptoms like bloating, fatigue, and cognitive fog. Similarly, intestinal candidiasis involves an overgrowth of Candida, a yeast that can flourish under certain conditions such as antibiotic use, high sugar intake, or chronic stress. Research suggests that byproducts from microbial overgrowth and inflammation may influence brain chemistry and mood.

From a naturopathic perspective, the goal is to restore balance to the digestive system in a sustainable, individualized way. Nutrition is central to this process. Dietary adjustments can help shift the internal environment, reducing the fuel for unhelpful microbes and supporting the growth of beneficial ones. This approach is not about rigid or permanent food restriction but about working with the body’s needs to create an environment where health can flourish.

Natural compounds and plant-based supports may also play a role in re-establishing harmony in the gut microbiome. Sometimes short term use of targeted pharmaceuticals is needed to restore balance in the small intestine. These medicines are chosen thoughtfully based on a person’s individual presentation, with the aim of improving digestive comfort and overall health.

Equally important is the role of the mind. Chronic stress can disrupt gut function and microbial balance, creating a feedback loop that affects both digestion and mood. Practices such as meditation, breathing techniques, or mindful movement can calm the nervous system and support a more resilient digestive system.

In essence, optimizing the gut-brain connection is about more than managing symptoms. It involves cultivating a healthy internal ecosystem that supports sharper memory, greater emotional stability, and a more vibrant experience of life as we age.

Fatigue After 50

We’ve all felt tired at times. But if you’re over 50 and waking up just as tired as when you went to bed, or if you find yourself needing more and more coffee just to get through the day, it may be time to ask: what’s really going on?

Fatigue is one of the most common reasons people visit their doctor, yet it’s often brushed off as a natural part of aging. While energy levels do shift over time, persistent fatigue is not something you have to accept. It’s often a sign that something deeper needs attention.

As a naturopathic physician, my first step when a patient comes in with fatigue is a thorough assessment. That includes listening to their story, performing a detailed physical examination, and ordering targeted lab tests to uncover the root cause.

Iron and B12 are classic culprits, especially in women who’ve had years of heavy periods, or in anyone with digestive issues that impact absorption. Low iron can make you feel foggy, weak, or short of breath. B12 deficiency, more common with age, can sneak up with symptoms like numbness, low mood, and deep fatigue.

Thyroid function is another key area to check. The thyroid acts like your internal thermostat; when it’s underactive, everything slows down. You might feel cold, sluggish, constipated, or gain weight without trying. A proper thyroid assessment includes not only TSH, but often free T4, free T3, and thyroid antibodies for a complete picture.

Sleep apnea, surprisingly under-diagnosed, is a major cause of fatigue. Even people who think they sleep fine may not be getting deep, restorative sleep if their breathing is interrupted throughout the night. If a partner notices snoring or pauses in breathing, or if you wake up groggy or with headaches, it’s worth investigating.

Chronic stress over decades can tax the body. HPA axis dysfunction refers to a disruption in the normal functioning of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, a key system regulating the body’s stress response. When imbalanced, people may experience poor stress resilience, low morning energy, and that ‘wired but tired’ feeling.

In addition, persistent fatigue can be an early sign of more serious conditions like cardiovascular disease, cancer, digestive disorders, autoimmune disease, MS, and more. I believe in being very thorough with my fatigue patients to look for clues of deeper pathology. Once we’ve ruled out or addressed medical causes, it’s time to look at restoration. This is where naturopathic medicine shines.

Restoration means nourishing your body with quality sleep, balanced meals, and rhythm in your day. It may involve replenishing nutrients like iron or B12, supporting thyroid or adrenal function with herbs, or improving sleep hygiene and stress management.

Sometimes, we use natural supports like ashwagandha, rhodiola, or magnesium, and can prescribe pharmaceutical treatments when appropriate.

The goal isn’t just to mask the fatigue, but to help your body function optimally again. Because yes, energy changes with age, but you should still feel vital, sharp, and engaged with life. Fatigue is a signal. The question is: are we listening?

Dr. Deidre Macdonald is a naturopathic physician who has practiced in downtown Courtenay since 1997. www.getwellhere.com or 250 897-0235

 

Ten Ways to Boost Your Immune System Naturally

Ever wonder why some people rarely catch a cold while others seem to get every bug in the air? While genetics may play a role, daily habits and lifestyle choices often make a bigger impact. Here are ten effective, natural ways to keep your immune system strong.

  1. Keep Your Vitamin D Levels Up

Vitamin D, known as the “sunshine vitamin,” is crucial for immune function, but in the Comox Valley, winter sun exposure is minimal. To meet the recommended 2000 IU a day, consider a supplement. Research shows that keeping your vitamin D levels up can help protect against colds and flu.

  1. Focus on Whole, Colourful Foods   

A diet rich in fruits and vegetables provides essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that help the immune system function at its best. Leafy greens like kale, along with berries, carrots, and bell peppers, are loaded with nutrients to fend off illness. The variety of colours on your plate reflects a diversity of immune-boosting compounds.

  1. Make Movement Part of Your Routine   

Regular physical activity enhances immune health, yet the winter months make it tempting to skip workouts. Even short daily walks, indoor yoga, or a few bodyweight exercises can help keep the lymphatic system moving, which is essential for immune function. Try to find activities you enjoy so that exercise becomes a consistent part of your week.

  1. Prioritize Good Sleep   

Sleep is a powerful, natural immune booster. When we sleep, the body produces and releases proteins called cytokines that aid the immune response. Aim for 7–8 hours nightly and establish a calming bedtime routine. Relaxation apps, like Insight Timer, can guide you through breathing exercises or meditations that help you wind down.

  1. Manage Stress Proactively   

Chronic stress raises cortisol, which can inhibit the immune system. Taking small, daily steps to manage stress—whether through deep breathing, meditation, or gentle stretching—can help. Herbal adaptogens like ashwagandha may also support resilience to stress over time.

  1. Soak in Natural Light   

Sunlight exposure, even on cloudy days, can lift mood and strengthen immune health. Time outdoors, especially near water or in the snow, provides a natural light boost that supports well-being.

  1. Consider Herbal Support   

Certain herbs have shown benefits in bolstering the immune system. Echinacea may help reduce the duration of colds, and reishi mushrooms contain compounds that can enhance immune response. Oil of Oregano can also offer antiviral support when used at the first sign of symptoms.

  1. Wash Hands Often   

Frequent handwashing with soap and water is a simple yet highly effective way to reduce exposure to viruses and bacteria. It may also help to avoid handshakes and keep hands away from the face, especially in winter.

  1. Support Your Lungs by Quitting Smoking   

If you’re a smoker, know that smoking has a suppressive effect on immune function. Quitting can make a substantial difference, and options like our Laser Quit Smoking program have helped many people to ease the transition.

  1. Get Personalized Support   

If you frequently catch colds or have lingering health issues, a naturopathic consultation could uncover root causes. We offer an in-depth, personalized approach to improving immune health, including tailored nutrition and lifestyle guidance, natural medicines and sometimes pharmaceutical medicines.

These practices don’t require drastic changes but can lead to significant improvements in immune resilience. A well-rounded approach to immune health can help you stay well through winter and beyond, building a strong foundation for lifelong vitality.

Protein Power: Your Ally in Aging Gracefully and Staying Strong

When it comes to healthy aging, protein is like the unsung hero of nutrition—always there, quietly working behind the scenes to keep your muscles strong, your brain sharp, and your body resilient. But how much protein do you really need, and is it possible to have too much of a good thing? As a naturopathic physician with a focus on nutrition and healthy aging, these are questions I commonly get from my patients. So, let’s dive into the science and myths of protein and how it can help you stay fit and vibrant at any age.

First, let’s get the numbers straight. The science says that most adults benefit from consuming 1.2 to 1.6 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight daily. Calculate your protein requirements using your estimated lean body weight. For a person whose lean weight is 150 pounds or 68 kg, that’s an average of 26-36 grams of protein three times a day. Considering that one chicken breast has about 50g of protein, those numbers aren’t out of reach for most people. 

Dietary protein supports maintaining and building muscle, which plays a vital role in balance, strength, blood sugar regulation, metabolic health, and more. After 50, we typically lose 1% of our muscle mass per year; after 70, that number goes up to 4%. However,  exercise and protein intake can reverse that trend. And if you’re trying to build or maintain muscle, a post-workout protein shake isn’t just trendy—it’s genuinely effective. While there’s no need to obsess over a narrow “anabolic window” after exercise, having protein before or after a workout gives your muscles the building blocks they need. 

Not all proteins are created equal, though. Animal proteins like chicken, eggs, and dairy tend to pack the biggest punch when it comes to essential amino acids, especially leucine—the star amino acid that triggers muscle growth. But if you’re vegetarian or vegan, don’t fret. By consuming a variety of plant-based proteins, like beans, soy, quinoa, and lentils, and perhaps adding a plant-based protein powder, you can absolutely meet your needs. 

What about concerns that high-protein diets might harm your kidneys or speed up aging? For most healthy people, these fears are more myth than fact. Research shows that regular exercise changes how the body processes protein, directing its benefits to where they’re needed most—your muscles and brain. Staying active essentially turns protein into a tool for health, not harm.

Now, let’s tackle a common concern: IGF-1, a hormone that spikes with higher protein intake. Some studies suggest this could increase cancer risk, but here’s the nuance: exercise flips the script. Physical activity directs IGF-1 to muscle repair and brain health while limiting its availability to potential problem areas. Simply put, a balanced diet paired with regular movement lets protein do its job without unintended consequences.

Ultimately, the magic of protein lies not just in what you eat, but in how you live. Pairing a thoughtful protein intake with resistance training or even a daily brisk walk can help keep your body strong and your mind sharp. After all, isn’t that the goal of healthy aging—staying active, independent, and ready for life’s adventures?

So, whether you’re whipping up a protein-packed smoothie, enjoying a hearty lentil soup, or indulging in a grilled salmon dinner, remember every bite is an investment in your future. Protein isn’t just for athletes or bodybuilders; it’s for anyone who wants to age gracefully, stay fit, and feel amazing in their skin. Cheers to that.

Hormone Health For Women – Naturally

Hormones are an integral part of a woman’s health and vitality, influencing everything from mood and energy levels to reproductive function and overall well-being. As a naturopathic doctor with a focus on women’s health, I emphasize the importance of maintaining healthy hormones throughout a woman’s lifespan. In this article, we’ll explore practical tips to support hormone balance.

During early life, hormones promote growth and maturation. Proper nutrition, care, and a nurturing environment are crucial to foster healthy hormonal development in these formative years. During adolescence, hormones play a key role in puberty, influencing emotional well-being, skin health, and of course, menstruation. Many young women are told that it is just normal to experience PMS, painful periods and excessive flow. But these can be signs of hormone imbalances that can be corrected with natural methods. My favorite herb for teens with period problems is Chaste Tree, or Vitex Agnus Castus. This remarkable herb aids the pituitary gland in balancing hormones and has been proven to safely help some menstrual cycle problems.

In adulthood, hormones like estrogen and progesterone regulate the menstrual cycle, fertility, and libido. Hormone balance is essential for reproductive health during these years. In an age where more women are choosing to delay pregnancy, fertility challenges have become increasingly common. I guide my patients in understanding their body’s rhythms and how to optimize their fertility if that is their goal.

Of course, balanced hormones are critical for a healthy pregnancy, and particularly in the postpartum period. Nutritional support and stress management are vital, and naturopathic physicians can provide guidance to women on the safe use of natural medicines during and after pregnancy.

As women approach middle age, menstrual issues and PMS can become more pronounced as the hormone glands struggle to regulate the cycle during perimenopause. This is when active intervention with naturopathic approaches can be pivotal. For instance, natural anti-inflammatory herbs like ginger have been shown to significantly reduce blood flow in menstruating women. Menopause can be a relief or a challenge as rapid hormone changes can give rise to a range of symptoms, including hot flashes, mood swings, and insomnia. There is so much conflicting information out there about hormone replacement therapy, but the most recent scientific findings indicates that it can be used safely long term, and it can help prevent some diseases of aging like cognitive decline and osteoporosis. If it is done right. (See my detailed blog post for more information.)

As women age, we need to keep in mind other hormones that can affect our health and wellbeing. Cortisol, the primary stress hormone, when imbalance, can contribute to lowered immunity, abdominal weight gain, blood sugar imbalance and more. Maintaining blood sugar with the hormone insulin can be more challenging but is critical for disease prevention. Hypothyroidism affects up to one in six women in their lifetime, and the risk increases with age. So just because you were “fine” five years ago, doesn’t mean that your fatigue, depression and weight gain aren’t attributable to low thyroid hormone now.

The body’s hormones are all interconnected and are influenced by our immune system, our digestion (think microbiome) and our lifestyle. Key lifestyle factors that can improve your hormone health include moderating caffeine and alcohol intake, embracing whole food nutrition, regular exercise, ensuring adequate sleep, effective stress management, and maintaining a healthy weight. As a naturopathic physician I often recommend natural medicines and bioidentical hormone prescriptions to help women optimize their hormones.

Empower yourself with knowledge. Stay well-informed about hormonal health and its impact throughout the lifespan. A naturopathic physician with a focus on women’s health can serve as an invaluable resource for guidance and education.

 

Meal Planning: The Key to Healthy Eating

It’s never to late too embark on new healthy habits, especially regarding nutrition and menu planning – a concept I wholeheartedly support in my practice as a naturopathic physician.

Menu planning might sound like a chore, but its benefits are far-reaching.  It’s a powerful tool to enhance your nutrition, save time and money, and foster family involvement in the kitchen. I find it’s one of the best ways to improve your nutrition or stick to a new dietary regime. When you plan your meals, you take control of what goes into your body. Menu planning allows you to make conscious choices about ingredients, ensuring a balanced and nutritious diet. You can incorporate more fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains into your meals, leading to improved health. It saves you time and money. How often have you found yourself wandering the supermarket aisles, aimlessly grabbing whatever looks good? Menu planning eliminates this wasteful habit. Creating a shopping list based on your weekly menu not only saves you money but also precious time. No more midweek grocery store rushes. You’re also less likely to cave in and eat out, pick up fast food or order food in, which will save both your money and your waistline. Menu planning also helps engage family members and models and is an important life skill to children. I recommend involving your family or roommates in the process. It’s a wonderful way to bond and instill healthy eating habits in children. Plus, it takes the pressure off the primary cook. Get the kids to help choose recipes and assist with food prep. 

Whether you’re feeding a family or flying solo, these practical tips can help you get started with menu planning. For families, I recommend gathering your family for a weekly meal planning session. Discuss everyone’s preferences and dietary needs. Try theme nights when you dedicate specific nights to themes like Taco Tuesdays or Meatless Mondays. It adds variety and simplifies planning. Then you can meal prep together; kids can wash veggies, while adults handle the cooking. For singles, I encourage preparing larger quantities of meals and freezing individual portions for future use. It reduces cooking time during the week. For ideas, explore meal planning apps like Eatthismuch.com that offer single-serving recipes and shopping lists tailored to your needs. Plan to repurpose leftovers into new meals to reduce waste and save time. For instance, baked chicken breasts can be made into a chicken salad or stir-fry the next night. Roasted vegetables are delicious in a salad the next day. 

I underscore the importance of menu planning in my naturopathic practice. Menu planning is a cornerstone strategy when I coach my patients on nutrition. It empowers them to make lasting changes to their eating habits and supports their overall well-being. So, if September feels like your chance to embrace a fresh start, then try scheduling a time each week to practice menu planning. You’ll reap the rewards of improved nutrition, time and money savings, and enhanced family involvement in the kitchen. Happy menu planning and bon appétit!

The Power of Mindset: How Your Mind Influences Your Health Choices

Let’s face it, what we know we should do for our health and what we actually do are often quite different. When it comes to making healthy choices, we often focus on external factors like finding the right diet plans, exercise routines, or medical advice. While these factors are undoubtedly important, one key determinant of success that often goes overlooked is the power of our mindset. The way we think and perceive ourselves and the world around us can have a profound impact on our health choices. As a naturopathic physician, I see the fascinating connection between mindset and health. I’ve learned that it is imperative that the doctor-patient relationship include good coaching on how to cultivate a positive, empowered mindset towards our choices, our bodies and our health.

The choices we make regarding our health are deeply rooted in our mindset. Our beliefs, attitudes, and perceptions about ourselves and our bodies shape our daily habits. For example, if we have a negative mindset and believe that we are incapable of making lasting changes, we are more likely to give in to unhealthy temptations, procrastinate, or give up on our goals. However, with effective coaching towards a more positive mindset, we can develop a proactive approach to our health, set achievable goals, and cultivate healthy habits that support our well-being.

One fundamental step towards creating a more intentional lifestyle is mindfulness. Learning to be more aware of your inner self and practicing being fully present in the moment can positively impact health choices. For instance, when we cultivate mindfulness, we become more attuned to our body’s signals of hunger, fullness, and overall well-being. This awareness enables us to make informed choices about what, when, and how much we eat, resulting in a healthier relationship with food and a better understanding of our body’s needs.

The mind and body are deeply interconnected, and research increasingly shows that our thoughts and emotions can influence our physical health. Negative emotions like stress, anxiety, and pessimism can weaken the immune system, increase the risk of chronic diseases, and slow down the body’s healing process. On the other hand, a positive mindset, characterized by optimism, self-belief, and resilience, can enhance our overall well-being and even influence recovery from illnesses.

Naturopathic medicine is all about empowering people to become informed about their health and coaching them on how to live a lifestyle conducive to good health, including using natural medicines when needed or for health optimization. The old medical model was to wait until you got sick, then expect the doctor to provide a magic pill. My patients come when they are sick and when they are well. They are eager to have an in depth health investigation and create a program to move towards greater health. Fundamental to success, is adopting a positive mindset conducive to making informed decisions, overcoming challenges, and cultivating sustainable life habits.

Developing self-awareness, practicing mindfulness, and fostering self-compassion are essential steps in harnessing the power of mindset to achieve optimal well-being. As a naturopathic doctor, I am just as likely to coach a patient on these important practices as I am to prescribe an herb, vitamin or prescription drug. Remember, your mindset can be a catalyst for positive change, leading you on a path towards a healthier and happier life. 

Chronic Pain: Four Legs of a Stool

Every day in my naturopathic medical practice, I see people who have chronic pain from conditions arising from their back, nerves, muscles, joints, digestive system, autoimmune disease and more.  In fact one in five Canadians over 18 suffer with chronic pain. Optimal treatment plans are more complex than those for acute pain. For chronic pain, the best treatment involves “four legs of a stool”.  Each leg provides important support in the journey of living with chronic pain while working towards real solutions.

One leg of that stool may be pain management with pharmaceutical drugs.  Living with chronic pain can affect mood, sleep, the immune system, the nervous system and more and sometimes the humane choice is to help dull the pain. But medications for pain all come at some cost when used long term.  Extended use of anti-inflammatory drugs is hard on the gastrointestinal system, kidneys and ears.  Tylenol in excess can damage the liver. Opiate pain killers are of course a last resort due to their highly addictive nature. Meds for nerve pain have a long list of side effects and have limited benefits.  There is a place for pain management, but the goal is to use as little as possible for the shortest time possible. Cannabis may provide some relief for pain sufferers, and I look forward to the day when we have the research and quality control necessary for doctors to effectively guide patients in the best use of this medicine.

The second leg of the stool is what I call passive treatments.  There is a place for surgery, however there is always the risk of complications so often more conservative treatments are preferential.  Physiotherapy, massage, chiropractic, osteopathy, injection therapy such as prolotherapy, PRP, and stem cells can all be helpful.  The form of physical therapy that has impressed me most is low level laser therapy.  This painless, safe treatment uses therapeutic wavelengths of light to stimulate rapid growth and repair of tissues, resulting in resolution of pain.  Hundreds of  human, placebo controlled clinical trials have been done on laser therapy and it has been shown to be effective in the treatment of many conditions including arthritis (to which I can personally attest), back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, plantar fasciitis, neck pain, nerve impingement and more. This is the treatment that I have used in my clinic for 12 years on over 1,000 patients with mostly good to excellent results.

The third leg of the stool is to work towards creating a body that is balanced and vital so that it can heal itself.  When a person is full of inflammation, high blood sugar, nutrient deprived, lacks exercise, and suffers from stress and poor sleep, their cells simply don’t have what it takes to heal.  As a naturopathic physician, I coach my patients to better understand what they can do for themselves to reduce inflammation, promote healing and improve vitality.

The fourth leg of the stool in treating chronic pain is addressing the mind-body connection.  The body naturally sends alarm bells to the brain and nervous system in response to pain.  That makes sense for acute pain, as it helps us to remove ourselves from dangerous situations or protect injured areas.  To live well with chronic pain, we have to deliberately learn how to be with the pain without sending out panic signals.  Teaching my patients skills to address the emotions and thoughts around the pain helps them to experience the painful sensations without all the distress and suffering.  I also encourage them to be curious about any unhealed emotional issues that may be causing tension or energy blocks in the body.  In Chinese medicine, they say that emotional issues can block chi, and wherever chi is blocked pain or disease can occur. In Western medicine we understand that the body’s natural healing mechanisms are activated when the nervous system is in a more relaxed state. With chronic stress we can get stuck in a state of “fight or flight” instead of being able to go into the more relaxed, healing state of a calm nervous system. 

People with chronic pain do well to consider engaging in a comprehensive plan to reduce the stress of chronic pain while working actively to promote healing and resolution of the causes of their pain.  ss

Acupuncture for Men's Health

Men may experience a number of changes throughout their lives.  Some of these changes may be in the realm of sexual health (such as erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, and prostatitis) but many men also experience other health challenges, such as low back pain, depression, and insomnia.  Acupuncture is a safe and effective treatment for all of these conditions.  Through the use of fine needles at specific points along areas of the body, acupuncture works to stimulate the body’s own healing responses by addressing the root causes of disease, as does naturopathic medicine.  This makes these two health systems a wonderful fit.

 

As a naturopathic doctor certified in acupuncture the unique opportunity I have when using acupuncture is that I can utilize many other treatments at the same time.  Low back pain, depression, insomnia, and sexual dysfunction are all well treated with a combination of therapies…acupuncture plus nutrition, herbal medicine, supplementation, spinal adjustments, and/or pharmaceutical prescriptions.  Being certified in prescriptive authority, I have access to all of these treatments to best help my patients improve their health.  Naturopathic doctors can also order lab tests, perform physical exams, and customize treatment options to round out the best program for you.

 

Many men experience low back pain and know how impactful pain can be on their life and work.  Finding effective treatments is important.  Both traditional acupuncture and ear acupuncture can help improve low back pain and decrease the sensation of pain. This can lead to improved function and get you moving well again. Acupuncture used alongside other therapies such as spinal alignment and soft tissue massage may further increase the chance of success.

 

Depression, anxiety, stress, and insomnia are experienced by many people and still, it is difficult for many men to talk about it and seek help.  Acupuncture has been shown to reduce symptoms in some experiencing depression.  Ear acupuncture can be effective at reducing anxiety.  Stress is closely tied to mental health and has impacts on both sleep quality and mental wellbeing.  Both traditional and ear acupuncture work to reduce stress by improving parasympathetic tone (our “rest and digest” state), which may address the root cause for some with insomnia.  In conjunction with other strategies to promote mental wellbeing, like diet, exercise, herbal medicine, and supplementation, a combined protocol takes into account the unique situation affecting you.

 

Male sexual health concerns can also be addressed using acupuncture.  Studies have shown positive results in reducing urination difficulties in those with prostatitis (inflamed prostate).  It can also be effective at improving premature ejaculation and some types of erectile dysfunction.

 

The number of health concerns that acupuncture can be utilized for, either alone or in conjunction with other therapies, along with being safe and with few side effects, makes it an excellent treatment choice for many men’s health concerns.  To find out if acupuncture and naturopathic medicine is right for you, contact Dr. Peters for a free “meet and greet”.

 

Dr. Shawn Peters, ND is a naturopathic doctor practicing in downtown Courtenay.

Dr. Shawn Peters, ND is a naturopathic physician who works at the Macdonald Centre for Natural Medicine.

Call now to book an appointment or a “meet and greet” visit

As always, this is purely general health-related information and is not meant to substitute for a visit with a regulated healthcare practitioner.  Always consult your licensed naturopathic doctor or medical doctor should you have any questions or concerns