As wellness trends shift toward natural remedies, naturopathy offers the perfect solution to lasting well-being. Bushra Hakim delves into how this ancient practice fosters salubrity through expert insights and sustainable lifestyle habits.
In today’s fast-paced world, wellness has become synonymous with vitality and longevity. It’s about finding balance in all aspects of life. While conventional medicine continues to play a crucial role in treating ailments, an increasing number of people are turning to naturopathy for a healthier approach. Dr Taal Bastien, a Naturopathic Doctor at ALKEM Health & Wellness, and Dejana Subsol, a Naturopath and Iridologist at Dejana Naturally, help us understand this science better.
What is Naturopathy?
It is a healthcare system that integrates the latest scientific advancements with time-honoured natural therapies. As Dr Taal explains: “At its core, naturopathy is about understanding the person as a whole – addressing the mental, physical, emotional and even spiritual aspects of health.” Unlike conventional medicine, which often treats individual symptoms, this approach focuses on identifying the root cause of illness and restoring balance within the body. Chronic conditions like digestive issues, hormonal imbalances and autoimmune diseases are often managed more effectively by addressing the underlying causes rather than just the symptoms. It’s this holistic perspective that sets this system apart. While pharmaceuticals and surgeries excel in acute care, a natural approach shines in prevention and promoting long-term wellness.
A Complement to Traditional Medicine
Conventional medicine remains essential, particularly for acute issues requiring immediate intervention. However, naturopathy complements these treatments by focusing on prevention and chronic disease management. “It works beautifully alongside traditional treatments,” says Dr Taal, “especially when addressing lifestyle-related conditions and chronic diseases.” For those with severe conditions, orthodox treatments may be necessary, but naturopathic practices can enhance recovery and prevent complications by addressing the factors that triggered the illness in the first place. This combination allows patients to benefit from the strengths of both systems. Natural remedies and personalised plans help the body function optimally, improving conditions like diabetes, hypertension and fatigue.
Common Naturopathic Treatments
Nature’s toolkit is vast – herbs, plant-based supplements and natural treatments have been used for centuries to promote vigour. For instance, garlic, long known for its antimicrobial properties, can help fight infections while reducing inflammation. Similarly, passionflower is a go-to remedy for calming anxiety without the sedation often caused by medications. But it’s not just about using herbs. Detox protocols also play a major role in the holistic approach. A well-executed detox helps eliminate accumulated toxins in the body, improving digestion and energy levels. Dejana warns, however, that not all detoxes are beneficial. “One needs to know what toxins the body is trying to get rid of and which organs are overloaded,” she explains, emphasising the importance of a targeted and tailored detox. One of the key strengths of a natural approach to wellness is its focus on personalised care. Practitioners take time to understand each individual’s unique bodily needs, considering factors such as lifestyle, diet and emotional well-being. This allows them to craft treatment plans that target the root cause of health concerns rather than offering a one-sizefits-all solution.
The Connection Between Internal Health and External Beauty
“Beauty comes from within” is more than just a saying – it’s a reflection of how our internal state affects our outward appearance. Both Dr Taal and Dejana agree. “Our vitality and appearance are often a direct reflection of our internal health, particularly the state of our microbiome and detoxification systems,” says Dr Taal. An imbalanced gut or sluggish detoxification system can manifest as dull skin, breakouts or lack of radiance. Dejana echoes this sentiment, noting that many of her clients not only feel healthier after undergoing naturopathic treatments but also look younger. Improved digestion and detoxification often lead to clearer skin and better vitality, showing that true beauty really does start from within.
Harmful Habits to Avoid
Achieving fitness requires more than just implementing healthy practices; it’s equally important to avoid habits that harm the body. Both experts stress the need to reduce exposure to processed foods, environmental toxins, excessive sugar and enhanced drinks. These, according to Dejana, lead to inflammation and long-term issues like hormonal imbalances and fatigue. Dr Taal also points out the hidden dangers in everyday products like glyphosate, parabens, phthalates and heavy metals, which can disrupt hormones and cause various health problems. “We’re constantly bombarded with harmful substances,” he says, advising people to be mindful of what they apply to their skin and choose products free from these chemicals. Awareness and avoidance of such toxins can make a significant difference in long-term wellness.
Practices They Swear By
Both practitioners believe in maintaining simple, consistent routines that nourish both the body and mind. Dr Taal follows what he calls the “foundational elements of health” – principles deeply rooted in both modern science and ancient wisdom. These include nutrition, regular physical activity, stress management, quality sleep and connection with nature. “Spending time outdoors is more than just getting vitamin D; nature restores balance to our bodies and minds,” he says. He also emphasises the importance of sleep for recovery and mental clarity. “Quality rest is nonnegotiable,” Dr Taal asserts. He encourages mindfulness techniques such as meditation and deep breathing to help manage the stress that modern life often brings.
Dejana lives by her “seven pillars”, which encompass similar ideas. These include a balanced diet, proper hydration, supplements to combat deficiencies, regular exercise, sun exposure, restful sleep and stress management. “Stress can accelerate ageing and cause health imbalances,” she says, reinforcing the importance of managing emotional well-being . Both experts agree that wellness is a lifelong journey, not something achieved overnight. By focusing on simple, sustainable practices and avoiding harmful habits, they maintain balance in their own lives and guide people towards the same path.
Connect with the experts @dejananaturally and @dr.taalbastien.nd