We are turning to naturopathy more and more for common aches and pains. It seems to go hand in hand with a healthy lifestyle. But is it safe? And how do you make it work along with conventional medicine?

Naturopathy is a system that combines modern scientific knowledge with the healing powers of nature. The focus is on uncovering and treating the cause, rather than treating the symptoms. For example, your elbow hurts and you go to your physician to figure out why. A doctor practicing conventional medicine may give you something for the pain, where a naturopathic doctor would work to figure out the source of the pain and how to heal it.

Western culture has come to rely on quick fixes. Why dig deep when there is a prescription to get you feeling good in a matter of minutes? Because most often the symptoms will return, sometimes bringing disease with them.

Naturopathy uses diet, natural botanicals, healthful lifestyle changes, and sometimes Chinese medicine and acupuncture to prevent and treat disease, and support best health. The “prescription” is based on each patient as an individual. You wouldn’t eat Paleo if meat made you feel awful, right? We are all different and our medicine, especially, should reflect that.

Prevention continues to become more prevalent in medicine. We’ve seen that poor diet and lifestyle choices are linked to health issues like heart disease and cancer. For a better look on how lifestyle affects our genetic predisposition, check out the video “Are Your Genes Your Destiny?“, by Dr. Deepak Chopra.

Influencing better health doesn’t stop at diet and exercise. Things like reducing stress levels and lowering toxic exposure are also beneficial in warding off disease.

Of course, there are many times when conventional medicine is needed. You don’t have to choose between the two. Naturopathic doctors work with conventional doctors and you can benefit from both. Dr. Christiane Northrup is one M.D. who also encourages a healthy mind/body connection, educating women on the link between chakras and emotional and physical health.

Wondering how to get started with naturopathy? Right now, not all states recognize doctors of naturopathy. Currently, 18 U.S .states license naturopathic physicians.

For those without local access to a naturopathic doctor, arm yourself with knowledge and present your questions and findings to your doctor. If they are not willing to hear you out, it may be time to make a switch.

Women have an especially hard time dealing with the issue of combining naturopathic ideas with mainstream medicine. Hormonal imbalances are often dealt with by prescribing synthetics to cover negative side effects. We all know that dealing with hormones is not a one size fits all matter. Ask for hormone testing and don’t be afraid to voice concerns over practices you feel uncomfortable with.

Some great reads on getting started with a healthier lifestyle: “Forks Over Knives” by T. Colin Campbell, “The Hormone Cure” by Sara Gottfried M.D., and “Women’s Bodies, Women’s Wisdom” by Christiane Northrup M.D.

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One thing is for sure. Antidepressants abound these days. Seems doctors are prescribing them for everything from hormonal imbalance to headaches. But many people today are looking to herbal solutions as mood boosters and stress reducers.

Adaptogens are herbal compounds taken to modulate stress. Not well known in the U.S. just yet, but adaptogens have long been used in Ayurveda and much research has been done on them in Eastern Europe.

These natural substances are combinations of amino acids, vitamins or herbs that balance the body’s reaction to stressors. These stressors include mental and emotional stress, chemical and environmental stress (like radiation and toxins), and physical stress. Adaptogens are used to treat many health issues, like anxiety, depression, adrenal fatigue, obesity, hormonal imbalance, premature aging, insomnia, and low libido.

One more herbal remedy to try? How different can this be?

If you have your doubts as to the effectiveness of adaptogens, consider this: Adaptogens have the ability to customize themselves to each individual. Unlike, say, Xanax, which has pretty much the same effect on anyone who takes it. Adaptogens increase the body’s resistance to biological, physical, and chemical stress, whatever those may be. Rather than a one size fits all, these plant compounds adapt to each individual. So, the level of stress reduction is relative to how much any one person needs their stress to be reduced. Pretty cool.

Let’s take a look at what, exactly, goes into these concoctions. Siberian ginseng is often used in adaptogens, but there are so many more healing herbs to look for. The following are more herbs for stress on mind and body:

• Ashwagandha – Regularly used in Ayurveda to combat the effects of stress, reduce fatigue and insomnia, and enhance sexual potency
• Licorice root – Used an a natural antidepressant
• Willow Bark extract – A useful anti-inflammatory used to treat skin inflammation, arthritis, and pain
• Rhodiola – Used to fight depression, lessen anxiety, ease muscle pain, and promote well being
• Cordycep Mushrooms – A type of fungus used to ease inflammation and enhance endurance

If you go the adaptogen route, there are a couple of things to keep in mind. Again, unlike pharmaceuticals, herbs can take a little longer to show results. Also, it is important to purchase adaptogens from reputable suppliers. Dr. Deepak Chopra, who predicts a surge of research on adaptogens and uses them himself, recommends Endorphinate. Below is a video featuring Dr. Chopra and his take on using adaptogens.

Of course, stress reduction by way of self awareness techniques, healthy lifestyle, and meditation are great ways to prevent negative effects on mind and body. If you feel adaptogens may be the answer, consult your doctor to see if they are safe for you.

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