Exploring Natural Therapies with WholeLife Pharmacy & Healthfoods
Written by Melissa Armstrong (WholeLife Chief Pharmacist)
The meaning of ‘natural’ and ‘holistic’ health is a self-care approach of enhancing the intrinsic and intuitive powers of the human body to restore health and wellness. The aim of this approach to healthcare is to consider the whole person, the mind, body and emotions to achieve balance and harmony within.
What is “natural therapy”?
Some people have turned to natural health after unsuccessful attempts or have exhausted multiple approaches involving conventional medicines or surgery, or have experienced unpleasant adverse effects from these treatments. Others choose natural therapies as an alternative approach to healthcare as a lifestyle choice.
The practice of applying ‘natural therapies’ is becoming increasingly popular within our modern-day society. This approach empowers individuals to take control of their own health and healing journey, through education and making necessary lifestyle changes to promote self-care and wellness.
Natural healing through the endocannabinoid system
The process of natural healing can be referred from the Naturopathic Model and its approach, which describes the fundamental process of disturbance and recovery within the living body, rather than the conventional model of ‘diagnosis and treatment of disease’.
Inflammation can be seen as a ‘normal response or reaction’ to a disturbance (such as injury, trauma, stress or infection), in which the immune system recognises and removes harmful and foreign stimuli and begins the healing process. However, when prolonged factors such as environmental (exposure), lifestyle (diet and exercise) and emotional (stress) repeatedly interrupt these natural healing responses, this may cause our bodies to become overwhelmed, suppressed, fatigued and deficient to heal itself back to “normal” health. These symptoms can often be reflected in people who are experiencing:
- chronic pain (such as, but not limited to arthritis or endometriosis)
- chronic inflammatory conditions (such as irritable bowel syndrome)
- increased stress
- poor quality sleep or chronic fatigue (including fibromyalgia)
Introducing the endocannabinoid system (ECS), an emerging topic in the realm of natural therapies and chronic disease management! It involves a complex network of cannabinoid receptors, enzymes, and endocannabinoids that are found throughout the body, and plays a fascinating role in regulating various physiological processes and maintaining balance, or homeostasis, within the body.
In the situation of chronic disease or prolonged illness, the ECS often becomes dysregulated, meaning it’s not functioning optimally. It has been suggested the role of cannabinoids, from both endocannabinoids (produced by the body) and plant-sourced phytocannabinoids, can help restore balance and alleviate symptoms.
Symptoms may include:
- Pain relief: by modulating pain signals within the nervous system.
- Reduced Inflammation: by regulating immune and inflammatory responses. This may be beneficial for conditions characterised by excessive inflammation, such as arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and autoimmune disorders.
- Anxiolytic and Antidepressant Effects: modulate mood-related neurotransmitters and receptors in the brain.
- Neuroprotection: helping to preserve the health and function of nerve cells in the brain and nervous system.
- Antiemetic Properties: alleviate nausea and vomiting
- Improved Sleep: modulate sleep patterns and promote better sleep quality.
A Wholistic Approach
It is important to note that natural therapies can also be safely integrated with conventional treatments, and most effectively under the guidance of a supportive healthcare team.
Our partnership with One Health Clinics Australia provides you a collaborative approach between your local WholeLife pharmacy and a trusted prescriber to assist you with your wellness journey that considers your physical, mental and spiritual wellbeing.
At WholeLife Pharmacy & Healthfoods, our passionate pharmacists are readily available to discuss the potential of natural therapies appropriate for you and your health needs. Click here to learn more about WholeLife Natural Therapies today.
References:
Zeff, Jared et al. “Naturopathic Model of Healing-The Process of Healing Revisited.” Integrative medicine (Encinitas, Calif.) vol. 18,4 (2019): 26-30.
Skaper, Stephen D, and Vincenzo Di Marzo. “Endocannabinoids in nervous system health and disease: the big picture in a nutshell.” Philosophical transactions of the Royal Society of London. Series B, Biological sciences vol. 367,1607 (2012): 3193-200. doi:10.1098/rstb.2012.0313
