Reviewed by Dr. Scott Maymon, ND, NPH, and Dr. Sarah Stone, ND.

The anxiety and stress that accompanies illness is often worse than the illness itself. Even common illnesses like cold and flu can make a person feel anxious.

The pandemic has made many of us uneasy about sickness. Worries roll around in our minds that were never there before. Could this turn into something worse? What if it’s a weird strain that makes me sick forever?

But pandemic aside, it takes a certain amount of self-control to look at illness from a focused lens. When should I worry, and when should I take it easy?

Being able to control your thoughts is very important when it comes to illness. But even more important is being in tune with your body and knowing how to listen to the signs it’s giving you. 

So, how can we treat our mind and body in a way that promotes health and happiness? 

Strengthen The Body Natures Way

Naturopathic medicine is based on these core principles:

  • Remove obstacles to achieving health
  • View health as balance
  • Individualize each patient’s care
  • Provide the minimum dose to achieve optimal health
  • Teach
  • Build resilience

What are your obstacles to achieving health? 

Perhaps you have a stressful job or a lot of responsibilities that you’re struggling to handle. Are you a busy parent that doesn’t have a lot of time for rest or self-care? A caregiver struggling with the responsibility of caring for someone with an illness?

All of these scenarios create barriers to achieving optimal health. They leave little time for self-reflection and self-care, often leading to poor mental health. How can we balance our responsibilities while at the same time taking care of what is most important – ourselves? 

Mental health is how we think, feel, and act as we cope with life. It is also how we handle stress, our relationships with others, and the choices we make. We shouldn’t think of our mental health as something separate from our physical health; they are one and the same

If we are neglecting our mental health, our physical health will suffer. We won’t be able to cope with physical illness and symptoms may appear worse than they actually are and may last longer than normal. 

That’s where naturopathic medicine and the mind-body connection come into play. By taking a holistic approach to health, we can strengthen our bodies and minds in a natural way, removing obstacles and promoting balance.

Tips for Strengthening the Mind-Body Connection

  1. Practice mindfulness: Pay attention to your thoughts, feelings, and physical sensations without judgment. This can help you identify areas of stress and tension in your body and address them before they become bigger issues.
  2. Learn breathing exercises: Deep breathing and other relaxation techniques can help calm the mind and body, reducing stress and anxiety.
  3. Get enough sleep: Adequate rest is crucial for both physical and mental health. Lack of sleep can lead to a weakened immune system, increased stress levels, and difficulty coping with daily challenges.
  4. Engage in regular physical activity: Exercise not only strengthens the body but also releases endorphins that can improve mood and reduce stress.
  5. Eat a balanced diet: Fueling our bodies with nutritious foods is key to maintaining optimal health. Avoid processed and sugary foods, which can negatively impact physical and mental wellbeing.
  6. Practice self-care: Take time for yourself each day to do something that brings you joy, whether it’s reading, taking a bath, or spending time outdoors.
  7. Seek professional help: If you are struggling with mental health issues, don’t be afraid to seek help from a qualified therapist or counselor. They can provide valuable support and guidance in managing stress and promoting overall wellbeing.

How We Can Help

While we do not diagnose or prescribe medication for mental illnesses, we do provide supportive therapies to help you navigate these challenges.

  • NET: Neuro Emotional Technique is a safe and effective mind-body stress reduction technique that helps to identify and release negative emotions stored in the body.
  • IV Therapy:  IV vitamin therapy can provide essential nutrients to support mental health and overall wellbeing.
  • Clinical nutrition: Nutrition therapy is based on the understanding that what we eat can affect our physical and mental health.  We focus on food and supplements to support a healthy mind and body.

The Path to Lasting Wellness

As we navigate the ups and downs of life, it’s important to remember that our physical and mental health are connected. By understanding the mind-body connection and taking a holistic approach to wellness, we can build resilience and strengthen our bodies to better cope with illness when it arises.

At Pure Body Health, we are committed to helping you achieve optimal health through naturopathic medicine. Let us guide you on your journey to lasting wellness. Remember, prevention is always better than cure. Take care of yourself and stay healthy!

If you are searching for a ‘naturopath in Tempe’ or a ‘naturopath near me,’ we can help. Call (480) 427-0442 to book an appointment or complete the online inquiry form.