Naturopathic Medicine for Stress Management

There are very few people in our society today who can say that they never feel stressed.

What is “stress”?

Physiologically speaking: The body evolved to secrete hormones and chemicals (like cortisol & adrenaline) when faced with sudden fear or stressors, such as an animal attack. This is the classical “Fight or Flight” response – whether we decide to do battle, or run away, we need extra juice in the system to make it happen.  Chemicals are secreted in the moment, then gradually dwindle away as the stressor is removed and we are in a safe, calm environment.

Today, we do not live in that environment. We experience stressors in very different forms – ranging from an overload of paper work, to family life. However, the same hormones and chemicals are still released into the blood stream.  We constantly experience some degree of stress, and then continue to ruminate and stress about them afterwards.  This cycle of constant stress does not allow the stress hormones to decrease – the body is stuck in an “excited” state.

The effects of constant stress

This excited state inhibits our ability to sleep, relax, and even think properly. If we are in this state for too long, our organs (especially the adrenal glands) become exhausted.  We cannot sustain good health any longer. In extreme cases, diseases can accelerate and our bodies become too drained to deal with life.

Managing Stress

The mind is very powerful. If we can harness the emotions and thoughts of the mind, and allow ourselves to become calm for extended periods of time, we can eventually learn to apply this feeling to the rest of our lives. In a relaxed state, the body can heal, and take care of itself much more easily, reducing the risk for disease development.

Dr. Lee, N.D. uses naturopathic medicine to support patients, restoring the  physical imbalances that arise from prolonged stress. At the same time, she guides patients through techniques to manage the stress response. When combined, these approaches lead to improved mental health and physical well-being.