Why I don’t treat symptoms - I want to get to the root cause.
In the pursuit of postnatal well-being, my focus extends beyond the surface of symptoms. In fact, I don’t treat symptoms - I get to the root of what is causing those symptoms. This involves deciphering the nuanced language our bodies use to signal internal imbalances.
My aim is to understand the underlying imbalances disrupting the body's natural healing processes. It's more than just suppressing symptoms; my approach revolves around delving into the core issues that lead to the manifestation of symptoms in the first place.
In the realm of postnatal well-being, symptoms and conditions are not perceived in isolation but rather as indicators pointing towards deeper concerns. By addressing these root imbalances, we extend beyond symptom relief, embracing a holistic approach that looks at what is going on in your life emotionally, physically, nutritionally and energetically.
“Consider symptoms as messengers”
So, why don't I just treat symptoms? Well, symptoms are like the tip of the iceberg, and my postnatal well-being philosophy is all about getting beneath the surface. Consider symptoms as messengers, each conveying a unique note from the subconscious. For instance, a headache might be your body signaling the need for hydration.
I use my own example from a few years ago - I had terrible acne, starting from when I was 15 up until I was 30. I tried everything - new cleansing routines, facials, light therapy, medication and all the creams. I went to the doctor about it and asked ‘But what is causing it?’ His reply - ‘acne is acne’ (and handed me a prescription for another cream). This wasn't a good enough response for me - I wanted to find out the root cause. So, while working with my kinesiologist we discovered a number of things:
My gut was imbalanced
I had an intolerance to wheat which was causing this imbalance
My skin was trying to detox what was going on internally
Emotionally, acne is linked to ‘little bursts of anger’. I was angry, I desperately wanted to be in a relationship and when I did finally meet my husband, my acne went away for good
I had a zinc deficiency and needed to supplement with zinc
If I had just slapped on the cream the GP gave me, I would have been masking the symptoms but the cause of the acne would still be there. My gut would still have had issues because I would have continued eating wheat, I would have still been carrying my emotional baggage (acne was such a confidence killer on dates too), and my cells would still be crying out for zinc.
Understanding symptoms as coded messages in the postnatal context aids in identifying imbalances that impact a mother's well-being and forms the cornerstone of my holistic treatments.
Take postnatal depression as an example — a poignant message indicating underlying imbalances. It could be emotional factors, nutritional deficiencies, or various contributors. Unlike the conventional approach of medicating symptoms, my postnatal well-being perspective encourages a comprehensive exploration, addressing the fundamental issues for a holistic solution tailored to the individual.
We can reframe symptoms as a guide - it’s your body's way of giving you a little wave, to say ‘hey, I need some attention over here’. This perspective invites an appreciation and acknowledgment of discomfort, your symptoms are telling us something.
In contrast to prevalent medical models that intervene with surgery or prescriptions to mute symptoms, my postnatal well-being approach seeks to break free from this cycle of dependence. I emphasise a whole-person approach that transcends symptom management, prioritising understanding the body's language and addressing the genuine causes that underpin my postnatal treatments.
In essence, our postnatal journey is a continuous exploration. Symptoms act as guideposts, directing attention towards underlying imbalances. As we navigate this journey to nurture mothers, let's shift our emphasis from symptoms to uncovering the root causes that contribute to a balanced and wholesome state.
p.s. this was the hardest blog to find pictures for!