Our bodies are a complex series of interconnected systems that work together to achieve a natural balance and maintain optimal health, even as we age. It’s a big task, and natural medicine strives to provide the support your body needs to achieve these goals, using natural therapies aimed at helping you stay healthy at every stage of life.

Danette J. Joseph, MD, is a leading and trusted provider of natural medicine in Hershey, Pennsylvania, offering custom therapies for patients at Three Angels Family Practice & Wellness Center. In this post, she reviews some of the benefits of natural medicine to help you decide if it’s an option you want to explore.

NATURAL MEDICINE: THE BASICS

Sometimes called naturopathic medicine, natural medicine is based on the principle that, in many instances, when given the proper support, your body can heal itself and maintain good health without relying on medications or invasive therapies. Therapy focuses on using natural supplements to provide your body with the tools it needs to achieve a wellness balance without more invasive treatments.

Before recommending a natural medicine therapy (or any medical treatment), Dr. Joseph performs a thorough physical exam, including lab tests and diagnostic imaging when appropriate. She also takes time to review your medical history, any symptoms you may be experiencing, your lifestyle, and your personal health goals and concerns. The initial exam lays the groundwork for your natural medicine plan.

Natural medicine is often used in conjunction with lifestyle medicine, an approach to health that focuses on a healthy diet featuring plant-based foods, physical activity, proper sleep habits, and stress management. Dr. Joseph frequently combines these techniques to create a patient-centered, custom therapy based on each person’s unique medical needs, lifestyle factors, and goals.

BENEFITS OF NATURAL MEDICINE

Like any medical treatment, the benefits of natural medicine depend in part on your own goals and personal health factors, but there are some overall benefits you should know.

AVOIDS RELIANCE ON MEDICINES

While traditional medicine often seems to turn to drugs as a first treatment choice, natural medicine explores other options, like supplements and herbal remedies, to support your health, prevent disease, and promote healing and recovery. That means you avoid the chemicals used in drug manufacture and the side effects and allergic reactions those medicines can cause.

FOCUSES ON THE ROOT CAUSE OF AILMENTS

By promoting wellness naturally, natural health therapies help manage the underlying cause of your symptoms rather than simply masking them. Many natural therapies address nutritional deficiencies that can lead to ailments or exacerbate their symptoms.

WORKS WELL FOR CHRONIC DISEASE MANAGEMENT

Chronic diseases typically require ongoing medical treatment to manage symptoms and, ideally, slow or prevent the progression of the disease. The problem with traditional medicine is that many drug-based therapies cause side effects. Long-term medication use can sometimes result in other complications that require treatment.

Because natural medicine avoids or limits the use of medicines, it can be a great option for the long-term management of chronic conditions. Natural medicine can also improve your overall health in other ways, making it easier to manage issues like stress or depression that can go hand-in-hand with lifelong medical conditions.

IT’S ENTIRELY CUSTOMIZABLE

One of the biggest benefits of natural medicine is that it’s entirely focused on your unique needs. Every phase of treatment is completely customizable, and it’s not uncommon for therapies to change over time to continue to provide your body with the support it needs to maintain optimal wellness.

LEARN MORE ABOUT NATURAL MEDICINE

Natural medicine is a medical plan that’s designed uniquely for you. Like other medical therapies, Dr. Joseph’s patients benefit from regular checkups to ensure therapy remains on track and optimized for your evolving needs.

To learn more about natural medicine and how it can play a role in helping you stay healthy, call (717) 298-1268 or book an appointment online with Three Angels Family Practice & Wellness Center today.