Holistic Medicine

With holistic medicine, our team can help patients receive a natural approach to medical treatment and one's overall health. Our goal is to treat the specific condition the patient is struggling with and help boost their overall health. Holistic medicine is a form of medical practice that addresses the body, mind, spirit and emotional state of patients with natural treatment options, focusing on overall health.

Holistic medicine is available at Aceso Natural Medicine in Plainfield, Joliet, Naperville and the surrounding area. We can help to identify spiritual, emotional and physical issues in the body can also play a role in causing certain illnesses. Under the direction of Dr. Michael R. Smith, ND, BCB, our team focuses on treating the underlying cause of the physical imbalance in one's life instead of just relieving the symptoms.

Call us at 815-782-3974 to schedule an appointment and find out how our holistic medicine can help you.

Benefits of holistic medicine

There are multiple benefits and positive effects of holistic therapy. Since it focuses on the environmental, dietary, emotional, physical and spiritual aspects of the patient, the net result can help to enhance and boost one's quality of life. The ripple effects of a more balanced existence can continue indefinitely.

While there can be intangible results from a holistic approach to illness, there are many noticeable results as well. Along with treating the cause of the patient's condition or disease, we also customize the treatment to the patient's lifestyle needs. Benefits of a customized holistic approach can include:

• Pain relief
• Stress relief
• Improved sleep
• Increased energy
• Improved relationships
• Sense of well being

Contrary to what some people might believe, one's mental and emotional state can impact the body in far more ways than people realize. Since the body is complex, simple treatments are not always going to be the answer. In many cases, lifestyle changes and natural methods can help promote long-term recovery.

When the unconscious mind recognizes a problem that the conscious mind has not, the body tries to raise a flag by creating symptoms such as pain that one cannot ignore.

Identifying symptoms and root causes

Since each condition varies in symptoms, we will need to determine the condition before we recommend treatment. Symptoms can range from pain, digestive issues, insomnia or lack of energy to what Western medicine would call “failure to thrive.” When medical professionals identify a set of symptoms consisting of weight loss, lack of hunger or thirst, excessive sleeping and frailty not attributable to an apparent cause, they diagnose it as failure to thrive.

The potential root causes of illness or symptoms are numerous. They can be as simple as identifying an allergy to milk or as complex as overcoming a lifetime of physical or emotional abuse. The time it takes to resolve symptoms depends on the individual’s level of trust, their desire to overcome circumstances, the belief that it is possible and following the treatment plan.

With traditional medicine, the patient may undergo tests to eliminate physical causes and will then be prescribed medication for the pain. In a whole-person approach, Dr. Michael R. Smith, ND, BCB may help the patient to realize that the increasing stress of caring for an aging parent by themselves manifested in headaches.

At Aceso Natural Medicine, we can then recommend specific naturopathic and holistic treatment options to help relieve pain.

Treatment methods

A holistic physician may also want to perform tests to rule out physical causes for recurring headaches, such as tumors, aneurysms or encephalitis. However, in holistic medicine, the range of diagnostic methods and treatments is much more extensive and includes complementary and alternative therapies. Holistic medicine options we offer can include:

• Clinical nutrition
• Homeopathic medicine
• Counseling
• Stress management
• Detoxification
• Biofeedback therapy
• Alternative therapy with traditional treatment methods

We can include all traditional diagnostic testing, therapies and surgical options when warranted. Therapeutic options for holistic practices include short-term counseling, psychotherapy, exercise, dietary and lifestyle changes to promote stress reduction. Dr. Michael R. Smith, ND, BCB is a naturopathic doctor that can identify the most effective treatment options to accommodate a patient’s needs and work with existing treatment plans the patient is taking.

At our practice, holistic medicine options include some alternative or complementary therapies. Patients are encouraged to educate themselves on self-care and prioritize it in their daily lives to promote healing and well-being. Yoga and meditation are beneficial practices to encourage a focus on the mind and body.

Call us today

Our practice works collaboratively with our patients, embracing many different diagnostic and therapeutic methods. We do this to bring them to their optimal health and wellness by acknowledging the needs of the mind, body and spirit. There is no reason to continue struggling with the symptoms or pain that hold you back.

Call us at 815-782-3974 today to schedule an appointment and begin the path toward a healthier lifestyle.