What Holistic Doctors Tell Their Friends

You can take a more natural approach to your health with help from the right experts.

- Larraine Sathicq

There’s been much debate about the value of conventional versus alternative medicine – but who says you have to choose one or the other? Many Australian doctors take a holistic approach to healthcare and offer evidenced-based complementary therapies as well as conventional treatments. We asked some integrative medicine practitioners for tips they give family and friends on how to feel better naturally.

Kindness and gratitude are great healers

“I tell my friends that compassion costs nothing and that there’s scientific evidence that it can have a massive impact on your physical health and wellbeing. Kindness triggers the release of natural brain chemicals like oxytocin and dopamine, which can normalise your blood pressure, improve circulation and reduce inflammation in your body.

Investing the time and effort to support others is important but remember to be kind to yourself too. Taking time to focus on the things you have, rather than worrying about the things you want, can also have major health benefits.

Gratitude can improve your sleep quality, boost your mental health and even help control your cholesterol. I meditate every morning in my garden and this always generates feelings of gratitude for the beauty of nature. No matter what your situation, there is always something to be thankful for. Expressing your gratitude is even better because it’s contagious – simply saying ‘thank you’ can create a cycle of gratitude and empathy among those you meet.” – Associate Professor Vicki Kotsirilos, GP at Dunstan Dental & Medical, dunstandental.com.au

TAKE A HOLISTIC APPROACH TO HEALTH