Concussions are common head injuries that can result from falls, sports accidents, or other trauma to the head. They disrupt normal brain function and may cause symptoms like headaches, dizziness, confusion, and fatigue. While conventional medicine often focuses on rest and symptom management, many people are now looking into natural, holistic methods to support recovery. One approach people consider is seeking the help of a naturopath.
What is a naturopath, and how do they approach health care?
A naturopath is a healthcare practitioner who uses natural remedies and holistic approaches to promote healing and overall well-being. Instead of focusing solely on symptoms, naturopaths work to address the root causes of illness and injury, considering lifestyle, diet, and mental health as part of the healing process. They often use a combination of natural therapies, including:
- Natural Medicine: Using plant-based remedies to support the body’s healing process.
- Nutritional Counseling: Recommending specific foods and supplements to boost recovery.
- Homeopathy: Treating injuries with highly diluted natural substances that trigger the body’s self-healing abilities.
- Lifestyle Modifications: Encouraging stress reduction, adequate rest, and gradual return to activity.
When dealing with concussions, a naturopath’s goal is to enhance the body’s natural healing abilities and reduce inflammation to promote brain recovery.
What is a Concussion?
Concussions are caused by an impact to the head or body that is associated with a mild traumatic brain injury that affects brain function. Effects are often short term and can include headaches and trouble with concentration, memory, balance, and sleep.
What is Post-Concussion Syndrome?
Symptoms of a mild traumatic brain injury can persist long after an injury. These symptoms may include headaches, dizziness, and problems with mood, concentration and memory. These symptoms can be improved with lifestyle adjustments, proper nutrition, stress management and supplements.
How doe Naturopaths approach Concussion Management
Naturopathic Medicine approaches concussion injuries from several modalities, and generally an ND will use which ever avenues of care are most appropriate for the individual.
1) Stress Management
Working with an ND to discuss how to remove or lessen stressors in your life can be a major benefit. Although some stressors are unavoidable, an ND can offer structured guidance on managing stress. Working to increase the quantity and quality of regenerative sleep, for example, is key for a healthy recovery. Breathing exercises are commonly taught to concussion patients as it gives them a practical means to regulate their stress and symptoms on their own.
2) Physical Activity
Discussing a gentle exercise routine, even if it’s just a daily short walk, can lead to much better outcomes in the long run. Gentle physical activity can relieve stress and offer great benefits to metabolic health. It can also offer an easy start to incorporate exercise into a person’s life whootherwise wouldn’t know where to start. Once the recovery process is underway, the exercise quantity and intensity can be slowly increased to return increased benefit.
3) Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a painless dynamic therapy that can offer many benefits to a concussion patient. The effects can be roughly divided into physical and psychological. Acupuncture can increase circulation, reduce inflammation, relax tense muscles & joints, and lessen pain. It can also be utilized to regulate a person’s sympathetic (stress) response, calm the mind, and offer relief from stress & anxiety and to help manage sleep.
4) Dietary Nutrition
A poor diet can throw off the mood and quality of life of anyone, however this is especially true for a person recovering from a concussion. An emphasis on a healthy diet is key to minimizing disruptive symptoms and accelerating recovery. In some cases, specific types of diets can be utilized to address the prevalence of certain symptoms and problems.
5) Supplementation
Natural health products can be expertly utilized by a qualified naturopathic doctor to address a wide range of concerns and ultimately to increase quality of life and speed up the recovery process. If needed, an ND may run bloodwork to look for specific markers related to the patients injury and general health. This information can be used to direct administration of supplements and to monitor progress.
Are naturopathic treatments safe for concussion recovery?Yes, naturopathic treatments are generally safe when administered by a qualified practitioner. However, it is important to have an integrative approach when recovering from a concussion. This means working with both conventional medical doctors and a naturopath to ensure that you are getting comprehensive care.It’s crucial to remember that naturopathic treatments should complement—not replace—medical care, especially if there are serious or worsening symptoms such as loss of consciousness, severe headaches, or prolonged confusion.
Naturopathic medicine offers a complementary and holistic approach to concussion recovery. While conventional medicine plays a crucial role in diagnosing and managing concussions, naturopaths focus on supporting the body’s natural healing processes with a combination of herbal remedies, nutrition, and lifestyle adjustments. By working alongside traditional healthcare providers, naturopaths can help individuals manage their symptoms, improve their brain health, and potentially speed up recovery.
If you’ve suffered a concussion, consider consulting a naturopath to explore natural ways to support your healing journey—just make sure to keep your healthcare provider informed and work with them to find the right balance of care.
Our Naturopath in Etobicoke, Dr. David Gabriele can help you recover from the lingering effects of a concussion. Book your appointment today!
