Welcome to my website! I am a Natural Health and Wellness Practitioner located just outside of San Antonio, Texas. As a Naturopathic Doctor, Licensed Massage Therapist, Aromatherapy Consultant and Health and Wellness Coach, I offer a wide range of Services to help people be as healthy and they can possibly be…naturally!
This website is set up in a blog format; you can see on the right hand side of the page (Recent Posts) there are links to past articles that I have written. Also be sure to click on “Categories” to get to the area you would like to read about!
You can read “About Me” in the “About Me” section, but here’s some more information. For those of you who don’t know what a Naturopathic Doctor is, let me explain. My training and schooling has been in natural therapies….I have been schooled and have studied all about nutrition, herbs, plants/flowers and other therapies like homeopathy, massage therapy, aromatherapy, etc. My goal is to educate you on those same aforementioned natural therapies to help keep you, your family, friends and yes, even your pets, healthy and well (hence the name for this website). It is my wish and passion to share with you resources, ideas, healthy recipes and knowledge so you are better able to help yourself and your family and friends. This information will emphasize making lifestyle changes, getting stress relief, and making nutritional recommendations, all of which will help in the prevention of disease!
Naturopath’s suggest nutritional and lifestyle changes for you to make in your life and offer suggestions for natural and herbal therapies you can take to help you find your healthy balance again. These suggestions can be simple things like a hot bath with Epson Salts or certain types of teas to drink. They can also be more indepth nutritional therapies where herbal extracts or essential oils would be recommended to correct an imbalance within the body.
My personal passion is to help as many people as possible and open their eyes to “another way” to look at health. The way that doesn’t include 10 different prescription drug medications (the average number of prescriptions that a new patient is on that comes to our clinic). The way that says there are things you can do….simple things…..to maintain your health, to get healthy (if you’re not right now) and to stay healthy for the rest of your life! My hope for this website is that it will expose you to different ideas and resources of natural things you can do in your life to help your body be healthier!
If you are truly ready to put yourself first and make your health a #1 priority, I invite you to visit my Services page to determine what option best fits you. I am happy to answer any questions about the natural health services I provide, so feel free to Contact Me. Even if you are not in the San Antonio area, I can still assist you with your health and help you feel better! Telephone consultations are available and can be done at your convenience and from the comfort and privacy of your home.
Thanks for visiting my website and hope you find the information useful.
Stay Healthy and Well!
Melissa Wood, ND, LMT
Tags: Alternative Medicine, Herbs, Natural Therapies, Naturopathic Doctor, Nutrition/Food
In response to the economic turmoil that we are facing and all the emails and phone calls I receive from people that are in health crisis, I have decided to offer a new program. These short appointments have been created for people that don’t necessarily want an “in-depth” full consultation.
What the “Mini-Natural Health Consultation” can do for you:
√ Help to identify what is going on with your body. √ Give you ideas and suggestions for simple things you can do to help yourself. √ Recommend nutritional changes for you comprised of dietary advice and supplementation. √ Give you my thoughts about which health concerns should take priority and how to start addressing them. √ Explain to you about your body systems and why and how to best support them. √ Discuss in depth my opinion about the root cause of your health symptoms. √ Great for people that just want some quick advice. √ Helpful for people that just have a few health questions. √ If you’ve been searching for an answer to heal yourself, this mini-consultation can save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars by showing you where to start first. √ Educate and empower you to take control of your body and your health.
Once the body shows signs of disease or ill health by showing us symptoms, then in reality we have two choices: (1) take a pharmaceutical drug and/or have surgery that will “band-aid” the underlying symptom and not treat the “root cause” of the illness or (2) address the root cause of the symptom by lifestyle and nutritional changes. Our bodies are capable of healing themselves, but only if the right circumstances are in place. What we put in our body directly impacts our level of health. Nutrition can help you find your way back to health without damaging side effects!
This Mini-Natural Health Consultation will be approximately 15 minutes in length and is only $35.00! This is a wonderful service for the person that wants to start on a healthy path, but doesn’t know how or where to start. In 15 minutes, I can quickly assess what is going on and make suggestions for you to take to get healthy. If nutritional supplementation is made, those products are based on “whole-food philosophy” and are not fractionated/isolated or synthetic nutrients. The various brands of nutritional supplements I recommend are only of the highest standard and are made from whole foods that maintain their enzymatic activity and keep all the vitamins, minerals, phytochemicals and antioxidants intact.
Having over 10 years practicing as a Naturopathic Doctor, Health and Wellness Coach and Aromatherapy Consultant, I am skilled at assessing your diet and lifestyle, health history and goals and can help you come up with a plan to jump start your health!
Are you ready to get started? Contact Me today and request a Mini-Natural Health Consultation! I’ll email you a short health questionnaire to fill out, send you a link for payment through PayPal (all major credit cards accepted) and then we’ll set a time for our telephone consultation. There is no better time to take charge of your body and your health…Contact me today!
This consultation will not diagnosis any condition nor prescribe any medication. Nutritional supplementation recommendations will be made if I deem them necessary.
One of the things about this time of year that bugs me is driving around San Antonio and seeing this sign on school signage:
“No Shots, No School, No Kidding”
The thing about it is, that in Texas, this is simply NOT TRUE. In 2003, Texas legislation passed changes to the statutes that give parents the right to not vaccinate their child if they so choose.
I’m not here to tell you how to raise your child but I strongly encourage you to educate yourself about the safety and efficacy of commonly used vaccinations.
Please read this extensive research:
Dispelling Vaccination Myths
A powerful organization, “Parents Requesting Open Vaccine Education” has extensive information on their website. There is a lot of good and valuable resources on their website that will educate you about the dangers associated with certain vaccinations. I encourage you to spend some quality time researching on their site and in particular look up the information related to “Texas”. In addition, you can go to the Texas Department of Health and fill out a request for exemption form on your children. You can then submit that form to the State of Texas to exempt your child from having to have vaccinations. The schools in the State of Texas, MUST accept this form…..it is LAW.
I encourage you to get involved in this important subject; educate yourself and your family to make an informed decision about what is in the best interest of your child.
Tags: Resources
Nearly all of us have been touched at one time or another by a personal or loved one’s battle with cancer. In recent years, trends in cancer treatment have increased the utilization of what is known as integrative oncology. This practice stresses the use of alternative influences, such as aromatherapy, in conjunction with traditional cancer treatments. In many cases, the most debilitating effects of cancer are those side effects of traditional cancer treatments, like chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Those patients who are best able to manage symptoms of traditional treatments are those who are most likely to experience overall efficacy in their specific treatment regimens.
Aggressive cancers, such as mesothelioma, are among those most commonly treated using the techniques of integrative oncology. These types of malignancies often require extremely toxic dosages of chemotherapy and radiation to effectively manage the tumor. Patients enduring the stress of such treatment will often find comfort and solace in aromatherapy and other alternative therapies. That which can induce a sense of calm and relaxation can effectively assist the patient in their battle against cancer.
What’s important to remember is that no alternative therapy, including aromatherapy, can be used as a curative treatment for mesothelioma disease or other malignancy. What has been encouraging however, is an extended mesothelioma survival rate in patients practicing integrative oncology techniques while undergoing treatment. For patients battling restlessness and nausea, essential oils like Lavender can be utilized to create a peaceful, calming setting to encourage a good night’s sleep.
For patient’s battling immune system deficiencies associated with cancer care, including those battling the mesothelioma disease, essential oils like Bergamot and Eucalyptus can boost the body’s internal organ’s ability to defend and strengthen immune responses. Some patients will couple aromatherapy with massage or other therapy to make their own personal experience more complete and comprehensive. As with all integrative therapy techniques, personal preference is unique to each patient and nearly everyone’s experience will be unique to them.
It is important to remember that each patient’s needs and comfort levels are different with alternative therapies, but that all patients are encouraged to consider their utilization within their greater treatment plan. Patients undergoing cancer treatment should not commence the use of external or alternative therapies without first clearing their use with their oncologist or cancer specialist. While therapies such as meditation or aromatherapy will likely not be harmful to the patient, more aggressive integrative techniques like yoga or exercise may not be in their best interest. The practice of alternative treatment depends entirely on the patient’s overall health and their willingness to explore these non-traditional areas.
Should you or a loved one be interested in learning more about aromatherapy or other complementary therapies, I encourage you to check out my Services page for more information.
Stay Healthy and Well!
Melissa
Reprinted with permission by Jack Bleeker and Mesothelioma.com
References:
American Cancer Society: Aromatherapy Overview
National Cancer Institute: Aromatherapy and Essential Oils
Do you have stress in your life (who doesn’t, right?)? Of course, we all do to some degree. But what really matters is how you handle that stress!
It’s a medical fact that emotional stress impacts health and well-being. Doctors, psychologists and healthcare professionals often diagnose stress and anxiety as underlying causes of physical problems. Recent research now shows a link between emotions and the immune system. However, the emotional demands and stresses of everyday life can make it difficult to maintain a consistent, positive mental attitude.
When you feel fulfilled, happy and positive you tend to enjoy better health. You are able to get your maximum potential out of life and have more to give your friends and family.
The original Flower Essences were developed by a famous English physician, Dr. Edward Bach. He believed that diseases of the body occurred because of imbalances or negative emotions in the brain and soul and by correcting the emotional imbalance, the body would be capable of healing on its own.
Flower Essences are prepared extracts (like homeopathic remedies) from various flowers and help to bring about gentle healing to balance negative energies in the body. Flower Essences are a natural and safe form of complementary healing and are free from any toxins or preservatives. They can be used in conjunction with other therapies and/or prescription medicine and can help to reduce your stress levels and promote overall health and well being.
If you are suffering with stress symptoms (grief, emotional turmoil, fear, anger, sadness, depression, inadequacy or any other emotional symptom), there is a simple and easy solution that can really help! I have had much success helping people get their stress levels under control thereby enhancing their health! I am available for phone appointments throughout the United States. I will mail you a custom-designed just for you flower remedy to help you manage your stress levels. Give me a call today!
No matter your age, even if you’re in your 70’s or 80’s or even 90’s, it’s NEVER too late to make changes in your lifestyle that can directly have a positive impact on your health!
Every day I see patients that struggle to regain their health. Some come in with lists of prescription meds that they are taking that they want to stop taking. Other people come in who are just starting to have some health challenges, they’re not on prescription meds yet, but their physician may be threatening them with the prospect of having to start them. And yet other people, have a severe debilitating or even life-threatening illness. It’s NEVER too late to start to make changes and it doesn’t matter Click here to continue reading »
Tags: Alternative Medicine, Natural Therapies, Naturopathic Doctor, Nutrition/Food
On the heels of all the controversy surrounding 13-year old Daniel Hauser for refusing chemotherapy, I thought I would point out some positive aspects about the benefits of choosing natural and alternative therapies: Click here to continue reading »
Tags: Alternative Medicine, aromatherapy, Essential Oils, Herbs, Natural Therapies, Naturopathic Doctor, Nutrition/Food
There is quite a debate going around about coffee. Depending on who you read, there are theories that suggest drinking coffee is actually good for you. It does have antioxidant value associated with it, so that can definitely be a good thing.
But for me, its how you’re drinking your coffee that matters. Personally, I don’t like the taste of coffee, so it was necessary for me to “doctor it up” to make it tolerable! I think in and of itself, coffee probably does Click here to continue reading »
Tags: Alternative Medicine, aromatherapy, Cleansing, Essential Oils, Naturopathic Doctor
Have you ever seen these words on a cereal box, a loaf of bread or flour? Have you stopped to think about what it means? This post is going to talk about these two words and the detrimental impact they have on our food supply.
Enriched……You’ll see this most commonly on flour, breads, tortillas and pasta. What this means is that Click here to continue reading »
Well this is a great news story put out by Fox News. A noted Infectious Disease Physician has stated publicly that the Flu Vaccine is dangerous and will not give it to his children.
It is important to educate yourself and your family so I encourage you to take a moment to watch the video. Remember there are many natural supplements and foods that will help support your body and your immune system during the cold / flu season. Please Contact Me to learn more.
Tags: Alternative Medicine, aromatherapy, Cleansing, Colds, Essential Oils, Flu, Herbs, Natural Therapies, Naturopathic Doctor
In case you missed The Oprah Winfrey Show the other day, Dr. Mehmet Oz was on the show talking about Americans being addicted to prescription medications. The show was primarily about pain-relieving, anti-anxiety and anti-depressant related medications; those being the primary drugs that people get addicted to.
It was an intense show and although I know that Americans take too many prescriptions, I wasn’t prepared for the statistics. The DEA (Drug Enforcement Agency) reports that more Americans are addicted to prescription drugs than heroin, cocaine and ecstasy COMBINED! They report that over 6 million people are addicted to prescriptions. YIKES! Those are staggering numbers.
Are you one of them? Chances are that either you, or Click here to continue reading »
Tags: Alternative Medicine, aromatherapy, Essential Oils, Herbs, Natural Therapies, Naturopathic Doctor, Nutrition/Food
As a natural health practitioner and educator, I feel I must again point out about the flu vaccine and the potential for problems. Unfortunately, with the vast media attention from news TV, radio, online and newspapers, most people are being bombarded with how important it is to do the flu vaccine. The pharmaceutical industry is really pushing these drugs, but I urge you to please do your own research and educate yourself about the potential for problems.
Below is a video link of a story done on a young woman who has had a very severe, very rare reaction to taking the flu shot. My personal opinion is that Click here to continue reading »
Tags: Alternative Medicine, Colds, Flu, Natural Therapies, Naturopathic Doctor
This is a very common question that I get asked ALOT. Almost daily in fact, someone will ask me if I have “anything” that can help them with…. (insert ailment, condition, symptoms here). Some of the more common questions are:
Can you help with my headaches?
I’m depressed and I have anxiety….Can natural remedies help?
Can you help with my stomach problems? I’m constipated or I have IBS….
Can you help with my pain? My joints hurt or my back hurts….
I’m always tired and have lots of fatigue…is there a natural substance that can help my energy?
I have allergies and don’t want to take allergy shots anymore….
My child has been diagnosed with ADHD or ADD and I wonder if there is something nutritional that I can do to help him/her?
I don’t get good sleep and taking sleeping pills makes me groggy the next day…is there something natural that can help?
These are just a few of the more common questions that I get asked. And the answer is always YES. Yes there are natural substances, herbs, essential oils, etc., that can assist with helping you feel better and help your body get back into balance.
The beautiful thing about working with natural health remedies, therapeutic essential oils and whole food nutritional products, is that those items are all very supportive of the human body. They help to restore balance INSIDE the body. While you do your part to work on changing your lifestyle, daily habits and dietary intake, the supplements that I recommend not only support you in that endeavor, but actually FEED your body “the good stuff”…..vitamins, minerals, enzymes, phytochemicals, antioxidants, etc. All of that good stuff helps your body repair damage, grow new cells and get back in balance once again.
The human body is designed to be “in balance”. We are not meant to have all of these symptoms and ailments that unfortunately, plague many people today. Typically, natural substances do not cause side effects like most prescription medications. But instead they bring about gentle healing and support so you can get back to feeling your best.
So again the answer is YES. There are a wide variety of natural and herbal products that probably can help you with your (insert symptom or ailment here). Remember that no matter your health condition, nutrition and natural and herbal therapies will be SUPPORTIVE and HEALING and combined with other therapies, can help you be the best you can be.
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As a Naturopath, Health Coach and Aromatherapy Consultant, I am passionate about helping you become the best you can be utilizing natural therapies. Please learn more About Me, the various Natural Health Services that I offer, read the Testimonials and Contact Me to get started today!
Tags: Alternative Medicine, aromatherapy, Essential Oils, Herbs, Natural Therapies, Nutrition/Food
Now that spring is fast approaching, I want to encourage everyone to get out there and support your local farmer’s market. Supporting local farmer’s, (particularly if they are trying to grow organic produce), is healthy not only for you and your family, but also helps to support your community.
I’ve read that in some cases, our food typically can travel over 1,000 miles before it makes it to our table. Can you imagine?! Of course the produce is picked weeks before, then transported and packaged and then makes it to the store where again, it sits until we come along and buy it. During this transportation process, the food has lost ALOT of nutritional value.
When you buy your produce from LOCAL farmers, you’re certainly not guaranteed that it was picked that morning, but it sure is more likely that the produce is fresher than purchasing from a supermarket. Be sure to have a conversation with your farmer and ask him about his planting, growing, picking and storing procedures.
Whenever possible, try to support your local farmers and eat locally grown foods. This way you’ll enjoy the health benefits of consuming produce that is actually ripe and nutritionally-dense AND you’ll help support your local community as well.
If you live in or near San Antonio, here are some websites that can get you started on your search. There are quite a few farmer’s markets throughout San Antonio. If you’re not in San Antonio, a simple search on Google with the name of your town/state and Farmer’s Markets, should yield plenty of results.
http://www.picktexas.com/farm_market/santon.htm
http://www.sanantoniofoodshed.com/
http://www.mysanantonio.com/life/food/Farmers_Market.html
http://www.fruitstands.com/states/texas.htm
http://www.farmersmarketonline.com/fm/Texas.htm
Tags: Nutrition/Food, Resources
Last night, I was invited to a special showing of the movie “Food, Inc.”. For those of you that haven’t seen it, I highly recommend it!
This film is a documentary; highlighting and exposing the ugly truth about how our food is grown and processed. Do you really think that the meat you eat is safe and comes from animals frolicking among pastures? Think again. What is happening to the small, independent farmers who are trying to make a living…they are getting bought up and put out of business by huge food conglomerates. Unfortunately, even some of the organic food companies are owned by huge corporations. And of course, our governmental agencies like the FDA and USDA are in there helping to perpetuate this problem. Not only are animals being horribly abused, but so are the workers that work for these companies.
I believe this film should be seen by every person on this planet. It is absolutely imperative to educate yourself about what you are putting into your body everyday and where that item comes from and how it is made/grown and processed. Then, you can make a decision as to what food to choose to eat and whether or not that food is going to be beneficial to you and your family, your health, and of course, the health of this planet.
Amazon is running a special on this film….you can even download to your computer and watch it right away! No need to wait on shipping. Please watch with your family; even young children are capable of understanding and helping to make changes within your household.
Remember that your health should be your most valued and prized possession. As a society, it is up to each one of us to take care of ourselves, be responsible about our mind and body so that we are each high functioning and healthy. Take the time to watch this film so that you are an informed consumer.
Tags: Nutrition/Food, Resources
