Columbus Naturopathic Blog
Reflections on health and our ultimate source of healing
Morning mist over Blue Mountain Lake, NY
Autumn brush at Thatcher Woods in River Forest, IL
Seasonal Health: Light & Life
Did You Know? The light patterns shift more quickly around the spring and autumn equinoxes. The pineal gland is highly sensitive to light, which controls our circadian rhythms, endocrine system, and energy levels.
Health Tip: Get sunshine when you can! Take a cue from cultures that endure long winters. In Nordic countries, people prioritize spending time outdoors at midday — 15 minutes of sunlight on the face can do wonders to reset your internal clock and lift your mood.
Scripture: Our ultimate source of light and life comes from above. (John 8:12)
Blog Posts
My Cup Runneth Over
Contrary to immediate instinct, we are often better served as humans to self-impose limits. An easy illustration of this is marriage. Society tells us commitment is unnecessary and illogical. Why limit oneself? Better to maintain...
A Timeless Approach to Health
As students of natural medicine, it is common to experience the constant stream of new – or newly resurrected from old – health trends. Social media presents the latest in detox supplements, home infrared saunas, and...
To Hunger & Thirst
I recently came across a book about the classical virtues and their opposites, the seven deadly sins. It used to be that all people were versed in the matter. Today it would be rare...
On the History of Naturopathic Medicine
This week’s post is a reflection on an article from the January 1902 edition of The Naturopathic and Herald of Health, as written by Benedict Lust. Reading the piece 120 years after its publication illuminates the differences...
The Wellspring of Wisdom
By nature of being a student, the pursuit of knowledge is a necessary aspect of daily life. There is a baseline level of facts that one must obtain in order to pass exams and...
On Treating the Root Cause
A concept often discussed in naturopathic medicine is that of treating the root cause. We observe conditions such as depression and chronic pain and proceed to probe their etiologies, debating chemical imbalances or structural...
Autumn tree in Glen Ellyn, IL
On Writing
I have enjoyed the practice of writing since I first learned as a child. These posts were written for the NUHS Blog, and I intend to resume the habit soon.
I came to enjoy Monday mornings — withdrawing to the library or clinic sauna to cocoon into a world of my own and contemplate health and healing.
A lot of help comes from my husband, Matthew. He walks with me daily to challenge and clarify the topics I wrestle with — things like meaning, truth, identity, mortality, marriage, friendship, work, beauty, forgiveness, and suffering — all within the context of our Christian faith.
Most of these walks occurred at Panfish Park in Glen Ellyn, Illinois. This is a picture of the entrance to the path off Pershing Avenue. It served as an echo of Eden for me — a walled garden where I could commune and replenish at a time I needed it most.
Thank you for reading! If you would like to write a post, please reach out. I would be delighted to share the work of a fellow writer.
—Leah G.