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
On Motivation
Whether by cultural obligation, religious belief, or individual conscience, everyone lives according to a set of behavioral standards. Regardless of what code of law we follow, it is useful to understand the driving force...
On Solving Problems
Seeking to understand the human experience is a worthwhile pursuit for anyone, especially a future healer. Recently I have been thinking about a concept put forth by Carl Jung, that our problems are never...
Love is Patient
The Harvard Study of Adult Development found that best predictor of a long life – above social class, IQ, and even genes – is the presence of strong social ties and close relationships. For...
On Relationship
This week I will share an excerpt that I enjoyed reading from Jordan Peterson on the topic of relationship. We all have a deep need for relationship, it is inherent in our nature. As future...
Fruit of the Vine
As future naturopathic doctors who treat the whole person, it is important to remember this includes one’s character and sense of meaning in life. To this regard, I have been listening to a series on...
Let the Ancient Words Impart
Perhaps the most common of all issues encountered by healers is that of anxiety. It is the gateway to physical and mental disease, and has become an expected ingredient of modern life. As naturopaths who...
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.