Following my repeated frustrations and disappointments with Western medicine these past few months, I made a decision to explore out-of-the-box methods, free from the confines of traditional insurance, and seek holistic medicine as an alternative. I started asking different questions: “What if the key to healing my body lies not only in what I eat and how I exercise, but in facing the traumas of my past? What impact does my mental health have on my physical health? Are there ways I can promote self-healing?”

In exploring holistic medicine, nervous system regulation, and the biology of trauma, I began a new chapter in my healing journey–one that has already given me a deeper understanding of myself and my body than I ever imagined.

Holistic Care: Why Go Outside Traditional Insurance?

In November, I sought out a locally-recommended holistic care practice and underwent an initial consultation, which included a comprehensive medical review. I hoped to find a practicioner willing to listen to my theories, review my symptoms and patterns, run the necessary tests, and guide me in the daily management of my chronic pain. However, I couldn’t shake the anxiety and dread that had become my default feeling before any medical appointment.

The Limitations of Insurance-Based Healthcare

Over the course of the year, I saw firsthand how insurance can limit access to comprehensive care or tailored treatment plans. I was denied coverage due to my pre-existing condition, forced to complete six weeks of physical therapy before I could get the imaging I needed (which could have led to a diagnosis much sooner), and faced numerous frustrations with traditional medical appointments. Each visit felt rushed; doctors focused on the symptoms rather than the root causes. My input was often dismissed, and the only options presented were surgery (or the lack of it) and medication.

The Benefits of Holistic Care

While holistic care can be more costly upfront since it’s often out-of-pocket, it offers the freedom to operate outside of the traditional boundaries of insurance-based medicine. This shift has empowered me to gain a deeper insight into my body and its unique needs. I’ve developed a better understanding of the mind-body connection and the significant role it plays in chronic pain management.

Within this approach, I was able to spend more time with my provider, explaining my history, symptoms, and patterns, as well as my goals for seeking care. For the first time in a long while, I felt truly seen and heard. In a healthcare environment that often feels impersonal and rushed, this was incredibly validating.

My treatment plan is also able to be tailored directly to my needs and will evolve as I do. Through holistic care, I now have access to specialized tests–such as comprehensive lab work and stool samples– that will help in ruling out underlying causes or conditions. These types of tests are not often covered by insurance, but they provide invaluable insights into my health.

I deeply appreciate the holistic approach that looks at the whole person rather than just masking symptoms. Too often, I felt as if doctors were quick to prescribe medications without addressing the root cause of my issues. My holistic practitioner, on the other hand, took time to examine my lifestyle, environment, emotional health, and genetics, considering how each of these factors plays a role in my well-being.

The Science of Trauma and Its Impact on Health

One point of discussion within my holistic care visit involved the physical manifestation of trauma, especially childhood trauma, in the body via inflammation, hormonal imbalances, digestive issues, chronic pain, and more.

Since then, I’ve taken to a couple of experts to learn more about the field of somatic psychology and how the body holds onto trauma, impacting nervous system regulation and health. My favorite podcast that explores these topics is The Biology of Trauma with Dr. Aimee. See episodes below:

Pain as Protection: Why Your Body Creates Chronic Pain & 3 Questions to Ask to Release It With Georgie Oldfield

How Chaos of Early Childhood Trauma Affects Our Adult Nervous System with Dr. Tian Dayton

In learning about the impact of trauma on the body, I began to question whether my childhood self was more anxious or in “fight-or-flight” than I realized. While my past experiences didn’t seem to affect my daily life as an adult, I started to wonder if it had been silently influencing my health. I also considered the potential benefits of healing my inner child. With this in mind, I recently decided to face my childhood trauma head-on for the first time, with the support of my licensed therapist. This choice was made with the intention of healing both emotionally and physically.

Balancing the Nervous System

When I first began my holistic health journey, I quickly realized that healing wasn’t just about fixing my physical symptoms—it was about addressing the deeper, underlying imbalances in my body, including my nervous system. For years, I’d been anxious, stressed, and operated in a state of tension. Little did I know that my nervous system was at the heart of many of my physical and emotional struggles.

The nervous system is our body’s control center. It regulates breathing and heart rate to digestion and emotional responses. When we experience stress, trauma, or chronic illness, the nervous system can become dysregulated, otherwise referred to as a state of “fight or flight.” Although designed as a response to protect you from danger, prolonged activation of the sympathetic nervous system can contribute to inflammation, digestive issues, poor immune function, and emotional difficulties like anxiety and depression. The physical symptoms, particularly inflammation and digestive issues, presented themselves often, and may have been a direct result of this ongoing dysregulation.

With this understanding, I started focusing on practices signed to balance and regulate my nervous system. I learned about incorporation of calming activities into my routine– things like meditation, deep breathing exercises, and yoga. I explored the positive benefits of being in nature, activating the Vagus nerve by singing and humming, and mindful grounding techniques that help me reconnect with the present moment.

As I worked to regulate my nervous system, the benefits became clear. I experienced a significant reduction in stress and anxiety. My chronic pain lessened; I noticed reduced inflammation in my body. My digestion improved, and I slept more soundly. The connection between emotional healing and physical healing became clearer than ever before.

This journey of nervous system healing has given me a new perspective on self-care. It’s not just about managing physical symptoms or pushing through pain; it’s about creating harmony between the mind and body, a nervous system that feels safe, and an overall sense of calm that allows healing to unfold naturally.

Embracing the Journey of Holistic Healing

Embarking on this journey of holistic care and trauma healing has been transformative already in ways I never anticipated. By stepping outside of traditional medicine, I have found a better understanding of my body, mental health, and the mind-body connection. This process has allowed me to address both chronic pain and unaddressed traumas that were silently affecting my health. While growth is everlasting, I’m proud of the progress I’ve made so far. I approach my health with a sense of empowerment and give myself the space to heal emotionally and physically; I encourage my fellow chronic pain warriors to do the same.