HOLISTIC HELP: Naturopathy

Jo Upcraft visited The Integrative Medical Centre, a unique medical practice with a holistic approach to treatment. She consulted with General Practitioner Dr Dheeraj Khiatani and Dr Sabine Schellerer, a pharmacist and naturopath.

Lately I’ve been feeling super-tired with increased anxiety and body aches. If I was a phone, I’d be running on 20% battery. I’m putting symptoms down to a potential iron deficiency, but at 47, could it be perimenopause?

The Integrative Medical Centre brings together practitioners from all areas of the health industry to collaborate on treating a patient’s mind, body and soul as one. It’s rare to find this kind of collective set-up in Singapore, so I feel really lucky to not only see a GP, but also a naturopath. Through my separate consultations I learn that there are certain avenues a GP would go down to form a diagnosis which a naturopath wouldn’t do, and vice versa. (For example, saliva tests on hormones would not be commonly used in conventional medicine). GP Dr Dheeraj carried out a blood test (something naturopaths in Singapore are not permitted to do), and naturopathic doctor, Dr Sabine offered a more unusual source of diagnosis: The Dutch Test (Dried Urine Test for Comprehensive Hormones). Consisting of filter paper collection strips, this is an advanced hormone test offering an extensive profile of sex and adrenal hormones to identify imbalances. (A male version is also available). My job was to take urine samples over 24 hours at a specific point in my menstrual cycle (or anytime if you’re post-menopause), then wait for my results to return from the lab in the UK.

Remarkably, my blood test returned with no signs of issues which could be linked to my symptoms such as an iron or Vitamin D deficiency, thyroid problem or melatonin dysregulation. However, The Dutch Test presented something that could otherwise only be established with multiple blood tests per day: the severe drop in my cortisol levels over 24 hours. “Cortisol is the body’s stress hormone which is released by the adrenal glands,” explains Dr Sabine. “Prolonged exposure to stress can drain cortisol and the adrenal glands which leaves you ‘running on empty’.” Symptoms include a lack of focus, low energy, a depressive mood, nervousness and digestive problems, amongst other symptoms (tick, tick and tick!). If I want to avoid a total burn out I need to take action. On the plus side, the results show I’m nowhere near menopause - yay!

There are very limited conventional medical treatments for adrenal exhaustion and reducing it is multi-layered, but naturopathy can help. Dr Sabine suggests adaptogenic herbs in supplement form such as rhodiola, liquorice tea, Ashwagandha and B Vitamins, all of which aim to lift energy levels and encourage sleep and brain function. She also shocks me with the reality that overcoming adrenal fatigue can be a lengthy process - up to nine months. As naturopathy doesn’t offer ‘quick fixes’ and requires a strong commitment to supplements and herbal support, I’d better get started!

Dr Sabine’s lifestyle hacks for tired adrenals

1 AVOID STRENUOUS EXERCISE

Hard HIT sessions or intense spin classes will be counterproductive to someone with adrenal fatigue. Choose low-impact exercises such as swimming, walking and yoga to move your body without causing extra stress.

2 HYDRATE

Drink plenty of water throughout the day and fill up on food rich in Vitamin C such as Brussels sprouts, kale, fennel, broccoli, peppers, citrus fruits.

3 BUILD REST INTO YOUR DAY

You don’t necessarily need to nap, but take timeouts alone to practice deep breathing and restoration.

4 CHANGE YOUR MIND

Many of us hold unrealistic expectations about what we ‘should’ be achieving. The idea that being constantly stressed is a badge of honour only adds pressure. Find value in a balanced life instead.

5 GET TO BED

Getting to bed before 11pm is a must. Many people get a second cortisol surge after this time which can further disrupt sleep patterns.

The Integrative Medical Centre, 491B River Valley Rd, #11-02, 248373. theintegrativemedicalcentre.com

HOLISTIC HELP: Homoeopathy

Nikki Hutchins visited the Homoeopathic Health Clinic. She consulted with homoeopath Dr Rukshin Master who also has a PhD in Autism and M.D in Pediatrics.

I’ve had three bouts of Covid in the last 18 months, all of which have left me with a cough. Just when I thought I was on the up, I now have another cough which is causing multiple coughing fits a day until I dry retch (sorry, TMI). Usual syrups, lozenges and inhaling are proving pointless.

Dr Master explained that contrary to common belief, homoeopathy can be used as a first aid remedy for something such as a cough, and my symptoms should be relieved quickly. She began our consultation by asking questions about the onset of my cough (thanks, Covid), the type of cough it was, whether it was worse when I was hot or cold, resting or doing exercise, in the morning or evening. She also took a general medical history to see if there were any factors which could be causing the weakness in my throat and the recurrent problems. Interestingly, we then talked about food: what preferences and cravings I had and if there was a history of food allergies in my family. Lastly, we discussed general lifestyle choices, areas of my personality, and my family set-up. Using computer software to collate my answers, Dr Master could form a complete and detailed homoeopathic history for me. I was surprised by how comprehensive our 45-minute meeting was, and how it made me consider my health as a whole, rather than just the issue at hand.

When it comes to homoeopathic medicine, it’s essential for the doctor to get an overview of precise symptoms as each one can lead to a different personalised prescription.

After narrowing down my symptoms, Dr Master could immediately establish a relevant prescription for my specific cough in the context of my general health. She also explained that homoeopathy works on a different, more subtle cellular level in the body than conventional medicine and acts by stimulating the body towards balance. Also, it doesn’t interact with other traditional medications or therapies. Later that day after my diagnosis I returned to Dr Master to pick up my bespoke prescription. She gave me a tiny homoeopathic tablet, Drosera Rotundifolia 200, which is a derivitive of a flowering plant and has been used in homoeopathic medicine for respiratory diseases for centuries. In addition, a homoeopathic cough syrup, Alpha-Coff, which is composed of important plant and shrub remedies had to be taken twice a day. Dr Master also asked me to sip a hot homemade herbal infusion of ginger, turmeric, cinnamon and lemon juice for a few days.

I was amazed at how quickly my symptoms eased - within 36 hours of taking the tablets, syrup and herbal infusion my coughing had stopped almost completely. I WhatsApped Dr Master after six days of my diagnosis and any remaining symptoms were minimal. The coughing and retching had stopped and I even had a weekend tipple! With such positive progress my dosage was reduced for a further three days by which point my cough had entirely disappeared - and it hasn’t returned since. Take that Covid!

Rukshin Shah, 27A Loewen Road, 248839, and 583 Orchard Rd, 238884. drrukshinmaster.com

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