Wellness is a hot topic in 2018—and it has been for years, with no sign of slowing down. As humans, we have a drive to want to take care of our minds and bodies, and to strive to be the best versions of ourselves. One local place that focuses on holistic and alternative wellness is Natural Care Center of Woodbury, something of a one-stop shop for alternative wellness needs.
Natural Care Center offers treatments like chiropractic care, acupuncture, functional medicine, food sensitivity treatment and massage therapy. Co-owner Amanda Gebhardt-Fitzgerald, DC, says that the center’s goal is to “try to alleviate symptoms and improve conditions without drugs or surgery.” Many clients come in with chronic pain, hoping to find a natural way to ease things.
The center is meant to complement traditional/Western medicine with some alternative and non-surgical options for patients. Despite launching as its own entity, Natural Care Center has maintained partnerships with local medical doctors, so if a patient’s issue can’t be treated naturally, the clinic is able to offer a referral.
If you’re new to alternative medicine and wondering if it’s a good fit for you, Gebhardt-Fitzgerald says they offer consultations over the phone or at the clinic, and can talk you through some options. She also reminds patients to seek help for pain sooner rather than later—many holistic treatments are effective even in the earlier or milder stages of pain.
Of course, Gebhardt-Fitzgerald says, natural treatments aren’t only for pain. Some regular treatments act as preventative measures to maintain physical and mental health. Acupuncture, for example, can help prevent and treat a wide range of conditions. The center offers acupuncture treatments for infertility, anxiety, and even appetite suppression.
Gebhardt-Fitzgerald views Natural Care Center as a “one-stop shop for natural and alternative health care.” In addition to treatments like chiropractic care and acupuncture, the center also offers comprehensive nutrition help, including guidance on vitamins and supplements—both of which are increasingly popular and increasingly available for consumers. In fact, that ubiquity can make it hard to know where to start. We asked Gebhardt-Fitzgerald for some advice on how to navigate the increasingly vast vitamin aisles at the grocery store. (Of course, you should talk with your health care provider before adding any treatments or supplements to your routine.)
First, try to get as many nutrients as possible from your food. For this, Gebhardt-Fitzgerald suggests clean eating: minimizing processed foods as much as possible. Eating less red meat and dairy can help, too. Focus on fresh fruits and vegetables.
If you’re still interested in supplementing your diet, Gebhardt-Fitzgerald suggests a multivitamin and a probiotic. Both are helpful additions to a regular diet.
Another helpful vitamin, especially during the long Minnesota winters, is vitamin D. Giving your body a little extra vitamin D (to boost what you already get from the sun) will help it do all of its necessary activities.
