Getting to the Root of Your Chronic Pain
A Comprehensive Approach to Assessing Chronic Pain
Chronic pain is a complex, often misunderstood condition with the potential to change a person’s daily life, self-confidence, and overall well-being. As a naturopathic physician, I work with patients to resolve the underlying causes of WHY they have pain, so they can reduce or eliminate their pain while improving their quality of life and overall health.
Pain involves so much more than just physical discomfort, and may negatively impact your energy, mood, weight, sleep, and even outlook or quality of life! Often, patients feel socially isolated or emotionally disconnected either because they’re unable to participate in social activities, or because they feel misunderstood or don’t want to share their struggles with others. Conventional approaches may fall short by focusing solely on the physical aspects of pain relief while ignoring the many other potential causes that may be keeping you in pain.
At Hope and Healing Naturopathic, we take a comprehensive approach to assessing chronic pain. During consultations, I focus on understanding each patient’s unique story to learn more about when, how, what, and why they may have pain, then work with them to come up with an effective, safe, and realistic plan to reduce or eliminate their pain. When we examine the underlying causes, patterns, and triggers rather than merely trying to suppress symptoms, you can see the results you deserve.
How is This Approach Different?
1️⃣ Individualized Treatment Plans
No two individuals are the same, therefore, no two treatment plans are the exact same. Spoiler alert - turmeric and CBD are not the answer, otherwise, people would be able to resolve their own pain with whatever fad supplement was popular at the moment. Instead, I listen and go into investigator mode to find the WHY behind your symptoms. While one person may benefit most from diet changes, soft tissue work, and acupuncture, another patient may reduce their pain with an indicated homeopathic remedy and processing stored trauma/stress.
2️⃣ Balancing the Nervous System
When we are stressed (aka - fight or flight, sympathetic dominance, anxious, fearful), our body is more likely to be tight, sore, and uncomfortable. The reverse can also be true – when we are in pain, we are more likely to be in a state of sympathetic dominance, which potentiates this vicious cycle of pain and stress. Breaking the cycle subconsciously is necessary to stop this pattern. A few techniques that we have found most effective to promote parasympathetic activation (rest, digest, heal, relax) include Bio Craniopathy, QNRT (Quantum Neurological Reset Therapy), NET (Neuro Emotional Technique), and frequency devices that activate the Vagus nerve.
3️⃣ Nutritional Support
When we eat processed foods high in sugar, they have a natural inflammatory effect resulting in increased pain. Although most of our patients are not eating a standard American diet, they may still be eating their food intolerances, which create an inflammatory and toxemic effect, resulting in more pain. When we find out what foods their body can’t effectively digest, they are empowered and educated about what foods to eat or avoid allowing their body to naturally be less inflamed, stiff, tired, or sore.
4️⃣ Mind-Body Techniques
Years ago, I wouldn’t have believed the power that our subconscious mind can have on our body. I have seen miracles in practice including a patient resolving fibromyalgia within one session of releasing stored trauma from past abuse. I have seen stubborn hip, back, knee, neck, shoulder, or head pain resolve instantly by addressing the underlying cause which involved releasing unprocessed emotion. I know it sounds bizarre or impossible, but after seeing it happen repeatedly, I no longer doubt the power of our subconscious mind. When we support the body’s ability to release stored stress, trauma or emotion through techniques like NET, QNRT, meditation, or somatic therapy, the body is able to benefit with less pain, while feeling lighter, calmer, and relaxed.
5️⃣ Homeopathic Medicine and Natural Remedies
Homeopathy promotes healing, whether it is recovering from influenza, surgery, or chronic pain. Just as everything else in our toolbox, finding the indicated homeopathic remedy is individualized and specific to the individual. Homeopathic medicines are cost-effective, do not interact with medications or supplements, and have little to no side effects. The best part is they can speed up healing, and help reduce pain while helping to improve stress resilience and overall health. There are many natural remedies and by the time patients come to us, they have often tried many things without much relief. We have a full scope of practice to use supplements, hormones, or medications, as long as they address the underlying causes and promote your healing, without any risks.
Healing Is Possible and You Are Worth It!
Chronic pain doesn’t have to define or limit your life. With our expert guidance and personalized treatments, it is possible to find relief and get your life back. We have seen patients overcome fibromyalgia, migraines, joint pain, post-surgical pain, concussions, and more, when we focus on giving the body what it needs to heal from within.
If chronic pain has been affecting your quality of life, consider exploring treatments that go deeper to find and resolve the underlying causes to your concerns. Regardless of how long you have experienced pain, healing is indeed possible. By addressing the physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of chronic pain, your body is given a chance to heal and show off so you can enjoy the life you want and deserve!
Self-Help Tips for Managing Chronic Pain
Our goal is to help patients overcome and resolve their pain, but for those living with chronic pain, here are some practical steps you can take to ease symptoms until a naturopathic physician is seen:
Prioritize Sleep and Rest
Quality sleep is essential to reduce inflammation and reset the nervous system. Create a relaxing evening routine and aim for a consistent bedtime.
Mind Your Diet
Avoid processed foods, alcohol, and sugar, which can promote inflammation and pain. Drinking plenty of water can help us stay more mobile and help flush out toxicants.
Practice Gentle Movement
Staying active, even with gentle movements can help ease stiffness and reduce pain. Yoga, Tai Chi, Qi Gong, breathwork, and stretching can release tension and stress and improve flexibility.
Try Breathwork and Meditation
Simple techniques like deep breathing or a body scan meditation can relieve tension and quiet the mind. Progressive relaxation, where you tense and release each muscle group, is another effective technique for releasing stress held in the body.
Testimonials
I am so grateful for the caring, compassion and skill of Dr. Eischens. She helped my body release pain and deepen my healing. I have had much continued improvement even weeks after just one session! Thank you Dr. Eischens!
~ Amber G.
Dr. E has been a trusted provider for my family and me for over 4 years. She is compassionate, gentle, inquisitive, and able to understand in a way that I have not often experienced by medical providers. My daughter and I love seeing her for QNRT and NET to help with our nervous systems, clearing stuck emotional patterns, and trauma. I feel safe, heard, seen, cared for, and a part of my care plan every time I see Dr. E. Highly recommend her!!
~ Kate S.
I have been seeing Dr. Eischens ‘s for over a decade now. she has helped me through a few health crisis, and help with quitting a very stubborn habit that to this day I am still free of !!! Her expertise, her compassion, her ability to tune into where one is at and fine tune her remedies is awesome! I trust her 100% with my health !!! Anyone can be good at something but to be truly remarkable you have to have a gift and Dr. E has that gift!!!!
~ Melody A.
My Commitment as your Naturopathic Doctor
My commitment is to listen to you and your body and find the causes that are holding you back from living the life you deserve. I don’t treat symptoms, nor do I limit my focus to one aspect or treatment as you deserve so much more than that. I take into consideration ALL contributing factors and teach and empower you how to heal on all levels.
Dr. E
Dr. Shawna Eischens (Dr. "E."), Naturopathic Doctor, and owner of Hope and Healing Naturopathic is an expert in finding the cause of your concerns so you can live a life free of pain, anxiety, fatigue, or other symptoms that are holding you back from enjoying the life you deserve!
Dr. E attracts motivated patients who are ready for a health advocate who is non-judgmental, passionate, experienced, and determined to help you THRIVE instead of just survive! Dr. E is a graduate of Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine, a mentor through Big Brothers/Big Sisters, a volunteer for Naturopathic Medicine Institute, and nature-loving outdoor enthusiast.
Dr. Eischens is a licensed Naturopathic Physician in Arizona and Minnesota.
She has received additional training and is certified in:
- QNRT (Quantum Neuro Reset Therapy)
- NET (Neuro Emotional Technique)
- Bio Craniopathy
- Vitalist of the Naturopathic Medicine Institute (VNMI)
Dr. Eischens is a member of:
- AANP (American Association of Naturopathic Physicians)
- NMI (Naturopathic Medicine Institute)
- AZNMA (Arizona Naturopathic Medical Association)
Hope and Healing Naturopathic was awarded "BEST OF THE VALLEY" in 2024 for the "Naturopathic Medicine" category.
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