Imagine you are a bear with a toothache. You know that you need a healthy set of chompers to catch salmon and scare campers away from your cubs. Sadly, no doctors in your area treat bears. You must take care of yourself, so you make do with whatever you can find in the woods. Not a problem. Instinct tells you to proceed to the nearest willow tree and chew off a good bit of its bark.
All previous attempts to teach organic chemistry to bears have failed, so we must assume you cannot explain why you are driven to chew willow bark. You don’t know that willow bark contains salicin, a pain reliever. You don’t especially care if it is one of thousands of natural medicines that have helped animals and humans alike since time immemorial. It just feels good – and you, as a bear, are totally into that kind of thing.
If you are a man in real life, you have every botanical medicine and source of nutrition in the world to help you feel well. But if you are a woman, you have even better: all of that plus April Jones, Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine and Master of Science in Nutrition.
“Working with women has always been my calling,” said Dr. Jones. “Historically, the medical system at large hasn’t always treated women’s unique health concerns seriously. I was drawn to naturopathic medicine because it is complementary to conventional medical care – not an alternative to it – and it empowers women to take their self-healing and wellness into their own hands using safe, natural remedies.
“I combine the science of modern medicine with the philosophy of natural healing to help my patients lead their most vibrant lives. We investigate the root causes of their health concerns, consider any obstacles they are facing, and develop treatment plans together. Many of my patients come to me with specific medical issues. Many others want to feel more energized, avoid becoming ill, or just stay active and live longer. They all benefit by improving the foundations of their health: sleep, movement, diet, stress management, and connecting to nature.
“I strengthen those foundations through nutrition, targeted supplementation, and stress management techniques, but botanical medicine is my favorite of all the naturopathic modalities. It has been around for as long as people have known about plants, and there is overwhelming science supporting its effectiveness as a treatment for a wide range of conditions. Botanical medicine’s gentler approach makes it a good first option for treatment. And as a naturopathic doctor, I am fully qualified to administer herbal remedies that won’t interfere or otherwise interact with any prescription medications my patients might already be taking.
“I treat many of my patients for anxiety. Natural remedies such as passionflower, lavender, chamomile and valerian root can all help them feel calmer and more collected. Different herbs are better suited for treating certain symptoms of anxiety, however. Whether you’re experiencing racing thoughts, heart palpitations, gastrointestinal upset or any combination thereof, I’ll make certain you have the ideal tea, capsule or tincture.
“I frequently treat women for their hormone concerns, with a special emphasis on preconception and postpartum support. Helping a woman achieve her dream of becoming a mother is intensely rewarding – but so too is helping her manage the stress and fatigue that so often accompany new motherhood. She deserves to have that be the most beautiful time of her life.
“Science reveals more about the foundational importance of the gut microbiome almost every day. It can be directly related to almost any other symptoms in the body, which is why my practice also focuses on gastrointestinal health. I help women naturally strengthen their GI tracts, which also supports them in absorbing better nutrition from their diets. That is also the goal of my holistic nutrition services, in which I advise simple dietary changes that can dramatically enhance overall well-being.
“Naturopathic medicine gives us the means to treat mental health issues as well. Addressing an underlying medical condition, nutrient deficiency or hormonal imbalance can greatly relieve symptoms of anxiety, stress, fatigue and burnout. When seasonal affective disorder appears to be present, we can determine whether vitamin D and light deficiencies are the culprits. Even hair loss, which so often stems from the endocrine system, is treatable with natural remedies.
“I welcome any woman to join me for a complimentary 15-minute discovery call. Ultimately, no one knows your body better than you, which is why I want to learn your unique health story, ask about your expectations for naturopathic medicine, and make sure I’m the best one to support and assist you on your wellness journey. If you decide to give me that honor, we’ll go over all your health concerns in detail during your 90-minute new patient appointment. Once we’ve reviewed any lab tests I might recommend, we’ll craft your personalized treatment plan together.”
Please visit apriljonesnd.com to book a discovery call or schedule an appointment with Dr. April Jones.
