Look Who it Was Random video

Harnessing the Healing Power of Nature

493 views · Published 16 October 2015 · 2:06 · Indexed 6 November 2026

Channel: Lee Health · 2015 · Science & Technology

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Spending long hours in her salon means hair stylist Aimee Handy often cuts back on meals, so she relies on power foods to fuel her day.

“I love kombucha, which is the fermented tea. It has a lot of benefits. I love nuts -  almonds; hummus is great,” says Handy. 

She’s also a big believer in naturopathic principles. When she doesn’t feel well, Aimee reaches for food-based treatments.

“Something like turmeric. I know when I had plantar fasciitis, your fascia is inflamed and it’s a natural anti-inflammatory. Turmeric mixed with black pepper can really give you those benefits. And you’re not necessarily dealing with the drugs so to speak,” says Handy. 

As Lee Memorial Health System’s first naturopathic consultant, Teresa Spano sees a growing interest in wholesome healing.

“I’m working in a collaborative practice to help bring natural solutions to people who previously really didn't have access to it, or maybe didn't know enough about it,” says Spano. 

The fundamentals of a naturopathic practice are not new. The focus is on prevention, treating causes not symptoms, looking at the person as a whole and using natural sources to promote healing; age-old principles gaining traction in the modern world.

“People are very frustrated. They want to do something more natural because they know that’s kind of the way that the body should be. And we’re very overloaded right now with chemicals,” says Spano. 

Common tools are probiotics, digestive enzymes, anti-inflammatory foods. People may find benefit in teas, tinctures and essential oils.  

“We do a lot of lifestyle modification, teaching people what foods they should and should not be eating,” says Spano. 

“When you’re eating a little bit cleaner you feel cleaner, you feel better. It doesn’t affect your mood. Your blood sugar stabilizes a little bit. So yeah, it definitely affects you,” says Handy. 

The naturopathic approach compliments, but doesn’t replace traditional medicine. Giving people choices, naturally. 

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Lee Memorial Health System in Fort Myers, FL is the largest network of medical care facilities in Southwest Florida and is highly respected for its expertise, innovation and quality of care. For nearly a century, we’ve been providing our community with everything from primary care treatment to highly specialized care services and robotic assisted surgeries.

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