Stay Open-Minded: My Journey from Stomach Pain to Holistic Healing

For months, I struggled with persistent stomach pain. I visited multiple doctors, underwent blood work and an endoscopy, and searched for answers. Despite all the testing, I still didn’t have a solution.

Then I heard about a holistic nutritionist who used muscle testing to identify potential food sensitivities, nutritional needs, and possible imbalances in the body. Honestly, I thought the process sounded bizarre.

During the session, I would hold my arm straight out while the practitioner held a small vial and asked my body questions. Depending on the response, my arm would either test weak and drop or remain strong and steady. When he tested for parasites, my arm dropped.

I was skeptical, but curious enough to follow up. I told my primary care doctor about the possibility of a parasite, and she dismissed muscle testing as an unreliable way to make that diagnosis. So I asked her to order a conventional stool test.

The results came back positive for a parasite. My doctor was surprised and questioned whether there had been a laboratory mix-up because I wasn’t displaying the symptoms she expected. I was stunned.

After receiving the diagnosis, I continued the supplements prescribed by my naturopath and began feeling better within a few weeks.

That experience opened my eyes to the potential value of exploring different approaches to wellness. I continued working with my naturopath, and other findings from our sessions prompted me to investigate issues that also had connections to conventional medical findings, including a pituitary gland finding on a CT scan, vitamin D and B12 deficiencies, and a genetic variant affecting folate metabolism.

My biggest takeaway? Stay curious, ask questions, and advocate for yourself.

I believe conventional medicine and holistic approaches can complement one another. Each has its place, and neither should replace appropriate medical testing or evidence-based treatment. Muscle testing, in particular, is not a validated way to diagnose parasites or nutritional deficiencies, and supplements should be chosen thoughtfully with qualified medical guidance.

But my experience taught me something important: when you’re struggling to find answers, it’s okay to ask more questions, seek another perspective, and remain open to possibilities.

Sometimes, advocating for your health means being willing to explore a different path—while still letting evidence guide your decisions.