Naturopathic Medicine with Dr. Allison Brumley

I recently interview Dr. Allison Brumley, a dear friend, about her journey to becoming a naturopathic doctor.  We discussed everything from what inspired her to study naturopathic medicine to how she feels about intuitive eating.   I was very inspired and uplifted by her insights and knowledge about the human body and I think that you will be too.  I'm sharing some of the highlights here, but if you want the full experience be sure to listen to the podcast!  Here are the insights about naturopathic medicine from Dr. Allison Brumley.  No matter what your beliefs are about naturopathic medicine, you can learn from this amazing woman.

Dr. Brumley has weathered the storms of life graciously and has an amazing outlook on how the body works as a whole and how we can better serve our bodies, minds, and spirits.   We can all benefit from her knowledge and experience.  I asked her the following...

Your Intuition Matters

Today we are going to dive into the topic, intuition. I am going to talk about it in three different contexts: physical or body intuition, mental or cognitive intuition, and spiritual intuition. You do not have to be a guru of any sort to practice living more intuitively. I know this topic can seem a little intimidating to a lot of people – We tend to be highly cognitive.  In our heads all the time.   I’d like to address it in practical terms with practical ways to apply living intuitively.

Body Intuition

Here are some examples of what I’m talking about: Let’s get specific, starting with body intuition: I’ve noticed that women lose touch with knowing what to eat because there is so much advice and conflicting information about nutrition and wellness out there – and as we get older and maybe a little dissatisfied with the changes our bodies go through, as our metabolisms change from hormone fluctuations of...

With the current circumstances of a pandemic happening and a polarized election around the corner, there is a collective amount of anxiety and overwhelm happening with individuals and families. I’ve been busier than ever lately with coaching.

I want to help you if you are having a difficult time navigating the restlessness going on in our country and within your own head and heart space.

When anxiety comes on, we have choices, but often times we don't think we do. We don’t have to be consumed in the overwhelm and shut down, or rely on ‘hope’ that things get better.

Instead, we can utilize some powerful anxiety coping tools and call upon our ability to be present, practice mindfulness, and cultivate some inner resilience.

Here’s what I’ve noticed as a student of psychology, a yoga instructor for over twenty years, and in my coaching practice. There are three different ways anxiety comes up for most of us, but for now...

Lately, under the Quarantine circumstances, I’ve been helping clients feel better, and it has led me to think of how I can help my readers get better at feeling their feelings without judgement.

Many of my clients are saying things like, “I shouldn’t feel this way because I’m so blessed,” or “I don’t want to feel so worried about everything, but I can’t help it.”

I help them see that they are resisting uncomfortable emotions. But this isn’t the answer to feeling better.

It is not an easy skill to do, to get good at feeling your feelings while they are happening.

It is common for us to hide our emotions from other people while they are happening, because often times, it is inconvenient to express them in certain circumstances and can be inappropriate. But what tends to happen is we become really good at suppressing and avoiding our feelings as a habit, which can cause problems, the main one being,...

Surround yourself with those who bring the sunshine with them.

We soak up the energy of the people we are around.

Of course this doesn't mean to avoid people who are sad. No.

It just means to seek out those who bring out your light and who make you want to be a better person.

I've been reading a great book entitled, 'Habits of a Happy Brain,' by Loretta Graziano Breuning, Phd. She talks about how we can design joy and wire it into our neurons based on the habits we form.

Five tips to make this winter amazing versus. . . not:

Play in the snow. NO EXCUSES. In Seattle, there is a saying that there is no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing preparation. Truth my friends. Hike in it, ski! or learn to ski, go for pretty drives in the canyon and pack a thermos and a plaid blanket picnic. . . you get the idea.

Not a skier? Create a girls snowday in and instead ride the gondola, then get lunch together in the ski lodge. Enjoy these beautiful mountains we have access to.

Make a 'Cozy...