The International Conference for Naturopathic Medicine(ICNM) of 2024, geared towards health practitioners, offered an impressive array of experts in the field of naturopathic medicine. Talks ranging from the cellular to emotional elements that play a role in our health and wellbeing offered incredible insights into the different levels we should focus on to continually support more optimal health.

The list of speakers for the event includes:

• Sussanna Czeranko, ND
• Mark Davis, ND, FABNG
• Nasha Winters, ND, FABNG, L.Ac
• Steven Ottersberg, ND, MS
• Megan Kimberley, ND, BSc
• Peter W. Edwards, ND, PhD, D. Litt, MYT, F.R.C.P.
• Harald Van der Biest, Prof of acupuncture and Chinese herbs 
• Cathy Carlson-Rink, ND, RM
• Dorian Greenow, Founder/President, Keto-Mojo
• David W. Lescheid, ND, PhD
• Lindsay Adrian, ND, FABNO
• Michael Scholes, Prof and master herbalist
• Christina Bjorndal, ND
• Stephen Maltais, ND, MSc
• Karine Bernard, ND, PhD
• Holly Christy, ND, L.Ac, CACI, JSCCI
• Ameet Aggarwal, ND
• Michael Mason-Wood, ND
• Christos Miliankos, ND, BSc
• Julie Hwang, ND, BSc
• Rosaria Nithart, ND, BHSc
• Emily Wolbers, ND

Sussanna Czeranko, ND: Dysautonomia and vagal tone: hacking the vagus nerve

Dysautonomia is a relatively new term that refers to an abnormality of the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) and is essentially connected to stress. In her talk, Dr. Czeranko discussed the cumulative impact of dysautonomia on health, the importance of the vagus nerve, and tools for support.

The vagus nerve is the longest and largest cranial nerve in the body and is part of the parasympathetic nervous system (responsible for our resting state). When it is stimulated and working well (good vagal tone), it gives us a sense of wellbeing through the normalization of several functions, such as digestion, cardiac function and mental health. Because of its role in various physiological functions, when sympathetic nervous system is active due to stress, the activity of the vagus nerve is impacted, which can cause symptoms such as weight gain or loss, coughing, chronic low-grade inflammation, depression and anxiety.

There are several ways we can increase vagal tone (to support functioning of the vagus nerve), including: diaphragmatic breathing, humming, chanting, singing, hydrotherapy, nutrition (avoiding pro-inflammatory foods) and exercise.

Mark Davis, ND, FABNG: Microbiome therapies for the treatment of alcohol-associated hepatic and neurological pathology

Dr. Mark Davis talked about the impact of alcohol on the liver, and the fact that the faecal microbiome is different in people with alcohol use disorders compared to those without alcohol use disorders.

When people have alcohol-induced liver injury, the use of probiotics and prebiotics can be effective in reducing inflammation and supporting healing.

Besides these supplements, faecal microbiome transplant (FMT) can reduce leaky gut in people with liver impairment, hepatic damage and alcohol cravings, as transplanting the microbiome from a healthy donor can create a healthy microbiome in the receiver.

Studies have demonstrated the effects of microbiome transplant. For example, when mice without alcohol dependence are injected with the microbiome of alcohol-dependent mice, the non-alcohol-dependent mice start to exhibit withdrawal symptoms.

Steve Ottersberg, ND, MS: Genetic polymorphisms that influence immunity, inflammation and mental health: Lessons learned from bacteria, parasites, viruses and vaccines

Dr Ottersberg delved into the fascinating and complex world of genetic polymorphisms (different gene variants), providing several examples of how different gene variants cause different effects in the body.

For instance, HLA, one of the important genes for normal immune response and vaccine response, has about 30,000 variants. HLA helps the immune system in the critical activity of surveillance and recognition of foreign elements in the bloodstream. If HLA is not fully functional, however, autoimmune conditions can result. Depending on the HLA polymorphisms a person has, it can either help or hinder their body’s ability to recognize foreign elements. Further, understanding the genetic polymorphisms a person has can help understand who is more likely to benefit from a certain vaccine.

Nasha Winters, ND, FABNO: Nature’s original immunotherapy: Viscum Album Extract, mistletoe

Dr. Winters spoke about the value and growing evidence of mistletoe therapy in integrative oncology as supportive care that to reduce side effects of chemotherapy and radiation (e.g. immune suppression, leukopenia, nausea/vomiting, hepatotoxicity, quality of life, fatigue).

The benefits of mistletoe include:

• Reversing hypoxia and enhancing perfusion in organs and tissues
• Creating a mantle of warmth (physically, mentally, energetically)
• Reconnecting us with ourselves and our natural rhythm
• Altering glycolytic metabolism, decreasing plasma levels of LDH and lactate
• Stimulating of hormone regulation
• Reducing impact of adverse events and discontinuation of conventional therapies

When patients undergo cancer treatment, the cancer may be beaten but this can come at the cost of a substantial decrease in quality of life. Mistletoe therapy can help improve quality of life and while the mechanism of action is not yet known, clinical studies are underway to investigate this powerful herb further.

Peter Edwards, ND: Biological detoxification: Cooling the flame of inflammation

Dr. Edwards has been practicing as a naturopath since the early 1980s, with a strong focus on iridology and detoxification. Detoxification works with the energy of homeostasis in the body, that is, the body’s natural tendency to want to maintain a balanced state. The body is self-regulating, self-adjusting and self-healing, when possible and when given the right conditions.

In order to create the right conditions for healing, we need to create a clean and healthy environment in the body. Metabolism is key in this and to optimise it, metabolic detoxification is needed. This requires slowing down and becoming conscious of what goes into our mouth, our head, whether we move our bodies enough, the toxins we’re exposed to, what we eat and what we digest. A program provided by a qualified practitioner can be followed to support detoxification.

Prof. Harald van Der Biest: The use of medicinal mushrooms in neurodegenerative conditions

Prof. van Der Biest discussed the use of certain types of mushrooms in neurogenerative conditions. Neurodegenerative diseases are essentially inflammation of the brain and nervous system, and mushrooms have several supportive elements that can help. Lipoxin A4, for example, is found in certain mushrooms and has anti-inflammatory properties.

Some of the key neuroprotective aspects that mushrooms have been found to have include:

1. Improving immune function against viral infection: specific strains of Coriolus versicolor biomass and Hericium erinaceus can protect against viral infection, as they contain beta-glucans, proteoglycans, secondary metabolites, and three sets of enzymes (those preventing oxidative stress, those inhibiting cellular growth, and those that detoxify)
2. Improving microbiota balance
3. Increasing neurogenic reserve: research on mice has found that Coriolus may promote longer dendrites and more neuron development in the brain
4. Reducing inflammation: the cause of Meniere’s Disease is unknown, but oxidative stress may play a role. The use of Coriolus seems to cause improvement as it can reverse oxidative damage and thus reduce inflammation
5. Reducing oxidative stress and cellular stress response

Several studies have and continue to be conducted with mushrooms to understand their function and mechanism of action in health.

David Lescheid, ND, PhD: Clocks in the Clinic: Back to the rhythms of nature

Dr. Lescheid spoke about that fact that natural therapies are one part of the healing power of nature, while the other part is bringing ourselves back into harmony with nature and the cycles of the world around us. In the modern world we tend to be very out of sync with natural rhythms, yet every aspect of human physiology is affected by them. On top of this, there are multiple biological rhythms at different scales and places within the body (e.g. in the brain, organs, tissues, cells).

One of the main biological rhythms of the body is the circadian rhythm, which every light sensitive organism on the planet has and which is primarily affected by light/dark cycles.

Several factors influence circadian rhythms, including:

• Neuronal signals
• Hormonal signals
• External stimuli
• Peripheral clocks (heat, adrenals, muscle, eyes, etc.)

Within these, there are various elements that can cause circadian misalignment, including, for example:

• Shift work
• Jetlag
• Artificial light at night (in particular, blue light)
• Seasonal changes
• Diet
• Pharmaceuticals
• Environmental pollutants
• Psychological stress
• Caffeine
• Alcohol

While misalignment of the circadian rhythm does not cause disease, it may be a contributing factor in conditions such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity, osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, cancer, etc.

Healthy lifestyle routines are the foundational practice to maintain healthy circadian rhythms, including, for example:

• Regular eating, sleeping, exercise, socialising
• Minimising blue light exposure in the evening and practicing good sleep hygiene
• Supporting the mind (meditation, lifelong learning), body (nutrition, detox, physical activity) and emotions (social relationships, connection to nature) in a balanced way

These routines do not have to be too rigid. The rhythms of life have more to do with how connected we are to ourselves, nature and all living things.

Lindsay Adrian, ND, FABNO: Mitochondria, chronic inflammation and the immune system: How mitochondrial dysfunction may be at the center of the inflammatory storm and how to fix it

Dr. Lindsay Adrian provided insight into the world of our incredibly important mitochondria. Mitochondria are compartments in cells that are most known for their function as powerhouses, because they breakdown food molecules and provide fuel for the rest of the cell. However, mitochondria have numerous other functions as well, including influencing the immune system and supporting communication between dendritic cells.

A normal inflammatory response typically occurs when white blood cells of the immune system react to something that doesn’t belong in the body. If this response lasts too long because the cells are not functioning properly, however, chronic inflammation can occur.

The Cell Danger Response (CDR) provides an overview of how this works in the body:

• When the cells in the body experience injury or danger in the form of physical, chemical or pathogenic insult, the CDR is initiated
• The CDR involves a series of coordinated changes from acute response, to repair, through integration, and finally resolution (homeostasis) – this process is driven by the mitochondria

We thus need healthy mitochondrial function to move through all CDR phases to move back to homeostasis – without healthy mitochondria, we cannot have a healthy response to illness

How do our mitochondria get damaged?

• Nutrient deficiencies due to poor diet and lifestyle
• Infections (e.g. COVI-19, SARs)
• Environmental toxins (e.g. mold)

How can we support the health of our mitochondria?

• Leading a healthy lifestyle and eating a healthy diet
• Ensuring the we get the nutrients needed for mitochondrial activity:
  • CoQ10 important for electron transport chain
  • Amino acids (especially ALA and carnitine)
  • Minerals (in particular magnesium, iron, and vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5)

Prof. Michael Scholes, Master of Herbal Medicine: Essential oils for mental health

Prof. Scholes explored the world of mental health challenges and essential oils.

Mental health challenges can burden us with an array of symptoms, such as mood changes, behavior changes, sleep problems, appetite and digestive changes, fatigue and pain.

In general, Prof. Scholes reminds us that to help balance these symptoms, there are some simple acts of life that we should remember to engage in: breathe more, cry more, eat better, go outside, love more, move some, pray often, sing some, sleep more, and stress less.

In addition to this lifestyle advice, Prof. Scholes is a master of herbal medicine and recommends the use of aromatic plants to help support the restoration of balance and reconnection to nature.

There are about 900 essential oils in total, all of which contribute in different ways to supporting balance in the body. Arranging essential oils in a specific order can support the mind, body and soul in returning to a more balanced life.

Some of the best essential oils for stress reduction, anxiety management, mood enhancement and sleep improvement include: Bergamot, Holy Basil, Roman Chamomile, Frankincense, Lavender, Lemon, Peppermint, Rosemary, Sandalwood and Ylang-ylang.

Karine Bernard, ND, PhD: Restore health naturally with functional and integrative immunity: lymphocyte profiling, a powerful tool for regaining homeostasis in personalized medicine

Dr. Bernard discussed lymphocyte (immune) profiling, a qualitative and quantitative analysis of the immune system through flow cytometry of a blood sample which allows high speed characterization and counting of cells. This characterization and counting is useful, because activation or dysregulation of lymphocytes contribute to the onset or progression of numerous chronic diseases and mental disorders.

Immune profiling can benefit people with infectious diseases, autoimmune diseases, allergies, neurologic and neurodegenerative disorders, cancer, metabolic and cardiovascular disorders, or as a preventative measure to:

• Understand the aetiology and pathogenesis of the disease
• Assess the immune and inflammatory status
• Monitor responses to treatment and disease progression
• Assess antiviral and anti-cancer immunity
• Assess the presence of intestinal inflammation
• Assess the state of the epithelial barriers and tissue repair capabilities
• Regain and maintain homeostasis

Ameet Aggarwal, ND: Anxiety, depression & mental health: Homeopathy, trauma therapy & family constellations therapy

Dr. Aggarwal spoke about research and practice showing that trauma impacts our physiology and the more childhood trauma a person has, the higher their likelihood of having chronic diseases with age. This emphasizes that besides mental and emotional health, healing trauma is also important for our physical health.

There are several methods for healing trauma, such as family constellation therapy, homeopathy, somatic experiencing, gestalt therapy, compassionate inquiry, trauma release exercises, and breathwork.

Family constellation therapy is a particularly valuable method for healing trauma based on three fundamental concepts:

• The right to belong
• Order of hierarchy
• Balancing of giving and taking

The use of healing sentences in family constellation therapy is key. These are not cognitive sentences, but sentences that cause a physical shift in the body.

Christos Miliankos, ND, BSc: Boosting immunity through the body’s wisdom signs

Dr. Miliankos spoke about the wisdom of our body and the fact that it shows us on the outside what is happening on the inside. In particular, he explained the iris of the eye as a road map that can help guide us toward the best ways to nurture ourselves through what and how we eat, drink, think, live, and love.

The research on iridology continues to evolve, but some basics include general tendencies depending on eye color:

People with blue eyes tend to be more susceptible to lymphatic issues, ear/nose/throat problems, an overactive immune system, respiratory conditions, and skin issues. For these types of issues, it is often important to boost the lymphatic system, avoid mucus generating foods, exercise, and get plenty of fresh air and sunshine.

People with brown eyes are more prone to having sluggish circulation, glandular conditions, variable blood sugar and digestive disturbances. Key points to support health for these issues is the intake of less animal fat, and more fiber, water, fresh fish, hormone free poultry and dark leafy greens.

People with mixed eye color tend to be more susceptible to liver issues and some of the same challenges as brown eyes. For these types of challenges, it is important to avoid liver congestion (alcohol, smoking, red meat, refined sugar), increase intake of vegetables and good fats, and start the day with lemon water.