Balance Natural Medicine
Apr 28, 2023 09:31AM ● By Wendy Nadherny Fachon
Trained as a primary care provider, Abby
Egginton, ND, founded Balance Natural Medicine to offer general naturopathic family
care. Dr. Egginton sets herself apart with
experience and training in pediatrics, oncology, women’s health and LGBTQ
health. In addition to conventional lab testing, she uses functional medicine
testing to explore the root cause of symptoms. These tests include food
sensitivity panels, digestive analysis, micronutrient testing and much more.
For example, a comprehensive hormone panel that Egginton frequently runs uses urine to better understand hormone imbalances that can lead to a wide range of gynecological conditions including PMS, irregular menses, cervical dysplasia, chronic vaginitis, perimenopause, bone health, weight gain, depression, anxiety, low libido, headaches and menopausal symptoms. Differing from conventional urinalysis tests, the dried urine sampling helps gain insights into hormonal deficiencies, adrenal health, estrogen levels and DHEA measures, all of which may play a role in women’s health. Comprehensive testing helps her obtain a more holistic picture of what is underlying a patient’s symptoms.
Egginton stresses the importance of the doctor-patient
partnership: “My goal is to help my patients discover their own path to optimal
health and, in the process, come to better understand their body, how it works
and what pieces contribute to a sense of personal well-being. Naturopathic
doctors do not see symptoms or systems in isolation; they are all
interconnected and related and exploring this can illuminate our relationship
with our bodies.”
Education is the key and helping patients understand the body’s
natural regulation of all four stages of the menstrual cycle is valuable.
Naturopathic medicine is an approach that few of Egginton’s patients have
experienced before. She introduces them to the principles of naturopathic
medicine and the various options for testing and treatment. She engages them in
the healing process. “In our time together, I will challenge you,” she tells
them, “because, ultimately, change must come from within, and it is important
that you communicate what is working for you and what is not working for
you.” Treating menstrual irregularity
involves patience as it may require a series of cycles to assess the
effectiveness of treatment and to make adjustments that will improve the
situation.
Treatment
is highly individualized. Everyone has a family history of health conditions,
which may include cardiovascular disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, mood
disorders, heavy metal exposure or cancer. Many of these ailments are
preventable and sometimes even reversible. Identifying risk factors is the
first step of prevention, and this can involve blood work or genetic testing.
Egginton works with her patients to develop a wellness plan that may include
dietary changes, exercise routines, detoxification programs and supplement
protocols. She also offers craniosacral therapy, biofeedback and homeopathic
remedies for patients who are open to trying these alternatives. Balance
Natural Medicine provides naturopathic health care for adults, teens and
children.
Locations: 49 Waltham St., Lexington, Mass.; 393
Massachusetts Ave., Arlington, Mass. For more information or to make an
appointment, call 914-919-9300 or visit BalanceNaturopathic.com.
