Healing Chronic Illness: A Holistic Path Toward Relief and Resilience
Dr. West DC, MS using Applied Kinesiology
If you or a loved one is living with a chronic or mysterious health condition, then you already know: it can feel like a full-time job just to take care of the basics. Chronic illness doesn’t just impact the body—it affects your energy, your emotions, your relationships, and your quality of life.
Recently, a one-year-old boy visited the Mindful Wellness Space with a painful and persistent skin condition. His family was heartbroken. They had tried everything—doctor visits, medications, countless remedies—but nothing seemed to bring lasting relief. He had been diagnosed with eczema, prescribed a steroid cream, and the symptoms would temporarily calm… only to return again and again.
The reason? The root cause was never addressed. And when the root is still there, the symptoms just grow back.
Using a method called Applied Kinesiology (AK)—also known as “muscle testing”—Dr. West DC, MS was able to identify something the conventional treatments had missed: mold exposure. Once discovered, she worked gently to support his body through chiropractic adjustments (to reset and calm the nervous system) and targeted remedies identified through AK. Within a short period, his chronic skin condition began to improve.
What Is Chronic Illness, Really?
“Chronic illness” refers to a condition that lasts three months or more and often requires ongoing care or significantly affects daily life. Unlike acute illness, which arises suddenly and heals quickly, chronic illness tends to unfold gradually—and persist stubbornly.
Chronic conditions affect the whole system—physically, chemically, and emotionally. That’s why it’s so important to take a holistic approach that looks at root causes, not just symptoms. Often, chronic illnesses have “flare patterns”—triggers that cause the body to react—and when we uncover those patterns, real healing can begin.
Our Approach: Whole-Person Care
At Mindful Wellness Space, we assess and support each individual as a whole. Our care plans are tailored and may include:
Applied Kinesiology & bloodwork to uncover root causes
Chiropractic adjustments to reset the nervous system
Acupuncture & herbal medicine for physical and energetic balance
Mindfulness meditation to support mental and emotional resilience
Targeted supplements to nourish and restore function
From Our Acupuncturist: Kat Harrod, L.Ac
Kat Harrod, L.Ac
When Kat works with chronic illness, her focus is not just on relieving physical symptoms—it’s also about restoring the body's ability to sleep, feel, and function well. Chronic pain and illness often disrupt sleep, increase anxiety, and diminish a person’s sense of well-being.
Kat uses acupuncture and herbal patches to reduce inflammation and relieve pain, yes—but also to soothe the nervous system and help clients feel emotionally grounded. Her sessions offer a therapeutic space where clients feel seen, heard, and supported.
From Our Meditation Facilitator: Emily Horn, CMT‑P
Emily Horn CMT-P
Emily brings over 15 years of experience in helping people navigate chronic pain, anxiety, and stress. Through her work with Boston Children’s Hospital’s Comfort Ability Program, she taught kids how to break the “chain reaction” of pain:
Body sensations → Emotional reactions → Catastrophic thoughts.
When we learn to pause, notice, and respond differently, we can loosen pain’s grip on our lives. Join Emily for the Mindfulness of Pain and Anxiety class to learn simple, research-backed techniques for calming the body and mind. You can also listen to her guided meditation: Chain.
Healing Chronic Illness Is a Team Sport
There is no one-size-fits-all cure for chronic illness—but there is a path. And you don’t have to walk it alone. At Mindful Wellness Space, we believe that true healing happens in community, with support, care, and compassion.
If you’re ready to begin your healing journey, we’re here to support you every step of the way.