I am pleased to share some key insights from the ANAQ annual congress, focused on chronic pain and fatigue. This event was an excellent opportunity to explore a wide range of therapeutic approaches — including gemmotherapy, nutrition, osteopathy, art therapy, phytotherapy, and more — enriching our naturopathic toolkit.

The first presentation emphasized the fundamental concept of health management through the triad of “excess, detox, and deficiencies.” Even in complex cases, the basics — hydration, protein intake, physical activity, sleep, and foundational health habits — are sometimes overlooked, yet they are essential for addressing the root causes of imbalances.

The second naturopathy lecture encouraged a “detective approach” to managing chronic conditions, particularly in relation to mitochondria, the innate and adaptive immune systems, and epigenetics. Mitochondrial dysfunction can manifest as decreased ATP production, oxidative stress, lactate accumulation, and cellular or muscular fatigue. Immune deficiency may appear as exaggerated inflammatory responses, T-cell exhaustion, or autoimmune phenomena. From an epigenetic perspective, a chronically activated “cellular danger response” can hinder the body’s ability to maintain homeostasis. Underlying causes discussed included Lyme disease, long COVID, herpes, mold exposure, environmental toxins, microbiome imbalances, and nervous system dysregulation.

Regarding nutrition, its central role in reducing inflammation, modulating pain perception, and supporting overall well-being was highlighted. Chronic inflammation damages cells, organs, and tissues, often fueled by Western dietary patterns rich in refined oils, sugars, processed meats, additives, and artificial sweeteners. Inflammatory cytokines also negatively impact the musculoskeletal system, decreasing protein synthesis and weakening tendons and cartilage. Digestive sensory nerve alterations may further affect neuroplasticity. Nutrition strategies must be individualized based on specific conditions such as diabetes, fibromyalgia, dysbiosis, osteoporosis, or autoimmune disorders. The Mediterranean diet was presented as particularly beneficial, supporting metabolism, gut microbiome diversity, intestinal barrier integrity, and immune tolerance.

Phytotherapy was explored next, focusing on selecting plants tailored to affected systems. In cases of chronic fatigue or pain, rest is prioritized while avoiding overly stimulating plants. Examples include:

• Nettle: rich in amino acids (30–40% of dry weight), minerals, trace elements, vitamins, and flavonoids; supports uric acid elimination, electrolytes, and skin, allergy, and joint issues.
• Oat milky tops: nourish the nervous system and aid fatigue, stress, anxiety, insomnia, and concentration difficulties.
• Rhodiola: an adaptogen enhancing dopamine, serotonin, and noradrenaline; useful for irritability, physical endurance, muscle strength, and recovery.

Gemmotherapy uses fresh plant embryonic tissues (buds, young shoots, rootlets) for nourishing, regenerating, detoxifying, draining, RNA-repairing, and anti-aging effects, thanks to growth factors absent in adult plants. Examples include:

• Juglans regia: anti-infective, antiparasitic, antifungal, and antibacterial.
• Pinus montana: regenerates hard tissues (bones, cartilage), supports joint, lymphatic, and liver drainage.

Art therapy offers an alternative language for expressing complex emotions, stimulating the prefrontal cortex, neuroplasticity, and imagination, while fostering emotional resilience, self-confidence, and autonomic nervous system regulation.

Finally, osteopathy’s impact on neuro-endocrine and circulatory regulation, release of tissue restrictions, and psychosomatic imprints was reviewed. Manual therapy improves vascularization, tissue fluidity, supports excretory organs, and enhances immunity via lymphatic and macrophage transport. Emphasizing breathing activates the parasympathetic system, reducing pain, improving oxygenation, facilitating toxin elimination, calming emotions, and promoting restorative sleep.

In conclusion, knowledge of complementary therapeutic practices deeply nourishes well-being. Naturopathic congresses are vital for fostering curiosity and investigating root causes. Together, we work to restore balance.

Léa Talbot – AMCC Student