Local Naturopathic Doc Eva Kozura Talks Wellness

Over the last ten years, with the increasing cost of healthcare and prescription drugs often having more side effects than benefits, more and more people are turning to alternative forms of medicine for their ailments. These alternate forms take a long-term and holistic treatment approach rather than a symptomatic one. The forms that are most commonly known today include Ayurveda, the time-tested Indian system of healing, Naturopathy and Acupuncture/East Asian medicine. These and other natural healing arts focus on prevention and self healing using herbal medicines, diet and lifestyle counseling and immune support. 

The idea that small changes in the way we eat, move our bodies and live our lives can make big, positive impacts on our physical and mental health has become a game changer in modern day healthcare. Every single person I know is doing something that aligns with this philosophy. Whether its signing up for a Barre or the latest yoga class, getting B-12 shots or drinking our veggies in the morning, we are all looking for one thing: wellness. Mental, physical, or metaphysical wellness.

“Both Naturopathic medicine and East Asian Medicine aim to find and reduce what’s making a person ill, and stimulate the body and mind to recover and rejuvenate,” says wellness expert Dr. Eva Kozura, a practicing Naturopathic doctor, licensed acupuncturist and registered dietician in Seattle. Dr. Kozura’s exposure to natural therapies began early while growing up in Taiwan and Germany and she found that East Asian Medicine and Naturopathy were the two fields that best aligned with her personal values on healthcare.

She’ll speak at juice bar Jujubeet (U Village location) on August 20 as part of the Seattle Health Talk Series in conjunction with Seattle Natural Family & Sports Medicine. Admission is free. Reservations required. More info on their Facebook page.

Like many other natural healing arts, Naturopathy can also help to minimize long term use of prescription meds. Kozura explained to us how Naturopathic primary care offers the best of conventional medical standards of care, continuity with other providers, as well as longer visits with the doctor. She averages 30-45 minutes per typical office visit. 

Acupuncture, a key component in traditional East Asian Medicine is commonly used for pain management. Kozura said the unique feature about this type of pain management is that it is non-addictive (and can be cost effective too). She typically sees a patient for a full 60 minutes if Acupuncture is involved.

One of the most common complaints that Kozura hears about in her clinic involves food allergies and sensitivities. In order to reduce or prevent food sensitivities, it is important to “consciously create relaxation for yourself during mealtimes (no multitasking!) and chew well.” She also emphasized that when taking antibiotics, taking well-studied probiotics timed away from the antibiotic doses is highly recommended. It helps to prevent overgrowth of bacteria that can make you susceptible to developing food allergies and sensitivities. 

As for exercise, Kozura suggests doing anything that you enjoy which helps you break a sweat, 20-30 minutes a day, at least 5 days a week. “Aim for fun and what’s doable first! Then work in cardio, resistance, flexibility and balance training.”

Herewith, more suggestions from the expert: 

Her favorite power food: She has a bunch, but organic berries, chia seeds, pumpkin seeds and seasonal greens top the list. 

To relieve stress: “Surround yourself with people who bring you joy and give you room for exactly who you are.” She warned us that these next few tips may increase stress initially, but ultimately allow you to live larger and live well. “Tune in to what your body’s messages are and follow suit. Look for where you are resisting something in life, and practice letting go of what’s no longer serving you—including that excess resistance.”

Skin saver: “Eat a rainbow of colors in organic fruits and vegetables. Hydrate well, move and sleep!”

Anti-ager: All the wellness practices discussed plus “cultivating attitudes of compassion, resilience, and being your authentic self.”

Lifestyle choice to avoid: “Sitting too long. Sitting for six hours a day has been shown in a recent large study to increase risk of cardiovascular disease and cancers significantly compared with sitting fewer than three hours a day.”

Food to avoid: That spoonful of sugar. “Look at the ingredients lists of your foods and try avoiding any foods with cane sugar or cane syrup for a week. See how you feel at the end of that week.” Tres dificile. 

Local restaurant/eatery with healthy options: “In the U-District area [I like] Chaco Canyon Cafe, Thrive Cafe, Araya’s Thai Vegetarian and Jujubeet Juice Bar.”

What’s Kozura’s living-well mantra? “Discover what fuels your body and soul and pursue that with passion.”