The Most Underused Medical Tools: Natural Healing Is Hiding in Plain Sight
In a world of high-tech health gadgets and pharmaceutical solutions, it’s easy to overlook the most potent healing tools of all—those we’re born with, surrounded by, or can access freely every day. No prescription, no insurance, no waiting room required. These underused “tools” may not come in a bottle or device, but they profoundly impact how we feel, heal, and function. From sunlight and sleep to nature, earthing, and magnesium, these forgotten forces are foundational to human health. In this blog, we’ll explore 12 of the most underused medical tools from your graphic—and why bringing them back into your life could be the most important thing you do for your health.
Fasting
Fasting is not about deprivation—it’s about restoration. Giving your body a break from constant digestion allows it to shift into repair mode, reduce inflammation, and activate cellular cleanup known as autophagy. Health benefits of fasting include improved insulin sensitivity and blood sugar regulation, reduced inflammation and oxidative stress, enhanced cognitive clarity and focus, stimulated mitochondrial health and longevity pathways, and better gut rest and microbiome balance. Even simple practices like intermittent fasting (12–16 hours) or occasional 24-hour fasts can profoundly shift your biology toward healing.
Sunlight
We’ve been taught to fear the sun—but the truth is, safe sun exposure is essential for human health. When your skin is exposed to sunlight, it produces vitamin D, a hormone critical for immunity, mood, and calcium balance. Benefits of sunlight include boosting vitamin D levels for immune and bone health, regulating circadian rhythm and improving sleep, enhancing serotonin production (your feel-good brain chemical), and supporting skin health and hormonal balance. Aim for 10–30 minutes of morning sunlight on your skin and eyes (without sunglasses or sunscreen) whenever possible.
Sleep
Sleep is the body’s master repair system. It’s during sleep that we detox, rebuild, consolidate memories, balance hormones, and regulate inflammation. Lack of sleep is linked to increased risk of obesity, diabetes, depression, and Alzheimer’s, weakened immunity, hormonal dysregulation (especially cortisol and insulin), and slower healing and recovery. To optimize sleep, keep a regular schedule, avoid screens 1–2 hours before bed, minimize caffeine after noon, and create a cool, dark, quiet sleep environment. Sleep isn’t lazy. It’s medicine.
Nature
Humans are designed to live in rhythm with nature. Yet today, many of us are stuck in artificial environments 90% of the time. Nature offers stress reduction and lower cortisol, improved focus, creativity, and memory, immune-boosting effects via exposure to phytoncides (plant compounds), and better mood, less anxiety and depression. Even a 15-minute walk in a park, time in a garden, or forest bathing (shinrin-yoku) has measurable health benefits.
Organic Food
Food isn’t just fuel—it’s information. Organic food offers a cleaner, more nutrient-dense way to nourish your body without pesticide exposure, GMOs, or synthetic additives. Benefits of choosing organic include higher antioxidant levels, reduced exposure to hormone-disrupting chemicals, better soil health (which translates to better gut health), and ethical, sustainable farming practices. Choose organic when possible, especially for high-pesticide items like berries, leafy greens, and apples (aka the Dirty Dozen).
Exercise
Exercise is not just for weight loss—it’s a full-body therapeutic practice. Regular movement boosts every organ system and turns on anti-aging, anti-inflammatory pathways. Benefits include increased mitochondrial efficiency, enhanced circulation and lymphatic drainage, better blood sugar control, reduced depression and anxiety, and stronger bones, muscles, and brain. Find movement you enjoy—walking, dancing, strength training, swimming, yoga. It doesn’t have to be intense—it just needs to be consistent.
Heat and Cold Exposure
Temperature-based therapies are gaining mainstream traction for good reason. Both heat (saunas) and cold (ice baths, cold showers) stress the body in positive ways, boosting resilience and longevity. Benefits of heat (saunas) include detoxification through sweat, improved cardiovascular health, increased heat shock proteins (linked to longevity), and pain and stiffness relief. Benefits of cold include reduced inflammation, improved mood and dopamine levels, metabolic and immune stimulation, and better circulation and fat metabolism. Try alternating sauna and cold plunges, or finish showers with 30–60 seconds of cold.
Salt
Salt has been unfairly demonized, but the truth is: natural, unrefined salt is essential for hydration, adrenal support, and cellular function. Benefits of good salt (e.g., Himalayan or Celtic sea salt) include providing trace minerals like magnesium and potassium, supporting electrolyte balance, improving stomach acid and digestion, and helping with energy, cravings, and hormone regulation. Ditch the bleached table salt and season generously with mineral-rich salt—especially if you’re eating whole foods or sweating often.
Magnesium
Magnesium is involved in over 300 enzymatic processes—yet most people are deficient due to depleted soils, stress, and poor absorption. Magnesium supports sleep and relaxation, muscle and nerve function, blood pressure regulation, blood sugar control, hormonal balance, and PMS relief. Sources include leafy greens, seeds, cacao, and supplements like magnesium glycinate or magnesium malate. Topical magnesium sprays or Epsom salt baths are also effective.
Earthing (Grounding)
Modern life has disconnected us from the Earth. Walking barefoot on grass, sand, or soil helps neutralize inflammation and supports circadian rhythm regulation. How earthing works: the Earth carries a negative charge. Your body accumulates positive (inflammatory) charge. Direct skin contact with Earth restores electrical balance. Benefits include reduced chronic pain and inflammation, improved sleep, lower cortisol and anxiety, and faster recovery from stress or injury. Start with 10–20 minutes a day, barefoot in nature. Bonus: combine earthing with sunlight and nature time.
Meditation
Mental stillness is a healing superpower. Meditation improves brain plasticity, reduces stress hormones, and activates the parasympathetic nervous system—your “rest and digest” state. Benefits of daily meditation include reduced anxiety and depression, enhanced emotional regulation, better sleep and focus, lower blood pressure and heart rate, and deeper connection to self and inner guidance. Even 5–10 minutes a day can reshape your brain and physiology. Try breath awareness, body scans, or guided meditations.
Laughter
Laughter truly is medicine. It lights up the brain, releases endorphins, and enhances immunity—while reducing stress and social tension. Laughter triggers increased oxygen intake, relaxation of muscles and nervous system, boosted immune cells and antibodies, improved mood and resilience. Watch a comedy, play with your kids, or recall a funny moment. Laughter isn’t frivolous—it’s a powerful biological reset.
Final Thoughts: The Best “Medicine” Isn’t Found in a Pharmacy
We’ve been taught to look outside ourselves for healing—pills, procedures, high-tech solutions. But real, lasting wellness often begins with going back to basics. Fasting. Sleep. Sunshine. Movement. Stillness. Nature. These tools may not come with marketing campaigns or insurance codes—but they’re free, effective, and waiting for you to remember their power. Start with one. Then layer another. Soon, you’ll find that your energy, clarity, and resilience aren’t things to chase—they’re natural outcomes of living in rhythm with what your body truly needs.
Recommended Recipes
The Most Underused Medical Tools: Natural Healing Is Hiding in Plain Sight
Kirsten Hamilton
In a world of high-tech health gadgets and pharmaceutical solutions, it’s easy to overlook the most potent healing tools of all—those we’re born with, surrounded by, or can access freely every day. No prescription, no insurance, no waiting room required. These underused “tools” may not come in a bottle or device, but they profoundly impact how we feel, heal, and function. From sunlight and sleep to nature, earthing, and magnesium, these forgotten forces are foundational to human health. In this blog, we’ll explore 12 of the most underused medical tools from your graphic—and why bringing them back into your life could be the most important thing you do for your health.
Fasting
Fasting is not about deprivation—it’s about restoration. Giving your body a break from constant digestion allows it to shift into repair mode, reduce inflammation, and activate cellular cleanup known as autophagy. Health benefits of fasting include improved insulin sensitivity and blood sugar regulation, reduced inflammation and oxidative stress, enhanced cognitive clarity and focus, stimulated mitochondrial health and longevity pathways, and better gut rest and microbiome balance. Even simple practices like intermittent fasting (12–16 hours) or occasional 24-hour fasts can profoundly shift your biology toward healing.
Sunlight
We’ve been taught to fear the sun—but the truth is, safe sun exposure is essential for human health. When your skin is exposed to sunlight, it produces vitamin D, a hormone critical for immunity, mood, and calcium balance. Benefits of sunlight include boosting vitamin D levels for immune and bone health, regulating circadian rhythm and improving sleep, enhancing serotonin production (your feel-good brain chemical), and supporting skin health and hormonal balance. Aim for 10–30 minutes of morning sunlight on your skin and eyes (without sunglasses or sunscreen) whenever possible.
Sleep
Sleep is the body’s master repair system. It’s during sleep that we detox, rebuild, consolidate memories, balance hormones, and regulate inflammation. Lack of sleep is linked to increased risk of obesity, diabetes, depression, and Alzheimer’s, weakened immunity, hormonal dysregulation (especially cortisol and insulin), and slower healing and recovery. To optimize sleep, keep a regular schedule, avoid screens 1–2 hours before bed, minimize caffeine after noon, and create a cool, dark, quiet sleep environment. Sleep isn’t lazy. It’s medicine.
Nature
Humans are designed to live in rhythm with nature. Yet today, many of us are stuck in artificial environments 90% of the time. Nature offers stress reduction and lower cortisol, improved focus, creativity, and memory, immune-boosting effects via exposure to phytoncides (plant compounds), and better mood, less anxiety and depression. Even a 15-minute walk in a park, time in a garden, or forest bathing (shinrin-yoku) has measurable health benefits.
Organic Food
Food isn’t just fuel—it’s information. Organic food offers a cleaner, more nutrient-dense way to nourish your body without pesticide exposure, GMOs, or synthetic additives. Benefits of choosing organic include higher antioxidant levels, reduced exposure to hormone-disrupting chemicals, better soil health (which translates to better gut health), and ethical, sustainable farming practices. Choose organic when possible, especially for high-pesticide items like berries, leafy greens, and apples (aka the Dirty Dozen).
Exercise
Exercise is not just for weight loss—it’s a full-body therapeutic practice. Regular movement boosts every organ system and turns on anti-aging, anti-inflammatory pathways. Benefits include increased mitochondrial efficiency, enhanced circulation and lymphatic drainage, better blood sugar control, reduced depression and anxiety, and stronger bones, muscles, and brain. Find movement you enjoy—walking, dancing, strength training, swimming, yoga. It doesn’t have to be intense—it just needs to be consistent.
Heat and Cold Exposure
Temperature-based therapies are gaining mainstream traction for good reason. Both heat (saunas) and cold (ice baths, cold showers) stress the body in positive ways, boosting resilience and longevity. Benefits of heat (saunas) include detoxification through sweat, improved cardiovascular health, increased heat shock proteins (linked to longevity), and pain and stiffness relief. Benefits of cold include reduced inflammation, improved mood and dopamine levels, metabolic and immune stimulation, and better circulation and fat metabolism. Try alternating sauna and cold plunges, or finish showers with 30–60 seconds of cold.
Salt
Salt has been unfairly demonized, but the truth is: natural, unrefined salt is essential for hydration, adrenal support, and cellular function. Benefits of good salt (e.g., Himalayan or Celtic sea salt) include providing trace minerals like magnesium and potassium, supporting electrolyte balance, improving stomach acid and digestion, and helping with energy, cravings, and hormone regulation. Ditch the bleached table salt and season generously with mineral-rich salt—especially if you’re eating whole foods or sweating often.
Magnesium
Magnesium is involved in over 300 enzymatic processes—yet most people are deficient due to depleted soils, stress, and poor absorption. Magnesium supports sleep and relaxation, muscle and nerve function, blood pressure regulation, blood sugar control, hormonal balance, and PMS relief. Sources include leafy greens, seeds, cacao, and supplements like magnesium glycinate or magnesium malate. Topical magnesium sprays or Epsom salt baths are also effective.
Earthing (Grounding)
Modern life has disconnected us from the Earth. Walking barefoot on grass, sand, or soil helps neutralize inflammation and supports circadian rhythm regulation. How earthing works: the Earth carries a negative charge. Your body accumulates positive (inflammatory) charge. Direct skin contact with Earth restores electrical balance. Benefits include reduced chronic pain and inflammation, improved sleep, lower cortisol and anxiety, and faster recovery from stress or injury. Start with 10–20 minutes a day, barefoot in nature. Bonus: combine earthing with sunlight and nature time.
Meditation
Mental stillness is a healing superpower. Meditation improves brain plasticity, reduces stress hormones, and activates the parasympathetic nervous system—your “rest and digest” state. Benefits of daily meditation include reduced anxiety and depression, enhanced emotional regulation, better sleep and focus, lower blood pressure and heart rate, and deeper connection to self and inner guidance. Even 5–10 minutes a day can reshape your brain and physiology. Try breath awareness, body scans, or guided meditations.
Laughter
Laughter truly is medicine. It lights up the brain, releases endorphins, and enhances immunity—while reducing stress and social tension. Laughter triggers increased oxygen intake, relaxation of muscles and nervous system, boosted immune cells and antibodies, improved mood and resilience. Watch a comedy, play with your kids, or recall a funny moment. Laughter isn’t frivolous—it’s a powerful biological reset.
Final Thoughts: The Best “Medicine” Isn’t Found in a Pharmacy
We’ve been taught to look outside ourselves for healing—pills, procedures, high-tech solutions. But real, lasting wellness often begins with going back to basics. Fasting. Sleep. Sunshine. Movement. Stillness. Nature. These tools may not come with marketing campaigns or insurance codes—but they’re free, effective, and waiting for you to remember their power. Start with one. Then layer another. Soon, you’ll find that your energy, clarity, and resilience aren’t things to chase—they’re natural outcomes of living in rhythm with what your body truly needs.
The Wellness Menu values your privacy and keeps your personal information secure. We use your data only to provide and improve our services and never share it with third parties unless required by law. By using our website, you agree to this policy.
GIPHY App Key not set. Please check settings