Podcast Episode 177: When Symptoms Are Only “Leaves”: Uncovering Hidden Root Causes

When something feels wrong in the body, the instinct is to treat whatever symptom shows up. But what if the symptom is not actually the problem? In this episode, Dr. Holly Carling and Alicia explore why chasing symptoms can leave people stuck in a cycle of feeling better, then worse again, and what it actually looks like to address the root cause.

Using the image of a tree, Dr. Holly explains that symptoms are like leaves. They are visible, they signal that something is wrong, and they matter. But leaves respond to what is happening at the roots. When we only suppress symptoms without asking why they appeared, the body finds another way to communicate. 

Whether you have ever wondered why your labs look normal but you still do not feel well, or why treating one issue seems to trigger another, this podcast episode will help you make sense of that pattern.

In this episode:

  • Why symptoms are signals, not the source, and what it means to look for root causes in a physiological, practical way
  • How the body reroutes stress when core systems are under strain, causing symptoms to shift or multiply
  • Why conditions like high blood pressure and elevated cholesterol are worth investigating rather than simply suppressing
  • How acupuncture works at the level of the nervous system and core body systems to support true healing rather than symptom management
Picture of Dr. Holly Carling

Dr. Holly Carling

Dr. Holly Carling is a Doctor of Oriental Medicine, Licensed Acupuncturist, Doctor of Naturopathy, Clinical Nutritionist and Master Herbologist with nearly four decades of experience. Dr. Carling is a “Health Detective,” she looks beyond your symptom picture and investigates WHY you are experiencing your symptoms in the first place. Dr. Carling considers herself a “professional student” – she has attended more than 600 post-secondary education courses related to health and healing. Dr. Carling gives lectures here in the U.S. and internationally and has been noted as the “Doctor’s Doctor”. When other healthcare practitioners hit a roadblock when treating their patients nutritionally, Dr. Carling is who they call. Dr. Carling is currently accepting new patients and offers natural health care services and whole food nutritional supplements in her Coeur d’ Alene clinic.

Medical/Health Disclaimer:

The information provided in this article or podcast should not be construed as personal medical advice or instruction. No action should be taken based solely on the contents of this article or podcast. Readers/listeners should consult appropriate health professionals on any matter relating to their health and well-being. The information and opinions provided here are believed to be accurate and sound, based on the best judgment available to the author, but readers/listeners who fail to consult appropriate health authorities assume the risk of any injuries.

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