Surrey Naturopath, Dr. Neil Tessler’s Videos

About Homeopathy

I went to India when I was 18.

And when I was there, I discovered homeopathy because, during the time that I was there, there are different illnesses that you’re going to get. At the meditation center where I was staying, homeopathy was the main medicine that was available.

Homeopathy’s primary principle is what they call the “law of similars.” The principle is that the most effective medicine in the treatment of illness is one that, when given to healthy people, can cause a very similar pattern of symptoms. So you’re matching the symptomology of the patient to the symptomology of the medicine. There has to be a resonance between the two.

Taking a homeopathic remedy is much easier, I find, than conventional medicine. I found that I had an immediate effect, and for me, there were no side effects.

Regular medicine and conventional medicine are interested in making a diagnosis and then prescribing a treatment for that diagnosis. In natural medicine, specifically homeopathy, we’re interested in the uniqueness of the individual—what makes this person unique from all other people with a condition like this. The solution we create is truly holistic, and it relates to their unique circumstance and pattern.

My philosophy of practice is that each product or remedy you give someone is a piece of information. You want to keep it as simple as possible so that the body can process that information. You allow time to see what feedback the body gives.

I don’t like programs that are very complex and supply a lot of different supplements and other remedies because it’s too much information for a sensitive organism. It can create more disorder instead of order, and you don’t know what is working when you do that.

My approach is to prescribe the minimum necessary to initiate the body’s self-healing function. I have referred other friends to Dr. Tessler through the years, and I know that the ones I referred also found the same. They were very fascinated by how powerful homeopathic treatment can be, as opposed to conventional medicine.

After looking at all my options, I chose to go to naturopathic college because I recognized in naturopathic medicine a complete medical training. There was a legal foundation in British Columbia, where I practiced, and so I was able to get the medical background as well as skills in other areas of natural medicine that gave me a more complete foundation for creating a practice.

About the Clinic

I recognized in homeopathy the answer to certain questions I had about natural medicine generally that I did not find in other forms of natural medicine at that time. Conventional medicine, their interest is to make a diagnosis and prescribe a treatment for that diagnosis. In natural medicine, specifically homeopathy, we’re interested in the uniqueness of the individual—what makes this person unique from all other people with a condition like this. So, the solution that we create is truly holistic, and it relates to their unique circumstances and pattern.

We’re looking at the individual as a whole. What does that mean? Each person will come in with a main complaint, but in reality, when you start to go more deeply into the issue, it always ties into the totality of the individual: their personality, their life circumstances, their history—these all make a total pattern. In homeopathy, you’re always seeking to understand the total pattern of the individual rather than just one symptom or the other.

I was surprised initially at how thorough Dr. Tessler was—the amount of questioning and really taking the time to dig deep into the issues that I was having, covering all my needs. Originally, I came because I had a skin infection, but after, I can’t remember, I think we spent almost two hours and realized that there were a lot of physical and emotional issues going on from the past that were carrying on into my present. It turned out to have nothing to do with the skin infection. The skin infection was just a symptom of something bigger and deeper.

If you take the time to listen to the patient, if you create the space for the unique individual to truly enter and reveal themselves, you will be much more able to understand the nature and the roots of the condition they’re suffering from, whether they be psychological, social, nutritional, or anything else—much more so than in the speedy process that goes on in a modern medical clinic.

If I had not had that treatment, I don’t know if I’d even be here today, honestly. It’s the reason why I’m still here. Dr. Tessler was able to help me, especially the second time, in ways that conventional medicine never could. It’s very powerful for me to affirm the utility of my remedies and the products I work with when I see the person over a month, two months, or three months gradually transformed into much better condition.

After I took the remedy, a lot of my fears went away, my anxiety subsided, I had peace of mind, and I was able to see clearly what was going on in my life and remove a lot of the excess, extra stuff—overall a feeling of just well-being.

Each individual’s circumstance and total pattern of health is unique. It’s necessary to create a solution that’s appropriate to that individual. There is no prepackaged solution for any given condition. Each person is unique, and the solution they need will be unique to them. But we have to take the time to truly understand that person and their unique needs in order to create that unique solution.

I find Dr. Tessler to be very warm and compassionate. He’s very caring, and it’s a real comfort when you have somebody who actually takes the time to listen.

Regenerative Nutrition Series: 5 Part Series!

Regenerative Nutrition – Part 1

Our purpose in creating this program / Two reliable truisms / What is Regenerative Nutrition / What is nourishment / The purpose of eating well / The power of choice / Current disturbing health trends / The ethics of dietary choices / Some lessons and influences in my food explorations / A very brief look at homeopathy.

Welcome to Part One of Regenerative Nutrition

Thank you so much for choosing to take a closer look at our Regenerated Nutrition Program. It’s our goal to bring you perspectives and concepts that will spark your thoughts and imagination. At the same time, it’s our sincere hope that you will find this information not only rich with ideas but also practical and inspiring to put into practice.

This is Dr. Neil Tessler, and it’s my purpose in creating this program to provide you with a unique overview of plant-based nutrition and an introduction to nutritional and herbal supplementation for accelerating your health and wellness for life. There is so much more as we learn some of the core principles and philosophies that will help you make sense of the whole arena of health. These principles will have a direct impact on many, if not all, areas of your life—not just your diet. This is a big-picture journey.

The Regenerative Nutrition Program is a four-part series, of which this is part one. In part one, I’ll share some of the experiences that helped develop my understanding of natural food diets and also food facts. We’re going to take a look at some of the reasons why moving towards a natural food diet is so important. Finally, I’m going to share a little bit about homeopathy, which is the core of my professional practice.

I began the study and practice of natural food diets in the fall of 1971 and have been a licensed naturopathic physician in practice in British Columbia since 1984. It’s my privilege to share with you insights and information gleaned from over 40 years of experience, research, and reflection, as well as perspectives gained from over 30 years of professional naturopathic practice.

Eating a diet that is primarily plant-based, using natural, minimally refined foods, is a positive benefit to better health, to planetary health, and to mankind’s future. The second principle, though, is that it’s far worse to criticize others for not emulating one’s own dietary choices than to actually eat the offending foods. While it’s important to make great choices for oneself, it’s just as important to lead by example and avoid judgment of others who don’t make the same choice.

The simple act of turning towards a diet that is primarily plant-based is itself an enormous and deeply meaningful contribution to the present and future of life on Earth. We cannot truly grow as a species as long as we turn our backs on the moral consequences of our choices, both as individuals and as a culture.

Through many experiments and experiences with food in my teens and early 20s, I came exactly back to the idea of balance, which was, for me, within the vegetarian context. I learned to pay attention to what felt right for my body, and I learned that this was centered around whole grains, legumes, vegetables, fruits, nuts, and seeds—cooked and raw and organic as feasible.

Regenerative Nutrition – Part 2

The meaning of the term “natural” / Human manipulation of the natural world / Our role in relation to the natural world / Humans and plants / The globalization of food and plant medicines / Economic forces acting on food culture / The power of choice (again) / Self-Care / What is health / Core awareness principles of better health and healthy living / Practices for prevention.

Welcome to Part Two of Regenerative Nutrition

REGENERATIVE NUTRITION: FOOD FOR BODY, MIND, AND SPIRIT

Welcome to Regenerative Nutrition, Part Two. By the way, as we go through this, if questions or thoughts come up, I certainly invite you to write me personally. I want you to know that I’m very excited that you’ve signed on for the ride, so without further ado, let’s get started.

Since we’re talking about natural food nutrition, let’s talk about what we mean when we use the much-abused term “natural.” The world outside our human-created, metallic, nylon, blacktop world is the natural world—a fountain of life, where all things, animate and inanimate, are intricately interwoven in a network of relationships that is subtle, vast, and interdependent.

All of the natural world—from the currents of water and air to plants, insects, and the animal kingdoms—functions as a dynamically interactive system in which every part is nourished and provides nourishment. The human capacity to cultivate nature is akin to a guitarist playing upon the strings of their instrument to create beautiful music.

A human being is part of the whole we call the universe. Limited in time and space, we experience ourselves, our thoughts, and feelings as something separated from the rest—an optical delusion of consciousness. Our task must be to free ourselves from this prison by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature in its beauty.

The word sustainability comes to mind as a basic value. Why not build our civilization sustainably as a primary value? It’s important to appreciate the intricacy of our co-evolutionary relationship with plants. Plants provide a remarkable array of bioactive substances that can positively impact every area of our health for prevention, optimization, and treatment.

One of the themes I’ve been presenting so far is the importance of taking personal responsibility for our choices. We owe it to our existence to take good care of ourselves and care for others. What does everyone want at the heart of it? We all want to be the best we can be and find a way to help others.

WHAT IS HEALTH? Freedom Mentally, Emotionally, and Physically. Freedom mentally is clarity, coherence, and creativity. Emotional health is the ability to feel a range of emotions without being fixated. Physical health is freedom from limiting physical discomforts.

When we discuss nutrition, we are really discussing the foundations of how we shall live in a manner that is righteous and effective.

Regenerative Nutrition – Part 3

Air and Water: The Foundation of Regenerative Nutrition

There is no living organism that does not depend on air and water. Therefore, we should regard these as the first foundation of regenerative nutrition. Breath is life, and next is water. We should drink plenty of pure water, which cleanses and nourishes our entire system, and take time to open our chest and breathe deeply.

Welcome to Part Three of Regenerative Nutrition

Deep Breathing: Alkalinity and Anxiety Management

The best way to maintain healthy alkalinity in your body is deep breathing. Deep, slow inhalations and exhalations alkalize the body. They nourish every cell, which requires oxygen to generate the energy that drives repair. Deep breathing with attention can be a very powerful way to come out of an anxious state. Learning how to draw air down into your belly and imagining the energy of breath moving through your body is a grounding exercise.

Breath Control Techniques from Ancient Traditions

Many world traditions teach methods of breath control. In yoga, pranayama is the art of breath—extending the simple act of breathing in specific ways as a conscious method of cultivating life force, or prana. The core idea is to practice plenty of deep breaths and drink plenty of fresh water.

The Metabolic Seesaw of Damage and Repair

Steven Triski’s model of the metabolic seesaw explains the balance between damage and repair in our bodies. When young, repair is high. By age 30, damage and repair are balanced. As we age, damage increases and repair decreases. Health practices aim to reduce damage and enhance repair, maintaining balance and vitality.

Blood Sugar, Insulin Resistance, and Cellular Health

Blood sugar management is crucial for health. Spikes in blood sugar cause cardiovascular and systemic damage, and excess sugar is stored as fat. Insulin resistance can develop over time, regardless of body size, affecting how the body processes sugar.

Understanding Glycemic Index and Glycemic Load

Glycemic index ranks foods based on their short-term impact on blood sugar. Glycemic load considers the actual portion consumed, providing a more accurate reflection of a food’s impact. Prioritizing foods with a low glycemic load can help manage blood sugar levels effectively.

Regenerative Nutrition – Part 4

Introduction to Part Four of Regenerative Nutrition

The keys to tipping the see-saw in your favor / Natural food diet / Conventional diet of my youth / Digestion and absorption / Fermented foods and probiotics / Whole grains / Whole grain controversy / Wheat controversy / Modern food sensitivity and the history of breastfeeding / Changing our relationship to wheat / Fiber: its function and role in health.

Welcome to Part Four of Regenerative Nutrition

Now, I’d say we’re getting well into the nitty-gritty of the food and nutrition aspect of our presentation. The keys to tipping the metabolic seesaw in your favor nutritionally are as follows:

A foundation natural food diet
Core nutrient supplements
Specialized nutritional and botanical supplementation

Understanding Superfoods and Their Role

Superfoods are defined as foods that provide deep, powerful restorative nourishment. Originally, I had superfoods as a separate category, but I realized that many of the so-called superfoods, such as berries, nuts, seeds, broccoli, and garlic, ought to be simply part of our normal diet.

Reflecting on Conventional Diets and Personal Experience

I grew up in a conventional Canadian family and ate the conventional foods of that era: lots of meat, sugar, milk, white bread, and processed foods. In those days, a sugar bowl was always on the table. These were the foods of my youth, with one fine exception: Kasha, or buckwheat groats, was something my grandmother made, and I loved it.

Digestion and Absorption: Keys to Nutritional Efficiency

Digestive efficiency is crucial. Digestion and absorption are affected by what, how, and when you eat. Issues like excessive gas, bloating, or general indigestion may indicate a deficiency in stomach acid, particularly in those over the age of 45.

The Role of Probiotics and Fermented Foods

Maintaining healthy GI function is essential. Fermented foods like miso, yogurt, kimchi, and kombucha promote a healthy bacterial balance. Probiotic supplementation supports GI health, nutrient absorption, and overall well-being.

The Whole Grain Debate: Tradition vs. Modern Criticism

I love whole grains such as buckwheat, millet, and rice. These grains are grounding, filling, and nourishing. Despite modern criticism, there is substantial research supporting the health benefits of whole grains.

Examining the Evolutionary Perspective on Grains

Some argue that our relationship with grains is unnatural due to the relatively short evolutionary period of grain consumption. However, evidence shows that grains have been used as food for approximately 100,000 years, suggesting significant adaptation.

Regenerative Nutrition – Part 5

Sensitive self-awareness and diet / Beans and other legumes / Soy foods and soy controversy / Anti-nutrients / The rainbow of plant food / Phytochemicals and some examples of phytochemical-rich foods / Specialized foods – (grasses, algae, sea plants) / Berries / Juice / Herbs and spices / Herbal medicine / Herbal medicine and homeopathy in 19th century America / Reliability of herbs / Adaptogens and some examples / Mushrooms / Other herbs / Supplements: three categories / Vitamin controversy / Macronutrients / Protein and protein supplements / Oils / Micronutrients – vitamins and minerals / Specialized supplements.

Welcome to Part Five of Regenerative Nutrition

I hope you’ve made many discoveries and had inspirations along the way. We will continue our food journey and then move into herbs and supplements, with a short history lesson tucked in as well.

Beans & Lentils

Beans offer a wide range of nutrients, including protein, minerals, and fiber. They help prevent diabetes, obesity, and heart disease. Soybeans, a special case among legumes, are best consumed as tofu, tempeh, edamame, and miso. Moderate soy intake is recommended for those with thyroid conditions.

Anti-Nutrients: Lectins and Phytates

Lectins in beans can cause digestive issues if not prepared properly. Soaking and cooking reduce lectins. Phytic acid in grains, beans, and nuts can interfere with mineral absorption, but soaking and fermenting help reduce its levels.

Nutrition and Color

Eating colorful plant foods captures their health benefits. Phytochemicals from these foods play crucial roles in maintaining health. Juicing can increase nutrient intake, but prolonged juice fasting without protein can lead to muscle loss.

Medicinal Herbs and Adaptogens

Adaptogens like Ginseng, Rhodiola, and Ashwagandha help the body adapt to stress, support immune function, and balance hormones. Mushrooms such as shiitake, reishi, and cordyceps strengthen immune function.

Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera supports gastrointestinal health and collagen production. It has anti-inflammatory effects and benefits skin health.

Supplements

Supplements are categorized as core nutrients, specialized botanicals, and targeted nutrients. Vitamins, minerals, and protein supplements are essential for maintaining health.

Conclusion

We’ve explored plant-based foods, medicinal herbs, and supplements. I hope you’ve found the information valuable and feel inspired to continue your health journey. Special thanks to Jason McMillan for his contributions to this project.