EP4: Holistic Healing with Dr. Celisha Gerber

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Hello, Knoxville. This is Dr. Cherise, the CEO of Corrective Chiropractic in North Knoxville, and I am super excited today. I'm here with my dear friend, Dr. Salicia Gerber. She is also here in Knoxville, a, licensed acupuncturist and naturopath, and she is the founder of ND Care, and welcome, Dr. Salicia. Thank you. Good to have you. Thank you, Dr. Cherise. Good to be here. Yes. As you all know that, we are partnering with like-minded individuals, professionals that have made it their purpose and, mission to help people in Knoxville get healthier. So why don't we start by you telling us a little bit about yourself, Dr. Salicia? Sure. I grew up a child of missionary parents, down in Guatemala. That's where they got married, they converted, and, they had me. So they came to the States to study and begin a chiropractic practice that they worked in for many years, and I'm the oldest of four. All of us went into a health field in some form or fashion. We were raised with the belief that the body's a gift, a vessel that God gave us to care for, to understand, and ultimately, for His glory. So I went on to earn my degree and doctorate in naturopathy, which is natural medicine. It's recognized as a primary care role in some states. so I currently hold my license in Oregon During that time, I became really interested in the physiology behind traditional Chinese medicine. so that led me to complete a dual program, the doctorate and a master's in acupuncture. That's awesome. That's a great combination and, that's why I really love our conversations because we not only are second generation chiropractic kids, if you will, but being in the healthcare field, but also we were raised more holistically. So we have life experience, not just professional experience. Go ahead, continue. So my goal is to be an advocate for the body. I like to help identify, remove obstacles to cure so the body can do what it was designed to. I help people move from distress, chronic symptoms into healing by addressing root causes, not just managing symptoms. That's awesome. That's also our purpose as chiropractors here in, in Knoxville. So, what do you see as far as the biggest health problems in Knoxville? So I see a lot of women, with hormonal imbalances, stress being, the source of that imbalance a lot of times, sleep issues, gut dysfunction, and really people feeling unheard in the system. they go to their doctor and are told, "Oh, your labs are normal," but they don't feel well. And so that's where I step in, and I look at the body, listening to the body from the different angles, looking at labs that they've already had done from a functional medicine point of view, looking at the symptoms, and then helping guide them, based on just simple diet and lifestyle things. Oh, so you, uh, approach also with a functional nutritional aspect of things, in addition to making modifications of environment. Is that what I'm hearing you say? That's correct. our environment has so much of, a piece in how we feel, how we interact with people, how we show up every day. it could be something little as just letting more light into your house, fresh air, getting to sleep on time, little things like that. Exactly. how do you define good health how do you evaluate an individual? Yeah. it's not so much the absence of symptoms, but it's that you are having the energy that you're wanting to have, clarity, peace, and the resilience. When you do get exposed to bacteria, viruses, you're able to bounce back. That's right. That's, such an excellent point. So in essence, a perfectly functioning body would be the highest and best weapon against fighting any disease. Would you agree to that? that's completely correct, yeah. Okay. I'm not sure if you heard our first podcast, but we are 45th in the nation as far as cities in terms of our health. We're not making the grade here in Knoxville, and that's why we, Dr. Trent Hibbard and myself decided to put together this podcast and interview people like yourself. what is the biggest mistake you think people are doing today with their health? Yeah. I feel like it is chasing quick fixes. So they have a symptom, and they're like, "Okay, I want to, stop this symptom." But what they end up doing is they end up pushing it deeper. Exactly. Yeah. Exactly right. And it's not, just because... I call it the microwave fix. They want a quick fix, but that's really not how the body is designed. It is, as you said, designed to f- heal itself when it's functioning properly, and, in doing so, it does take time. your body's always breaking down. It's always repairing, and so you're getting a new stomach lining every so many days and whatnot. So the body's intelligence is so much greater we've ever given it credit for. So I think what you do is really amazing. how can people, get in touch with you? Where are you located, are you, uh, available for new clients if some of our listeners would like to find out more? Yes. So our clinic is in South Knoxville, not too far from the UT campus. we also do home visits if that's needed. I do telehealth medicine, too. so if you can't come to the office, then we can always do it by virtual. so you can find more about us on nd-care.com, ndcare.com. recently we are, about to have a soft launch, uh, of our nonprofit. I was gonna ask you about that. I didn't know if I was... if that was acceptable discussion this morning, so I'm glad you brought it up. Tell us quickly about that. Yeah. So it's gonna be starting now in May, coming up, and it just opens up the ability for those who may not have, finances to start with the full process. They can at least, begin with accessible care, through the community acupuncture. So you can find more about that on our website, or you can go to the nonprofit website called accesspointacupuncture.com. That is so awesome. I just love what you're doing 'cause it creates space for more conversation that go deeper than just symptom management and those that can afford it and those that cannot, you're making a window for opportunity for those people that are less fortunate financially to be able to hopefully get some assistance as well. Because as you and I know, our medical system has got, it's got some flaws in it, and it's really hard for some people to access the right kind of care. It's really great if insurance pays for things, but if it's not what you really need, then it's not really gonna be of benefit. So hats off to you. I think it's wonderful what you're doing, uh, because like you, we're all about tr- true healing, helping the body to really heal the way God designed it to heal. let me just ask you one more thing. What is one simple thing, or give us a, a little bite, a soundbite of what people could do today to be a little healthier? How could they start getting their health in alignment today? So the most simple I tell people is start listening to your body, 'cause a lot of times we squelch what our body is trying to tell us. so things simple like slowing down while you're eating, getting outside daily, prioritizing sleep, just listening to what the body is telling you. Simple habits done consistently can create powerful change. Yes, that is such a powerful statement. I am so grateful. I wanna thank you for coming in today and taking the time out to reach out and to be a guest on the podcast. I've been trying to get you to do so for a while, so I'm really super happy that you were able to place it in your schedule. And listen, folks, if you're looking for someone who has genuine interest in your health and is a true guide for functional nutrition, some acupuncture... I know myself, I think I'm gonna go ahead and get myself signed up for an evaluation so I can be a testimony as well. Then call my friend, Dr. Salicia Gerber, or reach out on her website. So anyway, thank you, Salicia. Thank you, Dr. Cherice. All right. Thank you, Knoxville.