Generalised Tics: A Holistic Approach
Following on from last week's conversation with Enza Spagnolo, Mum of Nathan who first experienced tics on a long haul flight to Europe, we take a deep dive into the case with ReMed naturopath Anna MacWilliams. Anna specialises in paediatric care, she discusses her decision to DNA testing, conventional blood testing and Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis. She also unravels two of the priority genes for Nathan and how her treatment approach has led to a complete resolution of his tics, plus so much more.
Covered in This Episode
1:03 Meet Anna McWilliams: From Forestry to Naturopathy
Anna shares her background as a forester and her transition to naturopathy after seeking natural health care during her first pregnancy,
2:55 Focus on Paediatric Care
Anna discusses her passion for helping parents, particularly mothers, navigate their child's health challenges with a holistic approach.
4:36 Case Study: Generalised Tics in Children
The case of an 8-year-old experiencing tics, emotional dysregulation, and fatigue. Discussion of common tic presentations and related challenges like anxiety, ADHD, and gut issues.
6:33 Understanding Tics and Their Causes
An explanation of tics as excessive dopamine activity in the brain's basal ganglia. Multifactorial causes include genetics, nutritional deficiencies, oxidative stress, and environmental triggers. The impact of stress, screen time, and post-COVID anxiety on nervous system health.
13:01 Genetic Testing and Treatment Approaches
The importance of genetic testing for neurological presentations like tics. Key findings in the case study including slow MAO-A and reduced CoQ10 to ubiquinol conversion. Targeted treatments: ginkgo for neurotransmitter balance ubiquinol for energy production.
24:58 Holistic Care and Flower Essences
Anna explains the use of Australian bushflower essences to support emotional well-being. Flower essences like Five Corners, Bauhinia, and Tall Yellowtop were used to enhance confidence, persistence, and emotional adjustment.
28:12 Success Story
Anna shares her remarkable improvements in the case study, including the resolution of tics, better emotional regulation, improved focus, and enhanced energy. Positive feedback from the patient's teachers and mother on his transformation.
Resources and Links
Naturopath, Anna MacWilliams is passionate about improving the health of children – with two boys of her own, she understands firsthand the juggles of a parent and applies naturopathic treatment in a practical and supportive way.
Having trained under the guidance of leading paediatric naturopath Keonie Moore, Anna is experienced in working with complex neurodevelopmental cases such as PANS/PANDAS, Autism and ADHD. Cutting edge treatments include nutrigenomics (DNA) testing and gut microbiome treatment is often used for such cases, and Anna finds it incredibly rewarding to see children making gains and having lasting benefits beyond their appointments.
