There are some teachers who shape the way you practice medicine long after you leave the classroom, and Dr. Florence “Flo” McPherson is one of those people for me.
Dr. Flo was one of my professors and clinical mentors during my naturopathic medical training, and so many of the ideas that are foundational to the way I practice today were first introduced to me through her. In this conversation, we get to return to one of the biggest questions she taught me to ask: What does it actually mean to heal?
We talk about the vital force, or the vis, and why vitalistic medicine looks beyond simply diagnosing a disease or getting rid of a symptom. Dr. Flo shares how she found homeopathy in her early twenties, why it became a lifelong study, and what more than two decades of practicing classical homeopathy have taught her about the body’s ability to heal.
We also get into what homeopathic prescribing actually looks like, from observing the subtle ways a person expresses their symptoms to understanding the order in which healing can unfold. Dr. Flo explains the difference between classical homeopathy and cell salts, the role of the repertory and materia medica, and why patience and restraint can be just as important as the remedy itself.
If you’ve been curious about homeopathy, vitalistic medicine, or what it really means to work with your body rather than only treating its symptoms, this episode is for you.
In this episode, we cover:
● 01:13 Meet Dr. Flo
● 04:32 How Dr. Flo found homeopathy
● 06:35 Why homeopathy became a lifelong study
● 08:28 What is the vital force?
● 14:36 The role of observation and restraint in homeopathy
● 18:15 The naturopathic principles behind healing
● 20:26 What long-term healing can look like
● 23:14 Triage, medication, and working as part of a healthcare team
● 27:06 What Dr. Flo means by a “green pharmacy”
● 29:03 How classical homeopathy actually works
● 31:03 Understanding the order of healing
● 34:47 What it means to live vitalistically
● 36:52 Why clinical training matters in naturopathic medicine
● 38:26 Preserving the wisdom of nature cure
● 40:22 When modern microbiome science meets naturopathic medicine
● 42:18 Bowel nosodes, biofilms, and the microbiome
● 44:25 Homeopathy vs. cell salts
● 48:12 How a remedy can affect the vital force
● 51:55 Understanding the repertory and materia medica
● 54:40 A vitalistic approach to menopause
● 59:07 Aging with vitality
Links and resources:
● Dr. Flo McPherson Website: drflomcpherson.com
● Episode 55. The Healing Power of Nature: Understanding Vis Medicatrix Naturae: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/55-the-healing-power-of-nature-understanding/id1790365046?i=1000760210568
● 59 Part 1. Homeopathy in Perimenopause: What Your Symptoms Are Really Saying: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/59-part-1-homeopathy-in-perimenopause-what-your-symptoms/id1790365046?i=1000768705747
● 59 Part 2. Homeopathy in Perimenopause: What Your Symptoms Are Really Saying: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/59-part-2-homeopathy-in-perimenopause-what-your-symptoms/id1790365046?i=1000769789282
Connect with Dr. Kelly:
Website: drkellylivingston.com
Website Clinic: rootsdeepmedicine.com
Instagram: instagram.com/thevitalspiritmethod/
Facebook: facebook.com/rootsdeepnaturopathicmedicine
YouTube: youtube.com/@DrKellyLivingston
Thank you so much for joining The Vital Spirit Podcast.
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Remember, healing isn’t a destination; it’s a journey. Every step brings you closer to the vibrant health you were born to experience. Let’s walk this path together.
If you’re ready to dive deeper or work with me one-on-one, visit www.drkellylivingston.com for more resources and ways to connect.
Disclaimer:
The information shared on The Vital Spirit Podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. The content reflects the opinions and experiences of Dr. Kelly Livingston, ND, and her guests, and is not a substitute for personalized care from a licensed healthcare provider. Always consult your doctor or qualified health professional before making changes to your diet, supplement routine, lifestyle, or medical treatment. Listening to this podcast does not establish a doctor-patient relationship.
