Ever wondered why you’re still exhausted despite doing all the “right” things? In this eye-opening interview, Anthia, a naturopath with over 30 years of experience, reveals the missing piece most people overlook when it comes to healing: your nervous system. From losing the business she’d built over decades to discovering the profound impact of polyvagal theory and parts work, she shares how understanding whether you’re stuck in fight-or-flight can completely transform your approach to chronic health issues.
Join us as we explore the intersection of ancient wisdom and modern science, diving into why healing isn’t just individual but collective, and how our disconnection from natural rhythms sits at the root of persistent symptoms. Anthia opens up about her concept of ‘first aid’ - creating capacity before deep healing - and makes a compelling case for forgotten tools like bitter and sour foods for nervous system regulation. Whether you’re dealing with chronic fatigue, gut issues, or simply feeling overwhelmed, this conversation offers a completely different lens to understand what’s really happening in your body.
What you’ll learn:
What naturopathy really is and how it differs from conventional medicine
The polyvagal theory: understanding fight-or-flight vs rest-and-digest states
Why creating “capacity” through first aid comes before deeper healing work
How parts work (Internal Family Systems) helps untangle chronic stress patterns
The real underlying causes of chronic and persistent symptoms
Why bitter and sour foods are overlooked tools for nervous system regulation
How healing is collective, not just individual and why that matters
The barriers to healing that go beyond diet and exercise
Why we’ve lost touch with circadian, seasonal, and natural rhythms
Practical steps to begin calming your nervous system
In this episode, we cover:
00:00 Introduction to Anthia & Naturopathy
03:33 Anthia’s Journey into Naturopathy
06:48 The Evolution of Naturopathy
09:01 Integrating Naturopathy with Conventional Medicine
10:47 Overcoming Business Challenges
14:26 Understanding Polyvagal Theory
19:03 Exploring Parts Work
21:09 Creating Capacity for Healing
23:24 Understanding Chronic Health Issues
25:26 The Importance of Natural Rhythms
27:55 Practical Steps for Nervous System Health
29:15 The Role of Bitter and Sour Foods
32:59 Collective Healing vs. Individual Healing
37:24 Real-Life Healing Stories
39:45 Navigating the Healing Process
39:45 Finding the Right Practitioner
40:01 Recommended Resources for Deeper Learning
Where to find Anthia:
How To Holistically Heal By Anthia Koullouros Naturopath
And soon available for bookings on Bodhi Holistic Hub
Referenced:
How to Get Well by Paavo Airola
Dr. Stephen Porges (Polyvagal Theory)
Dr. Richard Schwartz (Internal Family Systems/Parts Work)
I Am Food: Eating Your Way to Health by Anthia
Nourishing Traditions by Sally Fallon
Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine by Pizzorno and Murray
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