Can naturopathy help with chronic pain?

Yes. Naturopathy takes a holistic approach to pain by exploring underlying factors such as inflammation, nutrition, gut health, stress and hormone balance. Through personalised nutrition, herbal medicine and lifestyle support, many people experience long-term improvement in pain and mobility.

Why do I still have pain when medical tests show nothing?

Pain can persist even when scans or blood tests appear normal. This is often due to nervous system sensitisation, nutrient imbalances, stress, or lifestyle triggers. A naturopathic assessment looks beyond structural causes to address these contributing factors.

Do you work with other health professionals?

Yes. Collaboration with GPs, physiotherapists, or psychologists is encouraged where appropriate to support integrated care and sustainable results.

Can you help with both chronic pain and skin issues at the same time?

Absolutely. Many clients experience both, as inflammation, diet, and gut health can affect the skin and the nervous system. Your treatment plan is designed to support both areas naturally.

Where are you located?

Ananda Mahony Naturopathy is based in Grange, Brisbane, with online consultations available for clients across Australia.

Can naturopathy help with chronic skin conditions?

Yes. Naturopathy addresses internal factors that often drive skin inflammation such as gut health, hormones, stress and nutrient imbalances. By identifying what's triggering your skin symptoms, the body can heal naturally and restore balance.

Which skin issues do you work with most often?

Ananda Mahony Naturopathy supports clients with acne, rosacea, eczema, psoriasis and other chronic skin conditions. Each case is unique, and treatment plans are tailored to your symptoms, triggers and overall health picture.

Is diet really that important for skin health?

Yes. Diet plays a major role in skin health. Certain foods can increase inflammation, while others calm and repair it. Naturopathic care includes individualised dietary support to help your skin heal from within.

What if my dermatologist says everything looks fine?

Skin issues can stem from deeper imbalances in the gut, immune system or hormones that may not show up in conventional tests. Naturopathy works collaboratively with dermatology care to address the whole picture.

How long does it take to see results?

Most clients notice improvements within 4–8 weeks as inflammation reduces and nutrients are replenished. Long-standing skin conditions may take longer, but consistent improvement is common with a holistic plan.

EDS, POTS & MCAS: the Trifecta

EDSPOTSMCASChronic Pain Management

17 June

Written By Ananda Mahony

Many people living with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), and Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) find these conditions overlap significantly. This is sometimes called the trifecta, although has been expanded to include both gastroparesis and autoimmunity where relevant. Other conditions / symptoms that frequently occur include ADHD, chronic fatigue and persistent pain.

What is the trifecta?

EDS is a connective tissue disorder affecting collagen, causing joint hypermobility, pain, and tissue fragility. POTS is a form of dysautonomia causing heart rate spikes, dizziness, and fatigue on standing. MCAS involves mast cells releasing inflammatory mediators inappropriately, triggering wide-ranging symptoms including rashes, gut issues, and anaphylaxis-like reactions.

These three conditions co-occur far more often than chance, likely due to shared connective tissue, autonomic dysregulation and immune dysfunction

What I see often is frustrated clients that haven’t met the criteria for all or some of the trifecta disorders but are still suffering the results of dysautonomia, hypermobility and histamine intolerance.

Why do they occur together?

Lax connective tissue in blood vessel walls can impair circulation and contribute to POTS. Mast cells are embedded in connective tissue, and dysfunction here may drive both local and systemic inflammation. The exact mechanisms are still being researched, but autonomic dysfunction, neuroinflammation, and connective tissue fragility appear to be the common threads.

What does naturopathic support look like?

• Nervous system regulation to support autonomic function

• Targeted nutrients to support connective tissue integrity and immune dysregulation

• Low-reactivity nutrition approaches and mast cell stabilising strategies

• Gut microbiome support, which is frequently dysregulated in all three conditions

• Collaborative care with your medical team

Can nutrition and lifestyle actually make a difference?

Yes, meaningfully so. The symptom burden is highly modifiable. Blood volume, mast cell reactivity, vagal tone, and gut function all respond to targeted nutritional and lifestyle approaches. The key is working within your personal tolerance window rather than applying generic protocols.

Is this a condition you work with?

Yes. Complex, multi-system presentations are a core part of my practice. If you are navigating one or more of these diagnoses, or are still seeking answers, a thorough intake process will help map your individual picture before any recommendations are made.

MCASPOTSEDSautoimmunitychronic painfatigue

Ananda Mahony