Dr. Pawa has 30 plus years in the health field as a physician with a focus on women’s health. Recognizing the need for integrated medical care, she obtained certification in Mind-Body Medicine at Harvard Medical School. She continued to build her unique skill set by becoming a Certified Menopause Clinician through the North American Menopause Society. Dr. Pawa expanded her knowledge base with the addition of Functional/Integrative medicine courses in Gut health, Neuroplasticity, and Autoimmune disease. She is a passionate advocate for evidence-based medicine and empowering patients with knowledge
Her TEDx talk on the nervous system has nearly 1 million views. Westcoast Women’s clinic was first of its kind in Western Canada and has provided care to thousands of women for hormone health. She has been an invited speaker on radio, television, community events, and presented health lectures to corporations. A Clinical Instructor at UBC Faculty of medicine, Bal continues to inspire and mentor young physicians with the principles of integrative medicine. She is a tireless advocate for empowering people with knowledge that improves their well being no matter what stage of disease they may present.
In this episode Dr. Pawal share her personal journey that led her to become an integrative medicine physician and emphasised the importance of treating the body as an integrated model. She also explained the autonomic nervous system and how dysregulation of the nervous system is responsible for 75-80% of symptoms that walk into a doctor’s office. We also explored the intricate relationship between sleep, hormones, and the nervous system.
Dr. Pawa explained the functions of cortisol and how chronic stress can lead to inflammation, gut issues, heartburn, and hormonal changes. She also discussed the complex relationship between stress and cognition, including the impact of cortisol on brain function and memory consolidation. She shared her expertise on stress management and emotional regulation, highlighting the BMW and SODA techniques as effective tools. She emphasised the importance of healthy coping strategies and creating awareness of the link between psychological state and behaviour.
Dr. Pawa and Monica also discussed the impact of childhood trauma on a person’s health later in life and the need for psychological support during formative years. They highlighted the importance of exercise, sleep, and muscle mass for improving memory and reducing dementia risk. Bal’s insights provide valuable guidance for individuals seeking to improve their mental and physical well-being, emphasising the need for radical changes in the healthcare system and the role of patients in transforming healthcare.
You can find more information at the following links:
https://www.westcoastwomensclinic.com/
https://www.amazon.ca/Mind-Body-Cure-Anxiety-Fatigue-Controlling/dp/1771645792
TEDx Talk : https://youtu.be/qq0DBeFdDlM?si=grcQDmenTZHcr266
