Finding Your True Voice: What an Oscar-Winning Film Teaches Us About Naturopathic Medicine
What does The King’s Speech have in common with naturopathic medicine? At first glance, a historical drama about a royal overcoming his speech impediment might seem unrelated to natural healthcare. But as you dive deeper into the film, striking parallels emerge. (Spoiler alert: If you haven’t seen The King’s Speech and plan to, you might want to skip this post for now!)
In the film, Prince Albert of England, affectionately known as Bertie, struggles with a severe stammer. His royal duties demand public speeches to large audiences, with broadcasts reaching the entire nation and beyond. If Bertie is to take over the throne, he must find a way to speak with confidence, pride, and integrity.
He seeks out an unconventional speech therapist, Lionel Logue, who has a reputation for helping people overcome speech impediments in ways that go beyond the traditional. What unfolds is not only a story of finding one’s voice but also a reflection of key principles in naturopathic medicine.
1) Getting to the Root Cause
Like naturopathic medicine, Lionel’s approach goes deeper than the symptom itself. While many speech therapists might have focused solely on speech mechanics, Lionel digs into the root cause of Bertie’s stammer, uncovering childhood trauma and difficult family dynamics. By bringing these issues into Bertie’s conscious awareness, Lionel facilitates inner healing, which is critical to overcoming the physical manifestation of the stammer.
Similarly, naturopathic medicine prioritizes addressing the root cause of illness rather than simply managing symptoms. Whether it’s period issues, hormonal imbalance, or chronic stress, understanding the deeper layers of what’s affecting your health is the key to long-term healing.
2) Facilitating Healthy Change and Growth
Healing often requires a shift in perspective. In The King’s Speech, Lionel uses a combination of speech exercises, lifestyle changes, and candid conversations to help Bertie move forward. He steps into the role of a teacher, offering Bertie the knowledge and tools needed for his progress.
This is much like the doctor as teacher role in naturopathy. Providing patients with the information they need to make empowered health choices is essential for lasting change. It’s about helping you understand your health, so you can make decisions that support your well-being. A funny exchange in the film illustrates this perfectly:
Bertie lights up a cigarette during one of his therapy sessions.
Lionel: “Please don’t do that.”
Bertie: “I’m sorry?”
Lionel: “I believe sucking smoke into your lungs will kill you.”
Bertie: “My physician says it relaxes the throat.”
Lionel: “They’re idiots.”
Bertie: “They’ve all been knighted.”
Lionel: “Makes it official then.”
This dialogue reflects the importance of questioning outdated or harmful advice, something naturopathic care encourages by reference evidence-informed medicine. It’s not just about following conventional wisdom—it’s about making choices that align with your body’s natural capacity for health.
3) Enabling You to Be Your True Self
One of the most powerful aspects of Bertie’s journey is the realization of his true potential. He always had the qualities to be a great king, but his self-doubt and the limitations of conventional methods kept him stuck. Lionel’s individualized approach helped Bertie tap into his own strength, overcoming his stammer and stepping confidently into his role as king.
In naturopathic medicine, the goal is to empower you to thrive. Each person’s journey is unique, and healing is not a one-size-fits-all process. By taking into account your personal history, lifestyle, and individual needs, naturopathy helps you unlock your true potential and live in alignment with your best self.
4) The Power of a Deeply Supportive Relationship
The relationship between Lionel and Bertie highlights the importance of trust and support in the healing process. Lionel doesn’t just treat Bertie’s stammer; he walks beside him on his journey, offering encouragement and guidance every step of the way. This bond plays a critical role in Bertie’s transformation.
In naturopathic medicine, the doctor-patient relationship is one of partnership. Healing is not something you have to do alone—it’s a process where you are supported, encouraged, and guided by someone who is invested in your well-being. Having someone you trust by your side can make all the difference as you navigate your health journey.
The lessons from The King’s Speech are clear: healing requires digging deep, embracing change, discovering your true potential, and finding support in the process. These are the same principles that guide naturopathic medicine.
If you’re ready to overcome blockages in your life and unlock your true health potential, you can become a new patient now.
In health and empowerment,
Dr. Tara Guzzo, N.D.