By Mary Drier
Staff Writer
CARO — When a child is sick, a parent will do anything to help – including turning to alternative healing and even becoming a “naturopathic doctor.”
After seeing the dramatic results of holistic health care had on his two-year-old daughter, Cally, when her body stopped being able to produce red blood cells, Matthew Shelson became a believer in alternative medicine. He studied to become Doctor Matthew Shelson N.D., P.PSC.
Because Cally’s body stopped being able to produce red blood cells, her health steadily declined. Although the child’s pediatrician wanted her seen at Detroit Children’s Hospital, it would take several weeks to months before that could happen. While they waited, Cally, had regular blood draws, which showed her continued unexplained decline.
The little girl was at a critical level when Detroit Children’s oncology department called to say they could see her.
In the meantime, Cally’s mother, Mary Jo, asked her friends on the social network website Facebook to pray for them. From that request, another family who had dealt with a similar condition contacted the Shelsons.
“At that point, we were ready to try anything to help her,” said Mary Jo. “Two homeopathic remedies were recommended. Matt was very skeptical about it, but we figured we had nothing to lose by giving it a try.”
Cally was given regular doses of the natural homeopathic remedy over 14 hours before going to the Detroit hospital where she was expected to have blood transfusions.
The oncologist had Cally’s blood drawn before commencing treatment.
“When the results of the tests came back, they told us they had ‘never seen such bright, beautiful, new red blood cells!” said Matthew. “The homeopathic remedies triggered her body to start making red blood cells again.”
That convinced the Shelsons of the benefits of holistic and naturopathic medicine. Matthew enrolled in the Kingdom College of Natural Health within day’s after Cally’s recovery. Matthew graduated in July. He is a licensed with the Pastoral Medical Association.
Caro Attorney Renee Wood saw first hand how sick Cally was and how homeopathic medicine helped her make a “miraculous recovery.”
“I watched as medical doctors could not help his two-year old daughter as she grew paler and paler, weaker and weaker,” said Wood noting the homeopathic remedies made a world of difference for the little girl. “It was a pleasure to watch his daughter become healthy again; and now three years later she is still doing well.”
After watching Cally’s recovery, Wood was also impressed with homeopathic medicine. She became a patient of Shelson when he became a licensed doctor.
“I have been treated by Dr. Shelson several times and I am so impressed at his compassion, care and listening skills he exemplifies,” said Wood. “So many times I am ‘rushed’ by my medical doctors and I do not get to ask all the questions I want or to be heard. Not so with Dr. Shelson! We fortunate in Tuscola County to have Dr. Shelson as our N.D. (Naturopathic Doctor).
“I am also impressed by his knowledge and education in natural medicine.”
Naturopathic care is natural therapy using herbs, vitamins, minerals, and food too bring vitality and balance back to the body so it can function without stress.
Shelson sees patients in Midland and in Caro. Currently, Shelson is sharing office space at White Chiropractic Health Care, PLLC at 1120 Cleaver Rd., Caro.
“I believe Dr. Shelson is on the cutting edge of health care and I am impressed with his association with Mid-Michigan Hospital in Midland who has recently partnered with Ann Arbor Hospital,” said Wood. “We do not have to travel to Ann Arbor for this service, but have the best in our back yard.”
Shelson is also working with Cancer Services, the United Way and alongside the oncologists at U of M Hospital in Midland.
For more information about all natural holistic health and to make an appointment with Doctor Matthew Shelson, call (989) 545-2325.
“It is not normal for anyone to have uncomfortable or debilitating symptoms all the time. Natural medicine brings together methods from traditional medical systems around the world creating a much more comprehensive and interrelated picture of the body,” said Shelson. “Integrative natural medicine can work alongside any medication or conventional medical treatment for everything from migraines to cancer.
“Working alongside your health care specialist, our goal is to strengthen your body and improve your quality of life. Naturopathic care focuses on finding the root cause of a health issue and strengthening the immune system.”
A few of the health issues naturopathic medicine can help with are: fibromyalgia, immune deficiencies, carpal tunnel, mental and emotional conditions, sore throats, ear infections, colds, flu, digestion, cancer, high blood pressure, arthritis, diabetes, lupus, heart disease, allergies, and more.
Mary Drier is a staff writer for the Tuscola County Advertiser. She can be reached at drier@tcadvertiser.com.