Going Beyond Symptoms: Navigating Holistic Wellness with Dr. Matt Tolstoy


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Nov 01 2023 59 mins   2
Could there be a link between a health challenge, chronic pain, or behavior pattern and another seemingly unrelated area of your lifestyle or past trauma? The short answer is yes, there could be because of the interconnectedness of the various systems of the body, one imbalance can create another. Healthcare is moving away from the model of isolating the symptoms and instead looking at the body, mind, and emotions as a whole to uncover the root of the problem to support healing. This emerging approach to health refers to holistic wellness. In this episode of Stronger U Radio, Stronger U Registered Dietitian Gianna Masi sat down with Dr. Matt Tolstoy to discuss the elements of holistic wellness and why he believes it’s the future of healthcare.

Dr. Matthew Tolstoy is a pain rehab practitioner, licensed acupuncturist, and Somatic Experiencing Practitioner (SEP) with a private practice in NYC and virtually. Additionally, he’s been on staff at New York City Ballet and an educator for Equinox Health Clubs. He helps many people with chronic pain and post-traumatic pain or stress-related conditions.

This multi-faceted conversation covers a lot of ground and touches on many important points including:

  • The pros and cons of holistic wellness.
  • The ethical gray areas in wellness and mental health due to the lack of boundaries (both personal and professional).
  • The definition of wellness heartbreak: how it happens, how you can prevent it, and what’s important to consider.
  • How to find a qualified and evidence-based holistic provider that you align with, plus the red flags to look for.


  • The traits of a healthy therapeutic relationship.
  • What Trauma is and isn't
  • The effects of stress, and anxiety accumulation on the body
  • What conventional and holistic medicine get right and wrong
  • The idea of “destination happiness” and how in some cases it can be a response from your body to keep you safe and from experiencing something you’re trying to avoid.


This is one discussion you’ll want to tune into if you’re interested in taking a more well-rounded approach to your well-being or if you’ve struggled with unresolved health issues or behavior patterns.

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