The best holistic medicine doctors and wellness practitioners in Michigan

You’ve tried to eat better. You’ve pushed through workouts. You’ve followed every doctor’s order to the letter. You’ve counted calories, stepped on the scale with hope, and taken supplements that promised miracles. But you still feel off—like your body is no longer responding the way it used to. Maybe you wake up more exhausted than when you went to bed. Your emotions come in waves, swinging without warning. The weight won’t budge, your clothes fit differently, and you find yourself wondering: Is this the new normal? Is this just aging?

If you've been silently asking these questions, let us reassure you: you’re not alone. And more importantly—you’re not imagining things.

So many women going through hormonal chaos find themselves standing in that exact same place—overwhelmed, dismissed, and painfully unseen. You’ve likely heard the phrases that sting: “Your labs look fine.” “This is part of getting older.” “Just try to manage your stress.” But what if your body is trying to speak, and no one is listening?

This is where holistic and functional medicine step in—not to brush off your symptoms or slap on a temporary fix, but to understand the full picture. To sit with your story. To connect the dots between your hormones, sleep, weight, gut, emotions, and energy—and treat you as the expert of your own experience.

In case we haven’t met yet—we’re Dr. Erin Hendriks and Dr. Maricela Castillo MacKenzie, founders of Elle MD, a functional medicine and weight loss clinic based in Royal Oak, Michigan. We work with women—especially those going through hormonal changes—who want to feel good again. We listen, we ask the right questions, and together, we make a plan that actually fits your life.

We work with women—especially those going through hormonal changes—who want to feel good again. We listen, we ask the right questions, and together, we make a plan that actually fits your life.

Why holistic doctors are transforming women’s health in Michigan

What is holistic healthcare and why does it matter during menopause?

Holistic care means looking at your whole self—not just the symptoms. It’s about understanding how everything is connected: your mood, your sleep, your hormones, your energy, and even how you feel about your body.

During menopause and perimenopause, a lot can change. You may not feel like yourself anymore. You might miss the energy you used to have. You might feel uncomfortable in your own skin. Holistic care takes all of that into account and helps you feel supported—not judged.

How functional medicine takes healing deeper



Functional medicine goes beyond the surface. Instead of just giving you something to cover up your symptoms, it asks: Why is this happening? Then it helps you find real answers.

At Elle MD, we look at your whole story. We want to understand what's going on in your body and how we can help you feel better—physically and emotionally. You're not just a number here. You're a whole person.

Meet Michigan’s leading holistic practitioners

Dr. Erin Hendriks & Dr. Maricela Castillo MacKenzie – Root-cause care for women going through hormonal chaos - Elle MD

We know what it feels like to sit in a cold exam room and feel invisible. That’s why our care is different. We work with women who are doing everything they can—but still feel tired, moody, or like something just isn’t right.

We take time to listen, to test when needed, and to build a plan with you—not for you. Whether it’s hormone changes, energy issues, or weight gain that won’t budge, we’re here to help you find what works for your body and your life.

Location: Royal Oak, Michigan

Allyson Grabowski – Chiropractic care for joint health and mobility during weight loss- Live Well Michigan

When you’re losing weight or going through changes, your body might feel stiff or sore. Dr. Grabowski helps women move better and feel more comfortable through gentle chiropractic care.

It’s not about loud cracks or scary adjustments. It’s about realigning your body so that you feel more flexible, more supported, and less tense. Her work is especially helpful if walking, bending, or daily movement has become uncomfortable.

Location: Royal Oak and Rochester Hills

Start My Wellness – Supporting emotional and hormonal balance through therapy

When hormones shift, your emotions often do too. That’s why mental health support is a powerful part of any holistic healing plan. At Start My Wellness, women can access personalized therapy that addresses the emotional and psychological sides of hormonal imbalance. Whether you're dealing with mood swings, anxiety, or chronic stress, their team of compassionate therapists helps you feel more grounded, supported, and in tune with your body. Because how you feel emotionally shapes everything else in your healing journey.

Anakarina Piña– Safe, empowering fitness for women and exercises for perimenopause and menopause - Befit Runners

If workouts that used to work no longer do—or if exercise just feels exhausting—Anakarina is here to help you move in a way that feels good.

Her approach is gentle but strong. It focuses on building confidence, energy, and strength—without pushing your body too far. She helps women feel strong again, no matter where they’re starting from.

Location: Michigan and online community

Dr. Doug Thompson – The surprising connection between oral health and your whole body - Integrative Oral Medicine

Most people don’t know this, but what’s happening in your mouth can affect your entire body. Dr. Thompson helps women understand how gum health and dental care relate to inflammation, weight, and even heart health.

His approach is focused on prevention and simple changes that make a big difference. If you’ve been working on your health and still feel stuck, your mouth could be an unexpected key.

Best holistic doctors in Michigan: What to look for

What is the difference between a naturopathic doctor and a holistic doctor?

Naturopathic doctors focus on natural treatments and lifestyle changes. Holistic doctors may be from any background—but they look at your full picture, not just your test results. At Elle MD, both Dr. Maricela Castillo MacKenzie and Dr. Erin Hendriks are licensed MDs who combine the best of conventional medicine with a root-cause, whole-body approach to healing.

What is a natural healer called?

Some are called holistic practitioners, wellness experts, or integrative health physicians. No matter the name, what matters is that they really listen and work with your whole self.

Do holistic doctors take insurance?

Some do, but not all. At Elle MD, we work outside of insurance so we can spend more time with you and give you the care you deserve—without being rushed.

You don’t have to settle for "this is just your age."

You deserve to feel like yourself again. To wake up with energy. To enjoy food. To feel calm and clear and strong. You’re not asking for too much. You just want to feel good—and that’s completely possible.

At Elle MD, we’ll walk with you, listen to you, and build a plan that makes sense for you. No more guessing. No more being brushed off. Just care that actually helps.

Start your wellness journey with Elle MD’s Functional Medicine Program, Medical Weight Loss Programs. Or request an appointment today.

Because this is your balance. Your vitality. Your time.