Naturopathic Medicine
If you want a thorough and holistic evaluation and autonomy to choose from a variety of treatment options, naturopathic medicine is the perfect choice. Nature is powerful, and Naturopathic medicine calls on the wisdom of nature coupled an evidence based approach to identify natural and effective treatment options. Naturopathic doctors are trained in a 4 year medical program with their clinical education focused on family medicine. Naturopathic doctors in the state of Oregon can order labs and imaging, diagnose illnesses, and prescribe medications. Not only are Naturopathic doctors experts in lifestyle medicine, but they are also trained to use herbal medicines and supplements as alternatives to or alongside medications when appropriate.
1.
Healing Power of Nature
Naturopathic medicine begins with a foundational belief that the body wants to heal, and given the right environment, it will. As a Naturopathic doctor, it is my job to help you identify barriers to healing. One we develop a plan to remove those barriers—we step back let the body do its magic.
2.
Doctor as teacher
The origin of the word “doctor” is from the Latin word “docere” meaning to teach. My role is to provide you with information and options, so I incorporate patient education into every office visit. Then, it is up to you to decide which option fits best with your values, goals, and lifestyle.
3.
Prevention
It’s easier to prevent a forrest fire than to put in out. Prevention can mean the basics, like getting your routine pap smear, mammogram, or colonoscopy. Prevention as a Naturopathic Doctor goes a few steps farther. At your first visit, I will get a detailed family history, discuss your lifestyle choices, and order targeted lab testing to understand your level of risk. This allows me to personalize your health plan based on your specific needs.
4.
Treat the cause
Sometimes bandaids are necessary, both figuratively and literally. You get a cut, you cover it up and give it time to heal. You are in pain, you take a painkiller to manage. But we shouldn’t skip the part of process where we dig in and identify why you’re in pain. Finding the root cause of your health concerns is what allows us to make lasting changes to improve your wellbeing.
5.
Treat the whole person
Have you ever been told you can only have one concern addressed at a visit? A holistic approach to health care accepts that body systems are connected. They interact. Your mood impacts your digestion. Your hormones impact your skin. Sure, this makes for complicated medicine and is sometimes inconvenient. But it is critical to address the entire person if long-term sustained health is the goal.
6.
First, do no harm
No matter what tool is selected—medication, herbs, nutrition—considering safety is step one. Naturopathic doctors aim to use the least invasive treatments first. The goal is to minimize risk and maximize benefit.