Naturopathic Medicine
In Oregon, naturopathic physicians (NDs) are licensed primary care providers with the ability to order lab work, make medical diagnoses, prescribe pharmaceutical medications, and provide comprehensive natural and conventional treatment options. While NDs can serve as primary care providers, my practice focuses primarily on integrative care for midlife women, specializing in hormone health and pain management.
Naturopathic physicians are clinically trained in both modern, evidence-informed medicine and traditional natural therapeutics. This dual foundation allows us to draw from a wide range of tools – tailored to your specific health needs – to treat both acute and chronic conditions.
Naturopathic treatment options may include:
- Clinical nutrition
- Herbal medicine
- Lifestyle counseling
- Physical medicine
- Homeopathy
- Hydrotherapy
- Targeted supplementation
- Pharmaceutical prescriptions (when needed)
Rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all approach, naturopathic care is grounded in a set of guiding principles that shape how we understand illness, healing, and the role of the doctor-patient relationship.
The Six Principles of Naturopathic Medicine
🔹 Primum Non Nocere – First, Do No Harm
Naturopathic doctors aim to use the most effective, least invasive therapies appropriate for each patient. While we’re trained in both natural and conventional approaches, we follow a “therapeutic order” that prioritizes safety and supports the body’s ability to heal.
🔹 Vis Medicatrix Naturae – The Healing Power of Nature
Your body is always working to heal itself. Naturopathic physicians work to remove obstacles to healing and provide what the body needs to restore balance – whether that’s sleep, nutrients, medication, or supportive therapies.
🔹 Tolle Causam – Identify and Treat the Cause
Many symptoms patients experience are actually the body’s attempts to heal itself. Naturopathic physicians work with these natural processes to address the underlying causes of illness while also providing meaningful symptom relief. Although naturopathic medicine is often described as “root cause medicine,” this term can be misleading—there is rarely just one single cause. Instead, care involves uncovering multiple layers of contributing factors to create a comprehensive, individualized treatment plan.
🔹 Tolle Totum – Treat the Whole Person
True healing considers the whole person – body, mind, and lifestyle. Factors like nutrition, stress, environment, relationships, and community all play a role in health, and your care plan reflects that.
🔹 Docere – Doctor as Teacher
Education is central to the naturopathic model. I take time to help you understand your health and your options, so you can feel empowered in your care.
🔹 Prevention Is the Best Cure
Naturopathic care is proactive. Together, we look at ways to reduce risk, strengthen your body’s defenses, and support long-term health – whether through lifestyle strategies, lab testing, or targeted interventions.
Why I Practice This Way
These principles are the reason I became a naturopathic physician. They continue to shape how I care for patients every day – with curiosity, collaboration, and respect for the healing process.
While all naturopathic doctors share these core values, each has a unique style of practice and clinical focus. I specialize in care for midlife women, particularly around hormone health and pain management. Click here to learn more about my services and whether we may be a good fit.