Naturopathic Medicine
As one of the oldest primary healthcare systems in the US, Naturopathic medicine blends natural healing therapies with modern medical science. It is distinguished by its six principles that underlie and determine its practice using the observation of the nature of health and disease.

The healing power of nature
Identify and treat the cause
Treat the whole person
First do no harm
Physician as teacher
Prevention


Naturopathic doctors (NDs) are trained as primary care doctors who utilize:

• diet and clinical nutrition
• botanical medicine
• homeopathy
• hydrotherapy
• naturopathic physical manipulation
• mental health and behavorial change
• minor office procedures (in licensed states)
• oriental medicine
• presciptive medicine (in licensed states)

Treatment methods are chosen upon the basis of patient individuality and emphasize promotion of health, prevention of disease, patient education and individual responsibility. Naturopathic therapies are not prescribed to simply relieve symptoms but are intended to restore the underlying health and balance.


Accredited Naturopathic Schools

National College of Natural Medicine
Bastyr University
Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine and Health Sciences
Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine
University of Bridgeport College of Naturopathic Medicine
Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine


Chinese Medicine

The antiquity, beauty, and efficacy of Chinese medicine have drawn Western scholars for years. Classical Chinese Medicine is over a 3000 year old complete medical system that includes acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, moxabustion, bodywork, dietetics, and qi gong.

Chinese Medicine theory acknowledges that human beings are unique bioenergetic systems. Secondly, these systems contain a vital life force called Qi (pronounced “chee”), which flows through all things. In this theory when the balance of qi, (or energy),is disturbed due to either trauma, poor diet, medications, stress, hereditary conditions, environmental factors, or emotions then pain and disease may result. Chinese Medicine focuses on correcting these energetic imbalances and removing blockages, thus stimulating the body to heal itself. Treatment is tailored to the individual’s needs, with emphasis placed on identifying and eliminating the underlying cause of the imbalance.

Acupuncture:
When the balance of qi is disturbed, illness can occur. This balance is corrected by the insertion of fine, sterile, one-time-use hair-thin needles to redirect the movement of energy. Harmony is restored to the mind, body, and spirit.

Chinese Herbology:
For most of the world, herbs are the primary source of medicine and nutritional supplementation. Classic formulas with demonstrated clinical efficacy are personalized to treat a wide variety of conditions. Most formulas consist of two to thirteen different types of herbs. Energetically balanced, these high quality custom formulations enhance well being with less harmful side effects than western pharmaceutical products. Herbs can be used with or without acupuncture and are available in bulk (raw) or granules.

Moxibustion:
Believed to be a therapy which pre-dated acupuncture , moxibustion is a warming therapy using the herb mugwort over acupuncture points of the skin. The intention is to stimulate circulation through the points and induce a smoother flow of blood and qi into the affected area. Moxa bustion is considered especially effective in the treatment of chronic problems or “deficient conditions” (weakness) such arthritis, back pain, or tight muscles.


Frequency Specific Microcurrent

Frequency Specific Microcurrent (FSM) is an exciting new way of treating sports injuries for nerve and disc injuries, muscle pain, inflammation, scar tissue, fibromyalgia, shingles, and many other conditions easily, comfortably. Studies show by using specific microamperage current (the same kind of current your body produces on its own within each cell) which is imperceptible by the patient, ATP production (fuel for cell energy) is increased in the injured cells by 500%, nutrient transport (amino acids) increases by 70%, stimulate waste product removal, and reduce the body’s inflammatory messengers (cytokines) by 62%. All elements to enhance healing and repair are turned on!

Please note: Typical TENS devices and other types of electrical stimulation therapies (with current to 1000 micro amps, or one milliamp), although effective to produce muscle fatigue and relaxation, were actually seen to reduce ATP production.

Microcurrent was first used in the early 1900’s, before 1934, medical and osteopathic physicians (Dr. Albert Abrams and from Dr. McWilliams) using electromagnetic therapy devices to treat patients. In the 1980’s, European and US physicians used it for stimulating acupuncture points, stimulating healing in injured athletes, and stimulating bone repair in non-union fractures. In 1994, two chiropractors began reintroducing frequencies, obtained from a retired osteopath, on their chiropractic patients to see if any effects could be observed. The results were immediate and FSM was reborn.

 

Medical Spa Therapies

Hydrotherapy

Centuries old and still thriving, European hydrotherapy techniques assist your body in recovering from acute and chronic illness. Through the use of hot and cold water, circulation is stimulated, immune function is regulated, and metabolic wastes are eliminated for the maintenance of health and elimination of disease. Hydrotherapy is often recommended as a supportive therapy to greatly enhance your body’s response to botanical medicines, special diets, homeopathy and nutritional supplementation.


Theraputic Infrared Sauna

As one of the most advanced naturopathic techniques for detoxification, infrared sauna therapy consists of heaters producing radiant energy similar to the heat from the sun only without the harmful ultraviolet rays. The hot air created causes the body to heat up, eventually accelerating the body’s natural sweat mechanism, as well as, stimulating circulation. Hence, health is promoted through detoxification. Research demonstrates improvement in chronic pain conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis; improvements in ventricular arrhythmias, chronic heart failure, and pulmonary hypertension. Infrared therapy is also the treatment of choice for multiple chemical sensitivity patients and patients with toxic environmental exposures.

Infrared saunas are best known for their
ability to relieve the body from stress.
The infrared heat is known to also help:

•  provide soothing relief from arthritis/rheumatism.
•  clear up congestion
•  improve the circulatory system
•  lower the blood pressure
•  improve production of plasma and red blood cells
•  strengthen the immune system
•  increase the body’s endurance
•  promote a more healthy heart
•  create a rejuvenating effect on the skin

Infrared heat restores the strength of the body and at the same time promotes a more healthy appetite.


Massage Services

Integrated Theraputic Massage
Swedish techniques and strokes are used to address the body as a whole, while deep tissue strokes hone in on a specific focal point.  They are often blended to create a truly customized session based on each individual client’s needs.  Additional techniques and modalities such as Myofascial Therapy, Strain-Counterstrain, Scar Tissue Mobilization, Active Isolated Stetching, and more may be integrated based on the needs of the client and at the discretion of the therapist.

Swedish Massage
Swedish Massage is a very relaxing and therapeutic style of bodywork which focuses on the skin and superficial muscles of the body and is designed to benefit the body as a whole. The strokes range from long and lengthening to short and circular and typically promote a relaxation response essential in healing. The benefits of this type of bodywork are wide-ranging and include relief from aches and pains, increased circulation, decreased stress levels in the body, enhanced mental clarity, improved appearance, and greater flexibilit.

Deep Tissue/Medical Massage
Deep Tissue Massage focuses on the muscles, tendons, and ligaments of the body and requires a specific focal point such as a muscle grouping or area of the body.  It is often used to address a specific ailment or condition. Once the superficial tissue is warmed, it is possible to access the deeper tissues to help relieve tension and tightness. The work is deliberate and focused and the strokes are gradual and slow. Pressure varies and is dependent on the client and the opening of the tissue. Communication ensures that the work is both effective and pain free.

Oncology Massage
Oncology Massage incorporates modifications and adjustments to traditional massage modalities in order to provide the best care possible for persons undergoing treatment for cancer or with a history of cancer. Adjustments and modifications are often made to the length of the session, level of pressure, the position of the client, and the site of touch. Some of the benefits that cancer patients may receive from massage therapy include:  reduction of pain perception, stress relief, greater relaxation, reduced nausea, relief from chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN), even years out of treatment, and increased range of motion (ROM) and reduction of scar tissue near surgical sites such as with mastectomy patients.

Pregnancy Massage
Pregnancy Massage (also called Prenatal Massage) can help release common pains and discomforts that often develop throughout pregnancy. The benefits are profound, and may include the relief of joint pain due to extra weight and postural imbalance, improved breathing and relaxation, and emotional support.  Care is given to address the changing needs of an expectant mother’s body, working to relieve pain and stress while nurturing a safe space for the baby.