Naturopathic medicine is a holistic paradigm of the healing arts that combines traditional knowledge of natural medicines with evidence-based research. It is a sustainable model of medicine that integrates into the structures of our daily lives and addresses dysfunction of body and mind in an approachable way.
Among the modalities naturopathic doctors are trained in are nutritional medicine, botanical medicine, hydrotherapy, homeopathy, physical medicine, use of prescription medication, minor surgery, IV and injection therapy, and naturopathic obstetrics. While 22 states currently license NDs as primary care providers, the specific scope of practice is defined by state law. As such, my practice in New York does not provide primary care medicine, but rather focuses on safe, effective natural therapeutics.
In addition to the modalities which compose it, naturopathic medicine is rooted in the principle of Vis medicatrix naturae, or the healing power of nature. Our bodies contain the innate wisdom to heal themselves — this guiding principle can be seen in an open wound that scabs, a broken bone that reconnects, an irritable digestive tract that moves smoothly, an abnormal menstrual cycle that returns to rhythmic flow. Patient and practitioner are facilitators for this healing process. We can work to identify and remove obstacles to health, address root cause of disease and dysfunction, and shift toward healing.
To learn more about naturopathic medicine, visit www.naturopathic.org.
What to expect from a 1:1 appointment
Your first appointment will be an hour and a half long. During this time, we will go into a detailed review of your health history and daily life to get to know you and understand your health as completely as possible. I will provide a full wellness plan following your visit that will likely include dietary and lifestyle recommendations, custom herbal tinctures, and/or nutritional supplements. I suggest that we schedule a follow-up appointment for 4-6 weeks after your initial visit. All follow-up appointments are 45-minutes in length, and include a review of your health since your last visit, and adjustments to your plan as needed. Generally, we will continue follow-up visits every 4-6 weeks until you reach more of a maintenance phase of your health, at which time we will space appointments out with an interval that best suits your needs. For acute needs in between follow-up appointments, I offer 15-minute phone consults. I am available to all of my patients via e-mail for questions regarding their wellness plans.