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Acupuncture

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is an ancient healing tradition that began in China over 3,000 years ago.  It emphasizes balance in the organ systems and a harmonious flow of ‘qi’ or energy in the body.  This energy flows throughout the body in ‘meridians’ or channels, and can become disrupted from illness or stress.   Acupuncture treatments involve careful placement of sterile, single-use solid needles at various points in the body.  These points are unique and have special functions:  they can access organ systems and channels with the desired outcome of decreasing pain and improving function.

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Acupuncture can be used to treat many conditions - it is especially helpful for pain management (back pain, neck pain, knee/elbow/shoulder pain), as well as sleep disorders, fatigue, menstrual issues and gastrointestinal disorders.   

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Education and Training 

Most licensed acupuncturists attend a three-year graduate level program and have a Master's degree in acupuncture.  In recent years, new programs have emerged, including Doctorate programs which grant PhDs and technical colleges which issue certificates.  Licensed acupuncturists have in-depth training in the art and philosophy of Chinese medicine.  Patients are often introduced to diagnosis techniques that include assessment of the pulse and examining the tongue.  They may hear terms such as qi flow, yin/yang, hot/cold, excess/deficiency and organs (spleen, liver, heart etc) used to describe their health conditions.

Natural Medicine

Naturopathic Medicine

Naturopathic Medicine is a system of medicine that integrates modern medicine and natural therapies, with the goal of preventing illness and treating medical conditions.  Naturopathic physicians can address health concerns ranging from colds and allergies to chronic pain, cardiometabolic issues, digestive issues, hormonal issues, women’s health issues, and more.  Naturopathic physicians use the principles of Naturopathic Medicine to guide and develop individualized treatment plans for their patients.

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A naturopathic assessment includes:

  • Thorough discussion and detailed history taking - including â€‹physical, mental and emotional health.

  • Standard laboratory testing and functional medicine testing, if needed

  • Diagnostic imaging, if needed​

A naturopathic treatment plan may include:

  • ​Nutrition and Lifestyle Counseling

  • ​​Specialized diets (food sensitivity/allergy avoidance/low inflammation)

  • Herbal therapies (capsules, tablets, tinctures, teas)

  • Clinical Nutrition and Orthomolecular Medicine (vitamins, minerals, amino acids, supplements) 

  • Physical medicine 

  • Prescription medications (standard and compounded)

Principles of Naturopathic Medicine 

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  • The Healing Power of Nature:  Your body has its own innate ability to heal and repair itself.  Naturopathic physicians recognize this ability and focus on removing obstacles to cure to encourage this natural healing process.

  • Find the Cause:  Naturopathic physicians attempt to uncover and address the root cause(s) and contributing factors of your illness.  

  • Treat the Whole Person:  Naturopathic physicians consider physical, mental, emotional, environmental, genetic and social aspects of each patient when assessing and treating patients.

  • Do No Harm:  Naturopathic physicians prioritize methods and treatments that are the least harmful to their patients and attempt to use the least forceful and most effective therapies possible in their treatments.

  • Prevention:  Naturopathic physicians emphasize disease prevention by thoroughly assessing your risk factors to disease and making appropriate interventions to prevent illness.

  • Doctor as teacher:  Naturopathic physicians feel strongly about educating their patients, so that they themselves can make smart and informed choices about their healthcare. 

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Education and Training 

Licensed naturopathic physicians (ND) attend a graduate level accredited naturopathic medical school. Their education includes the same basic and clinical sciences as an MD, and they also study holistic and natural medicine therapies, with a strong emphasis on disease prevention and optimizing wellness.  Naturopathic physicians take professional board exams and can be licensed by many states as a primary care general practice physician.  

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