Naturopathy
Naturopaths are trained in biomedical sciences, clinical diagnostics, and natural therapies.
Their approach is guided by six core principles: the healing power of nature, identifying and treating the root cause, doing no harm, treating the whole person, the doctor as teacher, and disease prevention.
Key features of naturopathy include a strong focus on individualized care, lifestyle and dietary interventions, and the use of natural therapies such as herbal medicine, nutritional supplements, homeopathy, and physical medicine. Naturopaths often use both conventional lab testing and functional medicine diagnostics to assess health from a systems-based perspective, especially in areas like gut health, hormonal balance, and chronic inflammation. Treatments are designed to support long-term wellness rather than offering quick symptom relief, making naturopathy a popular choice for managing chronic conditions or enhancing general health. The blend of modern science and traditional healing gives naturopathy a unique role in integrative and preventative medicine today.
Naturopathy blends modern scientific knowledge with traditional natural remedies and focuses on preventing illness rather than just treating symptoms.
Functional testing is invaluable in uncovering chronic or inexplicable health conditions. Functional tests are only recommended with an initial consultation and a required return consultation. The tests detailed down below are used most often to determine the underlining cause of the health issue but, depending on the health picture, may be recommended another type of test. Functional tests that I provide cover the following areas:
Reproductive hormone
Adrenal/stress profile
Comprehensive thyroid panel
Allergy and intolerance testing (food and environmental)
Gene testing
Neurotransmitters Extensive testing
Comprehensive microbiome mapping
Core Principles of Naturopathy:
The Healing Power of Nature (Vis Medicatrix Naturae)
The body has an innate ability to heal itself when given the right support.Identify and Treat the Cause
Rather than masking symptoms, naturopathy aims to find and address the root cause of illness.First, Do No Harm
Use the least invasive and least toxic treatments first.Treat the Whole Person
Health is seen as a balance of physical, mental, emotional, genetic, environmental, and social factors.Doctor as Teacher
Naturopaths educate and empower patients to take charge of their health.Prevention
Focus is on promoting overall wellness and preventing disease before it starts.
Its roots trace back thousands of years to traditional healing systems from various cultures, including Ayurveda from India, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and the ancient Greek teachings of Hippocrates, who famously emphasized the healing power of nature. The modern form of naturopathy was established in the late 1800s by Benedict Lust, a German immigrant to the United States, who blended traditional European nature cures (like hydrotherapy and herbal medicine) with modern science and homeopathy.
A typical naturopathic consultation is longer and more in-depth than a conventional doctor’s visit, often involving detailed assessments of diet, stress, sleep, environment, and emotional health. Naturopaths may use a combination of conventional lab tests—such as blood panels, thyroid function tests, and inflammatory markers—as well as functional tests like food sensitivity panels, microbiome mapping, and hormone assessments. Treatment strategies are highly personalized and may include dietary changes, herbal and nutritional supplementation, mind-body therapies, detoxification protocols, and support for long-term lifestyle changes. By addressing the root causes of illness and focusing on education and prevention, naturopathy provides a bridge between traditional healing wisdom and evidence-informed, patient-centered modern care.
Common Issues Naturopathy Helps With:
1. Digestive Problems
IBS, bloating, gas, constipation, acid reflux
Leaky gut and food sensitivities
Gut microbiome imbalances (dysbiosis)
2. Hormonal Imbalances
PMS, PCOS, menopause, low libido
Thyroid issues (like hypothyroidism)
Adrenal fatigue (chronic stress, burnout)
3. Mental & Emotional Health
Anxiety, mild depression, mood swings
Sleep disturbances and fatigue
Support alongside conventional therapy
4. Skin Conditions
Acne, eczema, psoriasis
Linked to gut, liver, or immune function
5. Autoimmune Conditions
Rheumatoid arthritis, Hashimoto’s, lupus (as supportive care)
Focus on inflammation, gut health, and immune modulation
6. Cardiometabolic Health
High blood pressure, high cholesterol
Pre-diabetes and Type 2 diabetes
Weight management and metabolic syndrome
7. Allergies & Immune Support
Seasonal allergies, recurrent infections
Immune strengthening (especially during cold/flu season)
8. Chronic Fatigue & Pain
Fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome
Inflammation, nutrient depletion, mitochondrial support
