Naturopathic doctors (NDs) are experts on natural medicine. A typical first visit is one hour, during which we discuss with you your comprehensive intake form, do relevant physical exams and order diagnostic tests, which may include food sensitivity testing, nutritional assessments, salivary hormone testing, regular bloodwork, stool and digestive analysis, X-rays and imaging studies, detoxification studies and genetic testing for celiac and gluten sensitivity and MTHFR. We follow up with treatments that are natural and alternatives to medications. We are trained to use a wide variety of natural therapies:
Diet and clinical nutrition: We assess your dietary needs via food and nutritional supplementation. This is a cornerstone of naturopathy – the use of food as medicine. We offer a wide variety of nutritionals in our dispensary from vitamins, minerals, proteins, essential fatty acids to digestive enzymes and probiotics. Supplementation: For patients who have nutritional deficiencies, we offer a wide range of natural, minimally processed supplements to supply the body with essential nutrients for healing. Lifestyle: We talk with you about the fundamentals of good health such as sleep, work, exercise and play. We help you figure out ways to balance your lifestyle, which can be a challenge in this busy world. Counseling and stress management: Mental and emotional attitudes are keys to healing illness. Mind-body awareness can often bring about a major change in health. Physical medicine: includes the use of water therapy, stretching and exercise and the use of hot and cold to bring about healing. We often refer our patients for massage therapy, chiropractic, acupuncture and other physical therapies. Naturopathic doctors are different from regular doctors in their approach to medicine. At Chehalis Naturopathic Medicine, we follow the natural principles of healing:
First do no harm
Naturopathic doctors reduce harm to patients by using natural therapies to minimize the risk of unwanted side effects. Our treatments are minimally processed, gentle and non-toxic. The healing power of nature
Naturopathic doctors respect that everybody has the innate ability to heal themselves. We facilitate this process by removing obstacles to healing and by providing natural options to optimize the body’s functioning. Identify and treat the cause
Naturopathic doctors prefer not to treat symptoms but rather to discover the underlying causes of illnesses to effect a longer lasting healing. Treat the whole person
Naturopathic doctors strive to heal the whole body by taking into account physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, social and environmental factors that are affecting our patients. Doctor as teacher
Naturopathic doctors spend the time to educate patients about their illnesses, medications and treatments. We help our patients try to understand what is happening in their body and how the therapies used are helping them to heal. Prevention and wellness
Naturopathic doctors don’t only help patients to heal their illnesses but also to help them prevent future illness. This is less costly for the patient in the long run, both financially and emotionally. Promoting wellness is our mission. Training
We are naturopathic doctors licensed in Washington State. All of us have attended a 4-year accredited naturopathic medical school. We have extensive class and clinical training and are required to sit board examinations. We have similar education to regular doctors but our training differs in treatment – we are trained to use natural therapies. Tim and Preeta have been trained at Bastyr University in Kenmore, Washington. For more information, please visit www.bastyr.edu
Resources
For additional information, please visit:
www.wanp.org for the Washington Association of Naturopathic Physicians
www.naturopathic.org for the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians
