Naturopathic Medicine

You’ve heard the terms naturopathy, naturopath, etc., but do you know what that actually means and entails? No need to fall into a Google black hole trying to figure that one out, let me break it down for you! Naturopathic medicine is a system that focuses on a holistic approach to health care through a more natural lens. Everything from nutrition to herbal remedies to even physical exercise are simple, and natural ways to help your bodies heal and function as it is meant to.

Naturopathy emerged from a combination of 19th century European traditional and conventional healthcare approaches. Naturopathic doctors (NDs) are trained to diagnose and manage conditions with a focus on therapeutic order.

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Six core principles

Naturopathic doctors adhere to six core principles and these are what drew me to becoming a naturopathic doctor:

1) Do no harm

A core principle for all systems of medicine. ND’s typically approach care using the most natural, least invasive and toxic therapies. NDs also refer out when a patient’s presentation is outside of their ability to help. I am grateful to have an amazing network of healthcare specialists to support my patients.

2) The healing power of nature

NDs recognize the inherent natural healing power of the body, as well as the ability of nature itself. NDs greatly appreciate and understand the importance of a healthy environment to help support healing.

3) Identify and treat the causes

Medications and treatments that can help to address our symptoms in the short term can be necessary and helpful, however, identifying and addressing the root cause(s) is essential for long term health and wellness.

4) Doctor as teacher

NDs support their patient’s health literacy, so they can better understand what it takes to be and stay healthy.

5) Treat the whole person

NDs recognize the interconnectedness of the body, lifestyle and environment on health and approach care through a whole-person approach.

6) Prevention

NDs aim to keep patients healthy and well through a comprehensive whole-person approach to care that considers lifestyle and a patient’s environment as fundamental to health.

Do you have more questions on naturopathic medicine? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions on Naturopathic Medicine.

Naturopathic medicine with Dr. Sarah

I am trained in both conventional and natural approaches – which means that I work with your primary care provider to better your health along with my natural approach. Though I prefer natural medicine solutions, this does not mean that I am anti-conventional medicine. I like to consider myself as the bridge between conventional and natural approaches so that my patients feel confident with their personalized plan for a better, healthier life. I take a “yes” approach with my patients – most of whom simply want what’s going to work best for them, regardless of if it is conventional or natural. I know when a conventional approach should be applied first but always have my vast tool kit on hand of natural therapeutics for patients to choose from to address their chronic health conditions. We are doctors of prevention, and we approach patients as a whole unit, considering their mind, body, and spirits.

Long before I became a naturopathic doctor, I knew that I wanted to help people achieve optimal health naturally, which is why this field really called out to me. Applying over ten years of clinical experience as a naturopathic doctor, acupuncturist, and herbalist I love being able to work with each patient individually to bring ancient medicinal practices into this century and really help them heal in a healthy, natural way.

My approach with naturopathy differentiates me from others in the area due to my focus and passion for herbal medicine. I enjoy personalizing botanical formulations and appreciate that when herbals are combined they can create such wonderful solutions for patients with chronic, complicated, and challenging health issues. Eastern and Western herbal medicine traditions play a huge role in my practice. Each patient is different, and being able to make personalized teas, formulas, and plans for them brings me great joy and purpose. I make it my goal to go above and beyond to help support each and every one of my patients on their healthcare journey, including keeping up to date with research to provide evidence informed assessments and plans. In addition to herbals, I also focus on environmental factors that most conventional approaches may overlook. For example, heavy metals, mold/mycotoxins, and environmental toxins can play a huge role in how our bodies function and run and when these are addressed I’ve seen amazing improvements in patient’s health.

When it comes to naturopathic health, you’re never too young or old. I absolutely LOVE working with patients of all ages, but have a huge passion for working with the 65+ population on healthy aging. As we age, our bodies go through so many different changes. In early childhood we experience growing pains, then go through adolescence and deal with a handful of hormonal changes. Once we’re older, our bodies eventually start to recede and not expand as much as they used to, but that doesn’t mean we have to give into it! Working with seniors to age well and live active and healthy lives brings me so much joy.

My ultimate goal is to support and heal your body by working with it as a whole, not just through the symptoms. I always create an individualized plan that is not only specific to YOU, but also teaches you how to prevent future illness and stay healthy long after our time together.

Read more about Dr. Sarah’s 7 Step Approach to caring for patients HERE.

Naturopathic Doctor Education & Training

A medically trained Naturopathic Doctor (ND) completes traditional four-year pre-medical undergraduate program, followed by an additional four years of training of in residence or on-site medical school with standard medical curriculum such as pathology, organ systems, and internal medicine, but with a significant focus on holistic and non-toxic approaches including, clinical nutrition, homeopathic medicine, herbal medicine, and environmental medicine. Naturopathic doctors are thus specialists in prevention and restoration of health, understanding how systems of the body are connected and approaching care through a whole systems approach, rather than being focusing on one system or symptom, naturopathic doctors play an important role aside such specialists in putting together the pieces of the puzzle while supporting patients holistically. A medically trained naturopathic doctor must also pass professional board exams so that they may be licensed by a jurisdiction as a primary care or general practice physician. Residency training is available for naturopathic doctors, like PharmD residences that are self-funded, rather than through federal funding like MD/ DO residencies.I was fortunate to complete my naturopathic residency training at Clifton Springs Hospital in New York State.

You can learn more about the schools and training at Association of Accredited Naturopathic Medical Colleges.