Naturopathic Care:
Naturopathic medicine is a distinct primary health care profession, emphasizing prevention, treatment, and optimal health using therapeutic methods and substances that encourage individuals’ inherent self-healing process. The practice of naturopathic medicine includes modern and traditional, scientific, and empirical methods.
Back in the mid-90’s I was searching for alternative solutions to my own health issues. I came across a book written by a naturopathic doctor (ND). It described the principles of naturopathic medicine. These principals resonated so deeply with me that I pursued a degree in Naturopathic medicine.
Natural Medicine Principles:
Dis-ease is caused by an imbalance in the functioning of the physical, mental, emotional or spiritual level of an individual. The imbalance produces symptoms, which are warning signs, expressions of the imbalance, telling us that we need to look at what we are doing to our body. We have a choice: we can suppress the symptoms, or we can treat the cause at the level in which it exists.
Tolle causam:
(Find the Cause) Doctors aim to remove the root cause of a patient’s condition instead of just treating symptoms. For example: if you find yourself using any medication for constipation, headaches, sleeping problems, allergies, frequent colds, rheumatic pains, skin disorders, etc. then ask yourself if your treatment plan is taking you a step closer to curing the disorder (removing the cause), or is it just alleviating the symptoms?
Vis Medicatrix Naturae:
(The Healing Power of Nature) When the obstacles to cure are removed and the bodily functions supported, the body has the ability to move towards a restorative state of health. Many symptoms are actually the body’s attempt to aid in the restoration process.
Primum non nocere:
(Above All, Do No Harm) Therapies are safe and non-toxic when used properly.
Wholism:
Doctors recognize that dis-ease is multifactorial. Heredity, diet, environment, lifestyle, emotions, etc. all affect the health of an individual. All aspects of the individual’s health are examined.
Prevention:
Health is a prized possession. Why do we wait for symptoms of disease to appear before we start to value our health? Health is freedom from limitations. Doctors aim to keep patients free from disease on all levels.
Education:
The word “doctor” means “to teach”. Doctors aim to educate their patients so that they have the tools to make intelligent choices about factors that affect their health. My goal is act as teacher, guide and resource. Clients are encouraged to accept responsibility for their health, ask questions and be active participants in their healing process.
Modalities:
As a Naturopathic doctor I have been trained in conventional clinical and physical diagnosis. I can order lab tests and have outpatient privileges at Bartlett Regional Hospital. I incorporate nutrition, botanical medicine, homeopathy, biotherapeutic drainage, hydrotherapy and lifestyle counseling. Additionally, I use non-invasive energetic assessment techniques in order to individualize treatment. These include Auricular Medicine and NAET
Auricular Medicine
Auricular Medicine is an energetic reflex technique in which the pulse and filters are used to detect points on the ear. The points that show up on the ear can indicate the location of specific imbalances within the body. Through the use of filters, I am able to identify specific dysfunctions within the body.
Homeoprophylaxis:
Homeoprophylaxis or HP is the use of homeopathically prepared remedies designed to educate an individual’s immune system toward the infectious disease process.
Auricular medicine is an energetic reflex technique that uses the patient’s pulse and energetic filters to detect blockages in the body. These filters can detect treatable points in the ear or medicines that will work to clear these blockages. Detectable points that are identified on the ear represent the location of specific imbalances within the body. It allows for the identification of, and effective treatment of, the cause of a person’s health concerns — not just the symptoms. Auricular Medicine corrects imbalances by stimulating the body’s own healing process.
Most Common Naturopathy Modalities include:
Homeoprophylaxis is the use of homeopathically prepared remedies to protect individuals from the effects of infectious diseases. In contrast to conventional vaccination, homeoprophylaxis does not rely on antibody formation, but on changing the susceptibility of the child or adult to disease.
The philosophy behind homeoprophylaxis is different from conventional vaccination in that the micro-organisms are not in themselves seen as the sole cause of disease, but rather the interplay between the micro-organisms and the individual susceptibility of the child or adult: the healthier the patient, the less susceptible he or she is to a disease.
Visit freeandhealthychildren.org or call Debbie for more information.
Collaborative Relationships My role is to support and guide you through your pregnancy and birth. I provide information and education. This empowers to you actively participate in your own care, make informed decisions and take responsibility for your own health. Office or Home Visits Many women appreciate the option of home visits (especially those with Read More
My role is to support and guide you through your pregnancy and birth. I provide information and education. This empowers to you actively participate in your own care, make informed decisions and take responsibility for your own health.
Many women appreciate the option of home visits (especially those with small children). I welcome family participation. When adults and children observe and participate during the pregnancy they feel more relaxed and secure when I arrive for your birth.
You can expect the same physical exam you would receive with any obstetric provider. This exam includes checking blood pressure, weight and urine, listening to baby’s heartbeat, palpating baby’s position and measuring baby’s growth. Visits usually last an hour or more. I allow plenty of time to talk, answer questions and discuss your concerns. I want you to feel prepared for childbirth, breastfeeding and parenting.
I will thoroughly discuss your medical history. Physical and gynecological exams are performed as needed. Most lab work can be done in the office or at your home. I can order ultrasounds through Bartlett Regional Hospital.
In depth counseling is core to midwifery care, and helps prevent many of the complications that can arise during pregnancy.
Naturopathic Care: As a naturopathic doctor, I bring my extensive training and experience to midwifery care. I offer homeopathy, herbal medicine and a host of other therapies to support healthy pregnancy.
To make certain your pregnancy is progressing safely, visits are scheduled every 3 weeks through your 28th week. Between your 28th and 36th week, you’ll have an appointment every other week. After that visits occur weekly until delivery.
What is Colon Hydrotherapy?Colon hydrotherapy, also known as colonics or colonic irrigation, is a safe and effective way of cleansing the large intestine. A gentle stream of warm, filtered water is infused into the colon to help soften, and remove fecal material, mucous and gas.
Colon Hydrotherapy may accomplish the following:
The benefits of colon hydrotherapy can include improved digestion, increased energy, improved circulation, mental clarity, relief from bloating and heaviness. By removing the waste material from the colon, the process of detoxification is given a boost. Colon hydrotherapy helps your immune system to help itself. It can assist the body with healing a variety of conditions such as constipation, diarrhea, irritable bowel, bloating, excessive gas, indigestion, menstrual cramps, arthritis fatigue, insomnia and headaches.
After meeting and discussing your history, you will be shown all of the equipment and the procedure will be thoroughly explained. Any questions you have will be answered. You will be asked to put on a gown and empty your bladder. Then you will lie comfortably on a treatment table. A small disposable speculum is introduced into the rectum. The speculum holds a small water line and a larger waste hose. This allows clean water to infuse into the colon, while waste is eliminated into the separate waste hose. The therapy begins with a gentle flow of filtered water at a controlled pressure. When you begin to feel pressure or urge to stool, the water is diverted through to the waste hose to allow for elimination. The fecal material flows through the waste hose and then through an illuminated viewing tube and finally into the sewer line. During elimination the therapist will perform abdominal massage to assist the release. This process of filling and emptying continues for approximately 30-45 minutes. After the treatment is complete the speculum is removed and disposed of and you will have the opportunity to further eliminate on a toilet if necessary. You can expect the treatment to take about an hour from start to finish.
The number of sessions will depend on the individual needs of each client. There is no standard number of treatments that are recommended. Your particular health concerns and goals will be discussed during your visit. Generally speaking, a course of 3 treatments over an initial 2-3 week timeframe produces the best results.
For the vast majority of people, the procedure is free from pain. A minor amount of discomfort may be felt during the insertion of the speculum but this only lasts for a few seconds. During treatment, you may feel some cramping or nausea as you prepare to release.
Colon hydrotherapy is very safe when performed by a qualified therapist. The machine and equipment are FDA approved for the procedure. The speculum and tubing are disposable. The purified water goes one way in and one way out. There is no risk of contamination. The colonic instrument is equipped with a pressure and temperature gauge to assure the pressure is never excessive and the temperature is appropriate.
When water is infused slowly at a low pressure, it does not disturb the friendly flora or the electrolyte balance of the gut. Healthy intestinal flora are present throughout the small and large intestines. Colon hydrotherapy helps to improve the terrain, facilitating an environment favorable to their reproduction.
An enema typically allows for the introduction of water into the lower segment of the colon. It can cause a rapid expansion of the lower intestinal tract which results in a powerful evacuation. It can often result in uncomfortable bloating and cramping and put a strain on the anus. By contrast, colon hydrotherapy water is administered gently at a low, controlled pressure allowing water to reach the entire length of the large intestine. Enemas can potentially weaken the colon, causing dependency. Colon hydrotherapy strengthens the bowel, helping it function better on its own.
You can have a successful treatment without any special preparation beforehand. However it is best if you refrain from eating heavy foods at least two hours prior to your appointment and ensure that you are well hydrated.. If you are hungry eat a piece of fruit or vegetables to keep our blood sugar up.
Treatments typically have a relieving effect. People are often energized following a treatment and do not experience unwanted side effects. There are some simple measures that will ensure you continue to benefit from the treatment and assist in relieving any discomfort you may feel.
– Don’t overeat.
– Avoid refined/processed foods
– Drink plenty of water
– If you feel crampy, drink hot peppermint, fennel or chamomile tea.
– Avoid cold drinks, carbonated drinks and gassy foods
Home birth in Juneau is making the news. Check out this article “Home Sweet Home Birth” by Melissa Griffiths over at the Juneau Empire: http://juneauempire.com/neighbors/2013-09-22/home-sweet-home-birth#.UwKJO0JdU34
Breastfeeding carries significant health and emotional benefits for you and your baby. The physical contact and hormonal effects of breastfeeding helps you bond with your baby.
During your prenatal visits I will help you prepare for nursing your baby. Knowing what to expect helps prevent problems.
Establishing breastfeeding and proper latch is one of my top priorities after birth and an integral part of the newborn postpartum visits.
Breastfeeding difficulties are rare, but if you have never done it before, the first weeks can be challenging. I will be there to help you and your baby through it and let you know what is and isn’t normal.
The hospital has excellent lactation specialists whom I refer to if needed, but most people need only the support and encouragement I provide at home.
I encourage, but do not require you to breastfeed. This also is an informed choice I support you in making.
Whether you birth your baby at home or in the hospital, I offer postpartum home visits during this important transition time.
I visit frequently during the first week – usually at day 1, 3, 5 and 7 depending on your needs. This is an important time in establishing breastfeeding and family bonding.
Home visits allow you to rest and recover eliminating the need to run around town for appointments. Resting speeds your recovery and helps your milk come in sooner.
If you’ve had a hospital birth, sometimes the pediatrician will want you to come in for baby weight checks. I can do this for you at home and communicate for you with your baby’s doctor.
After the first week I offer weekly visits for the first four weeks and once again at 6 weeks.
At the six week visit I help you plan for contraception if desired and perform a gynecologic exam to make sure everything has returned to normal.
If you desire to further care for yourself or your baby, I offer naturopathic care for the family after the 6 week visit.
