Naturopathic Medicine

The foundation of the naturopathic approach is to identify and treat the cause. We first look at diet and lifestyle. Then we often begin treatment with nutritional or botanical support. If needed, we can then move on to additional interventions.

The principles of Naturopathic Medicine are:

• The Healing Power of Nature (Vis Medicatrix Naturae)
• Identify and Treat the Causes (Tolle Causam)
• First Do No Harm (Primum Non Nocere)
• Doctor as Teacher (Docere)
• Treat the Whole Person
• Prevention

The foundation of the naturopathic approach is to identify and treat the cause. Naturopaths will start by evaluating diet and lifestyle. Nutritional or botanical supplements are often the first treatment step. If necessary, they will then use a higher level of intervention. Some of the treatment options naturopaths can use are diet and lifestyle counseling, homeopathy, nutritional supplementation, or intravenous nutrient treatments. As part of a holistic approach to medicine, naturopaths may also use some conventional tools. They can write prescriptions and order appropriate lab tests. Additionally, they will make referrals to specialists when needed. 

Acupuncture & Chinese Herbs

Acupuncture is rooted in ancient traditional Chinese medicine. It is a type of medical treatment used for thousands of years. Acupuncture uses the body’s energy, or “qi,” to help balance, re-align, and ultimately heal itself.  Doctors throughout eastern Asia have used acupuncture for over 3,000 years to prevent and treat ailments of all kinds.

During an acupuncture treatment, very small (nearly hair-thin) needles get inserted into the skin at specific points.  These needles help activate the body’s qi, promoting the movement of energy, which supports a natural healing process. Massage and “cupping” are used in some cases to loosen tight, sore muscles and promote the free flow of qi throughout the body.

Lab Testing

As part of our comprehensive approach to your healthcare, typically laboratory testing will be incorporated into your plan at Natural Medicine of Denver.  As naturopathic doctors, we review your labs from a functional medicine approach – meaning we are looking for trends in your test results rather than just what is expected as “normal.” Additionally, we offer laboratory testing that goes above and beyond typical lab testing.  These tests are selected on an individual basis to help further understand your specific health needs.  

Specialty testing that we offer at Natural Medicine of Denver includes:

• Adrenal Stress tests – 24 hour cortisol map
• Cardiovascular Health and Risk tests
• Environmental Allergy testing for pets, pollens, dust, and mold
• Food Allergy and Sensitivity tests
• Genomind Pharmacogenic testing
• GI (stool) analysis – for infection, inflammation, and dysbiosis
• GRAIL Cancer Screening
• Heavy Metal tests
• Hormone panels – including the DUTCH (urine hormone panel) test
• Micronutrient tests – vitamins, minerals, amino acids and essential fats
• Mold and Mycotoxin tests
• Nasal bacterial and fungal infection cultures
• Neurotransmitter tests
• Nutrigenomics – evaluating your genetics and how it impacts your daily health
• Organic Acid Test (OAT)
• Sleep Study – home test kit
• Vaginal Flora test – to evaluate levels of both beneficial and non-beneficial microbes
• Vibrant America Food Sensitivity Testing

Craniosacral Therapy

Craniosacral therapy is a gentle hands-on therapy.  It jump-starts the parasympathetic nervous system (the “rest & digest” system). This therapy helps calm your body down amid the stress and chaos of this world. We can do this by gently putting our hands in specific locations on your head. We then make micro-movements that release restrictions in the membranes. This therapy is very gentle.  And it encourages the movement of the fluid surrounding, supporting, and protecting the hub of your nervous system: the brain and spinal cord. The activation of the parasympathetic nervous system tells your mind it is ok to move into a healing and relaxed state – even during stressful, anxious, or chaotic moments.

Visceral Manipulation

Visceral Manipulation helps address both functional and structural imbalances in the body.  Using gentle manipulation, your therapist will work to locate the source of your problem and begin treatment. It helps release and relax the areas that support the organs. As tension around organs gets released, connected systems (such as fascia and ligaments) start to relax too.  Deep relaxation across systems can help relieve symptoms of pain, dysfunction, and poor posture.