Nutritional Therapy & Digestive Health

By taking into account your symptoms, age, gender, heritage, lifestyle, laboratory testing, and other factors, I try to tailor nutritional guidelines to optimize your health. I investigate for nutritional deficiencies by evaluating your diet, your symptoms, and through laboratory testing. Testing for food sensitivities and nutrient deficiencies can allow me to customize your diet. Then I recommend an eating plan and key nutrient supplements that will help you feel your best and that works for you.

Botanical Medicine / Herbs

I have studied botanical medicine (herbs) for over 15 years and have a deep appreciation for their healing capabilities.  Herbs have complex constituents and therefore have multi-faceted therapeutic effects on our physiology.  I love herbs for their ability to modulate our physiology such that our health is improved and strengthened even after we discontinue taking them, unlike many medications.  Herbs can be used for a variety of infections, to boost immune function, for hormonal imbalances, for anti-oxidant effects, to slow the aging process, to improve digestion, and to counter stress.

Bodywork – [Massage, Cranial-Sacral Therapy, Reiki, Pregnancy Massage]

I blend a combination of swedish massage, cranial-sacral therapy, and Reiki.  I have found massage, cranial sacral therapy, and Reiki to be helpful for many health conditions.  Since stress makes almost any illness worse, bodywork  can support healing of many health concerns because it is very relaxing, restorative, and stress-relieving.  Massage is also pivotal in facilitating healing of musculoskeletal conditions such as chronic neck or back pain, strain-sprain injuries, arthritis, TMJ, plantar fascitis, fibromyalgia, etc.

I am certified in pregnancy massage therapy through Carol Osborne’s Pre- and Perinatal massage therapy program.  I am trained in prenatal massage guidelines, precautions, contraindications, and safe positioning during pregnancy.  I have learned specific massage techniques that can ease the common aches and pains that can occur during pregnancy.  There are many benefits of regular massage during pregnancy such as:  stress reduction, improved circulation, and reduced back and leg pain.  In one study, pregnant women massaged twice weekly for 5 weeks experienced less anxiety, less back and leg pain, better sleep, improved moods, and their labors had fewer complications, including fewer premature births.

Optimizing Digestive Health

The health of the digestive system can have profound impacts on the rest of one\’s body. Many symptoms originate in faulty digestion or digestive infections. I investigate for food allergies, Celiac’s disease, and intestinal infections that may contribute to your symptoms. Many skin conditions such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis will improve by addressing digestive health. I also evaluate diet and lifestyle habits that may be compromising digestion. Optimizing digestive health will improve the nutrition of the rest of your body to help you feel your best.

Women’s Medicine

I treat a variety of women’s health concerns, such as hormone imbalances, PMS, PCOS, irregular cycles, urinary tract infections, infertility, menopause, pre-pregnancy health optimization, and pregnancy massage.  I also do gynecological exams, pap smears, and STD testing.

Lifestyle Counseling

I often recommend improvements in lifestyle habits to help you feel your best. For example, I may suggest things that can be done to improve air quality in the home for people with allergies. For skin conditions such as acne, eczema and psoriasis I may make suggestions on topical products and bathing habits. I also may recommend sauna therapy, changes in sleep habits, or specific movement therapies.

Additional Services

Laboratory Testing
· Allergy testing (blood antibody test) – foods, inhalants, herbs, spices
· Gastrointestinal testing for parasites, yeast overgrowth, pathogenic bacteria
· Celiac disease testing
· Hormone testing (adrenal, thyroid, female and male hormones)
· General screening blood work (cholesterol, blood sugar, liver function, anemia, immune system, etc.)
· Nutrient testing (vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids)

Prescription Medications
While I attempt to address most health concerns with natural treatments such as herbs, supplements, and diet, I do prescribe prescription medications when necessary. For example I prescribe thyroid medication for hypothyroidism, topical formulations for skin conditions, bio-identical hormones, and antibiotics for severe infections. Naturopathic Doctors can prescribe most medications in Oregon.