What is Naturopathic Medicine?

Naturopathic medicine is more than a field of healthcare, it is a philosophy of life. Emphasis is placed on disease prevention and treating the whole person: mental, emotional and physical. Naturopathic doctors encourage and educate individuals to take an active role in their health.  In Washington State, Naturopathic doctors are licensed as primary health care physicians and provide specialized care focusing on both conventional diagnostics and standards of care, as well as, traditional methods of healing. The principles of naturopathic medicine guide practitioners in our philosophy of person-centered care and finding the root cause of illness. This is part of what distinguishes the naturopathic approach from conventional medicine. The following principles are the foundation of Naturopathic Medicine:  

The Healing Power of Nature   
Vis Medicatrix Naturae

Naturopathic physicians act to identify and remove obstacles keeping people sick, in order to facilitate the bodies inherent self-healing process. In order to bring someone to health, each individual's vital force, the Vis, also known as Chi/Qi ior prana in other healing practices, must be nourished and supported for a person to heal. 

First Do No Harm   
Primum Non Nocere

This principle instructs a physician to start with the least invasive treatments, progressing to more invasive treatments such as pharmaceuticals or surgeries as needed to return the body back to health. The initial steps  starts with prevention of disease, supporting the Vis and correcting structural issues. 

Treat the Cause   
Tolle Causam

Underlying causes of illness must be identified and removed before complete recovery can occur.  Naturopathic physicians seek to identify and remove the underlying causes of illness, rather than suppress the presenting symptoms. Symptom control is an essential part of maintaining quality of life but cannot return a person to a healthy state.

Treat the Whole Person  
Tolle Totum

Naturopathic physicians treat individuals by taking into account each physical, mental, emotional, genetic, environmental, social and other factors specific to each patient and their chief concerns. 

In my opinion, optimal health also includes spiritual health. Naturopathic physicians encourage individuals to pursue their personal spiritual development in an effort to establish a solid foundation for healing to take place however they feel called.

Doctor as Teacher   
Docere

The original meaning of the word “doctor” is teacher. For naturopathic physicians, this means providing information based on clinical training to promote self-responsibility for ones own health. Naturopathic physicians acknowledge and value the therapeutic relationship between patient and doctor and work to meet people where they are in their healing journey.

Prevention

Prevention is key. Far easier than cure after contracting an illness is prevention of the illness in the first place. Family history, genetic and environmental risk factors as well as lifestyle are taken into account to help patients prevent illnesses they are at most risk for developing. 

All of the above principles lead patients to a place of Wellness...

Wellness follows the establishment and maintenance of optimum health and balance. Wellness is characterized by positive emotion, thought and action.  Wellness is inherent in everyone, no matter what diseases are part of an individuals history. 

Resources

1.  Bastyr University catalog

2.  AANP Naturopathic Principles 
Disclaimer: Information is for health education only and is not meant to diagnose, treat, or cure any disease or medical condition. Always see your health care provider for proper diagnosis and treatment. Information on herbs and supplements has not been evaluated by the FDA. All photographs were taken by and are property of Alicia Spalding 

Why would I come and pay you cash when I have health insurance?

If you are happy with your current health care then this talk is likely not applicable to you, but for those who do not feel like they are receiving adequate health care here is an analogy as to why I think it's important to have adjunct Naturopathic care even if you have to pay cash.  

Think of your body/health as your car and your health insurance as car insurance.  Most of us who own our own car pay not only pay for car insurance but in addition also pay for the maintenance needed to keep the car running. An oil change every 3 months or 6,000 miles, a tune-up every so many miles, check the fluids every once in awhile, new breaks, new tires, general car up-keep. If we are willing to do this for our car, why do we not think it's a good idea to do it for our bodies. You pay car insurance every month even if you don't get into a car accident. Honestly you may never get into a car accident and never use your car insurance, but you have it because you would be out of luck if something happened to your car. In this analogy, your body is the car and the doctor is the mechanic. You may be the one driving the car, even changing the oil, but when the transmission starts running rough you go to the mechanic to get a second opinion. 

 

One of the principles of Naturopathic Medicine is prevention. By implementing good foundations of health, such as nutritious food, hydration, sleep, adequate social support, body movement and others (more on the Foundations of Health here) we are working towards the goal of long term health. Relating your personal health maintenance back to the car analogy, a transmission service costs approximately $60.00, a new transmission can cost thousands not to mention the aggravation of a broken down car, missed work or activities, trying to come up with money on the spot for a tow or many other obstacles. These could be preventable with regular maintenance. A tow off the highway can waste a lot of your time and will cost you the price of the repair and a tow. Why not save time and cost of tow with preventative maintenance?

When yielding to insurance companies to control our access to medicine we will end up being sicker than ever. Insurance companies are not looking out for our best interest, they are major corporations working for a profit. The government is already in the pockets of pharmaceutical companies and insurance rules all in medicine. I personally believe it should be between the doctor and the patient together to come up with the best plan for patients. And for this reason I personally feel I am able to serve my patients better without having a third party insurance company tell me what they think is necessary.

So why should you pay out of pocket for my Naturopathic services? You should do it because now is the time to take control of your health; you should do it because you are worth it. You should do it because your health is important. And because you only get one body in this life and it should be valued.

"Be the change you wish to see in the world." Ghandi

Thoughts on fear...

Fear: "an unpleasant emotion caused by the belief that someone or something is dangerous, likely to cause pain, or a threat" This word seems to be a word I am hearing often. Fear is an absolutely valid emotion, it works to keep us safe and protected in so many situations. Unfortunately, it can also cloud our judgement and make us think irrationally and close-minded. The fear I have been hearing lately is surrounding taking in Syrian war refugees. Now terrorism and the chaos that follows these acts are a real threat and justify a sense of fear in many cases, but terrorists are not confined by imaginary country lines or religious ties or anything of that nature it seems. I feel their strongest ties are fear and hatred around whatever agenda they are working towards. Terrorism is defined as, "the use of violence and intimidation in the pursuit of political aims." It's my personal belief we perpetuate terrorist agendas by continuing the cycle of hatred.

I've heard the argument lately in some version, "we have our own people here who need our help so why are we going to lend a hand to people of another country?" You are absolutely right, 100%. And now I say, if this is your belief and you feel this way then get off your damn ass and do something about it. Don't bitch about the state of the world while you sit inside your warm home, with access to food and water, dicking around on your computer for 6 hours after finishing a day at a job you are likely ungrateful for. I bet there are people around you in your community, probably even people you know who could use a helping hand right now this very moment. Maybe money is tight this month and they could use a meal or a tank of gas, so do it. Be the change you wish to see in the world! I know, you're not loaded, I'm not either but there are things you can do that do not require money. So maybe you don't have money to help someone, I know you have time. Go volunteer at a homeless shelter and hand out food or jackets and I am not suggesting you give away all your free time, shit just do it once. If there isn't a shelter in your area start one! Find a severe cold weather shelter and offer to stay the night (these are often at churches), these places are always looking for volunteers. You know the homeless man or woman you see on the street corner everyday, give her a jacket, some warm socks or a warm meal. Before you cast your shame and judgement why don't you ask her how she got there, how her life took such a turn that she is now begging for a few dollars to feed her belly and maybe her kids. I doubt it's how you assumed she ended up there. We could all use a little more compassion for the people around us.

You want some warranted fear? Be afraid your sedentary lifestyle is going to lead you to diabetes, cardiovascular problems or some other chronic debilitating health condition. If you aren't already afraid start worrying about the shit your kids are eating, breathing and drinking because it's making them sick, sad and unhealthy. The fear should be in your kids being raised by TV's, not knowing how to prepare food for themselves, having no respect for themselves or others or not knowing the importance of moving your body. These are valid fears, we know these things lead to depression, obesity and sickness in all forms. Focusing on if we allow these refugees in our country we will be bringing terrorism here is crazy, news flash terrorism has already tainted our soil. So stop being part of the problems in this world and start being part of the solution.
These topics have been heavy on my heart with the way the world has been turning lately. I currently work a half day a week at a homeless women and youth shelter in downtown Seattle providing medical care. As the holidays near and the weather get's colder the illnesses, pain and sadness increases exponentially. You think your depression is bad in the winter, try suffering from such horrible PTSD and depression you ended up homeless. And now imagine dealing with your depression on the streets in 35 degree weather. It can be a tough world out there, many of us know this fact. There's probably been a time in your life you were kicked when you were down instead of offered the helping hand you so needed. Instead of making it a tougher, harder world let's work together to make it softer, more compassionate and full of love. If it feels too overwhelming, it's ok because it is overwhelming when you really think of it all. There are things you can do though, and if you can't think of any I would be happy to help you brainstorm. I leave you with the Black Eyed Peas and Where is the love?

Eating from the garden

With summer on the horizon, delicious veggies are all over the place. Whether you grow them yourself, pick them up at your local farmers market or grocer your body will thank you for eating a wide variety and color of vegetables. Eating a variety of colors is very important, think red, green, purple, orange, yellow, and white.

Fruit and Veggies, More matters campaign has a website dedicated to telling people how to increase their fruit and veggie intake. They are a non-profit group, Produce for better health, that partnered with the CDC to spread the word about healthy eating. We all know fruits and veggies add important nutrition to our diets, but it can often be difficult to know what to eat. There is so much mixed information out there. Here a link to the website offering simple ways to add more fruits and veggies to your day.

Here are some tips for what to do with your summer veggies!

• Zucchini! So easy to grow, and by far one of the most rewarding crops to grow. It is the gift that keeps on giving all summer. 

• Cut it into strips and grill it on the BBQ
• Slice into half moons and stir fry with other veggies
• Cut into medium thickness circles, bread in an egg wash flour batter and pan fry them... so good! 
• Stuffed Zucchini: Cut in half lengthwise, scoop out seeds and some of the inside. It can now be stuffed with sausage, rice, other veggies and so much more! 

• Cabbage. Not as easy to grow in the home garden because the white butterfly moth loves to eat the cabbage leaves, but a very cheap veggie at the store and extremely versatile. 

• Coleslaw: chop it up into thin strips and cover it with a delicious coleslaw dressing. An easy one is mayo, vinegar, salt, pepper, sugar and other spices of your choice. 
  
• Stuffed cabbage: Par boil the whole head of cabbage until barely soft to be able to pull of the giant leaves. Stuff each leaf with whatever you choose. I love sausage, rice and veggies. You then wrap them up like a burrito and place them in an ovens afe pan. Cover with sauce of your choice: marinara, gravy, my favorite is a garlic, ginger, soy sauce. Then bake until it smells amazing, probably only 20 minutes or so.  
• Cut into slices and stir fry with your other favorite vegetables. 

• Tomato. Another rewarding crop if you can get them to flower at the right time. This season has been perfect tomato weather with lots of sunshine and heat. 

  • Slice and eat alone or on anything
  • Tomato sauce
  • Salsa
  •  
  
   

Lavender Syrup

A friend recently asked what plant I resonated with most, or in her words, "what was my spirit plant?" We happened to be picking lavender at the time on the side of the road. I'm not sure if lavender is my spirit plant, but it is one of my favorites with so many uses.

Lavender Syrup

• Ingredients:
• Fresh lavender
• Organic Cane sugar or honey
• Filtered water
• Cheesecloth/small strainer 
• Pot with tight fitting lid 
• Glass container with tight lid to store lavender syrup

1. Gather lavender 
   
2. Pull off the flowering tops and gather into a bowel - no need to wash unless very dirty because going to simmer and then strain it. 
3. Combine a 2:1 ratio of water to lavender in a pan with a tight fitting lid.
4. Simmer for 15 minutes, never bringing the lavender to a high bowel, keep it at a low rolling boil. (Do not remove the lid! You want to keep the essential oil in the pot and if you take the lid off it escapes in the steam)
5. Remove the pan from heat. Cover the lid of the pan with an ice cold towel or run cool water over the top to gather the essential oil that has condensed in the top of the pan.
6. After the lid is cool, lift it off and shake whatever liquid has condensed in the lid back into the pan.
7. Your house should now have the aroma of a magnificent country lavender field.
   
8. Line a larger strainer with cheesecloth and strain out the lavender flowers. Strain your lavender liquid into a large glass measuring cup so you now how much liquid you have obtained. The liquid should be a beautiful purple-gray at this point. (The scraps can now be composted and will add great nutrients to your compost.)
   
9. Add your measured liquid back into the pot and turn on medium heat. 
10. The sweetener of your choice will be added now. The sweetener is not only for flavoring and thickening of the syrup but also for preserving the syrup. 
1. The sweetener is added in a 1:1 ratio of sweetener to lavender liquid. Play around with the ratios to suit you best. It can go down to a 1:2 ratio of sweetener to lavender liquid if you prefer that better. 
11. Put the lid back on to trap the delicious smelling essential oils and allow the syrup to thicken. 
12. Once the syrup has thickened to your liking remove from heat and allow to cool. 
13. Place into a pretty glass container or tight sealing jar and store in the fridge

Lavender Lemonade (Cocktail) 

• Ingredients:
• Fresh Squeezed lemonade
• Carbonated water
• Lavender syrup
• Optional: Liquor of your choice (Vodka is delicious)

This is a rough recipe that needs to be altered to individual tastes and depending on how sweet your lavender syrup turned out. What tasted best to me was fill a tall glass with a few pieces of ice, an ounce of vodka, an ounce of lavender syrup, half a glass of lemonade and then topped off with carbonated water. 

Summer Brunch

If you're looking to throw a delicious brunch this summer sure to please any palate, try this vegetarian menu. The main dish is a Spinach, Basil and Feta Fritatta; hearty enough for any appetite. It is accompanied by a Creamy Tomato Bisque and a fresh Arugula & Strawberry Salad. If you are growing a garden of your own you may be able to find many of these ingredients right in your own yard. See below for recipes for these three delicious dishes.

Spinach, Basil and Feta Fritatta  

A hearty whole wheat and oat crust filled with a savory combination of spinach, garlic, onion, parmesan and cheddar cheeses.Makes 6-8 servings.

Filling:
1 large onion, chopped
Garlic, minced

extra virgin olive oil
6 eggs
1 1/2 cups milk (or water or milk substitute)
1/2 cups feta cheese

8 Mushrooms, sliced
As much fresh spinach as you want or other garden greens
1/2 cups green onion, sliced thin

8-10 basil leaves sliced
Salt/Pepper to taste

Preparation

• Preheat oven to 350° F
• Prepare the filling: Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the onions and mushroms, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and sauté until soft, about 10 minutes. 
• While those are cooking inn a large bowl, whisk together eggs and milk. 
• Add the remaining ingredients into the pan –  the spinach or other greens, green onions, basil. 
• Pour the eggs/milk mix into the pan and keep it on the burner for a few minutes before placing the pan into the oven
• Bake for about 10 minutes and then add the feta cheese to the top.

 

Creamy Tomato Bisque

Onion, carrots, celery, and garlic are simmered until soft and fragrant then blended with tomatoes and simmered with fresh parsley, thyme, and bay leaf. The soup is then blended and strained leaving a creamy tomato sauce that is simmered with heavy cream and salt. Served warm, with fresh ground pepper to taste. 

 Ingredients:

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

1 tablespoon minced bacon (about 1/2 ounce)

1 Spanish onion, chopped

1 carrot, chopped

1 stalk celery, chopped

4 cloves garlic, minced

5 tablespoons all-purpose flour

5 cups chicken broth, homemade or low-sodium canned

1 (28-ounce) can whole, peeled tomatoes (with liquid), roughly chopped

3 parsley sprigs

3 fresh thyme sprigs

1 bay leaf

1 cup heavy cream

1 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt

Freshly ground black pepper

Directions

1. Heat the butter in a large soup pot over medium-high heat. 
2. Add the bacon and cook, stirring, until crisp and most of the fat has rendered, about 1 minute. 
3. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate and set aside. 
4. Lower the heat to medium, add the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic and cook, covered, stirring occasionally, until soft and fragrant, about 8 minutes.
5.  Stir in the flour and cook, stirring, for 3 minutes. 
6. Pour in the broth and tomatoes and bring to a boil while whisking constantly. 
7. Tie the parsley sprigs, thyme, and bay leaf together with a piece of kitchen twine and add to the pot. Lower the heat and simmer for 30 minutes. 
8. Remove from the heat and allow to cool.
9. When the soup base is cool, remove and discard the herb bundle. 
10. Working in batches, transfer the mixture to a blender and puree until smooth. 
11. Using a sieve over a large bowl, strain the tomato puree. 
12. Return the puree to the pot and reheat over medium heat.
13. Whisk the heavy cream and salt into the soup and season with pepper to taste.

 

Arugula & Strawberry Salad

A rich source of iron and vitamins A and C, arugula is balanced here, with balsamic vinegar, walnuts shaved parmesan cheese and strawberries.

 

Ingredients

1/2 cup chopped walnuts

4 cups baby arugula, or torn arugula leaves

2 cups sliced strawberries, (about 10 ounces)

2 ounces Parmesan cheese, shaved and crumbled into small pieces (1/2 cup)

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

1/8 teaspoon salt

2 tablespoons aged balsamic vinegar, (see Ingredient note)

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

Preparation

1. Toast walnuts in a small dry skillet over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until lightly browned and aromatic, 3 to 5 minutes. Transfer to a salad bowl; let cool for 5 minutes.
2. Add arugula, strawberries, Parmesan, pepper and salt. Sprinkle vinegar and oil over the salad; toss gently and serve at once.

Tips & Notes

Ingredient Note: Aged balsamic vinegar (12 years or older) is a treat, but not an economical one. If you don't want to spring for a $40 bottle, use regular balsamic. Alternatively, bring 1/2 cup regular balsamic vinegar to a boil over high heat in a small skillet. Cook until the vinegar begins to thicken and become syrupy, 2 to 3 minutes.

4 servings, 1 1/2 cups each                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             Total Time: 25 minutes

Homemade Cough Syrup

Coming down with a cold but don't want to down a bunch of cough syrup or throat sprays. Try this antimicrobial honey. Make it in advance so it's ready when you need it. It can take up to a few weeks to be ready and can be stored in the fridge for a few months. The syrup is not only soothing to the throat when taken either by the spoonful or added to a soothing tea perhaps. All of the ingredients in this syrup have antimicrobial properties making it not only soothing to the throat, but also helpful in fighting off whatever bug you have come down with.

Properties of the ingredients:

• Garlic, also known by it's latin name Allium sativum. Garlic is an important culinary ingredient as well as cardioprotective, antioxidant and widely used for it's antimicrobial properties. It can not ony be used to treat the common cold, but also help prevent many illnesses. It's obvious how well garlic penetrates the body because after eating it your breath and every pore sweats out the sweet smell of garlic. 
• Onion: Onion is a base to most recipes and there is good reason for it. Not only is it delicious and nutritious it is also anti-micriobial, anti-parasitic, and good for fevers, colds and coughs.
• Ginger, Zingiber officinalis: Ginger is energetically warming which to the circulatory system makes it a blood mover. Ginger is added to many formulas not only for it's healing properties, but also because it helps drive other herbs to where they need to be in the body by increasing circulation. Ginger helps with inflammation of any kind in the body through various mechanisms. According to natural medicine database it is also great for most ailments of the stomach (Nausea, Diarrhea and general stomachaches and pains) as well as migraine headaches and motion sickness. Ginger can treat just about anything. Feeling chilly, take some ginger it will warm you right up.
• Honey: Well besides being sweet and amazing it is also

What you will need:

• 1 Red or Yellow Onion, sliced evenly
• ½ head of Garlic 
• Sliced ginger Root
• Roughly a cup of organic raw honey 
• And roughly a half of granulated white sugar or brown sugar*
• A jar or something similar with a tight fitting lid that will comfortably but snugly hold your onion.
• *the amounts may vary slightly with the size of container you use*

Instructions:

1. Place the base of the sliced onion in your jar, and then pour honey in a layer over it (or cover in a layer of sugar, if that’s your sweetener of choice.) 
2. Then add a layer of garlic and ginger. 
3. Don't skimp on the garlic, onion and ginger, the more you add the more powerful your syrup.
4. Continue with another layer of sweetener and then onion. repeat until you reach the top of the jar. 
5. When you’re finished, cover tightly and let it sit in a cupboard. Check it after a few days. 
6. After it has sat out, there will now be liquid in the jar. 
7.  The sweetener draws out the antimicrobial constituents. 
8. Once the liquid has formed strain it out into a new jar
9. Use a spoonful as needed to control your cough (3 spoonful’s an hour, if needed.)
10. You can use the ginger, onion and garlic to add to a marinade, stir-fry or other dish. 
11. Repeat the process to keep your fridge stocked with this magic cough syrup.

Far Left side: Starting layer of onion, garlic, ginger and sugar. Bottom Right a few days into the process and the syrup is starting to form in the bottom. Top right: the delicious, antimicrobial syrup.

Resources:
Botanical Medicine Course - Bastyr University
Natural Partners Research database - onion and garlic and ginger 

Disclaimer:

Information is for health education only and is not meant to diagnose, treat, or cure any disease or medical condition.

Always see your health care provider for proper diagnosis and treatment

Information on herbs and supplements has not been evaluated by the FDA