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Naturopathic Medicine  

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What Is a Naturopathic Doctor?


Naturopathic doctors (NDs) are primary care physicians who blend centuries-old knowledge and a philosophy that nature is the most effective healer with current research on health and human systems. The naturopathic physician seeks to identify and remove the underlying causes of illness, rather than eliminate or merely suppress symptoms.

Naturopathic diagnosis focuses on identifying the underlying causes of disease, while naturopathic therapies are supported by research drawn from peer-reviewed journals from many disciplines.The therapeutic modalities used in naturopathic medicine (including physical manipulation, clinical nutrition, botanical medicine, homeopathy, and hydrotherapy) integrate conventional, scientific, and empirical methodology with the ancient laws of nature.

OWM’s Naturopathic Medicine doctor, Kim Howes ND, is a member of the International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society (ilads.org), the leading international medical society devoted to treatment of Lyme and Associated tick-borne diseases with evidence-based medicine. She is a graduate of National University of Natural Medicine, Portland, Oregon.

THE EXPERIENCE

Dr. Kim specializes in botanical, nutritional, lifestyle and homeopathic medicines and provides adjunct healthcare in collaboration with Dr. Leonard Kaplan in the following areas:

Acute and Chronic Lyme disease

Environmental Illness

Endocrine/Hormone Imbalances

Allergies/Sensitivities

Acute and chronic infections such as Sinusitis, Lyme Disease and Urinary Tract Infections

Autoimmune conditions including Hashimoto’s/Graves’ Thyroiditis, Diabetes, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Multiple Sclerosis, Systemic Lupus, Erythema, Sjogren’s

Gastrointestinal disorders including IBS, IBD, Celiac, Acid Reflux/GERD, SIB, Dysbiosis, Candida, Parasites, Intestinal Impermeability (“leaky gut”), Diarrhea/Constipation, Gas Bloating

Skin conditions such as Acne, Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema), Psoriasis, Hives/Rash, Yeast

Chronic pain, Fibromyalgia, Neuropathy

Botanical, nutritional, lifestyle and homeopathic medicines

Mold and other Water Damaged Building illnesses

“I believe that educating a patient is the first step towards achieving health goals.” – Dr. Kim Howes

Core Elements of Naturopathic Medicine

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First Do No Harm
(Primum Non Nocere)

Naturopathic medicine follows three principles to avoid harming the patient: Use methods and medicinal substances which minimize the risk of harmful side effects; Avoid, when possible, the harmful suppression of symptoms; Acknowledge and respect the individual's healing process, using the least force necessary to diagnose and treat illness.

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Treat the Whole Person

Naturopathic physicians take into account the physical, mental, emotional, genetic, environmental and social factors of each person. Since total health also includes spiritual health, naturopathic physicians encourage individuals to pursue their personal spiritual path.

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Prevention

Naturopathic physicians emphasize disease prevention, assessment of risk factors and hereditary susceptibility to disease and making appropriate interventions to prevent illness. 

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Wellness

Wellness follows the establishment and maintenance of optimum health and balance. Wellness is a state of being healthy, characterized by positive emotion, thought and action. Wellness is inherent in everyone, regardless of disease(s). If wellness is recognized and experienced by an individual, it will more quickly heal a given disease than direct treatment of the disease alone.

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