Introducing Constitutional Hydrotherapy

Introducing Constitutional Hydrotherapy

One of the things I love most about naturopathic medicine is the intertwining of ancient practices with modern treatments. One such ancient modality, is hydrotherapy, the use of water in the treatment of pathology. More eloquently put, hydrotherapy, by definition, is: the use of water for the maintenance of health or the treatment of disease by stimulating the body’s own self-healing mechanisms. Within the category of hydrotherapy lies constitutional hydrotherapy, which originated in Europe, and was made popular in the United States by Dr. O.G. Carroll, in the 1940’s. In constitutional hydrotherapy,……

Seattle Smoke Wave

Seattle Smoke Wave

By: Alyssa Kelly, ND Seattle is in the midst of a smoke wave. A severe one, at that. Climate Central describes a smoke wave as two consecutive days with an EPA Air Quality Index of 67. Seattle’s AQI today is 185. At AQI level 67, the particles in the air, called PM2.5, reach a concentration that can start causing adverse health effects. Some of these effects include “slowing blood flow and oxygen to the heart, developing plaque on the inner walls of arteries, and interfering with liver functions” (Climate Central). These are relatively invisible……

My new year’s resolution: self-care (in small pieces)

My new year’s resolution: self-care (in small pieces)

By: Jennifer November, ND January 1. Time to exercise more, eat healthier, drink more water, drink less alcohol, read more, less television… I’m already over it. What’s the deal behind new year’s resolutions? Ultimately, these are the things that if we change them about ourselves, we believe will make us stellar human beings. Business Insider says that “80% of new years resolutions fail by February”. Is this because they are goals designed to make us appear better on the outside? Is it because they tend to be activities we don’t really enjoy? Is……

Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy: is it the right fit for you?

Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy: is it the right fit for you?

By: Kim Hansen, ND The menopausal transition is unique to each individual woman. Some women experience minor symptoms while others suffer from a variety of different ailments. These symptoms can impact their wellbeing and quality of life from the beginning stages of menopause through several years after its onset. Menopause occurs when the body is no longer in “reproductive mode” and the amount of estrogen and progesterone produced by the body begins to decline. Not only can this drop in hormones lead to uncomfortable symptoms, but it also puts women at a greater……

Concussion Discussion

Concussion Discussion

By: Alyssa Kelly, ND Physicians play an important role in concussion management and recovery. Outside of an initial emergency room evaluation, this role is often unclear to patients. The goal of this article is to explain why it is important to schedule an appointment with a primary care doctor if there are any potential signs or symptoms of a concussion. Particularly in light of the recent spotlight on brain injuries in the NFL, most people associate concussions with athletes. Although sports-related concussions are quite serious, the populations most at risk for concussions……

Keeping the Family Healthy During Back-to-School

Keeping the Family Healthy During Back-to-School

By: Dr. Jennifer November It’s that time of year again… packing lunches, laying out clothes, homework, and working extra hard to keep the whole family healthy. How can you combat the increased colds and flus that come with the start of the school year? And, give your kids a running start to stay healthy in the coming months? The following are our top four tips for keeping your family’s health in top shape: Wash your hands: This cannot be emphasized enough! Particularly before anything goes into your mouth, wash your hands. Kids……

Naturopathic Family Medicine Helps Harvey Victims

A personal note from Dr. Sterling Maximo Seattle has had one of the warmest summers on record, and the blue skies keep coming. However, the recent news of the devastating weather in Southeast Texas is quite a different story. While I call myself a Seattleite now, I was born and raised in Houston. Fortunately, my family and their houses have been spared, however many friends, neighbors and thousands of families across Southeast Texas have not been as lucky. The images that I see on the news with the half-submerged buildings and freeways-turned-lakes……

Seed Cycling: Using Food As Medicine To Balance Your Hormones

Seed Cycling: Using Food As Medicine To Balance Your Hormones

By: Dr. Kim Hansen, ND Attention, ladies! Do you struggle with irregular menstrual cycles? Hormonal acne? PCOS? Infertility? PMS? Low hormones due to menopausal changes? If you answered yes to any of the above questions, seed cycling may be the missing link to helping you balance your hormones naturally. Most women have been told that they need to take a birth control pill in order to regulate their menstrual cycle. Seed cycling is a simple and effective alternative method that will help to encourage natural hormone production and detoxification in order to……

Choosing a Naturopathic Doctor as your Primary Care Physician

Check out part 2 (of 2) of the video series explaining why you should consider a naturopathic doctor as your primary care physician. These videos were composed by Naturopathic Family Medicine to be shared in the community. Have a look and please pass along to all who might be interested! “It is a principle of naturopathic doctors to focus on getting to the root cause of disease and addressing the source of illness.” …

Love Your Heart a Bit Extra

Love Your Heart a Bit Extra

February is national heart health awareness month… which means in addition to loving your Valentine’s heart, it is time to give your heart some extra love as well….

3 Ways to Stay Present During the Holiday Season

3 Ways to Stay Present During the Holiday Season

Dashing through the snow… on my way to finish the holiday shopping, wrap the gifts, bake cookies, back to the store, company party, mail the cards… phew, where did the holidays go?! So many expectations to have the “perfect” holiday season complete with all of the trimmings, that often the months of November and December fly by in a blur. The following are three ways to make sure you enjoy and stay present through this holiday season….

How to be your healthiest self prior to getting pregnant

How to be your healthiest self prior to getting pregnant

The decision to get pregnant is a big one. One of the biggest an individual and a couple face. So much goes into the decision — are you ready as a couple? Are you ready as an individual? Is the timing appropriate with your chosen career path? Are your finances in order? And, is your health optimal for getting pregnant and growing a baby?…

Fish Oil 101

Fish Oil 101

By: Lauren Whitaker (ND Candidate 2016) Omega-3 fatty acids (found in fish oil) can be obtained by including fish in your diet or taking a supplement. Both EPA and DHA are types of Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil. Supplementation often also contains vitamin E, A, C, D, B vitamins, calcium, or iron. The essential fatty acids found in fish oil function as energy sources, assist cellular membrane production (especially in the nervous system, our brains are roughly 10% DHA!), reduce pain and swelling, and prevent blood from clotting easily. Here……

Help Your Child Sleep Better, Naturally

Help Your Child Sleep Better, Naturally

It’s a little ironic that babies and children need much more sleep than adults, yet always seem to be waking up their parents! If your child has trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, it’s not just an annoyance for you–lost sleep has many negative effects on children, including drowsiness, reduced immunity, short tempers, memory and concentration loss, and increased risk of diabetes, among others! If your child isn’t sleeping the recommended number of sleep hours nightly, what can you do to help? Do Not Give Your Child Medication As much as parents……

Welcome to the Wonderful World of Probiotics!

Welcome to the Wonderful World of Probiotics!

By: Eryn O’Connell (ND Candidate 2016) Did you know our bodies are home to a numerous and diverse population of microorganisms that are invisible to the naked eye, and our coexistence with these tiny creatures provides an essential foundation for our health and well-being? Many species of bacteria, fungi, and archaea cover all aspects of our bodies including our skin, ears, nose, eyes, mouth, digestive and urinary tracts. In fact, these microscopic organisms outnumber our own cells by 10:1! This is an example of a symbiotic relationship in which the microorganisms and……