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naturopathic doctor news & review
Table of Contents | 2016 | June
PTSD: Using a Naturopathic Approach to Understand & Treat the Disorder
Radley M. Ramdhan Stephanie Draus, ND Naturopathic medicine is based on 6 principles: First Do No Harm (Primum Non Nocere); Doctor as Teacher (Docere); Identify and Treat the Cause (Tolle Causam); Healing Power of Nature (Vis Medicatrix Naturae); Treat the Whole...
Anxiety and GERD: Reversing the Therapeutic Order to Heal the Root Cause
Laura Hughes, PhD Chris Habib, BSc, ND The Therapeutic Order is a hierarchy of naturopathic modalities and therapeutic interventions based on centuries of observation of the natural healing process.1 In many cases, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a condition...
The Path of Human Development
Paul Theriault, ND From the earliest writings of homeopathy, it has been observed that homeopathic treatment has an effect on one’s spiritual development. In Aphorism 9 of the Organon,1 Hahnemann states: In the healthy human state, the spirit-like life force...
Yokukansan: A Traditional Kampo Formula for Dementia
Jillian Stansbury, ND With Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia affecting millions of elders, the need for safe remedies to both halt the progression and help treat symptoms is greater than ever before. One of the greatest challenges for caregivers and...
Disruptors Among Us: Training Our Students in EMR/EHR
David Schleich, PhD This opening to the life we have refused again and again, until now. (David Whyte) At various times over the last few decades, lots of things have been touted as valuable, albeit disruptive, innovations in...
Nurturing Our Patients’ Spirits
Johanna Ryan, ND In ancient times, care was always multidimensional because it was understood that there were different elements of a person’s well-being – body, mind and spirit. Medieval chart notes from the hospices of that era reveal notations written in the...
The 3 Poisons: Greed, Hatred, and Confusion
Tanya Rampersad, ND Buddhism has a long tradition (approximately 2500 years) of rigorousness of study and dedication of generations of practitioners studying the mind. Abhidhamma is the Buddhist science of the mind1 – a way of seeing and understanding the self,...
Ayahuasca: Tradition, Context, & Clinical Applications
Tanya Maté, ND In naturopathic medicine, one of our guiding principles is to treat the root cause, and yet we rarely manage to do this. As Dr Paul Epstein says, “Balancing the immune system and biochemical pathways, though important, may not be addressing the...
Yoga & Meditation: Central Components of the Mind-Body Connection
Jim Massey, ND So, you want to further explore the mind-body connection? Yoga and meditation play a significant role in everyday practical life and in developing a holistic experience that brings together body, mind, heart, and spirit. A committed yoga practice, along...
Conversing About Death: Death Cafés
Brad S. Lichtenstein, ND, BCB A month before his death, both my sister and I, together and on separate occasions, directly asked my father, “What are your wishes? What do you want to happen? What do we need to know?” His common retort was something to the effect of,...
Spirituality & Naturopathic Philosophy
Jenn Krebs Rapkin, ND Tolle Totum As naturopathic physicians, we are taught and mandated to treat the whole person – body, mind, and spirit. Our training, however, has and continues to be almost exclusively focused on the physical and emotional aspects of a person....
The Power of the Breath: Stimulating Immunity with Breathing, Meditation, & Cold Hydrotherapy
Sarah King, ND “Nature is our teacher,” said well by Wim Hof during his 2010 TED talk in Amsterdam. Also known as the “Iceman,” Hof is an adventurer and world record-holder from the Netherlands, most notably known for running a marathon above the polar circle wearing...
Not Much to Go On
Joseph Kellerstein, DC, ND Doris is coming up to her 90th birthday and doing it in style. I don’t mean that in the economic sense. She is present, poised, and sociable. An elegant lady, but in no way ostentatious. She particularly wanted to see someone practicing...
Starting a New Practice: To Thine Own Self Be True
Matthew Jacobsen What’s the most important thing to know about launching your own practice? I’m often asked this question and given a very finite amount of time to answer it. Of course, launching your own practice is not something that can or should be reviewed that...
Mood Disorders: How Understanding Underlying Mechanisms Enhances Patient Outcomes
Nathan Horek, ND There are a number of theories and models to describe the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying mood disorders. The biology is complex and varied, yet with stepping stones of concrete and comprehensible mechanisms. This can provide distinct targets...
Archived Case Studies and Featured Content
Childhood Trauma and Mental Health: A Systems Biology Approach to Treatment-Resistant Anxiety and OCD
Childhood adversity may leave lasting physiological effects that extend beyond psychological symptoms. Through a case of a 19-year-old woman with persistent anxiety, OCD, emotional eating, and hyperandrogenic metabolic dysfunction, this article examines how neuroendocrine, metabolic, immune, nutritional, and gut-brain pathways may interact—and how a systems biology approach can complement conventional psychiatric care.
Observation Over Interpretation: A Homeopathic Case of Phosphorus in an 8-Month-Old
When an 8-month-old developed sudden distress whenever his mother left the room, the choice between Phosphorus and Pulsatilla initially appeared uncertain. Through direct observation, a previously overlooked response to physical touch became the defining symptom guiding a Phosphorus prescription, followed by reported improvement within one week.
Listening Beyond Language: A Narrative Medicine Case Study for Neurodivergent Children
For neurodivergent children, communication extends beyond spoken language. Through a composite pediatric case, this article explores how narrative medicine, creative expression, sensory-aware facilitation, and caregiver co-regulation can support emotional communication, self-advocacy, and connection in children with autism, ADHD, and related developmental differences.
First, Do No Harm: Managing Pediatric Klebsiella Dysbiosis Without Delaying Diagnosis
A young child with recurrent abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, sleep disturbances, and behavioral changes experienced repeated symptom improvement during integrative treatment targeting intestinal dysbiosis. This case examines the challenges of managing suspected Klebsiella-associated symptoms while navigating inconsistent treatment across two households, parental hesitation toward additional testing, and the possibility of an underlying inflammatory bowel disorder.
Medication-Induced Kidney Injury: Mechanisms, Risk Factors, and Prevention
Medications may account for an estimated 20% of community- and hospital-acquired acute kidney injury, with risk amplified by CKD, older age, chronic disease, dehydration, and polypharmacy. This review examines the major mechanisms of drug-induced nephrotoxicity and practical strategies for medication review, hydration, renal monitoring, and prevention.
Low Testosterone and Cardiovascular Disease: Risk Marker, Mediator, or Both?
Low testosterone is consistently associated with adverse cardiovascular outcomes, but whether it is a cause of vascular disease or a marker of underlying metabolic and inflammatory dysfunction remains unresolved. This review examines the epidemiology, vascular mechanisms, hypertension and atherosclerosis data, TRAVERSE findings, and the cardiovascular implications of TRT-induced erythrocytosis.
Male Infertility and Pain Medication: When Analgesic Exposure Becomes a Fertility Clue
Could overlooked pain-medication use provide an important clue in male infertility? This case follows a 40-year-old man with oligoasthenoteratozoospermia whose total motile sperm count increased from 2.72 million to 26.5 million over 111 days following analgesic discontinuation and a multicomponent integrative fertility plan.
Cardiovascular Risk Assessment in Men: A Naturopathic Cardiology Perspective
Cardiovascular risk extends beyond LDL cholesterol and the standard lipid panel. This review explores how plaque biology, inflammation, oxidation, metabolic and hormonal health, advanced biomarkers, CGM, and cardiovascular imaging can complement established therapies to create a more individualized approach to cardiovascular risk assessment in men.
The Role of Hormonal Changes in the Etiology and Treatment of Paternal Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders
Approximately 1 in 10 fathers experience a perinatal mood or anxiety disorder, yet paternal PMADs remain frequently overlooked. This review explores the hormonal and psychosocial changes accompanying fatherhood and their implications for recognizing, screening, and supporting paternal mental health.
Oral Curcumin and Artesunate Protocol in Prostatic Carcinoma: Case Study Series in PSA and Pathology Outcomes
Can curcumin and artesunate play a role in integrative prostate cancer care? This two-patient case series examines PSA trajectories and pathology during an oral botanical protocol incorporating curcumin and artesunate, while highlighting potential mechanisms, iron-related adverse effects, and the need for further clinical investigation.
A New Chapter in Pain Pharmacology: Suzetrigine, NaV1.8 Inhibition, and the Future of Non-Opioid Analgesia
Suzetrigine introduces a novel mechanism for treating moderate to severe acute pain by selectively inhibiting NaV1.8 channels on peripheral nociceptors. This review examines its mechanism, clinical efficacy, safety, and potential role within multimodal naturopathic and integrative pain management.
Beyond the Tumor: A Whole-Person Approach to Prostate Cancer Active Surveillance
Active surveillance does not have to mean simply “watching and waiting.” This case follows a man with localized intermediate-risk prostate cancer over approximately 20 months, integrating conventional oncologic monitoring with serial assessment and individualized management of metabolic health, inflammation, gastrointestinal dysbiosis, environmental exposures, nutrition, and lifestyle.
Breath of Fresh Air for the Profession: Reflections from AANP 2026 in Madison
The 2026 American Association of Naturopathic Physicians (AANP) Convention arrived in Madison, Wisconsin, under unusual skies. Wildfire smoke had drifted across the region, leaving the city enveloped in smoke and fog as naturopathic physicians, students, educators,...
Daraxonrasib and Pancreatic Cancer: A Breakthrough for Precision and Integrative and Naturopathic Oncology
Daraxonrasib is reshaping the therapeutic landscape of RAS-driven pancreatic cancer and raising new considerations for integrative clinicians. This article explores pan-RAS inhibition alongside practical strategies for nutrition, exercise, symptom management, and careful evaluation of botanical and nutrient interactions within a precision integrative oncology framework.
Oral Curcumin and Artesunate Protocol in Prostatic Carcinoma: Case Study Series in PSA and Pathology Outcomes
Can curcumin and artesunate play a role in integrative prostate cancer care? This two-patient case series examines PSA trajectories and pathology during an oral botanical protocol incorporating curcumin and artesunate, while highlighting potential mechanisms, iron-related adverse effects, and the need for further clinical investigation.
A New Chapter in Pain Pharmacology: Suzetrigine, NaV1.8 Inhibition, and the Future of Non-Opioid Analgesia
Suzetrigine introduces a novel mechanism for treating moderate to severe acute pain by selectively inhibiting NaV1.8 channels on peripheral nociceptors. This review examines its mechanism, clinical efficacy, safety, and potential role within multimodal naturopathic and integrative pain management.
Beyond the Tumor: A Whole-Person Approach to Prostate Cancer Active Surveillance
Active surveillance does not have to mean simply “watching and waiting.” This case follows a man with localized intermediate-risk prostate cancer over approximately 20 months, integrating conventional oncologic monitoring with serial assessment and individualized management of metabolic health, inflammation, gastrointestinal dysbiosis, environmental exposures, nutrition, and lifestyle.
Breath of Fresh Air for the Profession: Reflections from AANP 2026 in Madison
The 2026 American Association of Naturopathic Physicians (AANP) Convention arrived in Madison, Wisconsin, under unusual skies. Wildfire smoke had drifted across the region, leaving the city enveloped in smoke and fog as naturopathic physicians, students, educators,...
Daraxonrasib and Pancreatic Cancer: A Breakthrough for Precision and Integrative and Naturopathic Oncology
Daraxonrasib is reshaping the therapeutic landscape of RAS-driven pancreatic cancer and raising new considerations for integrative clinicians. This article explores pan-RAS inhibition alongside practical strategies for nutrition, exercise, symptom management, and careful evaluation of botanical and nutrient interactions within a precision integrative oncology framework.
Advanced Inflammatory Breast Cancer: Complete Response with Naturopathic and Immuno-Oncology Treatment
This case follows a 44-year-old woman with inflammatory breast cancer that progressed to osseous metastatic disease and was managed through a multimodal naturopathic, immune-directed, and conventional oncology strategy. Serial imaging and molecular surveillance ultimately demonstrated complete metabolic response, zero circulating tumor cells, and repeatedly undetectable ctDNA, highlighting the potential value of adaptive, interdisciplinary integrative oncology care.
Ketogenic Diet in Metastatic Breast Cancer: An Integrative Oncology Case Study
Can a ketogenic diet play a supportive role during treatment for advanced breast cancer? This case follows a 34-year-old woman with metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer who adopted a ketogenic diet and broader lifestyle changes alongside chemotherapy and HER2-targeted therapy, while examining the evolving evidence, potential metabolic benefits, and limitations of ketogenic diets in cancer care.
How to Get the Most from Your Cancer Doctor Visits: A Guide for Patients and Survivors
Cancer care can be complex and overwhelming, but preparation can make medical appointments more productive and less stressful. This practical checklist offers 18 strategies to help patients communicate effectively with providers, organize their care, explore treatment options, and build a collaborative medical “dream team.”
Botanical Immunomodulation for Pancreatic Neoplasia: An Integrative Medicine Case Report
Can botanical immunomodulation play a supportive role in patients with pancreatic neoplasia? This case report describes the clinical course of a patient who declined surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation and pursued a physician-directed botanical regimen alongside nutrition, exercise, meditation, and other lifestyle measures, with subsequent imaging reportedly demonstrating stabilization followed by reduction in lesion size.
Serial ctDNA in High-Grade Serous Ovarian Carcinoma: Bridging Naturopathic and Conventional Oncology Care
Serial ctDNA testing provided an evolving molecular picture of advanced ovarian cancer, helping inform treatment decisions as the patient moved between naturopathic and conventional care. This case illustrates how multiple liquid-biopsy platforms can complement CA-125 while adding molecular detail relevant to treatment response and progression.
Custom Publishing
From Chemistry to Clinical Application: Essential Oils as Multitarget Therapeutics for Microbiome Balance Across Three Mucosal Systems
Essential oils contain complex compounds with antimicrobial, antibiofilm, anti-inflammatory, and other biological activities. Dr. Sarah LoBisco explores how essential oil chemistry, formulation, and route of administration inform targeted applications for microbiome balance across the gastrointestinal, respiratory, and urinary systems.
Co-Prescribing Probiotics with Antibiotics: The Case for Omni-Biotic AB 10
Omni-Biotic Human clinical trials demonstrate that functionally targeted Omni-Biotic AB 10 prevents diarrhea, reduces C. difficile risk, and eliminates multidrug resistant organism colonization in the gut. Introduction Antibiotics are among the most...
Quantum Energy Effects on Cell Recovery Rates
Robert Sheaff, PhD, and Ian Mitchell This study investigated whether quantum field exposure generated by Leela Quantum Bloc Technology influences cell recovery rates in human cell lines. A series of double-blind experiments were conducted using Human Dermal...
Featured News
ClarityTx Launches Clinical Decision-Support Platform for Integrative Medicine
ClarityTx, a healthcare technology company, announced the launch of its clinical decision-support platform designed specifically for integrative and functional medicine practitioners. Created by a multidisciplinary team of clinicians, the platform helps practitioners...
Naturopathic Medical Education: A Comprehensive Curriculum
Colleen Huber, NMD April 9 2026 The following is a comparison of my conventional medical education and subsequent naturopathic medical education. I wrote this in 2015, and now update it in April 2026, only with updated curriculum links and screenshots from the various...
























