I was born in North Carolina, but grew up in Massachusetts. I graduated from the University of Vermont, and headed west to work in various national parks and wildlife refuges for several years. During that time, my health began to suffer, and I sought out the help of Dr. Janet Beaty, a Massachusetts naturopath. I worked with her for about eighteen months, and felt like I had my life back. By this time, I was doing massage therapy in Dr.
Beaty's naturopathic office, and I filled in as her secretary while she looked for a permanent replacement. I was privileged to meet and interact with the patients in Dr. Beaty's practice. By the end of three months there, I knew I was headed for naturopathic school.
It took several years, but I made my way to Great Falls, Montana, and have been practicing here since March, I have learned to downhill ski, and love to hike, kayak and watch birds. My favorite thing about Montana is the hot springs, especially after skiing on a cold day. Naturopathic medicine is a stand-alone primary health care discipline that focuses on prevention, treatment, and achieving the highest level of health by supporting the body in its drive toward self-healing.
Naturopathic physicians combine both traditional and modern forms of medicine to achieve optimal results. Naturopaths are guided in their practice of medicine by six principles:. All people possess a vital force that strives to heal once all obstacles are removed. ND's work to support the body as it moves toward health. Naturopathic Physicians seek to identify the causes of illness as opposed to simply suppressing the symptoms. ND's use treatment methods that minimize side effects and acknowledge each patient's process of healing.
ND's consider each patient as an individual with unique physical and emotional traits, with the need for both physical and spiritual health. ND's encourage patients to know their risk factors and work to prevent disease. Naturopathic physicians spend time educating their patients to empower them in making good decisions about their health.
