Principles of Naturopathic Medicine
Naturopathic Medicine is defined by seven principles designed to promote wellness:
The Healing Power of Nature: Vis Medicatrix Naturae
Natururopathic medicine recognizes an inherent self-healing process in the body that is ordered and intelligent.
Identify and Treat the Causes: Tolle causam
Naturopathic doctors work to find and remove the underlying cause of a disease as opposed to simply suppressing the symptoms.
First Do No Harm: Primuim Non Nocere
Naturopathic doctors favor the use of non-invasive treatments that minimize the risk of harmful side effects. When necessary, they may work in conjunction with other health care practitioners to offer an array of treatment options.
Doctor As Teacher: Docere
The principal objective of Naturopathic Medicine is to educate patients about the importance of personal responsibility for their own health. Doctors who specialize in naturopathy recognize the importance and therapeutic value that doctor-patient relationships have at better understanding and maintaining health.
Treat the Whole Person
Each person’s health is based upon a complex interaction of physical, emotional, mental, spiritual, dietary, genetic, environmental, and lifestyle values. Naturopathic doctors are holistic and work to understand and treat the causes that affect the entire body.
Prevention
Naturopathic doctors emphasize the prevention of diseases by educating patients on principles that lead to healthier lives. Naturopathic medicine also works at preventing minor illnesses from developing into more serious or chronic degenerative diseases.
Wellness
Wellness follows the establishment and maintenance of balanced, optimal health. Wellness is a state of being healthy and is characterized by positive emotion, thought, and action. Wellness is inherent in everyone, no matter the disease being experienced. If wellness is really recognized and experienced by an individual, it will act as preventative medicine to heal disease more quickly than direct treatment of the disease alone.
This principle was adopted by Bastyr University and added to the six principles.
Source: Bastyr University
Education
Naturopathic doctors complete a four-year post-graduate program. The first two years consist of basic scientific coursework identical to that of conventional medical programs. This is followed by two years of clinical training that emphasizes the integration of natural and conventional therapies.
To practice naturopathic medicine, naturopathic doctors must pass national medical board examinations to qualify for a state license. Naturopathic doctors are licensed as primary care doctors in California.
General Practice
Natural Holistic Wellness Center offers a variety of treatments for you and your family.
Initial Office Visit
Your initial office visit will include a comprehensive medical history assessment, including information on lifestyle, diet, emotions, and stress levels, followed by a physical exam. Laboratory and diagnostic tests may be ordered. Short and long term goals for reaching optimal health will be discussed and an individual treatment plan will be created.
Please fill out and send in the New Patient Forms prior to your 90-minute initial visit.
Return Office Visit
Return visits fine tune your personal treatment plan and support the lifestyle changes that lead to optimal health. Visits include a variety of holistic treatments, progress evaluation, and review of laboratory or diagnostic results.
Acute Office Visit
Acute visits treat non-emergency complaints that need immediate attention. This includes treatment for common colds, flu, urinary tract infections, and ear infections.
Wellness Program
Natural Holistic Wellness Center offers several programs. Please contact us and schedule a free 15-minute consultation to determine if a program may be appropriate for you.
Women's Wellness Visit
Women's Wellness visit includes complete annual physical exam, Pap test, and breast exam.
Child's Wellness Visit
Child's Wellness visits include a full physical exam.
ADD/ADHD/Autism Program
The ADD/ADHD/Autism program includes a 90 common foods allergy test, an amino acid test, and tests to check the pathway of energy production, detoxification, neurotransmitter, and intestinal microbial activity. Diet, emotions, environment, and lifestyle will also be evaluated. Customized test and treatments. More tests available.
Cardio Health Program
The Cardio Health Program includes, comprehensive cardiovascular blood work, BMI measurement, body fat and muscle mass testing, and weight management and nutrition plan. Can incorporate with other conditions you may have.
Create Your Own Herbal Formula
Create your own herbal tincture formula package in harmony with your current medications. Includes 8 oz. bottle of your personalized herbal formula.
Diabetes Health Program
The Diabetes Health Program includes comprehensive blood work, blood sugar balancing, BMI measurement, body fat and muscle mass testing, and weight management and diabetes nutrition plan.
Sinus and Allergy Relief Visit
Sinus and Allergy Relief includes nasosympatico (stimulation of sinus drainage using special essentials oils), nabulizer, heat pack, and initial herbal preparation.
Home Visits
Home visits are available for established patients.
Phone and Email Consultation
Phone and email consultations are available for established patients.
Insurance Billing
Naturopathic Medicine is covered by some insurance carriers in the state of California. Please contact your insurance company to ask if they cover treatment, labs, or imaging ordered by a naturopathic doctor. Natural Holistic Wellness Center will provide a superbill to submit to your insurance provider for reimbursement at the time of your visit. Health Saving Accounts (HSA) and Flexible Savings Accounts (FSA) will cover all visits and supplements.
Scope of Practice
Naturopathic doctors practice integrative medicine by combining both conventional and natural medicine. Patients evaluations are based on physical examinations, laboratory assessments, and a detailed medical and lifestyle history.
Serving as both primary care doctors and natural medicine specialists, naturopathic doctors focus on the individual needs of their patients by developing personalized holistic treatments that address the cause of symptoms and disease.
Treatable Conditions
This list comtains a sample and does not cover all possible conditions we treat. If you have questions about a specific condition not on this list please contact us.
Acute Care
• Cold and flu
• Ear and throat infections
• Intestinal upset
• Skin rashes
• Urinary tract infections
Cardiovascular
• Diabetes
• High cholesterol
• Hypertension
Digestive
• Acid reflux
• Constipation
• Gas and bloating
• Gastritis
• Irritable bowel
• Ulcers
• Candidiasis
• Crohn's disease
• Ulcerative colitis
Endocrine
• Diabetes
• Hormone imbalance
• Hypoglycemia
• Low libido
• Thyroid conditions
Immune System
• Autoimmune conditions
• Chronic infection
Musculoskeletal
• Arthritis
• Bone healing
• Fibromyalgia
• Lower back pain
• Traumatic injuries
Neurological
• Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
• Migraine
• Parkinson's disease
Respiratory
• Allergies
• Asthma
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Smoking cessation
Skin and Hair
• Acne
• Eczema
• Hives
• Impetigo
• Psoriasis
Stress and Emotion
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Insomnia
Urinary
• Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)
• Bladder infection
• Incontinence
• Kidney disease
• Prostatitis
Weight Loss
Women's Health
• Breast health
• Cervical dysplasia
• Endometriosis
• Fibrocystic Breasts
• Menopause
• Osteoporsis
• PAP tests and annual checkups
• Polycystic ovarian syndrome
• Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
• Uterine Fibroids
• Vaginitis
Treatments
Natural Holistic Wellness Center offers treatments that are individualized for optimal health. LEARN MORE
Botanical Medicine
Botanical medicine, also known as herbal medicine, is the therapeutic use of plants and plant extracts. Dr. Maki Takashima prescribes therapeutic dosages of botanical medicine with a knowledge of medical herbalism and drug interaction and safety. Naturopathic doctors are the only licensed healthcare providers fully trained in the use of botanical medicine.
Counseling and Stress Management
The mind and body are intertwined, and balancing emotional and physical health is key to optimal health.
Diet and Nutrient Therapies
Diet and nutritional supplement recommendations are available for optimal health and specific conditions.
Energetic Medicine
Energy medicine is excellent for releasing traumatic emotional and physical energy blockages that are stored in your physical body. These healing treatments balance and enhance the flow of the energy throughout your entire system.
Environmental Medicine and Detoxification
Our bodies are routinely exposed to chemicals in the environment and food supply. Detoxification programs test for levels of toxicity, detoxify, cleanse, and rejuvenate your body. Your health goals are supported with recommendations for healthier living and eating. We offer a three week "Jump Start to Health: Weight Loss and Purification" program for groups and individuals.
FirstLine Therapy®
Dr. Takashima is a certified FirstLine Therapy® practitioner. FirstLine Therapy is a therapeutic lifestyle modification program designed by healthcare professionals. For more information, visit Metagenics.
Homeopathic Medicine
Homeopathic medicine is natural, non-toxic medicine that stimulates the body’s inherent ability to heal, strengthen, and balance itself. Homeopathy offers a powerful physical, mental, and emotional healing experience that works for any condition and age, including children.
Physical Medicine
• Craniosacral Therapy - Works with the skull and spine to treats stress, neck and back pain, migraines, TMJ, and chronic pain conditions such as fibromyalgia.
• Hydrotherapy - Water treatments tone the body, stimulate digestion, circulation, and the immune systems, and relieve pain.
• Massage - Shiatsu and sports massage promote relaxation and well-being.
• Muscle Stretching - Increases muscle flexibility and improves range of motion.
• Ultrasound Treatments - High-energy sound waves help ease painful joints and muscles.
Biopuncture
Biopuncture is an alternative therapy in which specific locations on the body are injected with biological products that promote healthy body functioning. The majority of the products are derived from plants. Most of these injections are given under the skin or into the muscles. Biopuncture has been featured on the Dr. Oz show.
What kinds of products are being injected?
Commonly used products include:
• Arnica – Calms muscle pain
• Chamomile – Increases relaxation
• Echinacea – Boosts immune system
• Lymphomyosot – Supports lymphatic drainage
• Nux vomica – Aids digestion
• Spascupreel – Calms muscular cramps
• Traumeel – Treats inflammation and sports injuries
• Zeel – Relieves chronic joint pain
Are these products safe for me?
Biopuncture injections contain diluted products and side effects are highly unlikely. The products are made in Germany where they are subject to strict quality control and have been proven safe in clinical trials.
What symptoms does Biopuncture treat?
Biopuncture is excellent for minor orthopedic problems, painful joints and muscles, allergies, skin disorders, digestive disorders, and strengthening the immune system. Conditions may include:
• Achilles tendonitis
• Allergies
• Ankle sprain
• Arthritis
• Asthma
• Back pain
• Bronchitis
• Bronchitis
• Colitis
• Crohn’s disease
• Cystitis
• Eczema
• Fibromyalgia
• Frozen Shoulder Syndrome
• Gastritis
• Immune system stimulation
• Inflammation
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Migraines and headaches
• Neck pain
• Neuralgia
• Painful joints and muscles
• Repetitive strain injuries
• Rotator cuff syndrome
• Sciatica
• Shoulder pain
• Sinusitis
• Skin disorders
• Sports injuries such as tennis elbow and golf elbow
Who can benefit from Biopuncture?
Patients who may want to minimize side effects or avoid an operation can benefit from using Biopuncture as an alternative therapy, or in combination with conventional medicine and medication.
Conclusion
Biopuncture is a safe and efficient technique in complimentary medicine. It uses biotherapeutic injections to stimulate the body’s natural self-
Bio-Identical Hormones
Bio-identical hormone replacement therapy is used to treat hormone deficiencies using molecules that are identical to hormones found in the human body. It differs from traditional hormone replacement therapy that uses animal-derived and synthetic molecules that are similar, but not identical, to human hormones.
What are the advantages of Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy?
• Decrease in menopausal symptoms
• Improved look and feel of hair and skin
• Weight loss
• Improved sex drive
• Improved mental health
• Lower cholesterol levels
• Decreased risk of osteoporosis
• Decreased risk of heart attack and stroke
...and so much more!
What conditions are treated with Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy?
• Menopause - Loss of estrogen and progesterone coinciding with the end of ovarian egg production. Using occurring between the ages of 41-59, menopause is diagnosed after 12 months without menstruation. Symptoms may include hot or cold flashes, flushes, night sweats, mood swings, sudden tears, insomnia, loss of libido, fatigue, anxiety, and depression.
• Perimenopause - Loss of estrogen and progesterone due to declining ovarian egg production. Symptoms may include irregular menstrual cycles, hot flashes, vaginal dryness, insomnia, and mood swings.
• Andropause - A loss of testosterone in men between the ages of 45-55. Symptoms may include mood swings, weight gain, fatigue, loss of libido, and low agility.
• Thyroid Imbalance - A thyroid hormone imbalance can affect the regulation of carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, digestion, muscles, nerves, blood flow, hormone excretion, oxygen, and sexual functions.
• Fibromyalgia - Abnormal levels of brain chemicals that signal the nervous system. Symptoms may include body pain, skin temperature changes, IBS, brain fog, and immune system irregularities.
• Weight Loss Resistance - Imbalances in estrogen and progesterone can affect the ability to lose weight.
• Adrenal Fatigue - A decrease in adrenal gland production may cause chronic infections, fatigue, insomnia, menopause-like symptoms, IBS, and anxiety.
Hydotherapy
Hyperthermic Medicinal Peat Bath
Hyperthermic Medicinal Peat Bath is a hydrotherapy treatment that offers enhanced blood circulation, decreases inflammation, stimulates the immune system, and promotes deep relaxation.
A peat bath is excellent for:
• Adjunct detoxification
• Chronic viral, bacterial, and mycobacterium illnesses
• Disc herniations
• Immune system stimulation
• Muscle, joint, spinal, or chronic pain
• Osteoarthritis
• Respiratory tract infections
• Skin diseases
Download the Peat Bath Guide »
Wet Sheet Pack
The Wet Sheet Pack is excellent for detoxification. After warming up with a bath, you are wrapped in a wet sheet. The process includes four phases:
• Cooling – Tones the body
• Neutral – Relaxes the mind
• Heating – Stimulates the organs
• Sweating – Detoxifies the body
Constitutional Hydrotherapy
Constitutional Hydrotherapy stimulates the body’s self-healing mechanisms by strengthening the immune system, increasing blood flow, and promoting detoxification. This natural remedy features alternating hot and cold towels coupled with sine wave stimulation.
This treatment is excellent for your entire system and treats conditions including:
• Arthritis
• Asthma
• Bronchitis
• Immune system
• Irritable bowel
• Maintaining wellness and youth
• Premenstrual syndrome
• Stomach flu
• Ulcerative colitis
• Upper respiratory infections
Ear Lavage
Ear Lavage is a safe and natural way to remove excess earwax from the ear canal.
Cell Salts
IV Therapy
Dispensary
Natural Holistic Wellness Center carries high quality, professional grade, alternative medicines, including:
• Herbal and nutritional supplements
• Creams
• Suppositories
• Tincture – botanical medicine in liquid form
• Custom herbal formulas
Dr. Maki Takashima recommends effective, individualized natural medicine and supplement plans based on her knowledge of herb and drug interaction and safety. She is authorized to order products only sold to licensed practitioners, and special orders can be shipped directly to your home.
Labs and Imaging
Natural Holistic Wellness Center offers labs and imaging services that may be paid for by your insurance plan.
Conventional Tests
• Blood count (Differential)
• Cholesterol (Lipid Panel)
• Coloscreen
• Hormone screening
• Kidney function
• Liver function
• Pap Smear Cytology
• STD
• Strep A
• Urinalysis
Functional Diagnostic Tests
• Adrenal Saliva
• Amino acid
• Bone resorption
• Cardiovascular risk
• Celiac disease
• Detoxification
• Digestive function (Parasites, Candida)
• Environmental toxins
• Food allergies
• Genomic (Cardiogenomic, Osteogenomic, Detoxgenomic, Immunogenomic)
• Heavy metals
• Hormones (Male, Female)
• Neurotransmitter
• Nutritional panel
• Organic acid
• Thyroid
Imaging
• CAT Scans
• Mammogram
• MRI
• Ultrasound