Naturopathic medicine is a complete system of medicine which integrates science with natural, minimally invasive therapies. This wholistic approach is customized to each client, emphasizing prevention, self-care and optimal health for children and adults. This natural approach addresses the root cause of an illness or disease. It allows for profound healing of the body and promotes well-being. Naturopaths use the following treatments to help restore health: clinical nutrition, botanical medicine, vitamin/mineral therapy, supplements, detoxification, homeopathy, hydrotherapy, and life counseling.

Naturopathic physicians are licensed healthcare providers who specialize in the natural prevention, evaluation and treatment of health challenges and disease.

Naturopathic physicians attend graduate school for 4-5 years which includes clinical training. The schools are nationally accredited by the Council for Naturopathic Medical Education (CNME). The CNME is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education which classifies the Naturopath Degree (ND), as a doctorate Professional degree, on par with MD (Medical Doctor) and DO (Doctor of Osteopathy). Currently, 6 institutions are accredited to provide this doctoral level naturopathic training in the United States and Canada. Students are trained in the same foundation science and pathology courses as traditional medicine schools. Hands-on clinical work is incorporated throughout the educational experience. Residencies are available post graduation.

THE GUIDING PRINCIPLES OF NATUROPATHIC MEDICINE: I. THE HEALING POWER OF NATURE (VIS MEDICATRIX NATURAE) The body has the inherent ability to establish, maintain, and restore health. The healing process is ordered and intelligent and is a response to environmental inputs. The physician’s role is to facilitate and augment this process, to act to identify and remove obstacles to health and recovery, and to support the creation of a healthy internal and external environment. II. IDENTIFY AND TREAT THE CAUSE (TOLLE CAUSAM) Illness does not occur without cause. Underlying causes of disease must be discovered and removed or treated before a person can recover completely from illness. Symptoms are expressions of the body’s attempt to heal, but are not the cause of disease. Symptoms, therefore, should not be suppressed by treatment. Causes may occur on many levels including physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual. The physician must evaluate fundamental underlying causes on all levels, directing treatment at root causes rather than at symptomatic expression. III. FIRST DO NO HARM (PRIMUM NON NOCERE) Illness is a purposeful process of the organism. The process of healing includes the generation of symptoms which are, in fact, an expression of the body’s forces attempting to heal itself. Therapeutic actions should be complimentary to and synergistic with this healing process. Methods designed to suppress symptoms without removing underlying causes are considered harmful and are avoided or minimized. IV. TREAT THE WHOLE PERSON Health and disease are conditions of the whole organism involving a complex interaction of physical, spiritual, mental, emotional, genetic, environmental, social, and other factors. The physician must treat the whole person by taking all of these factors into account. The harmonious functioning of all aspects of the individual is essential to recovery from and prevention of disease, and requires a personalized and comprehensive approach to diagnosis and treatment. V. THE PHYSICIAN AS TEACHER (DOCERE) Beyond an accurate diagnosis and appropriate prescription, the physician must work to create a healthy, sensitive interpersonal relationship with the patient. A cooperative doctor-patient relationship has inherent therapeutic value. The physician’s major role is to educate and encourage the patient to take responsibility for health. The physician is a catalyst for healthful change, empowering and motivating the patient to assume responsibility. It is the patient, not the doctor, who ultimately creates/accomplishes healing. The physician must also make a commitment to his/her personal and spiritual development in order to be a good teacher. VI. PREVENTION The ultimate goal of any health care system should be prevention. This is accomplished through education and promotion of life habits that create good health. The physician assesses risk factors and hereditary susceptibility to disease and makes appropriate interventions to avoid further harm and risk to the patient. The emphasis is on building health rather than on fighting disease.

The philosophy of Naturopathic medicine is what sets it apart from traditional medicine. Naturopathic physicians address the root cause of health challenges or diseases and do not settle for masking symptoms. This approach allows for profound healing of the body and promotes well-being. Once the underlying cause(s) of health issues are addressed, the symptoms will often naturally resolve or decrease on their own. The beauty of Naturopathic medicine is that Naturopathic physicians have comprehensive training in medical sciences and natural medicines; allowing them to integrate both worlds. The latest in evidence-based scientific studies and age-old healing traditions provides the patient with success in restoration and prevention of health challenges.

Naturopathic physicians use diet, nutrition, botanical medicine, detoxification, vitamin and mineral supplements, physical medicine, homeopathy, hydrotherapy, and life-style counseling to address the root cause of an illness or disease.

Currently 22 states, the District of Columbia, and the Puerto Rico and Virgin Island territories have licensing for naturopathic doctors. This license is granted to naturopathic doctors who have attended a 4-5 year residential naturopath medical school and passed an extensive postdoctoral board examination (NPLEX). Licensed Naturopathic physicians must fulfill state-mandated continuing education requirements annually. North Carolina is high on the list to be one of the next states to obtain licensure for Naturopathic physicians. The North Carolina Association for Naturopathic Physicians (www.ncanp.com) welcomes your support in passing this legislation. Most Naturopathic physicians in North Carolina hold a license in another state to protect patients from unqualified practitioners. Dr. Janet’s Naturopathic license is from Washington State.

Naturopathic Physical Medicine is hands-on therapy to address restrictions, imbalances, and tensions in your body. Dr. Janet is highly trained in this area and has expertise in Craniosacral therapy, Lymphatic Massage, Orthopedic Medical Massage, Neurodevelopmental Therapy, Myofascial Release, Sensory Integration, Scar Releasing, and Visceral Manipulation. Dr. Janet combines her Naturopath services with this bodywork for clients who need specialized care.

Dr. Janet received her medical science education at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine in Toronto and her clinical medicine training at Bastyr University in Seattle, WA. She completed her Naturopathy Residency at the Wholeness Center in Ft. Collins, Co. Her previous training in Occupational Therapy was completed at Boston University and University of Kansas. Her massage training was completed at Finger Lakes School of Massage, Ithaca, NY.

Dr. Janet specializes in the care and treatment of children and adults with a variety of neurological and behavioral issues such as autism, ADHD/ADD, allergies, cerebral palsy, developmental delays, digestive issues, Down syndrome, skin issues, OCD, Tourette’s syndrome and tics, anxiety and depression. Her adult client’s often present with conditions such as auto-immune disorders, chronic fatigue, gastrointestinal issues and thyroid/adrenal disorders.

Dr. Janet provides Naturopathic Medical care for chronic health care issues. She is available for scheduled appointments during normal office hours. She does NOT maintain an after-hours answering service and does not guarantee same day appointments. It is suggested that you also have a primary health care provider for urgent conditions and after hour health needs.

Yes, Dr. Janet collaborates with other branches of medicine and health care and refers clients for diagnosis or treatment when appropriate. Dr. Janet will advise you to have a Primary Care Physician and works closely with that provider to optimize your or your child’s health status.

Your first visit with Dr. Janet will be up to 90 minutes to hear your or your child’s story in detail. Dr. Janet will ask you questions to guide evaluation and treatment. The details about your or your child’s lifestyle, strengths and weaknesses will be explored. You will have plenty of time to ask any questions and review any lab tests you may have brought in. Discussions will include your or your child’s current health concerns and challenges, health history, dietary information, exercise activities, sleep, stress levels, use of tobacco, alcohol and recreational drugs, and medications and supplements. Dr. Janet will perform an examination and begin determining appropriate lab tests to guide treatment choices. This first visit will be followed one week or so later by a 30 minute visit to learn about your individual treatment plan.

Naturopathic medicine empowers the individual to be an active participant in their health and well-being. Individuals are encouraged and supported to make life changes that address the core issues of their health. Change is not easy, but individuals who are dedicated to feeling better see that naturopathic treatments are effective in the long term.

Health Savings and Flex Spending Accounts are accepted for Naturopath Medicine, but unfortunately other insurances are not accepted. A Superbill can be provided upon request to submit to your insurance, but there is no guarantee of payment.  Despite the lack of insurance coverage, many clients report that they save money over time through reduced medication costs, less time off from work and prevention of more costly health problems. It is recommended that all clients have catastrophic coverage or a high deductible insurance plan.

Dr. Janet can not accept insurance coverage for any labs. She does use a lab company which provides very discounted prices for bloodwork labs, which she passes on to you. Specialty tests (urine, stool, saliva) vary in price and would be paid directly by you.

Please click here to see Dr. Janet’s complete price list. Payment is made at the end of the visit. Payments may be made via cash, check, money order, debit/credit card (Visa, Discover, Mastercard). A fee of $25.00 will be assessed for all returned checks.