What is Naturopathic Medicine? Naturopathic Physicians are the bridge between western medicine and alternative medicine techniques since we have our training in both. Our philosophies include a belief in the healing power of nature, beating the cause rather than the symptoms, "First Do No Harm," and most importantly, treating the whole person, Body, Mind, and Spirit. Naturopaths use the role of doctor as it was originally meant to be, as a teacher. The scope of practice in Washington State allows naturopaths to perform physical exams, order labs and other diagnostic studies and make a diagnoses. We have limited prescriptive authority (which includes natural hormones and antimicrobials).

People in this country have been trained by the Western Medical model to believe that good health care is slapping a label on the symptoms and prescribing the corresponding bottle of pills. Many people sit in my office and expect me to slap a label on their symptoms and give them a bottle of "natural" pills thinking that is good natural health care. For an acute condition like a cold or flu, that is perfectly acceptable. However, for most ongoing chronic conditions that would be too simplistic of an approach if you want to get to resolution and lasting, sustainable results-not palliation (symptom suppression or non-curative care). A label or diagnosis often doesn't provide useful information to the naturopath. We are trained to look for the causes of symptoms and poor health. This is a much grayer, more subtle and often more complex arena.

People ARE complex and many factors (genetics, lifestyle, emotional health) play into their overall health and level of function. Different approaches or therapeutics need to be used for different aspects. As I work with each aspect, my goal is to "REMOVE OBSTACLES TO CURE."

Aspects of Health The aspects I look at go beyond the alternative medicine's body/mind/spirit or the standard differential diagnosis of the Western medical world. Right fuel (food), brain body connection, good structure, biochemical/lab evaluation, toxicities and infections and 'other' (in which I include the emotional, spiritual, relationship, exercise and other lifestyle) influences, are the aspects I evaluate for their impact on health.

The treatment or therapy for one aspect is not overlapping, and cannot be a substitution for another aspect, just as you could not build a house with just electrical wiring-you need structural support and walls and plumbing and fasteners to hold the walls in place. Unlike a house, your health is a dynamic process, not a static state. It is the sum of the resiliency and ability of each aspect to address the challenges life presents that equals your overall health.

RIGHT FUEL FOR YOUR SYSTEM - Food Pharmacy is nutritional software that uses your date, such as food allergies, blood type, metabolic and endocrine type, and current health issues to create a customized health promoting food plan designed uniquely for you.

GOOD STRUCTURE - Advanced Biostructural Correction (ABC) technique is my main body work technique. It realigns bodies consistently and predictably. Developed by Dr. Jutkowitz, DC, who figured out why chiropractic fails so often. ABC has some unique techniques which support the body's unwinding process and gets it to it's best structural (and hence functional) alignment without dangerous moves.

BRAIN BODY CONNECIION - Neurological Integration System (NIS) - your brain takes in information (from internal and external environments) and organizes a response. If the brain is offline, then it doesn't matter if you use the best diet, best supplement, best prayer, or positive thoughts, it will not be taken in and used appropriately. NIS finds where the brain is not in control of the organization and reestablishes neurological integration.

INFECTlONS/IMMUNE ISSUES - viruses, bacteria, fungus, protozoa, autoimmune disorders, allergies.

TOXICITES - can be caused by heavy metals, solvents, pesticides, and preservatives and additives in foods and personal care products.

EMOTIONAL/SPIRITUAL/RELATIONSHIP/EXERCISE
although I do not treat these in my office, I am aware of the impact they have on one's overall health, and I try to link people up with a good resource for them.

The better I am able to address and optimize each aspect, the fewer bottles of pills I need to have people take, and the more profound the results. The aspects I consider FOUNDATIONAL are the Food Pharmacy, Neurolink, and Advanced Biostructural Correction (ABC). Each is key in its own way to optimizing your genetic potential for health. It is important to note that I cannot predict or test for what will change when these are applied, but I have seen enough conditions clear up, that now I like to employ these first and then use other things, supplements, etc, to clean up what is left.

Other Techniques BOWEN TECHNIQUE - a very gentle yet powerful hands-on technique from Australia that utilizes acupressure points in set patterns of moves that balance out the body so the body can heal itself.

NEUROMUSCULAR REEDUCATION - intensive deep tissue work that can make big changes very quickly.

WEIGHT LOSS SUPPORT - featuring neurotransmitter balancing to eliminate food cravings, stabilize moods and energy while safely losing weight.

NEUROTRANSMITTER BALANCING - amino acid therapy for depression, Parkinson's, ADD/ADH D, anxiety, IBS, fatigue, migraines, and fibromyalgia.

Aspects of Health Wheel Common health concerns I work with include:

Neurological: ADD/ADHD, depression, anxiety, panic attacks, Parkinson's, restless leg syndrome, certain types of dementia, migraines. Support for additional recovery.

Musculoskeletal: chronic pain, plantar fasciitis, tendonitis, fibromyalgia, chronic tight muscles, lower back pain, knee issues, joint pain, headaches, arthritis.

Gastrointestinal: GERD, ulcers, bloating, IBS, colitis, constipation, candida, dysbiosis.

Skin: eczema, psoriasis, acne, herpes.

Immune system: colds and flu, sore throats, bronchitis, auto-immune disorders, allergies.

Endocrine: adrenal and thyroid issues, PMS, menopausal symptoms, blood sugar problems, insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome.

General: fatigue, high cholesterol, insomnia, detoxification.

I carry professional line products to insure high quality and purify for best results.

Commonly Asked Questions

Q.	What can I expect during the first visit?
A.	Enough time is set aside to get a thorough history to get to know you. There is a physical exam and then we come up with a plan for care. This may include ordering lab tests or getting records. You can expect several aspects to be addressed.
Q.	What if I am taking prescription medication?
A.	That's fine. We can work on eliminating the need, find a natural alternative, or if you need or want to stay on the drug, I will use a more nutritional approach to avoid any herb/drug interaction.
Q.	Does insurance pay for this? Do you accept cash clients?
A.	Insurance does not equal health care. Some policies do cover ND care for office visits. Some services and most products are out of pocket expenses. I accept Cash, VISA, MC, and Checks.
Q.	What if I am not sure naturopathic medicine is right for me?
A.	I offer free 10 minute consults to meet each other and give you a chance to ask questions.
Q.	How strange will my life get under naturopathic care?
A.	I'm a naturopathic physician, not a health nut. I don't sprout my food, compete in triathlons, or get up two hours before dawn for chanting and yoga, and don't expect my clients to do so either. Soy is not a panacea, surgery is not always a bad choice, not everyone thrives on a vegan diet. I try to be reality based with my recommendations. I understand that I am prescribing for lifestyles, personalities, and budgets, as much as I am for physical conditions. The goal is a balanced life with more fluid guidelines than rigid rules.
Q.	Where did Dr. Rivers go to school?
A.	I graduated from Bastyr University, now located in Kenmore, Washington.