From the desk of...

Emma Theisen, ND

I received my bachelors of science in Biomedical Sciences from CMU. I then attended Bastyr University in Kenmore, Washington (one of only a few accredited, four year schools in the country for naturopathic medicine) to become a naturopathic doctor. In the state of Washington, after we pass both sets of boards and all of our educational requirements, we are primary care providers. I was credentialed with insurance, I could complete yearly physicals, sports physicals, male and female exams, etc. I could also order lab work and imaging, run IV’s, prescribe pharmaceuticals, and complete minor in office surgical procedures. The difference from conventional medicine to naturopathic medicine is that a naturopathic doctor has more tools in the treatment toolbox (see below). Naturopathic physicians also look at each individual person, their circumstances, their needs and goals, and come up with a recommended plan specific to that individual. Currently, in the state of Michigan, there is no licensure for naturopathic medicine. This means anyone can call themselves a naturopathic doctor no matter what type of training they’ve had.

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Treatment Toolbox

Botanical Medicine

This is a form of medicine that uses specific parts of plants (root, leaves, seeds, flower, etc.), prepared in certain ways (tea, tincture, decoction, capsules, etc) to aid in healing. A majority of the world still relies heavily on botanical medicine as first line treatment. Often, naturopathic physicians create custom botanical formulations based on the individual they’re working with.

Homeopathy

An energetic medicine. A homeopathic consult tends to ask a lot of questions about the individual to find which remedy best fits them. Homeopathic remedies can be used for acute or chronic issues. Cell Salts are homeopathic in nature but used in a more general way to support the body.

Physical Medicine

There are many modalities of physical medicine, such as soft tissue manipulation (similar to massage), muscle energy stretching (reprogramming the muscle(s) innervation/function, TENS unit, hydrotherapies (including sauna/sweat depuration, constitutional hydrotherapy, contrast (hot/cold), sitz baths) and manipulations.

Craniosacral Therapy

This is a gentle, hands on modality that works to adjust the fascia in the body to allow proper flow of cerebrospinal fluid throughout the body via fiscia.

Flower Essences

...work by acting on the energetic body. There are many kinds of flower essences that have different effects on the body. A custom flower essence blend can be created based on your specific needs or goals.

Naturopathic Principles

First do no harm. Naturopathic physicians follow three guidelines to avoid harming the patient.
- Utilize methods and medicinal substances which minimize the risk of harmful side effects, using the least force necessary to diagnose and treat.
- Avoid when possible the harmful suppression of symptoms.
- Acknowledge, respect and work with the individual’s self-healing process.
The Healing Power of Nature. Naturopathic medicine recognizes an inherent self-healing process in the person, which is ordered and intelligent. Naturopathic physicians act to identify and remove obstacles to healing and recovery and to facilitate and augment this inherent self-healing process.
Identify and treat the causes. The naturopathic physician seeks to identify and remove the underlying cause of illness, rather than to merely eliminate or suppress symptoms.
Treat the whole person. Naturopathic physicians treat each patient by taking into account individual physical, mental, emotional, genetic, environmental, social and other factors. Since total health also includes spiritual health, naturopathic physicians encourage individuals to pursue their personal spiritual development.
Doctor as teacher. Naturopathic physicians educate their patients and encourage self-responsibility for health. They also recognize and employ the therapeutic potential of the doctor-patient relationship.
Prevention. Naturopathic physicians emphasize the prevention of disease-assessing risk factors, heredity and susceptibility to disease and making appropriate interventions in partnership with their patients to prevent illness.

Naturopathic medicine is committed to the creation of a healthy world in which humanity may thrive.

Testimonial

I live in a body that is difficult to maintain, from chronic pain to a sleep disorder, and a whole lot in between. Emma has been phenomenal at taking all of me into account and creating custom tinctures for me. I've tried so many prescribed medicines, often with not great side effects. The tinctures from Emma feel like absolute magic. They are gentle and effective and taste great.

- Alisha F.