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Qualities of good naturopath??
Hi All!
Had first visit with naturopath/nutritionist. How do I know if I found "the one" to help me. You all who use naturopaths please forward any info so I know if I am wasting time and money.
My first visit was lots and lots of hx... and talking about blood sugar and how to stablize it with diet. Next visit muscle testing and then she said according to muscle testing she will prioritize the first thing we need to work on. She also uses blood and saliva at times to diagnose. and she believes in EMT, along with other non traditional methods. She recommended reading the book, The Edge Effect, by Dr. Eric Bravernan. Anyone read this??
Interesting fact, she looked at my hands and said I have no half moons on my nails- she said this is sign of long untreated thyroid disorder.?? Really??
I guess I just don't want to throw away any more $$$...
My first impression is she is very intelligent, ( little odd) but can she apply the knowledge to my case?? All opinions are so welcomed.....want to hear your experiences. Thanks for all the support.
Had first visit with naturopath/nutritionist. How do I know if I found "the one" to help me. You all who use naturopaths please forward any info so I know if I am wasting time and money.
My first visit was lots and lots of hx... and talking about blood sugar and how to stablize it with diet. Next visit muscle testing and then she said according to muscle testing she will prioritize the first thing we need to work on. She also uses blood and saliva at times to diagnose. and she believes in EMT, along with other non traditional methods. She recommended reading the book, The Edge Effect, by Dr. Eric Bravernan. Anyone read this??
Interesting fact, she looked at my hands and said I have no half moons on my nails- she said this is sign of long untreated thyroid disorder.?? Really??
I guess I just don't want to throw away any more $$$...
My first impression is she is very intelligent, ( little odd) but can she apply the knowledge to my case?? All opinions are so welcomed.....want to hear your experiences. Thanks for all the support.
I've considered going this route since there are SO many things that my pcp won't even consider looking at - how does one go about finding a place to start?
margypops,
I still have no half moons on finger nails... been seeing the naturopath for about 2 1/2 months. She has helped with me sleep.... thank goodness. not perfect but better. I will take anything I can get in that area. Next I am going to ask her a lyme's disease. I had a bite in 2000, thought it was a spider bite, never went to dr. Hope I do not regret that decision.
Peggy64,
I was also told it would be a long path and many $$, so I am going at my own pace and as I can afford it. I did not get this way in a day so I know it will take some time to get healthy again. I will go as long as I can afford it, I can go at my own pace/$$, and IF I am continued to feel better.
It is so frustrating, we all just want to feel healthy/better!!!
I still have no half moons on finger nails... been seeing the naturopath for about 2 1/2 months. She has helped with me sleep.... thank goodness. not perfect but better. I will take anything I can get in that area. Next I am going to ask her a lyme's disease. I had a bite in 2000, thought it was a spider bite, never went to dr. Hope I do not regret that decision.
Peggy64,
I was also told it would be a long path and many $$, so I am going at my own pace and as I can afford it. I did not get this way in a day so I know it will take some time to get healthy again. I will go as long as I can afford it, I can go at my own pace/$$, and IF I am continued to feel better.
It is so frustrating, we all just want to feel healthy/better!!!
I went to a naturapathic dr. Her tests were very interesting. She did blood work, then told me what was wrong with me. I had not told her, so it had to show up. IT was so costly, I just couldn't keep going. She told me that I was in such bad shape it was going to take a long time to get me straightened out.
Now seeing an integrative medicine dr. She told me the same thing about being in such bad shape. Didn't make me happy, but at least they were on the same page with my problems.
Now seeing an integrative medicine dr. She told me the same thing about being in such bad shape. Didn't make me happy, but at least they were on the same page with my problems.
Can we bump this back again this froum has gone to the dogs since bionic got banned, ..Laura is back soon so maybe we can be off again under our own steam....no my half moons are still away , even though I am taking diligently the mag/cal/zinc liquid that costs the earth...I have had it with the Med profession, an am back to supplements big time we have an Australian Naturopath nearby I am thinking of giving her a try.
margypops,
I take calcium, mag, zinc supplements ( not in liquid) for some time and my half moons have NOT reappeared.
Keep us posted on your progress.
I take calcium, mag, zinc supplements ( not in liquid) for some time and my half moons have NOT reappeared.
Keep us posted on your progress.
If you start taking magnesium/zinc/calcium in a liquid will your half moons reappear?I fancy I can see a bit of them again......lol or is it my imagination.
Update on naturopath-.still a little worried - am I "throwing" more $$ away.
She is also clinical nutritionist so she worked on healthy diet and effects of "bad" food first. But I am now starting herbal supplements. She is adding things slowlly... I go back every month unless I want to proceed faster or have problems.
I had bad insomnia which she prescribed 5 htp and l- theaninev( from muscle testing).
It is working, not a knock out go to sleep but a slow relaxed drowsiness and then into a good sleep. I am taking only a low dose 25 mg ( 1/2 pill) 5htp and 200 mg tl theanine ( night) because I am sensitive and more does not seem better for me . I take 25 mg 5 htp during day ( which makes me a little drowsy).
She is having me slowly add some greens to detox liver, selenium for thyroid. She really wants me to get rid of old mercury fillings, slowly if possible. More to come as she tests...
There are still some things I am unsure and nervous about...does this sound like a "good/normal plan" ?
I just want the "magic wand" and she says there is none... this is a work in progress. What do you all think?
She is also clinical nutritionist so she worked on healthy diet and effects of "bad" food first. But I am now starting herbal supplements. She is adding things slowlly... I go back every month unless I want to proceed faster or have problems.
I had bad insomnia which she prescribed 5 htp and l- theaninev( from muscle testing).
It is working, not a knock out go to sleep but a slow relaxed drowsiness and then into a good sleep. I am taking only a low dose 25 mg ( 1/2 pill) 5htp and 200 mg tl theanine ( night) because I am sensitive and more does not seem better for me . I take 25 mg 5 htp during day ( which makes me a little drowsy).
She is having me slowly add some greens to detox liver, selenium for thyroid. She really wants me to get rid of old mercury fillings, slowly if possible. More to come as she tests...
There are still some things I am unsure and nervous about...does this sound like a "good/normal plan" ?
I just want the "magic wand" and she says there is none... this is a work in progress. What do you all think?
Okay all... 2nd visit to nutritionist/naturopath. She started some muscle testing to help me with my insomnia. I am still NOT sure if I believe all this but it sure is interesting stuff.She believes She believes she can usually find problems by muscle testing instead of $$ blood/ saliva.
Interesting for me the things she said I was deficient in was also the things that showed up low on my saliva test done by previously by someone else... and she does not know or have access to those records.
I am still somewhat skeptical , but she seems very knowledgable, been doing this for 20 years....
I am very conservative in getting my hopes up since I have had many practioners ( md, do,ect) say they can help me... only to shrug and say I have no idea after $$$$$.
All input and knowledge/opinions are so appreciated. Thanks for any inspiration!!!!!!!!!
I guess I am looking for the magic wand... ( aren't we all) and she says there are no quick fix cures...( boo hoo I was SO hoping), just slow and steady, work on one major thng 1st, then the small ones will fall into place with treatment...What do you all think.. a good plan??
Interesting for me the things she said I was deficient in was also the things that showed up low on my saliva test done by previously by someone else... and she does not know or have access to those records.
I am still somewhat skeptical , but she seems very knowledgable, been doing this for 20 years....
I am very conservative in getting my hopes up since I have had many practioners ( md, do,ect) say they can help me... only to shrug and say I have no idea after $$$$$.
All input and knowledge/opinions are so appreciated. Thanks for any inspiration!!!!!!!!!
I guess I am looking for the magic wand... ( aren't we all) and she says there are no quick fix cures...( boo hoo I was SO hoping), just slow and steady, work on one major thng 1st, then the small ones will fall into place with treatment...What do you all think.. a good plan??
Looking at nails and tongues kind of falls back on Chinese medicine. I think they are valid methods of looking at one's health, but good naturopaths will tell you they can't diagnose by just looking at nails and tongues.
For me, I think my nails are okay. However, my tongue is not. I have a deep groove down the middle of my tongue and that suggests dysfunction in the body. My naturopath had a big book that detailed tongue analysis and all kinds of photo examples.
Muscle testing is a valid form of testing also. I found that it helped me a lot but once again don't expect an official diagnosis. Most naturopaths won't give you any type of diagnosis but they will start helping you support parts of your body that fail with their testing.
Word of mouth is probably the best way to find a good naturopath. You might also be able to find some recommendations at these sites:
findnd.com
ncnm.edu
naturopathic.org
For me, I think my nails are okay. However, my tongue is not. I have a deep groove down the middle of my tongue and that suggests dysfunction in the body. My naturopath had a big book that detailed tongue analysis and all kinds of photo examples.
Muscle testing is a valid form of testing also. I found that it helped me a lot but once again don't expect an official diagnosis. Most naturopaths won't give you any type of diagnosis but they will start helping you support parts of your body that fail with their testing.
Word of mouth is probably the best way to find a good naturopath. You might also be able to find some recommendations at these sites:
findnd.com
ncnm.edu
naturopathic.org
Hi ! I hear your words in your post... so tired of coming and going and still no better. I am going to give the new person I am seeing 3 times to at least show me a plan/path... if not I think I might take matters into my own hands. All this is not covered by insurance and is so $$ , I feel I am denying my family things which would be fine if it was helping me... then I would be better for them.
This forum has been so helpful, I think most of the people here are more knowledge/ experience than the people treating me. I may have to research herbs for my high cortisol, and low progesterone/thyroid and then show them to my PCP... since I am on heart meds he wants me to be careful of take... which I agree.
Some days this is SO frustrating.... I know I am not alone so why is not easy... probably because I am so sensitive like you Sassy.
Hang in there girlfriend... we will fight this together. There is a rainbow somewhere out there with OUR name on it.
This forum has been so helpful, I think most of the people here are more knowledge/ experience than the people treating me. I may have to research herbs for my high cortisol, and low progesterone/thyroid and then show them to my PCP... since I am on heart meds he wants me to be careful of take... which I agree.
Some days this is SO frustrating.... I know I am not alone so why is not easy... probably because I am so sensitive like you Sassy.
Hang in there girlfriend... we will fight this together. There is a rainbow somewhere out there with OUR name on it.
Let us know how it goes, Margy. I am thinking about going back to my original one in Seatlle, and discontinuing the one I have been seeing. You see, I just don't feel like she is knowledgeable enough for my problems, I am a rough case, and when I ask for certain tests, she seems to resent it, and in fact, has denied me at times. The one I used to see is so good, and a teacher at the Bastyr College in Seattle, she knows me well, and she is the only one that can calm me down when I get wild over something.
For example, I told her that the other doc said I had fibro, and she told me to not worry, that I should have more tests done and to not take the diagnosis at face value as so many things can cause it or mimic it. Well, when I asked the doc I am seeing now, she really said there were no tests, but, I looked up some things on fibro, and I discovered all kinds, so, I made a list, and asked her to let me have them, most are blood work. Well, she went along with it, but, a couple she would not give me until she gets these results back first. I also asked for a DEXA scan, which she OK's, but, when I asked for a neck MRI, she would not comply; so, I asked my chiro, explained all to him, and he was all for it, so, he will schedule one for me this week or next. To be honest, no matter what tests I have wanted, I have had to almost "beg" or prescribe them myself, and I am tired of it. My other doc, in Seattle, is lots easier in some ways, and, like I said, so much more versed in my problems. I just hate going over to Seattle, but, I guess it will be worth it. I am going to stick with my present one until I get all the results back, then I think I will bow out gracefully and start back with my original one. Besides, she is pregnant and will be leaving for a while anyway in August, so, now is the time. I hate to pick on anyone, but, this is my health we are playing with, and I am so dang tired of hurting and being sick, I am at the end of my rope, so, the time has come.
For example, I told her that the other doc said I had fibro, and she told me to not worry, that I should have more tests done and to not take the diagnosis at face value as so many things can cause it or mimic it. Well, when I asked the doc I am seeing now, she really said there were no tests, but, I looked up some things on fibro, and I discovered all kinds, so, I made a list, and asked her to let me have them, most are blood work. Well, she went along with it, but, a couple she would not give me until she gets these results back first. I also asked for a DEXA scan, which she OK's, but, when I asked for a neck MRI, she would not comply; so, I asked my chiro, explained all to him, and he was all for it, so, he will schedule one for me this week or next. To be honest, no matter what tests I have wanted, I have had to almost "beg" or prescribe them myself, and I am tired of it. My other doc, in Seattle, is lots easier in some ways, and, like I said, so much more versed in my problems. I just hate going over to Seattle, but, I guess it will be worth it. I am going to stick with my present one until I get all the results back, then I think I will bow out gracefully and start back with my original one. Besides, she is pregnant and will be leaving for a while anyway in August, so, now is the time. I hate to pick on anyone, but, this is my health we are playing with, and I am so dang tired of hurting and being sick, I am at the end of my rope, so, the time has come.
So interesting to read , its like a puzzle you have to fit the pieces together..then sometimes they dont fit, I am excited when I get results then down cast,only for a minute , when I discover the answer to all my ailmenst lasted for a full 2 weeks..,,I have dound a Naturopath here shes an Australian practising here she does all kinds of tests I am making an appt for next week,
I have 1/2 moons on nails of all my fingers/both thumbs and I have both thyroid issues AND low B12 (pernicious anemia).
I've also read that lengthwise ridges on the nails indicate the possibility of heart problems - hmm - I have very pronounced ridges on my nails. Also have white spots.
Will be interesting to see how the treatment goes. Good luck.
I've also read that lengthwise ridges on the nails indicate the possibility of heart problems - hmm - I have very pronounced ridges on my nails. Also have white spots.
Will be interesting to see how the treatment goes. Good luck.
Very interesting post. I checked my nails, and I can actually see the half moon on all my nails and the thumbs are very pronounced. Your Naturopath sounds like she is on the right track, the first visit always takes forever, then the follow up ones are better and they start getting down to the "meat" of things. Stick with it, I think you will be happy with the results.
Paxiled~I have been told I am low on zinc, but yet, I have no symptoms of it, but then again, I am so strange, no one should go by me. LOL,. even my naturopath gets confused with me, talk about a challenge, that's me for sure. :>)
Bionic man, thanks for all the info here, we are sure lucky to have you with us.
Paxiled~I have been told I am low on zinc, but yet, I have no symptoms of it, but then again, I am so strange, no one should go by me. LOL,. even my naturopath gets confused with me, talk about a challenge, that's me for sure. :>)
Bionic man, thanks for all the info here, we are sure lucky to have you with us.
Interesting, I thought the lack of half moons indicated a lack of zinc and possibly silica. Isn't this wonderful?
Thanks bionicman,
This is so interesting. I have heard you can tell alot by your nails.
Laura1967,
I am reading Suzanne Somers book, Ageless, and she talks about how her high cortisol wrecked havoc on her life along with horomone issues. It is like reading my recent life story/symptoms.
I have only 1/2 thyroid ( benign nodulesremoved other half) and have normal TSH, but low, or below Free T4, T3. I finally found an endo who is treating me on low dose of synthyroid and also hoping to suppress nodules in remaining lobe.That is why the iodineis is so interesting to me.... My hashimotos/graves antibodies were negative 2 years ago.
I guess I am just a difficult puzzle..... most regular doctors just shake their heads in confusion to my multiple mix of symptoms.
Thansk for all your help.
This is so interesting. I have heard you can tell alot by your nails.
Laura1967,
I am reading Suzanne Somers book, Ageless, and she talks about how her high cortisol wrecked havoc on her life along with horomone issues. It is like reading my recent life story/symptoms.
I have only 1/2 thyroid ( benign nodulesremoved other half) and have normal TSH, but low, or below Free T4, T3. I finally found an endo who is treating me on low dose of synthyroid and also hoping to suppress nodules in remaining lobe.That is why the iodineis is so interesting to me.... My hashimotos/graves antibodies were negative 2 years ago.
I guess I am just a difficult puzzle..... most regular doctors just shake their heads in confusion to my multiple mix of symptoms.
Thansk for all your help.
Yes the whole process is like an onion, but you should expect to see some results within a short period of time with your energy. Unless you are very ill, then it can take 30 days or more before you begin to feel anything new and improved.
Keep me updated as you start treatment.
Yes high cortisol can have a whole set of symptoms....definately insomnia, anxiety and panick, and even exhaustion.....but the thyroid can also cause tachycardia type of symptoms adn the same type of symptoms. Both from hypo and hyper.
Have you ever been tested for thyroid? How about Hashimoto's and Graves autoimmune diseases?
Keep me updated as you start treatment.
Yes high cortisol can have a whole set of symptoms....definately insomnia, anxiety and panick, and even exhaustion.....but the thyroid can also cause tachycardia type of symptoms adn the same type of symptoms. Both from hypo and hyper.
Have you ever been tested for thyroid? How about Hashimoto's and Graves autoimmune diseases?
oh crumbs, I have no 'lunula on fingers, but some on thumbs,will have to google it, twehner if you get that web address will you send it me. Thanks
Another thought.. she had ideas why I now have tachycardia ( and sudden onset of SVt). No one else ever has.....She believes my high cortisol ( found by saliva) is causing my heart to race and when cortisol spikes it causes racing/anxiety/ and insomnia??? Also feels may have Gaba problem, which she says are intertwined with hormones, thyroid, possible b-6 deficiency, ect...
This is all so facinating , but complicated....
This is all so facinating , but complicated....
twehner5,
Thanks, I am reallly hoping for some good input from all. Iooked at my nails... you are right- I still have small moons on thumbs. Interesting???? Hmmmm... I am hypothyroid and feel its been undiagnosed for many years. I will definitely research this further...
Laura1967,
Thanks, you are always so helpful with info...it is so appreciated. I am so insecure because all this is $$$,and I have already spent $$ with no results. I know there are many others who are in similar situation and sharing knowledge can help us all.
To answer you... she laid out a plan, 3 stages of treatment-
1st- nutrition and blood sugar stablization/ begin nutritional supplement for one priority area ( 1-3 weeks)
2nd- extensive muscle testing to determine supplements needed/review of hormones tests ( by saliva /blood), optional laser allergy testing/ metabolic testing. she uses outside labs. She also teaches EFT , enlists accupunture, rolfing therapists, ect...
( 6-12 months)
3rd ongoing/ maitanence as needed and for new problems.
As I mentioned, she is a huge fan of Dr. Eric Braverman, met him herself, applies many of his principles to her practice.
I really want to know what to expect, when I should see some improvement, and when and if I should move on to another if I am not getting anywhere.
She concluded the visit with , " I do not have a magic wand, This is like peeling an onion, layers at a time." And me... I want the wand..... its been so long since I slept/felt good, and I am terribly frustrated that I will never be somewhat normal again ( okay... I was NEVER normal........ but well ...doing a great job faking it).
Thanks again for any info.
Thanks, I am reallly hoping for some good input from all. Iooked at my nails... you are right- I still have small moons on thumbs. Interesting???? Hmmmm... I am hypothyroid and feel its been undiagnosed for many years. I will definitely research this further...
Laura1967,
Thanks, you are always so helpful with info...it is so appreciated. I am so insecure because all this is $$$,and I have already spent $$ with no results. I know there are many others who are in similar situation and sharing knowledge can help us all.
To answer you... she laid out a plan, 3 stages of treatment-
1st- nutrition and blood sugar stablization/ begin nutritional supplement for one priority area ( 1-3 weeks)
2nd- extensive muscle testing to determine supplements needed/review of hormones tests ( by saliva /blood), optional laser allergy testing/ metabolic testing. she uses outside labs. She also teaches EFT , enlists accupunture, rolfing therapists, ect...
( 6-12 months)
3rd ongoing/ maitanence as needed and for new problems.
As I mentioned, she is a huge fan of Dr. Eric Braverman, met him herself, applies many of his principles to her practice.
I really want to know what to expect, when I should see some improvement, and when and if I should move on to another if I am not getting anywhere.
She concluded the visit with , " I do not have a magic wand, This is like peeling an onion, layers at a time." And me... I want the wand..... its been so long since I slept/felt good, and I am terribly frustrated that I will never be somewhat normal again ( okay... I was NEVER normal........ but well ...doing a great job faking it).
Thanks again for any info.
Hi, I have been to many naturopaths. I have done this before to double check what one will diagnose....second opinion. lol And without giving too much information. lol
Did she give you an outline of things she found yet? Let me know this and then I have some questions for you.
Has she put you on any protocols yet? Vitamins or herbs? After 2 visits you should be on your way on a treatment plan, unless she dragged out the diagnostic and testing. Is she using an outside lab for saliva tests? Did she look at a blood sample under microscope herself?
Sorry for all the questions, but need to know in order to answer you! lol I personally know quite a few naturopaths. :)
Did she give you an outline of things she found yet? Let me know this and then I have some questions for you.
Has she put you on any protocols yet? Vitamins or herbs? After 2 visits you should be on your way on a treatment plan, unless she dragged out the diagnostic and testing. Is she using an outside lab for saliva tests? Did she look at a blood sample under microscope herself?
Sorry for all the questions, but need to know in order to answer you! lol I personally know quite a few naturopaths. :)
I read your post and I wish you'd get some responses. I was interested in the part where she told you that the "no half moons" means you have long untreated thyroid disorder. Right away, I googled that but came up with no half moons being a B-12 deficiency. I saw that only on all the hits I got...
I have almost all my half moons missing, except on my thumbs and the best site (I should say, the most informative site) I found said that the thumbs are the last to go.
I'll save the web address in case you're interested. You can PM me.
I have almost all my half moons missing, except on my thumbs and the best site (I should say, the most informative site) I found said that the thumbs are the last to go.
I'll save the web address in case you're interested. You can PM me.
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