You can feel better. I promise.
My mission is to find the missing pieces of the puzzle that is YOU. Whether you have a long way to go towards healing, or you’ve never achieved that last 10% of vitality, I’m here to help you create a clear plan so that you can start feeling healthier, happier and more productive.
I have a track record of getting to the root of complex health issues and creating a fun, transformative process of healing and maintaining health.
I specialize in working with:
Mental health
Depression, anxiety, trauma, ADD, brain fog
Hormonal imbalances
Fertility, pregnancy, PMS, PCOS, menopause
Musculoskeletal issues
Aches/pains, injury, posture and alignment
Sleep disturbances
Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep Waking unrested
Autoimmune and Neurological diseases
Hashimotos, Lupus Migraines, MS, RA Parkinsons
Hello, I am Dr. Liz
As a dance major in college, I was drawn to the sciences with my first anatomy class and added pre-med to my undergraduate degree. I became a Pilates instructor before receiving a doctoral degree in Naturopathic Medicine (ND) and a Masters in Classical Chinese Medicine (MSOM, LAc) from the Natural College of Naturopathic Medicine in 2003.
During medical school, my first daughter made her debut in a fast and furious childbirth. I did not address the stresses of severe anemia, medical school and being a new mother, which then triggered my immune system in an unpredictable direction.
I was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease called Lupus, (which means Wolf in Latin) and I have been “dancing” with my canine friend ever since. My daughter's birth and the subsequent deterioration of my health inspired me to support women with fertility, pregnancy and postpartum wellness.
As I have traveled through the many seasons of life, my practice has broadened to focus on balancing the chemistry of hormones and neurotransmitters in order to teach people how to age gracefully. As someone who dances, mountain bikes, skies and enjoys any movement that builds physical strength, agility, and stamina, I believe that treatment programs need to include the harmonizing of the body’s systems as well as aligning the body and spirit.
I’ve broken through many glass ceilings of my own health and can honestly say I look and feel younger than I did a decade ago. And now I’m honored to share my secrets with you!
Like most practitioners, it’s been through my exploration of healing my own body, mind and spirit that led me to develop A Healing Practice.
This is a technique that enhances the body and eases the transitions through the phases of life. The method is a distillation of universal principles found in all the different modalities I have studied.
My highly successful, integrated approach uses a combination of :
Blends traditional natural therapies with western medical science. Naturopathic doctors are primary care physicians who diagnose disease, perform physical examinations, and order laboratory testing. In addition, naturopathic physicians practice with a philosophy that allows authentic healing to occur. Treatment protocols are safe and non-toxic, including: Clinical Nutrition, Herbal Medicine, Homeopathy, Therapeutic Massage and Education.
Client Love
Dr. Liz really got to the root of the problems to help determine the best treatment plan.
When I went to see Liz the first thing that struck me was what a genuine caring individual she was. She was concerned not only about my issues but about who I am as a person. She has helped me to work through some very tough digestive issues that have plagued me for years.
I thought it was all in my head and she has helped me to find the answers to questions I have struggled with for a long time. She gives it her all in finding a solution, creates a good plan that you are comfortable with; while remaining approachable and excited about the process.
I would highly recommend her to anyone that wants to find a natural way to heal their ailments. If you are willing to do the work, she is willing to give it her all as a positive coach and healer. “
- Kris B.
Dr. Liz formulated a treatment plan that addresses the cause of my inflammation, both genetic and environmental.
I consider Dr. Liz to be a teacher as well as a doctor. She addresses my concerns, mainly those about my genetic predisposition to chronic rheumatoid arthritis, and she has taught me how I might effect changes that will and actually have begun to influence how I feel. While her treatments have included lifestyle changes, homeopathy, nutrition, and acupuncture, she continually encourages me to become my own doctor."
- Amy H.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the training to become a naturopathic physician? What is the training to become a doctor of Classical Chinese medicine?
The Doctorate degree for naturopathic doctors is a four-year medical school program that trains individuals to be holistic primary care physicians. The degree for Classical Chinese medicine is also a four-year program. The total for both training endeavors is over 8,000 lecture, laboratory and clinical hours.
How are naturopathic physicians, or ND’s, different from medical doctors, or MD’s?
While both ND’s and MD’s train for four years in medical school, ND’s take an oath to practice medicine in alignment with specific principles of healing.
Principle: The Healing Power of Nature-- Everybody has an innate ability to heal itself and will naturally return to a state of health if obstacles to the healing process are identified and removed.
Principle: Treat the Whole Person-- Just as looking at one puzzle piece does not reveal the picture of a puzzle, so the body cannot be understood by focusing on one area or one symptom. All aspects of health and dis-ease involve an interaction of physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, genetic and environmental factors. An imbalance in one factor will affect the others; therefore, all factors must be addressed.
Principle: Identify and Treat the Cause-- Symptoms are the body’s attempt to heal itself and are merely an expression of an imbalance within the body. By taking the time to discover the cause of disturbance in the body and treat the root, symptoms will usually resolve.
Principle: First Do No Harm-- With safe, non-invasive therapies, the body can return to a state of health -- its natural healing process is not suppressed and there are no harmful side effects.
Principle: The Physician as Teacher-- The original meaning of the word “doctor” (docere) was “to teach”. The patient, as an empowered individual, is to be respected and educated in order to develop a healing practice, unique unto him/herself.
Principle: Prevention-- Rather than fighting dis-ease, the ultimate goal of naturopathic medicine is to create a strong foundation of health.
What is the difference between naturopathy and homeopathy?
Homeopathy, developed in Germany in the 1700’s, is one therapy that a naturopathic physician may use in a treatment protocol. The underlying principle is the law that “Like cures like”. Medicinal agents are diluted to an energetic imprint, stimulating the body’s natural force and igniting the healing process.
What conditions do you treat?
I am a primary care physician trained and equipped to diagnose and treat acute to chronic conditions, including cardiovascular, pulmonary, endocrine, allergies, neurological, depression and anxiety and women’s health. I also specialize in treating musculoskeletal issues such as sciatica, plantar fasciitis, painful shoulders and overall improved posture.
What can I expect on my visit?
On your first visit, we will explore your health history; lab tests may be ordered/reviewed. (If you have previous lab work, please bring it to your visit.) A physical exam, acupuncture and/or bodywork and your individualized treatment plan will be discussed.
Do you work with other practitioners?
Yes, I am open to working with your present physician. With your care in mind, I may refer you to other healthcare professionals or specialists.
Do you prescribe pharmaceuticals?
In the state of Oregon, naturopathic physicians can prescribe some medications that are derived from natural substances, including many antibiotics, hormone replacement therapies, and thyroid hormones. In many cases we may choose to use alternative methods if possible and, when needed, we will use hormones that are bio-identical to the body.
Do you accept insurance?
We do accept insurance, depending on your policy; if your insurance does cover naturopathy or acupuncture, we are happy to submit your claims.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept cash, check, Visa and MasterCard
What is acupuncture?
There exists energy, or Qi (pronounced chi), originating in the organs and flowing through the body in channels, or meridians. When there is an abundance of Qi flowing smoothly through the channels, a person feels healthy. If there is not enough Qi, or the energy is not able flow smoothly through the pathways, symptoms appear. Acupuncture uses tiny, sterile needles to stimulate points on the channels to either tonify the Qi or remove blockages in the pathways to create a harmonious flow of energy and a return to health.
Does acupuncture hurt?
The needles used in acupuncture are the width of a strand of hair. Many people do not feel the insertion of the needle. The sensation differs at each point; some points are more sensitive than others, but no, it does not hurt. Being afraid of needles, my technique is very gentle. Most people find acupuncture to be deeply relaxing; you’ll just have to feel it for yourself.
What conditions does acupuncture treat?
Like naturopathy, classical Chinese medicine is a complete health care system. From acute to chronic conditions, acupuncture supports the body to return to a state of health. Every system of the body can be addressed with acupuncture including: musculoskeletal issues such as pain or arthritis; hormonal issues including PMS, infertility, menopause and thyroid disorders; nervous system issues, such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, and insomnia; cardiovascular dis-eases including high blood pressure or cholesterol; gastrointestinal issues such as IBS and allergies; problems with the skin, infections and asthma.
How many treatments will I need?
Depending on the severity of your condition, as a new patient you may start with weekly appointments until you develop your own healing practice. From then on you might want to continue weekly, twice a month or monthly appointments to create and maintain a space for your wellbeing. Ultimately, I follow your lead on what schedule to follow.
Does insurance cover acupuncture?
Many insurance companies do cover acupuncture. If your policy does cover acupuncture, we are happy to submit your claims directly.
