Naturopathic Medicine

What is Naturopathic Medicine?

Dr. Calley Asbill treating a toddler boy
Naturopathic medicine blends centuries-old natural, non-toxic therapies with current advances in the study of health and human systems, covering all aspects of family health from prenatal to geriatric care.
 
Naturopathic medicine concentrates on whole-patient wellness; the medicine is tailored to the person and emphasizes prevention and self-care. Naturopathic medicine attempts to find the underlying cause of the person’s condition rather than focusing solely on symptomatic approach. Naturopathic doctors cooperate with all other branches of medical science referring patients to other practitioners for diagnosis or treatment when appropriate.

Naturopathic Philosophy

Naturopathic doctors (NDs) are primary care physicians clinically trained in natural therapeutics, in the states where they are licensed, and whose philosophy is derived in part from a Hippocratic teaching more than 2000 years old: Vis mediatrix naturae – nature is the healer of all diseases. Their practice is based on the same basic bio-medical science foundation that an allopathic practice is; however, their philosophies and approaches differ considerably from their conventional counterparts. Naturopathic doctors are trained to diagnose disease and treat patients by using natural modalities such as clinical nutrition, herbal medicine, homeopathy, counseling, physical manipulation, and hydrotherapy, among others. They choose treatment based on the individual patient, not based on the generality of symptoms. This approach has proven successful in treating both chronic and acute conditions. 
 

The six principles that guide the therapeutic methods and modalities of Naturopathic medicine include:

First Do No Harm: –Primum Non Nocere

Naturopathic medicine uses therapies that are safe and effective. A gentle approach is the best approach in most cases.

The Healing Power of Nature: –Vis Medicatrix Naturae

The human body possesses the inherent ability to restore health. The doctor’s role is to facilitate this process with the aid of natural, non-toxic therapies that work in harmony with the body.

Treat the Cause – Tolle: Causam

NDs seek out the underlying cause of a disease and do not simply suppress symptoms. Only rare circumstances call for a suppressive approach. Symptoms are viewed as expressions of the body’s natural attempt to heal, or the language of the body. Naturopathic doctors are trained to speak this language and restore the body back to a state of health and balance.

Treat the Whole Person: – Tolle Totum

Health, along with disease, is a balance of many different factors. Often people will need to be approached on multiple levels to achieve true and lasting health.

Doctor as Teacher: Docere

For thousands of years doctor’s have had the responsibility to educate their patients and encourage them to take an active role in their health. An empowered, knowledgeable patient who takes responsibility of their health can achieve many wonderful things. Unfortunately, in this day and age, many doctors skip over this crucial aspect.

Prevention is the Best Cure: – Praevenire

Naturopathic doctors are preventive medicine specialists. NDs are specially trained to assess patient risk factors and have the tools and knowledge needed to reduce risk and prevent illness. Education and a healthy lifestyle are two of the best ways to prevent disease and enjoy life.

Naturopathic Physicians

Through four years of postgraduate study and clinical training, Naturopathic Doctors (NDs) are able to combine the knowledge of conventional family practice doctors, herbalists, homeopaths, and nutritionists in one. NDs receive unique training that allows them to view health and disease from an entirely different perspective than conventional medicine. This perspective combined with extensive knowledge of the human body allow for the doctor’s approach to be tailored to you, the individual.

Our Approach to Health

Our goal is to restore health by supporting the body and it’s innate wisdom to heal itself. This includes supplementing nutrients that are found to be deficient, cleansing the body of harmful substances, correcting imbalances, and improving the systems of elimination. Every person is unique and thus a different approach is commonly utilized even for people with the same condition. Below are the core modalities used by naturopathic physicians at Elixir:
Botanical

BOTANICAL MEDICINE

The use of plant medicine is core to naturopathic medicine. Botanical medicines have been shown to be effective in addressing a wide variety of ailments. A resurgence of scientific research in Europe and Asia is demonstrating that some plant substances are superior to synthetic drugs in clinical situations.
Hydrotherapy

HYDROTHERAPY

Through the use of hot and cold compresses we can increase or decrease the flow of blood to any part of the body. Using scientifically applied principles, we can use this tool to help boost the immune system, improve circulation, and detoxify the body of unwanted waste. This is one of the oldest and most effective ways to support overall health and vitality. 
Nutrition

NUTRITION

The concept, “Let your food be your medicine and medicine your food” has been the foundation of naturopathic medicine for hundreds of years. A growing body of scientific knowledge in this area is reflected in numerous professional journals of nutrition and dietary sciences, supporting the naturopathic approach to diet and nutrition. Many medical conditions can be improved as effectively with foods and nutritional supplements as they can by any other means, but with fewer complications and side effects.
Counseling

COUNSELING AND STRESS MANAGEMENT

Mental attitudes and emotional states can be important, and often overlooked, aspects to healing and disease. Naturopathic physicians are trained in various psychological techniques, including counseling, nutritional balancing, and stress management.
Environmental

ENVIRONMENTAL MEDICINE

Children and adults are now being exposed to greater quantities of chemicals in the environment and food supply. These chemicals interact synergistically to increase their negative effects. Naturopathic detoxification and immune restoration protocols provide invaluable support to the body’s overtaxed systems.
Homeopathic

HOMEOPATHIC
MEDICINE

This natural health system, developed by Samuel Hahnemann in the 1840s, continues to evolve. And while it’s mechanism of action can be difficult to understand, this extremely safe form of medicine can provide positive results in many conditions for which conventional medicine has no treatment.

What to Expect

First Appointment
Before arriving to your first appointment you will be sent a detailed intake form to complete. Answering the questions, to the best of your ability, will allow you the best possible care. Please bring this form to your first appointment. Your first appointment will last approximately 45 minutes and consist of the following:
 
  • Investigation of nutritional, metabolic, mental/emotional, and/or physical imbalances
  • Review of other pertinent symptoms or aspects of your intake form
  • Initial treatment plan
  • Time for questions

 

*Please arrive on time to allow us the full allotted time with you. We will do our very best to limit waiting, as we respect your time as well. 

Follow-Up Appointments

Most follow-up appointments will last approximately 20-30 minutes and will be tailored to you specifically. See “Our Approach to Health” for possible approaches that may be utilized, but please keep in mind that we address all of our patients as individuals and utilize the approach best suited to them and their concerns. 

Appointment Frequency

The frequency of your appointments will vary based on your concern and what the doctor believes is in your best interest. Generally, your appointments will be every 2-4 weeks initially and become farther apart, about every 1-3 months, as you achieve higher and higher degrees of health.

Timeline to Health

In general, Naturopathic protocols generate health on a deeper level and this takes time. Some estimations are 1 month for every year you have been sick, however this is not always true. Colds, flus, and other acute conditions can be resolved very quickly, often in just a few days. Chronic conditions, however, often take months to years. Although the timeline to renewed health may seem long, our goal is that you will begin to see positive and lasting changes throughout your consultations.  

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Dr. Calley Asbill sitting in her office with a female patient
female patient laying on a table while Dr. Calley Asbill checks her neck

Our Naturopathic Physicians

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Dr. Calley Asbill headshot

Dr. Calley Asbill, ND

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Dr. Elizabeth Smith, ND

“Over the past year, Dr. Asbill has created a personalized treatment plan for me. Her ability to provide me the space to process trauma has had a lasting impact on my life. I feel in charge of my health with the guidance of an expert. Dr. Asbill trusts my opinion and has taught me how to trust my voice over the decisions of my physical and mental health. She helps me manage my physical health with a comfortable balance of blood work, taking supplements, and somatic bodywork. She is guiding me as I practice connecting my emotions to my body. Through somatic work, I am releasing past trauma and learning how to feel good in the present moment. Our conversations about changes I can make at home, such as meditation, foods, and self talk, have greatly improved my mental state. In addition to having more energy during the day, I now have the tools to manage my anxiety and redirect my thoughts to a more positive place. Every question I have is answered thoughtfully. I continue to recommend my closest friends to Dr. Asbill because of her high level of personalized care. I am eternally grateful for our time together.”

-Kersey

Thanks to the guidance of Dr. Asbill, my body is gently finding its way back to homeostasis. Gallbladder surgeries, high stress and a lifetime of eating the wrong foods for my constitution left my body and mind in a state of complete disruption. She has been thorough, determined, encouraging and balanced in her approach to my healing. Since working with Dr. Asbill, I have sent numerous family and friends her way, all of whom have been highly pleased with her care. She is truly the best.

 

 

 

 

 

We love Dr. Calley, She has been wonderful to work with and has really helped solve some of the most confusing aspects of my daughter’s health challenges. We would have never gone down the homeopathic route without her guidance.

-Valerie

My 12 year old son was experiencing anxiety due to social pressures, separation anxiety when I was separate from him, fears that something would happen to me. He was also not handling his anger and frustration appropriately. Through discussions with Dr. Asbill and via homeopathic remedies, my son began to handle his anxiety and behavior much better. His anxiety dissipated, he navigating changing his core social group very well. He has also found more appropriate ways to handle his anger and frustrations. I am thankful for the time Dr. Asbill spent with my son and for her wisdom and guidance. I am comforted to know that I can call on her in the future. I am also comforted that I have taught my son that there can be a natural approach to emotional and physical health.

-Shelly

Always a pleasure to see Dr. Asbill. She is pleasant, efficient and thorough. She communicates clearly and is very knowledgeable. I trust her guidance on getting me on the path to optimal health! Thank you!

-Karen

Dr. Calley is amazing! From the minute I met her, I felt a sense of calm and caring and that feeling over the past months continues to grow as we have gotten to know each other. She is not only extremely knowledgeable about health and healing, but goes about explaining treatment and diagnosis in a manner that is not only thorough but understandable. I am so very thankful that I found Dr. Asbill and will continue on a journey of health and well-being… not as a sick patient looking for a pharmaceutical cure. I am feeling amazingly healthy and it is because of the partnership I now have with my doctor. Thank you Dr. Asbill.

-Kara

My doctor listens very carefully to what I tell her and also asks questions.

-L

“Following an unforeseen emergency visit I was diagnosed with anxiety. As a healthy 40 year old man it was difficult to define this as an actual diagnosis. I attempted to visit my PCP and found myself taking prescription medications that made me feel uncomfortable. I didn’t want to live life depending on strong medications. I got in contact with Dr. Calley Asbill and immediately knew I was headed towards a better quality of life. In addition to my anxiety, I also received treatment for painful varicose veins. The course of treatment was comfortable and extremely effective. Dr. Asbill is tentative to my concerns and provides exceptional care. I would feel confident calling Dr. Asbill for every aspect of healthy living.”

“Where do I start…I first came to Dr. Asbill after experiencing some trauma and not in a good place. I was seeking a doctor that would take the time to listen and explore what was causing some of the issues / symptoms I had. I knew immediately from the first visit that I found something special in Dr. Asbill. It was not the typical 10-15 minutes with my PCP but an extensive and probing examination. It was so refreshing and comforting to have someone to listen and provide in depth explanations to ensure I understood and felt comfortable with the diagnosis and treatment plan. I could tell she genuinely cares for her patients.  I believe God places people in our lives at the right time…Dr. Asbill is one of them for which I am grateful.”

Dr. Asbill is a very caring and smart practitioner. She listens and does what is necessary to help her clients. She is ready when you come in for an appointment.

-F.M.

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Elixir: A Wellness Collective

2146 NE 4th St #160
Bend, OR 97701
541.306.4471 phone
541.566.7493 fax
[email protected]
ElixirBend.com

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9am-2pm Friday

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