Naturopathic Medicine

 Naturopathic Medicine:
 The origin of naturopathy can be traced back to the ancient healing arts of a variety of cultures.      Still, as a formal system of medicine and healing, it was developed in the United States nearly one hundred years ago.

To heal in harmony with the natural functions of the body — without harm — is the underlying principle of the naturopathic system of medicine. The intent is to support the natural healing potential of the human body as validated by modern scientific research. It is this combination of the healing power of nature and scientific methods that makes naturopathic medicine an important system of medicine for today’s health care.

The naturopathic approach to health care can prevent minor illnesses from developing into more serious, chronic, or degenerative diseases. Patients are taught the principles with which to live a healthy life; by following these principles, they can prevent major illnesses.

Above all, naturopathic physicians respect the natural healing power present in all systems of the human body and they attempt to focus and mobilize that power in their treatment process. Naturopaths have found that this natural healing power, if effectively mobilized, can destroy invading organisms, cast off toxins, as well as rebuild strength and vitality.

It may surprise some people to know that naturopath’s and medical doctors have many areas of common ground, primarily their education. But, unlike medical doctors, naturopaths are also trained in a variety of traditional natural therapeutics, including botanical medicine, clinical nutrition, homeopathy, acupuncture, traditional Chinese medicine, hydrotherapy, and naturopathic manipulative therapies.

Naturopaths learn how to integrate this diverse knowledge by combining their conventional medical education with the goal of providing superior health care in their practices. They weave their conventional medical knowledge with the principles of naturopathic medicine and its treatments to create a natural health care program tailored for each individual patient.

Sheryl Estlund, N.D.

Dr. Sheryl graduated from the University of Oregon in 1992 with a Bachelors degree in Psychology and Sociology and a minor degree in Gerontology. After graduation, she worked for seven years in the mental health field, followed by several years of administrative work for Providence Medical Group before making her career change to Naturopathic Medicine.

 

In 2003, she graduated from the National College of Natural Medicine and completed 3 years of integrative family practice residency in Portland, Oregon. Her medical focus is in family practice with particular interest and expertise in chronic pain management, minor surgery, dermatology, musculoskeletal conditions, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, weight management and women’s health. 

Throughout medical school and residency, Dr Sheryl placed a strong emphasis on community outreach; serving the uninsured and underserved.  Her clinical training was focused around acute care, emergency medicine and wound care, minor surgery, rehabilitation and sports medicine.

 

Philosophy: Dr Sheryl focuses on the whole individual for a well rounded health care approach.  She incorporates integrative and traditional medicine into each patient visit while always looking to diagnose and treat the root cause of your complaints.  Her goal is to educate her patients so that they can take an active role in their own health care and to tailor each treatment to meet the patient’s individual needs. 

Donald McBride, N.D.