Naturopathic medicine is a holistic approach to medicine grounded in the naturopathic principles: First Do No Harm, The Healing Power of Nature, Identify and Treat the Causes, Doctor As Teacher, Treat the Whole Person, and Prevention.
These principles guide my work at Heart Body Glow. I use the gentlest therapies that can support your health, moving toward more stimulating approaches only if needed. The Naturopathic Therapeutic Order helps me design individualized wellness plans – to identify and remove obstacles to health, stimulate your vital life force (Vis medicatrix naturae), and address root causes.
In my consulting practice, I offer guidance, not medical treatment. I do not diagnose or prescribe. For licensed medical care, California residents may book a separate appointment.
The Naturopathic Therapeutic Order guides my approach – from the gentlest, least invasive interventions (foundations) to more intensive ones when needed.
Food, vitamins, minerals, movement, and reducing environmental toxins to build foundations of health.
Functional lab testing can provide additional information to support the body’s optimal functioning and to understand the root cause of imbalances.
Massage therapy, joint mobilization, yoga, Reiki, and energy work to support structural and energetic integrity.
Hypnotherapy, meditation, breathwork, and naturopathic counseling to harness the mind‑body connection.
To establish the conditions for health, Naturopathic Doctors first identify the causes of disease and then remove obstacles to healing. Restoring health means addressing imbalances before they lead to degeneration and permanent disease states.
Disturbances to the determinants of health can include pathogens (bacteria, viruses), environmental toxins, nutritional deficiencies, malabsorption, mental and emotional stress, isolation, genetic factors, lack of sleep, dehydration, lack of sunlight or fresh air, and more. The goal is to identify these obstacles and make sustainable interventions that optimize health and well‑being.
The body was created to heal. When there is an infection, a fever results – the body increases its internal temperature to slow pathogen replication and activate defense systems. When overheating, the body sweats to cool down. When cold, the body shivers to generate heat. Naturopathic doctors are trained to work with these natural reactions and bring them back into balance, supporting the body’s self‑healing ability.
Supporting weakened or damaged systems helps encourage homeostasis. Botanical medicine, homeopathy, mind‑body medicine, nutritional counseling, hydrotherapy, and lifestyle medicine are modalities used to support weakened systems or damaged organs. For example, supporting the nervous system and liver detoxification pathways in a patient with heavy metal exposure.
In many cases, working with patients at the first four levels helps alleviate many health disturbances and supports the body’s move toward health and equilibrium. Naturopathic doctors are medically trained to address pathology using natural interventions.
Naturopathic doctors diagnose and treat disease with natural substances. Using natural therapies as a higher‑force intervention can be palliative, helping the patient feel better until underlying causes are corrected. They may also be specific to a purpose, pathology, or disease. Dr. Maame‑Mensima uses botanical medicine, homeopathy, clinical nutrition, and therapeutic supplements to treat disease and correct underlying causes.
Pharmaceutical therapies have a place in treatment. Dr. Maame‑Mensima specializes in natural therapeutics and defers most pharmaceutical interventions to allopathic doctors. She works with patients who depend on medications to help decrease side effects and utilize lower doses as needed.
Naturopathic doctors are trained to work with the immune system and the body’s natural healing. There are times when surgery or suppressing the body’s natural healing responses may benefit the patient in order to regain health. For example, a patient undergoing chemotherapy, radiation, or surgical tumor removal may benefit from more invasive, immunosuppressive therapies. As a naturopathic doctor, I offer supportive therapies during cancer treatment to reduce side effects, overcome anxiety, and strengthen the immune system to help prevent future cancer.
Be the first to know about upcoming events, wellness tips, updates and more.
