New to GHC-SCW: Naturopathic Medicine Services

GHC-SCW’s Complementary Medicine and Wellness Center is now offering members a unique opportunity to utilize naturopathic therapies to address the underlying causes of symptoms and stimulate the body’s inherent ability to heal. Naturopathic physician, Keyena McKenzie, works with both adults and children addressing chronic health issues as well as acute concerns as they arise.

The appeal of naturopathic medicine lies in its comprehensive scope of therapeutics and diagnostics. Dr. McKenzie incorporates into her work with pediatric and adult clients principles of homeopathy, botanical medicine, nutritional therapeutics, oligotherapy, hydrotherapy, and holistic lifestyle counseling. The therapies utilized aim to not only alleviate symptoms and suffering brought about by disease but also to address the underlying causes of those symptoms and remove any obstacles to cure whenever possible. Many people find that Naturopathic Medicine combines well with conventional therapies such as pharmaceuticals and surgery as it can reduce the need for or dosage of many medications, minimize the potential for side effects, eliminate the need for surgery, and aide in the recovery after surgery.

The following are some of the conditions that can benefit from naturopathic therapies:

• Many acute and chronic health conditions
• Bacterial and viral infections
• Digestive disorders such as constipation, diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn’s disease, spasms, ulcers, reflux/GERD, hemorrhoids
• Skin disorders such as eczema, psoriasis, acne, fungal infections
• Hormonal imbalances such as hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, diabetes
• Menstrual irregularities such as painful menses, irregular or absent menses, heavy menses
• Pregnancy-related concerns such as difficulty conceiving, habitual miscarriages or preterm labor, nausea of pregnancy, gestational diabetes, pregnancy induced hypertension, anemia
• Post-partum concerns – breastfeeding challenges, painful hemorrhoids, supportive care for wound healing from sutures, smoothing postpartum hormonal fluctuations
• Eyes, Ears, Nose, Throat conditions such as ear infections, sinusitis, sore throats
• Respiratory disorders such as asthma, chronic coughs, pertussis
• Urinary tract conditions such as urinary tract infections, bedwetting, bladder infections
• Fatigue
• Pain
• Allergies – seasonal, food, environmental
• Sleep disorders such as insomnia, sleep apnea, snoring and nightmares
• Menopausal changes – hot flashes, depression, sleep changes
• Mood disorders such as depression, anxiety and neurological disorders such as ADD/ADHD, autism

GHC-SCW members who have benefited from naturopathic care include some of the following:

• A six month old infant suffering from chronic ear infections and low-grade fever for the previous four months. She experiences resolution of symptoms after one month of treatment which included homeopathic therapies, digestive support, lymphatic support and dietary changes (including elimination of soy).
• A 53 year old man whose chief complaint is hypertension, mentions an aside of sleep apnea and fatigue. Therapies included homeopathy, botanicals, digestive support and dietary changes. He returns one month later with consistently lowered blood pressure and, to the delight of all in his family, complete resolution of the apnea and a restful night’s sleep.
• A 23 year old woman with a diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), severe abdominal pain, nausea, lack of appetite and bowel movements once every 7-14 days returns one month later with a smile on her face reporting daily stools, resolution of nausea, greatly improved appetite and reduction in abdominal pain.

Dr. Keyena McKenzie, GHC-SCW’s only naturopathic physician, completed her training at the National College of Naturopathic Medicine in Portland, Oregon where she received her Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine, certification in Naturopathic Obstetrics (midwifery), and extensive homeopathic training. Four years of full-time, post-undergraduate training included study in medical sciences such as biochemistry, microbiology, anatomy/physiology, neuroanatomy, and pathology; clinical sciences including cardiology, neurology, gynecology, oncology, immunology, dermatology, pediatrics, obstetrics, and endocrinology; and naturopathic therapeutics including nutrition, homeopathy, botanicals, hydrotherapy, naturopathic tissue/joint manipulation and counseling. She has served patients throughout the lifespan from newborns to hospice in a wide variety of settings from general practices and urban hospitals to clinics serving homeless teens and international clinics.