Naturopathic Physician

Suzanne Way, ND, LAc (EAMP) — Naturopathic Doctor, Acupuncturist

Dr. Way is a licensed Naturopathic Physician and Acupuncturist, and has been in practice since 1993. Her undergraduate studies include an Associate of Arts Degree from Shoreline Community College in 1988 with an emphasis in chemical engineering, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Health and Human Sciences from Bastyr University in 1993. She graduated from Bastyr University with a Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine and Masters of Science in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine in 1993. Dr. Way has been a certified Ayurvedic Medical Practitioner since 2003. In her free time, Dr. Way enjoys swimming, biking, hiking, sewing and painting.

Naturopathic doctors (NDs) attend a four-year, graduate-level naturopathic medical school and study the same basic sciences as allopathic doctors (MDs) — and are recognized as primary care providers for most health plans based in Washington state. In addition to standard medical studies, NDs have extensive training in clinical nutrition, botanical medicine, homeopathy and physical medicine, including a wide range of self-care strategies. NDs perform physicals (including annual exams), order laboratory tests and x-rays, and create customized treatment plans that include dietary and lifestyle elements for each patient’s specific needs. They have the ability to prescribe a wide range of prescription medications. Like all primary care providers, naturopaths refer to a full range of specialists as needed.

Botanical Medicine

Today’s use of medicinal plants, known as Clinical Phytotherapy, has its origins in rich herbal traditions from all over the world. Scientific evidence in medical literature has documented the effectiveness of many plants in the treatment of disease and restoring health. Dr. Way uses botanical medicines from Native American, European, Chinese and Ayurvedic traditions.

Therapeutic Nutrition

Many health conditions are treated successfully with nutrition. Therapeutic diets, fasting, detoxification diets, elimination diets and therapeutic use of foods are a cornerstone of naturopathic treatment. To achieve maximum therapeutic benefit nutritional supplements are prescribed to address your unique health conditions.

Physical Medicine & Physiotherapy

This subspecialty of Naturopathy involves external treatment modalities applied to the body to enhance healing. Therapy is focused on soft tissue, bones, spine and muscles. Secondary benefits of physiotherapy can affect the skin, immune system, lymphatic system and overall well being.

The following services are available at our clinic:

Therapeutic ultrasound

Trigger point injections
Therapeutic exercises/stretches
Infrared therapy
Hot pack/cold pack application

When structural, postural or spinal treatments are indicated, Dr. Way refers to Chiropractors, Osteopaths and Massage Practitioners. Spinal manipulation, craniosacral and soft tissue manipulation are helpful adjunctive therapies to your Naturopathic wellness program. Dr. Way also refers to physical therapists if patients need specialized rehabilitation.

Homeopathy

The medicine of choice for the British Royal Family and many European countries, Homeopathy uses small doses of natural substances to stimulate the body’s healing response. If your health condition indicates a remedy, Dr. Way may recommend a specific homeopathic medicine for your acute condition. Bach Flower remedies are often advised for complex cases involving psychosomatic (mind & body) dysfunction. For patients who require more intensive homeopathic workup, Dr. Way refers out to naturopaths who specialize in Classical Homeopathy.

Lifestyle and Fitness Counseling

Naturopathic physicians are teachers, giving patients sound counsel on stress management, exercise, diet, proper lifestyle and sleep habits. Evaluating the whole person takes into account the patient’s occupation, environmental issues and their psychosocial health. Guiding patients to make healthier choices and reach their weight management/fitness goals is an integral part of Naturopathic treatment.

Principles of Naturopathic Medicine

First Do No Harm (Primum Non Nocere)

Naturopathic physicians prefer non-invasive treatments which minimize the risk of harmful side-effects. They are trained to know which patients they can treat safely and which ones they need to refer to other health care providers.

Find the Cause (Tolle Causam)

Every illness has an underlying cause which can often be found in certain aspects of your lifestyle, environment or diet. Naturopaths are trained to find and help you effectively direct treatment toward the causes of your illnesses.

The Healing Power of Nature (Vis Medicatrix Naturae)

Natural forces act powerfully through the healing mechanisms already present in your mind and body. These forces maintain and restore health naturally. This is called the homeostatic principle of physiology. When these mechanisms break down, your naturopathic physician will help to restore and support these natural and inherent healing systems. The therapies used are clinically effective techniques that are in harmony with natural processes.

Treat the Whole Person (Tolle Totum)

Health or disease comes from a complex interaction of physical, emotional, dietary, genetic, environmental, lifestyle and other factors. Naturopathic physicians treat you as a whole person taking these factors into account. In the approach, naturopathy is similar to ancient systems of healing such as Ayurvedic medicine of India, Chinese medicine and Native American medicine.

Doctor as Teacher (Docere)

Naturopathic physicians educate the patient and encourage self–responsibility for health. They also acknowledge the therapeutic value inherent in the doctor–patient relationship.

Preventive Medicine

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