Understanding Naturopathic Medicine and Healing
Rooted in the scientific, herbal and natural foundations of Western medicine, naturopathic care focuses on prevention, root-cause treatment and long-term health.
What Is Naturopathic Medicine?
“What is called genius is the abundance of life and health.” – Henry David Thoreau
Naturopathic medicine encourages you to move beyond simply “feeling normal” and toward achieving vibrant, long-term health. It provides the tools, guidance and support needed to help you feel balanced, energized and fully well.
There is a difference between simply managing symptoms and achieving true health. Naturopathic medicine focuses on supporting your body’s natural ability to heal, helping you become the most resilient and resourceful version of yourself.
- Supports the body’s natural ability to heal
- Focuses on long-term wellness, not just symptoms
The Principles of Naturopathic Medicine
Naturopathic medicine is guided by six core principles that focus on natural healing, prevention and treating the whole person.
The Healing Power of Nature
Trust in the body’s inherent ability to heal itself. Naturopathic care supports and enhances these natural processes to restore balance and health.
Identify and Treat the Causes
Rather than suppressing symptoms, we focus on identifying and addressing the underlying causes of illness to achieve lasting results.
First Do No Harm
We prioritize the safest and least invasive treatments, using natural and effective therapies that minimize the risk of side effects.
Doctor as Teacher
We educate and guide patients so they can better understand their health and actively participate in achieving long-term wellness.
Treat the Whole Person
Care is personalized by considering physical, emotional and lifestyle factors, ensuring a comprehensive and individualized approach to healing.
Prevention
We focus on preventing illness by promoting healthy habits, strengthening the body and supporting long-term wellbeing.
About Naturopathic Doctors (NDs)
Naturopathic doctors are trained and licensed primary care providers who combine natural therapies with modern medical science.
Naturopathic physicians are trained and licensed as primary care providers. They diagnose and treat health conditions using a combination of natural therapies and conventional medical knowledge.
- Physical and clinical diagnosis
- Laboratory diagnostics
- Nutritional therapy
- Herbal medicine
- Homeopathy
- Pharmacology
- Psychology
Naturopathic doctors complete four-year, post-graduate medical training and extensive clinical education, ensuring a high standard of patient care.
Our Treatment Methods
Our approach combines a range of natural therapies and personalized strategies to support your body’s ability to heal and maintain long-term health.
Clinical Nutrition
Your diet is one of the most important factors in your health. We assess your nutritional habits and provide personalized guidance and supplementation to support your specific needs.
Lifestyle Coaching
We help you build sustainable daily habits that support recovery, including stress management, sleep, environmental awareness and overall wellbeing.
Physical Activities
Exercise plays a key role in health. We guide you in developing an individualized routine that may include strength training, cardiovascular activity, yoga or therapeutic movement.
Botanical Medicine
We use high-quality, plant-based medicines tailored to your needs. Herbal therapies are carefully selected and adjusted as your health improves.
Homeopathy
A gentle and individualized system of medicine that supports the body’s natural healing processes by addressing underlying imbalances.
Biotherapeutic Drainage
A deeper therapeutic approach that supports detoxification and improves cellular function by enhancing the body’s natural elimination pathways.
Clinical Detoxification
We design safe and personalized detoxification protocols based on your health condition, avoiding one-size-fits-all approaches.
Laboratory Testing
We use both standard and specialized laboratory testing to identify underlying imbalances such as nutrient deficiencies, hormonal issues and digestive concerns that may otherwise be missed.
What Our Patients Say
Our patients value personalized naturopathic care focused on long-term health and natural healing.
Dr. Korza takes the time to understand the root causes of health concerns. Her approach is thoughtful, personalized and focused on lasting wellness.
Annette Black
Health Program Director
The care I received helped me better understand my health and make meaningful lifestyle changes that improved my overall wellbeing.
Darrell Steward
Public Health Advocate
Dr. Korza listens carefully and works collaboratively to create treatment plans that support both immediate concerns and long-term health.
Kathryn Murphy
Clinical Services Coordinator
FAQs
What can I expect during my first visit?
An initial consultation is 1.5–2 hours long and involves a thorough review of your medical and personal history, including any lab results, physical exams as needed for medical diagnosis, ordering of any additional labs, development of a customized treatment plan and counseling.
How long are follow-up visits and how often do I have to come?
Follow-up visits range from 30–60 minutes depending on each individual case. For most acute illness, one or two follow-up visits are all that are required. In the case of chronic illness, you can expect regularly scheduled monthly visits. Restoring optimal health and wellness is not instantaneous and requires commitment from both the doctor and the patient.
How long are appointments?
Initial visits are 1.5–2 hours long, with subsequent visits ranging from 30–60 minutes depending on the complexity of the case.
Do you take insurance and will my insurance company cover my visits?
Berkeley Naturopathic Medical Group is not in-network for any insurance plans. We do, however, accept health savings accounts (HSAs) or flexible spending accounts (FSAs). Certain plans offer some reimbursement for visit costs and most PPOs will often cover standard labs and some specialty testing. Our staff is not able to determine if your insurance will reimburse for naturopathic doctor visits. Please call your insurance company to confirm your coverage. It helps to ask them two specific questions:
- Will you reimburse me for my naturopathic medical visit?
- Will you cover or reimburse me for necessary lab tests or supplements?
What can I expect from the complimentary 10–15 minute consultation?
Our complimentary introductory consultation is a great way for you to meet one of our doctors, whether on the phone or in person. You will have a chance to briefly explain your area of concern and hear a simple outline of the ways in which your doctor would approach your unique situation. Please note that these consultations are not for diagnosing conditions or initiating treatment. Instead, it is a time for you to see if Berkeley Naturopathic Medical Group is the right fit for you.
Will my naturopathic doctor interact with other doctors and health care practitioners?
Your doctor is happy to work in conjunction with any of the health care providers on your team. We also provide referrals to other clinics and health practitioners as needed and as desired by the patient.
What should I bring to my first visit?
If you have any recent lab work or imaging, bring a copy of these reports with you to your initial visit. If you do not have your own copy on hand, you can fill out a release of records form before your visit or during your initial consultation.
