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The doctor of the future will give no medicine, but will instruct his patient in the care of the human frame, in diet and in the cause and prevention of disease.
Thomas Edison
Welcome to Annapolis Natural Health! I am Dr. Rachel Anderson, a naturopathic doctor, and I am excited to offer my unique approach to health and wellness to the Annapolis community.
Please note that beginning in January 2010 my office hours will be changing to Wednesdays from 2pm-6pm and Thursdays and Fridays from 9am-6pm. Additional hours may be available by special request.
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View my Autumn 2009 Newsletter for information on staying healthy naturally during cold and flu season - natural medicine has great tools to keep your immune system strong!
Learn more about naturopathic medicine from naturopathic doctors and patients who have used it successfully through these great videos from the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians:
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No matter what your health concerns are, naturopathic medicine can help you get more out of life. Imagine sleeping through the night, waking refreshed, and feeling great throughout the day. Imagine having the energy to do the things you love to do. Imagine a life where your physical or emotional symptoms don't hold you back. It is possible!
Some common initial questions:
What does a naturopathic doctor do?
As a naturopathic doctor, I am a valuable resource in your overall health and wellness care. What sets me apart from other alternative health practitioners is that I am not only an expert in the safe and effective use of natural medicines and therapies including herbs, homeopathy, and nutritional supplements, but I also have physician level training in basic and clinical sciences.
If you are interested in using alternative medicine but you don't know where to start or you've been piecing together suggestions from the internet, friends and family, the health food store, or different providers, I can help you by formulating a customized plan.
I will help you to sift through the large amount of information out there about alternative medicine to develop a plan personalized for you.
For more information about naturopathic medicine or the therapeutics I use, see the Naturopathic Medicine and Therapeutics pages.
What kinds of people does a naturopathic doctor work with?
I am trained as a family practitioner and I work with people of all ages from children to the elderly.
Naturopathic medicine can be particularly helpful for people who have digestive system complaints like IBS or indigestion, hormonal imbalances as in thyroid and adrenal problems, women's health concerns such as menopausal symptoms and menstrual complaints, allergies, asthma, and sleep problems.
Because a naturopathic doctor works to improve overall health and wellness, virtually anyone with any health problem can benefit from working with a naturopathic doctor.
For a list of common conditions that naturopathic doctors work with, see the Health Conditions page.
What kind of training does a naturopathic doctor have?
Naturopathic doctors complete a 4-5 year residential naturopathic medical program at a school of naturopathic medicine that is nationally accredited through the U.S. Department of Education by the Council on Naturopathic Medical Education.
Naturopathic doctors are trained in the same basic sciences and diagnostic sciences taught in conventional medical schools.
Education of naturopathic doctors emphasizes the use of both science based and traditional natural medicine approaches such as lifestyle counseling, clinical nutrition, herbal medicine, homeopathy, hydrotherapy and physiotherapy.
Naturopathic medical education includes at least two years of supervised clinical practice.
After completing their training, naturopathic doctors take a national licensing exam and upon passing this exam they are eligible to be licensed in 16 states and the District of Columbia.
Maryland does not currently license naturopathic physicians, however, to ensure that I maintain the highest standards of training I maintain a current naturopathic physician license issued by the Washington State Department of Health.
It is important to note that because Maryland does not currently license naturopathic physicians, use of the term "naturopathic doctor" is not restricted to those with physician level training. Be sure to ask about the training and credentials of any provider before you seek care from them.
For more information on naturopathic training, see the Training page.
If I work with a naturopathic doctor, can I still work with my medical doctor, and do I still need my medical doctor?
Absolutely. Your medical doctor is a vital part of your healthcare team. You should continue to have regular visits and keep your medical doctor informed about the work you are doing with your naturopathic doctor.
Medical doctors and naturopathic doctors have complementary skills, and both are valuable resources.
For more information on naturopathic medicine compared to conventional medicine see the FAQ page.
If I work with a naturopathic doctor, can I still see my acupuncturist, my chiropractor, my nutritionist, or my counselor?
Yes. Naturopathic doctors are a great complement to all of these health providers. In fact, you may be referred to one of the above practitioners as part of your plan.
What will my first visit be like?
Your first visit will be one hour to one and a half hours long. During your visit we will discuss your health concerns and goals and I will take a detailed history of your primary concerns.
By the end of the first visit, we will develop an initial plan together that may include lifestyle changes, nutrition, herbal medicines, and homeopathic medicines to help you get started toward improved overall health.
How much do visits cost and will my insurance pay for them?
At this time, health insurance companies in Maryland do not pay for naturopathic services. However, you may be able to use your flex spending account or HSA, check with your individual administrator.
A receipt will be provided for tax purposes.
For more detailed information on visit fees see the Appointments page.
How do I get started?
If you are ready to schedule your first appointment you may schedule online or you may call my office at 410-268-2025. I see clients between 2pm and 6pm on Wednesdays and between 9am and 6pm on Thursdays and Fridays at my West Annapolis office.
If you are interested in working with a naturopathic doctor, but you still have questions you may schedule a 15 minute introductory consultation at no charge so that you can meet me and learn more about how I can help you.
If you have questions please call or use the Ask Questions tool.
A healthy body and mind are your most valuable assets. Don't wait to get the help you need. I look forward to working with you!
