Clinic Services / Naturopathic Modalities
Your path to optimal health and wellness should be as unique and individual as you are. While there are many modalities used in Naturopathic Medicine, below are the naturopathic modalities we most frequently use. We look forward to helping you choose the modalities that will work for you!
At your intake, we will discuss your health history in detail while reviewing your medical record and previous test results. A careful and open conversation about the details of your situation can be illuminating, and may reveal the root cause of the problem.
We will perform common pertinent physical exams, and may do diagnostic procedures such as body composition monitoring or well woman exams (for women who work with Dr. Margaret Litchy-Miller). We may apply principles of Chinese medicine to guide our treatments and diagnosis. Appropriate additional testing may be recommended to help understand WHY there are symptoms, or how to best support health and quality of life.
The use of botanical medicine in the treatment of disease and illness has existed since the dawn of time. Many pharmaceutical medications contain components that are obtained from plants. An example of this is the commonly used, over-the-counter medicine known as aspirin. The acetylsalicylic acid in aspirin reduces pain and fever in a similar way salicylic acid obtained from the bark of the willow (Salix alba) tree does through inhibition of the inflammatory COX-2 pathway.
Because botanical medicines are derived from nature, they produce fewer side effects than pharmaceutical drugs. Botanical medicines also tend to be lower in cost, while being highly effective in restoring and normalizing physiological function in the body.
While herbal medicines are highly effective, their power must be respected. Many herbs have the potential to produce toxic effects and interactions with previously prescribed pharmaceuticals if not correctly prescribed and formulated. As Naturopathic Doctors, we have received extensive training in prescribing and formulating safe and effective preparations of hundreds of botanicals. We are also an experts in drug-herb interactions, and the potential toxic effects of botanical medicines. As Registered Naturopathic Doctors in the state of Minnesota, we have passed a national licensure exam that tested our ability to safely and effectively prescribe botanical medicine.
Hippocrates, the Father of Medicine, once said, “Let thy food be thy medicine, and thy medicine be thy food.” In a day and age where the “SAD” (Standard American Diet) diet is eaten by most, it is of no surprise that many of us are in need of a complete diet overhaul. The food we put in our body serves as our fuel to nourish our cells, organs, organ systems, and our mind and spirit. When we do not provide our bodies the proper nourishment, illness and disease may result. Diseases such as type II diabetes, cardiovascular disease, gastrointestinal disease, hormone imbalances, and even autoimmune diseases have been clinically linked with poor diet. Food intolerance and food allergy may also contribute to common disease patterns. Modifying your diet and optimizing digestion is often of top priority in the practice of Naturopathic medicine. Determining the proper proportion of foods in one’s diet can result in dramatic changes of their health.
Experiencing food cravings and/or aversions can often be symptoms of an unaddressed medical condition, rather than a self-perceived weakness or lack of strength. We have learned that once our patients experience how they can feel when eating the proper foods, maintaining the proper diet unique to their body’s needs becomes an easy choice to make.
Because food plays such an integral part in our lives, it is of no wonder why changing food habits can be so difficult. We believe it is our job as Naturopathic Doctors to help, and guide, our patients to find the perfect medical diet that aligns with their own unique lifestyle and nutritional needs.
Each patient that we see is a unique individual. This is why each patient’s medical care should be as unique and individual as they are. Each of us faces different struggles and challenges that get in the way of putting our health and wellness first. Whether it is a demanding job, raising 3 (or 7, or even just 1!) kids, facing a chronic illness, finding the time to move your body, obtaining the knowledge to make smart food choices, or the overwhelming stress of everyday life, these can all be extremely difficult obstacles to maneuver on your path to optimal health and wellness. We commit to working with our patients to find the answers they need to overcome these seemingly impossible challenges so they can reach their goals and live a life of joy and happiness.
Nutraceuticals, often mistaken for supplements, are pharmaceutical grade supplementation of different substances (botanical medicine, vitamins, minerals, etc), and are used to correct physiological function and balance. we carefully research all of the nutraceuticals we prescribe my patients to ensure the highest efficacy, safety, and quality of ingredients. It is important to us that we remain current with the latest biomedical research in order to prescribe products that have the highest ability to restore health and wellness to our patients.
Supplements, like their name implies, are used to supplement our bodies with the vitamins and minerals we may not get through food to maintain optimal physiological function. While it is preferred to obtain these vitamins and minerals through the food, many of us find it difficult to achieve this. With the supplement aisle at local stores consistently growing in choices, brands, and popularity, it can become very confusing to determine which supplements are best for you and your family. As Naturopathic Doctors, we received extensive education in how to use supplements, and know the research behind all of those supplements in your local store’s supplement aisle. We can help you choose the safest and most effective supplements for you and your family.
Homeopathic remedies are diluted and potentized FDA approved medications. Because they are non-toxic, inexpensive, and highly effective, they remain one of our favorite modalities to use as Naturopathic Doctors. When the correct remedy is chosen, dramatic positive changes can result. However, in order to determine the correct remedy for the patient, a high level of skill and knowledge about the medicine must be exercised. We have the experience, knowledge, and expertise to correctly prescribe these remedies.
Constitutional Hydrotherapy may be defined as the use of water, in any of its forms, for the maintenance of health, or the treatment of disease. As one of the oldest known therapies, hydrotherapy works by stimulating the body’s inherent self-healing mechanisms. Use of hydrotherapy can provide relief and contribute to resolution of many common ailments including acute injury, cold and flu, sinus congestion, headache, arthritis, fatigue, lack of energy, detoxification, and so much more. As an effective and inexpensive treatment option to my patients, we frequently recommend a form of hydrotherapy in their treatment plan to encourage and hasten the healing process.
The healing power of touch is one that should never be underestimated. One way we utilize the healing power of touch is through the use of craniosacral therapy. Craniosacral therapy is a non-invasive, hands-on treatment that uses light touch to support healing of the entire body, especially the nervous system. Patients experiencing a wide variety of health concerns find relief from regular craniosacral therapy including those living with chronic pain, headaches, insomnia, fibromayalgia, chronic fatigue, asthma, and anxiety.
Meditation is a remarkable practice that brings peace, joy, and improves your quality of life in numerous ways. It retrains your stress response, improves your mood, and can help improve the functioning of your body. Dr. Litchy teaches Lovingkindness meditation as a basis for simultaneously cultivating the Jhanas and Mindfulness in addition to other techniques. He is a long-term meditator, an endorsed meditation instructor, and has spent time as a Buddhist monk. He finds that meditation practice has greatly improved his life, and he has seen many students find great benefit, healing, and joy from the practice. Dr. Litchy conducted several studies at Helfgott Center in Portland OR on the effects of meditation during his time at the National University of Natural Medicine. He does not bill for training: weekly meditation meetings are free. Groups meet on every other Monday from 530-7pm at Pathways Minneapolis. http://pathwaysminneapolis.org/contact/
Medical Detoxification can be beneficial and even necessary in the treatment of certain medical conditions. Contamination of the body by heavy metals, environmental exposures, pesticides, cleaning and beauty products to name a few, can produce significant health disturbance. These contaminants can build up in our organs, such as the liver, kidney, and colon ultimately resulting in fatigue, weight gain, headaches, and more. By relieving your body from its toxic burden, and nourishing it with the right foods, supplements, and exercise, you can achieve a new level of health and vitality, and achieve your wellness goals.
I had my first appointment with Dr. Litchy. He was kind and thoughtful and concerned with my health. He offered simple ideas I can do to get better along with some supplementation that I can try. This way I can avoid prescription drugs, which I prefer to stay away from. What I like is that he is trying to get to the bottom of what is causing some health concerns rather than mask it with drugs. I want to fix/correct the cause and he is the person to work with to do so. I am so happy I am working with him and motivated to take care of my health under his guidance.
Number of deaths caused by chronic diseases (Center for Disease Control)
Percentage of US health care costs allocated towards treating people with chronic diseases (Center for Disease Control)
Services Offered
• New Patient Appointment
• Follow-Up Appointment
• Acute Office Visit
• Telemedicine Follow-Up Appointment
• Complimentary Consultations (15 minutes)