DR. RACHEL HEUSSNER: FOUR QUESTIONS WITH FOUR MOONS’ NATUROPATHIC DOCTOR
By: Dr. Rachel Heussner
Define Naturopathic Medicine in your own words.
Naturopathic medicine is holistic, integrative medicine that searches for the root cause of disease rather than treating the symptoms. Naturopathic doctors are trained as primary care providers that treat the whole person using individualized, evidence-based modalities. NDs differ from conventional doctors in that they have additional training in nutrition, botanical medicine, homeopathic medicine, physical medicine, and mind body medicine. Typically, NDs look at labs through a different lens, with more optimal lab ranges, to find patterns and clues into what may be going on in the body.
Naturopathic medicine is good for anyone, especially those searching for more natural approaches to healthcare, preventative medicine, and individualized care. The beautiful thing about naturopathic medicine is that it forces one to establish a healthy foundation so there can be healing. Therefore, it can be used to help anyone and everyone on their health journey.
What is your area of specialty?
My passion lies in helping people of all ages balance hormones, support anxiety and depression, regulate blood sugar and cholesterol, enhance energy, optimize nutrition, support anti-aging, boost stress management, and address gastrointestinal issues. My ability to deeply connect with patients allows for a beautiful therapeutic relationship that accelerates healing.
What does it look like to work with you?
At the initial consultation, I’ll gather in depth information of your current symptoms, medical history, lifestyle, and perform pertinent physical exams. I will then order comprehensive functional labs based on my assessment. Afterwards, a comprehensive treatment plan is formulated to meet your individualized needs including nutrition, lifestyle, supplementation, botanical medicine, procedures, and pharmaceuticals if necessary.
Additionally, you can come see me for vitamin injections, IV therapy, PRP facials, and craniosacral therapy.
At Four Moons Spa, you can schedule a 15-minute complimentary discovery call to learn more and see if we are the right fit for your healing journey.
What are the must have items everyone should have in their medicine cabinet / wellness arsenal?
Magnesium: Magnesium is super important for so many things and, unfortunately, is mostly depleted from the soil, which makes it difficult to get from food sources alone. It is great for a restful night’s sleep, helps with muscle tension, boosts the immune system, calms the nervous system, and aids in bowel movements.
Vitamin C: This super antioxidant is mostly known for its role in immune health. As it can be useful to help fight infections and boost immune health, it is also wonderful for allergies, skin health, and adrenal health. This one is my “go-to” when I feel some type of acute illness coming on or if I am traveling and want to prevent infections.
Adaptogens: Things like ashwagandha, reishi, schisandra, licorice, are all adaptogens that help the body become more resilient to stress and lower stress levels. They literally support the adrenal glands that pump out cortisol and epinephrine during stressful times. Because chronic stress affects nearly everyone, it is important to address stress and the impact it may have on one’s health. Chronic stress may dampen the immune system and lead to infections. Therefore, daily use of adaptogens may help to boost immune health and overall wellbeing.
Vitamin D: This major vitamin may be difficult for many people to get naturally from the sun and is used up quickly during times of stress and illness. Low vitamin D levels are linked to many diseases and dysfunctions, both physically and mentally. Now more than ever, we know a healthy level of vitamin D is imperative for a strong immune system.
About: Dr. Rachel Heussner is a licensed Naturopathic Doctor. She completed her medical training at Bastyr University in San Diego, California. She holds a bachelor's degree in biology and chemistry from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Dr. Rachel is certified in advanced IV therapy, Cranial Sacral Therapy, and PRP (platelet-rich plasma) microneedling and injections. Her areas of focus include hormonal imbalances, women’s health, metabolic conditions, mental health, stress management, and gastrointestinal health.