RNM Blog

16Nov 1

November 16, 2021

Healthy Holiday Recipe Round-Up

If you are planning your holiday menu and are eager for a few lighter options along with the traditional holiday fare, below is our healthy holiday recipe round-up. Within, are a few healthy holiday recipes that we love to rely on here at Richmond Natural Medicine.

If you need personalized support during the holidays with nutrition, meal planning, stress management or to optimize your sleep, consider making a general wellness visit at Richmond Natural Medicine. Our in-house wellness specialist, Dr. Ferreira, has been practicing for 6 years in the fields of women & men’s health, hormone optimization, and lifestyle management. With her vast experience, she is able to provide patients with many ways to help the human body function optimally both inside and out with the goal of establishing healthy and new lifestyles to best support their health concerns. We would love to help you create a plan to sustain and grow through the last few months of the year. Click here to contact us.

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8Nov

November 8, 2021

By Schuyler Corrigan

RNM Blog

Perks of a Naturopathic General Wellness Visit

Naturopathic doctors seek to uncover any underlying cause for an individual’s health concerns in an effort to prevent and reverse illness, rather than simply treat symptoms. In today’s western medicine model, we are often conditioned to only visit the doctor when we’re sick or have an active problem presenting. However, from a naturopathic perspective, we are looking to maintain good health all year long, with regular check-in’s to make sure you’re staying on track with your health and wellness, optimizing your nutrition, reviewing yearly lab work, and encouraging you to implement good habits every day to keep your body vibrant and strong.

By regularly checking in with your naturopathic doctor once or twice per year for a general wellness visit, you can rest assured that preventable health problems won’t suddenly appear “out of the blue”. Someone is tending to your health from a holistic perspective and giving you the education you need to maintain healthy habits every day.

What you can expect from a general wellness visit:

You don’t have to come in for your visit with anything “wrong”! Your naturopathic doctor will ask you in-depth questions about your lifestyle, diet, exercise, past medical history, and any current concerns.
Your naturopathic doctor welcomes any health and wellness questions you may have. Do you fully understand how your body is working, or what your current medical conditions mean? Do you have questions about recent lab work or if and why supplements or medications may be helpful for you? All of these questions and more can be reviewed in your general wellness visit.
You can expect to be really heard. With an hour-long appointment, you have time to explain yourself and ask questions.
Your naturopathic doctor will create a detailed care plan for you. This may be encouraging or slightly optimizing what you’re already doing, or creating custom diet and lifestyle recommendations to support areas of your health that need a little extra attention.

At Richmond Natural Medicine, one of our passions is to help you live a happy and healthy life that is sustainable and works for you. General wellness is all-encompassing because it requires looking at all of the unique factors that make you special. It is also important as a foundation because it paves the way for additional vitality and prevention. Some individuals don’t have a specific health concern, but rather their goal is to maximize their current health. This is what makes natural medicine different: we assess potential future vulnerabilities and also identify your strengths. General wellness through Naturopathic Medicine is one of the best ways to practice preventative medicine for a bright and healthy future.

Dr. Vanessa Ferreira, ND is our in-house wellness specialist. She has a passion for using alternative therapies in an integrative way to provide complete & balanced care and believes in empowering individuals to take control of their own health. Dr. Ferreira provides customized health plans to fit each person’s unique needs. In addition, she uses tools such as diet and lifestyle changes, supported detoxification, homeopathy, herbs, supplements, and stress management to address the underlying causes of each concern. She is committed to providing individuals with the resources to help empower their health and support them towards optimal well-being.

“I feel great! My first appointment with Dr. Ferreira was wonderful. She spent the individual time with me to understand my past and future goals and create a personalized plan.”

To schedule an appointment with her or one of our other naturopathic doctors for a general wellness visit, visit this link, or call our office. We look forward to seeing you soon!

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4Nov

November 4, 2021

By Schuyler Corrigan

RNM Blog

Naturopathic Support for Headaches and Migraines

At Richmond Natural Medicine, we are always committed to getting to the heart of your health issues. Some symptoms that become normal parts of your daily life don’t necessarily have to be something you just live with. When it comes to headaches or migraines, these can be frustrating, daily occurrences that either leave you feeling irritable or completely unable to continue your day. Headaches and migraines may be the result of other underlying health concerns or the symptom of something else that only happens occasionally. In any case, if headaches and migraines are something that you experience frequently, naturopathic medicine can offer you some insight and support.

What is the cause of headaches and migraines?

There is no single cause for headaches or migraines, however, there can be several contributing factors unique to each person. Some of these include:

Dehydration
Exposure to chemicals or mold
Consuming food intolerances regularly
Certain trigger foods such as artificial sweeteners, MSG, or artificial additives
Stress, tension, or emotional triggers
Over-exercising
Exposure to light (too bright, or strobe lighting for example)
Genetics may play a role in migraine headaches
Hormonal changes
Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)

How can Naturopathic Medicine Help?

First, your naturopathic doctor will take a thorough look at your health history, current health state, any medications, and supplements, and actively listen to your concerns. With there being so many causes and contributing factors to the presentation of headaches and migraines, looking for patterns and small clues is essential for your naturopathic doctor to determine where to begin. Dietary changes, hormonal testing, stress and sleep support, adjustments to exercise, and supplement changes are common recommendations that will be personalized for you and your individual case. It may be very helpful for your naturopathic doctor to review a symptom journal prior to your visit that includes your dietary inputs, stress, and symptoms. Through detailed questions and follow-up visits, your naturopathic doctor will support you in finding solutions to reducing the occurrence of headaches or migraines in your life.

For further questions or to schedule an appointment, visit this link or call us at 804-478-0733

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20Oct

October 20, 2021

By Schuyler Corrigan

RNM Blog

Ulcerative Colitis – Digestion Support and Naturopathic Approach

What is Ulcerative Colitis?

Commonly referred to as UC, ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory condition primarily affecting the rectum, colon, and large intestine. The severity of inflammation can vary from person to person. Symptoms can induce diarrhea, cramping, bloating, anemia, and pain from small ulcers caused by the inflammation in the lining of the colon. Our immune system may develop an overactive response to this inflammatory condition, and many people experience symptoms of UC for several years, making it one of the more chronic digestive conditions with the Irritable Bowel disease category.

The cause of ulcerative colitis is currently unclear, however, the research and understanding of the interplay between the role of our immune system and digestive health are rapidly growing. The naturopathic approach to supporting ulcerative colitis will take into consideration your entire health history, as well as your individual symptoms and current research.

The Naturopathic Approach to Ulcerative Colitis

Due to our immune system being largely impacted by the overall health of our gut, symptoms of UC suddenly “flare”, or go into remission for unpredictable periods of time. Lifestyle factors such as stress, diet, sleep, environmental exposure, or even travel can impact the state of our gut, and therefore manipulate our immune response. These are all factors that your naturopathic doctor will take a thorough look at during your consultation to determine any patterns or triggers to your UC story.

Naturopathic medicine operates under the principle that, under the right conditions, the body has an innate healing capability. The role of a Naturopathic doctor is to determine what those unique conditions are for each person. For some people, healing may look like reassessing lifestyle factors such as their eating habits and stress levels. For others, healing may mean managing chronic inflammation or immune function with herbs or other natural therapies.

Since there is often more than one issue causing imbalance, a multi-layered approach is utilized. This approach ensures that all issues are addressed, as well as further encourages long-term results. Depending on the person, various therapies and modalities may be used to improve gut health. These can range from diet changes and nutritional supplements to herbs, probiotics, and more.

One of the most important factors to achieving optimal gut health is determining the diet and dietary choices that work best for each individual. There is no “one size fits all” approach to a healthy diet and self. Your naturopathic doctor will help determine which foods work best for you, and which do not. Many people consume common foods that their bodies simply cannot break down well. This can set up an ongoing low-level inflammatory process that leads to issues beyond just digestive symptoms, such as “leaky gut,” immune reactivity, and so on.

To schedule an appointment with one of our naturopathic doctors, click here.

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13Aug

August 13, 2021

By Lindsay Kluge

Articles RNM Blog

A Holistic Approach to Weight Management

Several things contribute to how our body maintains a healthy weight during our lifetime. It’s not just calories in and calories out as the rhetoric may lead us to think. Factors such as age, metabolism, thyroid health, food sensitivities, poor sleep, stress, daily movement and exercise and our food choices all make a difference. It is easy to assume that if we are over or underweight, we should immediately either restrict or over consume more calories. But for most people, there may be a little more to it than that.

A holistic approach to weight management looks at all of these contributing factors and how they present in the context of your life. How has your weight fluctuated throughout your life, and what has been your “normal”? When we look a little more closely at the timeline of weight loss or gain, we want to look for other inputs that may have contributed to this change such as periods of prolonged stress, a change in your lifestyle, an injury that prevented you from exercising, experiencing a trauma of some kind or any hormonal changes. You may have the best diet in the world, but if you’re under chronic stress, unable to exercise or experiencing hormone or thyroid problems, these may be impacting how your body is holding weight. Some people dramatically lose weight in these situations while others may gain weight.

Learn More: Optimizing Weight With Holistic Nutrition

Questions to get you started with holistic weight support

How has my weight changed over the past year?
Why do I feel like I need to gain or lose weight now?
Do I know the reason for my previous years weight loss or gain?
What are the changes that I know will support my weight management?
What is my goal? Is it a number on the scale? How my clothes fit? How I feel?
Is this a realistic goal based on how my body has historically carried weight?
What are your obstacles in reaching this goal? And where can I get additional support?
What are you truly willing and ready to change in your life?

If you’ve been experiencing frustrations in maintaining your weight and need individualized support in finding a solution and long term plan, consider making an appointment with one of our naturopathic doctors for a personalized approach to reaching your goals.

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16Jul

July 16, 2021

By Lindsay Kluge

RNM Blog

Supporting Your Immune System In a Changing World

Although these past 18 months have been unusual in many ways, the basics of immune health are still applicable for supporting our body seasonally, especially as we enter fall and winter. Keep these primary habits in mind for your immune system this year, and remember – many of the best practices for our immune health are daily, preventive habits.

Maintain a whole food (mostly plant based) diet

A diet plentiful in whole, unprocessed foods with fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, adequate fiber and herbs and spices will keep our body nourished and strong. Maintaining a nutritious and balanced daily diet is truly one of the best self care + physical health and wellness practices we can do for ourselves every single day to support all of our organ systems and even our mental health!

Stay hydrated

Our body relies on healthy elimination and detoxification pathways in order to keep us functioning optimally in our environments. Water is such a key input that we need every single day in order for these pathways to work properly! So many of us are under-hydrating throughout the day, so keep in mind that we should be aiming to consume half of our body weight in ounces each day (not to exceed 100 ounces for women and 120 ounces for men). For example, if you weigh 160 pounds that’s 80 ounces of water per day. Try enjoying cold brewed herbal teas, kombucha, mint + cucumber infused water, or even add plenty of juicy, fresh fruits to your diet to increase your water intake

Remove triggering foods or lifestyle habits

The more things we are exposed to throughout the days, weeks and months that trigger our body to mount an immune or inflammatory response, the harder our body is working to keep our immune system constantly elevated. Thus, if you know there are foods that you cannot digest well, allergens that are triggering an inflammatory response, or behaviours that negatively impact your body, do your best to minimize or eliminate these from your daily life.

Eat your vitamin C!

Foods rich in vitamin C are also rich in antioxidants and help to support the vitality and strength of our immune system. Especially when we are actively ill, vitamin C has been shown to protect our body from oxidative stress and improve immune function when under stress. Foods such as oranges, cherries, parsley, kale, broccoli, lemons and strawberries are all great sources of vitamin C.

Continue to practice good hygiene and preventive habits

As always, washing your hands, covering your coughs and avoiding people or places with active illness are advisable preventive measures to support your immune system in any season.

Maintain a connection with Nature

Feeling a sense of connection with the natural world around us not only supports our mental health, but entrains our circadian rhythm to optimize sleep and maintain healthy energy levels throughout our days and nights. When our body is out of alignment with the natural rhythms of the world, we are more likely to feel imbalance and susceptible to seasonal bugs. Our immune health is closely linked to our levels of stress and rest, and these are closely tied to our connection with nature.

If you need personalized support for seasonal immune health, consider making an appointment with one of our naturopathic doctors here at Richmond Natural Medicine.

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25Jun

June 25, 2021

By Richmond Natural Medicine

RNM Blog

Staying Nourished During Outdoor Activities

With longer days and warmer weather, more and more people are spending the day outdoors, and it’s important to be mindful that the summer season requires extra awareness in terms of replenishing our body.

Mid summer is the most physically active time for many, and there’s hardly a more exciting time for outdoor activities. What the body can more easily tolerate in the fall and winter is very different than in the summer, and it’s easy to forget (or not pay attention to) our body’s signals for nourishment when we are depleted from a long day in the sun.

Stay Hydrated – It’s very easy to become dehydrated in the warmer summer months, especially if we spend a lot of time outdoors being active and sweating. Aim to consume about half of your body weight in ounces of water each day, not to exceed 100 ounces for women and 120 ounces for men. For example, if you weigh 160 pounds, that’s 80 ounces of water. Consume this throughout the day to maintain hydration, and invest in a large water bottle to keep with you if you’re out and about during the day.

More Tips on Staying Hydrated

Avoid prolonged sun exposure – Too much intense sun exposure can be draining and cause fatigue, skin irritations or cause you to become overheated. If you are spending much of the day out in the sun, bring some shade with you and do your best to avoid prolonged, direct sunlight between the hours of 12-4pm. You can also protect your skin by wearing spf clothing and high quality sunscreens.

Even if you don’t think you’ll need it – always pack and apply a clean sunscreen consistently during the day. The sun is a harsh reminder of how sensitive our skin is, and even a minor sunburn can be damaging to our overall skin health. When looking at sunscreens, look for zinc oxide as the main ingredient, and you can also check ewg.org to cross-reference your ingredients for safety.

More Summer Skin Care Tips

Snack on water rich, fresh foods – Plan ahead for your days outdoors by packing snacks that will not only nourish you, but provide some hydration relief and electrolyte support. Fresh fruits are ideal snacks for outdoor adventures as they are water rich, contain antioxidants and are refreshing to eat! Strawberries, blueberries, apples, peaches, raspberries and oranges make wonderful snacks on warmer days (and are a sneaky way to get more water in!).

Bring cooling supplies – Bringing along ice packs or ice water to soak a cloth in to place on your neck or face can be a welcome relief if you’re starting to feel overheated outside. This can quickly help to lower our body temperature – especially in our face and head – if we’ve overdone it in the heat.

Replenish – Consuming extra water, electrolytes, taking Epsom salt baths, eating plant-based nutrients, practicing skin / lymphatic massage and taking rest are all essential to allow your organ systems and muscles to recover from a day outdoors. Although you may have done simple outdoor things like floating down a river or playing lawn games, when the weather is so warm the body often overworks to account for the extreme weather and replenishment after those activities. Keep in mind that alcohol is dehydrating to the body, and if this was part of your day outdoors, you should be drinking twice as much water for every ounce of alcohol you’ve consumed. For example, for every 8-ounce beer, you need to follow that up with at least 16 ounces of water. Sounds like a lot (and it is!), so keep track of this and make sure you’re replenishing properly before, during and after your day.

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18Jun

June 18, 2021

By Richmond Natural Medicine

RNM Blog

Summer Skin Care Tips

Summer is predominantly a hot, dry, and humid season, and depending on your personal makeup and location, it can be a challenging month to acclimate to especially if you have sensitive skin. It is a season where we need to take extra precautions to protect our skin from long hours in the sun or excessive heat. Here are some RNM summer skin care tips to get you through the season:

Wear sunscreen or SPF clothing. This is your first line of defense against long exposure to UV rays. Always opt for a mineral based sunscreen. Keep in mind that sunscreens are used in large quantities, all over the body and reapplied regularly. Thus, the (usually chemical) ingredients in sunscreens are absorbed into the skin and can be measured in the blood. When using a mineral sunscreen such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, these particles are larger and do not absorb into the skin (hence the white coating on the skin look). This ensures that mineral-based sunscreens are acting as a literal barrier between your skin and the sun, and not directly absorbed into your skin, or your blood. Here are some of the best sunscreens available recommended by the Environmental Working Group, and you can check your sunscreen ingredients within their database for safety.
Apply skin soothing herbs to sun-irritated skin. Aloe vera gel, chamomile or calendula compresses are great options to calm inflamed skin.
Avoid intense sun exposure during peak hours. Depending on where you’re located, this is usually between 11am-4pm. If you plan to be out in the sun, plan to do so earlier in the morning, or in later afternoon.
Hydrate! Maintaining internal hydration is so important to keeping your summer skin healthy and balanced. As a general rule, consume about half of your body weight in ounces of water, not to exceed 100 ounces for women and 120 ounces for men. For example, if you weigh 160 pounds, that’s 80 ounces of water per day!
Nutrition: Focus on consuming colorful, seasonal berries (cherries, blackberries, blueberries, strawberries and grapes); nutrient-rich greens (rainbow chard, kale, collards, beet greens); healthy fats (avocados, coconut oil, olive oils, organic dairy products, high quality fatty fish and seafood, walnuts, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds); plant-based/organic proteins (lentils, kidney beans, nutritional yeast, black beans, mushrooms, and even collagen powders).

A Natural Approach to Dermatological Health

Depending on your skin color, your age, your location, and your skin sensitivity, all of these recommendations can be customized for you so that your skin health is optimally supported long term. If you have concerns about summer skin health, or how to protect yourself this season, consider making an appointment with a naturopathic doctor at Richmond Natural Medicine to go over some strategies specific to your needs. Check out our naturopathic doctors specializing in dermatological concerns:

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17Jun

June 17, 2021

By Richmond Natural Medicine

RNM Blog

Demystifying Cholesterol with Dr. Paskar & Dr. Gerep

Have you ever received lab work or a cholesterol panel that you didn’t know how to interpret, or understand what your results meant for your overall health?

Join RNM on Wednesday, July 14th at 6:00 pm for “Demystifying Cholesterol: A Naturopathic Perspective”, a virtual class with Dr. Paskar and Dr. Gerep. Together they will be discussing the different types of cholesterol, their connection to blood sugar, the importance of healthy fats for basic hormone function, and work with participants to complete a personalized, educational handout and diagram for continued learning. Richmond Natural Medicine always encourages the education and empowerment of their clients to learn more about their own health, and this virtual class is an excellent start for those seeking holistic support and understanding of their cholesterol.

What are the main topics you will be covering in this class?

We will be discussing how to read lipid panel results by understanding the meaning of the different sections on a lipid panel and how diet and lifestyle factors contribute to higher or lower cholesterol levels.

Why is client education important?

Client education such as classes and panels are important because we believe in empowering our patients with the information and tools they need to improve their health. Getting high values on a lipid panel can be frustrating and confusing, yet so many of us are impacted by elevated lipids. Understanding which diet and lifestyle factors contribute to high values can help you be more active in your wellness journey and better prepared to make informed choices. Our hope is for participants to learn more about the function of cholesterol in the body and to feel more empowered in discussing their results with their doctors or other healthcare providers.

Who should attend?

Our class is geared towards the general public and for anyone who wants to learn the fundamentals of cholesterol and how cholesterol levels can be used as a health-monitoring tool. In addition, class participants who are new to RNM will receive a $20 off coupon towards their initial Naturopathic visit.

When: Wednesday, July 14th at 6:00 pm

Where: Virtual – from the comfort of your own home or office

With: Dr. Shruti Paskar & Dr. Naomi Gerep

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11Jun

June 11, 2021

By Lindsay Kluge

RNM Blog

The Mental Health Benefits of Exercise & Movement

Our mental health is influenced by such a huge array of situations, and our response in terms of our mental health balance is just as individual as we are. From childhood trauma and our personal relationships, to our home environments and our overall state of wellness, our mental health encompasses our perceived and experienced balance with the world around us, and our inner peace within us. Especially during times of trauma, world instability, familial discord and during a health crisis, our mental state needs care and attention. There are several tools we can use to support our mental health including professional counseling, naturopathic and nutritional support, and recent research is showing the additional benefits of daily exercise and movement.

Not only has exercise been shown to decrease levels of anxiety and depression, it has been linked to increased self esteem and cognitive function. This is likely due to the impact of exercise on our limbic system and overall stress response system which, through a lifetime of day-to-day stressors, can become overwhelming and difficult to manage. Daily exercise also has the benefit of improving quality of sleep – a foundational pillar for overall health and wellbeing. You may quickly notice an improvement in your sleep patterns when you begin the daily habit of intentional movement and exercise!

There is new and exciting research being done on the benefits of outdoor immersion on our mental health as well (see here), and combining our movement practice in the outdoors can be an excellent way to experience the benefits of ‘ecopsychology’. When we take a step back and look at the big picture, exercise fits into a quality of life structure that supports multiple body functions at once. Not only for mental health, the benefits of daily exercise and movement have a lasting and profound effect on preventing chronic disease, supporting our cardiovascular system, maintaining a healthy metabolism and weight, balancing our blood sugar and cholesterol levels, and strengthening our joints and muscles. All of these together are a large port of our entire health story, and mental health is a significant piece of our story.

Getting Started:

Take a 30 minute walk in nature, listening to the sounds around you and paying attention to colors, textures, and movements around you.
Get up and stretch at least 5 minutes per every hour that you’re sitting during the day. This encourages circulation throughout the body and the brain.
If pain or joint discomfort limits your ability to do impact movements, consider gentle swimming or chair yoga during the week.
If your body allows, go on an afternoon hike with a friend or group to a new location.
Keep resistance bands in your home for a gentle arm, leg and core workout while you’re working from home.
Within two hours of waking, enjoy a 10-60 minute yoga session in a class, or in your personal home-practice.

This year, if you commit to adding daily movement and exercise into your day, keep a journal of your progress and note the changes that you see and experience in yourself. How did your state of mind shift from before your walk, to during and after? How does your body feel when you complete your run, jog or swim? How has your sleep shifted or improved? Tracking these small changes can bring a greater sense of awareness to how your body and mind respond to lifestyle shifts, which can be profound over time!

If you need additional personalized support in finding holistic solutions to your health needs, consider scheduling an appointment with one of our naturopathic doctors at Richmond Natural Medicine.

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Richmond Natural Medicine

4.8

Based on 147 reviews

See all reviews Write a review

14:00 03 Apr 24

These are the smartest and kindest women I know. I am always blown away by the care I receive and feel amazing after each appointment. Thank you for always being the right place for my care and the most important member of my medical team!

16:43 21 Mar 24

I've been very pleased with Richmond Natural Medicine. Dr. Alexander has been a great help in guiding me towards being a healthier person. I truly believe this is a great option for those who want additional support beyond what traditional medicine can offer. I highly recommend Richmond Natural Medicine.

15:30 29 Feb 24

Dr Thompson and Richmond Natural Medicine as a practice are just the best. I feel listened to when I go and we address all of my symptoms in a way that my primary care and gastroenterologists pale in comparison to. I always leave hopeful and with a well defined plan of care.

13:21 22 Feb 24

Everyone at Richmond Natural Medicine is kind, helpful, and professional. From the ladies at the front desk, to Dr. Thompson, everyone has treated me with kindness and respect. I have spoken with them in person, over the phone, and done a virtual meeting. Dr. Thompson is respectful, listens, and offers feasible and achievable solutions for my issues. I trust her and appreciate her knowledge and care. The atmosphere in the office and waiting area is calming and peaceful. It is so reassuring to know there is a practice that offers this level of care and meets my needs in a practical and more natural way. I recommend this practice to anyone who is looking for alternative solutions outside of conventional medicine. 5 stars!

16:47 10 Feb 24

Dr. Jensen is an absolute professional that shares the same background in health care needs that I have. Having someone who understands how difficult this process is and has been for me is incredible and has helped me over the past 6 months I've been seeing her.I also have a history of head injuries and the craniosacral therapy treatments from her are extremely peaceful and the care with which she performs them is gentle and the impact is powerful. After a few treatments, I have felt the physical, and mental benefits of from them.And I say this all as a huge skeptic of everything. Some treatments haven't worked, some haven't been for me, but being open to the possibility of new treatments has seen real benefits.I say this part especially because Dr. Jensen treats without ego. If something does not work, or I am unsure of a treatment, she encourages me to research the treatment before making a treatment. If I've done my research and I choose not to have a treatment, she is supportive of my decision and we work together on an alternate treatment. She is an amazing person and truly cares and respects those who she heals.

03:26 25 Jan 24

After years of seeking answers from traditional doctors, we found Dr. Barranco, who listened kindly, provided thorough assessments, and found the root cause of a health concern in order to guide us to a care plan that works! So thankful for finding this practice!

16:13 17 Jan 24

19:14 05 Jan 24

This was the best experience i have ever had with a care provider. The diligence was immaculate!

14:54 04 Nov 23

Richmond Natural Medicine is the most welcoming space. The entire staff is kind. Rhe doctors are some of the most knowledgeable doctors I have ever experienced. I know when I enter RNM that I am going to receive thoughtful, thorough, quality care and insightful answers to my questions!

14:59 24 Oct 23

Dr. Franko is awesome. She recognizes that I have autonomy with my own body, and she listens to provide a holistic solution. She gives me options and allows me to choose.

15:10 19 Oct 23

My experience with Richmond Natural Medicine was fantastic! First impressions are everything and my expectations were surpassed! Dr. Thompson heard everything I said, acknowledged my concerns and my journey thus far, then came up with a multi-phased game plan to move my health forward! I had given up all hope with traditional medicine. Cannot wait to see where this journey takes me and my health!

11:04 06 Oct 23

What an amazing practice! I cannot saw enough wonderful things about everyone from the front desk to the doctors. The staff has always been kind and accommodating when making or rescheduling appointments and check-in/check-out. The practice always runs on time and I have never had to wait for an appointment. And even if you do, there is a separate, peaceful waiting room where you can drink tea as you wait for your doctor. A very calming environment!I have had experience, although not as a patient, with all of the doctors and can say confidently they are not only amazing providers, but also great people. I have numerous friends and family members that see multiple doctors at RNM and they share the same great experience that I do!Dr. Hollon cares for me and my entire family. Without a doubt, she is the most compassionate, kind, and knowledgeable provider we have ever seen. It is hard to describe this level of care, it is just something you feel when you are around her. She has helped us through numerous health situations, both routine and emergency, and I am beyond grateful for her care and support for me and my family.

22:19 31 Aug 23

They treated me awesome answered all my questions and concerns made me they were really trying to help me make a difference in my life and illness I just want to say thank you

18:30 22 Aug 23

Dr Franko is such a kind and caring doctor. She has helped my daughter and I feel our best selves. She takes so much time to make sure you are comfortable. I always feel so seen and understood. No question is ever unanswered and she takes so much time answering all my questions. I can’t say enough wonderful things about her and the office.

14:39 11 Aug 23

Dr. Thompson makes you feel like you are her only patient. I am very pleased with the treatment I have received. I am happy I found Richmond natural medicine since seen Dr. Thompson my condition has improve I no longer have to take prescription antibiotics. I highly recommend this practice. They don't rush or dismiss patients and truly listen. I've never felt so listened to in a medical setting. Dr. Thompson works hard to find the best solutions to improve your overall health. Thank you Richmond Natural Medicine.

18:49 09 Aug 23

Dr. Thompson is wonderful! In the past I have felt that doctors brushed off my concerns or wrote them off as “normal” when I didn’t feel they were. Dr. Thompson was so kind and thorough. I left feeling validated and like I finally had hope of feeling better. I would recommend Richmond Natural Medicine to anyone!

19:09 13 Jul 23

I’m so very happy I found you! I’ve been looking for this type of health care modality for quite some time. I am on the mend because of the focused care I am receiving. Some of my issues were helped almost immediately, and my others I’m seeing/feeling improvement in over time.I wish to express special thanks to Dr. Barranco.Your attention to how every aspect of who I am (mental, emotional, physical, psychological) is taken into account as you proceed to help me heal myself is simply awesome.I’m learning about modalities that have been around for ages that I wasn’t aware of, and they are working very well! I’m so pleased with my results. THIS is TRUE health care!To anyone searching I say: If what you’re doing isn’t working; If you’re tired of just medicating your symptoms and dealing with side affects; If you’ve been written off by other practitioners as having “phantom” ailments they can’t help you with, maybe even an illness deemed too far gone to mend, try Richmond Natural Medicine. Just try them. There is a list on their website of what they specialize in. Check it out. You might be pleasantly surprised by the results.

18:50 09 Jun 23

Absolutely love coming here. The environment is restful, the time taken to get to know me and my needs is the best and the care plans have been very helpful.

21:32 31 May 23

Best time I've had at a doctor's in a long time. I felt like I was listened to and like they are actually trying to help me get better. Update: after spending 13+ years at a traditional doctor's, having test after test ran and being told that I was "fine and just needed counseling" I have been validated. In less than 4 visits a doctor here found out my issue and I've already begun treatments. I'm so happy I tried a natural medicine doctor and I will recommend ANYONE to come here and finally get your answers! I'm not even the only person I know who has had this experience (being gaslit by normal doctors then after a few visits at a natural, finally having answers)

13:05 27 Apr 23

I felt relaxed from the minute I walked in the door, warm reception, comfortable separate waiting room and always feel like I get exceptional care with Dr. Hollon!

14:56 06 Apr 23

I enjoyed my experience. From the time I walked into the office I felt very welcomed. The thoroughness of Dr. Barranco during my appointment truly made me feel that she was concerned for my overall health. I am truly grateful for the experience and look forward to future appointments.

16:04 23 Mar 23

Excellent very informative

02:16 18 Mar 23

I've never been treated with such care when seeing a physician. I am so pleased with the atmosphere, the staff, and the level of thoroughness that went into me and my health concerns. I'm so thankful to have found this practice and will encourage others to check them out as well. Thank you, by far the best treatment I've had around medical professionals.

16:15 30 Jan 23

All staff are kind and compassionate. Would highly recommend to anyone.

16:25 03 Dec 22

From the time I submitted a request online, to the prompt phone call the next morning, to the amazing friendly staff and lovely waiting room and most importantly the conversation my doctor and I had to understand my health, was the experience I expect from a health professional organization but haven't received in so long. From the moment I walked in, I knew this was the answer to taking charge of my life and my health with a practice that leads with compassion. This is what health care is "supposed" to be. I am hopeful...finally. I appreciate this group and their mission and I give them a huge A++++!

17:40 24 Nov 22

I’m a huge fan of Richmond Natural Medicine. These doctors really listen to patients offering solutions for real health. Their healing plan is specific for each patient, and is not suppression medicine. They excel in determining which foods work and don’t work for you. I’m so much healthier after I adopted their recommendations. I found vitality, so did my family. The best health investment I ever made!

02:05 25 Oct 22

Outstanding Doctor, who listens, who hears and then suggests real actions, supplements that make a change ! Gentle, skilled staff.

17:15 12 Aug 22

Helpful

21:37 22 Jul 22

I've maintaineda secure feeling with my practitioner with my health and well-being that was first and foremost. Along with having my best interest at heart. I'm very satisfied here.

13:13 15 May 22

I’ve been seeing Dr. Beliy for about 6 months. I’ve struggled with GI issues for over a decade and been taking various prescriptive meds to treat it.During my first appt, I almost cried with happiness when Dr. Beliy spent the time asking questions and listening to me. I was only used to quick 10-15 min check ups before my visit here. She put together a personalized plan for me and I received detailed notes after the appt.Since that first appt, I’ve continued my visits with Dr. Beliy and she’s not only helped my GI issues, but also sleep, nutrition, stress management, and more. I’ve never felt better in my life. I highly recommend to anyone who’s looking for a doctor that will invest the time and effort for each and every patient.

15:04 07 May 22

After my first appointment I feel very hopeful! The initial appointment was in depth, which made me feel like I was finally being listened to. Dr. Paskar also gave me options on which way I would like to go with my treatment options. I loved that it wasn’t one size fits all and that I felt like I had a say in my treatment plan!

20:18 19 Feb 22

17:51 03 Feb 22

Richmond Natural Medicine is hands on care with doctors that take time with patients. I'm a relatively new patient but have made good progress with an uber-difficult issue. ***Four months later I am impressed with the knowledge, care and enthusiasm shown by my doctor and though I am still on the mend, the main issue has been addressed thoroughly and I now have abilities I did not four months ago.

16:16 27 Jan 22

I really like Dr Gerep. I think I’m going to enjoy working with her. I felt like she heard me and understood where I was coming from at this point in my journey.

20:58 22 Jan 22

15:31 21 Dec 21

Wonderful. I am so grateful for the detailed plan to improve health. I'm going through it now and breaking it up to incorporate many of the components in my daily regiment. Really appreciate Dr. Gerep's extensive insight.

22:21 03 Dec 21

Dr. Gerep was super friendly and welcoming throughout the entirety of the appointment. I feel that I was genuinely cared for and she was actually interested in my health. She took my concerns seriously and worked with my lifestyle, preferences, and budget. This place is pricy and it's unfortunate they don't accept insurance (out of their control so no fault there) so I saved a bit before coming, but I feel it's very worth it. I love the approach here and it's exactly what I was looking for! I'm very pleased with my visit and am excited to continue treatment.

00:09 22 Oct 21

Dr. Ferreira is fantastic. She was focused on my individual care and shared a wealth of knowledge directly related to my concerns.

20:27 08 Oct 21

Loved the atmosphere and the wealth of knowledge that was given to me by Dr Gerep. Will definitely be returning!!!!

11:13 07 Sep 21

I was, and still am, extremely satisfied with my time with Dr. Paskar! I left my appointment excited about the plan she set forth for me and our plans in the near future when I return for a follow-up. I feel we addressed all my pressing issues and that Dr. Paskar listened to my concerns with intent and no judgement. She is absolutely amazing!! I recommend her to anyone and everyone in need of a doctor of this magnitude. A doctor who empowers patients to take control of their own health naturally is truly a doctor for the people. Thank you, Dr. Paskar!

15:48 26 Jul 21

I felt more understood by my provider here than I have with any other doctor. She took the time to provide me with additional resources and helped me understand the science behind my health. Thank you Richmond Natural Medicine!

19:16 08 Jul 21

I love it at Richmond Natural Medicine. I was in search for a place where I could receive preventative care for holistic health. The care Dr. Gerep gives is individualized and personalized to my needs. I appreciate the deep research that goes into my care and not a prescribed answer given immediately. She is always taking time to thoroughly find the best solutions for me.

12:27 06 Jun 21

I just had my first follow up visit and it was great. I really feel like I am being heard and all aspects of my health are taken into consideration. No matter how minor a concern, Dr. Vanessa always writes it down and has great suggestions and explanations for me. I finally feel I am headed on a path to understanding my health and taking control! Thank you!!

11:25 28 May 21

My experience has been amazing. Dr. Paskar is so patient and informative. She’s the best doctor and I’m already experiencing healing in my body from us working together for just 3 months. If you have IBD, I would highly recommend Dr. Paskar.

16:47 19 Apr 21

I feel like I have finally found a knowledgeable doctor who is taking the time to listen and learn all about me. Dr. Beliy is interested in treating the root issue instead of the symptoms and believes in the power of natural remedies. I couldn’t be happier with the progress made with her in such a short time. I’m learning how to implement important lifestyle changes, such as incorporating seeds into my diet to regulate hormones and to reduce stress with a lavender essential oils diffuser at my bedside. I feel great about the treatment plans because they are thoughtful, doable, specific to my individual needs, and not subjecting my body to experimental drugs or other questionable toxins. The results I have experienced have been pretty immediate and are evidence, in and of themself, that natural remedies work! I appreciate having Dr. Beliy guide me through my health journey, and having such a knowledgeable professional help keep me accountable for my lifestyle choices.

02:18 16 Apr 21

Hopeful. Dr. Reckers was understanding of how willing and able to change my teenager was at our first visit.

17:00 14 Apr 21

I talk about and recommend your practice to almost every single person I encounter! My life has been changed for the better and I cannot imagine not having this practice as an I integral part of my life.

15:28 14 Apr 21

When I moved to Richmond from the San Francisco Bay Area in 2019 I thought I would never find a naturopathic office like the one I left behind. BUT, then came along Dr Hollon and Richmond Natural Medicine! I feel like the reason I moved was to be under her care! Although my health is still not yet stable, I am on the path to it and with more knowledge of what My body has been and is going through. I love the staff and the service is unmatched! Thank you!!!

03:37 10 Apr 21

Dr. Reckers was super attentive, pleasant and very easy to talk to. She asked great questions & I sensed a sincere interest in my well-being and how to best help me feel better.

16:06 25 Mar 21

I feel like I am finally on the path to getting some answers to my chronic health issues that modern medicine has brushed aside or completely ignored over the years. I knew from my own research over the years that the holistic approach would provide the best results and from that I did implement some things into my life that did provide relief but ultimately you need someone knowledgeable to guide you through this. I have just begun my journey with this practice, but already I have found some answers and once my lab results are in I can't wait to begin the treatment plan because I know in my heart I will finally start to feel better.

16:03 25 Mar 21

Kind and compassionate are just two of the words to describe Richmond Natural Medicine. Would highly recommend them.

15:15 16 Mar 21

Life changing! This place is amazing and I highly recommend to anyone that struggles to find the right cure for them, naturopathy treats the natural way without side effect. You get a personalized plan that fits your needs and the doctors actually listen to you and go deep into your medical history, ask a ton of questions and follow-up with you constantly. I've been working with Dr. Paskar and Dr. Hollon trying to find a cure for my son's PANDA's Syndrome (that's one of his problems, he also has Autism and Tic Disorder) and I can say they're both AMAZING to work with!!! I joined this place in January and so far I can see 50% improvement in every area that he used to struggle, it's like a miracle! I've been fighting with this for almost 5 years, I mean this is HUGE!!! I will stay with them and continue my journey because I know I'm on the right path. My heart is smiling!

01:47 27 Feb 21

I felt very comfortable and at ease in talking with Dr. Reckers. I felt like she was listening intently and picking up on things I said that I might not have thought were significant. I felt that Dr. Reckers seemed genuinely interested in helping me to find a path to better overall health with less pain.Thank you very much.

15:59 18 Feb 21

I had the BEST experience with Dr. Viktoriya Beliy. She was super attentive, asked all the right questions, dug deeper where it was needed, and really EXPLAINED what I was going through and would could cause it. This was one of the most comfortable experiences I've had talking to a professional since I was diagnosed with DOR. Her personalized plan for me was so comprehensive and detailed - it focused on my mind and body, not just the issues I was having. I would highly recommend RNM and Dr. Beliy!

17:54 27 Jan 21

Service at Richmond Natural Medicine is great - the video appointment was easy. Uploading information into portal easy. Treats whole-body, as always happy with the service at Richmond Natural Medicine!

15:37 20 Jan 21

Such a great and thorough appointment. Dr Reckers was excellent and listened and I feel like we have a good starter plan

13:33 14 Jan 21

This was my third visit to RNM and I really enjoyed talking to Dr. Beliy. She was very knowledgable about my concerns and listened attentively during our conversation. Overall, it was a great experience and I am looking forward to moving forward with my natural health goals. Thank you RNM!

16:43 18 Nov 20

I just wanted to thank Dr. Beliy for taking the time to listen to me. There was a snafu with getting my online account set up and I was so afraid I would have to miss the appointment, but she saw me anyway and we got everything squared away. She took 2 hours to go over a metric butt ton of labs I had done and go over my medical history. I started out trying to talk so fast and get as much info out as I could because I was so used to doctors cutting me off and not listening, it was just really nice to be heard and understood. Best of all, it was great to finally have someone tell me what has been going on with me. Ladies, if you feel like something is wrong and you don't know what it is, and other docs have told you that you're perfectly fine or just crazy, contact these folks here and get another opinion from someone that will listen and care.

14:26 21 Oct 20

I love Richmond Natural Medicine. Dr. Reckers is my Doctor. I want holistic products for my health care and not a prescription that often treats the symptoms but not the source of the problem. I have found the products and health remedies that I desire at Richmond Natural Medicine. I have not given up on my traditional doctor but I prefer the Natural Route.

00:09 13 Oct 20

12:23 07 Oct 20

14:25 18 Sep 20

I scheduled an appointment with Dr.Beliy for my acne concerns....and she was so amazing, I’ve never had a doctor before that took their time to understand and try to figure out the root cause of what’s going on rather than just prescribing a medicine and acting like you’re just another patient. She came up with a personalized plan for me and you could tell she put thought into everything she was telling me. I’m excited to finally get my acne under control!!! Natural medicine is the the way to go!

16:28 11 Sep 20

19:38 15 Aug 20

We were able to book an appointment within the same week with Dr. Beliy at a convenient time, great office location. First time seeing her as our old provider moved out of state. Dr. Beliy Spent 2 hrs with us and reviewed all my child’s health info and provided recommendations (nutrition, supplements, life style). All supplements available on site and was able to use my Health flex savings account.

20:53 05 Jul 20

I was extremely comfortable from the minute I walked in the door. Highly recommend this place especially if you want to heal yourself. A breathe of fresh air!

16:37 03 Jun 20

I am extremely hopeful that you have figured out the root cause of most of my issues & the plan in place will reduce symptoms that have been plaguing me for 30+ years. Dr. Hollon explained everything perfectly & I am thankful that she started RNM. I’m looking forward to getting my life back! Thank you!

18:16 09 May 20

17:17 24 Apr 20

We are super excited to work with Dr. Reckers! She was so kind and patient to listen to every symptom my daughter is having. Dr. Reckers truly wanted to understand everything that was going on that might be leading to our daughter's skin issues! We have hope for healing these issues without damaging conventional medicine!

14:54 12 Mar 20

15:20 29 Feb 20

I love love love Dr Beliy she always takes time and care to hear me. Her knowledge is vast. I really appreciate the explanations she gives for each action we’re taking. So happy to have found these doctors. My life is changed.

21:48 20 Feb 20

We're so grateful to have access to these knowledgeable, compassionate professionals! They're a terrific complement to our traditional physicians, in fact they've been able to accomplish a few things that have eluded other physicians. If you are feeling like just another drop in your practitioners' bucket or are not getting the results you need, give the folks at RNM a try - you'll be glad you did!

19:12 15 Feb 20

I felt like I have meet a kindred spirit in Mary Mielke, ND.I strongly believe I have found someone to help me in my quest of good health.

16:22 02 Feb 20

Dr Mike very empathetic, appeared to hear what I said. Suggested remedies to help with my problem,

18:34 24 Dec 19

Highly recommend. Dr. Biley was thorough and tailored a plan just for my daughter. We didn't feel rushed or pressured. Her enthusiasm for the task made us feel that she was excited to help! Very happy we found this provider.

03:33 16 Dec 19

I've met with two doctors from this practice (one before she moved out of state). Everyone from the receptionists to the doctors have been courteous, professional and NOT pushy (e.g. when making product recommendations).Dr. Mielke answered all of my questions and was professional, honest & straight forward - qualities I deeply appreciate in a person but particularly in a health care provider.I have nothing but praise for this practice and have already referred two people to them.

02:49 15 Dec 19

Dr. Deborah Nixdorf, of Richmond Natural Medicine, has been my naturopath for ten years. During that time, she helped bring me from surviving to thriving, by coaching me in the ways of natural medicine, acupuncture, an anti-inflammatory diet, discovering my food allergies, and dealing with the stress of life. Throughout my recovery, I participated with her in choosing my health priorities and goal setting. She is an excellent listener and care specialist who is able to zero in on her patients' needs. I recommend her highly.

17:55 16 Nov 19

When I got to my appointment I felt like the world was on my shoulders. I left the appointment with hope.

23:41 14 Nov 19

20:39 06 Nov 19

Richmond Natural Medicine is a group of very caring doctors who take time with their patients. I am a patient since few years and did lots of progress on my journey to recover my health. I highly recommend them.

13:33 01 Nov 19

23:22 12 Sep 19

Excellent care

12:25 06 Aug 19

For the first time in years I feel like I was heard. All of my health concerns are being addressed in a manner that does not include drugs with horrible side effects. I'm looking forward to feeling better.

17:14 03 Aug 19

It is wonderful seeing a doc and being listened to and feeling relaxed. And no conventional doc talks with you for an hour! I am looking forward to great results! Thank you Dr. Mielke! 🥰

11:00 13 Jul 19

I always enjoy my appts with Dr. Reckers. I love that she thinks out of the box about my health. I love that she wants to get to the root of my issues and not just go after the symptoms. I recommend RNM and her to everyone who will listen! I’ve even been so inspired by my experience with RNM that I’m taking my dog to a holistic dr now.

16:14 10 Jun 19

I received excellent results my first visit three years ago .. results that were so good I only went to a "medical" doctor for a broken bone and a spider bite .. my second visit was last week and I am already noticing great results .. the "natural way" is by far the best way when a knowledgeable staff is involved .. thanks again!

00:38 26 May 19

13:55 07 May 19

Caring environment and very professional.

15:33 23 Apr 19

Great office staff and Dr. Reckers is top notch. She has helped me a lot with my health concerns. Glad I found this Natural Medicine practice.

21:11 07 Apr 19

In depth appointments. The holistic approach truly has made a difference!

02:08 06 Apr 19

Every staff member we encountered was friendly, helpful, and genuinely cared. The atmosphere was serene and comforting. Dr. Pagano was extremely patient and thorough during our visit. I am so glad i chose this practice for guidance in the health and care of my special son. Wonderful experience.

14:15 05 Apr 19

14:42 25 Mar 19

Very helpful and thorough. Everyone was so nice and willing to help answer any questions. Dr. Mielke is great and works with you to understand your history so she can formulate a plan for a successful, healthy future.

17:59 11 Mar 19

I'm very satisfied with how thorough the exam is. My doctor really listens and takes what I say into consideration.

15:40 06 Feb 19

I always enjoy coming to RNM for maintenance to my health in every way. The environment is friendly and comfortable. The atmosphere has a nice energy...one of calmness and healing.

16:23 05 Feb 19

18:26 31 Jan 19

Review written by Lisa Adams.As someone who had been to several doctors prior to coming to RNM, I must say their approach is refreshing. They look at lifestyle, listen to your needs and think outside the box. I had been struggling with a horrible skin issue since May 2018. I came to RNM in Nov 2018 and I truly had given up hope that this painful rash on my face would ever go away. Dr. Mandy Reckers thought food could be a culprit. No other doctors had even mentioned that. They just kept giving me antibiotics. After completing an assessment, I found I had food intolerances and am now making the necessary changes, along with taking recommended supplements. Two months (Jan 2019) into my new lifestyle, I am seeing definite improvement and my face is much less painful. Along with feeling better, I just really appreciate the new awareness this has created for me concerning food and giving my body what it truly needs. I really believe natural is the way to go and wish I would have seen Dr. Reckers when all this started instead of spending months at other doctors. I may have saved myself a lot of pain and frustration. I highly recommend Richmond Natural Medicine and Dr. Mandy Reckers.

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With longer days and warmer weather, more and more people are spending the day outdoors, and it’s important to be mindful that the summer season requires extra awareness in terms of replenishing our body.

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