Who Can Benefit from Receiving Naturopathic Care?
Individuals of all ages can benefit from complementing their current medical care with Naturopathic Medicine to address chronic and acute conditions including (but not limited to):

Asthma, Allergies, Fatigue, Chronic Pain, Diabetes, Heart Disease, Skin Conditions, Arthritis, Headaches, Insomnia, Chronic Sinusitis, Digestive Disturbances, Emotional Issues, Autoimmune Diseases, Immune Deficiency, and Women’s Health Concerns

Why should I see a naturopathic doctor?
Consider seeing a naturopathic doctor…
- If you have a chronic condition not responding well to medications
- If you want a doctor who will spend time with you and listen
- If you want to prevent chronic disease and stay healthy!
- If you need assistance navigating which supplements are safe and appropriate
- If you want to feel educated and empowered about your wellness

Is Dr. Emily a “real” doctor?
Dr. Emily’s training is equivalent to that of a primary care physician with additional training in nutrition, botanical medicine, homeopathy, counseling and physical medicine. In Maryland naturopaths are not recognized as medical doctors and therefore she will not provide diagnoses or prescribe medications for medical conditions. She offers treatment recommendations based upon already established diagnoses using natural therapies and cannot serve as a patient’s primary care physician in Maryland.

Is naturopathic medicine covered by insurance?
No, naturopathic medicine is not covered by insurance in Maryland. Individuals with a Flex Spending Account or Health Savings Account can usually receive reimbursement for naturopathic services.

What happens in the first visit?
During the first visit Dr. Emily will explore with you in depth your physical health concerns, your nutrition and lifestyle habits, and your emotional health needs. She will also discuss with you your personal and family medical history and your goals for your own wellness. Time will be spent educating you about health and any perceived imbalances. She will develop a wellness plan that addresses your main concerns and goals for preventative medicine. She may recommend nutritional or botanical supplements, a homeopathic remedy, changes in your diet, referrals to other practitioners (ie massage, acupuncture) or other treatments she deems appropriate.

How often do I have to follow-up?
The first follow-up visit may be 3-6 weeks after the initial visit depending on how soon Dr. Emily would like to monitor your progress. Depending on the conditionyou’re your response to treatment, future visits may range from 4-8 weeks until only periodic follow-up is needed.

What is Botanical Medicine?
The use of medicinal herbs in the forms of teas, topical salves, in capsules or as liquid tinctures to naturally support different tissues in the body.

What is Homeopathy?
The use of highly diluted plant, animal, and mineral substances to stimulate the body to re-establish balance and promote healing. Homeopathy can safely and gently address chronic and acute physical, emotional and mental health concerns.

More and more insurance companies are covering acupuncture care. In some cases we can bill your insurance company directly for your treatments (if you have coverage). Otherwise we will provide you with the necesary paperwork that you can submit for reimbursement when available. To find out if your insurance does cover acupuncture you can email us at info@seedswellness.com.

Depending on what your reason for visiting an acupuncturist will help determine how often you should visit with for treatment. For most people, it is recommended to come weekly for the first 6-8 visits. The benefits of acupuncture are cumulative; one treatment builds on the last. You will know within between 6-8 visits how you will benefit from treatment.

After the consecutive treatments we will work towards spacing out your visits – from weekly, to every other week to less frequent visits. Your practitioner will work with you on diet and lifestyle choices that will support your treatment. Treatments will begin to hold longer and you will require less frequent treatments.

After experiencing regular treatment it is advised to see your acupuncturist during each season to restore or maintain good health and balance. We call these visits “tune-ups”.

The needles are roughly the thickness of a whisker and about an inch in length. The needles are generally inserted to a shallow depth (less than 1/4 inch). The needles are sterile and disposed of after each use. Acupuncture is a relatively painless experience. Patients report feeling a broad range of sensations from nothing at all to a quick pinch. Once the needles are in place patients generally experience a state of calm and relaxation.

Upon the first visit you can expect to have a thorough discussion relating to your health history, your chief concerns and your wellness goals in acupuncture. Your practitioner will gain more information with a traditional physical examination. After this initial meeting a custom treatment plan will be designed for you.

Subsequent treatment sessions will last anywhere from an hour to ninety minutes. You may receive between four and ten needles during your time in treatment. Many patients report leaving treatment feeling very relaxed and recharged. With several treatments patients are often able to hold the feeling they have after treatment for a longer length of time.

The World Health Organization recognizes the ability of acupuncture and traditional Oriental medicine to treat the following common disorders including:

• Gastrointestinal Disorders, such as food allergies, peptic ulcer, chronic diarrhea, constipation, indigestion, gastrointestinal weakness, anorexia and gastritis
• Uro-genital Disorders, including stress incontinence, urinary tract infections, and sexual dysfunction
• Gynecological Disorders, such as irregular, heavy, or painful menstruation, infertility in women and men, and premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
• Respiratory Disorders, such as emphysema, sinusitis, asthma, allergies and bronchitis
• Disorders of the Bones, Muscles, Joints and Nervous System, such as arthritis, migraine headaches, neuralgia, insomnia, dizziness and low back, neck and shoulder pain
• Circulatory Disorders, such as hypertension, angina pectoris, arteriosclerosis and anemia
• Emotional and Psychological Disorders, including depression, and anxiety
• Addictions, to substances such as alcohol, nicotine, drugs and food
• Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat Disorders

Please print the following forms and fill them out prior to your initial visit. If you have trouble with the file or are unable to print – please let Sarah know in advance.

Health History

Consent Form

Patient Registration (only needed if we are billing insurance)

Many patients of acupuncture report feeling more centered or balanced with treatment. This can mean many things. For some it means feeling better in their body. For others it means having more peace mentally and emotionally. Some express “feeling like themselves again.” Many patients begin to feel more stable through life and less ruffled by everyday experiences. Acupuncture helps the patient embody the balance and peace that is possible for each of us.

Those who receive ongoing acupuncture treatment report they:

* Tend to get sick less often and recover more quickly
* Experience more peace and ease in their life
* Notice significant improvement in their pain and symptoms
* Have improved stamina and vitality
* Are better managers of their own health
* Tend to visit physicians less often
* See reductions in long-term health care costs
* Enjoy deepened and more harmonious relationships with others