Frequently Asked Questions

What can I expect from my first visit to Bambú Clinic?

Initial visits are one hour, at which time your practitioner will take a detailed history of your health complaints. They may choose to do a physical exam, perform acupuncture or bodywork, or order lab work. If you have already had tests done you may choose to bring a copy of them with you. Some natural medications or supplements may be prescribed and a treatment plan will be devised at this time.

Will my naturopath interact with other health care practitioners?

Yes. We will work in consultation with any health care provider our patients may be seeing in addition to those at Bambú Clinic. We believe that each health care profession brings something valuable and unique to the experience of the patient and by working together we can all provide the best quality of care possible.

What types of conditions can a naturopath treat?

Naturopaths are trained as general practitioners and treat the entire spectrum of medical conditions. See our common conditions page for a list of conditions we most frequently see.

Does Bambú Clinic accept insurance?

The physicians at Bambu each have different policies regarding insurance. Please call the front desk to learn more about how the doctor you would like to see works with your insurance plan.

What is the overall approach of the physicians at Bambú Clinic?

The physicians at Bambú Clinic inspire, motivate, and empower their patients to build a strong foundation for health. We coach each patient to embrace daily dietary and lifestyle habits that promote optimal wellness while using gentle, effective medicines to restore normal physiology. As naturopathic physicians, we are committed to uncovering the underlying causes of imbalance that lead to dysfunction. Together, doctor and patient embark on a journey to find and correct the underlying cause of illness. Additionally, as wholistic medical practitioners, we recognize that physical, emotional and spiritual aspects of imbalance must be addressed in order to restore optimal health.

How should I choose a naturopath?

Some prospective patients compile a list of doctors in their area by checking reliable Web sites such as the one for the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians and the Oregon Association of Naturopathic Physicians. At Bambú, our practitioners recommend that you call or email the practitioners on your list and talk with them–about your health goals, about their training, their treatment philosophy, and methods. It is also advisable to ask trusted family, friends or associates for recommendations, or to ask the practitioners for references from current or former patients. Talking to people who are happy with the care they receive from their naturopathic physician is a great way to help you come closer to finding the wholistic practitioner that will best meet your health care needs.

What type of training does a naturopath receive?

A licensed naturopathic physician (N.D.) is one who attended a Department of Education accredited, four-year graduate level naturopathic medical school, and has successfully passed a series of rigorous, professional board exams, so that he or she may be licensed by a state or jurisdiction as a primary care general practice physician.

With over 4300 hours of total course and clinical credits and hours, the curriculum in naturopathic medical schools parallels that of conventional medical schools: naturopathic medical students must master all the basic and clinical sciences required to graduate from a conventional medical school, as well as be thoroughly trained in wholistic and non-toxic approaches to therapy, with a strong emphasis on disease prevention and optimizing wellness. In addition to a standard medical curriculum, the naturopathic physician is required to complete four years of training in clinical nutrition, Chinese medicine, homeopathic medicine, botanical medicine, psychology, and counseling to encourage people to make lifestyle changes in support of their personal health.

What is the naturopathic medical philosophy?

By staying true to the philosophy of naturopathic medicine, we design an individualized health care program that will bring you to a place of optimal health:

First Do No Harm: Naturopaths prefer non-invasive treatments that minimize the risk of harmful side effects.

Identify and Treat the Cause: Every illness has an underlying cause. True healing is possible only when the deepest roots of imbalance are addressed.

Treat the Whole Person: Optimal health is achieved by directly supporting the physical, emotional and spiritual intricacies of each individual’s life.

The Body Has Inherent Wisdom to Heal: Naturopathic physicians believe that the body has a program for well-being, and will always return to health if given the correct stimuli to set the healing process in motion.

Doctor Means Teacher: The primary goal of the naturopathic physician is to practice, teach, and inspire patients to embrace the principles of healthy lifetstyle choices, thereby establishing a strong foundation of health and balance.

Prevention is Cure: The naturopathic approach to health care is aimed at preventing imbalances, which, when left unchecked, can eventually manifest as chronic, degenerative disease.

What payment methods do you accept?

We accept cash, checks, Visa and MasterCard for payment-in-full at the time of service (or for co-pays/balances if we are billing your insurance).