Transcript Naturopathic Medicine and Psoriasis

Danielle Currey, ND
Owner and Naturopathic Physician at
Bridges Family Wellness
www.BridgesFamilyWellness.com


Dr. Currey has herself
lived with psoriasis and
psoriatic arthritis since
the age of twelve.
As a naturopathic
doctor and family
physician, she sees her
role as one of education,
prevention, support,
and advocacy of
patients -- in addition to
treatment.



Licensed naturopathic doctors (NDs) have
attended 4+ years of medical school at an
accredited institute in North America earning a
Doctorate of naturopathic medicine.
Following graduation, licensed NDs then pass
rigorous State and National licensing examinations
and hold a license to practice medicine in one or
more states. In Oregon, all NDs are licensed and
have prescribing authority.
Some states do not license NDs. In those states,
one does not need to have attended a medical
school to call themselves an ND – Be informed and
ask to see the provider’s credentials.


During their medical education, ND students receive
training in basic sciences such as biochemistry and
microbiology, as well as clinical sciences such as
nutrition, pharmacology, botanical medicine, and all of
the –ology courses (Dermatology, Gastroenterology,
Rheumatology, etc.)
This classroom education is supplemented with clinical
internships and preceptorships. Prior to graduation, a
student will have spent a minimum of 1,224 hours in
direct patient contact and seen a minimum of 500
patients. Along the way there are yearly clinical exams
with patient actors to assess students‘clinical progress
and evaluations by their attending physicians twice per
quarter.






First: do no harm.
Trust the healing power of nature.
Treat the cause of disease.
Treat the whole person.
Doctor as teacher.
Prevention first.

The therapeutic order
refers to the
increasing complexity
and invasiveness of
treatments.
Treatments range
from creating a
foundation of good
nutrition and lifestyle
practices to major
surgery.










Lifestyle Interventions
Vitamin and Mineral Supplementation
Nutrition
Herbs
Homeopathy
Pharmaceuticals
Minor Surgery
Hydrotherapy
Injection Therapy
Physical medicine – soft tissue and boney structure
manipulation



Naturopathic doctors are primary care physicians,
and in minor cases of psoriasis and psoriatic
arthritis, can provide complete care to patients.
In more complex cases, naturopathic doctors can
provide supplemental care as well as side effect
management for patients under the care of a
rheumatologist/dermatologist.
The main focus of treatment is the removal of
barriers to cure and patient education. Food
intolerance, toxic burden, nutritional deficiency,
hormonal imbalance, and the management of
coexisting conditions can all be addressed by NDs.



I was misdiagnosed with ringworm initially, and went
without a correct diagnosis for three years.
I then went untreated for 18 years while my skin
lesions and joint pain increased. I was told that
treatment of my skin was a cosmetic issue that was not
covered by my insurance and biologics could be started
for my joints but would destroy my liver and kidneys.
At this time I was also told that I would be in a wheel
chair by the age of 30.
After seeing some relief while on a self prescribed antiinflammatory diet, I learned of naturopathic medicine
and decided to pursue a career as a naturopathic
doctor for my own health, my children’s health, and to
be the positive influence in the lives of people living
with psoriasis that I didn’t have.




Since beginning my career as an ND student and now
doctor, I have seen my skin and joint condition
improve dramatically.
I have been able to connect my joint pain with stress
and diet– especially after a major flair that coincided
with graduation.
I am currently taking a minimal dose of methotrexate
and have been able to wean off of prednisone
completely with the help of my naturopathic doctor. I
am also off of all pain medications.
I still struggle with morning stiffness especially in my
hands and pain in my knees with squats. But my
condition has improved dramatically.



Located in Gresham
Oregon
Focusing on Family
Medicine
Space shared with:
Naturopathic
Midwifery
 Massage Therapy
 Acupuncture
 Chiropractic Care

22400 SE Stark St, Suite 105
Gresham, OR 97222
503-492-1221
www.bridgesfamilywellness.com


American Association of Naturopathic
Physicians – Find a doctor tool
http://www.naturopathic.org/AF_MemberDi
rectory.asp?version=2