Anne van Couvering, ND, CNS
I am a naturopathic doctor. That means I work with people to determine the root causes of their illness, from genetics to environment to home and work life. In doing this I use the most modern understandings of biochemistry and epigenetics, blood tests and imaging; as well as the oldest diagnostic technique in the world - listening and paying attention. Many of my patients come to me with complex chronic diseases that have not responded to conventional medicine. We work together to unravel the personal and family history, the underlying genomic influences, the day-to-day stressors and the nutritional choices that are impeding the natural inclination of the body to heal; one by one we remove or mitigate these factors. My goal is to help patients understand what is happening to them and take control of their health through conscious, educated choices.
Naturopathic doctors are trained as primary care physicians in the conventional medical model (see comparison table); we are also educated in the traditional medical systems that have served people for millenia and we have the most extensive education in nutrition of any medical professional. I look at the biochemistry and pathophysiology of disease as well as the contributing factors of genetics, lifestyle, environment and mental/emotional state to understand my patients' health options. These could be a pharmaceutical, herbal formula, diet change or a referral to a specialist - or all of the above. Throughout, I remember the origin of the word "doctor" - docere - which means 'to teach'. I believe in empowering patients to make fully-informed health care decisions that work for them. I received my Naturopathic Doctor degree from the National College for Natural Medicine, in Portland, OR - the oldest naturopathic medical college in the country. I did my undergraduate work at Bryn Mawr College and University of California at Berkeley, where I earned a BA with High Honors in Folklore. I studied massage therapy and bodywork at the New Mexico Academy of Massage and Healing Arts in Santa Fe, NM, earning a 1200 hour certificate. I am a licensed Naturopathic Physician in Vermont, a licensed Naturopathic Doctor in California and Vermont. I love nature, live music, good food and great conversation; my favorite activities are dancing, traveling, reading, cooking and being outside. "The highest ideal of cure is the speedy, gentle, and enduring restoration of health by the most trustworthy and least harmful way." Samuel Hahnemann |
eDUCATION
National College for Natural Medicine - Portland, OR
Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine Advanced studies in
New Mexico Academy of Healing Arts - Santa Fe, NM 1200 hour certification in massage Coursework included Swedish massage, medical massage, acupressure, sports massage, prenatal massage, Polarity therapy (Ayurveda), Orthobionomy, intuitive bodywork and aromatherapy University of California, Berkeley BA with High Honors, Folklore Phi Beta Kappa Honors Society Certifications & licensure
Naturopathic Doctor (ND) - California license # 754
Naturopathic Physician (ND) - Vermont license # 099.0121898 Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS) #CNS16422 |
