What education and training does a naturopathic doctor have?
Naturopathic Doctors licensed as primary care doctors in the State of New Hampshire have graduated from a four-year postgraduate medical school and must pass a state administered examination. There are currently four postgraduate schools of Naturopathic medicine in the United States that are accredited. In addition to naturopathic medicine, programs at these schools provide a strong background in the sciences, western diagnosis and course work in nutrition, homeopathy, acupuncture, botanical medicine and midwifery. The four-year curriculum prepares students for the degree of Doctor of Naturopathy, with a strong background in the sciences and western diagnosis, the only such education that qualifies for licensure in the United States. Dr. Herring is a graduate of Bastyr University in Seattle Washington.
Who practices Homeopathy?
Homeopathy is practiced by a wide variety of health-care practitioners including medical doctors, osteopaths, naturopathic doctors, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, dentists, veterinarians, chiropractors, acupuncturists, nurse midwives, podiatrists, and professional homeopaths. Individual states regulate the practice of homeopathy, and each state's laws and requirements for practice are different. In most cases, homeopathy can be employed legally by any health professional whose license entitles them to prescribe medicines, such as MDs, DOs, and NDs.
Do you treat children?
Yes. We treat children of all ages, from newborns to teenagers. Children respond especially well to homeopathic medicines and specific nutritional support. We have seen great successes in children with asthma and allergies, bedwetting, colic and irritability, skin conditions, autism, attention deficit disorder and cognitive disorders, and many other types of health problems.
How long does it take to get an appointment?
Usually we can schedule an appointment within a few days to a week. For acute illnesses that do not need treatment in the emergency room (such as colds and flus, bronchitis, sore throats, etc.), we can often get people in on the same day.
How long is an office visit?
The first visit is typically 90 minutes. Follow up visits last between 45 and 60 minutes. This time is spent directly with Dr. Herring who listens to your health concerns and works with you to create a treatment plan for you.
What is a visit like?
On your first visit to Dr. Herring, she will review your complete health history as well as your current health conditions. She will go over the prescriptions or supplements you may be taking and go over any medical records or lab work you bring with you. She will then conduct a homeopathic interview (see What is Classical Homeopathy for more detailed information about this process) to determine the appropriate homeopathic remedy for you. Along with your homeopathic remedy, she may recommend nutritional supplements or laboratory testing if needed. Typically, patients return in four to six weeks for a follow up visit to evaluate treatment progress.
How often will I need to see the naturopathic doctor?
How often you will need to come in depends on the nature of your ailment. In general, we like to see people at four to six week intervals at least twice after the first appointment. Some people continue to see us every four to six weeks, or as appropriate for the individual health condition.
What health conditions can be treated by Dr. Herring?
Both acute and chronic conditions of all kinds can be brought to Dr. Herring. If she believes your condition requires additional treatment from a different type of practitioner, she will make a referral to the appropriate specialist.
What training did Dr. Herring receive?
Do you sell vitamins and supplements?
Yes. We maintain a dispensary for our patients in order to ensure product integrity and quality control measures of the highest standard (used by our suppliers). Quality and potency vary widely from brand to brand. Our products are screened for contaminants; are made with low-allergy-potential ingredients; are better absorbed and utilized by the body; and are typically backed by more clinical research than “over-the-counter” brands. We find that people achieve better health results with higher quality products. We may refer you to a health food store for a product we do not carry.
What measures are taken in your office to accommodate patients with allergies or chemical sensitivities?
To make sure all of our patients are comfortable during their visit, we continuously run an Ecoquest air filter. We also ask that all our patients avoid wearing perfumes, colognes, deodorants or body creams, especially those that are strong smelling, due to the potential effect it may have on other patients as well as staff.
