This month we introduce you to San Diego based Naturopathic Physician Aliza Cicerone. In our featured interview you will learn about the naturopathic approach to medical care and how it differs from standard medical practice.
At Grace Care Management we like to offer our clients and families choices and educate them on the different types of local professionals available to assist them with their needs. We thank Dr. Cicerone for her time in allowing us to conduct this interview and for educating us on naturopathic medicine.
Dr. Aliza Cicerone earned her Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine from the National College of Natural Medicine in Portland, Oregon. She completed a hospital-based integrative medicine residency at Indiana University Goshen Center for Cancer Care.
Dr. Cicerone is licensed in California and Oregon, and is board certified in naturopathic oncology. She has had extensive experience with all types of medical conditions, and most recently was a staff physician at Cancer Treatment Centers of America where she worked in conjunction with medical doctors, acupuncturists, dietitians, mind-body counselors, and physical therapists to provide patients with comprehensive, integrative care.
Can you describe what a ND is and what is involved with Naturopathy?
A ND is a Naturopathic Doctor who attended an accredited 4-year medical school, completed medical board exams, and is licensed as a physician. ND’s are licensed as primary care doctors in the state of California.
Naturopathic medicine is a distinct primary health care profession, emphasizing prevention, treatment, and optimal health through the use of therapeutic methods and substances that encourage an individuals’ inherent self-healing process. The practice of naturopathic medicine includes modern and traditional, scientific, and empirical methods.
The following principles are the foundation of a naturopathic medical practice:
*The Healing Power of Nature:
Naturopathic medicine recognizes an inherent self-healing process in people that is ordered and intelligent. Naturopathic physicians act to identify and remove obstacles to healing and recovery, and to facilitate and augment this inherent self-healing process.
*Identify and Treat the Causes:
The Naturopathic Physician seeks to identify and remove the underlying causes of illness rather than to merely eliminate or suppress symptoms.
*First Do No Harm:
Naturopathic physicians follow three guidelines to avoid harming the patient:
1. Utilize methods and medicinal substances which minimize the risk of harmful side effects, using the least force necessary to diagnose and treat;
2. Avoid when possible the harmful suppression of symptoms and;
3. Acknowledge, respect, and work with an individuals’ self-healing process.
*Doctor as Teacher:
Naturopathic physicians educate their patients and encourage self-responsibility for health. They also recognize and employ the therapeutic potential of the doctor-patient relationship.
*Treat the Whole Person:
Naturopathic physicians treat each patient by taking into account individual physical, mental, emotional, genetic, environmental, social, and other factors. Since total health also includes spiritual health, naturopathic physicians encourage individuals to pursue their personal spiritual development.
*Prevention:
Naturopathic physicians emphasize the prevention of disease by assessing risk factors, heredity and susceptibility to disease, and by making appropriate interventions in partnership with their patients to prevent illness.
What types of clients do you generally work with?
I work with patients with a variety of health problems: digestive complaints, skin issues, sleep disturbances, fatigue, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. My focus is to help my patients discover the cause of their health issues and work to restore balance and optimal function.
What specific conditions have you had the most success making a difference with in the geriatric population?
In general, preventing many of the negative side effects associated with diseases of aging. Helping control blood pressure and cholesterol levels to improve cardiovascular function, regulating blood sugar levels, decreasing inflammation to improve joint pain and mobility, improving digestion and absorption to maintain healthy vitamin, mineral, and nutrient levels.
What would you like to communicate most to our clients and families?
It is important to remember that all health conditions and concerns are modifiable. There is a lot that can be done to help the body function optimally at any age, and many times small changes make a big impact.
Do you accept insurance and how can someone contact you for an appointment?
We do not accept insurance for office visits, and most supplements and IV therapies are not covered by insurance. We do however work with a variety of laboratories that bill insurance for lab testing. Appointments can be made by calling the clinic (Spark Health) at 888.207.1555.
