What  Is  Natural  Healing?

Dr. Victoria has education in hypnotherapy, meditation, stress reduction, pain management, aromatherapy, flower essences, Traditional Chinese Medicine,  herbology, holistic nutrition (Chinese & Western), homeopathy, naturopathy,  addictions, iridology, "Therapeutic Touch," life-style" counseling, color & music therapy & spirituality (a long-time interest in Buddhism & Tao). She is a Licensed Acupuncturist since 1996. Many of her techniques / healing modalities fit under the umbrella of naturopathic medicine. Dr. Victoria works practices as a "Traditional Naturopath."

Dr. Al has education in education, hypnotherapy, meditation, stress reduction, pain management, aromatherapy, flower essences, Traditional Chinese Medicine,  herbology,  holistic nutrition (Chinese & Western), homeopathy, naturopathy, addictions, iridology, "Therapeutic Touch," life-style" counseling, color & music therapy, & spirituality (Ordination, M Div & D Min degrees & a lifetime interest in Buddhism & the Tao).  He has been is a Registered Nurse since 1961. He has to take one exam before receiving his Masters of Science in Oriental Medicine degree. Like Dr. Easterbrook, Dr. Al practices as a "Traditional Naturopath." He recently finished his ND degree.

Dr. Cheryl Hopkins is a Licensed Marriage Therapist with a Masters in Counseling, a Masters in Homeopathy & a Doctorate in Homeopathy & Nutritional Medicine. She also has  rich and varied interests like hypnotherapy, magnets, "life style counseling," holistic nutrition, homeopathy, flower essences, aromatherapy, hydrotherapy, color & music therapy and vibrational medicine.  

Nearly a year ago, Victoria, Al & Cheryl agreed  that they had the time and energy for their next educational quest/step toward their goal of becoming Doctors of Naturopathy.

To earn the ND degree one studies Natural Healing. Below are listed some of the areas of study  involved  in “natural healing.”

Herbology - This is a health practice which utilizes the therapeutic application of herbs & other botanical substances, such as roots, leaves, bark or berries of plants. These substances can be made into various forms of tables, capsules, teas, lozenges or poultices. (Hoagland & Easterbrook have a degree in Chinese Herbology and certificates in Western Herbology. They have taken coursework in California & Bach Flowers. They work with an Aromatherapist.)

Homeopathy - as founded by Samuel Hahnemann is based on the concept of  “lLke cures lLke” with the idea that remedies and symptoms sharing certain similar characteristics work together to aid the healing process. (Hoagland & Easterbrook have a degree in  Homeopathy.)

Holistic Nutrition - is the science of using natural, whole foods & nutritional supplements to detoxify, rebuild & balance the whole person with an awareness of how these dietary choices are interrelated with the condition of our body, emotions, spirit & environment. (Hoagland & Easterbrook have degree in Nutrition.)

Energy - Energy work is a general term which includes several healing modalities, including Reiki, Therapeutic Touch, Healing Touch & other similar methods. Commonly known as “laying on of hands” in some traditions, energy work may be used to assist in the balancing of physical, emotional & spiritual energies. It may help the body as it balances or heals itself from the challenges of our everyday lives, stress & dis-ease, and as it strives to maintain a healthy homeostasis. (Hoagland & Easterbrook know the Traditional Chinese Medicine approach of working with Qi /energy work and know Therapeutic Touch / Qi Gong.)

Iridology - is the study of the iris, the colored part of the eye. According to iridology, the iris contains fibers & pigmentation that may indicate the potential for physical & psychological health. By determining the placement of fibers and variations in pigmentation in the iris, the iridologist can identify inherent strengths and potential health challenges. This knowledge can then be used to help improve & maintain general health through the use of proper diet, exercise, rest, pure water and fresh air. Hoagland & Easterbrook have had coursework in Iridology.)

Detoxification - (Hoagland & Easterbrook have taken coursework in Detoxification.)

Naturopathy - views a symptom as a signal that something is wrong & accordingly, if a symptom alone is eliminated, it is most likely is being suppressed & unless the original cause has been eliminated, the symptom may return later in a chronic form. Naturopaths consult and teach. (Hoagland & Easterbrook have taken coursework in Naturopathy.)