Aloha Natural Family Medicine FAQs

Natural medicine is focused on building optimal health, not fixing symptoms of disease.  A Naturopathic doctor listens for what the body is saying. She helps identify what emotional and physical stressors are impeding balanced wellbeing. For example, environmental toxins or food sensitivities may be overwhelming the immune system, compromising the liver, and/or causing inflammation.

Conventional medicine often primarily aims to alleviate or mask symptoms and doesn’t necessarily address the root causes. Holistic medicine aims to remove impediments and strengthen body systems. Conventional medicine can’t strengthen the heart, for example, but can regulate it with drugs. Similarly, skin conditions and arthritis can be closely related to inflammation in the intestinal tract, which would not be considered by conventional medicine.

In natural medicine, the use of pharmaceutical drugs is minimized, and is applied only when necessary, such as antibiotics in some cases, or thyroid medication. Recognizing that plants have their own vitality and wisdom, herbs and diet can play an important role in holistic healing.

Many people have some difficulty digesting and absorbing food, and are malnourished. They may not simply be able to take vitamins, because, for example, if the liver and kidneys are not working properly, this could end up adding to overload in the body. And they are likely unable to absorb the vitamins and minerals. Treatment and supplementation must be fine-tuned specifically for each person.

It is common to have some degree of irritation leading to microscopic tears ( or in some cases larger ulcerations) in the intestinal lining and causing “leaky gut syndrome,” also known as intestinal permeability. Undigested food particles leak into the blood stream, introducing foreign matter which the body must fight and eliminate. The particular food then becomes toxic to the body and becomes an enemy.

Resulting food sensitivities can cause more inflammation and a buildup of toxins in the body, and are building blocks of chronic disease, such as hormonal imbalances, tumors, arthritis, and auto-immune disorders. The liver becomes overburdened as well. A stressed liver may cause or increase acne, PMS, menopausal problems, or chronic pain. The immune system can also be overwhelmed, especially in the presence of added physical, mental, or emotional stress.

The body has an inherent ability to eliminate toxins and heal itself.
Together, you and Dr. Caplan identify the causes of imbalance and discover what is needed in order for your whole being to thrive.

Unlike conventional allopathic doctors, Dr. Caplan spends ample time giving quality, undivided attention to her patients. The initial visit is between 1 ½ and 2 ½ hours long.

First you talk. Dr. Caplan listens to what’s going on with your health and wellbeing, on the physical, energetic, emotional, and spiritual levels.

She takes your detailed medical history. Next, in the treatment room, Dr. Caplan combines conventional western medical and Chinese medical diagnostic methods to conduct a complete, whole-body assessment. She performs a traditional physical exam and might order lab work. If you have already had tests done, it’s helpful to bring a copy of them with you to the visit.

Many imbalances and symptoms can be explained within the Chinese medical assessment that cannot be answered by conventional medical diagnosis. To gain understanding of the body from a Chinese medicine perspective, Dr. Caplan examines your tongue and skin, reads your pulses, and makes a “hara” diagnosis using palpation of the abdomen. The tongue, pulses, and abdomen reveal a map of entire body’s inner workings.  Dr. Caplan evaluates your yin and yang balance. She checks for conditions such as excess or deficient heat or cold, pathological dampness, “lurking” viruses., and blood or liver stagnancy or sluggishness..

Dr. Caplan conducts a comprehensive kinesiology or muscle testing examination to evaluate all body systems, from the brain, eyes, ears, teeth, gums, endocrine system, heart, and lungs, to all the other organ functions.

For example, in evaluating the colon, Dr. Caplan may determine whether there is any inflammation or intestinal permeability.  How is the beneficial bacterial microbiome? Is there a presence of parasites, candida, yeast or fungal overgrowth, or bacterial pathogens? Further specialized lab testing can be ordered, such as a comprehensive stool analysis.

Dr. Caplan evaluates your neurotransmitters and your major adrenal and reproductive hormones.She checks for signs of heavy metals or toxic overload as well. In your kinesiology assessment, Dr. Caplan also investigates your nutritional status. Are there any imbalances or deficiencies? Dr. Caplan charts the levels of your fats, Omega 3s, and all vitamins and major minerals. Are you getting enough protein? How many servings a day do you need? What percentage of the protein you’re eating is your body digesting and absorbing? 

In addition,or in a subsequent visit, Dr. Caplan may perform a comprehensive food sensitivity and allergy assessment to determine which foods are beneficial to your body at this time, and which are causing weakness or toxicity. 

Some natural herbal or homeopathic medications or supplements may be prescribed. A treatment protocol can also include acupuncture, mindful awareness and breathing techniques, quantum energy healing, meditations and visualizations, a custom exercise program or food sensitivity cleanse, bio-identical hormone therapy, or beneficial lifestyle changes.

Together, you and Dr. Caplan identify your #1 health priority at this time, as well as your secondary concerns, and your personalized treatment plan is created and initiated.