In the state of California, Naturopathic Doctors are licensed primary care physicians who have completed 4 years of medical school and 2 medical licensing exams. Within school, they are trained in the following modalities:

Clinical Nutritional Therapy

Whether it be through your food, supplements, an IV, or a shot, nutrient therapy is a foundation of our practice. We see food as medicine; yet recognize that there are times when the body must be supplemented with additional nutrients beyond what we are able to achieve through our diet alone.

Herbal Medicine

Botanical medicine, also known as herbal medicine, is the science and practice of using medicinal plants and extracts to improve overall health, support wellness, and treat acute and chronic disease. Many conventional pharmaceutical drugs are derived from plants. Modern botanical medicine combines evidence-based science along with centuries-old experience to provide safe and effective treatments that support the body’s ability to heal.

Botanical medicine expands treatment options for patients. Alone or in combination with other naturopathic treatments, botanical medicine can be a safe, appropriate, and effective choice for addressing numerous health concerns ranging from frequent illness to gastrointestinal discomfort to depression, and more. During medical school, NDs complete an average of 130 classroom hours of botanical medicine education

Homeopathy

A powerful system of medicine that is more than 200 years old. This medical system uses highly diluted natural substances to treat illness. Some conditions that do not respond well to conventional medicine may respond to homeopathy. Homeopathy is a form of treatment that is founded on the principal of “like treats like.” Homeopathy can be used to help cure both physical and emotional ailments. It is based on a system of science that has been observing human symptoms and behavior for over two centuries. When chosen appropriately, the remedy would initiate your same symptoms if given at high doses. Thus, a homeopathic remedy essential holds a mirror up to your body to remind your body what is wrong and how to heal.

Lifestyle Counseling

We recognize the importance of the mental emotional state when it comes to an individual’s whole health and are trained in lifestyle counseling + support. Emotional states are important elements impacting health. For both prevention and treatment of illness, we incorporate counseling, biofeedback, and other mind-body techniques to support a healthy foundation for our patients.

Pharmacology

Naturopathic Doctors are trained and able to use pharmacological medications when needed, though this is not our first choice! We see medicine as a tool to be reserved for acute situations when other modalities will not produce the necessary outcome in the desired amount of time. Dr. Cerra has a strong understanding in nutrients that medications deplete and what patients need to do to support their health when long term medication is necessary, she works with many patients to decrease side effects of pharmaceutical drugs that they may need to take for chronic disease.

Hormone Replacement Therapy

Naturopathic Doctors acknowledge the importance of hormonal balance and recognize that they work best when all at adequate levels. Hormone replacement therapy may be needed when the gland or glands that produce a specific hormone do not work as they should or have been damaged or destroyed by an illness.We utilize bio-identical hormones at physiologic doses when possible to minimize risks and side effects.