About Dr. Lou
License:
Licensed naturopathic doctor in Montana.
Training:
- Graduated summa cum laude from the National University of Natural Medicine (in 2009)
- Certified in Applied Kinesiology by The International College of Applied Kinesiology
- Certified in homeopathy by The New England School of Homeopathy
- Received additional training in Biotherapeutic Drainage and spinal and extremity manipulation.
Professional Associations:
- American Association of Naturopathic Physicians
https://naturopathic.org/ - Montana Association of Naturopathic Physicians
https://www.montanand.org/ - Pediatric Association of Naturopathic Physicians
https://pedanp.org
Why I became a naturopathic doctor:
Growing up I was obese. We ate the standard American diet and exercise was minimal. My health was poor. I suffered from frequent infections, eczema, and numerous digestive issues, but it was all I knew so I thought it was normal.
After graduating from Albright College with a B.S. in biology, I moved in with a couple of friends. I found myself getting winded climbing the stairs to the apartment, which was disconcerting. There were only two steps. With the support of my roommates I began to run and gradually improved my food choices. I lost 90 lbs and my health dramatically improved.
Years later I was in two bad car accidents within a few months, rear ended at high speeds, leaving me in severe pain. The anti-inflammatory and pain medications my medical doctor prescribed were effective, but when the prescription ran out the pain returned. After two years on the meds I asked what the long-term plan was. He said, “This is it. You will need to take these medications for the rest of your life. And you shouldn’t do anything active like running or hiking again. Your body can’t handle it.”
I knew there had to be someone who could help me get better. After trying other doctors and other branches of medicine without improvement, a trusted friend recommend I see his naturopath. I didn’t know what that was, but I went. He explained the body has the wisdom and ability to heal itself if obstacles are removed and you give it what it needs.
We did just that. With time and commitment, the pain stopped. I began to run and hike again. I have since run marathons and don’t need to take anything to manage a symptom. That’s the difference between treating a symptom and addressing the source and healing.
These experiences not only transformed my health, but the quality of my relationships and life. Becoming a naturopathic doctor wasn’t a choice but a calling. I had to learn how to help those in need improve their health and lives. This commitment to help others led me to graduate first in my naturopathic and Applied Kinesiology classes and continues to drive me today.
To be fully transparent, I’d battled insomnia and depression since I was a kid. My insatiable drive to learn to help others in medical school triggered the worst of both. Nothing I took, natural or otherwise helped. Eventually, I went through the dark night of the soul, which is a misleading term. It was a heck of a lot longer than a night, but I had good people to guide me through it. I picked my mentors well. The experience taught me the importance of creating balance in all aspects of health, not just food and exercise, and the power of perspective. I have slept like a baby ever since. I’d be lying if I said I’ve been happy ever since, but I am the vast majority of the time.
My story is not to say pharmaceuticals are bad. They can be a useful tool in medical care, but they are not the only tool. Just like a sledgehammer isn’t always the right tool for the job.
I know trying to figure out what supplements to take or what changes to make can be daunting, especially when looking on the internet. I have the training and experience to help you identify the obstacles to healing and what is needed for it. I will help support and guide you through the process.
Book a FREE consultation or assessment to begin to improve your health and fully enjoy life.
Naya is my trusted sidekick and the office mascot. She ran off the Fort Peck reservation as a puppy looking for food. Her hunger for food, fetch, and the outdoors is never satiated.