Frequently Asked Questions

Naturopathic medicine is a distinct practice of care that emphasizes prevention and the self-healing process. Naturopathic medicine recognizes that the state of health is inseparable from body, mind, spirit, and environment. The focus is on using natural, non-toxic techniques to stimulate the body's inherent ability to heal. 

Naturopathic doctors provide individualized support for acute and chronic illness and restore and establish optimal health by supporting the "vis" (vitality). Rather than just suppressing symptoms, naturopathic doctors work to identify underlying causes of illness and develop personalized support to address them.

A naturopathic medical degree requires: 

• 4 years of pre-med undergraduate studies
• 4-5 years of professional study at a federally recognized and accredited naturopathic medical college
• Clinical rotations, internships, and Naturopathic Physician Licensing examinations

Postgraduate training residency programs are available, as well as specialty board certifications.

Currently, NDs are not licensed in the state of Virginia. State licensing protects the public and guarantees that the provider has met educational standards and continuing education requirements. This means that persons who have not completed rigorous medical training can use the term "naturopathic doctor." 

Because NDs are not regulated in Virginia, Serenity Integrative Wellness cannot diagnose and treat illness. Maintaining regular medical care with a licensed healthcare provider is always recommended. As a natural therapy consultant, I will make suggestions to help you achieve wellness. 

For a complete list of states licensed and additional information on licensing requirements, please visit https://aanmc.org/licensure/

Yes, Dr. Manning is a licensed ND in Washington state. She received her Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine from Bastyr University in 2020 and completed a 2-year oncology residency at Goshen Center for Cancer Care. 

Integrative care combines conventional healthcare approaches (medication, surgery) and evidence-informed natural support (herbal supplements, lifestyle, movement, and nutrition). Integrative care is a well-coordinated care plan among different providers. It emphasizes treating and supporting the whole person rather than the organ system or disease. 

No. Integrative oncology combines conventional cancer treatment with evidence-informed natural and supportive therapies. I collaborate with healthcare providers to best support physical, mental, and emotional health. My goal is to improve quality of life, manage side effects, enhance recovery from treatment (surgery, chemotherapy, radiation), lower the risk of recurrence, and provide healthy lifestyle education. I want to empower cancer patients to actively participate in their healing process.

Naturopathic support can address specific concerns, support current disease states and general wellness, and provide guidance to institute healthy lifestyle changes. 

Some common complaints include sleep disturbances, chronic fatigue, weight gain, insulin resistance, thyroid dysfunction, high blood pressure and cholesterol, IBS, leaky gut, SIBO, perimenopause, menopause, PCOS, joint pain, food sensitivity, allergies, MTHFR, and immune health. 

In addition, patients going through cancer care can utilize naturopathic support to manage cancer-related side effects to reduce the risk of treatment delays and to maintain quality of life. Reviewing current supplements is vital to identify potential herb-drug nutrient interactions, which can increase symptoms and decrease the effectiveness of treatment. Support can include pre-surgical, post-surgical, during chemotherapy and radiation, and post-treatment. 

Serenity Integrative Wellness does not accept insurance for payment for services. Currently, health insurance does not cover naturopathic care in Virginia. You may check if your insurance company offers out-of-network alternative or complementary care coverage. Some HSA (health savings) or FSA (flexible spending) accounts cover naturopathic care. You should check with your HSA or FSA provider for more information. 

Family Health Center and Wellness in St. Croix, VI, does accept some insurance plans.