After growing up in Ashland, Dr. Allen has now returned from Portland where he earned his medical degree as a naturopathic doctor. Previously, Zack was a baseball pitcher at Willamette University in Salem where he studied pre-med, environmental science and spent a term in Spain, learning language skills that have enabled him to care for many Hispanic patients.
Dr. Allen graduated with honors from the National College of Natural Medicine (NCNM), where he focused on musculoskeletal medicine, functional endocrinology and neurological conditions. A life-long passion for athletics has also fostered an interest in sports medicine and rehabilitation. While attending NCNM, Dr. Allen became certified in the art and science of Applied Kinesiology (AK). The basis of AK is the triad of health, which is complementary to the principles of naturopathic medicine. Structure is the foundation of the triad. If a person’s body is not well aligned, the mind and body will suffer. The other components of the triad are biochemistry and emotional status. These three can easily fall out of balance and each affects the quality of the others. AK is a hands-on therapy that involves communication with the body via muscle testing to determine the most effective method to balance and support the triad of health, the Chinese meridians and the chakra system of the body. Additionally, Dr. Allen uses lab testing, orthopedic exams and a thorough medical history. He prescribes lifestyle change, nutrition, herbs, homeopathy and pharmaceutical drugs when necessary.
Happy to be back home in the Rogue Valley, Dr. Allen has been fortunate to join Central Point Yoga and Tai Chi, where his philosophy of healing is honored and supported. Dr. Allen also practices in Ashland at Rogue Valley Natural Medicine. Please inquire for more information on lectures, workshops and individual appointments.
“Natural forces within us are the true healers of disease.”
--Hippocrates
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Twenty Questions About Naturopathic Medicine
1. Is naturopathic medicine new?
No. Naturopathic medicine in the U.S has grown out of medical traditions from throughout the world, both
ancient and modern. The majority of states have licensed naturopathic medicine at different times since
its formation as a distinct American medical profession in 1902. Naturopathic medicine continues to grow
and evolve, incorporating advances in diverse medical disciplines throughout the world.
2. How is naturopathic medicine different from conventional medicine?
The main difference is in philosophical approach. Naturopathic doctors treat patients by restoring overall
health rather than suppressing a few key symptoms. Naturopathic doctors are more concerned with
finding the underlying cause of a condition and applying treatments that work in alliance with the
natural healing mechanisms of the body rather than against them. Naturopathic treatments result less
frequently in adverse side effects, or in the chronic conditions that inevitably arise when the cause of
disease is left untreated.
3. In what ways are naturopathic doctors and conventional physicians alike?
The academic training in medical sciences of naturopathic doctors and conventional physicians is
similar. Both study modern physical, clinical and laboratory diagnosis. Both can diagnose a disease and
predict its course. Naturopathic doctors also perform minor surgery, and prescribe some drugs (in states
where permitted). Both naturopathic doctors and conventional physicians refer patients to other health
care practitioners when appropriate.
4. What treatments does a naturopathic doctor employ?
Naturopathic doctors use therapies such as clinical nutrition, dietary and lifestyle modification,
counseling, medical herbalism, homeopathy, hydrotherapy, physiotherapy, exercise therapy, oriental
medicine, natural childbirth, minor surgery, and limited drug therapy. They apply these according to the
naturopathic principles mentioned in question two.
5. How are these treatments applied?
Naturopathic doctors consider the whole patient when treating illness. They work with the patient to
determine the true cause of the illness, and apply their therapies in a way to restore overall health. They
use therapies which themselves have little potential to cause harm. They may at times use palliative
treatments or suppress symptoms, but only in he overall context of overall health restoration.
Conventional doctors could conceivably adopt some naturopathic remedies, but MDs are not trained to
apply them in a naturopathic way.
6. Are naturopathic doctors opposed to drugs and surgery?
No. Naturopathic doctors are not opposed to invasive or suppressive measures when these methods are
necessary. They make referrals for such treatment when appropriate. Naturopathic medicine has both
safer and less expensive alternatives to many kinds of non-emergency surgery.
7. What is the education of a naturopathic physician?
Naturopathic doctors (ND) receive undergraduate training in standard premedical courses, followed by
four years of graduate level medical studies. The first two years – like those of an orthodox MD – are in
basic medical sciences. The second two years emphasize clinical training in naturopathic therapeutics,
described in question number four. Naturopathic physicians are clinically trained in a primary care
outpatient setting rather than in a hospital. Their training leads to an ND degree – Doctor of Naturopathic
Medicine.
8. Are naturopathic medical programs accredited?
Yes. The Council on Naturopathic Medical Education (CNME) is the accrediting body recognized by the U.S.
Department of Education. Students attending programs accredited or recognized as candidates for
accreditation by the CNME are eligible for federal educational loans.
9. Where are naturopathic physicians licensed?
Alaska, Arizona, California, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Hawaii, Idaho, Kansas, Maine, Montana,
New Hampshire, Oregon, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands all license
naturopathic physicians. However, doctors of Naturopathic Medicine practice in all states, sometimes
under other medical licenses and sometimes with a scope of practice substantially less than their
training. There are 24 state naturopathic medical associations in the U.S. The American Association of
Naturopathic Physicians (AANP) supports legislation to license ND’s in all states in order to distinguish
properly trained physicians from lesser trained individuals who may present a danger to the public.
10. Are there other kinds of "NDs" in the U.S.?
Yes. Unfortunately, some people obtain questionable ND degrees from brief correspondence courses,
short seminars, or from schools that give credit for life experience but which do not require clinical
training. Such degrees are usually not recognized by state degree-authorizing bodies. State naturopathic
licensing boards currently require graduation from a four-year naturopathic medical college for licensing.
AANP membership is limited to individuals who are eligible for licensing in states which issue licenses.
11. Is naturopathic medicine covered by insurance?
More than 90 insurance carriers cover naturopathic medicine in the U.S. and Canada. State legislatures in
Connecticut and Alaska have mandated insurance reimbursement for medically necessary and
appropriate naturopathic medical services. Check with your insurance carrier to determine whether
naturopathic services are covered.
12. Is naturopathic medicine cost-effective?
Yes. Because naturopathic doctors have alternatives to some expensive high-tech procedures, and
because their preventive approach reduces the incidence of high-cost chronic conditions, naturopathic
practice reduces both immediate and long-tem health care costs.
13. Is naturopathic medicine safe?
Yes. The safety records in states with review boards is excellent. Naturopathic doctors can purchase
malpractice insurance at extremely low rates. As indicated by such rates, the chance of being injured
through malpractice is low
14. Is naturopathic medicine scientific?
Yes. Naturopathic medicine has its own unique body of knowledge, evolved and refined for centuries. It
also incorporates scientific advances from medical disciplines throughout the world.
Many of the individual therapies of naturopathic medical practice have been scientifically validated,
especially in the areas of clinical nutrition, botanical medicine, homeopathy, immunology and
hydrotherapy. The trend is that those naturopathic methods which are tested are validated. More
detailed information is available from the AANP. The research departments of naturopathic medical
colleges also conduct ongoing research, exploring experimental models appropriate to the eclectic and
individualized approach of naturopathic practice. They have also produced state-of-the-art double-blind
and placebo-controlled studies, published in peer-reviewed scientific journals.
15. Has conventional medicine adopted methods from the naturopathic body of knowledge?
Yes. Especially in the areas of nutrition, diet, exercise therapy, and mind-body correlations. The dangers
of fats, oils and refined sugars; the benefits of fiber, whole foods, and some medicinal plants; the value
of exercise; and the influence of mental and emotional attitudes on health are all part of the
naturopathic body of knowledge. Some of this knowledge has been incorporated into conventional
medicine in the last few years.
16. What is the status of naturopathic medicine in other countries?
No exact counterpart to American naturopathic medicine exists in other countries. (Standards are higher
in the U.S.). Naturopathic methods and approaches are growing in popularity worldwide, especially in
Europe and Asia, among both conventional and alternative practitioners. These methods often have
government support and insurance reimbursement.
17. What is the position of naturopathic medicine on immunization?
Immunization is part of the naturopathic medical curriculum, and vaccination is included in the scope of
practice in some naturopathic licensing laws in the U.S. In practice, most naturopathic doctors follow a
policy of informing the patient of the possible risks and benefits of each type of immunization, and
allowing the patient to decide. This practice is similar to that recommended by the U.S. Center for
Disease Control. The naturopathic doctor may also recommend for or against immunization on the basis
of an individual’s medical history and overall health status.
18. How do ND’s interact with other health professionals?
ND’s refer to other health care providers such as MD’s, MD specialists, DO’s, psychotherapists,
acupuncturists, and chiropractors when appropriate. Most naturopathic practices have extensive cross-
referrals to and from other practitioners.
19. Do naturopathic physicians practice natural childbirth?
All ND’s are trained in basic obstetrics. Some elect to get the further training necessary for licensing to
practice home birth. Licensing laws vary from state to state.
20. Do naturopathic physicians practice acupuncture and oriental medicine?
Sometimes. Laws vary from state to state. All ND’s take courses in oriental medicine. Some get extra
training and may be licensed separately as acupuncturists.
Source: American Association of Naturopathic Physicians
No. Naturopathic medicine in the U.S has grown out of medical traditions from throughout the world, both
ancient and modern. The majority of states have licensed naturopathic medicine at different times since
its formation as a distinct American medical profession in 1902. Naturopathic medicine continues to grow
and evolve, incorporating advances in diverse medical disciplines throughout the world.
2. How is naturopathic medicine different from conventional medicine?
The main difference is in philosophical approach. Naturopathic doctors treat patients by restoring overall
health rather than suppressing a few key symptoms. Naturopathic doctors are more concerned with
finding the underlying cause of a condition and applying treatments that work in alliance with the
natural healing mechanisms of the body rather than against them. Naturopathic treatments result less
frequently in adverse side effects, or in the chronic conditions that inevitably arise when the cause of
disease is left untreated.
3. In what ways are naturopathic doctors and conventional physicians alike?
The academic training in medical sciences of naturopathic doctors and conventional physicians is
similar. Both study modern physical, clinical and laboratory diagnosis. Both can diagnose a disease and
predict its course. Naturopathic doctors also perform minor surgery, and prescribe some drugs (in states
where permitted). Both naturopathic doctors and conventional physicians refer patients to other health
care practitioners when appropriate.
4. What treatments does a naturopathic doctor employ?
Naturopathic doctors use therapies such as clinical nutrition, dietary and lifestyle modification,
counseling, medical herbalism, homeopathy, hydrotherapy, physiotherapy, exercise therapy, oriental
medicine, natural childbirth, minor surgery, and limited drug therapy. They apply these according to the
naturopathic principles mentioned in question two.
5. How are these treatments applied?
Naturopathic doctors consider the whole patient when treating illness. They work with the patient to
determine the true cause of the illness, and apply their therapies in a way to restore overall health. They
use therapies which themselves have little potential to cause harm. They may at times use palliative
treatments or suppress symptoms, but only in he overall context of overall health restoration.
Conventional doctors could conceivably adopt some naturopathic remedies, but MDs are not trained to
apply them in a naturopathic way.
6. Are naturopathic doctors opposed to drugs and surgery?
No. Naturopathic doctors are not opposed to invasive or suppressive measures when these methods are
necessary. They make referrals for such treatment when appropriate. Naturopathic medicine has both
safer and less expensive alternatives to many kinds of non-emergency surgery.
7. What is the education of a naturopathic physician?
Naturopathic doctors (ND) receive undergraduate training in standard premedical courses, followed by
four years of graduate level medical studies. The first two years – like those of an orthodox MD – are in
basic medical sciences. The second two years emphasize clinical training in naturopathic therapeutics,
described in question number four. Naturopathic physicians are clinically trained in a primary care
outpatient setting rather than in a hospital. Their training leads to an ND degree – Doctor of Naturopathic
Medicine.
8. Are naturopathic medical programs accredited?
Yes. The Council on Naturopathic Medical Education (CNME) is the accrediting body recognized by the U.S.
Department of Education. Students attending programs accredited or recognized as candidates for
accreditation by the CNME are eligible for federal educational loans.
9. Where are naturopathic physicians licensed?
Alaska, Arizona, California, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Hawaii, Idaho, Kansas, Maine, Montana,
New Hampshire, Oregon, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands all license
naturopathic physicians. However, doctors of Naturopathic Medicine practice in all states, sometimes
under other medical licenses and sometimes with a scope of practice substantially less than their
training. There are 24 state naturopathic medical associations in the U.S. The American Association of
Naturopathic Physicians (AANP) supports legislation to license ND’s in all states in order to distinguish
properly trained physicians from lesser trained individuals who may present a danger to the public.
10. Are there other kinds of "NDs" in the U.S.?
Yes. Unfortunately, some people obtain questionable ND degrees from brief correspondence courses,
short seminars, or from schools that give credit for life experience but which do not require clinical
training. Such degrees are usually not recognized by state degree-authorizing bodies. State naturopathic
licensing boards currently require graduation from a four-year naturopathic medical college for licensing.
AANP membership is limited to individuals who are eligible for licensing in states which issue licenses.
11. Is naturopathic medicine covered by insurance?
More than 90 insurance carriers cover naturopathic medicine in the U.S. and Canada. State legislatures in
Connecticut and Alaska have mandated insurance reimbursement for medically necessary and
appropriate naturopathic medical services. Check with your insurance carrier to determine whether
naturopathic services are covered.
12. Is naturopathic medicine cost-effective?
Yes. Because naturopathic doctors have alternatives to some expensive high-tech procedures, and
because their preventive approach reduces the incidence of high-cost chronic conditions, naturopathic
practice reduces both immediate and long-tem health care costs.
13. Is naturopathic medicine safe?
Yes. The safety records in states with review boards is excellent. Naturopathic doctors can purchase
malpractice insurance at extremely low rates. As indicated by such rates, the chance of being injured
through malpractice is low
14. Is naturopathic medicine scientific?
Yes. Naturopathic medicine has its own unique body of knowledge, evolved and refined for centuries. It
also incorporates scientific advances from medical disciplines throughout the world.
Many of the individual therapies of naturopathic medical practice have been scientifically validated,
especially in the areas of clinical nutrition, botanical medicine, homeopathy, immunology and
hydrotherapy. The trend is that those naturopathic methods which are tested are validated. More
detailed information is available from the AANP. The research departments of naturopathic medical
colleges also conduct ongoing research, exploring experimental models appropriate to the eclectic and
individualized approach of naturopathic practice. They have also produced state-of-the-art double-blind
and placebo-controlled studies, published in peer-reviewed scientific journals.
15. Has conventional medicine adopted methods from the naturopathic body of knowledge?
Yes. Especially in the areas of nutrition, diet, exercise therapy, and mind-body correlations. The dangers
of fats, oils and refined sugars; the benefits of fiber, whole foods, and some medicinal plants; the value
of exercise; and the influence of mental and emotional attitudes on health are all part of the
naturopathic body of knowledge. Some of this knowledge has been incorporated into conventional
medicine in the last few years.
16. What is the status of naturopathic medicine in other countries?
No exact counterpart to American naturopathic medicine exists in other countries. (Standards are higher
in the U.S.). Naturopathic methods and approaches are growing in popularity worldwide, especially in
Europe and Asia, among both conventional and alternative practitioners. These methods often have
government support and insurance reimbursement.
17. What is the position of naturopathic medicine on immunization?
Immunization is part of the naturopathic medical curriculum, and vaccination is included in the scope of
practice in some naturopathic licensing laws in the U.S. In practice, most naturopathic doctors follow a
policy of informing the patient of the possible risks and benefits of each type of immunization, and
allowing the patient to decide. This practice is similar to that recommended by the U.S. Center for
Disease Control. The naturopathic doctor may also recommend for or against immunization on the basis
of an individual’s medical history and overall health status.
18. How do ND’s interact with other health professionals?
ND’s refer to other health care providers such as MD’s, MD specialists, DO’s, psychotherapists,
acupuncturists, and chiropractors when appropriate. Most naturopathic practices have extensive cross-
referrals to and from other practitioners.
19. Do naturopathic physicians practice natural childbirth?
All ND’s are trained in basic obstetrics. Some elect to get the further training necessary for licensing to
practice home birth. Licensing laws vary from state to state.
20. Do naturopathic physicians practice acupuncture and oriental medicine?
Sometimes. Laws vary from state to state. All ND’s take courses in oriental medicine. Some get extra
training and may be licensed separately as acupuncturists.
Source: American Association of Naturopathic Physicians
Monday, May 4, 2009
Naturopathic Medicine Websites
Zack Allen's professional profile:
www.linkedin.com/in/zacharypallen
Professional organizations:
American Association of Naturopathic Physicians (AANP) www.naturopathic.org
Oregon Association of Naturopathic Physicians www.oanp.org
Northwest Naturopathic Physicians Convention www.nwnpc.co
Naturopathic Medical Student Association www.naturopathicstudent.org
Association of accredited schools: American Association of Naturopathic Medical Colleges (AANMC) www.aanmc.org
Testing Agency: Naturopathic Physicians Licensing Exam (NPLEX); North American Board of Naturopathic Examiners (NABNE) www.nabne.org
Accrediting Body: Council on Naturopathic Medical Education (CNME) www.cnme.org
Others of interest:
Natural Doctors International: www.
What is Applied Kinesiology?
Imagine that you were working with a chiropractor, acupuncturist, naturopath, nutritionist and a homeopath for your health problems. Even better, imagine you had your healthcare team in one room and they were all working on your case together and they understood what each other did! Would you not feel like you were in good hands and getting the best of all of the natural healthcare fields?
If this sounds appealing to you then you need be under the care of an Applied Kinesiologist. Applied Kinesiology (“AK”) is a diagnostic technique based on Chinese Medicine in which every muscle in the body is related to an organ, gland or acupuncture meridian. Through testing specific muscles, the doctor can locate structural, biochemical and emotional dysfunction in the body and identify the proper method of correction. AK incorporates modalities such as Sacro-Occipital Technique, Cranial Sacral Therapy, Acupuncture Meridian Therapies, Chiropractic, Osteopathy, and Clinical Nutrition, to name a few.
As mentioned above, the three basic factors responsible for optimum health are structure, biochemistry and emotions. These factors comprise an equilateral triangle called “the triad of health”. If one side of the triangle becomes deficient, poor health is the result.
Zack Allen utilizes Applied Kinesiology techniques to evaluate body function. Only by carefully observing all sides of this equilateral triangle can the total person be treated.
1.Structure: The structural aspect of health makes up the base of the triangle. In the world of modern medicine, everyone is trying to use the chemical side (pharmaceutical drugs) and the emotional side to get people well. These aspects are important as well, but the structural elements of the body need to function optimally in order to achieve balance.
It is obvious that someone may need structural corrections if they hurt their back or develop an ankle or knee injury. But structural treatment is important in another sense. Structural imbalances in the spine, extremities and skull can lead to biochemical dysfunction. Conditions like indigestion, hypertension, allergies, anemia and hormonal imbalances can be attributed to structural imbalances.
Structural integrity is also important for emotional well being. Structural imbalances can cause nervous system dysfunction which may lead to irritability, attention deficit disorder, depression, learning disabilities, increased stress, and many other disorders all the way up to schizophrenia.
2.Chemical: modern medicine utilizes the idea that biochemical dysfunction is the cause of disease in the body. Although we usually do not have an aspirin, Prozac or Viagra deficiency, pharmaceutical drugs are needed at times. The conservative approach to correct dysfunction in the body is by eating right. This alone is not always the answer because we must digest, absorb and utilize the food we eat. We must make sure that all of our digestive functions are performing properly so that we may benefit from a proper diet. Sometimes supplements of specific vitamins and minerals are required because of soil depletion, processed foods, and years of neglect we impose on our bodies.
Prolonged stress can cause imbalances in the body’s inflammation process, digestion, immune function and hormonal regulation. These are biochemical irregularities that most Americans with heath challenges suffer from.
Another aspect of biochemistry causing health challenges is toxicity, poising and infections. Through a proper medical history of the patient, blood test interpretation, functional testing and using applied kinesiology as a diagnostic tool, the doctor can target each individual’s weakest link in order to correct their biochemical dysfunction.
3.Mental: There is no doubt that society as a whole has emotional challenges. We see this in individuals and in groups of people. Recent scientific evidence shows that emotional dysfunction can be the result of physiologic (biochemical) dysfunction. Blood sugar imbalances, allergies and toxicity can result in conditions like depression, hyperkinesis and anxiety.
Structural imbalances can also cause nervous system dysfunction, which may result in confusion, learning disabilities, irritability and even schizophrenia.
The total concept of health: The sides of the equilateral triangle are in balance with each other. When there is a constant structural problem, it may influence the person’s emotions. Emotions affect the digestive system, which interferes with the normal digestion of food a person eats; because of this, the chemical side of the triangle becomes involved and a nutritional deficiency may develop. Muscle weakness may result, which then increases the structural strain, again completing the vicious circle.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
NCNM Graduation
Zack will be graduating from the National College of Natural Medicine on June 29, 2009. The commencement ceremony will be held at the Oregon Convention Center. In attendance will be his parents, three sisters, one brother, two brothers-in-law, one niece and two nephews. Sheila Chacko is flying in all the way from Switzerland to show her support and celebrate with her old ND classmates!!
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