Islander opens new naturopathic medicine practice in Vashon town
Published 1:30 am Wednesday, April 6, 2016
Vashon’s medical offerings are expanding, as a new naturopathic medicine practice has opened in town just north of Luna Bella’s.
Islander and doctor Lisa Morse moved into an office in the same building as chiropractor Dr. Michael Curtin earlier this year. The office has been open since Feb. 1. Trained as a primary care doctor with a degree in clinical laboratory science, she went back to school and graduated from Bastyr University in Kenmore last summer with a doctorate in naturopathic medicine. She welcomes anyone with health concerns, from those suffering from anxiety or depression to those with fibromyalgia, diabetes and infertility, but says she specializes in the treatment of gastrointestinal and autoimmune disorders.
She said that after years of dealing with her own painful and annoying gastrointestinal issues and finding answers herself, she was “inspired to go further” and help heal others.
“This business is my vision,” Morse said. “It was actually (because of) a lot of my own struggles. I went to naturopaths and found a lot of information myself and always wanted to help. I am really dedicated to helping people uncover the root cause of their illness. It’s very rewarding.”
She said that many common ailments can usually be traced back to gastrointestinal problems and that general health in all areas “depends on our GI tract.”
Naturopathic medicine is based on the belief that the body has “an incredible ability to heal itself with the right circumstances,” she said. The alternative medicine field also focuses on treating the whole person (mental, physical, emotional and spiritual) and treating the root cause of ailments. She stressed that there is no “magic pill” that will heal ailments or provide good health.
“Treat the root cause. Don’t just make the symptoms go away. It’s harder; it takes more time, but finding that and treating it, it’s worth it,” she said.
Before opening an office on Vashon, Morse, 41, worked for 13 years doing lab testing at hospitals and a blood bank. She is originally from the Midwest, but moved to Vashon after marrying an islander.
Prospective patients can get more information and schedule a free, 15-minute consultation and other appointments online at ferncovenaturalmedicine.com, or call Morse at 693-4143.
