
Naturopathic doctor
Paula Lima, NMD
As your local Naturopathic Doctor, I promise to help seek the root cause of your symptoms, perform careful research based on our initial visit, health history and lab work, and create a personalized strategy that will help improve your overall health and quality of life. From acute symptoms to chronic pain, anxiety and fatigue, I can help address symptoms in a caring and healthy way.
What To Expect When Working With a Naturopathic Doctor in Chandler, AZ
We Pursue the Path of Least Harm
While conventional primary care physicians may be quick to prescribe pharmaceutical drugs and other one-size-fits-all remedies, Naturopathic Doctors abide by the philosophy that patients can achieve longer-lasting results through holistic, naturopathic methods.
NDs can certainly prescribe drugs when necessary for the health and safety of a patient. However, the end strategy is to:
- Introduce personalized treatments for each patient
- Improve a patient’s overall baseline of health
- Address acute symptoms without relying on addictive drugs whenever possible
- Achieve a lasting, sustainable quality of life
We Will Uncover the Root Cause of Your Symptoms
As a naturopathic doctor, my approach to finding the root cause of a patient’s health problems involves a holistic, individualized assessment that takes into account their physical, mental, emotional, and environmental factors. The process consists of several key steps:
Your Comprehensive Health History
The initial step involves gathering a thorough patient history. This includes understanding the patient’s medical background, family history, lifestyle habits, stress levels, and any other relevant factors. By understanding the patient’s story, I can better identify potential contributing factors to their health issues.
We Will Discuss Triggers and Contributors
With the information gathered from the patient’s history, physical examination, and diagnostic testing, I can start identifying potential triggers and contributing factors. This may include dietary intolerances, emotional stressors, or exposure to environmental toxins.
Strategic Lab Testing
To obtain a deeper understanding of the patient’s condition, I may recommend various diagnostic tests. These can include blood tests, stool analysis, hormone panels, or imaging studies. These tests provide objective data to help pinpoint specific imbalances or deficiencies that may be contributing to the patient’s health issues.
Physical Examination
A detailed physical examination allows me to identify any abnormalities or imbalances that may be contributing to the patient’s health concerns. This may include assessing posture, muscle tone, joint mobility, and organ function. I also examine the skin, nails, and tongue, as they can offer insight into the patient’s overall health.
By analyzing the gathered information mentioned above, I can seek to identify the root cause of the patient’s health problems. This is essential to develop a targeted treatment plan addressing the underlying imbalances, rather than simply managing symptoms.
Once the root cause has been identified, I create a tailored treatment plan for the patient, which may include dietary modifications, herbal medicine, supplements, homeopathy, acupuncture, or lifestyle changes. This plan is designed to address the root cause of the patient’s health problems, promote healing, and prevent recurrence.
What Symptoms and Illnesses Can a NMD Address?
As a certified Naturopathic Doctor, I help patients with many physical and mental symptoms. Here are just a few examples of issues I may be able to help you with.
Chronic Illnesses and Pain
Any naturopathic doctor will acknowledge that chronic pain, whether stemming from fibromyalgia, arthritis, or some other cause, is a complex issue that deserves specific and personalized treatment, however, here are a handful of generalized strategies.
Firstly, a healthy diet can play a significant role in reducing inflammation and pain. Incorporating anti-inflammatory foods, such as omega-3 rich fish, green leafy vegetables, and berries, may help alleviate pain. Additionally, identifying and eliminating food sensitivities or allergens, like gluten or dairy, may also provide relief. Along those lines, certain supplements may help address deficiencies and support pain management. For example, magnesium can help relax muscles and reduce pain, while vitamin D may improve bone and joint health. Omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish oil, may also help reduce inflammation.
I’m also thoroughly knowledgeable about herbal supplements. Herbal remedies may offer natural pain relief and anti-inflammatory effects. Some commonly used herbs for chronic pain include turmeric (curcumin), ginger, white willow bark, and devil’s claw. It’s essential to consult a healthcare professional before starting any herbal treatment to ensure safety and effectiveness.
Acupuncture, which we offer in-house at Essence Medical Center, can be an effective treatment for various types of chronic pain by stimulating the body’s natural pain-relieving mechanisms and promoting relaxation.
Hydrotherapy, sleep hygiene assessments, and mind-body techniques may also provide relief from your chronic pain.
Chronic Fatigue
Many patients at Essence Medical Center cite chronic fatigue as an ongoing concern. This is increasingly common, given the economic angst many adults are feeling, the always-online culture of the modern professionals, and other factors.
That said, I take a naturopathic approach to improving a patient’s energy levels in a sustainable manner.
After your initial consultation and lab work, we may determine that a balanced diet rich in whole, nutrient-dense foods can help provide the body with essential energy and nutrients. Consuming adequate protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates can support energy production and blood sugar regulation. On top of a better diet, I often help my patients by suggesting botanical medicines (like adaptogenic herbs), supplements, and more.
Under the guidance of a skilled ND, adaptogenic herbs, such as ashwagandha, rhodiola, and ginseng, can help improve energy levels, support adrenal function, and enhance the body’s ability to cope with stress as well.
Sleep Disorders and Other Symptoms
From chronic sleep disorders to digestive symptoms and anxiety, I have years of experience helping patients improve their quality of life through the practice of naturopathic medicine. Please get in touch for an initial consultation – I would be happy to hear from you.
Naturopathic Doctors Can Help With Fertility
Some patients, both male and female, can improve fertility by consulting with a naturopathic doctor. A registered ND will exam your lab work to look for testosterone and estrogen imbalances, and they may recommenda dietary changes to include more omega-3 fatty acids. These have been shown to improve fertility. Corisol levels, sleep habits, and other holistic components of health also impact fertility. A knowledgeable doctor can also recommend various botanical medicines, like Vitex agnus-castus, which has been shown to help regulate menstrual cycles.
Naturopathic Treatment of Eczema and Other Skin Conditions
Genetics, gut health, stress, diet, allergies, and other factors may influence eczema (dermatits) in a patient. Regardless of the exact source of your condition, a functional medicine practicioner can help you. Believe it or not, eczema can sometimes be linked to gut health, and a schedule of probiotics and dietary changes can significantly improve your condition. Identifying and weeding out inflammatory foods may become necessary, and identifying unknown allergies and intolerances will become part of the strategy. A doctor can also help you identify deficiencies in vitamins A, C,and E among other nutrients. Whether you would benefit from a dietary change or regiment of safe and effective supplements, Essence Medical Center can help.
Naturopathic Doctors Can Help With So Much More
From gastrointestinal discomfort to chronic allergies, ear aches, auto-immune diseases and hormone problems, a naturopathic doctor will help find the root cause of your symptoms and help you overcome them through a holistic strategy.
Get Your Consultation With a Naturopathic Doctor in Chandler Today

Patients from the city of Chandler visit our office from Arden Park, Fox Crossing, Cooper Commons, downtown Chandler and more. Our office is located near the corner of N Alma School Road and W Elliot Road.
We also serve patients from Mesa, Tempe, and the entire surrounding area. Please get in touch if you would like to turn your health around under the guidance of an expert Naturopathic Doctor – all it takes to get started is an initial consultation