Melissa Rodriguez is a naturopathic doctor, with over 15 years of experience in the field of health and wellness.
She helps busy people struggling with health issues get the knowledge and clarity they need to transform their lives. As Patient Outreach and Education Manager at Beijing United Family Hospital, she provides support to individuals in their goals for disease prevention, promoting a holistic approach to food, sleep, their habits, their environment, relationships, and much more. Melissa’s clients know her holistic approach to personalized health management is based on trust, communication, and unwavering support.
Melissa has established a reputation for herself in the Beijing community, for being an expert in the field of health and wellness. She is a sought after public speaker, and trusted source to share her knowledge on healthy living with others. Melissa Rodriguez believes optimal health is a goal we can all achieve, and empowers people to do so with the appropriate education, guidance and support. She has given talks and led wellness workshops at embassies, international schools and multinational global companies. Melissa has also been published in magazines, blogs and interviewed on podcasts. If you would like Melissa Rodriguez to give a lecture, prepare a workshop or create a customized health education plan for your organization, please fill out the contact form for more information.
When it comes to diet, moderation is the name of the game. Wholesome, natural foods are the answer.
- Melissa Rodriguez, ND
Naturopathy was once an ancient form of healing in which plants as well as crude animal and mineral substances were used as medicine. However, modern-day naturopaths bridge the gap between old and new by using traditional healing methods and modern scientific medical knowledge. To treat disease and prevent illness, naturopaths can resort to botanical medicine, nutrition, acupuncture, homeopathy, and lifestyle counseling to treat their patients.
Learning the art and practice of naturopathic medicine is not easy. Naturopathic doctors (referred to as “NDs”) must first obtain a university degree before applying to an accredited naturopathic school. Only after completing an intensive four-year program and passing all their board exams can they can apply for their naturopathic license.
This is the North American process. The profession is not regulated in all countries, so when looking for a naturopath, ask about their training. Someone can do a few weekend courses and refer to themselves as a naturopath. In China, the field is relatively unknown and there are no local practitioners.
Individualized treatment is a cornerstone of naturopathic practice, which is why the first visit can take an hour to an hour and a half. Hippocrates, known as the founder of modern medicine, once said it is more important to know what sort of person has a disease than to know what sort of disease a person has. Getting to know the patient is an important part of finding the root of the problem. Once the diagnosis has been made, the naturopath shares the treatment plan that often requires the patient to take the lead; they may need to implement dietary changes, take supplements, or practice self-help measures. The body has the ability to heal itself, but the process needs to be supported – and that requires effort.
Naturopathy can treat many conditions, from purely physical illnesses such as high cholesterol and diabetes to mental and emotional ones like anxiety and depression. Naturopathic medicine can also be used to prevent disease. It is great for people of all ages and stages of life, from infants to the elderly. It can also help those who have no options from a medical point of view; perhaps their symptoms are too strange or there is no conventional diagnosis for them. In these, cases naturopathic medicine can also help.
Dr. Melissa Rodriguez, ND