Dr. REBECCA R. WORD

I am a NABNE (North American Board of Naturopathic Examiners) licensed naturopathic doctor (ND) practicing in Black Mountain, NC. I am also an instructor for the Center for Massage and Natural Health in Asheville, NC where I teach Anatomy, Physiology, Pathology as well as Diet and Nutrition.

I had the pleasure of living for ten years in Canada where in 2007 I completed the four-year post-graduate medical program at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine in Toronto, Ontario.  Until I moved to North Carolina in 2011 I practiced at the Carp Ridge Ecowellness Centre, a multi-disciplinary clinic focused on natural medicine and ecological stewardship outside Ottawa, Ontario.

Prior to training as an ND I worked as an arts instructor and studio artist.  I received a BA in humanities and fine arts from the University of Tennessee Chattanooga in 1997.  I'm still striving to keep the art alive while balancing life as a mom of two lively children.

My passion for this profession comes through strongly in one on one sessions, community lectures and in teaching.  I'm all about using education and a good dose of humor to empower others.   I receive special satisfaction from working with children.  They are truly amazing in their ability to heal and inspire me to seek that fount of wellness in each person no matter how complex the present picture.

In tailoring an individualized treatment plan I may utilize one or several of the following modalities:  nutritional counseling (both holistic and biochemical), herbal or botanical medicine, homeopathy (both classical and complex), flower and/or stone essences, hydrotherapy (the healing application of water), lifestyle counseling and of course in depth consultation.  I am also trained in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and although not currently licensed in North Carolina to use acupuncture I do apply principles of TCM as part of overall assessment.  NDs are also trained in conventional indicators of disease, differential diagnostics and pharmaceutical science.  Together, the marriage of Eastern, holistic and conventional wisdom provide great depth from which to understand a person's health.

We can all begin walking a healing path regardless of what we “have” or perhaps more accurately, what may have us.  "Health” is more than a lack of maladies, and conversely “illness” is not simply a collection of symptoms.  Wellness is not black and white.  The physical, mental, emotional and spiritual each have a bearing on our wellness. My ultimate goal is to offer guidance so that an individual may take control of his/her wellness.

I have a passion for naturopathic medicine both professionally and personally.  It allows me the deeply satisfying experience of sharing profoundly in the lives of others.  I so look forward to walking your healing path with you.