Veratrum
Natural
Medicine
" At Veratrum, we provide an integrative practice focused on optimizing your wellness and maximizing your performance. We combine Naturopathic Medicine, Acupunture, and Fascial counterstrain for a one-of-a-kind experience." - Dr. Rachel Harmon, ND, LAEMP, CSC1
Why "Veratrum"?
Veratrum, or, "False Hellebore", also known as "Li Lu" (藜芦) in the Chinese materia medica can be seeN with its beautiful, broad leaves in alpine regions from the Rockies to the Cascades. There are over 25 species of this plant worldwide, mostly in the Northern Hemisphere. Veratrum is HIGHLY toxic*. It's a source of potent alkaloids, some of which have been used in traditional medicine for their emetic (induces vomiting to clear toxins), hypotensive, and cardiac depressant properties. In Chinese Medicine, it is described as cold, acrid, and bitter, and used to treat Wind-Phlegm conditions and parasites. The word "veratrum" comes from latin and means "truly black" which describes the color of the root. "Ver" means truth in latin. I like to interpret this as finding the true root cause of disease, which is how I approach medicine as a doctor. This toxic plant is meant to be respected, just like our bodies and their symptoms.
The vision for this clinic came to me like most good ideas do -- while on a long bike ride. I wanted to create a holistic practice that integrated all that I had gleaned from not only YEARS of schooling and continuing education, but also from my own experience as someone with complex chronic illness, many sports injuries, and certain genetic obstacles. I want to share with my community that you are not your diagnosis. There are always some variables within your control. I want to work with motivated individuals and to share what I have learned both as doctor and patient.
*Please, DO NOT ingest any part of the Veratrum Plant without the guidance of a trained herbalist. You can look and enjoy their beauty from a distance.
The Team
Who We Are
JUNIP "JUNEBUG"
Therapy Dog (In Training)
Junip works tirelessly to make sure that everyone feels welcome and loved at VNM. A rescue from SE Texas, she has had quite the journey to get to where she is today. She is 100% perfect and mutt, but we suspect she is a shepherd / husky mix. At work, she provides lots of kisses and and loves to be pet. In her free time, she enjoys exploring new trails in the local forest, cuddling, and drinking raw goat's milk.
She won't be a fully certified therapy dog until around age 2, so we appreciate your patience during her training years.
DR. RACHEL HARMON
CMO, Physician, Junip's Mom
Naturopathic Physician, Licensed Acupuncture and Eastern Medicine Practitioner, Certified Fascial Counterstrain Therapist (CSC1), Jones Institute TA, ILADS Lyme Literate Doctor, Crista Mold Certified Practitioner.
Dr. Rachel is passionate about working with patients to achieve their optimal wellness by removing obstacles to cure and establishing “foundations of health” – structural integrity, environmental health, nourishment, movement, stress-management, sleep hygiene, and and emotional well-being . She relies heavily on the Principles of Naturopathic Medicine and the Therapeutic Order, while integrating Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fascial Counterstrain, IV therapy, specialty labs, Botanical Medicine, Homeopathy, Nutrition and Nutraceutical counseling, and Western Diagnostic modalities for a truly individualized treatment approach.
A native to Western Washington, Dr. Rachel earned her BSc. in Integrated Human Biology, MS in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, and Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine from Bastyr University. During her doctorate program, Rachel also trained with the Jones Institute and Counterstrain Academy in Fascial Counterstrain, a modality that has become a primary focus in her practice. She is currently a TA for the Jones Institute and loves working with students and fellow counterstrain practitioners. Out of necessity, through her personal health journey of battling chronic Lyme, bartonella, and mold illness, she has also pursued extensive continuing education in Vector Borne Illness such as Lyme disease and it's co-infections, and mold and mycotoxin illness. She has been practicing medicine since 2020.
Prior to pursuing her advanced degrees, Rachel spent time working as a Child and Maternal Health Intern for Kore Timoun in Léogâne, Haiti, and remains a lifelong advocate of global and community health. During medical school, Rachel sought out a variety of extra-curricular experiences to enrich her didactic and clinical education including volunteering as a student clinician with downtown Seattle’s Alternative Healthcare Access Campaign, serving with Natural Doctors International in Ometepe, Nicaragua, completing a botanical field study in Costa Rica, conducting a collaborative research study with Bastyr University, Sea Share, and the YWCA on dietary seafood intake with cooking classes and lipid levels in resource-poor households, working as a research assistant to Dr. Laurie Mischley on Parkinson’s Disease, immersive learning of Kneipp Hydrotherapy and Botanical Medicine in Germany, studying Crevasse and Mountain Rescue with the Mountaineers, and participating in Bastyr’s Ragnar Trail Running Relay Team.
Outside of the clinic, she enjoys mountain biking, ski mountaineering, cycling, trail running, rock climbing, foraging, painting, and cooking with her partner, Gregory, and Junip of course!
Services
Dr. Harmon is a board-certified naturopathic physician licensed in the state of Washington. She can provide in-person or telemed appointments to Washington residents.
This is a cash-based clinic. We can provide a higher quality of care by operating outside of the insurance model. We do not bill insurance. However, lab orders at Quest or Labcorp can be billed to your insurance, except for those with Medicare (NDs are not authorized medicare providers). We are happy to provide you with superbills to submit to your insurance provider for reimbursement. The hourly rate is $225/hr. New Patient Visits are $255/hr. We offer 45, 60 and 90 minute follow-up. appointments. All new patient appointments are 60 minutes.
NATUROPATHIC MEDICINE
Naturopathic medicine is a holistic approach to healthcare that emphasizes the body's innate ability to heal itself. Practitioners focus on treating the underlying causes of illness rather than just the symptoms, using natural such as herbal medicine, nutrition, and lifestyle changes. Naturopathic medicine also encourages patient education and self-care, promoting overall wellness and prevention. By integrating modern medical knowledge with traditional healing practices, it offers a comprehensive strategy for maintaining health and treating various conditions.
ACUPUNCTURE
Each acupuncture visit begins with asking about your health history and specific concerns, as well as tongue and pulse diagnosis. Once your needs are understood you'll lie down comfortably while very thin needles are gently inserted at specific points on your body to promote balance and healing. The session typically lasts about 30 to 60 minutes, during which you may feel relaxed and at ease. Afterward, we will discuss follow-up treatments or lifestyle recommendations such has Traditional Chinese Herbs or Nutrition to enhance your well-being.
FASCIAL COUNTERSTRAIN
Fascial Counterstrain (FCS) is a hands-on manual therapy technique designed to release tension and pain in the body by identifying and treating specific tender points in the fascia. Fascia is a web-like network of connective tissue that surrounds muscles, organs, and other structures. By applying gentle pressure and repositioning the body, FCS helps to reset these tender points, allowing the fascia to relax and function optimally. Each session begins with a comprehensive spinal motion assessment to identify the key area of tension. Then, the Cranial Scan is used to find the system of restriction. From there, we treat individual tenderpoints based on their anatomy. FCS is painless, and has lasting effects!
Conditions Treated
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Anxiety
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Digestive Disorders
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Vector Borne Illness
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Mold and Mycotoxin Illness
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Hormone Imbalance
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Chronic Pain
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Sports Injuries
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Insomnia
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Chronic Viral Infections
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Allergies
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MCAS
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Women's Health
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Prediabetes
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High Cholesterol
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Fatigue
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Poor Nutrition
DC
"I have been a client of Dr. Rachel Harmon for several years due to hip and back pain issues. When I first came to see Dr. Harmon I could barely get on to her exam table and my fiance and I were looking for a walker for me to get down the aisle (I was 39 at the time). Within a few weeks of treatment I was able to walk down the aisle without the need of a walker or cane. I'm 43 now and I haven't picked up my cane in a while and I can get on Dr. Rachel's table with ease. Give Dr. Harmon your time and trust and she will change your life, just like she has changed my life."
LJ
"I can’t believe how fabulous my knee feels after my session with you. In fact, I cancelled my appointment to have a second cortisone shot, because my knee is feeling better than ever!"
MW
"Thank you, Thank you, Thank you for your tenacity, sincerity, spirit, enthusiasm, playing hard, working hard, and sharing!"
MM
"Dr. Harmon has been such a pivotal role in my health while living in Washington! I felt very comfortable, safe & fully trusted her knowledge about my body! I highly recommend!"
Contact Us
We'd love to hear from you!
1514 12th St, Suite 101, Bellingham, WA 98225
Opening Hours
WED - SAT
9:00 am – 5:00 pm
SUN-TUES
Closed
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