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Naturopathic Wellness Center

As a little girl, Heather DeLuca knew she wanted to be a doctor someday. She wanted to go through medical school, take the board exams, and one day help people feel better. Dr. DeLuca has realized her dream and, since 2007, has opted for a more unconventional approach to healing, as a naturopathic doctor.

After working for House of Nutrition for many years, this unique field of medicine– the belief that the human body has an innate ability to heal itself– led her to Seattle, Washington, where she studied Naturopathy and nutrition at Bastyr University. Washington is one of only 13 states that grant naturopathic doctors a medical license.

"It's something that resonates with me and is certainly something that is important to consider as a form of health care," said Dr. DeLuca. "Naturopathy is focused on the person, not necessarily the disease or condition. I think it allows more time to spend with people. There are a lot of differences between medicines; however, we have to understand both systems and understand medication interaction. Our goal is to optimize a person's health regardless of when they come to see us."

Dr. DeLuca works with the patient's primary care physician in order to ensure that a team of people is focused on the patient and his or her best interest. She also looks very closely into an individual's diet, lifestyle, nutrition, stress levels, and medications.

"I will try to work with them and move them forward. It's more of a relationship with the person," she said. "First and foremost, nutrition is critical because we know that not only certain foods, but certain supplements, treat different conditions with fewer complications and side effects."

Dr. DeLuca is vice president of the Pennsylvania Association of Naturopathic Physicians and is part of a team of doctors that specializes in natural medicine, working toward regulation and the licensing of N.D.s in Pennsylvania.

For more information on naturopathy, visit www.naturopathic.org. To make an appointment with Dr. DeLuca, visit www.hdelucand.com or call (570) 287-9955.