Meet Dr. Natalie Metz

My Philosophy

I seek to create partnerships with my patients that empower them to make healthy choices for themselves and their communities. I see my role as an advocate for your health and well being, and draw upon my clinical expertise to offer the best care possible, utilizing natural remedies by choice and referring when appropriate.

I guide my practice with the principles of Naturopathic Medicine:

• First, do no harm
• The Healing Power of Nature
• Treat the Whole Person
• Treat the Cause
• Doctor as Teacher
• Prevention

I also formulate treatments with the Therapeutic Order as a framework, seeking to use the least force intervention possible to effect change. In the simplest form, I aim to give the body, mind and spirit what they need, to clear out that which does not serve, and to inspire patients.

About My Practice

I seek to educate my patients about their bodies, to understand how their diet and lifestyle choices, as well as pharmaceutical medications and environmental pollutants can influence health. I believe that knowledge gives us access to power, and as an educator, I offer my patients information and resources to support their personal growth and optimal expression of health.

After taking a thorough history, completing any pertinent physical exams, and making suggestions for further evaluation, I create a customized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs, as well as your commitment to the healing process. This plan will be revisited and modified in future visits and may include diet and lifestyle suggestions, herbs, homeopathy, hydrotherapy, detoxification, nutritional supplements, IV therapy, and bodywork. While I consider myself a general practitioner, I enjoy specializing in digestive and endocrine conditions, women's health, mood disturbances, and thyroid health.

My Expertise

In addition to offering compassionate gynecological care, I specialize in the natural treatment of abnormal Pap's and HPV. I offer cervical escharotic treatments as an alternative to invasive procedures such as LEEP and cryosurgery for the management of cervical dysplasia as indicated. This treatment involves the application of herbs to the face of the cervix which causes a gentle exfoliation of the abnormal cells, and reduces the risks of contraception and childbirth complications commonly associated with surgical procedures.

My education included specialized training in Environmental Medicine and Herbal Medicine, including detoxification support and specialized testing for leaky gut, hormone imbalances, and heavy metals. I create customized herbal formulations for most of my patients, and am confident in their efficacy for the treatment of most acute and chronic conditions.

My Background

Prior to joining San Francisco Natural Medicine, I lived in Santa Cruz, CA, where I maintained a private practice for almost three years and taught at the local acupuncture and herbal medicine schools.Before my time in Santa Cruz, I lived and worked at both the Esalen Institute and Heartwood Institute, engaging the experience of intentional community building, and teaching within the residential education programs.

Prior to attending medical school, I worked as a medicinal chemist for a small pharmaceutical company in Cambridge, MA. I am originally from Connecticut, have lived all over the U.S., and finally made my home in the Bay Area, where I enjoy good food, sunshine and the fabulous free-spirited culture of San Francisco. Following my love of learning, I am currently a student in the Philosophy, Cosmology and Consciousness program at the California Institute of Integral Studies, exploring integral ecology and the therapeutic potential of entheogenic experiences.

My Credentials

Education & Training:

• Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine, Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine- Tempe, Arizona, 2006
• Master of Arts, Philosophy, Cosmology, & Consciousness, California Institute of Integral Studies- San Francisco, CA, (current)
• Bachelor of Arts, Chemistry, Elon University- Elon, NC, 2000

Professional Licenses & Memberships:

• California Licensed Naturopathic Doctor, ND-310
• Hawaii Licensed Naturopathic Doctor, ND-181
• California Naturopathic Doctors Association

Other Professional Experience:

• Contributing Author- Foundations of Naturopathic Medicine Textbook
• Featured Expert- The Future of Medicine (New Paradigm Films)

Teaching/Lecturing Experience:

• Herbal Medicine & Permaculture, Esalen Institute- Big Sur, CA
• Plants As Teachers, Chicago Conscious Cafe- Chicago, IL
• Faculty- Five Branches University- Santa Cruz, CA
• Faculty- Axia College, University of Phoenix- Phoenix, AZ

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SAN FRANCISCO NATURAL MEDICINE Carl Hangee-Bauer, ND, LAc • Amy Day, ND Erika Horowitz, ND • Andrea Zengion, ND, LAc 1615 20th St • San Francisco CA 94107 • 415-643-6600 Naturopathic Medicine • Acupuncture • Herbal Medicine • Supplements Nutrition • Women's Health • Breast Thermography Smoking Cessation • IV Nutrient Therapy • Bioidentical Hormones • Detoxification