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Dr. Teresa E. Richter

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Dr. Richter has a Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine (ND), and a Bachelor’s degree in Herbal Sciences from Bastyr University, the leading institution in Natural Medicine. Dr. Richter is currently the Vice President for the Washington Association of Naturopathic Physicians, formerly the Treasurer, and sits as the chair of the continuing education committee. I guide those seeking optimal health and holistic approaches to health concerns through patient-centered care, treating the whole person, not just a set of symptoms.

With empathy, unconditional positive regard, innovative personalized treatment plans, and cutting edge Naturopathic methods, I partner with you to look and feel your best. My treatments give you the best of integrative medicine. Naturopathic doctors are functional medicine specialists. I utilize Naturopathic treatment modalities such as Botanical Medicine, Supplements, Craniosacral Therapy, Homeopathic Remedies, Hydrotherapy, and pharmaceutical prescribing when appropriate. ​​Providing both individual and family care, the most common ailments treated are allergies, chronic pain, digestive issues, obesity, heart disease, fertility, menopause, cancer, and chronic fatigue syndrome. Naturopathic Physicians place a strong emphasis on natural remedies that add to the broad spectrum of remedies available.

Her determination with her own health issues inspires her to help others and helps her better understand her patients. She works to constantly improve her own skills as a doctor to help her patients enjoy better health. She is also a licensed massage therapist with a certificate from Bastyr University and Cortiva Institute. In addition to the required coursework, Dr. Richter also did an elective study in Craniosacral therapy, Homeopathy, Ayurvedic Medicine, Aromatherapy, Pain management, and IV Therapy. Dr. Richter's clinical rotations included primary care, physical medicine, homeopathy, IV therapy, Counseling, HIV/Immune Wellness, Women's Health, and off-site at the Carolyn Downs Clinic providing care to under-served populations. 
Learn More About Me
20 years Experience
Dr. Teresa E. Richter
Specializes in:
  • Doctor
  • Kirkland, WA
  • Bastyr University
  • Accepting new patients

Blood in discharge?

Could it be your period? Have you had sex recently?

Ear crackling?

Stop eating dairy and this symptom will probably clear up after about 3-4 weeks. The other way to get this to resolve is mucinex, however, eliminating dairy is much more powerful. READ MORE
Stop eating dairy and this symptom will probably clear up after about 3-4 weeks. The other way to get this to resolve is mucinex, however, eliminating dairy is much more powerful.

Can a UTI cause testicle pain?

Yes, a UTI can lead to possibly prostatitis or epididymitis which can lead to testicular pain.

Taking a probiotic wrong?

First of all, wondering why you are cutting the capsule rather than taking it as is. Secondly, most of the bacteria is getting into the stomach and may not be going past it not READ MORE
First of all, wondering why you are cutting the capsule rather than taking it as is. Secondly, most of the bacteria is getting into the stomach and may not be going past it not being in a capsule. If you have an overgrowth of bad bacteria, when you take a probiotic and the good guys are coming in and fighting the bad guys you will have those symptoms such as gas, burping, noises, pain, diarrhea, constipation, etc. I would recommend taking it as it is meant to be, in the capsule and not opening it up. This will help it get to the place it is meant to be. You don't want to kill any of the good bacteria and the only way to do so would be an antibiotic. Otherwise, just don't take the probiotic and the good bacteria will eventually die off with stress and other causes, however, I do not advise doing so. To attract what should be there, you should take probiotics and feed your good bacteria and make them stronger. That will also help them fight the bad bacteria.

Can the emergency room treat a panic attack?

Yes, the most common place people end up when having a panic attack is the emergency room. Many people think they are having a heart attack or dying in some way, and end up in READ MORE
Yes, the most common place people end up when having a panic attack is the emergency room. Many people think they are having a heart attack or dying in some way, and end up in the ER and it is usually a panic attack. They are capable of treating it, however, if you are aware you have them you should talk to your doctor about getting the appropriate medication to treat a panic attack when it happens so that you don't need to go to the emergency room.

How do you know if it's your tonsils that hurt?

You can look at your throat in the mirror and if you see that your tonsils are very large then that could indicate the pain is coming from the tonsils. If you see a bright red READ MORE
You can look at your throat in the mirror and if you see that your tonsils are very large then that could indicate the pain is coming from the tonsils. If you see a bright red throat and white exudate coming from the tonsils, it is best to go to the doctor for a strep test.

Is it normal for my feet to be this cold?

64 degrees is pretty cold for an inside temperature. It may be too cold in your house and that may be why your feet are cold. Try increasing the heat to 68-70 degrees F and see READ MORE
64 degrees is pretty cold for an inside temperature. It may be too cold in your house and that may be why your feet are cold. Try increasing the heat to 68-70 degrees F and see if that improves. Movement, exercise, and compression stockings can all help with blood circulation. Improving circulation should improve the coldness in your feet. If that doesn't help, you may want to see your doctor to investigate blood pressure, thyroid, or iron status.

Can I take Lipo-B injections and Saxenda at the same time?

Yes

Does the flu shot affect blood sugar in diabetics?

No, it does not.

Drug screen?

As long as you are routinely taking them, even having a day or two without them you will most likely still test positive.

Treating bow legs?

Unfortunately, once you are past childhood this is not an easy issue to treat. During childhood, braces are usually worn while the bones are still growing and forming to treat READ MORE
Unfortunately, once you are past childhood this is not an easy issue to treat. During childhood, braces are usually worn while the bones are still growing and forming to treat an issue like this. You can strengthen and build muscles in certain areas of your legs to try to balance things out however, they will probably not fully straighten.

Right inguinal hernia repair?

You could be having phantom pain from the missing testicle. Try putting a mirror where your missing testicle is so that you the remaining testicle reflects in the mirror as if READ MORE
You could be having phantom pain from the missing testicle. Try putting a mirror where your missing testicle is so that you the remaining testicle reflects in the mirror as if you have one on the missing side. Sometimes this will help the brain reconcile and feel like it is there even though it isn't. If you feel pain relief while doing it, try doing it every day for a while and eventually the pain should subside. Otherwise, I would see a doctor outside the VA and try to get a second opinion on your surgery.

Shock on testicule low testosterone concern?

With a large blow, it may temporarily affect your testicle, but it should recover. Your testosterone levels seems just fine. I wouldn't worry about it too much if you haven't had READ MORE
With a large blow, it may temporarily affect your testicle, but it should recover. Your testosterone levels seems just fine. I wouldn't worry about it too much if you haven't had any pain, swelling, bruising of any kind. If you able to ejaculate normally and without pain, that should indicate that things are working fine. Testosterone levels can sometimes fluctuate due to stress as well as libido. Stressing over the situation could be causing more issues than the blow to the testicle. I would check your testosterone levels again in a few months and see if they have normalized or went down more. Your doctor can also do an ultrasound or other imaging on your testicles to look for damage.

Pain in lower abdomen?

I would highly recommend seeking out a Naturopathic Physician in your area trained at one of the major schools such as Bastyr University. It sounds like you could be having some READ MORE
I would highly recommend seeking out a Naturopathic Physician in your area trained at one of the major schools such as Bastyr University. It sounds like you could be having some food sensitivity issues that are contributing to inflammation and increasing your fatigue, nausea, joint pain, hunger pangs, constipation and other symptoms. If you are having severe pain on the lower left side, you could be having diverticulitis and should be evaluated by a doctor.

Effects from taking cipro/flagyl antibiotics?

Lots of probiotics to replenish good gut flora that is being killed from the antibiotics. With diverticulitis you want to eat an easy to digest diet as well until the inflammation READ MORE
Lots of probiotics to replenish good gut flora that is being killed from the antibiotics. With diverticulitis you want to eat an easy to digest diet as well until the inflammation has calmed down.

Covid-19 symptoms?

The only way to get tested is to go to a doctor that does the testing or a testing site. If you cannot drive yourself that is a tough one, you could try taking an Uber or taxi? READ MORE
The only way to get tested is to go to a doctor that does the testing or a testing site. If you cannot drive yourself that is a tough one, you could try taking an Uber or taxi?

Can I see my girlfriend over a week after having covid-19?

To be safe she should self quarantine for at least 10 days following the negative test/resolution of symptoms.

How long will this last or is it something else?

Hello, It sounds like you could have a nerve pinched somewhere that could be causing all of your symptoms. I would recommend seeing a doctor and having either some imaging READ MORE
Hello,

It sounds like you could have a nerve pinched somewhere that could be causing all of your symptoms. I would recommend seeing a doctor and having either some imaging or nerve tests done. The other common injury could be a hernia, although I don't believe it would be causing the neurological symptoms you are experiencing of decrease sensation, difficulty maintaining erections, and not recognizing the urge to urinate, which definitely sounds like a nerve impingement somewhere. Your Pudendal nerve or sacral nerves S2, 3, and 4 come together to carry sensation to the pelvic area and motor supply to the urethra. I would highly recommend getting an examination by a doctor as if it is nerve related, the longer the issue goes on the more permanent it can become, where with proper treatment you can probably alleviate the injury.

Ingrown toenail infection?

Most often infections will heal on their own, but sometimes they don't. When they don't you risk developing cellulitis or even sepsis, which can be life threatening. In-grown toenails READ MORE
Most often infections will heal on their own, but sometimes they don't. When they don't you risk developing cellulitis or even sepsis, which can be life threatening. In-grown toenails can be quite painful. Signs of infection would usually include redness, swelling, leakage. I would recommend seeing your doctor or a podiatrist to have it looked at to be sure.

What pain medications are safe to take after nose surgery?

All are relatively safe to take for a short time, provided you have no liver or kidney issues. After nose surgery, you should only need those types of medications for a few days READ MORE
All are relatively safe to take for a short time, provided you have no liver or kidney issues. After nose surgery, you should only need those types of medications for a few days to a few weeks depending on the surgery you are having. These medications do damage over long-term use, meaning daily use for 6 months or more. Keep Tylenol under 3000mg per day and Ibuprofen/Advil under 600mg per day to be safe. Make sure to always eat food with ibuprofen and drink lots of water. Your doctor/surgeon may also give you some other pain medication to take for the first few days.