Naturopathic Services
Why settle for impersonal healthcare when you can receive personalized attention from a skilled naturopathic doctor in Tucson? At Zola Healing, we prioritize your unique needs by incorporating natural remedies into customized wellness plans. By focusing on prevention instead of reactive treatments, we strive to help patients achieve optimal health and wellness through key benefits such as enhanced nutrition choices and lifestyle modifications.
About Me
Dawn Bantel, NMD
I earned my doctorate of naturopathic medicine from the National University of Natural Medicine in Portland, Oregon in 2001. I was fortunate to have experienced diverse medical rotations at the many community clinics that serve Portland. Before that, I received my bachelor of science in psychology from The University of Arizona in Tucson, Arizona.
My first position as a naturopathic doctor was in private practice with a focus on family medicine for several years. At the same time, I was teaching physiology at a massage school and several Western medical classes at a traditional Chinese medical program. I eventually transitioned to full-time work at Mirasol. I was the medical director of Mirasol’s eating disorder treatment center from 2003 to 2015. During that time, I managed the medical care of adults and adolescents at all levels of treatment; residential, partial hospitalization, and intensive outpatient programming.
After Mirasol, I accepted the position of the first medical director of Sabino Recovery, a residential treatment center for those with addictions and/or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) from 2015 to 2020. I provided medical services, including detoxification services to residents at Sabino Recovery. Additionally, I ensured both state and accreditation compliance oversight for the center. It was a great experience to be part of the leadership team while it was a start-up.
My professional memberships include the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians (AANP) and the Arizona Naturopathic Medical Association (AzNMA). I’ve been trained and certified in Trauma & Tension Releasing Exercises (TRE) and BrainSpotting. Both are helpful in the body’s processing of trauma.
I am very excited about psychedelic medicine and have been working with ketamine as a prescriber for a counseling group. I have completed the MAPS (Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies) MDMA training program and hope MDMA will be legalized in the future.
I have recently become a Reiki master and believe that it complements my other work.
I am passionate about naturopathic medicine and love to educate about it on social media. I manage my own health by using food as medicine and am committed to my daily exercise and meditation practices. I’m married to a great guy, have two daughters, and adore my furry critters
Functional Lab Test
This is the use of science to determine the underlying cause or causes of illness. The lab tests can be used to interpret how the body is functioning and where there might be issues that can be addressed. Commonly used tests assess; digestive functioning, reproductive/stress hormone levels, heavy metal toxicity, and food sensitivity tests.
Supplements
This encompasses vitamins, minerals, amino acids, protein supplements, and others. These can be used for both acute and chronic issues as well as for health optimization. Dr. Dawn can streamline your supplement plan to best meet your unique needs.
Herbal Medicine
Plants have been used as medicine throughout the world in all cultures. The use of herbal medicine typically has minimal side effects and can help support the body’s healing processes. Herbal medicines are available in a variety of forms including teas, pills, tinctures, and salves.
Medication
As a licensed naturopathic physician in AZ, Dr. Dawn has broad prescribing rights and has a DEA number. She frequently works with compounding pharmacists to create specialized blends to help with pain management and bioidentical hormone replacement therapy.
Hormone Balancing
Hormone imbalances can cause PMS, cycle irregularity, peri and menopausal/andropausal symptoms. It also can contribute to issues with mood, libido, sexual performance and overall well-being. Hormones such as estrogen, progesterone and testosterone can be assessed by symptoms and/or testing. Hormonal support can be provided through the use of supplements, herbs and hormone replacement.
Nutrition
Nutrition is one of the core aspects of health. Food is medicine. It is also important to identify what foods may be contributing to health issues. This is customized to each person.