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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

Test Result?

Elevated levels of Creatine Kinase are usually associated with muscle breakdown. This can be from too strenuous of exercise, trauma, or not eating enough. In the case of Type 2 READ MORE
Elevated levels of Creatine Kinase are usually associated with muscle breakdown. This can be from too strenuous of exercise, trauma, or not eating enough. In the case of Type 2 Diabetes, if not well controlled, can affect how your cells utilize sugar or not utilize sugar and could lead to an increased level of Creatine Kinase and metabolic myopathy. Metformin can also cause lacticacidosis leading to lactacidemia (too much lactic acid in the blood). This is especially the case if you drink alcohol while taking metformin and puts you at even greater risk of this to happen. Drinking alcohol can also cause low blood sugar and also stimulate muscle breakdown. If the creatine kinase level continues to go up it could become more of a problem and could even lead to kidney damage. Watch out for very dark or tea colored urine. This could indicate the condition in worsening. Others symptoms would include muscle weakness, fatigue, cramping, and spasm. I would have your levels of creatine kinase checked again in a month or two.

PSA Level?

I would agree if his PSA stays above 4.0 ng/ml to have a biopsy done. Typically an infection and antibiotics would not cause a PSA elevation unless the infection was near the prostate READ MORE
I would agree if his PSA stays above 4.0 ng/ml to have a biopsy done. Typically an infection and antibiotics would not cause a PSA elevation unless the infection was near the prostate such as in the bladder or caused a prostatitis. Since the infection was in his arm, If the infection made it to his blood stream or was able to travel to the prostate then possibly,. The stress on his body from having the infection and being in the hospital could have caused an increase in PSA, however, the blood in his sperm is concerning.

What's wrong with me?

The last 6 months have been incredibly stressful and most likely it is catching up with you. This can also affect our insulin and blood sugar levels which could be contributing READ MORE
The last 6 months have been incredibly stressful and most likely it is catching up with you. This can also affect our insulin and blood sugar levels which could be contributing to the thirst, appetite and feeling sleepy. However, it could all be just due to stress. Stress causes our hormones to imbalance, how our body utilizes nutrients, electrolytes, water, dampens our immune system, robs our muscle tissue of needed energy, breaks down muscle tissue causing weakness, sleep disturbances, fatigue. Some good adrenal support herbs include astragalus, rhodiola and holy basil. Taking some time out of each day to reduce stress such as meditation, yoga, walking, taking time for things you enjoy. You may see a doctor to check your hormone balance, blood sugar levels, and stress response.

Can a pinched nerve affect the whole body?

Depending on where your nerve is pinched, it could affect your whole body. Otherwise, the stress from pain of having a pinched nerve can affect your whole body.

Bladder infection

Typically it is more common for an infection to move from the urinary tract/bladder up to the kidney if untreated. Kidney stones do not usually cause an infection, but will cause READ MORE
Typically it is more common for an infection to move from the urinary tract/bladder up to the kidney if untreated. Kidney stones do not usually cause an infection, but will cause pain and sometimes a little bit of blood in the urine. A blockage from a kidney stone is a very painful and possibly life-threatening condition, but not usually an infection. Kidney stones are separate and pass through into the urine and are very painful. Infections are caused by bacteria in the urinary tract or kidney and also can cause pain and urinary symptoms. If you are having symptoms and are unsure what may be going on, it is always a good idea to see a doctor for a urinalysis and an examination to determine what may be going on.

Drug adverse effects?

Unfortunately, most antibiotics are not great to take with liver issues, however, out of the options to treat a UTI, Cipro is probably least toxic on your liver. When taking antibiotics, READ MORE
Unfortunately, most antibiotics are not great to take with liver issues, however, out of the options to treat a UTI, Cipro is probably least toxic on your liver. When taking antibiotics, probiotics can help with any GI side effects such as diarrhea, and cramping. Make sure to drink lots of water while taking this medication as well.

What causes knots in your muscles?

I often find there are a few reasons for muscle knots that are persistent. Dehydration, lack of nutrients such as magnesium, potassium, or calcium, repetitive motion activities, READ MORE
I often find there are a few reasons for muscle knots that are persistent. Dehydration, lack of nutrients such as magnesium, potassium, or calcium, repetitive motion activities, stress, posture, lack of exercise, or lack of muscle strengthening can all contribute to persistent muscle knots, spasms, or adhesions.

Is it ok to walk on a sprained ankle?

Yes, it is ok to walk on a sprained ankle. The more you walk on it the less swollen and painful it may be. If you cannot put weight on it yet, just take it easy and slowly little READ MORE
Yes, it is ok to walk on a sprained ankle. The more you walk on it the less swollen and painful it may be. If you cannot put weight on it yet, just take it easy and slowly little by little start to put weight on it. You can keep it wrapped up with a compression bandage such as an ACE wrap or other type of brace for sprained ankles to provide extra support while walking on it. When not walking on it, elevating it, and icing it will also help.

Vertigo?

This does not exactly sound like vertigo, but hard to know without more information. Vertigo is when it feels like the world is spinning around you and is most often brought on READ MORE
This does not exactly sound like vertigo, but hard to know without more information. Vertigo is when it feels like the world is spinning around you and is most often brought on by a change in position. Depending on how you are sneezing, it could stimulate an episode of vertigo if you are sneezing very forcefully or changing head position while doing so. Most vertigo is benign and occurs when crystals in our inner ear are out of position. You could be feeling a little dizzy due to the pressure caused while sneezing, or if you are having a lot of allergies and fluid is collecting in your ears. If it continues, I would recommend getting it checked out.

Is my problem urgent?

Most of the time it is not urgent. You can try to shrink the hemorrhoid with witch hazel and a hemorrhoid ointment such as preparation H. This should decrease the size of the hemorrhoid. READ MORE
Most of the time it is not urgent. You can try to shrink the hemorrhoid with witch hazel and a hemorrhoid ointment such as preparation H. This should decrease the size of the hemorrhoid. I would say it is a good sign that it is not bleeding or painful.

Menopause possibly?

Without a uterus, you should have no bleeding coming from the vaginal area. It is possible that you could have had some vaginal bleeding due to other factors such as vaginal atrophy READ MORE
Without a uterus, you should have no bleeding coming from the vaginal area. It is possible that you could have had some vaginal bleeding due to other factors such as vaginal atrophy that could have produced a blood clot that happened to come out at the same time. You would want to make sure the bleeding or blood clot was actually from the vagina, and not from the rectum or anus. It sounds like you have had clear stool tests. My concern would be a rectovaginal fistula in where there is a connection between the rectum and the vaginal area and that it was not actually a blood clot but some stool. If this happens again or you see anything else that looks like blood coming from the vaginal area, I would highly recommend getting it checked out right away.

Palpitations?

It is possible that you could be experiencing an increased level of stress especially with what has been happening in the world the past 6 months. There are many silent signs of READ MORE
It is possible that you could be experiencing an increased level of stress especially with what has been happening in the world the past 6 months. There are many silent signs of stress that can lead to anxiety that could cause a sensation like that. If you have any difficulty swallowing, or other heart fluttering symptoms, I would be examined by a doctor right away. Otherwise, try doing some breathing exercises, I like the 10 minute breathing meditations on the Calm app, or even some B-vitamins or magnesium could be helpful.

Can a urinary infection cause testicle pain?

It is possible, however, urinary tract infections are less common in men than women and you should see a doctor to get a proper diagnosis, rule out testicular cancer, or any sexually READ MORE
It is possible, however, urinary tract infections are less common in men than women and you should see a doctor to get a proper diagnosis, rule out testicular cancer, or any sexually transmitted diseases. Sometimes you can develop a swelling in the epididymis of other areas of the testicle that can be extremely painful and sensitive. In any case, it should be properly examined by a doctor to make sure something more serious isn't happening.

Spider bite?

It appears there is some sort of bump or bite there. WIth the swelling, discoloration and numbness, you should go to the emergency room or urgent care right away before something READ MORE
It appears there is some sort of bump or bite there. WIth the swelling, discoloration and numbness, you should go to the emergency room or urgent care right away before something more serious happens. You could have cellulitis that could develop into a life threatening condition very quickly.

Do I have herpes?

It is possible that you could be having a herpes out break on your face. Every 2 weeks is very frequent. I would try managing your stress levels, try some L-Lysine up to 6 grams READ MORE
It is possible that you could be having a herpes out break on your face. Every 2 weeks is very frequent. I would try managing your stress levels, try some L-Lysine up to 6 grams daily during an outbreak and 2 grams a day when not having the bumps. If they do not improve, you should see a doctor to get properly diagnosed and to possible get the right medication to prevent further outbreaks such as valacyclovir.

I have a staph infection and it itches bad can I put ice on it?

Yes, you can put ice on it. You can also put an anti-histamine cream on it that may help to lessen the itching or hydrocortisone 1% cream may also help to lessen intense itching. READ MORE
Yes, you can put ice on it. You can also put an anti-histamine cream on it that may help to lessen the itching or hydrocortisone 1% cream may also help to lessen intense itching.

Can diabetics have low blood sugar?

Diabetics can have low blood sugar especially if you are using medications to lower blood sugar. It is very important to not let you blood sugar go too low or too high. I highly READ MORE
Diabetics can have low blood sugar especially if you are using medications to lower blood sugar. It is very important to not let you blood sugar go too low or too high. I highly recommended continuous glucose monitors to see if your sugar is going to high or too low and to see where problems may be arising. Keeping close watch on that can be important. You may need to either adjust what and when you are eating or medications you are taking.

Tonsil problems?

You should see your doctor to make sure you don’t have streptococcal pharyngitis, otherwise known as strep throat. Burning throat pain, white exudate on tonsils, and headaches READ MORE
You should see your doctor to make sure you don’t have streptococcal pharyngitis, otherwise known as strep throat. Burning throat pain, white exudate on tonsils, and headaches could be symptoms of a strep infection. If strep is negative, could be some other viral infection or even allergies leading to the tonsil swelling and stones.