Dr. Dana Krete, ND, LAc

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Get to know Naturopathic Physician and Acupuncturist Dr. Dana Krete, who serves patients in Westbrook, Connecticut.

Dr. Krete, a naturopathic physician &andent including acupuncture, Chinese and Western herbs, homeopathy, nutritional supplements, lifestyle counseling, and nutritional counseling. She is the Founder of Fernwood Holistic Health in Westbrook, Connecticut, where she enjoys treating patients of all ages.

The mission of Fernwood Holistic Health is: to provide patient-centered health care, where the patient comes before profits; to provide alternative and complementary healthcare options that can be used alone or in combination with conventional medicine; to provide the highest quality, advanced medicine based on science, research, and proven traditional methods; to have and maintain good relationships with patients; and to help support patients in making the changes they need to make to become responsible for their health and to improve their healthcare outcomes and quality of life.

Staying true to the roots of both Chinese and naturopathic medicine, Dr. Krete emphasizes treating the whole person and treating the cause of disease, rather than symptom management. She has a particular interest in treating digestive disorders, hormonal imbalances, fatigue, autoimmune disorders, anxiety, depression, as well as musculoskeletal pain including sciatica, low back pain, and neck pain. She treats every patient as a whole person and as an individual at her practice. 

When asked how Fernwood Holistic Health got its name, Dr. Krete stated that her daughter had the idea to use their dog’s name in the title somehow. After their beloved golden retriever, Rosie, passed away at the age of 10, the family decided to start looking for a rescue right away. “We thought we’d like to use the name of a plant or botanical again for our next dog and as we were searching, we found a puppy who looked like a great match, and her name just happened to be Fern! It seemed meant to be, and we ended up adopting her at 3 months of age. Only after we adopted her, did we think of the fact that my husband’s father owned and operated a restaurant in Hartford called The Fernwood, which opened in the 1960’s. When he passed away, he left the restaurant to his employees, and the restaurant continues to run to this day. It seemed like another sign that Fern really was the dog for us! We all liked the idea of Fern’s name being in the title, but thought a one word syllable didn’t have a good ring to it. I’m not sure who in the family came up with the idea for using the name Fernwood for the clinic, but we all liked the personal connection to the name.” as stated by the doctor. 

Throughout her academic career, Dr. Krete earned her Bachelor of Science degree with a major in psychology and double minor in biology and sociology, while completing her pre-medical education as a division 1 scholarship athlete, at Eastern Michigan University. With a passionate interest in health, wellness, nutrition, and the bio-psycho-social model of health and disease, she went on to complete a 7 year post-graduate education, earning a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine degree and Master of Acupuncture degree at the National University of Natural Medicine in Portland, Oregon in 2009. 

Placing a strong emphasis on natural remedies, Dr. Krete has over a decade of experience in Connecticut since completing her post graduate studies, including having spent 7 years as an acupuncturist at the Middlesex Hospital Cancer Center’s Department of Integrative Medicine. She continues to attend integrative medicine meetings at Middlesex, where she is part of a panel helping educate Middlesex Hospital Integrative Medicine residents. 

The practice of naturopathic medicine includes modern and traditional, scientific, and empirical methods. Naturopathic medicine is a distinct primary health care profession, emphasizing prevention, treatment, and optimal health through the use of therapeutic methods and substances that encourage individuals’ inherent self-healing process. Naturopathic physicians diagnose, prevent, and treat acute and chronic illnesses to restore and establish optimal health.

Acupuncture is a form of alternative medicine and a key component of Traditional Chinese Medicine in which thin needles are inserted into the body. The practice is also used to maintain general health. Acupuncturists treat a variety of physical and psychological issues like digestive issues, hormonal issues, internal medicine hypertension, stress, and anxiety. 

When not practicing naturopathic medicine and acupuncture, Dr. Krete can be found spending time with her family or attending their sporting events, running with her dog Fern, or attending a yoga class.

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