Dr. Rebecca Sand

Overview

Hi! I am a naturopathic physician and acupuncturist in Portland, Oregon. I graduated from Bastyr University in Seattle, WA as a dual-degree physician and completed a combined residency in gastroenterology, women’s health, and integrative fertility. My practice specializes in conditions of the digestive tract, microbiome, gut-brain axis, and hormone systems using a combined Eastern and Western medicine approach. Rather than just treating symptoms, I strive to uncover the root of disease.

About

My style of medicine emphasizes compassionate listening and honors the body’s innate wisdom to heal. Some of the conditions that I treat are IBS, SIBO, Candida, Crohn’s, UC, heartburn, food sensitivities, GERD, chronic bloating, endometriosis, recurrent vaginal or bladder infections, painful or heavy periods, PCOS, autoimmune disease, menopause, and hormone imbalances. I also love supporting patients adjunctively with fertility, pregnancy, and the post-partum period.

I am trained in a wide range of Eastern and Western healing modalities that I incorporate into my practice. Some options you might be offered include: supplements, acupuncture, cupping, maya abdominal therapy, visceral manipulation, craniosacral therapy, dietary guidance, mind-body regulation techniques, pharmaceuticals (when needed), and Chinese herbal medicine.

Prior to medical school, I studied genetics and Mandarin while working in biomedical laboratories in the U.S. and China. Some of my research included heart stent coatings, novel treatments for blood-based cancers, HIV therapies, and vaccine development for infectious diseases. In pursuit of a more comprehensive healthcare system, I also spent over 10 years studying under traditional healers in Tibet, China, India, and Polynesia to integrate the wisdom of ancient healing systems into modern care. As a result, I am passionate about creating dynamic, individualized treatment plans, taking into account the whole person and their environment.

I know firsthand how debilitating chronic disease can be, having dealt with my own complex gut and hormone conditions for over 15 years. My personal experience led me to develop collaborations with diverse integrative providers to provide a better platform of care for my patients. As an ND, I love being able to know my patients on a deeper level. Together, we can create a truly individualized treatment plan to help you achieve your goals.

Areas of Speciality

• Digestive Health
• Food Sensitivities
• Hormone Health
• Menstrual Health
• Endometriosis
• Peri/Menopause
• Autoimmunity
• Infections
• Pain Management

What I love outside of work

When I’m not doing deep-dives into the latest microbiome research, I enjoy traveling, attempting crosswords, searching for the best pizza, gardening, petting your dog, visiting farmers markets, and writing postcards to my pals around the globe. I live in Portland, Oregon with my partner and daughter.

Why I work at Wisdom

Did you know the pain-relieving effects of willow tree bark (Salix alba) is the basis of modern-day aspirin (acetyl salicylic acid)? Did you know that certain strains of probiotics can reduce the symptoms of depression by altering the gut-brain axis? Naturopathic doctors are uniquely trained on the intersection of modern medicine and natural medicine to bring patients the best care possible. NDs pull from herbal medicine, body mechanics, lifestyle modifications, diet and nutrients, and mind-body therapies as well as modern pharmaceutical medicine as needed to promote lasting health and balance. As an ND, I believe strongly in making natural and effective medical care mainstream and accessible. Wisdom is part of this nation-wide movement to connect patients with like-minded providers. I love being part of a team committed to providing quality holistic care to patients around the country while focusing on whole body health, compassionate listening, and patient-centered care.

Professional Credentials

• Naturopathic Dual Medical Residency – Gastroenterology, Women’s Health, Fertility, National University of Naturopathic Medicine
• Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine and Master of Science in Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine, Bastyr University
• Bachelor of Science, Genetics, Cell Biology, Human Development, Advanced Study in Ethnobotany and Ethnomedicine and Mandarin Language, University of Minnesota, Summa Cum Laude
• For a complete list of research and publications, click here
• Professional Affiliations: Oregon Association of Naturopathic Physicians, GastroANP, American Gastroenterology Association, American Association of Naturopathic Physicians

VIRTUAL NATIONWIDE CARE

Accepting members in 45 states