Dr. Teresa Richter, ND
General Practitioner
634 7th Ave Kirkland WA, 98033About
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 a 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.
In addition to the required coursework, Dr. Richter also did elective study in: Craniosacral therapy, Homeopathy,
Ayurvedic Medicine, Aromatherapy, Pain management, 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.
Education and Training
Bastyr University ND 2011
Bastyr University B.S. Herbal Sciences 2005
Provider Details
Dr. Teresa Richter, ND's Expert Contributions
Are You Hot Even Though It's Cold?
By Teresa Richter, NDIt’s cold outside, yet, here you are in a tank top with the window open, sweating, sleeping fitfully, waking up drenched in sweat, only to start to shiver while having to get up to change your bedclothes. Or maybe, you are in a meeting at work and your face turns red and you...
Tips for Managing Blood Sugar
Cut Back On CarbohydratesTry to limit carbohydrate intake to 100 grams per day. Opt for lean meats, healthy fats, vegetables, and whole grains. Eliminate sugar, processed foods, and simple carbohydrates.ExerciseExercise is extremely important in controlling blood sugar. Try to aim for 150 minutes...
Psoriasis
Most of us have all heard of psoriasis, however, many of us may not understand what psoriasis is. What is psoriasis?Psoriasis is a condition of the skin in which red, scaly patches appear on the skin. Commonly patches are whitish to silver and develop into thick red patches. How do I get...
Plastics and Your Health
Plastics and Our HealthFor our modern society, plastic is one of the most useful and versatile inventions. Practically everything we touch, eat, or drink involves some sort of plastic on a daily basis. We buy our food in plastic bags and containers, we buy drinks and water in plastic jugs and...
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
by Teresa Richter, NDMany women have irregular cycles, ovarian pain, and problems with fertility. Some of these issues have been linked to PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome). What is PCOS you may be thinking? PCOS is a group of clinical presentations characterized by ovarian cysts present on both...
Migraines
by Teresa Richter, NDA migraine is a very painful headache. Migraines are complex in nature exhibiting many more symptoms than an everyday headache. Migraines are 20-30% more common in women than men. There are a few different types of migraine headaches and all arise from a variety of...
The Silent Signs of Stress and How it's Affecting Your Health
by Teresa Richter, NDStress. Stress is everywhere, all the time. Even if you don’t realize it, it is there. Have you been having some new health issues coming up lately? Is your body not quite acting right? There is a really good chance that it is due to stress. These past seven months have...
Erectile Dysfunction
What every man should know…by Teresa Richter, NDWhat is Erectile Dysfunction (ED)? ED is a common condition that affects many men. It’s the inability to get or keep an erection firm enough to have sex. While it may be embarrassing when this situation arises, it is important to not ignore it. It...
Vaginal Dryness
Vaginal Dryness… Have you noticed something is different? Has sex become uncomfortable or painful? If so, you could be 1 of the millions of women affected by vaginal dryness which is an uncomfortable, common condition. You do not have to be menopausal to experience vaginal dryness since it...
Low Dose Naltrexone and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Chronic fatigue is a serious issue that affects millions of people around the world daily. There are different theories as to what causes Chronic Fatigue Syndrome or Myalgic Encephalomyelitis, but there are no specific treatments at this time. For many, it is a daily uphill battle against their...
What is the Difference Between A Cold and A Flu?
By Teresa Richter, NDIt is that time of year again where we are trying our hardest to fight off the latest virus. When you are around others who are sick or have caught something yourself, it can sometimes be confusing as to what you have contracted. Knowing the difference between the symptoms can...
Should I Stifle a Fever?
By Teresa Richter, NDWe’ve all been there, stuck in bed, sniffling, sneezing, coughing, body aches, shivering, feeling like death warmed over. Your first inclination may be to take something to bring your fever down. We have all been taught since childhood, if you have a fever, take something to...
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
Can a UTI cause testicle pain?
Yes, a UTI can lead to possibly prostatitis or epididymitis which can lead to testicular pain. READ MORE
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 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. READ MORE
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 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. READ MORE
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 throat and white exudate coming from the tonsils, it is best to go to the doctor for a strep test. READ MORE
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 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. READ MORE
Can I take Lipo-B injections and Saxenda at the same time?
Yes READ MORE
Does the flu shot affect blood sugar in diabetics?
No, it does not. READ MORE
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. READ MORE
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 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. READ MORE
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 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. READ MORE
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 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. READ MORE
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 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. READ MORE
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 has calmed down. READ MORE
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
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. READ MORE
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 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. READ MORE
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 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. READ MORE
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 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. READ MORE
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 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. READ MORE
Areas of expertise and specialization
Faculty Titles & Positions
- Affiliate Clinic Faculty of the School of Naturopathic Medicine Bastyr University 2015 - Present
Awards
- Best of Kirkland Naturopathic/Holistic 2018 Kirkland Award Program
- Best of Kirkland Naturopathic/Holistic 2019 Kirkland Award Program
- Women in Medicine 2020 2020 Find A Top Doc
Professional Memberships
- The American Association of Naturopathic Physicians
- Washington Association of Naturopathic Physicians
Professional Society Memberships
- Washington Association of Naturopathic Physicians, American Association of Naturopathic Physicians
Teaching and speaking
- Professional Teaching Assistant-Bastyr University-Clinical Laboratory Diagnosis Laboratory.Affiliate Clinical Faculty of the School of Naturopathic Medicine-Bastyr University
Dr. Teresa Richter, ND's Practice location
Kirkland Natural Medicine
634 7th Ave -Kirkland, WA 98033Get Direction
Dr. Teresa Richter, ND's reviews
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Media Releases
Get to know Naturopathic Physician, Dr. Teresa Richter, who serves patients in Kirkland, Washington.
Treating the whole person and not just a set of symptoms, Dr. Richter is a naturopathic physician who guides those seeking optimal health and holistic approaches to health concerns through patient-centered care. With empathy, unconditional positive regard, innovative personalized treatment plans and cutting-edge naturopathic methods, she partners with patients to help them look and feel their best.
At her private practice in Kirkland, Washington, Dr. Richter utilizes 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 she treats are allergies, chronic pain, digestive issues, obesity, heart disease, fertility, menopause, cancer, and chronic fatigue syndrome.
Academically, Dr. Richter holds a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine degree and a Bachelor of Science degree in Herbal Sciences from Bastyr University, the leading institution in natural medicine. Her 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 an underserved population. In addition to the required coursework, she did elective study in craniosacral therapy, homeopathy, ayurvedic medicine, aromatherapy, pain management, and IV therapy.
Currently serving as the Vice President of the Washington Association of Naturopathic Physicians, Dr. Richter sits as the Chair of the Education Committee. She is also an active member of the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians and a volunteer doctor for Girl Scouts of America. Since 2015, she has been serving on the Affiliate Clinic Faculty of the School of Naturopathic Medicine at Bastyr University.
Placing a strong emphasis on natural remedies, her determination with her own health issues inspires her to help others and helps her to better understand her patients. She constantly works to improve her own skills as a doctor so that she can help her patients enjoy better health.
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.
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OVERLAKE HOSPITAL MEDICAL CENTERl
1035-116TH AVE NE BELLEVUE WA 98004EVERGREENHEALTH MEDICAL CENTERl
12040 NE 128TH STREET KIRKLAND WA 98034SEATTLE CHILDREN'S HOSPITALl
4800 SAND POINT WAY NE, PO BOX C-5371 SEATTLE WA 98105