As a naturopathic doctor, I’m here to support your body’s natural ability to heal and function optimally, but I approach this with a strict focus on science and results. Unlike some naturopathic practitioners, I do not use herbs, organic teas, or plant-based supplements. My approach is centered on two key areas: optimizing nutrition and detoxifying harmful toxins from your body.

So, what exactly is a naturopathic doctor? A naturopathic doctor combines the wisdom of natural healing with the rigor of modern science. We look at the whole person, identifying and removing barriers to your health, and creating a healing environment both inside and out. But in my practice, this means focusing specifically on addressing toxicities like heavy metals, mold, and infection-related toxins, and correcting nutritional deficiencies that might be contributing to your condition.

My practice is particularly focused on helping individuals with neurodegenerative diseases such as ALS, MS, dementia, and Parkinson’s, as well as those suffering from toxin-related conditions, anxiety, and depression. I believe in getting to the root of your health issues through comprehensive testing, which is not optional in my care—it’s a critical part of how we get the detailed insights needed to craft an effective, personalized treatment plan.

If you’re dealing with complex health challenges and are ready for a no-nonsense, science-driven approach, I’m here to help you detoxify, nourish, and take control of your health. Together, we’ll work to create a plan that’s tailored to your specific needs, giving you the best chance at improving your quality of life.

Naturopathic doctors (NDs) undergo extensive training, beginning with the completion of a four-year undergraduate degree. This is followed by four years at one of the accredited naturopathic medical schools. I graduated magna cum laude from the University of Bridgeport College of Naturopathic Medicine and hold a B.S. in Biology from Ramapo College in New Jersey.

A naturopathic medical education includes comprehensive studies in basic medical sciences, clinical medical sciences, naturopathic principles and therapeutics, and more than 1,500 hours of supervised clinical experience. Similar to MDs and DOs, NDs must pass a rigorous board examination known as NPLEX (Naturopathic Physicians Licensing Examinations). Part one of NPLEX is taken after the completion of the second year and covers biomedical sciences, while part two, taken after graduation, tests clinical skills and knowledge. Successfully passing both parts leads to licensure as a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine (ND).

I focus on uncovering the root causes of your chronic health issues, particularly neurodegenerative diseases like ALS, MS, dementia, Parkinson’s, and toxin-related conditions. My approach is thorough and personalized, which is why extensive testing is a non-negotiable part of my process. You must undergo testing to be my patient because it’s the only way we can get a precise understanding of what’s truly affecting your health. These tests allow us to identify hidden toxicities—such as heavy metals, mold, and infection-related toxins—as well as nutritional deficiencies that may be contributing to your condition.

Before your first appointment, I take the time to do a deep dive into your health history at no charge. This helps me gain a comprehensive understanding of your background and the factors that might be impacting your health, so we can hit the ground running when we meet. My goal is to provide you with a treatment plan that’s tailored specifically to your needs, addressing both toxicity and nutritional imbalances to help you achieve the best possible outcomes.

Acupuncture is a therapeutic practice that involves the precise insertion of very thin needles into specific points on the body, known as meridians. These meridians are pathways through which the body’s energy, or “Qi” (pronounced “chee”), flows. By stimulating these points, acupuncture can directly influence the body’s electrical and energetic systems, promoting balance and healing.

When it comes to neurodegenerative diseases such as ALS, MS, dementia, and Parkinson’s, acupuncture can be a powerful complementary therapy. Neurodegenerative conditions often involve disruptions in the nervous system, leading to symptoms like muscle weakness, tremors, cognitive decline, and chronic pain. Acupuncture works by helping to restore the body’s natural energy flow, which can improve nerve function, reduce inflammation, and alleviate pain.

In addition, acupuncture has been shown to help manage symptoms related to these conditions, such as anxiety, depression, and insomnia. By targeting specific points that influence the brain and nervous system, acupuncture can enhance overall well-being, improve quality of life, and provide relief from some of the debilitating symptoms associated with neurodegenerative diseases.

While acupuncture is not a cure for neurodegenerative conditions, it can be an important part of a holistic treatment plan aimed at managing symptoms and slowing down the progression of the disease. When used alongside other treatments, acupuncture can help you achieve better physical and emotional balance, supporting your body’s natural healing processes.

Acupuncture works by tapping into the body’s natural ability to heal and regulate itself. When acupuncture needles are inserted into specific points on your body, they stimulate processes that can improve blood flow and create beneficial electrical charges in your tissues.

One key aspect of how acupuncture works is related to nitric oxide (NO), a molecule that helps dilate, or widen, your blood vessels. This increased blood flow can bring more oxygen and nutrients to your tissues, promoting healing and reducing inflammation. Additionally, the pressure from the needles can create something called piezoelectricity—a type of electrical charge generated by pressure on certain tissues like bone and collagen. This charge helps regulate cellular processes and supports tissue repair.

These effects can be particularly beneficial for people dealing with neurodegenerative diseases like ALS, MS, dementia, and Parkinson’s. By improving circulation, enhancing the immune system, and promoting tissue healing, acupuncture can help manage symptoms, reduce pain, and support overall well-being. It’s a natural way to help your body work better and feel better, especially when used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.

Acupuncture involves inserting very thin needles into specific points on the body, and while some points can be more sensitive than others, the sensation is usually not what most people would describe as painful. Instead, you might feel a mild pressure, tingling, or an electric-like sensation. This is because most of the pain receptors are located in the skin, and the acupuncture needle quickly passes through the skin to reach deeper pressure receptors, which are less sensitive to pain.

You might also experience sensations of warmth or coolness around the area where the needle is inserted. These are normal responses and part of the body’s natural reaction to the treatment.

It’s important to remember that everyone’s perception of pain is different. Some people find acupuncture to be a deeply relaxing experience, while others might feel the needle sensation a bit more strongly. In Chinese hospitals, patients often request stronger stimulation during acupuncture, while in North American clinics, people might prefer a gentler approach. I always adjust the treatment to your comfort level, ensuring that the experience is as pleasant and effective as possible.

The number of acupuncture sessions you’ll need really depends on your specific condition and how your body responds to treatment. For some, noticeable improvements can happen after just a few sessions, especially if the issue is relatively recent or mild. However, for chronic conditions or more complex health issues, such as neurodegenerative diseases like ALS, MS, dementia, or Parkinson’s, a longer course of treatment may be necessary to achieve the best results.

Typically, I recommend starting with a series of treatments, often once or twice a week, and then reassessing your progress. As we see how your body responds, we can adjust the frequency and duration of your sessions. Some patients may continue with regular treatments over a longer period to maintain their progress and support ongoing wellness.

Ultimately, my goal is to create a treatment plan that’s tailored to your unique needs, helping you achieve the best possible outcomes in a way that feels manageable and supportive for you.

You’ll know acupuncture is working by paying attention to the changes in how you feel, both physically and emotionally. Some signs that treatment is effective include:

Symptom Relief: You may notice a reduction in the symptoms that brought you in for treatment, whether it’s less pain, improved mobility, better sleep, or reduced anxiety. Even small changes can be a good indicator that your body is responding.

Increased Energy and Well-being: Many patients report feeling more energized, relaxed, and balanced after their sessions. If you start to feel more like yourself and notice an overall sense of well-being, it’s a sign that acupuncture is supporting your health.

Improved Function: Whether it’s better digestion, clearer thinking, or enhanced mood, improvements in everyday functions can indicate that your treatment is on the right track.

Gradual Progress: Acupuncture often works cumulatively, meaning that the benefits build over time. If you notice consistent, gradual improvements, it’s a good sign that your body is healing and responding well to the treatment.

It’s important to communicate with me about what you’re experiencing, both positive changes and any concerns. This helps us fine-tune your treatment plan to ensure you’re getting the most out of your sessions.

Remember, everyone’s healing journey is different, and noticing even subtle shifts can be a strong indication that the acupuncture is working for you.

• No. Good News Naturopathic Clinic is considered an Out of Network provider and, as such, does not contract with insurance companies. Please confirm with your insurance company that you have Out of Network benefits.
• At the end of the evaluation, upon request, we will provide you with a “Superbill” containing the applicable diagnosis and billing code, which can then be submitted to insurance companies for possible reimbursement.  Although under many PPO plans, out-of-network services are paid at 60-80% rate, we strongly urge you to check with your insurance company to find out the coverage prior to your office visit.
• Good News Naturopathic Clinic does not guarantee payment from insurance companies.

A superbill is an appropriately coded bill produced by your doctor based on the type of visit you received and the reason for your visit. A superbill is coded for insurance purposes and is different from an invoice or receipt. If you have a PPO plan, you can submit a superbill to your insurance company for services received from your Naturopathic doctor and receive reimbursement for a portion of the fees you paid to your doctor’s office. Ask us to provide you with a superbill at the end of each visit. Call your insurance company to find out exactly how they would like a superbill submitted – generally, sending a copy of your insurance card along with the printed superbill to the mailing address on the back of your insurance card is all you need to do. If your insurance company recognizes us as out-of-network services, they will reimburse you the costs (or a portion of the costs) of your visit.

Yes. It is very possible that some insurance companies will deny your claim or only give very minimum coverage. Even though under the new Affordable Care Act, the insurance company (especially PPO plans) may not discriminate board-certified and licensed Naturopathic doctors practicing within the licensed state, there are still some insurance companies that are not up-to-date with their policies. So please make sure to ask your individual insurance agents about coverage to Good News Naturopathic Clinic prior to your visit.

• Routine conventional labs can be done through your insurances. Although insurance coverage is likely, but it is not a guarantee (this is true for MD services as well).
• Functional lab testing is often not covered by your insurance, but we encourage you to submit a reimbursement claim for any tests done; it is always best to pay at the time of service for functional lab test kits to assure a much lower prepay rate; if submitted through insurance and subsequently unable to be covered, the lab may bill you at the higher insurance rate.
• For those labs that don’t bill insurance, we will provide you a superbill with CPT codes upon request. Please note that we cannot guarantee payment or reimbursement by your carrier as every insurance plan is different.

FSA, HSA, and other HRA accounts may pay for vitamins or other supplements prescribed by us; a letter of medical necessity is often required for reimbursement. We can help you getting the right information for these plans.

• Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plans allow you to choose your doctor and hospital from the PPO network or out-of-network providers like us.
• A Health Savings Account (HSA) is a medical savings account, which allows patients to save money in a tax-free account, and naturopathic services are often covered with HSAs. We encourage patients to use HSAs for lab tests as well as natural neutraceuticals prescribed by naturopathic doctors.
• A Flexible Spending Account (FSA) is a benefit provided by some employers. This is another great way to add a flexibility to your health management options. You can use the FSAs for our service and all related lab tests and supplements that we prescribe. 
• Other Health Reimbursement Accounts (HRA) are employer funded health benefit plans that can be used for reimbursement of out of pocket medical expenses and individual health insurance premiums. They can be used to pay medical expenses just like an FSA account.
• Some people opt for high-deductible health plans just to cover for something catastrophic. In this choice, you may pay a lower monthly premium, freeing up your monthly healthcare budget for out-of-pocket expenses such as Naturopathic doctor visits, lab tests and supplements (similar to Health Savings Account). You can submit superbills and lab bills you receive from naturopathic doctor to your insurance company, which may start counting those expenses toward your deductible cap. If something catastrophic does happen and you haven’t reached your cap, you will have to pay out of pocket until your insurance kicks in. You should first make sure you are comfortable with the out-of-pocket costs should something catastrophic happen. (Source: calnd.org)

• Make sure to call your insurance company and ask about the out-of-network coverage for Naturopathic doctors. However, many insurance companies’ customer service representatives have never heard of Naturopathic doctors, or do not know what we are licensed to do in this state. If they ask what a Naturopathic doctor is, you can tell them, “Naturopathic doctors are licensed specialists in the state of Connecticut.”
• It never hurts to submit your superbill to your insurance company. We are finding that many companies will reimburse a portion of your out of pocket costs.

• Your first appointment will last approximately 60 – 90 minutes. Please fill out the intake forms and submit them to us prior to your first appointment.  The questionnaires can be found in your patient portal after confirming your appointment. We are happy to mail, fax, or email patient forms to you as well. This policy helps maximize your appointment time and gives Dr. Ahn sufficient time to go over your case for a more efficient and fruitful meeting.
• Bring in any medications and supplements that you are currently taking. We will discuss your health concerns, perform any pertinent physical exams, determine if any lab/imaging work needs to be completed or requested and discuss following options.
• Your second visit will be approximately 60 – 90 minutes and should be scheduled between two to six weeks from the first visit. We will review all labs and/or imaging that were performed during the time in between.

All follow up appointments will range from 30 – 45 minutes, depending on complexity. These are necessary to ensure your health is improving and make adjustments to your plan. If you are coming from long distance, occasional tele-conferencing can be arranged to minimize traveling time.

Unfortunately, we are not able to offer payment plan options. Since the big part of the payment you make go towards the testing fees, which we must pay to the labs when you submit your test samples, we are unable to offer any payment plan option at this time.

• While you are not required to purchase the products we recommend from our e-Dispensary, the majority of the supplements we recommend as part of our protocols are available through companies such as as e-Dispensary on our website. At the end of each consultation, if Dr.Ahn finds any need for nutritional supplements, she will send the prescription to the e-Dispensary, and it will be ready for you. This not only simplifies your ordering/re-ordering process but is also a safe choice.
• We strongly recommend that you DO NOT purchase your supplements from online sources such as amazon.com and ebay. There have been too many documented cases of individuals receiving cheap, counterfeit supplements through Amazon and eBay. To ensure that you are getting the right, high quality nutrients, we only recommend purchasing supplements directly from the manufacturers themselves, from certified distributors, or from companies that purchase from certified distributors.
• Please watch the following news clip about counterfeit supplements products:
  • “Bogus” Herbal Supplements Fail Ingredient Test Investigation

We understand that there may be extenuating circumstances; however, we request that you cancel or reschedule your appointment at least 48 hours in advance. You will be charged 50% of your office visit for a missed appointment or appointments not canceled at least 48 hours before the scheduled visit.