What is a Naturopathic Doctor (ND) in New York State?

In New York State, Naturopathic Doctors are healthcare professionals who have completed a 4-year post-graduate residential doctorate from an accredited naturopathic medical school (such as Bastyr University or NUNM). While NY State regulates the title 'Naturopathic Doctor' (ND), our practitioners focus on functional lab testing, clinical nutrition, botanical medicine, and lifestyle counseling to restore health balance.

How do I choose between booking with Dr. Ivy Branin and Dr. Pauline Hoang?

Both doctors provide root-cause naturopathic care. Dr. Ivy Branin specializes in complex natural fertility, preconception, egg quality, and hormone management. Dr. Pauline Hoang focuses on gut restoration (SIBO/IBS), holistic skin/acne protocols, pediatric wellness, and primary intake. If you're unsure where to start, we welcome you to book a Free 15-Minute Roadmap Call with Dr. Pauline.

Where is your practice located, and do you offer virtual appointments?

Our physical practice is located in Manhattan's West Village at 230 W 13th St #1B, New York, NY 10011. We offer both in-person consultations and virtual telehealth appointments for clients residing across New York State and globally.

What happens during an initial health consultation?

Your initial intake is a deep dive into your complete health history, diet, lifestyle, and goals. Rather than a rushed appointment, we collaborate to design a personalized, phased treatment plan that may include tailored clinical nutrition, herbal medicine, targeted supplementation, and specialized functional lab orders.

Do you accept health insurance?

We operate as an out-of-network practice to provide thorough, unhurried, root-cause care without insurance company restrictions. We provide itemized superbills upon request, which you can submit to your insurance carrier for potential out-of-network reimbursement. You can also use HSA/FSA funds for consultations, lab tests, and recommended supplements.

Can I receive naturopathic care virtually if I live outside NYC?

Yes! We offer virtual telehealth consultations for clients residing throughout New York State and worldwide. Through secure video appointments, we conduct initial intakes, review lab results, and monitor your care plan remotely.

Do you work with chronic health conditions?

Absolutely. We specialize in persistent concerns requiring deep investigation, including women's reproductive health and fertility (PCOS, endometriosis, irregular cycles), hormonal dysregulation (thyroid, adrenal fatigue, perimenopause/menopause), chronic GI issues (SIBO, IBS, leaky gut, bloating), skin conditions (acne, eczema), and pediatric wellness.

Are natural and botanical therapies safe to use alongside my prescription medications?

Safety is our highest priority. As licensed Naturopathic Doctors, we are rigorously trained in herb-drug and supplement-drug interactions. Before prescribing any natural protocols, we carefully evaluate your current medications to ensure total safety and compatibility.

How long does it usually take to see results with naturopathic care?

Because natural healing works by addressing biological root causes rather than covering up symptoms, timelines depend on individual health complexity. Many patients report initial improvements in energy, digestion, or sleep within 3 to 6 weeks, while regulating menstrual cycles, supporting fertility, or clearing skin conditions typically spans 3 to 6 months of targeted care.

Can you order comprehensive functional lab testing?

Yes. We order advanced functional lab testing alongside standard medical blood panels to get a complete picture of your physiology. Frequently ordered diagnostics include the DUTCH hormone test, comprehensive stool analysis for microbiome evaluation, SIBO breath tests, food sensitivity panels, and nutrient deficiency screenings.

Thunderbolt Pose (Vajrasana)

Sep 3

Written By Dr. Ivy Branin, ND

Shin-shin-toistu-do is a variation of yoga brought to Japan in the 1940s by Tempu Nakamura. This form of yoga focuses on developing Ki (life force) through seated and moving meditation, breath techniques and stretching. Vajrasana or seiza as it is known in Japanese is an important posture of this tradition as it helps to keep the body relaxed aiding in meditation. It was also the traditional way of sitting in Japan although now mostly practiced at tea ceremonies and martial arts.

Though it is simple in appearance, vajrasana offers many health benefits such as increasing blood circulation and strengthening sexual organs. It also helps with digestion, constipation and stomach dysfunction. Overall this pose is wonderful with the lower body, since it tonifies hips, thighs and calf muscles.

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Dr. Ivy Branin, ND

Written and medically reviewed by Dr. Ivy Branin, ND, Founder and Lead Naturopathic Doctor at Simplicity Health Associates in Manhattan's West Village.

Dr. Branin holds a Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine from Bastyr University (a 4-year accredited doctorate program) and a B.S. in Biochemical Engineering from Rutgers University.

Dr. Branin holds a licensed practice in Vermont and is an active member of the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians (AANP), the New York Association of Naturopathic Physicians (NYANP), the Pediatric Association of Naturopathic Physicians (PedANP), and serves on the board of the Association of Perinatal Naturopathic Physicians (APND).

Medical Disclaimer: Content on this site is provided strictly for educational purposes and does not constitute formal medical advice, diagnosis, or a doctor-patient relationship. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider regarding individual medical conditions.

https://www.simplicityhealthassociates.com/naturopathic-doctor-nyc

Thunderbolt Pose (Vajrasana)

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