Satisfied Patients
After suffering a lifetime of chronic allergies and having exhausted all of the conventional routes, I turned to Dr. Christie Winkelman, at Insights to Health, in the fall of 2009.
Dr. Winkelman was very generous with her time and attention to me and soon got me on a course of action that involved many different modalities such as dietary modification, homeopathy, supplements and self-care treatments.
I was amazed at how fast I responded to the treatment. In fact, it exceeded my expectations. I thought that going the "natural route" would be long, arduous, self-sacrificing and that I would have to be very patient before I would notice a change. Within the first month, so many my symptoms were resolved and through this process over the next couple of months, I had nothing short of a total revelation about my health and how everything is interrelated. Now that I feel the way I do now (with abundant energy, no crippling fatigue and lethargy, and no more constant coughing over post-nasal drip) I can't believe that I spent so much of my life in such poor health. I am completely transformed. Most importantly, I have been doing great this spring - with hardly any allergy symptoms.
Insights to Health lives up to its name. This has been a very enlightening journey for me as I have finally gotten to the root of my health problems under Dr. Winkelman's care. I feel that my time and energy has been very well spent coming to Dr. Winkelman. She has provided me with so much education and direction and encouragement and thanks to her, I can keep up with my busy life instead of spending my days in an allergy-induced fog.
This past winter, I brought in my children for treatment, and I must add that Dr. Winkelman's care was extremely effective. Instead of the runny nose that usually lasts all winter, my four-year old's cold was gone within the week. I was also very impressed with Dr. Winkelman when she called to check in and see how my kids were doing after their visit.
Another courtesy I would like to mention is that Insights to Health will handle billing insurance on their patient's behalf and my provider has covered all of my visits and labwork.
C.K., 37 year old female, Portland, OR
I've seen Dr. Huffman for various health concerns over the course of the last year. She helped me to improve my overall health through diet and specific health-promoting protocols, as well as including some specific herbs and supplements into my daily routine that targeted my specific complaints. She addressed my chief concerns by treating the some underlying determinants of health, like my digestion. My problems have taken a long time to develop and can't be fixed overnight. She helped me understand that. But I've already made great strides under her care and can see improvement that shows me I'm moving in the right direction. I couldn't ask for a better cheerleader in this process.
S.M., 32 year old male, Portland, OR
When Western medicine failed to acknowledge I even had a problem, or that there might be a non-pharmaceutical method for treating it, I decided to look into naturopathy. A skeptic at first, I am now a firm believer that naturopathy is the most natural, safe, and effective form of healthcare.
Though the idea of taking a pill to alleviate all of my problems seemed alluring, it ultimately proved ineffective. After countless trials with different types of birth control pills and anti-depressants, I determined that conventional medicine’s cure was worse than the illness. As a result, I gave up treatment altogether and resigned myself to living with a sometimes-debilitating hormonal imbalance. One day, in desperation, I searched online and found Dr. Christie Winkelman, a naturopath who (according to her Internet profile) had worked with many women experiencing similar hormonal issues.
Under Dr. Christie’s care, I have learned how the physical, mental, emotional, and even spiritual aspects of my life are all connected and interrelated. From this perspective, Insights to Health offers the kind of coordinated care every patient dreams of—one in which the well-being of the entire person is both recognized and validated. My journey into naturopathy began by focusing on diet and nutrition. With great patience and understanding, Dr. Christie eased me through the lifestyle changes I needed to make.
Eventually, however, my treatment plan became about so much more. I began to receive neurofeedback from Dr. Gil Winkelman to stabilize depression and anxiety. Once stabilized, the doctors helped me gain insights and forge new thought patterns about the way I see my body, my relationship to others, and the world around me. After just one year, I feel like a completely different person—someone who has been transformed from the inside out and not the other way around. This is important because our culture tends to glorify external transformations at the expense of internal ones. These changes, however, are often short-term in nature.
Thanks to the doctors at Insights to Health, I believe I have made long-term changes because I am a partner in my own treatment and healthcare rather than a passive recipient of a pill. Not only did we address the hormonal imbalance, which originally brought me there, but we have rooted out the causes of so many of my life-long struggles—things like perfectionism and social anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive thinking, and the emotional issues surrounding food and eating.
A year ago, friends and family wanted to tell me their problems because they thought I was a sympathetic ear and a good listener. Today, they want to know what my secret is because I look and feel better than ever before. I am losing weight, gaining energy, increasing my efficiency at work, and enjoying a deep sense of life satisfaction. On the path to becoming my true and best self, I am finally the healthy, loving, and balanced person I always wanted to be!
J.R., 40-year-old female, Portland, OR
Dr. Brooke has provided excellent naturopathic care for our children. She has been able to look broadly at an illness to figure out how serious it is and to treat it in a way that addresses the cause, even when that cause is not so obvious. She relates with them in a respectful, relaxed way that puts them at ease. They are healthier for her care and we sure appreciate that!
C.G., 40 year old female, Portland, OR
This cleanse has been nothing short of totally transformational, and not just a physical transformation. Of course, I am thrilled to have lost 25 pounds at this point and I am feeling great in my clothes, but this has done way more for me on multiple levels. The length of time and adherence to the program has changed long-standing behavior patterns surrounding food and has given me a clarity regarding compulsive eating that I have never experienced before. I am enjoying physical health and a radiant sense of well-being. The detox has felt like a vacation for my body. Instead of feeling like it was overly restrictive, I enjoyed the simplicity and freedom of the program. Overall, the most profound discovery for me was breaking the bad blood sugar roller coaster. Before the detox, I was in survival mode: crashing and unable to function when I had a dip in blood sugar that left me craving coffee, chocolate and sugary, floury things to get another lift, and then crashing even more after eating. My weight continued to increase in this endless cycle and I was a wreck. I have never before experienced such a tremendous, even, balanced and consistent energy level. This program has brought me out of the downward spiral and into a whole new orientation in which I can let my body provide me with ample energy without relying on unhealthy substances for short term bursts of energy with bad consequences for my health.
Thank you, Dr. Christie!
C.K., 38 year old female, Portland, OR
I cannot say enough about both Drs. Gil and Christie Winkelman, Naturopathic Physicians. They are both incredibly talented doctors and amazing human beings. They have the perfect combination of wisdom and intellect, along with loving kindness and compassion. I've been a yo yo dieter for more than 20 years, and to finally find a program (Insights to Health's 21-Day Weight Loss and Detox) that feels like it's more about healing from the inside rather than obsession with how I look, was refreshing. Dr. Christie's guidance and especially her responsiveness and accessibility via e-mail to answer questions, along with the proven protocols, supported me in shedding 30 pounds over the summer. I feel like I now have the knowledge and understanding of my body to be able to maintain my health and weight from this point forth. I feel great physically, mentally and emotionally. I am so very grateful for the process.
D.M., 39 year old female, Portland, OR
I'm newer to ITH, originally going for a Groupon.
First, I'll say that Dr. Christie Winkelman does one of the most detailed health histories I've ever seen. Not only did I have 6 pages of paperwork to complete before I got there, she had actually spent time reviewing it before I met her and jotted down some notes so we could discuss more. Their approach is holistic, and I mean it - they were counselors before they were NDs.
Next, I'll say you feel like you are being heard, and that you matter. They are not there to tell you what's wrong with you - they're there to help put everything in balance.
Finally, this is NOT cheap - seriously. If you have insurance, use it. If you don't... don't be surprised if each visit is about $200, including medicinary. However, personally, I think it's worth it.
P.F., 48 year old female, Portland, OR
Working with Dr. Christie Winkelman has helped me to get my life back. When I first saw her, I suffered with fatigue, joint pain, digestive difficulties, and many other “minor” symptoms that I felt were messages my body was trying to send me. I felt hopeless because doctors I’d gone to previously hadn’t been able to help, and worse, made me feel like I was a hypochondriac.
Dr. Winkelman believed me and has worked with me and supported me through a journey that’s lasted 2.5 years so far. I have done my best to follow her recommended treatment plans. I have made changes in lifestyle, eating habits, sleeping patterns, and more. When I fall back into old habits, or am unable to follow a treatment plan 100%, I forgive myself and start up again as I am able.
The results are that I feel energetic and alive again. My joints no longer ache, my digestion is improved, the other “minor” symptoms have all cleared up, and I’ve lost 30 pounds of excess weight effortlessly. We were able to facilitate these positive changes even in the midst of a chaotic period of life that included 5 moves, 2 job changes, and a divorce.
The short message is that working with Dr. Christie can change your life. All it takes is the will to be better, the determination to change, and the perseverance to follow those treatment plans!
Thank you, Dr. Winkelman!
C.S., 50 year old female, Minneapolis, MN
My journey to naturopathic medicine was certainly not planned, but has been life changing. I had no expectations either high or low, but what I discovered and learned along the way has exceeded any expectations I might have had. Dr. Christie has a large capacity for compassion and most important listens to everything you say and also seems to understand the things you might not be able to express. I am getting results and feel better than I have in years! I am also learning that the part of naturopathic medicine that I did not anticipate is learning to be proactive and invest in your body, change your lifestyle instead of waiting for everything to collapse! Dr. Christie has taught me to look at the physicial, emotional and spiritual aspects of my life; they are all connected and need to work in harmony. This has been a life changing experience and I am so grateful my journey led me to Dr. Christie!
N.M., 55 year old female, Portland, OR
Internet research led me to Dr. Christie Winkelman, hoping to get off the asthma medication I had been on for 35 years ~ I wanted to give my body a rest from the ongoing medications. I have been free of the daily asthma medications for almost two years and can count on one hand the occasions I have needed an emergency inhaler over the past 14 months. Dr. Winkelman's gentle and thorough approach to health has not only greatly improved my breathing, but has also helped me lose 50 pounds, improve my blood chemistry, and I am virtually free from arthritis pain and stiffness. I am working with Dr. Gil Winkelman and neurofeedback to regulate my blood pressure.
I continue to make life-style improvements and have greatly benefited from both of the Dr. Winkelman's holistic approach to patient care: their ongoing support of me as a person and their continual encouragement is helping me meet challenges and accomplish personal goals.
D.S., 63 year old female, Portland, OR
I finally became tired of thinking about losing the weight I'd gained after my children were born. I was ready to act! Dr. Christie Winkelman guided me through her supportive, effective program, and I can't thank her enough. I lost 20 pounds in one month and have kept it off for a year and a half, thanks to my new healthy habits and knowledge of my body. Dr. Winkelman also taught me how some of my other health issues --such as low energy and hormonal imbalances--were related to my weight gain and we are addressing those as well. I feel great and am so proud to have reached this long term goal!
C.T., 40 year old female, Portland, OR
I have been receiving Neurofeedback for a few months and am loving the results. I feel more creative, smarter and more organized. I am reading faster and with greater comprehension. Overall, I feel sharper and more on top of my game. Most of all, I am grateful. Thanks, Dr. Gil. I feel extremely confident referring people to you for help, especially those with minor or major brain injuries.
M.M., 52 year old female, Portland, OR
When I decided to go to “Insights to Health” to see Dr. Gil Winkelman for the first time it was because like a lot of people, I wanted to explore what Naturopathic Medicine could offer. After having a couple of issues that came up with being a 40 year old male who hasn’t always eaten right throughout his life, but became fed up with conventional medical doctors who only had time to discuss two issues per visit, spending no more than fifteen minutes with me and then just handing me a bunch of prescriptions that really didn’t fix my problems and seemed to make things worse.
Well let’s just say that going Dr. Winkelman is not like going to any other doctor you have ever been to and to just give him a glowing recommendation is an understatement.
Dr. Gil Winkelman and Insights to Health is the best-kept health secret in Portland, Oregon because there is no other doctor in Portland that listens to your health problems and concerns with more knowledge, understanding and empathy than Dr. Winkelman does.
S.K., 42 year old male, Portland, OR
I have been so happy with the care that I have recieved for my two kids, ages 5 and 1. Dr. Christie Winkleman has given easy, simple steps that we have added to our routines to support their health. My husband was skeptical at first because they were helathy to begin with, but recently told me he was wrong and that he believes in what we are doing because the kids have continued to be healthy and thrive. It feels good to know that I am doing everything I can do support their health and development in these early stages of thier lives!
N.T., 36 year old female, Anacortes, WA
After consulting my primary care physician several times about the same health issues and not finding solutions, I was frustrated. I decided to see a naturopath, despite the fact that my insurance wouldn't help to defray the cost - and it has REALLY paid off! I have worked with Dr. Christie Winkelman for about six months (on a schedule I could afford), and she put together a customized treatment plan for me each time I saw her. The changes in diet and lifestyle that she has recommended have yielded great results - I'm feeling better and my body is behaving as it should. Dr. Winkelman's attentive, considered approach has been terrific!
M.G., 37 year old female, Portland, OR
For the most part, I am a healthy person, who takes care of myself. I have discovered that, as in most professions, even doctors can lose their zest for their work and I didn't always get the best advice or care. I was referred to Dr Christie Winkelman, ND and have finally found in her, a doctor who is passionate about patient care! I think of her as my "health detective" because she takes the time to listen to me, asks questions and does research, in order to resolve my health concerns. The clinic is new, has a great location & lots of free parking. It has a welcoming atmosphere and a hot beverage bar for patients. Very upscale!
J.J., 53 year old female, Portland, OR
After only three sessions of neurofeedback with Dr. Gil Winkelman, I am noticing a definite improvement in my concentration, focus, and ability to do many complex tasks without being overwhelmed. I feel as though I am finally coming out of a longstanding fog! In addition to having a gentle and kind bedside manner, Dr. Winkelman is very skilled and knowledgeable both about neurofeedback and medicine in general. He has also recommended natural medicines that have improved my overall health and well-being, and I look forward to further improving and maintaining my health with his holistic approach even after my neurofeedback sessions are over. I couldn't be more pleased.
C.S., 39 year old female, Portland, OR
I saw Dr. Gil Winkelman a number of times regarding some issues I had with sinus congestion. He suggested that I follow a 'anti-inflammatory' diet and prescribed some homeopathic remedies that were quite helpful. I noticed a definite improvement in my condition and was impressed by the connection between this diet and the congestion.
Dr. Winkelman was very knowledgeable about the possible naturopathic treatments and was very patient and easy to work with. I highly recommend him for your naturopathic doctor needs!
J.H., 44 year old male, Portland, OR
My previous encounters with conventional and naturopathic physicians have been infrequent, but always haphazard: prescriptions and remedies seem random and there's never enough follow-up to ensure that I am on the right path. So, Dr. Christie Winkelman is a welcome change: she has provided the coaching I needed to follow through with an effective treatment plan. She explained how she would investigate potential diagnoses, what diets would help, how remedies worked, when I should check-in. And most importantly, she did check-in and we did tweak the plan. This assurance motivated me to continue recommended remedies and my condition has resolved. I was very impressed with her positive diet recommendations: they focused on healing foods that I should eat rather than a list of forbidden foods. Denial just fires my desire, so this approach really worked for me.
M.S., 38 year old female, Oakland, CA
Our family has seen Dr. Gil Winkelman for several years. He is practical, insightful, and compassionate, and works well with adults as well as children. No matter our concern, acute or chronic, he has been able to help us. Dr. Winkelman has a special ability to understand what is going on at a deeper level, both physically and emotionally, and explain things to us in terms we can understand. He has taken the time to really get to know us, and has helped our whole family to experience a much higher level of health.
J.S., 43 year old female, Portland, OR
I just attended The Child's Journey: Maximizing Early Potential for a Lifetime of Wellness, and it was riveting. Dr. Christie Winkelman's presentation was interesting and educational. She presents information on caring for young children with a fresh perspective and incorporates ideas and theories not commonly presented on this topic. Perhaps most importantly, Dr. Winkelman's personality is such that one feels encouraged to ask questions and is put at ease. She is open, approachable, smart, intuitive, empathic,humble, and entertaining. I highly recommend her as a speaker and as a physician.
B.B., 40 year old female, Portland, OR
Providers
Dear Dr. Winkelman,
I wanted to take the time to thank you for taking such a specific and caring interest in each of your patients. As a licensed professional counselor working with adults and children alike experiencing trauma and other mental health concerns/disorders, it is so important that I refer with confidence to doctors that not only have great skills in healing their patients, but who also genuinely care for the patient's well-being.
I appreciate that my clients come back to me with postiive results from the medical attention your provided as well as the quailty of their relationship with you-including feeling heard and understood. Also, when I explained to you the specific needs of patients I was referring, you took the time to research their particular diagnosis and THEN apply the Natuorpathic and neurological treatment to them. Thank you. I look forward to the future of referring clients with confidence to you and rejoicing together in the incredible healing of patients we partner to serve.
Hannah Fischer, LPC, LMHC
The Four Rivers Center for Attachment, Trauma and Intimacy Disorders
