Naturopathic medicine, or naturopathy, is an integrative approach to healthcare that treats the whole person, identifies the root cause of illness, and prioritizes natural therapies to support the body’s healing process. Rather than simply suppressing symptoms, it seeks to uncover and address underlying causes, using the least intervention necessary to promote gentle, safe, and long-lasting well-being.

At Aspen Integrative Medical Center in Flagstaff, Arizona, Drs. Paul Despres and Alexandra Mele—both licensed naturopathic doctors in the state of Arizona—blend traditional medicine, naturopathic medicine, conventional allopathic care, physical medicine, and cutting-edge therapies to help patients restore and maintain optimal health. Our providers frequently collaborate on patient cases, sharing insights to maximize treatment outcomes.

We firmly believe our integrative approach represents the future of medicine. Our mission is to elevate the “standard of care,” continuously seeking innovative ways to better serve you and your healthcare needs.

Despite advancements in modern medicine, the conventional healthcare model—often referred to as the “standard of care”—struggles to fully meet the needs of individuals and communities. Chronic disease has reached epidemic levels in the United States, largely driven by an over-reliance on medications that manage symptoms rather than addressing the root causes of illness.

Pharmaceutical and insurance companies, often guided by a profit-first mentality, play a significant role in shaping medical education, research, and treatment guidelines. As a result, conventional doctors are typically trained within a framework that prioritizes pharmaceutical and procedural interventions, which can limit the range of treatment options available to patients.

At Aspen Integrative Medical Center, we believe the future of medicine lies in an integrative approach—one that is healing-oriented, patient-centered, and considers the whole person, including lifestyle and environmental influences. Our approach emphasizes a strong therapeutic relationship between practitioner and patient, is informed by evidence, and incorporates the best of conventional, naturopathic, and functional medicine to help you achieve optimal health.

Did you know that the average primary care physician (PCP) spends just 18 minutes with each patient? In that short time, it’s nearly impossible to fully understand your health history, assess the complexity of your symptoms, perform a thorough physical exam, and create a truly individualized treatment plan.

To be clear, PCPs are dedicated professionals doing their best in an overburdened system. The challenge lies within the structure of conventional healthcare, which often prioritizes efficiency over comprehensive, patient-centered care.

At Aspen Integrative Medical Center, we believe there’s a better way. Our naturopathic approach allows for deeper understanding, personalized treatment, and a focus on long-term health. You deserve care that takes the time to address your unique needs.

Our naturopathic physicians are highly trained to treat a wide variety of acute and chronic health concerns.

FULL LIST OF CONDITIONS WE COMMONLY TREAT

This includes, but is not limited to: 

• Primary care and general concerns
• Chronic fatigue
• Gastrointestinal disorders
• Autoimmune disease such as rheumatoid arthritis, Lupus, Sjogren’s
• Women’s health concerns
• Men’s health concerns
• Skin disorders and rashes
• Hypermobile spectrum disorders
• Cardiovascular disease including high cholesterol and hypertension
• Thyroid disorders
• Acute and chronic pain such as headaches, migraines, joint pain, arthritis, sciatica
• TMJ disorders
• Asthma
• Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS)
• Mold and/or mycotoxin illness
• Mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS)
• Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS)
• Acute and long covid-19
• Neurodegenerative disorders and cognitive decline
• Anxiety, depression, and other mood disorders
• Traumatic brain injuries and concussions
• Environmental toxicity
• Allergies
• And much more! 

Our naturopathic physicians integrate a variety of holistic treatments that address the root cause of your condition while minimizing side effects. These include:

• • Dietary and lifestyle changes 
  • Vitamins, minerals, and supplements
  • Botanical medicine
  • Homeopathy
  • Detoxification protocols
  • Visceral manipulation and Craniosacral therapy
  • IV therapy
  • Ozone therapy
  • Biotherapeutic drainage
  • Hormone replacement therapy
  • Hyperbaric oxygen therapy
  • Low Dose Immunotherapy (LDI)
  • Regenerative joint injections such as prolozone
  • Deep tissue laser therapy
  • Neurofeedback
  • Hydrotherapy and sauna therapy
  • Pharmaceuticals when necessary

As part of your care, naturopathic physicians may recommend lab testing (blood, urine, stool, culture, etc.) through Labcorp, Sonora Quest, Patient’s Choice, and/or other specialty labs to help identify the root cause of your symptoms.

Our physicians specialize in standard and specialty lab testing including:

• Bloodwork such as CBC, CMP, lipids, thyroid testing, autoimmune disease testing, sex hormones, inflammation markers, and so forth
• Allergy testing
• Food sensitivity testing
• Functional gastrointestinal testing – stool testing, SIBO breath testing
• Hormone testing – blood, urine, saliva
• Heavy metal testing – typically urine
• Lyme disease and co-infection testing including Bartonella, Babesia, Mycoplasma
• Other infectious disease testing – EBV, CMV, HPV, HSV, etc. 
• Organic acid testing (OAT)
• Environmental toxicity – glyphosate, environmental toxins
• Mold and mycotoxin testing
• And much more!

We also frequently write orders for x-rays, MRIs, bone density scans, and so forth depending on your symptoms.

During your first visit, our naturopathic physicians will spend 60–90 minutes thoroughly reviewing your health history, determining necessary diagnostic tests, performing a relevant physical exam, and creating a personalized, comprehensive treatment plan. Follow-up visits typically range from 15–60 minutes, depending on your needs.