Dr. Irene J. Valencia is a licensed Naturopathic Doctor and primary care provider, specializing in family medicine. In addition to managing acute and chronic disease in patients of all ages, Dr. Valencia is versed in hormone balancing, digestive health, natural approaches to the treatment of mood disorders and has a special interest in the role that environmental toxin exposure plays in the expression of complex chronic disease such as auto-immune, chronic fatigue and Lyme. Her areas of expertise include: clinical nutrition and detoxification, botanicals, intravenous nutrient therapy, women’s medicine, environmental medicine, and homeopathy. She is also one of the few ND’s on the Central Coast to offer an alternative treatment for cervical dysplasia and HPV infection, called cervical escharotic treatment.
Dr. Valencia draws from a wide range of clinical experience in medical facilities serving diverse populations, including pain management clinics, substance abuse facilities and women’s shelters. It was here, treating some of the most under-served populations, that she witnessed some of the most profound improvements using naturopathic therapies. Above all, Dr. V, as her patients call her, sees healing as a partnership between the patient and her, and strives to honor the unique make-up of each person that walks into her office with her treatment protocols. She is a firm believer in treating people first and diseases second.
Prior to her life in Santa Cruz, Dr. Valencia earned her BA from Barnard College, Columbia University in New York City and her medical degree from the Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine in Tempe, Arizona. In addition to her formal medical training, she is a certified Holistic Health Counselor from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, a level II Reiki practitioner and Thai Yoga Massage Therapy practitioner. In her free time, Dr. Irene can be found cooking up natural beauty products in her kitchen, logging hours on the mat for her yoga teacher training or seeking adventure around the world.
Dr. Valencia offers a free, 15-minute consultation for all new patients. Call to make your appointment today!