Frequently Asked Questions - Acupuncture, Classes & Seminars, Counseling, Massage, NeuroCranial Restructuring (NCR), Nurse Practioner Visit, Personalized Naturopathic Care, Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy (PEMF), and Vibrational Energy Medicine
Answers to your questions.
Dr. Hillary on your most frequent questions:
I've tried to answer some of the most frequent questions I receive about NCR, PEMF and other naturopathic care issues, but there's always more to share! I love to educate my patients and other professionals, so if you don't see your question answered below, then click here to send it to me and then check back again soon to see my response.
Featured FAQs
Is NCR 100% safe?
Three of the Naturopathic principles that could apply to this question are:
- FIRST DO NO HARM
- FIND THE CAUSE
- TREAT THE WHOLE PERSON
These three principles reflect Dr Hillary's philosophy and is WHY she is an NCR practitioner. This treatment can change so much, without having to do harmful procedures or prescribe medications.
The cranial manipulation procedure which is a small part of the overall treatment, but creates the true catalyst of change, is an invasive procedure and can cause a few seconds of discomfort or pressure. However, as a Naturopathic physician Dr Hillary follows the ND oath by helping you feel as safe and nurtured as possible during your treatment. When compared to surgery or harmful medications, NCR is a very safe procedure, but does have an element that is more than just Cranial Saccral or massage. You will notice and feel change immediately.
This is also a tricky question because no hands on treatment is 100% safe. It is vitally important to pick an updated and certified practitioner (recertification is every 2 years after the intensive 80 hour training) who caters to each patients needs, as NCR is different for each patient, and because NCR is a skilled procedure that takes years to learn effectively. Dr Hillary has over 15 years of clinical experience with NCR assessment, massage, and cranial therapy ,10 of those assisting Dr Dean Howell, teaching NCR massage technique, and training other NCR physicians, and the last 6 of those being in private practice performing the entire NCR treatment protocol. Experience is vital.
Common short duration side effects that we could see with treatment, are below. Remember, we are listing a large group of symptoms experienced over many people, and someone can exhibit one, two, or none at all. Dr Hillary also works with homeopathics, herbs, and techniques to aleviate any experienced symptoms during your treatment session.
a. Fatigue.
b. Sore nose, sore throat and/or sore facial areas.
c. Increased nasal mucus drainage.
d. Temporary worsening of sinus symptoms.
e. Bloody nose.
f. Aching or traveling pains or sensations in the head.
g. "Spaciness" or disorientation.
h. Reactions similar to influenza or head cold for up to three days.
i. Body soreness for a few days, which may be different from your typical patterns and temporarily more severe than usual.
j. Excitement, nervousness or euphoria interfering with sleep.
k. Change in fit of dentures or bridgework and/or structural facial changes.
l. Other individual reactions are possible and are generally mild and self-limiting.
Because it is a medical procedure of invasive nature (going into the nasal cavity) we are required to inform you of any "medical complications" that "could" happen related to invasive therapy, even though Dr Hillary has never experienced any of these complications with patients nor have any other practicing NCR physicians. Please feel free to read the NCR Release Form that each patient is required to sign for a list of these medical complications.
Dr Hillary feels that NCR is so safe and effective that she she treats herself, her daughter, her family, and you because she is confident in NCR's ability to decrease health complaints and improve quality of life. If NCR was dangerous she would not be subjecting you, your family, OR hers to the treatment.
Read here about experiencing severe anxiety related to treatment and if NCR is for you right now.
Why does Dr. Hillary not take health insurance for NeuroCranial Restructuring (NCR) treatment?
This is probably the number one question that I get asked by patients. First, I understand that everyone is paying high premiums, and we want our insurance to cover everything. Secondly, both Montana and Washington acknowledge Naturopathic Physicians as Primary Care Doctors and will pay for some coverage, depending on your plan.
However, I also believe that health insurance does not INSURE that we will be healthy, or receive the care that is truly needed. Contracting with insurance does not translate well for the providers such as myself - most insurers underpay providers for their time and services. This causes the provider to NEED to see more patients, and I believe quality of care is decreased. This is the old adage, " I feel like I'm not being heard and just being pushed out the door." Most doctors have to do this to pay their bills and make a living because insurance companies run the show.
NeuroCranial Restructuring (NCR) is a therapy that requires time, patience, listening, and most of all ATTENTION. I don't want any patient to feel that they aren't receiving the medical care they deserve. I only see a set number of NCR patients per session so that patient care and quality remains high, and by not taking insurance I also save the patient in the long run by not having to hire expensive billing staff.
Our office will provide an invoice that can be submitted to insurance, and many patients get a percentage back. (depending on your policy) We also offer payment plans if needed so please talk with us about your concerns prior to scheduling any appointments.
Does NeuroCranial Restructuring (NCR) really work?
Yes, NeuroCranial Restructuring (NCR) does work - but of course this is dependent on each patient. There are many different opinions that are on the Internet, some good, some bad. Please understand that like any other medical treatment, progress and results are based on a multitude of factors. In most cases NCR can open the patient to energy and focus, allowing for progress to be made in other areas of healing that previously could not be afforded the energy. NCR is a very powerful therapy that will not only change the complaints that you arrive with, but many other areas of your physical and mental well-being.
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Other FAQs
What is the difference between Bilateral Nasal Specific (BNS) and NeuroCranial Restructuring (NCR)?
There are many different types of Balloon Assisted Cranial Manipulation techniques, but the two most known and practiced are Bilateral Nasal Specific (BNS) and NeuroCranial Restructuring (NCR).
Bilateral Nasal Specific treatment works for some patients, but be aware that it is much different than the current NCR. With BNS there are more insertions per visit, no preparatory bodywork is done, there is no proprioceptive testing, and each patient receives the same treatment. BNS historically was a superb treatment for those suffering with Cerebral Palsy, Down’s Syndrome, and Chronic Sinus issues, but it is not as specific and is much more intense than NCR.
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Why is it important to choose a certified NCR doctor?
All practitioners who are updated and biannully certified by Dr. Dean Howell ND in NeuroCranial Restructuring (NCR) can be found at www.ncrdoctors.com. NCR has changed greatly over the years, and practitioners are re-certified at the biannual NCR Doctors Convention. The NCR that is taught now is much different than the NCR that was taught over 5 years ago; it has been improved in bodywork techniques, instrument use, and force of treatment. It is impossible to determine how each patient will respond to treatment, but Dr. Hillary's experience is that most patients who receive the updated NCR will have an improved experience of healing with less discomfort.
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Why do you do NCR in a 4-day session, and is 4 days all I need?
NeuroCranial Restructuring (NCR) is done in a four day session so that the nervous system, structural body, and emotional aspect of the patient can get the most change possible. The first NCR session can make profound changes, but each patient should understand that not everything will change in the first session. We encourage that once starting on this path of healing, you understand that it could take upwards of 6 sessions for a person to get complete healing. NCR is also a great treatment for improving quality of life and many of our patients return once per year to maintain benefit, even long after their chief complaints are gone.
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Can NCR create emotional reactions?
Illness, pain, insomnia, degenerative conditions, anxiety, depression (to name a short list) are some of the reasons that patients seek out NeuroCranial Restructuring (NCR) therapy. While the 4 day NCR session is a very physical and structural treatment, it can also bring up emotional aspects of a persons health, especially once the nervous system begins to release old traumas. Dr. Hillary recognizes how important the emotional body is to healing, and is skilled at helping patients through their process of change.
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