Alive Integrative Medicine is a collective of professional and genuine healthcare providers serving people in the Eugene area that are committed to their health. Patients looking for open-minded, integrative care ranging from holistic & alternative to traditional forms of medicine will be guided in their individual health journey with consistency, honesty & respect.

Naturopathic medicine is a distinct practice that emphasizes prevention and the self-healing process to treat each person holistically. Naturopathic doctors (NDs) diagnose, prevent, and treat acute and chronic illnesses by supporting the body's inherent self-healing process. Rather than merely suppressing symptoms, NDs work to identify underlying causes of illness and develop personalized treatment plans to address them. ​


Integrative medicine combines mainstream medical therapies with complementary and alternative therapies that have scientific evidence of safety and effectiveness. This approach is healing-oriented, considering the whole person—body, mind, and spirit—and all aspects of lifestyle. It emphasizes the therapeutic relationship and utilizes all appropriate therapies, both conventional and alternative.

Naturopathic & Integrative Medicine

Dr. Brielle Mele is a Naturopathic Physician providing patient-centered naturopathic primary care with a focus in women's health. She offers quality, individualized, evidence informed medicine using both conventional and alternative therapies. She believes in working with her patients to address the underlying cause of their complaints, optimize their health, and prevent disease. She enjoys collaborating with other medical providers, offering her patients truly integrative care.

"I was born and raised in Eugene, Oregon. From an early age I was passionate about science, fascinated by the human body, and naturally cared for others. Therefore a career in medicine, was a perfect fit for me.

After graduating from the University of Oregon, I moved to Portland and worked in a low-income women's health clinic and volunteered in the OHSU Emergency Department. My experiences instilled in me a passion for primary care, women's health, and integrative medicine. During that time I witnessed the need for holistic patient-centered healthcare with a focus on prevention, which led me to the discovery of Naturopathic Medicine.

I earned my Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine from National University of Natural Medicine in Portland, Oregon, graduating with high honors. During my time at NUNM, I completed a mentorship in integrative women's health under the direction of Kimberly Windstar, MEd, ND and a mentorship in cardiovascular and pulmonary medicine with Martin Milner, ND. I also completed numerous rotations at community health clinics including Outside In, providing integrative healthcare to the underserved. I then went on to complete a post-graduate residency at NUNM with a special focus on women's health and primary care.

I am excited to be providing integrative primary care and women's health to my hometown community. I look forward to getting to know my patients, so together we can discover the underlying cause of their health concerns and they can feel healthy and alive. I use both natural and conventional treatments as well as working with diet and lifestyle to provide each patient with an individualized treatment plan. I strive to work collaboratively with all medical providers to ensure the best care for my patients.

Dr. Brielle Mele, ND
Naturopathic Physician

Nathaniel Bingham, ND, is a Naturopathic Physician. He attended undergraduate school at the University of Oregon in Eugene, OR and medical school at National University of Natural Medicine (NUNM) in Portland, OR. Dr. Bingham completed a joint three-year primary care residency with a focus in cardiovascular and pulmonary medicine at NUNM and at Center for Natural Medicine in Portland, OR.

He is trained as a primary care physician and provides standard of care comprehensive healthcare to adolescent, adult, and geriatric patients with acute and chronic health problems. As a naturopathic physician, Dr. Bingham uses evidence-based medicine to risk stratify patients and to develop treatment plans which may include conventional treatments and / or complementary alternative treatments. He is proficient in electrocardiogram (EKG), exercise treadmill stress testing, spirometry, ankle-brachial index (ABI) with doppler ultrasound, and minor surgery.

His special interests are preventive cardiology including therapeutic exercise and aggressive diet / lifestyle and POCUS (Point of care ultrasound).

In addition to a full-time private practice, he is adjunct clinical faculty at NUNM. He is an attending physician managing six, 4th-year medical students and one first-year resident physician. He lectures in cardiology and pulmonary medicine on cardiac imaging / testing, hyperlipidemia, venous thromboembolism, cerebrovascular accidents, smoking cessation, obstructive sleep apnea, and anticoagulant and antiplatelet medications.

​In his spare time, Dr. Bingham enjoys practicing his conversational and medical Spanish, rock climbing, snowboarding, and spending time with his wife and two children.​
​
​PUBLICATIONS
Risk Stratification of CVD: Making Use of an ECG Interpretation Guide, Naturopathic Doctor News & Review: October 2016.

Dr. Nathaniel Bingham, ND
Naturopathic Physician

Dr. Nathaniel
Bingham, ND
Naturopathic Physician

Dr. Brooke Bodeen is a Naturopathic Physician who earned her degree in Naturopathic Medicine and a Certificate in Shiatsu from the National University of Natural Medicine in Portland, Oregon. Dr. Bodeen completed a two year postgraduate residency at the Sophia Health Institute in Woodinville, WA where she gained clinical experience managing chronic illness. She earned her undergraduate degrees in Ecology and Environmental Sciences and German from the University of Maine.
Born and raised on a farm in rural North Dakota, she is continually inspired by nature in her practice. She focuses on treating the root causes of illness with the core foundations of Naturopathic Medicine as her guide. Dr. Bodeen is a firm believer in the healing power of the body and utilizing the least invasive approach to achieve the best outcomes for her patients. Dr. Bodeen views her patient care with a team-based approach, offering guidance and inspiration to each patient on their individual path to wellness.
She and her husband spent their first year in practice combining their interest in meditation and medicine. They lived at Thrangu Monastery in the Kathmandu Valley of Nepal where they served as volunteer clinicians at the monastery’s free integrative clinic. Mindfulness and compassion practices continue to inspire Dr. Bodeen’s work.
Dr. Bodeen sees a broad variety of patients with gastrointestinal disorders, hormonal imbalances, thyroid and adrenal dysfunction, autoimmune disorders, mental health conditions and neurological illness.
Dr. Bodeen practices cranial sacral therapy and offers treatment to patients of all ages. Cranial Sacral Therapy can provide relief to a variety of pain-related conditions including migraine headaches, TMJ and jaw pain, body pain post-injury and post-concussion. Cranial Sacral Therapy is also helpful to anyone who experiences overstimulation of their nervous system by offering balance and restoration.
​She enjoys educating her patients on lifestyle, providing dietary guidance and utilizes homeopathy, botanical medicine, nutriceutical supplementation and medication prescribing and management when appropriate. Dr. Bodeen also utilizes injection therapy techniques including trigger point injections and peri-neural injection therapy in her practice for musculoskeletal conditions. She also provides patients with a comprehensive approach to detoxification therapy.

In her free time, she can be found spending time with her family, cooking, and enjoying the great outdoors of the Pacific Northwest.

Dr. Brooke Bodeen, ND
Naturopathic Physician

Dr. Kendall Smith, ND is a Naturopathic Physician whose interests include gastrointestinal disorders, integrative pain management, mental health, autoimmune disease, hormonal imbalance, thyroid and adrenal dysfunction.

She is passionate about making naturopathic and integrative medicine accessible to all ages and populations. Her approach to medicine is identifying underlying causes of disease and treating patients using the therapeutic order- starting with the least invasive methods that are safe, evidence-based, and effective. She works closely with her patients to develop treatment plans that are collaborative and specific to their individual needs.

Dr. Smith completed two years of general medicine clinical rotations and a residency through Bastyr University Clinic in San Diego, California with focused clinical experience in treatment of chronic pain, mental health, autoimmune disease, gastroenterology, and endocrinology. She completed several off-site rotations and internships at low-income community health clinics working with diverse populations. She completed additional training in prolotherapy, and integrative primary care for women. She is actively pursuing research opportunities and has collaborated with Scripps Integrative Medical Center on a cohort study involving lifestyle interventions and weight loss.

Dr. Smith received her Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine degree from Bastyr University California. She also holds a Bachelor of Science in biology with a concentration in anatomy and physiology from California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo. In her spare time, she enjoys surfing, hiking, snowboarding, and cooking. She is very excited to return to her home state of Oregon and provide patient care at Alive Integrative Medicine.

PUBLICATIONS
Detoxification Enhanced Lifestyle Intervention Targeting Endotoxemia (DELITE) in the Setting of Obesity and Pain: Results of a Pilot Group Intervention

Challenging Conventional Wisdom in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus—Does Every HgbA1c Above 9.0% Require Insulin? An Integrative Approach to Type 2 Diabetes


Dr. Kendall Smith, ND
Naturopathic Physician

Dr. Claudia Knight is an osteopathic gynecologist dedicated to empowering women through healthcare. She is a teacher and a healer by nature. She prioritizes educating her patients on how to keep themselves healthy and safe and how to manage their medical conditions.

Dr. Knight has a special interest in functional medicine – understanding the underlying causes of gynecologic conditions. She treats conditions such as menopause, endometriosis, lichen sclerosus, and PCOS using an integrative approach as she has training in both conventional and alternative medicine. She performs evaluation and management for infertility, abnormal menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, vulvar skin conditions, and abnormal pap smears. Patients can see Dr. Knight for routine gynecologic annual exams, problem visits, and all forms of birth control, from pills to IUDs and Nexplanon.

The West Coast has always been home to Dr. Knight, born in Seattle and raised in a small town in Northern California. She has traveled far and wide, however, attending medical school at Nova Southeastern University in South Florida and residency at Mercy St. Vincent Medical Center in Toledo, Ohio. She is bilingual in English and Spanish and has an affinity for the Latino community, having lived in Guatemala for six months prior to medical school. She also enjoys caring for the LGBT population and has additional training in transgender medicine.

In her free time, Dr. Knight enjoys cooking, yoga, camping, and hiking. She and her partner welcomed their first baby into the family in May 2021 and are introducing him to the Pacific Northwest one trail at a time along with their golden retriever.

Dr. Claudia Knight, DO
Osteopathic Gynecologist

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Our Services & Treatments

Primary Care

Gynecology

Primary Care Common Conditions

  • Common complaints (headaches, insomnia, fatigue, weight management, infertility)​
  • Cardiovascular (high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, arrhythmias)
  • Respiratory (allergies, asthma, sinusitis, bronchitis, pneumonia, COPD)
  • Gastrointestinal (IBS, Crohn’s/colitis, acid reflex, constipation, diarrhea, liver and gallbladder disorders)
  • Urinary (urinary tract infections, kidney stones, interstitial cystitis, incontinence)
  • Endocrine (hypo- or hyperthyroidism, adrenal issues, diabetes, hormonal imbalances)
  • Dermatological (eczema, hives, acne, psoriasis, rashes, minor surgery)
  • Musculoskeletal (sprains/strains, osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, pain)
  • Immunological (allergies, chronic fatigue, autoimmune conditions)
  • Mental Health (depression, anxiety, ADD/ADHD, addiction support)
  • Routine wellness checks​ for adults and children 15 years and older

Gynecology

Gynecology

Gynecological issues such as:
  • Annual Exams, Pap smears, STI testing
  • Infertility, Contraceptive counseling
  • Vaginal and Urinary Infections (Yeast, Bacterial) 
  • PCOS, Fibroids, Endometriosis
  • PMS, Menstrual Cramps, Irregular Menses, Abnormal Menstrual Bleeding
  • Peri-menopause & Menopause Symptoms (Hot flashes, Vaginal Dryness)
  • Female Sexual Complaints (Low libido, Painful Intercourse)
  • Breast Symptoms (Lumps, Tenderness, Mastitis)
  • Transgender Hormone Therapy
  • Vaginal/pelvic organ prolapse
  • Pelvic Pain

Gynecological Procedures including:
  • Nexplanon Insertion and Removal
  • IUD Insertion and Removal
  • Colposcopy
  • Vulvar and Uterine Biopsies
  • Pessary Fitting

Allergy Testing and Treatment

Vitamin Injections

Allergy Testing and Treatment

Allergy Symptoms:
  • Stuffy or Runny Nose (Rhinitis)
  • Sneezing
  • Itchy, watery eyes
  • ​Sinus infections
  • Headaches
  • Skin Hives
  • Rashes
  • Asthma, Shortness of breath

Allergy Testing
  • Skin Allergy Testing
  • Spirometry (Lung function testing for asthma and lung diseases)

Allergy Treatments:
  • Allergy Immunotherapy: Sublingual Drops
  • Over the counter and prescription medications
  • Supplements
  • Nutrition and Lifestyle Counseling

Allergy Immunotherapy (AIT) works with the body's natural defense system.  AIT slowly trains the immune system to be less sensitive to allergens.  This is done by slowly introducing tiny amounts of the allergen to the body over time.  Then when the body is exposed to the allergen the immune system does not try to attack it and you may experience fewer symptoms.

We offer AIT in the form sublingual drops as an alternative to allergy shots. Sublingual drops are used daily by mouth and increased concentration is given over time. Allergy shots are injections given in an increasing dosage over time.

Allergy Immunotherapy may reduce symptoms within weeks to months of starting treatment.  Treatment is usually continued over 3-5 years for maximum benefit.

Food Sensitivity Testing

Food Sensitivity Testing
$20 collection fee
Cost of test $168+

Vitamin Injections

Vitamin Injections Menu

B12 (Methylcobalamin) $20

  •  Boost energy and metabolism
  • Improves brain health and mood
  • Promotes healthy hair, skin, nails and bones

Immune Boost (Glutathione, Zinc, Vitamin C) $20
  • Extra boost to immune system
  • Antioxidants for healthy skin

Vitamin D3 $20
  • Improve mood and energy
  • Support bone health
  • Boosts immune system


Prolotherapy

Ozone Therapy

What is prolotherapy?

Prolotherapy, also known as proliferation or regenerative injection therapy, is a safe and effective treatment used to decrease pain and inflammation in a particular joint in the body.

The goal of prolotherapy is to inject an irritant into the joint, which temporarily increases inflammation. This inflammatory response increases blood flow and stimulates new growth and healing in the damaged tissues. The most commonly used irritant in a prolotherapy injection is dextrose, which is typically administered with saline and lidocaine as a numbing agent. Prolotherapy can be administered into several different joints throughout the body, including ankles, knees, hips, shoulders, elbows, and wrists.
 
Ask your doctor today if prolotherapy is an option for you!

What studies say about prolotherapy:

One study with 90 adults with knee osteoarthritis involved participants receiving monthly prolotherapy injections of dextrose for 3 to 5 months. Those who received prolotherapy saw a significant improvement in pain, function, and stiffness scores. This was true even after following up with 60 of these subjects over 2 years later.
Also, none of the subjects receiving prolotherapy reported adverse effects.
References:
1.     Rabago D, Patterson JJ, Mundt M, et al. Dextrose prolotherapy for knee osteoarthritis: a randomized controlled trial. Ann Fam Med. 2013;11(3):229-37.
2.     Rabago D, Mundt M, Zgierska A, Grettie J. Hypertonic dextrose injection (prolotherapy) for knee osteoarthritis: Long term outcomes. Complement Ther Med.
2015;23(3):388-95.

Prolotherapy

Ozone Therapy

What is ozone therapy?

  • Ozone (O 3 ) is a gas made up of three oxygen atoms created using an ozone generator device with medical-grade oxygen. 
  • The intent of ozone therapy is to increase the amount of oxygen in your body. A higher oxygen level can boost your immune system while promoting healing by replacing and repairing damaged cells.
  • It is non-invasive has been safely administered for medical use for over 150 years. 

Potential health benefits of ozone therapy

  • Immune system support because ozone therapy activates your immune system and boosts immunity.
  • Improved blood circulation, as more oxygen travels to your cells, tissues and organs.
  • Pain relief by creating protective antioxidants that can reduce inflammation and chronic disease.

Conditions commonly treated with ozone therapy

  • Chronic or acute sinus infections 
  • Chronic or acute ear infections
  • Chronic or acute vaginal infections
  • Dysbiosis (gut infections) 
  • Chronic pain conditions 

Relative contraindications

  • Uncontrolled hyperthyroidism
  • Thrombocytopenia
  • Severe cardiovascular instability
  • Seizure disorders

What to expect

  • Ozone is administered in different ways depending on the condition being treated
  • This can include direct joint injections or insufflations which are comfortably administered locally to the area of concern

Hormone Optimization

Neural Therapy

Hormone Optimization

Hormones are chemical messengers within the body that have important functions, such as stimulating growth, metabolism, and reproduction. Too much or not enough hormones lead to many symptoms including but not limited to fatigue, weight gain, hair loss, low libido, irregular cycles, moodiness, depression, anxiety, poor memory, hot flashes, sleep disturbance and more.
The goal of hormone optimization it to assess the levels of hormones and use individualized treatments to optimize levels and overall function.

Hormones that we evaluate:
  • Adrenal Hormones (cortisol, DHEA, pregnenolone)
  • Thyroid Hormones
  • Ovarian Hormones (estrogen, progesterone, testosterone)
  • Testicular Hormones (testosterone)
  • Metabolic (insulin, leptin, adiponectin, ghrelin)

We offer individualized evaluations to understand your hormone levels as well the underlying cause of any abnormal levels. Evaluation includes:
  • History and Physical Exam with Symptom Questionnaires
  • Labs (saliva, urine, blood) and Imaging as indicated

Treatments are individualized to each person using:
  • Diet and Lifestyle Counseling
  • Supplements to support the body’s own hormone production
  • Bio-identical Hormone Therapy to replace hormones that are being underproduced or no longer produced due to aging (menopause) or other health conditions.

Types of Bio-identical Hormone Therapy:
  • Creams
  • Patches
  • Tablets/Capsules
  • Troches
  • Injections
  • Pellets

Neural Therapy

Neural therapy is a holistic healing technique that involves the use of procaine or other local anesthetics to reset dysfunctions in the autonomic nervous system and promote self-healing. It is based on the idea that past injuries, surgeries, infections, or emotional trauma can create "interference fields"—areas of dysfunction in the nervous system that disrupt normal physiological processes.

By injecting small amounts of anesthetic into trigger points, scars, nerve ganglia, or deeper tissues, neural therapy helps restore proper nerve function, improve circulation, and relieve chronic pain, inflammation, and other systemic health issues.

Benefits of Neural Therapy:
Reduces chronic pain and inflammation
Supports nervous system regulation
Helps with scar tissue pain and sensitivity
Addresses digestive, hormonal, and immune system imbalances
Can improve headaches, migraines, and neuralgia
Aims to reset dysfunctional nerve signaling

Principles of Naturopathic Medicine

The Healing Power of Nature
Identify and Treat the Causes
First Do No Harm
Doctor as Teacher
Treat the Whole Person
Prevention

A partnership between patient and practitioner in the healing process
Appropriate use of conventional and alternative methods to facilitate the body's innate healing response
Consideration of all factors that influence health, wellness and disease, including mind, spirit and community as well as body
A philosophy that neither rejects conventional medicine nor accepts alternative therapies uncritically
Recognition that good medicine should be based in good science, be inquiry driven, and be open to new paradigms
Use of natural, effective, less-invasive interventions whenever possible
Use of the broader concepts of promotion of health and the prevention of illness as well as the treatment of disease
Training of practitioners to be models of health and healing, committed to the process of self-exploration and self-development

A partnership between patient and practitioner in the healing process

Appropriate use of conventional and alternative methods to facilitate the body's innate healing response

Consideration of all factors that influence health, wellness and disease, including mind, spirit and community as well as body

A philosophy that neither rejects conventional medicine nor accepts alternative therapies uncritically

Recognition that good medicine should be based in good science, be inquiry driven, and be open to new paradigms

Use of natural, effective, less-invasive interventions whenever possible

Use of the broader concepts of promotion of health and the prevention of illness as well as the treatment of disease

Training of practitioners to be models of health and healing, committed to the process of self-exploration and self-development