My name is Alaina Goesling (Guess-ling), and I am a licensed Naturopathic Physician and Acupuncturist at Zen Attitude Wellness, in Seattle, WA, and specialize in naturopathic gastroenterology. I am passionate about gut health and believe that many GI conditions can be treated by using evidence-based alternative treatments.

 

I am proud alumna of Bastyr University in Seattle, WA, and then went on to complete a comprehensive two-year residency program under the mentorship of Dr. Ilana Gurevich at Kwan Yin Healing Arts affiliated with the National University of Natural Medicine in Portland, OR. I trained in primary care and specialized in naturopathic gastroenterology. Recently returning to Seattle, I eagerly embrace the next chapter of my career at Zen.

 

As someone who has dealt with GI and skin issues my whole life, my personal struggles have fueled my relentless pursuit of effective treatment strategies. I grew up in a conventional medicine environment and exhausted all available western medicine options. Some of the therapies were actually detrimental to my long-term health. I discovered naturopathic medicine and Chinese medicine from someone very dear to me and began my path to healing myself and now helping to heal others who have faced similar issues. This personal journey has driven me to pursue my specialty in naturopathic gastroenterology and allows me to empathize deeply with my patients having been through similar experiences.

 

My clinical interests span a wide spectrum, with particular emphasis on gastrointestinal conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), diarrhea, constipation, bloating, gas, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), intestinal fungal overgrowth, Crohn’s Disease, Ulcerative Colitis, microscopic colitis, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and abdominal pain. Beyond my specialization in GI conditions, I have an interest in integrative dermatology, thyroid and endocrine disorders, hormone regulation, women’s health, and mental health. Driven by the belief that the key to overall health lies in the gut, I tailor my treatments to focus on restoring and maintaining gut health understanding its crucial role in the overall well-being of an individual. Incorporating a holistic approach, I seamlessly integrate functional medicine, Chinese medicine, nutrition, nutrient therapy, lifestyle counseling, western herbal medicine, and conventional medicine modalities, in order to ensure that each patient receives comprehensive and evidence-based care.

 

I firmly believe in a patient-centered approach to healthcare, emphasizing individualized treatment plans, patient education, shared decision-making, and the establishment of a strong therapeutic alliance with my patients. I have a compassionate and empathetic nature which creates a welcoming and supportive environment for those in my care.

 

Before delving into my graduate studies, I earned a B.S. in Biology at the University of Washington in Seattle. I gained invaluable research experience through my work in various laboratories, including the UW Department of Neurological Surgery, Genome Sciences, and the Seattle Children’s Hospital Department of Cardiology.

 

Outside of my professional life, I enjoy a rich and vibrant personal life. I find creative expression through painting, stay active with sports like volleyball, tennis, pickle ball and enjoy outdoor adventures such as boating, hiking, and skiing with my beloved 110lb Alaskan Malamute, Queen Anne.