Dr. Ries is an Oregon-licensed naturopathic doctor who received her doctoral training in Portland, OR at the National College for Natural Medicine, now NUNM. There she received focused training in general naturopathic care, primary care, women’s health, botanical and nutritional medicine, homeopathy, physical manipulation of the spine and extremities, and Swedish and shiatsu styles of bodywork. Additionally, she completed a competitive 9-month clinical rotation focused on cardiopulmonary care.

Prior to her medical studies, Darcy completed an undergraduate degree in sports/exercise science with internships in cardiac rehabilitation and fitness leadership. Subsequently she worked within the healthcare field at a physical therapy clinic and later at two national health non-profit organizations: the American Heart Association and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. She is also a level II Reiki practitioner, trained in the Usui tradition, and a former competitive runner.

Dr. Ries served as a primary care physician and naturopathic specialist for over a decade in the state of OR. Her clinic there specialized in women’s health, digestive health, and physical medicine including massage and other manual therapy under the scope of her ND license. She holds a VA license for massage therapy allowing her to bring her skills in physical medicine to her VA clients. Dr. Ries has passed the Menopause Society provider test and is now a Menopause Society Certified Practitioner (MSCP). This up-to-date training is the highest standard in menopause care, and allows her to better support women as they move toward and through this critical life transition.

Naturopathic philosophy is at the heart of Dr. Ries’ practice. She enjoys personally getting to know her clients and their stories, believes in supporting the body’s own healing capability and digging deep to find the causes of disease, and is careful to try the least invasive and most natural treatment options first.  Her clients describe her as being lighthearted, sincere and dedicated.

Dr. Ries utilizes multiple approaches to care, including botanical medicine (herbs), nutritional medicine including therapeutic diet and nutritional supplements, standard and specialty lab analysis, homeopathy, and  therapeutic bodywork. This approach is very personalized, and incorporates engaged listening, compassionate dialogue, thorough assessment, and health education. While Dr. Ries enjoys working with a diverse population of patients, she is particularly passionate about helping women move toward optimal health and feel more at ease within their bodies.