Abigail Ellsworth, ND, LAc
Naturopathic Doctor and Acupuncturist
It's nice to meet you.
Growing up, I spent summers in Frankfort, where I fell in love with the Lakes, Trails, Beaches and Community. After a long academic career that took me through Wisconsin, Alaska and Oregon, I made my way back to Northern Michigan in 2015. With offices in Traverse City, and Frankfort, I offer Acupuncture, as well as personalized Clinical Nutrition, Botanical Medicine, Homeopathy and Lifestyle advice to help people reach their health goals.
I help patients with alternative pain management, menopause and menstrual difficulties, autoimmune conditions, skin disorders/rejuvenation, sleep disorders, stress management/anxiety, and more. If you are looking for an integrative and collaborative approach to your health, I can help!
Over the last 5 years, I have grown more interested in how are our environmental exposures impact our adaptability systems (i.e. nervous, hormone and immune systems), so my Naturopathic practice focuses on Environmentally Acquired Illnesses (e.g. Mold/Mycotoxin Illness, heavy metal exposures, chronic infections and tick-borne illnesses). I have completed additional training through the American College for the Advancement in Medicine and through Dr. Paul Anderson, ND, in advanced detoxification strategies, completed Dr. Jill Crista's Mold Literacy Certification and have continued advanced learning on mold/mycotoxin illness through a professional mentorship with Dr. Crista and Dr. Neil Nathan, MD.
When I'm not in the office, you'll find me x-country skiing, paddleboarding, rollerblading (I'm bringing it back), mountain biking or hiking with my dogs, Franklin, Judy, and Bernice and my partner, Joe.
Professional Associations:
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Michigan Association of Naturopathic Doctors-President
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Michigan Board of Acupuncture- Member
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American Association of Naturopathic Physicians-Member
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International Society for Environmentally Acquired Illness-Member
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Services Offered by Dr. Abigail
Naturopathic Medicine
Dietary Consultations, Botanical Formulations, Professional
Supplements, Homeopathy
As a Naturopathic Doctor, I approach every patient as an individual, from a holistic perspective. I am uniquely trained in herb-drug-nutrient interactions, and can act as a bridge between Natural and Conventional medicine. I believe whole-heartedly in truly integrative healthcare, in which a person can build a multi-disciplinary team of providers who can work together to optimize your health journey.
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At your first visit, we go over your health history and discuss your health goals. This may involve reviewing your labs, medications, supplements and lifestyle. After we get a good picture of where you are at and where you want to go, we develop a plan, together, that will best fit your needs.
Chinese Medicine
Acupuncture, Chinese Herbs
Acupuncture is an ancient system of treatment that involves pricking the skin with needles (pins) to stimulate various acupuncture meridians and ultimately promote the body’s innate ability to heal. From the Chinese perspective, acupuncture stimulates the healthy flow of Qi, encouraging balance in the body; but acupuncture has also been shown to increase blood flow to the site of needle insertion, promote the release of natural opioids and provide novel neurological inputs to help alleviate pain.
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In addition to traditional acupuncture needles, I use many other modalities during treatments, including moxibustion, contact (non-insertive) needling, shiatsu massage, and cupping.
Used to treat many different conditions, acupuncture has been shown effective in acute and chronic pain syndromes, depression, anxiety, auto-immune diseases, high blood pressure, allergies and asthma, digestive disorders and women’s health and fertility issues.
Integrative Pain Management
Acupuncture, Supplements, Cold Laser
With widespread attention on the opioid epidemic in America, the search for alternative pain solutions is on, and we can help! Dr. Abigail uses a multidisciplinary approach to alleviate pain, and works with many providers (at Freshwater Wellness and elsewhere) to help achieve optimal results.
Integrative Dermatology
Cleanses, Facial Acupuncture, PRP Facials
Living a balanced life is the best way to achieve your best self, inside and out. Still, some of us need a little extra assistance to achieve the skin that reflects our true radiance within. We offer a number of services to help address dermatological conditions from acne to autoimmune rashes! Please click the links below for more information on our integrative dermatology services.
Integrative Endocrinology
Balancing Hormones, Naturally
Whether you are dealing with symptoms of thyroid imbalance, PMS, menopause or infertility, we are hear to help. Dr. Abigail will work with you to better understand your individual struggles and offer acupuncture, nutritional, botanical and bio-identical options to balance your hormones...naturally.
Environmental Exposures
Heavy Metal Toxicity, Mold/Mycotoxin Illness
Dr. Abigail has completed extensive training in heavy metal and mold/mycotoxin exposure related illnesses. The key is assessing when intervention is warranted and making sure we move at the right pace of treatment for your individual case. We use functional lab testing to determine if there is a current/ongoing exposure, and basic bloodwork to help determine how your physiology may, or may not, be impacted by these or previous exposures.
