EXPERT
Dr. Jill C. Ghormley
Naturopathic Physician
Dr. Jill C. Ghormley is a top Naturopathic Physician in Seattle.
My Story
As a child, I was misdiagnosed by a number of doctors before my family discovered my deafness at age four. I had to learn how to communicate in other ways and it proved to be a very difficult time for me and my family. It was very frustrating to not have the simple language abilities—something many people take for granted—that a child should have in order to interact with the world around her. For years my parents worked tirelessly to find ways that worked for me to communicate and sought the help and advice of several experts. Although we went through a lot during this time, I was fortunate to be given the opportunity to become fluent in both sign language and english. Extensive speech therapy and lip reading skills have allowed me to have fluent speaking ability.
Once I overcame the immense communication challenges that being totally deaf brought to my childhood, it was all uphill from there. Being deaf in a hearing world creates unimaginable obstacles every single day. But conquering language in my youth despite these obstacles instilled a ferocious desire to learn about the world around me. I obtained a degree in fine arts, working as a painter, tile layer, and massage therapist to get me through college. I became a medical illustrator for JAMA (Journal of the American Medical Association) and worked as a graphic designer in Chicago. I also became a certified diver and have traveled all around the world witnessing the mysterious beauty of the oceans.
Through the experiences of my youth I developed a fascination with medicine and a desire to understand how the body works. I obtained a graduate degree in Biomedical Communications then pursued the arduous journey of becoming a physician. It really is true that the loss of one sense enhances the other senses. I believe my deafness served as an incredible asset to my abilities as a physician. It has allowed me to be exceptionally attuned to my patients’ visual, olfactory (smell), and energetic cues.
My Specialties
I love practicing as a primary care physician however, after being in practice for over a decade I have honed my skills and am passionate about helping people who, like me, didn’t get the help they needed for difficult or complex health issues. Now I specialize in difficult to treat challenges using Naturopathic physical medicine. I’ve developed specific approaches that get results where other treatments have failed.
Specifically, I have a rehabilitation program that helps with incontinence, sexual dysfunction, and other issues related to structure and function of the pelvic floor. I also have extensive experience with neurological deficits caused by trauma or brain injuries, delayed development, and autism spectrum disorders in adults and children. I provide complete post-injury musculoskeletal rehabilitation (including facial, TMJ, and sinuses).
In addition to the above, I am an area specialist in helping with feeding problems in newborns. I’ve created a system for new moms that gives them the support they need to be able to feed their babies naturally and stress-free. I perform frenotomies, a minor surgical procedure to correct tongue-tie and lip-tie conditions that prevent babies from being able to latch on for breastfeeding. I’m one of very few practitioners in the state that utilizes a state of the art surgical laser for minimal invasiveness, less pain, and improved healing time. I’ve performed hundreds of procedures successfully, giving mothers back the joy of breastfeeding.
Professional Bio
Dr. Jill Ghormley is a graduate of Bastyr University and the first licensed deaf Naturopathic physician in the United States. She is currently an adjunct professor at Bastyr and past adjunct professor at National College of Natural Medicine in Portland, Oregon. Dr. Ghormley is a coalition leader for medical aid in developing nations worldwide. She received Top Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine award in 2016 from The Leading Physicians of the World. Her passion for international medicine has led her to do volunteer medical work in DR Congo, Russia, Malaysia, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia and Sri Lanka. She plans to continue her work in developing countries and teach the power of self-reliance and self-healing both in the US and abroad.
My Story
As a child, I was misdiagnosed by a number of doctors before my family discovered my deafness at age four. I had to learn how to communicate in other ways and it proved to be a very difficult time for me and my family. It was very frustrating to not have the simple language abilities—something many people take for granted—that a child should have in order to interact with the world around her. For years my parents worked tirelessly to find ways that worked for me to communicate and sought the help and advice of several experts. Although we went through a lot during this time, I was fortunate to be given the opportunity to become fluent in both sign language and english. Extensive speech therapy and lip reading skills have allowed me to have fluent speaking ability.
Once I overcame the immense communication challenges that being totally deaf brought to my childhood, it was all uphill from there. Being deaf in a hearing world creates unimaginable obstacles every single day. But conquering language in my youth despite these obstacles instilled a ferocious desire to learn about the world around me. I obtained a degree in fine arts, working as a painter, tile layer, and massage therapist to get me through college. I became a medical illustrator for JAMA (Journal of the American Medical Association) and worked as a graphic designer in Chicago. I also became a certified diver and have traveled all around the world witnessing the mysterious beauty of the oceans.
Through the experiences of my youth I developed a fascination with medicine and a desire to understand how the body works. I obtained a graduate degree in Biomedical Communications then pursued the arduous journey of becoming a physician. It really is true that the loss of one sense enhances the other senses. I believe my deafness served as an incredible asset to my abilities as a physician. It has allowed me to be exceptionally attuned to my patients’ visual, olfactory (smell), and energetic cues.
My Specialties
I love practicing as a primary care physician however, after being in practice for over a decade I have honed my skills and am passionate about helping people who, like me, didn’t get the help they needed for difficult or complex health issues. Now I specialize in difficult to treat challenges using Naturopathic physical medicine. I’ve developed specific approaches that get results where other treatments have failed.
Specifically, I have a rehabilitation program that helps with incontinence, sexual dysfunction, and other issues related to structure and function of the pelvic floor. I also have extensive experience with neurological deficits caused by trauma or brain injuries, delayed development, and autism spectrum disorders in adults and children. I provide complete post-injury musculoskeletal rehabilitation (including facial, TMJ, and sinuses).
In addition to the above, I am an area specialist in helping with feeding problems in newborns. I’ve created a system for new moms that gives them the support they need to be able to feed their babies naturally and stress-free. I perform frenotomies, a minor surgical procedure to correct tongue-tie and lip-tie conditions that prevent babies from being able to latch on for breastfeeding. I’m one of very few practitioners in the state that utilizes a state of the art surgical laser for minimal invasiveness, less pain, and improved healing time. I’ve performed hundreds of procedures successfully, giving mothers back the joy of breastfeeding.
Professional Bio
Dr. Jill Ghormley is a graduate of Bastyr University and the first licensed deaf Naturopathic physician in the United States. She is currently an adjunct professor at Bastyr and past adjunct professor at National College of Natural Medicine in Portland, Oregon. Dr. Ghormley is a coalition leader for medical aid in developing nations worldwide. She received Top Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine award in 2016 from The Leading Physicians of the World. Her passion for international medicine has led her to do volunteer medical work in DR Congo, Russia, Malaysia, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia and Sri Lanka. She plans to continue her work in developing countries and teach the power of self-reliance and self-healing both in the US and abroad.
Dr. Jill C. Ghormley
- Seattle, WA
- MD at Bastyr University
- Accepting new patients
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CLINICAL QUESTION ONLY: Why must cancer patients avoid metals while in treatment?
Hi,
The simple answer to why it is recommended for newly diagnosed cancer patients to avoid any supplements or topicals w/metal(s) in them is due to potential toxicity of that READ MORE
Hi,
The simple answer to why it is recommended for newly diagnosed cancer patients to avoid any supplements or topicals w/metal(s) in them is due to potential toxicity of that particular metal(s). There are metals that are shown to be supportive especially with relation to ion changes in the body. However, with cancer, most providers error on the caution side especially if chemotherapy will be involved. Certain metals can reduce the efficacy of certain chemotherapy treatments. While all of this is speculation, lots of research is out there to understand how chemical reactions with metals can produce several different outcomes regarding helping or hindering the healing process.
The simple answer to why it is recommended for newly diagnosed cancer patients to avoid any supplements or topicals w/metal(s) in them is due to potential toxicity of that particular metal(s). There are metals that are shown to be supportive especially with relation to ion changes in the body. However, with cancer, most providers error on the caution side especially if chemotherapy will be involved. Certain metals can reduce the efficacy of certain chemotherapy treatments. While all of this is speculation, lots of research is out there to understand how chemical reactions with metals can produce several different outcomes regarding helping or hindering the healing process.
How is naturopathic medicine beneficial for people?
Hi,
Think of Naturopathic medicine as a way of finding the cause and seeing the whole person. I approach each individual in finding a balance to their system. While symptoms READ MORE
Hi,
Think of Naturopathic medicine as a way of finding the cause and seeing the whole person. I approach each individual in finding a balance to their system. While symptoms may be important, we, Naturopathic Physicians, are always looking for the cause in the symptom picture. It isn't just about using natural remedies or supplements but in finding a lifestyle balance which may also incorporate drugs short-term. It is crucial that when you are laying out your goals what you would like to see in your health. We are simply the means to help you determine the best route possible using as many tools to achieve that balance.
Think of Naturopathic medicine as a way of finding the cause and seeing the whole person. I approach each individual in finding a balance to their system. While symptoms may be important, we, Naturopathic Physicians, are always looking for the cause in the symptom picture. It isn't just about using natural remedies or supplements but in finding a lifestyle balance which may also incorporate drugs short-term. It is crucial that when you are laying out your goals what you would like to see in your health. We are simply the means to help you determine the best route possible using as many tools to achieve that balance.
Can bronchitis have a long-term effect on breathing?
It will have a long-term effect if it becomes chronic. There are ways to decrease the effects of bronchitis through lung support. Important to reach out to your natural doctor READ MORE
It will have a long-term effect if it becomes chronic. There are ways to decrease the effects of bronchitis through lung support. Important to reach out to your natural doctor to help give you some options to strengthen your immune system.
What are some natural ways to relieve allergy symptoms?
Yes, there are natural or immune supporting remedies you can take over the counter. I would check in with your naturopathic doctor to help with immune support starting with gut READ MORE
Yes, there are natural or immune supporting remedies you can take over the counter. I would check in with your naturopathic doctor to help with immune support starting with gut health and histamine support.
Is there a treatment in naturopathy for a diabetic foot?
There are a lot of naturopathic treatments available that can help w/overall healing. The best outcome for healing would be to address this with a ND that knows your full history READ MORE
There are a lot of naturopathic treatments available that can help w/overall healing. The best outcome for healing would be to address this with a ND that knows your full history and therefore can help w/getting you on track to better healing outcome.
What is the best way to treat blood pressure using naturopathy?
Hi!
There are a lot of naturopathic treatments that can help w/blood pressure support. For safe monitoring with blood pressure, it is important to be under the care of a physician. READ MORE
Hi!
There are a lot of naturopathic treatments that can help w/blood pressure support. For safe monitoring with blood pressure, it is important to be under the care of a physician. While I know past patients know this, we can't by email give you a specific modality, but can tell you that blood pressure is treatable by certain supplements when monitored by an ND. Thank you for asking the question.
There are a lot of naturopathic treatments that can help w/blood pressure support. For safe monitoring with blood pressure, it is important to be under the care of a physician. While I know past patients know this, we can't by email give you a specific modality, but can tell you that blood pressure is treatable by certain supplements when monitored by an ND. Thank you for asking the question.
What is a naturopathic treatment for removing gall bladder stones?
Hi,
Depending on the size of the gallstones, there are some supportive naturopathic treatments that can help w/reducing the size of the gallstones over time, along with certain READ MORE
Hi,
Depending on the size of the gallstones, there are some supportive naturopathic treatments that can help w/reducing the size of the gallstones over time, along with certain dietary support. I would recommend reaching out to your local ND in your area for support.
Depending on the size of the gallstones, there are some supportive naturopathic treatments that can help w/reducing the size of the gallstones over time, along with certain dietary support. I would recommend reaching out to your local ND in your area for support.
My daughter is grinding her teeth. What could be the reason behind this?
Hi,
Typically when we see Bruxism (teeth grinding) it is usually relating to some kind of stress in a child's life. You can try incorporating some down time before bed or relaxation READ MORE
Hi,
Typically when we see Bruxism (teeth grinding) it is usually relating to some kind of stress in a child's life. You can try incorporating some down time before bed or relaxation time w/tummy massage or diffuser w/essential oil in your daughter's bedroom to help ease her to sleep and help her stop grinding her teeth. Another thing
that can ease teeth grinding is a good distractor such as a doll or something they can hold or play with like a nubby ball. Something with texture tends to calm children down.
Check diet and look at constipation issues or stomach issues. When children are prone to digestive issues or are not getting enough fluids, they can have teeth grinding issues.
There are a great deal of other factors that can cause teeth grinding. Be sure to get her checked out by her dentist as well.
Typically when we see Bruxism (teeth grinding) it is usually relating to some kind of stress in a child's life. You can try incorporating some down time before bed or relaxation time w/tummy massage or diffuser w/essential oil in your daughter's bedroom to help ease her to sleep and help her stop grinding her teeth. Another thing
that can ease teeth grinding is a good distractor such as a doll or something they can hold or play with like a nubby ball. Something with texture tends to calm children down.
Check diet and look at constipation issues or stomach issues. When children are prone to digestive issues or are not getting enough fluids, they can have teeth grinding issues.
There are a great deal of other factors that can cause teeth grinding. Be sure to get her checked out by her dentist as well.
Hand pain after carpal tunnel surgery
Yes, it is possible that another nerve could be causing the problem. Though you might have had the release at the carpal area, it is possible you may be experiencing thoracic outlet READ MORE
Yes, it is possible that another nerve could be causing the problem. Though you might have had the release at the carpal area, it is possible you may be experiencing thoracic outlet syndrome based on the brief description you are giving here. With nerve support, specific exercises to release muscle tension and supplementation can all help w/relieving the discomfort. I would recommend either seeing an osteopathic physician or naturopathic physician in your area that specializes in physical medicine.
I don't sleep well, Any help?
There are quite a few natural remedies that would help. However, not being able to sleep can be a cause for other underlining conditions. For example, hormone changes can cause READ MORE
There are quite a few natural remedies that would help. However, not being able to sleep can be a cause for other underlining conditions. For example, hormone changes can cause a disruption in your sleep. While you are going through menopause, your local naturopathic physician can help with hormone and sleep support supplements.
I have lupus. How can I treat it naturally?
As Lupus is an autoimmune condition in which the body attacks itself - the first approach we are going to take as naturopathic physicians is in addressing the cause. It is a complex READ MORE
As Lupus is an autoimmune condition in which the body attacks itself - the first approach we are going to take as naturopathic physicians is in addressing the cause. It is a complex condition that requires complex or unique support. So to answer your question - yes, there are natural ways we can help you w/treating lupus. Please contact your local naturopathic physician to help you with healing inside out.
Does echinacea work?
In recent studies, echinacea has been shown to only work at the onset of the cold. When taken at the onset of a cold, it only shortens the duration of a cold by 1 to 2 days.
What medication can you not prescribe?
It depends by state. In each of the licensed states, naturopathic physicians have a formulary that they must follow. Best way to determine what the formulary is in your state, READ MORE
It depends by state. In each of the licensed states, naturopathic physicians have a formulary that they must follow. Best way to determine what the formulary is in your state, you can contact either American Association of Naturopathic Physicians or the state Naturopathic Physician Association to help you with what can be prescribed or not.
