Dr. Coleen Murphy, ND, LAc

Naturopathic Doctor and Acupuncturist. California-licensed primary care provider in clinical practice since 2004. Serving Orange County, CA and clients throughout the world via tele-health.

A Gifted Clinician and Hands-On Healer

Treat the cause, not just the symptoms.

Dr. Murphy founded Natural Medicine Works in 2004 with a clear conviction: naturopathic medicine is a distinct and clinically proven system of primary care that delivers superior outcomes. Twenty-plus years of clinical practice have only deepened that conviction.

California licensed naturopathic doctor #137
California licensed acupuncturist #16712
Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine from Bastyr University, Seattle, WA (2003)
Membership Chair of the Psychiatric Association of Naturopathic Physicians

"My role is to inform and inspire you to take control of your health. By 'peeling away the layers of the onion' we will uncover the root cause of disease and unleash your vis medicatrix naturae (the healing power of nature)."

A Life That Informs the Practice

Dr. Murphy lives in Southern Orange County with her husband and two boys. Her life experience as a daughter, a wife, and a mother informs her approach to whole family care: from pre-conception to geriatrics.

Personal experience through one hospital birth and one home-birth has provided Dr. Murphy with the ability to connect with growing families to help them understand and navigate the often complex medical system.

Dr. Coleen Murphy with her family on horseback in the desert.

Personal Statement: My Road to Naturopathic Medical School

I grew up in Northeast Philadelphia and knew early on that I wanted to be a doctor. After attending Syracuse University, I worked as a Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation Specialist before the travel bug bit and I took a year-long journey through Asia, including training in Traditional Thai Massage at a Buddhist Temple in Northern Thailand.

The Philadelphia Inquirer front page, Thursday, May 8, 1997, featuring Dr. Coleen Murphy's Thai Massage practice. — The Philadelphia Inquirer — Thursday, May 8, 1997

Witnessing the effectiveness of and respect for traditional medicine put me firmly on the path to naturopathic medicine. I returned to Philadelphia in 1996 and began to practice and teach Thai Massage, soon adding Reiki, Qi Gong, and CranioSacral therapy. That foundation in bodywork has been invaluable to the physical medicine work I do with patients today.

Education & Credentials

Education

• Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine, Bastyr University, Seattle, WA (2003)
• Master of Science in Acupuncture, Bastyr University (2003)
• B.S. Psychology, Syracuse University

Licensure

• California Naturopathic Doctor (ND)
• California Licensed Acupuncturist (LAc)
• Regulated by the Bureau of Naturopathic Medicine, Department of Consumer Affairs

Memberships

• American Association of Naturopathic Physicians (AANP)
• California Naturopathic Doctors Association (CNDA)
• Membership Chair of the Psychiatric Association of Naturopathic Physicians

Clinical Focus Areas

Women's health, PCOS, fertility, and maternity support

Autoimmune disease and gut health (UC, Crohn's, SIBO, IBD)

Thyroid conditions and adrenal dysfunction

Naturopathic neurology: headaches, anxiety, mood disorders

Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy

Pediatric and family naturopathic care

Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine

Integrative primary care and second opinions

Ready to Meet Dr. Murphy?

Schedule a complimentary 15-minute intro call to discuss how naturopathic medicine can help you and your family.

Call (949) 667-4436 Send a Message

In The Media

Media Coverage

Dr. Murphy has been featured in and contributed to a number of television and media outlets over the course of her career. Media inquiries are always welcome.

Bay Area NBC 11 · September 27, 2006

How Healthy Are Detox Diets?

Dr. Murphy was interviewed by consumer editor Sloane Barnett for a televised news feature on the science of detoxification. Dr. Murphy is not an advocate of protein-restrictive cleanses such as The Master Cleanse — she developed the Natural Medicine Works 21 Day Detox as a safe, whole-foods alternative.