About TerraMadre
About Dr. Timothy Swift, MA, ND
I first became interested in Naturopathic Medicine after a friend suggested it as an alternative to
having major sinus surgery to combat my annual, chronic sinusitis. A talented ND prescribed 3
homeopathic remedies over a 3 month period. This eliminated my infections permanently. I am cured.
I grew up in a family where my mother was a nurse and taking pills (antibiotics) was something I did
everyday of my life until I was 18 years old. When I finally saw a doctor without my mother looking
over my shoulder, I found out my immune system did not function as it should. From there began my
journey to health.
As a teenager I was told I would never run again, having played basketball all through my teens.
I was “diagnosed” with rheumatoid arthritis and told I would have to live with consuming mass
quantities of aspirin and antacids if I were to continue my athletic endeavors.
In college, I was determined to prove the doctor (and my mother) wrong and I ran my first marathon.
I finished with the determination to become an active participant in my healthcare from that day
forward.
At the age of 30, I discovered that the pain in my body disappeared when I stopped consuming milk
products. My “arthritis” was cured. From this point I began my journey in the helping professions.
I began with therapeutic work in addictions and moved onto domestic violence treatment training and interventions before
exploring the idea of Naturopathic Medicine. My first visit to a Naturopathic College, in Seattle, was a disappointment.
I was told that I could not go to school and work at the same time; it was impossible. From there my path headed in
another direction. I attended Antioch University in Seattle and obtained my Master’s degree in mental health focusing on
marriage and family therapy.
In 2005, my life shifted and I began to see that I now had the means and the ability to complete my
Naturopathic Medical degree and began in earnest. I chose the Canadian College of Naturopathic
Medicine for its costs, convenience and reputation. In May of 2010, I achieved a goal I only dreamed
of many years previously.
I see my practice as multi-faceted. I enjoy working with difficult populations having worked on Skid Row
in Seattle for many years where I began my therapeutic work. I have training and experience working with
cancer patients as well as HIV patients, though I see myself working with people from birth through old
age. I believe health is more than your outer appearance, it is an inside job.
I want to empower, motivate and inspire the people who walk through my clinic doorway, to experience
health, happiness and quality of life like none they have experienced to date. Come join me on this
journey of discovery.