Integrative Primary Care | Root-Cause Medicine | Whole-Person Healing
We are honored and delighted to welcome Dr. Rachel Caplan-Erickson, ND, LAc to the AIMS Institute team. With over 14 years of clinical experience, Dr. Rachel brings a deeply integrative, root-cause approach to primary care that bridges modern diagnostics with time-honored healing traditions.
Her work embodies what AIMS Institute stands for: comprehensive, compassionate, whole-person medicine.
A Truly Integrative Approach to Primary Care
Dr. Rachel is a licensed naturopathic physician and acupuncturist who provides comprehensive primary care through a uniquely integrative lens. She combines advanced laboratory testing and modern medical diagnostics with naturopathic medicine, Chinese medicine, and other traditional healing systems to uncover the underlying causes of illness and restore whole-body vitality.
She earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Texas at Austin before completing both her Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine and Master of Science in Oriental Medicine at the National College of Natural Medicine (NCNM) in Portland, Oregon, graduating in 2011.
Advanced Clinical Training
Dr. Rachel’s extensive training spans both conventional diagnostics and traditional healing systems, including:
- Classical Chinese Medicine
- Acupuncture & Chinese Herbal Medicine
- Five Element Acupuncture
- Advanced Homeopathy
- Biotherapeutic Drainage
- Neural Therapy
- Somatic Therapy
- Core Synchronism
- Advanced Clinical Western Herbal Medicine
- Ayurvedic Medicine
- Qi Gong & Energy Cultivation
- Yoga Teacher Training
She has studied internationally, including advanced clinical training in China with Master Wang Qingyu, and has completed postgraduate programs in homeopathy, Ayurveda, and holistic detoxification therapies.
A Personal Journey to Integrative Medicine
Dr. Rachel’s path into medicine began early. She grew up immersed in healthcare, inspired by her father, an internist known for his compassionate, patient-centered care, and her aunt, a veterinary oncologist and surgeon who integrated holistic therapies into specialty care.
Though she initially intended to pursue conventional medicine, her professional direction shifted after experiencing significant asthma that was not fully resolved through standard treatment. Through working with a naturopathic doctor and acupuncturist, she experienced profound healing using natural therapies. That transformative experience reshaped her career path and solidified her dedication to integrative medicine.
Clinical Focus
Dr. Rachel specializes in identifying and treating the underlying causes of chronic illness using advanced laboratory testing, naturopathic medicine, and Chinese medicine diagnostics.
She commonly treats:
- Fatigue & burnout
- Anxiety & depression
- Hormonal imbalances
- Thyroid conditions
- Menstrual irregularities
- Perimenopause & menopause
- Infertility
- Digestive disorders (IBS, bloating, food sensitivities)
- Asthma & respiratory conditions
- Chronic pain & musculoskeletal disorders
- Headaches & migraines
- Neurological concerns
- Immune dysfunction, including Long COVID, MCAS, dysautonomia, Lyme disease, and chronic viral syndromes
Advanced Diagnostic Testing
When appropriate, Dr. Rachel utilizes comprehensive testing to guide precise and individualized treatment plans, including:
- Gastrointestinal analysis (bacteria, parasites, yeast)
- Food & environmental allergy testing
- Mold and heavy metal exposure testing
- Comprehensive blood panels (thyroid, anemia, diabetes, lipid markers)
- Environmental toxin screening
- Tick-borne illness evaluation
Her care is data-informed, thorough, and tailored to each patient’s unique physiology.
Immune & Nervous System Resilience
Following her own recovery journey from Long COVID, MCAS, chronic Lyme, and dysautonomia, Dr. Rachel brings lived experience, compassion, and clinical depth to patients navigating complex immune and autonomic dysfunction. She offers comprehensive strategies to stabilize the immune system, regulate the nervous system, and rebuild long-term resilience.
Philosophy of Care
Dr. Rachel believes deeply in the body’s innate capacity to heal when given the proper support. She partners closely with patients to cultivate:
- Nourishing, sustainable nutrition
- Mindfulness and stress regulation
- Restorative sleep
- Movement aligned with the body’s needs
- Rhythmic, sustainable self-care practices
In Chinese medicine, the heart houses the spirit. Dr. Rachel integrates physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual care into every treatment plan — honoring the whole person in every stage of healing.
Outside the Clinic
Outside of practice, Dr. Rachel enjoys spending time in nature with her husband and two children. She finds joy in knitting, weaving, creative arts, and preparing nourishing meals for her family — embracing the belief that food, creativity, and connection are essential pillars of health.
Now Welcoming Patients
We are thrilled to have Dr. Rachel Caplan-Erickson join AIMS Institute and expand our integrative primary care offerings. Her depth of training, compassionate presence, and root-cause approach make her an invaluable addition to our team.
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Rachel, contact AIMS Institute today.
