Dr. Raymond Chao is a Naturopathic Physician, Acupuncturist and Chiropractor who is passionate about treating the person and not just the disease. He blends the principles of Naturopathic Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine, both Eastern and Western herbs with modern diagnostics for a well-rounded and comprehensive approach to care. He believes that the root cause of most conditions first stem from the gastrointestinal tract. His specialties are GI disorders, including Crohn’s and Colitis, chronic pain, and sports medicine.

His passion for Alternative Medicine was sparked during his teenage years after being diagnosed with idiopathic urticaria. When presented with the choice of lifelong antihistamines or alternative therapies, he discovered the transformative potential of both Naturopathic and Chinese Medicine which allowed him to correct underlying imbalances and truly heal. This experience, combined with his extensive work with patients both as a student and physician, has continued to fuel his commitment to advancing his education and understanding of Traditional Medicine.

Dr. Chao holds a Bachelor’s degree in Nutritional Science and Dietetics from the University of Arizona, a Master’s degree in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine from Bastyr University, and a Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine (ND) from the same institution. He also earned a Doctorate in Chiropractic Medicine from the National University of Health Sciences.

Throughout his education, Dr. Chao pursued specialized training in numerous areas, including Cranial Sacral Therapy I/II/III, Kinesio Taping 1-4, Visceral Manipulation I, Advanced Manipulation, Clinically Relevant Exercise, Advanced IV Therapy, Acupuncture Pain Management, Sports Medicine and Emergencies, Mind-Body Intensive practices, Ashi Trigger Point therapy, Sonosite PX ultrasound, FAKTR (Functional Soft Tissue) techniques, and Functional Nutrition.

Dr. Chao completed his CNME Residency at the Seattle Nature Cure Clinic, where he focused on functional and integrative medicine, acupuncture, sports medicine, and injection therapy. He has also served the communities of Waxhaw, Marvin, Weddington, and Blakeney in North Carolina, offering Chiropractic, Acupuncture, and Naturopathic Medicine services. He is a co-author of a published research article on needling therapy and the local twitch response (DOI:10.31080/ecor.2022.13.00950).

In addition to his clinical and academic achievements, Dr. Chao has extensive volunteer experience. He supported both the operating and emergency rooms at Gilbert Hospital and worked under registered dietitians at the University of Arizona Medical Center, developing patient meal plans. He also demonstrated healthy recipes at the Diabetes Prevention and Education Center, provided first aid and athlete care at events such as the Emerald City Classic, Seattle Marathon, Spikefest, and the Dakine Volleyball Tournament in Washington. He also volunteered with a free community outreach (AMEN Clinic) in Tacoma and Edmonds, WA during which he treated a diverse patient population with soft tissue mobilization, myofascial release, and naturopathic manipulations. He recently presented case studies for educational purposes at the Pinellas Park Chiropractic Society.

Outside of work, Dr. Chao enjoys resistance training, cooking, spending time with his family and dog, and listening to podcasts.