Life at Sonoran University

A Naturopathic Campus That Leads by Example

Conveniently located in Tempe, Arizona in the breathtaking Valley of the Sun, the Sonoran University campus is rooted at the intersection of ancient wisdom and contemporary innovation. It is a university entrenched in native truths and new horizons. With a renown Medical Center and the Neil Riordan Center for Regenerative Medicine, an on-site medicinary, and an encouraging learning environment, our campus is a powerful and enriching center of learning and evidence-based healing. The Sonoran University campus demonstrates our vision and commitment to create an environment and a support system that promotes not only student learning, but also student health and community.[1]

LEED Platinum Lim Commons

Sonoran University’s Lim Commons building is a 48,000-square-foot state-of-the art education facility that houses the Sonoran Medicinary, the Neil Riordan Center for Regenerative Medicine, a café, teaching kitchen, fitness center, yoga studio, classrooms and library.

The Lim Commons demonstrates Sonoran University’s commitment to sustainability, holding a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)-platinum certification, the highest honor awarded for using best-in-class building strategies and practices. LEED certification was made possible by a donation from Hyland’s.

Pain afflicts more than 100 million people and most find they have to travel to multiple places to manage their symptoms. At Sonoran University, we specialize in addressing the underlying causes and provide pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic pain management solutions, including physical manipulation, acupuncture, injection therapy, platelet-rich plasma therapy, physical therapy, fluoroscope imaging, cryotherapy and more. Sonoran University’s Neil Riordan Center for Regenerative Medicine employs a model of care based on a shared philosophy of care and supported by structures, processes, evaluations and continuous improvement. By integrating the healthcare perspectives and practices of interventional pain specialists, acupuncturists, naturopathic physicians, physical therapists, and massage therapists, the Center decreases reliance on hierarchy and respects the contributions of all members of the treatment team, including patients.

For most people, adopting a healthy diet means making a major shift in eating habits. Sonoran University understands that rather than just talking about healthy diets, patients need to see and experience healthy cooking firsthand. The Teaching Kitchen is home to Sonoran University’s nutrition community education classes. The Kitchen provides a great space for participants to learn how to prepare delicious meals. The Teaching Kitchen also provides hands-on learning for students in nutrition classes.

For Sonoran University students, the Lim Commons offers state-of-the-art, high tech classrooms and study rooms equipped with white boards and monitors that you can connect to your laptop. Students can also study or relax in a bright, light-filled cozy and comfortable lounge on the second floor.

The library at Sonoran University has many resources to help students, Alumni, doctors and faculty succeed. To learn more click here.

There are a number of student led classes to help you unwind. The bright studio with views of South Mountain will help you relax and work on your mind, body, spirit connection.

The Chi Fitness room is available to students and members of the Sonoran University community. The room has free weights, cardio equipment and a power rack.

The most knowledgeable staff in the Southwest sells a full range of supplements, tinctures, homeopathic remedies, vitamins, books and more. And by shopping in the Medicinary, a 501(c)(3), you are helping to support the students at Sonoran University and the work the University does in the community.

Our on-site café serves a variety of delicious, healthy food and beverages to both the public and the Sonoran University community.

The medicinal garden at Sonoran University grew from an inspiration to bring botanical medicine to life. The garden began in 1998 with herbalist JoAnn Sanchez tending a few plants. Over the years, the garden has grown under Ms. Sanchez’s supervision and now provides living examples of medicinal native plants along with plants from a variety of ecosystems and traditions. Students have opportunities to volunteer in the garden as well as observe the natural life cycle of plants through the seasons. There is a wealth of information gleaned from spending time in the garden; students can see, smell and touch the plants they learn about in the classroom. The garden also supports the botanical medicine-making lab and botanical teaching demonstrations by providing plant material used in making fresh and dried plant tinctures, teas, salves, infused oils and herbal vinegars. Not only is the garden a living classroom, but it also hosts the Southwest Conference on Botanical Medicine outdoor classes, affords opportunities for students to learn organic gardening and medicinal plant cultivation, and provides a beautiful and peaceful community space. The garden fosters the values of stewardship and ecological awareness as students see the connection between the health of our environment and the survival of medicinal plants. The medicinal garden serves us in so many ways; we hope that you come visit and enjoy the plants through the seasons.