Frequently Asked Questions
What is Naturopathic Medicine?
Naturopathic medicine is a unique and complete branch of medicine that combines traditional wisdom with modern science to achieve the most natural path to health for each unique individual. Naturopathic medicine is deeply rooted by six guiding principles:
Treat the whole person
Doctor as teacher
The healing power of nature
Treat the cause,
First do no harm
Prevention.
Several modalities are used to achieve wellness including lifestyle modifications, nutrition, homeopathy, hydrotherapy, biotherapeutic drainage, botanical medicine, and physical medicine. Naturopathic Medicine is practiced by Naturopathic doctors who have graduated from a nationally accredited institution.
How are naturopathic doctors trained?
Naturopathic doctors have graduated from a 4 year, accredited post graduate institution and have received a doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine. The first two years consist of training in medical sciences and the last two years focus on treatment, and experience in a clinical setting. For more information about naturopathic medical schools please visit: http://www.aanmc.org/
For information about the National College of Naturopathic Medicine please visit: http://www.ncnm.edu
What modalities do you use to treat?
Dr. Silapie combines modalities which include lifestyle modifications, nutrition, homeopathy, hydrotherapy, biotherapeutic drainage, botanical medicine, and phyisical medicine. If Dr. Silapie believes other modalities will be of benefit to you she will make an appropriate referral.
What is biotherapeutic drainage?
Therapeutic drainage is a combination of homeopathy and botanical medicines that work synergistically in order to restore health and wellbeing to the body. It is a modality that works to enhance the normal physiology of the body by supporting the system, it’s natural function, and removing waste products that interfere with proper physiology.
Can I replace my medications with natural substances?
Not all medications can be substituted with natural substances. The goal is to understand why you need a medication. Sometimes understanding and working at the cause of an illness can result in the elimination of medication. Sometimes there are natural substances that have reduced side effects. The goal is not to stop one thing to start another. The goal is to understand the body, and to support the body’s innate wisdom toward health and healing. In addition it is important to know that natural medicines also contain compounds that may interact with other compounds. People can have reaction to natural modalities. It is also important to make sure that natural medicines do not interact with pharmaceutical medicines. When using natural therapies such as herbs or homeopathy it is important to be guided by a trained physician. It is also important to realize that all vitamins and supplements are not created equal. Product choice should be made by first evaluating quality, purity, and absorbability.
What kind of Conditions do you treat?
At Mountain Sage Medicine we aim to treat people not diseases. With that understood clearly we often see people who have conditions which include, but are not limited to: acute bacterial and viral infections, food, seasonal & environmental allergies, women’s health, men’s health, children’s health, fatigue, neurological disorders, gastro intestinal disorders, hormone imbalance, thyroid disorders, diabetes, insomnia, skin conditions, attention deficit, autism etc. Often times we work in conjunction with other health care practitioners in order to deliver the most well rounded care to the patient.
What is wellness?
Wellness is a state of feeling balanced, centered and joyful about life and health. It is a place when an individual understands their body and the environment around than provides complete nourishment. Wellness is a state of mind that has a trickle down effect on the body.
How long will it take for me to get better?
Each individual is different and have different requirements for health. The goal for everyone is wellness. People may start to feel better right away, however the ultimate sense of wellbeing may take years.
If I am not sick why is it recommended I visit the doctor?
Sickness is a sign of disharmony. Never being sick is also a sign of disharmony. Often time people believe that there is only disharmony if they have symptoms, however it is also important to support the body completely in order to maintain wellness. This is also known as prevention. Prevention can be seen as screening such as colonoscopies, mammograms, wellwoman exams etc. However chronic symptoms such as allergies, fatigue, depression, weight gain, weight loss, acne gastro intestinal upset etc are also important clues to disharmony. By paying attention to the body in a relatively benign state can help fortify the body against chronic debilitating conditions.
Ph: (509)493-3300 Fx: (509)493-3700
302 W. Steuben, Bingen, WA 98605