WHAT IS NATUROPATHIC MEDICINE?

Our medicine is based on the philosophy that the body has innate healing capacity when provided the right tools. This is done in the therapeutic order of the least invasive, gentlest modalities working up to pharmaceuticals and surgery if indicated. As Naturopathic doctors we work from a conventional understanding of the body and medical conditions, but our treatments and approach focus on whole person medicine - nutrition, lifestyle, supplements, herbs, movement and physical medicine, and other natural therapies. We play Sherlock to the symptoms and information gathering to find the root cause of disease to speed healing to true health and wellness, and not just masking relief of symptoms.

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Treat the Whole Person (Tolle totum)

Health is not one single attribute. Achieving health is not an isolated variable; rather pursuing balance in all areas of life. Using intellect and intuition Naturopathic Doctors treat the whole person. Physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. 

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Docere (Doctor as teacher)

"If you don't take care of your body, where will you live?" Your health begins with you. Naturopathic doctors are your health's best advocate. We strive to promote growth, education, and empowerment for patients to understand their treatments and be self reliant ambassadors of their own health. As a Naturopathic Doctor this is one of the most vital pieces in our philosophy of medicine, but the docere part goes both ways in recognizing that patient as teacher is just as impactful to our experience and growth as clinicians. And I hope I never lose sight of that.

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Prevention (Praevenire)

We serve as preventative care specialists backed by the training and ability to apply high medical standards of care while acknowledging patients' unique challenges and abilities to pursue their health goals.

Naturopathic doctors attend an accredited four-year naturopathic medical programs. Students learn the basic medical sciences (e.g. anatomy, biochemistry, pathology, immunology, pharmacology,) as well as clinical sciences (e.g. cardiology, endocrinology, gastroenterology, pulmonology, neurology, radiology, etc.), physical exam skills, clinical, and laboratory diagnostics and procedures and courses in natural therapeutics (e.g. clinical nutrition, botanical medicine, environmental medicine, physical medicine, homeopathy, counseling, and minor surgery). Students take part in clinical rotations where they learn to diagnose and treat patients under the supervision of attending physicians. Many Naturopathic Doctors pursue additional training in specialty fieldsor dual programs (Acupuncture, Counseling, Oncology, Osteopathy, Chiropractic, Pediatrics etc.) At the completion of medical schooling, students are well versed as Primary Care Physicians with a focus in preventative medicine and natural therapeutics. As a Washington State Licensed Naturopathic Physician, Dr. Vange has prescriptive rights and can have pharmacies fill prescriptions as necessary. She can also write referrals to specialists in other fields. A two-step professional national board exams are required for licensing.

Acupuncture is among one of the oldest healing practices in the world. It involves gentle insertion and careful placement of very fine needles on the outside of the body into specific channels (meridian) points. This process aims to restore and maintain health through stimulation and movement of energy, flow of qi (Traditional Chinese Medicine), mediating chemicals involved with pain and inflammation, flow of blood and circulation, and neurological impulses and mechanical functions within the body to allow natural healing to take place. Treatments are based on over 2,000 years of experience in China and your acupuncturists' extensive Master's level didactic and clinic training.

Treatments involve a comprehensive patient interview to cover health history, primary concerns, and overall body constitution. Emphasis is placed on creating a dynamic balance in the body that is individualized for each patient. Initially, treatments are recommended on a weekly or biweekly basis depending on the concern. The number and frequencies of treatments varies for each patient.

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Acupuncture

An ancient therapy that uses hair-thin needles on the outside of the body to balance and create dynamic chance on the inside of the body.

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Moxibustion

The plant mugwort is burned close to the skin to create heat, tonify, and promote the movement of Qi and circulation in the body.

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Chinese Herbal Medicine

Herbs are chosen based on their ability to effect disease and minimize side effects from other medications. They can be in loose herbs form, teas, and pill form.

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Cupping

A vacuum is created between glass cups and the skin to promote blood flow, relieve pain, loosen muscles, and release tension in the body. Cupping is often used for musculoskeletal pain but can help relieve a variety of other disorders as well.

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Tui na

A form of Chinese massage, Tui na can release muscular tension, move Qi and blood, and relieve pain.

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Dietary therapy

Specific TCM principles and foundations of health applied to diet and medical conditions.