Frequently Asked Questions
NATUROPATHIC MEDICINE
Naturopathic medicine (also known as naturopathy, or natural medicine) is a complementary and alternative medicine that emphasizes the body’s intrinsic ability to heal and maintain itself. Naturopaths use natural remedies such as herbs and foods rather than surgery or synthetic drugs. Naturopathic practice includes many different treatment modalities with practitioners emphasizing a holistic approach to patient care, and if indicated may also recommend that patients use conventional medicine alongside their treatments.
Naturopathy has its origins in the Nature Cure movement of Europe. In eleven US states, five Canadian provinces and Puerto Rico, naturopathic doctors who are trained at an accredited school of naturopathic medicine in North America are entitled to use the designation ND or NMD. The state of Utah regards N.D.’s as primary care physicians. In jurisdictions where N.D.’s are not licensed, the scope of practice excludes the diagnosis and treatment of disease. Naturopathic Doctors who studied at accredited schools are trained to use diagnostic tests such as imaging and blood tests before deciding upon the full course of treatment, and to refer to other health professionals for standard medical care where it is required.
BOTANICAL MEDICINE
Many plant substances are powerful medicines. Botanical medicines are able to address a variety of problems simultaneously, where chemically derived drugs may address only a single issue. When properly utilized, most botanical medicines can be used effectively with minimal possibility of side effects. (Definition from NCNM)
CLINICAL NUTRITION
Food is the best medicine and is a cornerstone of naturopathic practice. Many medical conditions can be treated more effectively with foods and nutritional supplements than they can by other means, with fewer complications and side effects. N.D.s use diet, natural hygiene, fasting, and nutritional supplementation in their practices. (Definition from NCNM)
DETOXIFICATION/CLEANSING
Detoxification is the process of eliminating toxins from your body. We use a gentle, but effective approach and include appropriate lab testing if indicated. We offer spring and fall cleanse programs, as well as detoxification from heavy metals.
HOMEOPATHIC MEDICINE
Homeopathic medicine is based on the principle of “like cures like.” Clinical observation indicates that it works on a subtle, yet powerful, energetic level, gently acting to promote healing on the physical, mental, and spiritual levels. (Definition from NCNM)
HYDROTHERAPY
Hydrotherapy, formerly called hydropathy, involves the use of water for soothing pains and treating diseases. For therapeutic purposes these treatments use physical water properties, such as temperature and pressure, to stimulate the circulation of blood, dispel toxins and help treat specific diseases.
IV THERAPY
Intravenous therapy or IV therapy is the infusion of liquid solution directly into a vein. It can be intermittent or continuous; continuous administration is called an intravenous drip. The word intravenous simply means “within a vein”, and is most commonly used to refer to IV therapy. The intravenous route is one of the fastest ways to deliver fluids throughout the body. Generally Mountain Sage uses a solution of vitamins and minerals customized to the patients needs.
MIND/ BODY MEDICINE
Mental attitudes and emotional states may influence, or even cause, physical illness. Counseling, nutritional balancing, stress management, hypnotherapy, biofeedback, and other therapies are used to help patients heal psychologically. (Definition from NCNM)
MINOR SURGERY
Naturopathic physicians do in-office minor surgery, including repair of superficial wounds and removal of foreign bodies, cysts, and superficial lesions such as moles and warts. (Definition from NCNM)
PHYSICAL MEDICINE
Naturopathic medicine has its own methods of therapeutic manipulation of soft tissue, muscles, bones, and spine. N.D.s also use ultrasound, diathermy, exercise, massage, water, heat and cold, and gentle electrical therapies. In the state of Utah, we work closely with Chiropractic physicians to ensure proper mobility and alignment of the bones and joints. (Definition from NCNM)