Frequently Asked Questions:
Naturopathic Medicine with Dr. Kathryn Sage N.D.:
- What is naturopathic medicine?
- What kind of training do naturopathic physicians have? Are they licensed?
- What happens at a naturopathic visit?
- How many treatments is it going to take to make me feel better?
- Are naturopathic physicians for primary care?
- Do you do women’s annual exams?
Traditional East Asian Medicine with Damon Sage L.Ac.:
- What is Traditional East Asian Medicine?
- What is Acupuncture?
- What kind of training do acupuncturists have?
- What does acupuncture feel like?
- How many times will I have to see my acupuncturist?
- What should I expect at my first acupuncture visit?
- What is Qigong?
General Clinic Questions:
- Do I need to bring anything with me to my first visit?
- What methods of payment do you accept?
- Do you accept insurance?
What is naturopathic medicine?
Naturopathic medicine is similar to conventional medicine in that both types of physicians are trained to diagnose and treat disease. The goals of a naturopathic physician however, are quite different: he or she wants each patient to not only be free from illness, but also headed in the direction of greater health and wellness. The methods used to achieve this goal are safe and effective traditional medicines, such as botanicals, nutrition, and homeopathy. Naturopathic physicians also differ from conventional doctors in that they are able to provide the time needed to listen a to patient’s concerns, not only their physical but also their mental and emotional needs in order to address the true cause of any imbalance. Patients will leave with new knowledge and tools so they may begin to live a healthier and happier life.
What kind of training do naturopathic physicians have? Are they licensed?
Naturopathic physicians attend an accredited 4-year naturopathic medical school and graduate with a doctorate in naturopathic medicine (N.D. or N.M.D.). In addition to a standard medical curriculum, the naturopathic physician is required to complete four years of training in clinical nutrition, homeopathy, botanical medicine, physical manipulations, psychology, and counseling. The emphasis of their education is on prevention and optimizing wellness. A naturopathic physician takes rigorous professional board exams so that he or she may be licensed by a state or jurisdiction as a primary care general practice physician. In the State of Arizona, naturopathic physicians are primary care physicians.
What happens at a naturopathic visit?
At your first visit we will spend up to an hour and a half going over your medical history and your health goals. I will present to you one of our health programs and design it to fit your needs. I will answer any questions you may have, will present treatment options, and then will work with you to decide the treatment plan that will be most successful for you.
At all return visits, I will spend up to 60 minutes with you discussing any changes you may have experienced and update the treatment plan as necessary.
How many treatments is it going to take to make me feel better?
The number of treatments needed depends on the complexity of your complaint (acute vs. chronic). Each patient is unique and therefore may need a longer or shorter treatment time. Typically a patient will return two weeks after the first visit to go over his or her progress and make any necessary changes to the treatment plan. The goal is to bring you to a greater level of health, so typically patient visits become less frequent and less necessary over time.
Are naturopathic physicians for primary care?
Yes. The scope of practice of naturopathic physicians varies depending on in which state they practice. In the State of Arizona, naturopathic physicians have the full privileges of being a primary care physician. This means I can diagnose and treat disease, order labs and prescribe most pharmaceuticals.
Do you do women’s annual exams?
Yes. I have classroom and clinical training in gynecology and can do annual screening exams for women.
What is Acupuncture and Traditional East Asian Medicine?
Acupuncture and Traditional East Asian Medicine (Oriental Medicine) originated in China over 4,000 years ago. Today, East Asian Medicine has spread to most parts of the world, treating about one quarter of the world’s population. The practice of East Asian Medicine is rapidly growing as an effective compliment, and alternative, to conventional medicine here in the West.
Traditional East Asian Medicine is truly a holistic and natural medicine. The diagnostic and treatment principles of this medicine are deeply rooted within the observation of nature. These natural patterns mirror our body’s own intrinsic inclination towards optimal health. Symptoms and diseases are not isolated occurrences; they are seen as diagnostic signs pointing to an underlying imbalance within the body. These imbalances are most commonly treated with acupuncture, herbal medicine, and Zen shiatsu massage.
Herbal Medicines used in Traditional East Asian Medicine are as natural as its medical philosophy. The natural herbal formulas prescribed come from plants, minerals, and foods. Herbal medicine works well in combination with acupuncture to speed the healing process. Zen Shiatsu massage is a Japanese form of acu-pressure used to treat the body on a very energetic level. Massage can be very relaxing and most of all very healing.
At Sages’ Healing Center, we strive to bring the deep wisdom of Traditional East Asian Medicine into the lives of our patients here in Northern Arizona.
Acupuncture is the use of small, hair-thin needles used to stimulate points on the body that act as natural communication relay centers. These points trigger our body’s own healing processes, without any additional drugs.
What kind of training do acupuncturists have?
Licensed Acupuncturists (L.Ac.) must graduate from an accredited masters level graduate program in acupuncture and Traditional East Asian Medicine. Students receive comprehensive instruction and practical experience in acupuncture, herbal medicine, East Asian therapeutic massage and qi cultivation. As part of the program, students also study Western medical approaches and related areas of public and community health, research, and practitioner/patient dynamics. All students must also complete 1 year of clinical internship during their education.
Damon graduated from Oregon College of Oriental Medicine in Portland, Oregon and is be a Licensed Acupuncturist in the State of Arizona.
What does acupuncture feel like?
Acupuncture is performed with sterile, single use, solid, stainless steel, hair-thin needles. Patients report different sensations associated with acupuncture, but most feel minimal pain as the needle is inserted. Acupuncture makes some patients feel more energized by the treatment, while others say they feel relaxed.
Other forms of stimulation besides needles are sometimes used, including:
- Moxibustion (Heat Therapy)
- Acupressure
- Gua Sha (Scraping Massage Treatment)
- Cupping (Suction Massage Treatment)
- Electro-Stimulation
- Zen Shiatsu Massage
How many times will I have to see my acupuncturist?
It greatly depends on the nature of the condition (chronic vs. acute). Some individuals have a greater capacity for healing and are seen less often. Typically, after the first office visit, the patient returns in one week to assess his or her progress and to determine whether modifications in the treatment plan are needed. The goal is to bring you to a greater level of health, so typically patient visits become less necessary and less frequent over time. Once your initial complaint is resolved, we will then work toward prevention and planning on how to keep you healthy, happy, and enjoying life.
What should I expect at my first acupuncture visit?
At your first appointment we will spend much of the hour going over your history and your health goals. I will work to educate you on what I feel the imbalance may be and how to resolve it. I will examine your pulse and tongue, and will palpate any areas associated with your chief complaint. This information is then organized into a comprehensive diagnosis of where the imbalances and blockages are located according to Traditional East Asian Medicine. After the initial in-take, you will receive an acupuncture treatment. The first visit will last approximately 1 hour, with following visits averaging 45 minutes to 1 hour. At your first appointment we will put together a list of health goals and plan how to help you reach these goals.
During the acupuncture treatment, you will be lying or seated in a comfortable position and can expect anywhere from 5-20 needles per treatment. The needles are left in for 15-30 minutes. During the treatment, you may feel vague sensations of numbness, tingling, warmth or a dull ache. You will be able to rest and relax during this period, but I will not be far away if you have any concerns throughout your treatment.
The Chinese word Qi (pronounced “chee”) means “life energy”. According to Traditional East Asian Medicine, Qi is the animating power that flows through our bodies as well as through nature and the world around us.
The Chinese word Gong means “work” or “benefits acquired through practice.” Thus Qigong means working one’s own energies. How this translates to our modern understanding of Qigong is through meditation and exercises with a focus on our breath and Qi. I will be teaching beginning and intermediate level Qigong classes throughout the year for the community. All are welcome.
Do I need to bring anything with me to my first visit?
Yes. Please be sure to fill out and bring the following new patient forms and bring them with you to your new patient appointment:
- Patient Health History
- Informed Consent
All forms may be downloaded by clicking here, or if needed we will fax or mail the forms to you prior to your appointment.
What methods of payment are accepted?
Cash, Check, Debit, Visa and Mastercard. Some insurance providers may cover our treatment.
Some insurance carriers in the state of Arizona cover Acupuncture and Naturopathic Medicine. Please check with your insurance company and ask if they cover treatments, labs, or imaging ordered by a Naturopathic Doctor or a Licensed Acupuncturist. We will provide a superbill for you to submit to your insurance provider for reimbursement at the time of your visit.