Integrative Therapies

Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medical therapy which uses very fine, sterile stainless steel needles to stimulate specific energetic points on the body. Dr. Piscopo also practices a form of acupuncture that does not require needles, called Acutonics, for individuals who may have difficulty tolerating them. For more information on acupuncture, please see our article on that subject.

Botanical Medicine
Naturopathic physicians are the only licensed, primary care providers who are fully trained in the use of botanical medicine in the state of Washington. Centuries of use and thousands of articles in the medical research literature attest to the efficacy, safety, and power of these natural substances. Botanical medicines often have fewer complications and side effects than pharmaceutical drugs. In fact, many drugs are actually more concentrated versions of the chemical derivatives from plants.

Clinical Nutrition
The therapeutic use of foods and natural supplements such as vitamins and minerals is an important yet complex field. Naturopathic physicians are skilled in the use of supplementation and nutritional intervention in the management of medical conditions. While medical doctors receive less than 20 hours of instruction on nutrition, naturopathic physicians receive over 140 hours because clinical nutrition is a central modality in the naturopathic approach.

The therapeutic use of foods and natural supplements such as vitamins and minerals is an important yet complex field. Because of the way research on nutrition is sensationalize or poorly reported, many people have given up trying to make sense of what foods to eat or which supplements are useful. Our physicians can cut through the confusion and assist you in making sense of this wonderful resource.

Counseling
Currently, conventional medicine covers both the pharmaceutical approach and the psychotherapeutic approach to mood disorders. But what if you are grieving? An anti-depressant does not get to the root of that. What if you are going through a spiritual crisis? Psychotherapy may not be effective in that realm. What if you are not "diseased" but are going through a personal transition such as menopause, a disruption of a family, or the breakup of a relationship?

Dr. Piscopo worked in the field of psychiatric medicine for twelve years prior to studying natural medicine. His approach draws upon the wisdom of Chinese medicine, Western science, naturopathic medicine, theology, and various modern psychological systems. This allows for an integrated approach to life issues that do not fit into neat little boxes.

Homeopathy
A Western system of medicine developed by Samuel Hahnemann in the late 18th century and used successfully for over two hundred years. Based on the Law of Similars or "like cures like," homeopathy attempts to stimulate the body to heal itself by administering highly diluted substances that, if given at higher concentrations, would actually mimic the aliment the patient is currently experiencing. Zicam and Airborne are examples of modern homeopathic preparations that are massed produced. However, the true strength of homeopathy manifests when a practitioner listens deeply and chooses a customized remedy that specifically matches a patient's total symptom picture.

NAET
Nambudripad's Allergy Elimination Technique (NAET) is an innovative, natural method of addressing allergies. Dr. Thomas has extensive training in this specialized therapy, which she uses to supplement her approach to various types of airborne, chemical, and food-related allergies.

Physical Medicine
This area includes various physical modalities used to augment healing and restore function, including hydrotherapy, exercise, electrical stimulation, ultrasound, and various forms of musculo-skeletal manipulation.

FSM
Frequency Specific Microcurrent (FSM) is a new system of treatment using microamperage current and the resonance effects of frequencies on tissues and conditions to create beneficial changes. Our physicians have been trained in FSM therapy, which is particularly useful for acute and chronic pain conditions. FSM is safe, effective, and painless. Its ability to deliver results is the reason it has been used by the NFL and by the Tour de France team of the US Postal Service. For more information on FSM, please visit the Frequency Specific Microcurrent website.