Alternative Healthcare Providers in Kitsap County
All disciplines believe in the holistic approach – that of treating the whole body, not individual parts like traditional ‘Western’ medicine does. .
With a Chinese origin dating back about 3000 years, acupuncture is known best for its use involving pain management. However, there are many other concerns it addresses successfully, including digestive, joint, menopausal/menstrual, stress, energy, etc.
Acupuncture is known as working best with health complaints, concerns/irregularities that are not yet full blown diseases. It can also used as an “integrative medicine,” meaning patients can still have their principal medical doctors and prescriptions (western medicine) while engaging in this “eastern medicine.” Practitioners base their treatment on pattern assessment (where a pattern is multiple symptoms), treat the pattern not the disease; treat multiple problems with one herb formula; and do not accept side effects.
Using small, thin needles the width of a hair, acupuncture involves inserting these needles into various neural mode sites throughout the body. This helps to increase the blood flow to the affected area. Within recent years there has been an increase in popularity, which has also led to a consumer push for more insurance coverage of acupuncture procedures and practitioners.
In the traditional (Western) medical profession, classes are being taught to medical doctors whereby they obtain qualifications for providing acupuncture treatments. One such MD is Port Orchard physician Dr. Jessica Hanford. With a history in family practice, Dr. Hanford is also knowledgeable about the acupuncture field and can combine the two modalities to her patient’s satisfaction. She sees patients turning to acupuncture when conventional treatments don’t work well. According to Dr. Hanford, “Acupuncture is great for post surgical symptoms-among others.” Contact her at (360) 871-4556 for more info.
Joyce M. Brown, Licensed Acupuncturist, is located in East Bremerton at “A Healing Center.” While living in Singapore, her interest in acupuncture was sparked. She liked what she saw and decided to begin studying it. Having been in the field for nine years, she has been practicing in our area since 1994. She enjoys helping her patients decrease their medication amounts, balance their body, and also supplement western medicine. Treating a wide variety of health concerns (energy, headaches, chronic fatigue, insomnia, asthma, etc.), with acupuncture, she can be reached at (360) 792-2586.
Located in Poulsbo, the Acupuncture & Wellness Center, Inc. is the largest clinic of its kind in Washington State. Established in 1998, its founders are Robert Doane and Anne Stiller-Doane – both Board Certified in acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine.
Acupuncture helps increase the vital vapor or oxygen to the cells thereby increasing oxygen to the blood vessels. The oxygen nourishes every cell of our body. When the oxygen is flowing correctly, health concerns are minimized. According to Dr. Doane, “Acupuncture is a totally physically based medicine which identifies most pathologies as being related to blood flow. The purpose of acupuncture is to increase blood flow to the area of the treatment body.” For more information, contact the Clinic at (206) 842-2245 or (360) 394-4357.
Another modality, which has been around for many years, is yoga. Known to increase flexibility, fitness, and strength, yoga welcomes people at all levels of fitness.
With an origin in India, it consists of various poses and holding poses – as those found in Hatha yoga, for example. Pilates yoga consists of toning core muscles (abdomen, buttocks, etc.) through exercises and movements but does not contain any poses. Yoga results in a better quality of life for many and is considered preventative. Relaxation is a common result of engaging in yoga. Yoga is not considered aerobic since it does not increase or improve the cardiovascular system.
Classes are taught at various health clubs and community parks and recreation centers throughout our area. Of the many qualified yoga instructors throughout our peninsula, Eugenia Jones offers basic yoga classes at the Bremerton Senior Center and Pilates yoga classes in Poulsbo. “My main goal is getting people up and moving and yoga is a great way to get started,” according to Ms. Jones. Visit her website at www.ejonesfitness.com or call her at (360) 613-4045.
Naturopathy is an alternative healthcare field, which has been around about 200 years, with its origin being in Europe. Its main philosophy is that of providing natural remedies that work by stimulating the body’s own healing powers. Areas of involvement consist of nutrition (diet is the first area looked at), vitamin therapy, herbs/botanical medicine, physical medicine/manipulation, hydrotherapy, traditional Chinese medicine, and Aruyvedic medicine. It also can be integrative, meaning patients can continue seeing their conventional doctor as well as their holistic doctor. Due to the space limitations, we will feature only three physicians here. They are…
Located in Chico is a Doctor of Naturopathy, Cathy Rogers. With over 20 years practicing in the field, she is a founding director of the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians. A Bremerton native, Dr. Rogers holds 4-week healthy habits classes and has a healing retreat in Chico. “Health is not an end, but a means. Good health, good energy, and good movement are a means of doing what one wants,” states Dr. Rogers. Reach her at (360) 692-5554 for more info.
Dr. Ruth Urand, having a practice since 1998 located in downtown Poulsbo, wants us to know that “Naturopathic doctors have one foot firmly planted in western medicine, and have another foot planted in holistic medicine. Nutrition is the basis for health and someone going to a naturopath gets the best of both worlds.” She enjoys educating the public to the joys of natural healing. Contact her at (360) 598-6999 at the Sound Naturopathic Clinic.
“I’m looking to create a partnership with somebody. A team effort where a person wants to change and is open to new ideas,” says Jane Bernstein Pearson, ND of Poulsbo. In practice since 1993 she is involved most heavily in homeopathy with an interest in ayruvedic medicine (an Eastern modality). Her contact number is (360) 697-7070.
The chiropractic field is another discipline found in the alternative healthcare area. Founded in Canada by Dr. Daniel D. Palmer in 1895, this discipline knows that the body has wisdom to heal itself and looks to the nervous system as the communication system of the body by checking the alignment of the spinal column. Chiropractic physicians are also extensively trained in x-ray interpretation and pharmacology.
“With over 60,000 chiropractors worldwide, it is the leading drug free health movement in the world,” according to Dr. L. Theodore Gip of Silverdale Chiropractic Health & Injury Center. “Many patients have monthly wellness check-ups and are evaluated. Athletes, for instance, have a “work up” before games to maintain positive health,” he states. Contact the Clinic at (360) 308-0250 for more info.
Dr. Frances Butler, of Butler Chiropractic Clinic in Silverdale, has seen clients who have a faster recovery time, decreased their amount of medications, and have less time off of work by using her services. “Massage therapy, physical therapy, and chiropractic care can work very well together,” she states. In the field for 26 years, Dr. Butler receives 90 percent of her business from referrals and considers herself a “hands on/manual” physician. She is available at (360) 692-2333.
“Aches or pains mean something is wrong,” according to Dr. Karen Busso. Practicing at The Chiropractor’s Clinic in Silverdale – a 23-year-old clinic. Dr. Busso is also involved in educating the public about natural health care/chiropractic care. She gives spinal screenings in malls and health clubs, talks to local businesses, and presents ways to prevent injuries. Contact her at (360) 698-3140 for more info.
Another field considered part of the alternative field is massage therapy. Who has not thoroughly a good massage and found it rejuvenating? We are blessed to have a variety of these providers on our peninsula. Massage therapy can help one with relaxation, injury treatments, pregnancy, and a host of other ailments. It makes for a wonderful gift any time of the year. Gift certificates are usually available.
Olympic Day Spa & Massage located in Poulsbo offers a wonderfully relaxing and pleasant atmosphere. There are a variety of services to choose from here. Each of the practitioners are a pleasure to deal with. Prices are reasonable. They sell Relaxation Packages and many other packages at affordable prices. They also accept many insurances. There is a multitude of services available here. Contact them at 360-697-3767. Another nice thing about this spa is the ability to order online at www.olympicspa.com.
Soul Serenity is located in a wooded setting in a professional park. It is quite nice to walk into. In addition to massage therapy, they offer aromatherapy and reflexology, amongst other services. It is a wonderfully comfortable atmosphere and the quietness is supreme. Contact them at 360-871-4869 for more information.
Affiliated with the Kitsap Foot and Ankle Clinic is another massage therapy business that goes by ‘Kitsap Treatment Massage & Luxury Foot Spa’. They offer bilingual services (Spanish, Portugese, French) which is very unique and welcomed. I like the way they publicize that they help teens, women, and men. In additon to massage therapy, they offer a variety of alternative healthcare services such as aromatherapy, reflexology, waxing, and pedicures. Also, they offer later hours – which is a convenience for the 9-5 crowd. I have heard rave reviews about this place. Contact them at 360-377-6926 for more information. Or, visit their website at www.ktmluxuryfootspa.com.
A Place of Healing is located in a renovated older house on Front Street in Poulsbo. The atmosphere is reminescent of comfortable, simpler times. It is very peaceful and welcoming in here. Contact them at 360-598-6824 for further information.
This article has touched on but a few of the many qualified professionals and areas involved in the “alternative healthcare” field. Not discussed in detail are tai chai, reflexology, and aromatherapy – to list but a few. They all involve the patient taking a more active approach towards their health, treating the person as a whole, using natural methods, and relying on the body’s natural healing process.
As can be seen, Kitsap County has a variety of highly qualified professionals that are involved in the Alternative Healthcare field. Here is more contact information for you to help in your decisions. As mentioned within the body of this article are the following practitioners and businesses:
Cathy Rogers, ND (an initiator of naturopathic field development)
6670 Chico Way NW
Bremerton, WA. 98312
360-692-5554
Dr. Rogers has a national reputation for being an innovator in their field. She is given credit for starting naturopathic studies in many colleges and universities across the country. Plus, I know her to be community involved and willing shares her knowledge with others. She gives excellent seminars and encourages others to lead a holistic, healthy life. She is a pleasure to talk with. If you want to learn about naturopathic/holistic living, talk with Dr. Rogers. She is great.
Acupuncture & Wellness Center, Inc.
(largest acupuncture clinic in WA state)
Anne & Robert Doane, L.Ac., Dipl. Ac.
19735 10th Ave NE
Suite 102
Poulsbo, WA.
360-394-4357
I have seen this business flourish from a small to large in a short period of time. The Doanes are fascinating people to talk with. Besides sharing information about their business and ‘specialty’ they are heavily involved in the community. I like that. They willingly provide information and are nonjudgmental whenever they receive negativity. They handle it beautifully. In other words, they are great people. I have seen wonderful results on others because of the acupuncture treatment they received hre. Prices are reasonable.
Eugenia Jones Fitness (yoga)
www.ejonesfitness.com
360-613-4045
Ms. Jones offers a variety of fitness regimes, but yoga is my favorite. She is known for her articles in the local business journal. Plus, she helps out the community with various functions. I love her passion. It is contagious. Every time I talk with her, I learn something new. Prices are reasonable.
Natural Options Health Clinic PLLC
Christine Ahmed, ND
3647 NW Byron B10
Silverdale, WA
360-698-4141
Dr. Ahmed is very easy to converse with. There is a calming aura that seems to surround her. Her office is very comforting and pleasant to be in. Plus, I know her to enjoy sharing information at networking groups and seminars throughout the area. She is alright, in my books.
Olympic Day Spa & Massage
downtown Poulsbo
360-697-3767
I love going into this place. It is located in the Front Street area, which means it is easy to get in and out of by walking.
It is very relaxing and pleasant in here. One must climb stairs to enter this business, though.
Soul Serenity Massage
1605A Woodridge Drive SE
Port Orchard, WA. 98366
360-871-4869
I know the owner to be community involved and that alone is worth the visit. She is genuinely concerned about helping people.
Kitsap Treatment Massage
900 Sheridan Road
Suite 102
Bremerton, WA.
360-377-6926
This spa is located in the ‘hospital and doctor’ area surrounding Harrison Hospital.
A Place of Healing
19041 Front St. NE
Poulsbo, WA.
360-598-6824
This business consists of multiple practitioners of various disciplines. Massage therapy, psychotherapy, acupuncture – to name a few, are found here.
