In this special section devoted to alternative medicine practitioners, several Park City specialists provide detailed information and personal insights into their varied approaches and offerings.
Just some of the names used to describe today’s immense and rapidly growing field of alternative medicine and health approaches include: alternative medicine, alternative wellness, holistic healing and complementary medicine and treatments. While some practitioners use these methods in combination with more traditional therapies, and others do not, all of these methods have been used by many as effective ways to manage both chronic and acute health conditions, as well as focus on the importance of preventative care.
What you find when you start looking for a basic definition of alternative medicine, is a great variety that varies almost as much as the vast number of ways practitioners implement their therapies. At its most basic level, alternative medicine in the U.S. is simply that variety of natural therapeutic or preventative healthcare practices not typically taught or practiced in the more traditional medical communities.
A recent report from the U.S. National Department of Health and Human Services took a look at the expanding popularity of complementary health approaches throughout our country and identified several regional variations in health care trends. The study was based on a 2012 survey of 43,525 adults, and found that the most popular alternative or complementary treatments were supplements, such as Echinacea, fish oil, gingko biloba and pre- or probiotics. According to the survey, 17.9 percent of Americans took supplements, which were most popular with people in the Mountain region (28.7 percent), Pacific region (23.3 percent), and West North Central states (23.1 percent). Chiropractic and osteopathic care came in next in popularity, followed by yoga, acupuncture and special diets.
Although the alternative approach is becoming more and more mainstream and accepted in American society, most of these approaches are anything but new. One of the earliest known surviving medical texts on ancient alternative medicine in China, the Huangdi Neijing (Yellow Emperor’s Inner Canon) is estimated to have been written around 200 BC. Its focus is on doctrines concerning yin/yang and elemental theories. This ancient Chinese medical text is believed to have been structured as a dialogue between the Yellow Emperor and one of his ministers or physicians.
In opposition to even older beliefs that disease was caused by demonic influences, it proposed that the natural effects of diet, lifestyle, emotions, environment and age were the reasons diseases develop.
For thousands of years Native Americans have used herbs to heal the body and bring balance into their lives and surroundings. Many ancient oral traditions were passed down through generations, and many of their healing traditions began by watching how herbs and other plants affected sick animals.
Ancient Egyptian remedies also consisted of cultivated herbs and plants added to common food in the form of spices and drinks. Hibiscus was used to treat coughs by placing extracts from the plant in the patient’s bath or in water used for steam inhalations. Laborers building the Great Pyramids were given garlic for vitality and strength. The ancient text of the Edwin Smith Papyrus, dating from the 17th Century B.C., describes the doctors of ancient Egypt treating open wounds with honey to prevent infection.
A survey conducted by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) found that almost 40 percent of U.S. adults have used complementary or alternative therapies. Much of what was once considered “alternative,” such as acupuncture, is now more routinely being offered at hospitals. A 2010 survey by the American Hospital Association and the Samueli Institute, a nonprofit center for the study of wellness and healing, demonstrated how this trend is often being driven by patients demanding alternative or complementary treatment options for conditions difficult to manage such as diabetes, chronic pain and cancer.
Many of today’s medical practitioners are embracing a combination of mainstream medical therapies, paired with more alternative methods to meet the needs of all types of patients. Although there will always be great debate over the best types of medical treatments ranging from the more traditional to alternative, today’s growing availability of treatment options allows for a great number of choices, no matter your style or need.
The Park City area is graced with a large variety of professionals in many health and wellness areas including massage, acupuncture, homeopathy, chiropractic care, and nutritional counseling. The following pages give just a small sample of their large range of expertise and offerings.
Spa Montage Surrender to Alternative Wellness
Within a 35,000 square-foot oasis that includes an indoor mosaic pool, spa cuisine, fitness equipment, a boutique, relaxation rooms with fireplaces, an herbal steam room, and dry sauna, it’s easy to experience alternative wellness at the Spa Montage.
At the Spa Montage, guests are encouraged to surrender to the therapeutic treatments. In fact, the menu begins with a section on “How to Surrender.” It reads: “Spa Montage asks you to consider the freedom and potential in allowing our highly educated providers to design a treatment specifically for your needs. Surrender is a therapeutic treatment that will address your physiological needs and immediately set you on a path to healing.”
Spa Montage therapists are highly educated and renowned professionals in the wellness industry. Therapists are graduates of ASTECC* training, a master’s level program where therapists take a deeply integrated and individualized approach to the art and science of spa practice. Because therapists are uniquely trained, they have the expertise to determine the treatments best suited for each client.
Located in the majestic mountains of Deer Valley, Spa Montage uses the earth’s natural alpine bounties in their treatments. Herbal mineral baths and hydrotherapy are used to restore the mind and body, and muds and clays are used to draw out impurities and improve circulation. The best botanical
ingredients are used in treatments, including elemental herbology, Alaskan glacial muds, and signature herbal indigenous ingredients.
The Spa Montage staff is dedicated to approaches in wellness to address the specific needs of the body and overall lifestyle goals. Customized treatments ensure that Montage guests stay holistically healthy, and ensure relaxation and energy flow throughout each session. Therapists are specifically trained
in body therapies, facial therapies, and private fitness sessions. The Spa also offers distinctive fitness sessions such as aquatic fitness, dance, and functional stretch to ensure a variety of options for well being.
This summer, give yourself the gift of serenity at Spa Montage. Spend the day soaking in the Spa’s aromatherapy, enjoy the pool and deck, and indulge in delicious, rejuvenating, and healthy cuisine from Montage’s top-rated culinary chefs.
Park City Medesthetix – Age Management
Dr. Stephanie Singer, a board certified obstetrician and gynecologist who has expanded her practice of the medical arts to include aesthetics and age management, recognizes that women feel better when they look their best. At Park City MedEsthetix, Dr. Singer and her Master Esthetician, Sonja Arelanno, offer a variety of non-invasive, results-driven, and effective procedures.
Along with an excellent line of at-home skincare, Park City MedEsthethix offers the following services: Ultherapy, Botox and Dysport, facial fillers, laser hair removal, intense pulsed light treatment, and now Cenegenics Arellano explains, “With our treatments and products, there is no down-time. It is perfect for people with active lifestyles and busy careers.”
“Ultherapy is an amazing treatment. We’ve had fantastic results.” A non-invasive procedure, Ultherapy uses ultrasound and the body’s own healing processes to lift, tone, and tighten loose skin on the brow, neck, and under the chin. It is the only FDA- approved procedure to lift skin on these hard-to-treat areas, and takes about 60-90 minutes in-office.
Ultherapy creates new elastic collagen that firms itself over time with results visible within two-three months. Arelanno notes, “They say Ultherapy lasts two years, but people are so happy they’re coming back early.” Ultherapy can also be done as preventative maintenance.
To provide her clients with maximum benefits as they age, Dr. Singer became a certified Age Management Physician with Cenegenics. Realizing that in Park City people tend to live longer and healthier lives, Cenegenics provides personal, proactive age management programs to promote a lifetime of wellness. Clients start by understanding their metabolic and physiologic baselines, along with an annual health assessment.
Cenegenics also incorporates exercise, hormone optimization, nutraceutical supplementation, and personalized nutrition. Because cardiovascular disease is the #1 cause of death in the United States, Cenengenics proactively screens and tests for signs of heart disease and stroke. With years as one of the most respected obstetricians/gynecologists in the Wasatch Back, having Dr. Singer coordinate the aging process in a non-invasive, active, and healthy manner is a benefit for Park City.
Dr Stephanie Singer, physician and owner of Park City Gynecology, Park City Medesthetix, and Elite Healthcare with Cenegenics is Board Certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology, an Associate of the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery. Dr Singer incorporates her medical knowledge with her aesthetic and age management training providing the perfect combination to optimize your health on the inside and out.
Stein Eriksen Lodge – Signature Treatments with a Balanced Approach
Utah’s only Forbes Five Star Spa takes an integrative, holistic, and balanced approach to pampering and relaxation. From products to treatments, spa guests can enjoy a variety of natural healing modalities.
The Stein Signature Massage is fully customizable for each client and remains one of the spa’s most popular treatments. Guests and therapists determine the optimum treatment; the therapist customizes the massage using specialty products to incorporate a variety of techniques for ultimate relaxation.
Spa staff member Jenessa Boehm Campbell loves the Alpine Glow Body Wrap. She explains, “The wrap includes honey, which is an all-natural anti-bacterial. Plus, it is indigenous to Utah.” The Alpine Glow utilizes local products to combat the drying effects of high altitude; honeybee propolis instantly boosts and rejuvenates dry, dehydrated skin.
Another holistic therapy is the Nordic Detox. While cocooned in a body mask for delivery of active nutrients, toxins are eliminated from the body, making this treatment a natural restorative method for bringing the body back to balance. Signature soaks also offered at the spa allow guests to submerge themselves in deep, private, soaking tubs enriched with a choice of aromatherapy bath salts. With the educated and innate understanding of the body, therapists can customize this treatment for each client as well.
In addition to a variety of customizable spa treatments, the Stein Eriksen Spa’s organic products feature natural and restorative ingredients. The Amala’s Hydrate Collection is the newest line featured at the Spa. Rich in organic and whole plant nutrients and ethically grown, the collection sustains the skin’s moisture level with organic jasmine, known for nourishing, smoothing and providing antioxidant benefits.
The Spa also offers the Eminence Organic skin care line, infused with fresh fruits and herbs for effective treatments, and masques for beautiful, radiant skin. All active ingredients are 100 percent organic.
Treatments provide the “Salt of the Earth,” literally from Utah. The Salt of the Earth creates products through the natural evaporation of water from the Great Salt Lake and is utilized in healing hand and foot treatments. In addition to all of the above services, the Verdandi Wellness Studio is
on-site at the Stein Eriksen Lodge which provides cardio and toning classes.
With specialized treatments, knowledgeable staff, and a rejuvenating atmosphere, guests at the Stein Eriksen Spa leave prepared to manage their own healing.
Chinese Medicine – Naturopathic and Classical
By Babbie Ann Lester, ND, LAc | Certified Botanist
Imagine living your life exactly as you dream it. Imagine waking up each morning refreshed, rejuvenated and vibrant. Imagine perfect health, a body whole, a mind alert, a soul complete. And imagine being gently guided through the process by caring, dedicated and professional individuals: Dr. Babbie and Dr. Bradford Lester, Naturopathic Physicians and Licensed Acupuncturists.
After pre-medical undergraduate studies, medical school and residencies, Dr. Babbie and her husband Brad moved back to Park City to start their clinic, Mountain Sage Natural Health and Acupuncture.
Drs. Babbie and Brad studied for six years at the National College of Natural Medicine in Portland, Oregon. They completed their residencies at Utah Valley Health Clinic and are licensed and board certified as primary care physicians and Naturopathic Doctors (N.D.) as well as Licensed Acupuncturists (LAc.) through the national accreditation body, NCCAOM.
Naturopathic Medicine is a distinct system of primary healthcare distinguished by the principles upon which its practice is based:
first do no harm, the healing power of nature, identify and treat the cause, prevention is the best medicine, doctor as teacher, treat the whole person. Naturopathic medicine addresses the root cause of the imbalance and helps to restore the body back to its original state of health.
Mountain Sage offers a full complement of alternative healthcare modalities: homeopathy, botanical medicine and tinctures, nutrient IV therapy, blood draws and lab work, general physical exams, detoxification and cleanse programs, heavy metal testing, food allergy testing, GI health panels, nature cure techniques, lifestyle counseling, medical nutritional consulting, and safe weaning from prescription medications.
Naturopathic medicine also includes: Classical Chinese medicine, tongue and pulse diagnosis, acupuncture, moxibustion, shiatsu,Qi Gong, Tai Chi and Chinese Herbal formulas.
Biophoton Light Therapy: based on the principle that every cell vibrates at a certain frequency. Using a Chiren instrument, points are measured along the acupuncture meridians, then precise frequencies are used to help restore balance in the human body.
Dao Qi A Massage: technique developed by Dr. Brad, combines acupressure, Shiatsu, physical medicine, and energetic medicine. Dao Qi addresses, moves, and balances both the physical and energetic pathways with a hands-on approach to find the harmonious path for energy to flow.
Shamanic Energy Work: Shamanism is an ancient healing tradition that focuses on fostering the intrinsic connection between humans and nature, essentially cultivating balance and harmony. Dr. Babbie completed courses through the Four Winds Society, and has been studying with Peruvian shaman Dr. Theo Paredes, Ph.D. for the last 18 years.
Sundance Spa – A Sacred Space for Healing
For centuries, the Ute tribe has recognized the healing powers of the valley beneath Mount Timpanogos, now known as Sundance Resort. Larry Cesspooch, tribal leader, explains, “It is a place with sacred healing powers. The tribe came to escape the heat, but knew the underlying magic.”
Committed to maintaining the restoration of body, mind and spirit, the Sundance Spa is inspired by the Sioux concept of Hocoka. With natural wood, soft light, and blend of Native American traditions mixed with natural products, the spa assists in returning body, soul and spirit to
perfect balance using restorative alternative practices.
In addition to a broad menu of treatments including facials and massage that feature all-natural products, the Spa offers a complete wellness program. Guests can begin their day in a morning yoga session with an experienced instructor. Each class is suited to the individual needs of attendees, allowing the body to naturally restore itself with each asana, or posture.
Another unique feature at the spa is Aromatherapy Yoga and Massage. The use of essential oils, whether in yoga or massage, promotes physical wellness and a more positive emotional state and mental clarity. In a thirty-minute meditation class, wellness participants learn to quiet the mind while bringing body and spirit into harmony. This mindful meditation reduces stress, improves concentration, and strengthens the immune system in a natural healing fashion.
Within the spa, clients are guided toward the most appropriate healing techniques including: Sundance Stone Massage, Herbal Poultice Hot Therapy Massage,
Reflexology, and Head Release. These non-traditional methods of healing provide additional resources for comfort and pain relief. For example, in the Head Release, the treatment focuses entirely on the traditional centers of stress. Often, cranial- sacral work, stretching, and acupressure are included. The reflexology treatments help clients identify and releases points and zones of stress throughout the body, including feet, hands, and head. The Herbal Poultice Hot Therapy Massage is an ancient treatment that caters to all five senses, bringing complete relaxation.
With a variety of pure essential oils by Utah companies Ojavan and Maria Michele, clients leave with therapeutic grade essential oils for at-home use. All of the treatments and opportunities remind clients to look inward to heal themselves, with specialty-trained therapists available to guide clients through the most thorough and appropriate healing possible. This year, Sundance’s Wellness Retreat will run Friday through Sunday, November 7-9th, 2014.
