Butte Healing Arts Center

By Story and photo by Paula J. McGarvey - 11/15/2008

Naturopath Dr. Shahab Samieian offers alternative and complementary health-care options through his natural medicine practice at the Butte Healing Arts Center.

Butte Healing Arts Center 1820 Harrison Ave. in Butte Phone: 723-6609 Business history: Naturopath Dr. Shahab Samieian opened the Butte Healing Arts Center 14 years ago along with his wife, acupuncturist Kathlyn Swann.

"We came here because my wife grew up in Butte, and Butte didn't have a naturopath," he said.

Samieian said that both he and Swann wanted their daughters to grow up around family. The two worked together until Swann left the practice approximately four years ago to concentrate her focus on the couple's two girls.

Samieian has continued to work at the center, providing people in southwest Montana with a natural health-care alternative.

"For me, this is my life's calling. I can't imagine doing anything else," he said.

Products, services and specialties: The Butte Healing Arts Center is a family practice serving infants to senior citizens.

Samieian operates as a primary care provider, offering treatment options through natural medicine for any illness.

"I offer people choices that are not based on pharmaceutical drugs or surgery," he said.

Services include management and treatment regimens for everything from the common cold to cardiovascular disease, including cancer, diabetes, macular degeneration and pain management. Special services include chelation therapy, detoxification treatments, weight loss alternatives and natural cosmetic treatments.

Through his practice, Samieian prescribes and distributes homeopathic treatments, herbal and vitamin supplements — offering patients a holistic approach to their health care.

Business philosophy: Samieian said his business philosophy is to provide services that improve people's health, well being and quality of life.

Advice for others wanting to start a business: "If you can find a job you love to do and you put all your effort into it you will succeed," Samieian said.

He suggests that entrepreneurs do their homework, research the local market and remember the importance of advertising.

He also stressed the importance of continuing education.

"Don't be afraid of the investment, it always pays off," he said.

What makes doing business in southwest Montana unique? Samieian said living and working in a small city has a lot of benefits.

"Every time I go out, I see someone I know," he said.

Samieian added that he loves the community support Butte offers its residents and business people.

"I've worked in big cities, and it's more sterile," he said.

Rewards and challenges of doing business: Samieian said that his biggest reward is improving people's quality of life so they can fulfill their life's purpose and mission.

"The biggest challenge was to get established as a new doctor in town," he said.

Future plans: Samieian is currently in the process of remodeling the Butte Healing Arts Center and has plans to attend an upcoming seminar focusing on age management protocols.

Got an idea for a Business Spotlight? Contact Montana Standard Correspondent Paula J. McGarvey at 782-6510 or e-mail paulajmc@msn.com.