Lyme DiseaseState-of-the-art Testing Integrative Healing Modalities
Holistic Treatment
WHAT IT IS
Lyme Disease is an infection caused by the spirochete bacteria, Borrelia burgdorferi (Bb) which can cause a constellation of symptoms which include chronic fatigue, brain fog, muscle pain, joint pain and neurological symptoms among others.
Lyme is the most common vector-borne infection in the USA and Europe. About 90% of cases occur in the Northeast USA and Mid-Atlantic states, with Maryland being one of the top ten states in the country.
The diagnosis of Lyme can be challenging to a healthcare practitioner. The "bull's eye" rash occurs in less than one third of cases and deer ticks are small enough to be easily overlooked. Adding to this problem are potential co-infections. These are other infections that can occur with tick bites and can cause many chronic problems.
In its later stages, it is an increasingly common cause of chronic illness which can masquerade as disorders such as arthritis, chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, psychiatric disorders, and several types of neurological disorders.
Lyme treatment and co-infections requires a truly integrative, holistic approach which includes medication, nutrition, lifestyle, mind-body work, and supplementation.
NIHA’S INTEGRATIVE APPROACH TO LYME DISEASE
At NIHA we use ILADS (International Lyme and Associated Diseases Association) recommendations for testing. The tests used by most non-ILADS doctors may be unreliable, and we use primarily Igenex Labs testing which we have found to be superior. We also remember that Lyme Disease is a diagnosis based on history and symptoms rather than test results. We treat the patient, not the test results.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Your first exam will include a thorough history and physical exam. If you have not already tested for Lyme Disease you will probably be tested using the best Lyme Disease and Co-infection testing available. We will talk to you about diet, exercise, sleep and stress reduction, all which are critical to ensuring that you return to full health. Because Lyme Disease can cause such severe consequences, we usually recommend antibiotic therapy, again based on ILADS protocols.
If you cannot take antibiotics, do not want to take antibiotics, or do not respond to antibiotics, we have a wide range of supplements, herbal remedies and homeopathic remedies that may help kill the bacteria, relieve the symptoms and/or strengthen your immune system.
We also have other alternative healing modalities such as frequency specific microcurrent, classical homeopathy, acupuncture, hyperbaric chamber oxygen therapy and body work that may be helpful in the treatment of Lyme disease.
If you continue to respond poorly we will take a second look at things that can weaken the immune system such as tick born co-infections (Babesia, Bartonella, Erlichia, Mycoplasma), heavy metal toxicity, dental cavitations, etc.
Many of our patients who detoxify from heavy metals like mercury do much better with later antibiotic therapy.
We have a complete team with experience treating Lyme Disease that can help you get better.
For additional information see the NIHA Library section on Lyme Disease.
ADDITIONAL LYME DISEASE RESOURCES
NIHA Library Lyme Disease
NIHA Products The Lyme Disease Solution book
ILADS website www.ilads.org
Film website www.underourskin.com
Lyme Disease Foundation www.lyme.org
Lyme Disease Associaton http://lymediseaseassociation.org
Lyme Disease Network http://flash.lymenet.org
