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State-of-the-art Testing Alternative Healing Modalities
Holistic Treatment
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.
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.
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 do 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!
Paul V. Beals M.D., C.C.N. (adults)
Biography
Contact
Charlene Kannankeril, N.D. (naturopathic treatment adult and children)
Biography
Contact
www.ILADS.org
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