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Whole Body Vibration Therapy

  • SPECIALTIES

Specialties

Red Light

Whole Body Vibration Therapy

Vibrational therapy using a power plate is a novel and unique way to activate the body’s natural reflexive response,  engaging the muscles in a consistent and controlled manner.  The vibration helps mobilize lymph and blood so that toxins are removed more easily from the extracellular space, and normal flow can be achieved.  Additionally, the activation of more muscle fibers helps to increase muscle and bone strength.  You will find a therapy session very invigorating, and your energy will be better due to the restoration of blood and lymph flow allows for more oxygen to reach your deep tissues.

Vibrational therapy is excellent to do right after you have completed red light therapy or a red light sauna for weight reduction.  The red light helps liquify the fat/cellulite, and then the vibration plate with a 15 minute exercise routine helps to degrade the fat leading to weight loss.

  • Better muscle recovery and pain relief
  • Calorie burning
  • Improved circulation
  • Improved lymph flow
  • Increased bone density
  • Sore muscles

Vibration therapy is CONTRAINDICATED in:

  • Areas with skin rash or open wounds
  • Elevated clotting risk
  • Hypertension
  • Metal pins or plates
  • Pacemakers
  • Pregnancy
  • Recent surgery or joint replacement

Please speak with Dr. Marra about whether or not this therapy would be beneficial to you.

Red Light Therapy Wellness Lounge Cost:

(1) – 30 minute session $40.00

(10) – 30 minute sessions $405.00

(20) – 30 minute sessions $720.00

(30) – 30 minute sessions $1,080.00

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Spectra Red Light Bed

  • SPECIALTIES

Specialties

Red Light

Spectra Red Light Bed

Spectra red light bed is a medical grade light therapy technology that utilizes a variety of different wavelengths between 415-660nm in the visible blue, green, amber, and red spectrum, and near infrared wavelengths ranging from 810-980nm.  Thermal wavelengths are 910-980nm.

Both the 660-680 and 810-880 nm wavelengths interact with the fourth complex of the electron transport chain in the mitochondria.  This complex contains an enzyme (Cytochrome C oxidase) that functions as a chromophore (light gathering) because it contains a copper molecule, and transmutes light energy into ATP, the energy used in the human body.  Additionally, nitric oxide (NO) is produced which increases blood flow and oxygenation to tissues.

Usually red light bed sessions are 20 minutes for each side (front and back), but with Spectra red light therapy which is medical grade, the session time is reduced to 12-16 minutes total, because the apparatus is so much more efficient.

Dr. Marra will personalize your light therapy sessions so that you can achieve the most beneficial results in the shortest amount of time.  The benefits of red light bed therapy include:

  • increased ATP production
  • increased cellular energy
  • increased vasodilation from increased nitric oxide release
  • increased blood flow
  • increased lymphatic drainage
  • increased tissue oxygenation
  • decreased inflammation
  • decreased neuroinflammation
  • stimulates tissue growth and repair
  • stimulates new brain synapse connections
  • stimulates neuroplasticity and neuroregeneration
  • promotes better sleep

Contraindications for the red light bed are:

  • active cancer
  • pregnancy
  • epilepsy
  • active skin infections
  • photosensitivity

Pricing:

  • Single session $60 for no more than 16 minutes
  • 10 sessions $540
  • 20 sessions $1080
  • 30 sessions $1620

Please call Makala at 206-299-2676 for more details and to make an appointment.

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Neuroradiant 1070 Red Light Helmet (Neuronic)

  • SPECIALTIES

Specialties

Red Light

Neuroradiant 1070 Red Light Helmet (Neuronic)

The Neuroradiant 1070 is a red light helmet that was designed to deliver 1070 nm of red light in various pulse rates, intensity, and duration to the skull to optimize brain functions such as:

  • Memory – creation, storage, and recall
  • Complexity of of abstract thoughts
  • Rejuvenating sleep
  • Improve neurocognitive performance
  • Improve skeletomuscular performances
  • Improve mood
  • Reduce depression and anxiety
  • Improve PTSD
  • Improve coordination of fine motor muscles in hands and feet
  • Improves executive function

After completing a Cognivue assessment of your brain function, Dr. Marra will tailor a treatment plan for the Neuroradiant 1070 that is specifically designed for you. You may need to start slowly and at a reduced duration until your brain adapts to the incoming red light sessions. There is a need for this therapy for all aging people who want to maintain an active healthy brain well into their 80s and 90s.

There is a CLEAR therapeutic window for ALL red light wavelengths but especially that which is delivered to the brain so doing too little will have NO effect, but doing too much, could have a detrimental effect. Starting low and going slow is the best way to proceed with red light therapy delivered directly to the brain.

Red Light Therapy Wellness Lounge cost:

(1) 10-30 minute personalized session – $50.00

(10) 10-30 minute personalized sessions – $450.00

(20) 10-30 minute personalized sessions – $900.00

(30) 10-30 minute personalized sessions – $1,350.00

(50) 10-30 minute personalized sessions – $2,250.00

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Juju Pet Therapy

  • SPECIALTIES

Specialties

Red Light

Juju Pet Therapy

Juju (Juliette Pearl) is Dr. Marra’s cream french bulldog, and the mascot for EcoMedica Red Light Therapy Wellness Lounge.  This service is FREE.  Juju has wonderful healing energy and properties just because she is lovable and friendly and wants belly rubs all the time.  Research has demonstrated that spending time with animals or having a pet, is extremely beneficial to your health and wellbeing and we firmly embrace this philosophy.

Please feel free to pet and hold Juju (with great care) and spend time with her so that you too can benefit from her wonderful energy.  GUARANTEED you will feel better after holding her, petting her, giving her treats, and observing her funny personality.  Your wellness program will SURELY be enhanced with frequent visits with Juju.  You can find her treats at the front counter but please ONLY give her one.  We have to watch her weight because she is a true “bon bon” girl.

CAUTION:  If you are sensitive to farts, you might want to stay away from her as she has frequent and potent derriere gas.

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FIREFLY – Red Light Laser Treatment 

  • SPECIALTIES

Specialties

Red Light

Firefly Photobiomodulation

The firefly photobiomodulation technology is FDA approved as a general wellness product.  The device is a multi-spectrum therapy that delivers packets of light called photons.  These photons break up inflammation by dilating blood and lymphatic vessels, therefore increasing the release of nitric oxide (NO).  Increased circulation helps to remove the toxins produced by inflammation thereby decreasing pain and accelerating healing and repair of damaged tissues.  

Near infrared light works at the cellular level by a process known as photobiomodulation.  Light packets (photons) stimulate cytochrome c oxidase which is the third part of the electron transport chain inside a cell’s mitochondria.  The mitochondria are the “powerhouses” of the cell generating the ATP molecule which is used for energy by all of the cells.  This facilitates all cellular activities including metabolism, detoxification, immune function, and a host of other properties.  Local application of the photons emitted by the firefly machine can aid in achieving better well being and overall health, especially in aging populations.

Firefly technology has over 20 years of research and is used to help alleviate the discomfort associated with the following conditions:

  • Autoimmune disorders
  • Alzheimer disease
  • Back Pain
  • Bell’s Palsy
  • Carpel tunnel syndrome
  • Diabetes complications
  • Fungal infections
  • Gut issues and parasites
  • IBS
  • Menstrual cramps
  • Neuropathies
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Parkinson disease
  • Plantar fasciitis
  • Traumatic brain injury
  • Stroke
  • Wound Healing
  • Asthma
  • COPD
  • IBS
  • Leaky gut

CONTRAINDICATIONS for firefly use include:

  • Pregnancy
  • Eyes (must wear protective glasses)
  • Cancer
  • Infections
  • Retinal damage in diabetes

The cost for firefly treatment with Dr. Marra is as follows:

(1) 10 minute session – $45.00 per one body area

(10) 10 minute sessions – $410.00

(20) 10 minutes sessions – $820.00

(30) 10 minute sessions – $1,230.00

(50) 10 minute sessions – $1,640.00

These sessions CANNOT be performed on the same part of the body more than every other day to allow the body to use the photons to help heal the injury on the off days.  Please drink plenty of water before, during and after a therapy session.  Dr. Marra will assess how well you are healing to give you an idea of how many sessions will be required as well.

You MUST wear protective red light glasses during ANY therapeutic session to protect your eyes from potentially harmful red light in your eyes.

FIREFLY – Red Light Laser Treatment

This technology treats the following by disrupting the inflammatory cycle and restoring health to injured tissues:

  • joint and muscle pain
  • inflammation
  • fibromyalgia
  • acute and chronic injuries
  • IBS
  • neck pain
  • back pain
  • sciatica
  • neuropathy
  • carpel tunnel syndrome
  • bursitis
  • arthritis
  • bloating
  • gut motility
  • tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
  • brain fog
  • Alzheimer disease
  • Parkinson disease
  • Multiple Sclerosis
  • headache
  • Covid lung pain and discomfort
  • Long Covid
  • breaks up scar tissue
  • increases blood flow and oxygen to tissues
  • lowers proinflammatory cytokines
  • restores balance to the body rather quickly

Call the office of Dr. Susan Marra for an appointment using the Firefly Red Light Laser.  Relieve your suffering!!

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Dr. Dennis Gross FaceWare Pro Masque LED

  • SPECIALTIES

Specialties

Red Light

Dr. Dennis Gross FaceWare Pro Masque LED

Youthful skin contains abundant collagen and works deep within the layers of skin to promote strong architecture.  With age and overtime, the body produces less collagen, especially if excessively exposed to sunlight.  This medical grade device stimulates collagen production and reduces fine lines and wrinkles on the face.  This device contains three treatment modes that last 3 minutes and should be done daily for the best results.

 All Red Mode

    • helps increase the natural production of collagen
    • helps reduce fine lines and wrinkles
    • evens out skin texture and tone
    • helps minimize appearance of sun spots and age spots

 All Blue Mode

    • destroys acne causing bacteria
    • improves congested skin that is acne prone
    • calms red and inflammation on the face

Blue and Red Mode

    • all antiaging and anti-acne lights working together to make skin look like it has a healthy glow

It is advised that you wear red light protective eye glasses when using this mask to protect your eyes from any harmful red light.

Red Light Therapy Wellness Lounge cost

(1) – 3 minute session – $10.00

(10)  – 3 minute sessions – $90.00

(20)  – 3 minute sessions – $180.00

(30)  – 3 minute sessions – $270.00

(50)  – 3 minute sessions – $450.00

(100)  – 3 minute sessions – $900.00

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Cognivue

  • SPECIALTIES

Specialties

Red Light

Cognivue

Cognivue is an FDA approved proprietary technology and digital cognitive screening device that is self administered, and a state of the art cognitive assessment that removes any assessment bias through standardizing the patient’s testing experience through dynamic testing.  The unique 10 minute testing weaves the client through a series of exercises to assess the neurological domains of:

  • Letter memory
  • Letter perception
  • Motion memory
  • Motion perception
  • Motor skills
  • Shape memory
  • Shape perception
  • Visual acuity
  • Word memory
  • Word perception

Clients use a joystick or cogniwheel which is intuitive and self explanatory to easily select an answer to the test.  This test assesses early cognitive decline so that lifestyle, diet and exercises changes can be implemented to quickly change the trajectory of brain function decline.  Currently, there are over 55 million people diagnosed with dementia and this number is expected to double every 20 years globally.  Accurate, client centered cognitive assessments are needed to match the oncoming need for baby boomer healthcare, and Cognivue is perfectly positioned to help them discover any cognitive deficits BEFORE they become a problem and disease progresses.

Dr. Marra is trained as a ReCode practitioner and will gladly help you understand your test results.  She is committed to healthy brain practices and to reversing cognitive decline by lifestyle, diet and exercise interventions.  Also the investment in a ping pong table may be the single most important activity that you can add to your existing daily routine to slow aging of the brain.

(1) – 15 minute testing session – $45.00

(10) – 15 minutes testing sessions – $400.00

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CeraThrive Red Light Headband and Waistband Therapy

  • SPECIALTIES

Specialties

Red Light

CeraThrive Red Light Headband and Waistband Therapy

An amethyst biomat treatment is a mat you lie on for relaxation and subtle energy healing.  The mat sends a gentle heating current through the amethyst stones woven into the mat, which causes a release of negative ions and far infrared rays which deeply penetrate tissues in the body.  30 minutes on the biomat can help with:

  • Assists in detoxification processes
  • Improves sleep patterns
  • Increases circulation
  • Increases general sense of overall well being
  • Reduces acute and chronic pain
  • Reducing generalized and local inflammation
  • Rejuvenates energy
  • Relieves joint pain and stiffness
  • Relieves stress and anxiety

The Amethyst biomat is CONTRAINDICATED in the following conditions:

  • Addison’s Disease
  • Adrenal insufficiency
  • Brain tumor
  • Current Radiation or Chemotherapy
  • Diabetes
  • External Pacemaker
  • Fever
  • High blood pressure
  • Immobility
  • Insensitivity to Heat
  • MS
  • Newborn babies and infants
  • Organ transplant
  • Pacemaker
  • Pregnancy

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Amethyst BioMat Therapy

  • SPECIALTIES

Specialties

Red Light

Amethyst BioMat Therapy

An amethyst biomat treatment is a mat you lie on for relaxation and subtle energy healing.  The mat sends a gentle heating current through the amethyst stones woven into the mat, which causes a release of negative ions and far infrared rays which deeply penetrate tissues in the body.  30 minutes on the biomat can help with:

  • Assists in detoxification processes
  • Improves sleep patterns
  • Increases circulation
  • Increases general sense of overall well being
  • Reduces acute and chronic pain
  • Reducing generalized and local inflammation
  • Rejuvenates energy
  • Relieves joint pain and stiffness
  • Relieves stress and anxiety

The Amethyst biomat is CONTRAINDICATED in the following conditions:

  • Addison’s Disease
  • Adrenal insufficiency
  • Brain tumor
  • Current Radiation or Chemotherapy
  • Diabetes
  • External Pacemaker
  • Fever
  • High blood pressure
  • Immobility
  • Insensitivity to Heat
  • MS
  • Newborn babies and infants
  • Organ transplant
  • Pacemaker
  • Pregnancy

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Parkinson disease – A neurodegenerative movement disorder

Specialties

Parkinson disease – A neurodegenerative movement disorder

Parkinson disease is a slowly progressive neurodegenerative disorder diagnosed in roughly 90,000 people a year in the United States and is characterized by:

  • pill rolling tremors in the hands and fingers
  • hunched over gait
  • slowness of movement
  • slurred speech
  • decline in handwriting
  • dementia
  • constipation
  • poor sleep
  • mood swings
  • behavioral changes
  • rigidity
  • postural instability
  • low stomach acid or dyspepsia
  • exposure to infections, mycotoxins, and/or chemicals such as pesticides

The pathophysiology is characterized by neuronal cell death in the brain areas of the locus coeruleus and substantia nigra where the neurotransmitter Dopamine is produced for use by the basal ganglia which generally governs voluntary motor control.  Lewy bodies contain alpha synuclein form within neurons and accumulate causing dysfunction.  Alpha synuclein is an antimicrobial peptide similar to beta amyloid, that collects in the brain.  The disease also depletes dopamine from the dopaminergic system which ultimately causes the movement disorder.  

Although Parkinson disease patients have a normal life expectancy, there are some risk factors that should be assessed.  These risk factors include:

  • family history
  • infection exposure
  • pesticide exposure
  • head injuries
  • dyspepsia
  • constipation
  • general anesthesia intolerance

Parkinson disease probably begins 10-20 years before symptom onset, and can be treated with traditional medications such as Carbidopa, L-Dopa, COMT inhibitors, MAO B inhibitors, and dopamine agonists.  These medications augment Dopamine in the brain and reduce the movement disorders such as ataxia and  pill rolling tremors, however, to date there is no known cure and it is a neurodegenerative disease over time.  Taking 1000mg of vitamin C with these medications can help with medication absorption.  Of particular note, Parkinson disease patients frequently fall and as a result are more prone to fractures.  Gait instability can be improved with physical therapy and just general exercise.

Cognitive issues can occur with Parkinson disease as well which can include:

  • diffifulty planning
  • difficulty with abstract thinking
  • difficulty with executive function
  • poor recall
  • decrease eye blinking
  • decrease face expression
  • difficulty with facial recognition
  • visuospatial difficulties
  • sleep disorders
  • impaired sense of smell
  • numbness and tingling
  • insomnia
  • apathy
  • anxiety
  • depression
  • loss of concern for others

Parkinson disease, similar to every other disease, likely has a genetic component, but there are lifestyle choices you can make to prevent it from ever evolving including:

  • daily exercise
  • avoid chemicals and pesticide exposure
  • avoid glyphosate and mycotoxin exposure
  • get 8 hours of restful sleep
  • eat a whole foods diet
  • drink 2 liters of clean filtered water daily

Treatment goals for Parkinson disease include:

  • optimize the microbiome
  • treat ANY pathogens
  • decrease insulin sensitivity
  • increase immune function
  • increase and stabilize the metabolism
  • balance hormones
  • increase exercise
  • decrease inflammation
  • INCREASE DETOXIFICATION processes by sweating and using Glutathione

Nutrients that can help slow the progression of Parkinson disease include:

  • Glutathione
  • Green tea
  • Ashwaganda
  • Quercitin
  • Curcumin
  • Resveratrol
  • Mucuna
  • P5P or B6
  • Tyrosine
  • Lipoic Acid
  • Vitamin E
  • Vitamin C
  • Polyphenols
  • Proanthocyanidins (berries)

Patients with Parkinson disease can live well into their senior years if medication and nutrients are taken and used together to lower inflammation and increase detoxification.  Dr. Marra’s father is a Parkinson disease patient and is 90 years old, and still able to move around with the help of a cane.  He takes medication and does lifestyle modifications that help to minimize disease progression.  If you would like Dr. Marra to help you slow the progression of Parkinson disease in yourself or a loved one, please call the office at 206-299-2676.

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Alzheimer’s disease and Cognitive Decline

Specialties

Alzheimer’s disease and Cognitive Decline

Alzheimer’s disease is a neurodegenerative disease accounting for up to 70% of senile dementia cases, and is on the rise in the baby boomer generation.  In the next decade it is expected that 30 million Americans will have the disease and will spend upwards of $300 billion a year on treatment and care.  Two of the main characteristics of Alzheimer disease are neurofibrillary tangles which are proteins called tau, and beta amyloid, another protein that forms plaques in the brain beginning with the amyloid precursor protein which makes up the cell membrane.  Alzheimer’s disease is characterized by a steady decline in optimal brain function and memory.

Alzheimer’s disease likely begins decades before symptoms appear and there are clear genetic risk factors for the disease including: ApoE4, TREM2, CD33, NALP1 and PSI.  These genetic risk factors are epigenetically “turned on” by lifestyle and environmental factors.  One of the greatest risk factors is prediabetes.  For the ApoE4 gene, if you have 0 copies you have a 9% chance of getting Alzheimer’s disease, 1 copy, a 30% chance, and 2 copies, a 50% chance so it does behoove patients to get the blood test for ApoE4 to assess risk.

Decreased glucose in the temporalparietal area happens roughly 10 years before Alzheimer symptoms appear, which is often accompanied by decreased hippocampal volume affecting memory.  Initially there are symptoms of mild cognitive decline when patients fear: the loss of their drivers license, absence of long term care, exhausting neuropsych testing, expensive brain imaging, lumbar punctures, and loss of connection to the world.

Traditional allopathic physicians typically prescribe the drug Aricept for Alzheimer’s disease, which is an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, and inhibits the hydrolysis of acetylcholine, a vital neurotransmitter in the brain largely in the parasympathetic system and neuromuscular junctions.  However, there is very little evidence that Aricept actually works to decrease Alzheimer’s symptoms which is why Dr. Dale Bredesen began the ReCODE program which stands for REVERSING COGNITIVE DECLINE. 

His program has identified 6 different types of Alzheimer’s disease including:

  • Type 1 – inflammatory due to inflammation in the brain from trauma or infection
  • Type 1.5 – glypho from glycation that results from diet high in sugar
  • Type 2 – atrophic from diminished hormones due to natural aging
  • Type 3 – toxic due to chemicals and mycotoxins ( this is the toughest to heal)
  • Type 4 – vascular
  • Type 5 – traumatic from a head injury

Each of these forms of Alzheimer’s disease presents slightly differently with labs and symptoms, so it is best to know which one is predominant, so that lifestyle changes and neuroceuticals can be initiated.

The following neuroceuticals may be helpful in reversing cognitive decline.

  • Vitamin D
  • Citicholine and DHA (helps form synapses)
  • Ubiquinol
  • mixed tocopherols and tocotrienols
  • NAC
  • Glutathione
  • Vitamin C
  • Vitamin B1 – thiamine
  • P5P – Vit B6
  • Vitamin B12
  • methylfolate
  • Ginkgo biloba
  • Vinpocetine
  • BDNF – brain derived neurotrophic factor
  • Bacopa
  • Ashwaganda decreases beta amyloid
  • Gotu kola
  • Rhodiola
  • Pregnenolone
  • Green tea
  • Berberine
  • Alpha lipoic acid
  • Biotin
  • Zinc
  • Chromium picolinate
  • Cinnamon
  • high fiber, ZERO sugar, whole foods diet
  • plenty of fresh clean water
  • fresh clean air
  • minimal EMF exposure
  • adequate social support
  • 8 hours a night of restful sleep

There are a host of labs that can be done in order to document metabolic imbalances that are quite common with Alzheimer’s disease.  These can include:

  • Vitamin D levels
  • CRP
  • Sed Rate
  • Homocysteine
  • B12 levels
  • Folate levels
  • B6 levels
  • Beta amyloid levels
  • C3a
  • C4a
  • TGF beta
  • insulin
  • fasting glucose
  • ApoE4
  • tick borne illness tests
  • mycotoxin tests
  • gut health tests
  • hormone tests
  • Neuroquant MRI to examine hippocampal volume

Please note that this is NOT an exhaustive list of tests.  There are other tests that may be useful.

How to Prevent Alzheimer’s disease

Prevention of Alzheimer’s disease should be initiated in your 20s and 30s because lifestyle factors are known to be very significant in disease development.  Of course there is a genetic component, but personal choices impact disease development as well.  

Here are a few prevention tips for Alzheimer’s disease:

  • Resolve inflammation
  • Rectify insulin sensitivity
  • Optimize nutrients
  • Remove infections and toxins
  • Optimize the vascular system
  • Heal the gut
  • Maintain a keto heavy diet with intermittent fasting
  • Sleep 8 hours a night of restful sleep
  • Drink 2 liters of fresh clean water a day

I can help you prevent the development of Alzheimer’s disease as I have been trained by Dr. Dale Bredesen who is a world leading physician in ReCODE (reversing cognitive decline).  I am ReCODE certified and am prepared to help you develop your individual treatment plan to prevent cognitive decline.

Please call my office at 206-299-2676 to make an appointment and get started on developing optimal brain health.  Your life will be much richer with a healthy brain.

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Post Covid Syndrome and Long Covid

  • SPECIALTIES

Specialties

Post Covid Syndrome and Long Covid

Long Haul COVID is the viral equivalent to Lyme disease and requires careful intervention. Long Haul COVID symptoms can include:

  • profound fatigue
  • headache
  • brain fog
  • attention deficit
  • shortness of breath
  • loss of taste and smell
  • joint pain
  • cough
  • nausea
  • chest pain
  • anxiety
  • depression
  • pain

and are the result of lingering viral particles that foster continued inflammation and cellular dysfunction.

Abnormal lab tests seen in COVID include:

Treatment of long-haul COVID should include the following:

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Naturopathic Medicine

  • SPECIALTIES

Specialties

Naturopathic Medicine

Naturopathic medicine has a long history in both the United States and Europe as a holistic centered orientation to patient healthcare. In the state of Washington, Naturopathic doctors are considered “general practitioners” with all the medication prescriptive rights and responsibilities with the exception of scheduled drugs (i.e., pain medication). However, this office is a specialty office focusing only on tick-borne illness and associated diseases.

Five Fundamental Principles of Naturopathic Medicine:
1) The Healing Power of Nature

The healing power of nature is an inherent self-organizing and nurturing process of all living systems.

2) Find the Cause

Every illness has an underlying cause, often in aspects of lifestyle, diet or habits of the individual. A Naturopathic doctor is trained to identify and help remove the underlying causes of disease.

3) First Do No Harm

Naturopathic doctors utilize methods and medicinal substances which minimize the risk of harmful effects, and apply the least possible force or intervention necessary to diagnose illness and restore health. Whenever possible the suppression of symptoms is avoided as suppression is generally thought to interfere with the healing process.

4) Treat the Whole Person

Health or disease is initiated from a complex interaction between mental, emotional, spiritual, physical, dietary, genetic, environmental, lifestyle, structural and other factors. Naturopathic doctors treat the whole person by taking all of these factors into account.

5) Preventive Medicine

The naturopathic approach to healthcare is known for preventing minor illnesses from developing into more serious chronic disease. Patients are educated about the principles with which to live a healthy life, and by following these guidelines, prevention of major illnesses is encouraged.

Natural Therapies Used in this Office
  • Diet Modification
  • Clinical Nutrition
  • Botanical Medicine
  • German Biological Medicine
  • Spagyrics
  • Plant Stem Cell Therapy

Healing from chronic infection/illness and disease prevention is a process that occurs on many levels in an individual. An integrated approach to medicine maximizes the potential for healing the body, mind and spirit. This is the essence of Dr. Marra’s professional goals for all patients.

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Mold Illness/Exposure

  • SPECIALTIES

Specialties

About Mold

Molds are multicellular organisms (yeast is single cell) occurring in nature that produce and emit mycotoxins which are very small molecules that can make you sick. Water damaged buildings, persistent dampness in the home especially in basements, crawl spaces, and behind walls, may go unrecognized and cause a myriad of symptoms and persistent illness. Most often the mycotoxins are inhaled, however they may also be absorbed through the skin. Additionally, electromagnetic fields in the home (wifi, cell phones, mobile phones) can cause mold spores to increase the production of mycotoxins as well.

Symptoms of mold illness and mycotoxin exposure include:

      • anxiety
      • dizziness
      • skin rashes
      • headaches
      • heart palpitations
      • weight gain
      • shortness of breath
      • allergic symptoms
      • muscle aches
      • joint pain
      • bowel issues
      • ADD/ADHD symptoms
      • OCD
      • urinary urgency
      • sensory issues
      • polyuria
      • chronic fatigue
      • nausea

    …and a host of other symptoms.

    Mycotoxins produced by molds cause immune system dysregulation and detoxification difficulties which may affect the rate of healing.

    Mycotoxin illness can certainly be treated effectively, however the most important step is to identify WHERE the mold is geographically located, and initiate remediation by a qualified specialist immediately. You MUST remove yourself from the mold infested area, or wall off the area and use an ozonator to kill the mold. Be careful around ozone though because it can damage your lungs if you accidentally breath it in.

    There are many tests on the market to detect mold and mycotoxins ranging from urine to blood tests. Please speak with Dr. Marra about her preferred test.

    Dr. Marra has been treating mold and biotoxin illness for over 20 years and is a member of ISEAI (International Society of Environmentally Acquired Illness). She has also completed both Dr. Shoemaker’s and Dr. Crista’s mold educational program for practitioners.

    Dr. Marra recommends Kester Clear Environmental Solutions for mold and mycotoxin assessments of both residential and commercial spaces. 

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    Viral Infections – EBV

    • SPECIALTIES

    Specialties

    Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV)

    Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV), also known as human herpes virus 4, is a double-stranded DNA virus and the causative agent for Mononucleosis or Glandular Fever. Typically mono presents as fever, sore throat, cervical lymph node swelling, and fatigue. EBV is thought to play a role in Multiple Sclerosis (MS) as well and infects B cells. It may also be a persisting infection.

    We see EBV frequently as a secondary infection to tick-borne illness due to the immune suppression of Lyme disease.

    EBV responds well to Valtrex, a pharmaceutical antiviral, as well as Olive Leaf and Monolaurin. Beyond Balance antiviral herbal compounds can be used as well.

    EBV infection can be reactivated as it can lie dormant within a cell for many years and is then triggered by an environmental factor. This infection can be treated and symptoms will go away at least temporarily. Retreatment may be required and EBV antibodies can be measured in the blood.

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    Environmental Illness/Medicine

    • SPECIALTIES

    Specialties

    Environmental Illness

    Environmental illness refers to a state of sickness that is directly related to the exposure to toxins or substances in the environment such as mycotoxins from molds, chemicals, foods, and/or contaminated water and air.

    In some patients, prolonged exposure to a toxicant(s) will cause multiple chemical sensitivities, which subsequently causes the patient to be hypersensitive to many substances in the environment, and living in the modern world becomes challenging.

    Adequate nutrition, hydration, sleep and detoxification are necessary to remove the toxins in the body and restore health. Detox methods can include saunas, coffee enemas, exercise, toxin binders, hydrotherapy, and a host of other methods. Please speak with Dr. Marra about your concerns and she can help you navigate what will help you heal in a timely manner. Sweating is the most natural way to detox, so if you can exercise, that would be the best way to detox.

    • Detoxification – A Necessary Component to Healing

      Detoxification is a natural property of the human body and includes: urination, defecation, sweating and breathing. Food and liquids that we eat and drink respectively contain many components for which the body cannot use and are therefore eliminated as waste. This is a homeostatic component of our physiology that allows “balance” to be maintained in the body. The liver, kidneys, colon and lungs are the organs responsible for carrying out detox activity in the body. However, the liver bears most of this burden in filtering blood. Nature has designed four elaborate detoxification pathways that include: sulfation, glucuronidation, acetylation and glycation. These pathways must operate with ease in order for the liver to filter contaminants in the blood such as spirochetal excrement, dead spirochetes, and known toxins such as Bb Tox 1, ammonia, and Quinolinic acid. If these toxins are not removed from the body, they accumulate causing widespread inflammation and tissue damage which augments illness and may contribute significantly to chronic infectious illness.

      Dr. Richard Shoemaker in Potomac, Maryland identified several genetic markers that confer the ability to properly detoxify, and they are called HLAs (human leukocyte antigens). HLAs are cell surface antigens noted in 18% of the general human population. For the public at large, these antigens pose few problems. However, for people infected with tick-borne illness or those who have been exposed to molds, the presence of HLAs complicates the detoxification process considerably. Additionally, HLAs have also been linked to the development of autoimmune issues in patients with tick-borne disease.

      The presence of heavy metals (i.e., mercury, lead, cadmium) in the body also contributes to difficulty with detoxification processes. Heavy metal exposure is widespread throughout our environment. These metals are stored in fat tissue and are utilized by tick-borne pathogens to support their “lattice” like biofilm structure. Heavy metal detoxification can be important to Lyme Disease patients and should be discussed with your physician.

      Lastly, we live in a world where we simply cannot escape pesticides and carcinogenic chemicals. They are present in our food and water supply, and similar to heavy metals, they are stored in fat tissue. When undergoing a detox, these chemicals are released into the blood stream and require toxin binders such as apple pectin, silica salt, bentonite clay or charcoal to be ingested so that the toxins are NOT reabsorbed into the body. Lyme literate Doctors suspect that chemical exposure exacerbates the effects of Lyme Disease, and therefore a carefully implemented detox program is highly recommended during the healing process.

      The following are suggestions to aid in the detoxification processes when undergoing treatment for Lyme Disease and co-infections.

      • Drink plenty of filtered water throughout the day (8-10 16 ounce glasses/day)
      • Consider using a far infrared sauna
      • Consider a lymphatic massage
      • Consider using hydrotherapy
      • Consider colonics
      • Consider doing coffee enemas 2-3 times per week (see recipe)
      • Consider doing a baking soda and Epsom salt bath daily
      • Consider juicing using organic vegetables and fruits at least once daily
      • Consider using Glutathione (a universal antioxidant that can be administered transdermally or intravenously)
      • Consider using Calcium Sodium EDTA (Detoxamin)
      • Consider using DMSA, DMPS or Vitamin C IV
      *All of these detoxification techniques should be done ONLY after discussion with your physician as some of these are very potent and can cause a significant Herxheimer reaction.

      PLEASE CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR FIRST BEFORE INITIATING ANY DETOXIFICATION METHODS.

    • Fungal Infections

      Fungal Infections As Co-infections or Secondary Infections in Lyme Disease Patients Who Are Immunocompromised

      As of 2018, recent research by Fry Laboratories in Scottsdale, Arizona, suggests that, at least in some patients with chronic fatigue syndrome and arthritis, fungus may be the actual problem. This should come as no surprise because fungi, bacteria, and viruses have been coevolving on earth and in hosts for millions and millions of years. Fungi are found throughout the environment and especially in soil, air and water, and in normal healthy people, they may not pose a problem. However, in patients who are immunocompromised, fungal infections can be VERY problematic.

      Candida is a well known yeast in the intestines that feeds on sugar and can become symptom causing in patients who have a poor diet of carbohydrates and sugar. BUT…this is not the only fungus that immunocomprised patients are susceptible to. There are many other fungi that are disease causing but diagnostic testing was severely lacking. Things have changed now. Fry Labs has a urine, blood, or stool DNA sequencing test that most insurance companies cover. Disease causing fungi such as:

      • Entomophthoromycota – contains pathogens of insects
      • Ascomycota – parasitize mammals and cause systemic infection
      • Basidiomycota – airborne cells that can cause pneumonia
      • Aspergillus – causes pneumonia, sinusitis and brain absesses
      • Fusarium – spreads through the bloodstream and can cause skin infections
      • Mucorales – airborne and dangerous to patients with diabetes and uncontrolled blood sugar

      These are simply a few of the fungal organisms that can be problematic to human health and fully recovering from Lyme Disease. But there is a test for these now and we can specifically identify them and treat them so that the total pathogen load on the immune system is reduced.

      Without question fungal infections can be treated by both herbs and/or antifungal medications, but you MUST known which infection(s) you have, so that you can get on the right medication. Some natural antifungals include:

      • Capryllic Acid
      • Garlic
      • Oregano Oil
      • Neem
      • Cloves
      • Black Walnut
      • Cinnamon
      • Coconut Oil
      • Ginger

      Some medications that treat fungals infections include:

      • Nystatin
      • Diflucan
      • Ketoconazole
      • Sporanox
      • Iatraconzole

      However, antifungal medications are typically hard on the liver and routine monthly blood tests to check for liver enzymes is a MUST. Pulsing antifungal medication is also a good idea.

      Talk with Dr. Marra if you would like to be tested for fungus other than Candida through Fry Labs. You won’t be sorry that you did this test.

    • Mold Exposure

    • Lipopolysaccharides (LPS) and Endotoxins

      Lipopolysaccharides are large molecules composed of sugars and fats which are endotoxins found within a bacterial cell. LPS is secreted as part of the normal physiological activity of membrane vesicle trafficking , and protect the membrane from certain chemical attacks. LPS activates the hosts’ immune response by stimulating white blood cells (i.e., neutrophils, macrophages, dendritic cells) to secrete certain enzymes that deactivate them. Additionally, these WBC’s secrete proinflammatory cytokines, nitric oxide, and eicosanoids, and the resulting cellular response is the release of superoxide, a free radical that causes oxidative stress. This may function as an adaptive host strategy to manage the toxic effects of LPS.

      LPS and inflammation may be the most important factors contributing to the varied clinical manifestations of infections, especially for tick-borne pathogens. Excessive release of LPS can lead to endotoxemia (septicemia) and requires immediate medical attention.

      It is thought that lip oligosaccharides may cause autoimmune disease (i.e., multiple sclerosis) by a mechanism known as molecular mimicry. Many bacteria employ molecular mimicry strategies to fool the hosts’ immune system.

      Scientists believe that lingering LPS long after a bacterial infection has been eradicated may cause continued host immunosuppression and persistent symptoms. It has been proposed that if LPS is not removed, illness is likely to continue.

      Cellular detox using German biological medicines and herbs can helps reduce the affects of endotoxemia. Toxin binders such as apple pectin, chlorella, zeolite, charcoal and Cholestyramine may also be useful.

      Perhaps one of the oldest and most effective ways to cleanse the body is to fast or eat a solely plant based diet. This may not be appropriate for all patients so it is best to discuss this with your physician.

    • Yeast Infection

      A yeast infection (Candidiasis) is a fungal infection often caused by Candida albicans.  Various reasons that fungal infections occur include: excess sugar and carbohydrates in the diet, alcoholism, mold exposure, allergic constitution, improper replenishing of intestinal flora with probiotics (i.e.,LactobacillusSaccromyces) long term use of antibiotics, corticosteroid use, and autoimmune illness.  Symptoms associated with a yeast infection are: gas, bloating, cramps, diarrhea alternating with constipation, abdominal pain, brain fog and cognitive difficulties, fatigue, strange rashes all over the body, circular vague rashes on the abdomen under the bra area, anal itching, red raised “beefy” and itchy rashes, odorous vaginal discharge, a thick white coating on the tongue (otherwise known as “thrush”), and toenail fungal infections.  Yeast overgrowth is particularly relevant to children diagnosed with “Autism” where Lyme Disease has also been documented.

      Yeast infections are frequently observed in conjunction with Lyme Disease as the result of improper antibiotic and probiotic use.  Fungal infections complicate the symptom picture of chronic illness related to tick borne infections because there is significant symptom overlap and additional pathogen burden on the immune system.

      However, yeast (fungal) infections can be avoided with proper nutrition and natural therapeutic supplementation.  Pharmaceutical intervention may be required (antifungal medications) at times to prevent a full blown yeast infection but dietary modification is the MOST important factor to avoid chronic yeast infections.

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    Complex Chronic Illness

    • SPECIALTIES

    Specialties

    Complex Chronic Illness

    The “Ologist” Shuffle

    Complex chronic illness is a constellation of symptoms that arise in a patient over time, and which occur as the result of a variety of different reasons. Traditional medicine has notoriously failed these kinds of patients because it lacks a holistic perspective. Patients find themselves on what we call the “ologist” shuffle going from Cardiologist, to Gastroenterologist, to Neurologist, to Rheumatologist, but the various symptoms remain examined from only one perspective. Therefore, true and deep healing is not likely to take place.

    Naturopathic physicians have long been proponents of viewing disease as a state of “disharmony”, whereby symptoms arise as the result of the tissues, organs, and individual being out of balance, and unable to attain a natural state of homeostasis. Chronic inflammation, infections, hormone imbalances, genetic predisposition, heavy metals, environmental toxic burden, immune system status, life stressors, EMF exposure, and a myriad of other reasons contribute to the development of chronic illness in a patient, and frequently diagnosis as well as treatment proves to be very difficult. Only a seasoned practitioner can tease out the important findings and develop a treatment protocol that is tailored just for the patient.

    Careful consideration of the exposure to stressors in a patient, is the only way to begin unraveling these complex disease situations. The following is a list of stressors that should be examined in any patient with complex chronic illness.

      • Identify infections accurately
      • Identify immune status and inflammation markers
      • Identify hormonal imbalances
      • Identify SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms)
      • Identify environmental toxins
      • Identify endogenous toxins
      • Identify EMF exposure
      • Identify life stressors (job, spouse, child)
      • Identify hypercoagulation disorders
      • Identify family history risks
      • Identify necessary diet modifications
      • Identify neuropsychiatric issues and neuroinflammation
      • Identify the microbiome status
      • Identify intestinal parasites
      • Identify personal problems that contribute to disease

      When you meet with Dr. Marra, she will review your history, perform a physical exam, and make recommendations as to where to start for your healing journey. Certain urine and blood tests may be required, such as: stool, hormones, saliva etc…. to reveal imbalances which will help to elucidate the root of disease. Detoxification methods and herbal cleanses may initially be required in order to help the body move to a state of health and equilibrium. You will find Dr. Marra’s approach to problem solving very thorough which will allow you to recover more quickly and resume activities that bring you joy in your life.

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      Consulting & Healthcare for Lyme Disease

      • SPECIALTIES

      SPECIALTIES

      Consulting & Healthcare for Lyme Disease

      Dr. Marra is considered a leading authority on the following areas and is on the Medical Board for Global Lyme Alliance and Dr. Richard Horowitz’s MSIDS Research Foundation where she helps make high level decisions of what research is needed to advance treatment for complex chronic illness.

      As a doctor, Dr. Marra’s professional strengths include a solid foundation in the understanding of human physiology and the way in which infections alter the microbiome, disrupt hormones, damage detoxification pathways, activate MCAS, increase inflammation, dysregulate the immune system, impair organ function, and cause chronic illness.  She has been treating mold illness for over 30 years in both Connecticut and Washington and is connected to a wide variety of professionals encompassing many different areas of medicine.  She will provide appropriate referrals when needed.

      She excels at providing comprehensive integrated and holistic care for her patients and has an excellent track record for getting her patients well and into remission.  Her knowledge of clinical nutrition, herbal/botanical medicine, German biologic medicine, and restorative medicine allows for her patients to capitalize on the best of both traditional and alternative medicine.

      However, Dr. Marra’s greatest strength is her ability to teach patients about the disease and recovery process.  She works in conjunction with her patients and other professional healthcare workers to deliver state of the art medicine and care for all of her patients. She explains new treatment techniques and modalities in a way that patients find refreshing and understandable.  She also has a particular interest in anti-aging medicine, Alzheimer disease and Parkinson disease as they relate to the aging process.  Most patients suffer from cellular damage due to ensuing chronic infections including: Lyme disease, Bartonella, ALL tick borne illnesses, Covid 19, Covid vaccine, and mold/mycotoxin illness.

      Her commitment to professional excellence is evident in her ability to “unravel” complex symptoms of the disease in a safe and timely manner which allows patients to continually move forward in the healing process.  Dr. Marra has excellent success in treating patients with a comprehensive integrated approach to medicine.  She also has a global network of other experts in different fields who she works with to ensure high quality healthcare.

      You will thoroughly enjoy working with Dr. Marra and especially enjoy her french bulldog puppy, Juliette Pearl (Juju), who is a therapy dog in the office.  Dr. Marra takes great pride in moving you along the healing path in the simplest most effective way and you will be pleased with your progress.

      Dr. Susan Marra with her best friend and office mate

      Dr. Susan Marra Specialties

      • Naturopathic medicine
      • Holistic medicine
      • MCAS
      • EDS
      • Covid 19 vaccine injuries
      • Integrated Medicine
      • Comprehensive medicine
      • Genomics
      • Pediatric Lyme disease
      • Adult Lyme disease
      • Bartonella disease
      • Tick borne diseases
      • Complex chronic illness
      • Cognitive Decline
      • Long Covid
      • Mold illness
      • Mycotoxin illness
      • Gut Health
      • Brain Health
      • Microbiome health
      • Hormone Balancing
      • Sleep restoration
      • Inflammation
      • Fibromyalgia
      • Homeopathy
      • Antibiotics
      • Anti-aging
      • Alzheimer disease
      • Parkinson disease
      • ADD/ADHD
      • Chronic fatigue
      • ME/CFS (Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome)
      • Nutrition
      • Herbs for infections
      • Healing
      • Allergies
      • Morgellons disease
      • Hyperbaric oxygen
      • Ozone

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      Adult Vector Borne Disease

      • SPECIALTIES

      Specialties

      Adult Lyme Disease Specialist

      Lyme Disease cases has reached epidemic proportions in the last decade due to a variety of factors including: climate change allowing for continued tick replication throughout the year, urban housing development in rural areas where deer inhabit and are known tick vectors and an increase in deer population. Most importantly, the development of appropriate scientific tools such as tests, are needed to document the presence and exposure to Borrelia in blood and urine, which are known bacterial pathogens causing a multitude of various waxing and waning symptoms known as Lyme Disease.

      Lyme Disease, also known as the “Great Imitator”, can mimic many other diseases, especially in adults, where proper diagnosis can be difficult. It is a disease that affects multi-organ systems, causing local and systemic inflammation, while rendering tissues, cells, and organelles unable to cope with the daily demands of everyday life.

      In adults, Lyme Disease is often accompanied by crushing fatigue and disorders of the autoimmune, hormonal, neurological, gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, and respiratory systems that makes it difficult for a definitive diagnosis. Nonetheless, appropriate diagnostic testing is required to fully understand the scope of the illness in question.

      Having trained as an ILADS preceptor under the tutelage of Dr. Richard Horowitz in Hyde Park, NY, a leading Lyme Disease expert, it is Dr. Marra’s belief that an integrated approach to Lyme Disease and co-infections treatment is the most effective way to eradicate tick-borne illness. Depending on the patient and severity of disease, she uses rotating combinations, botanical medicines and nutritionals to maximize healing from this all too often debilitating disease.

      Without question, the sooner you receive proper diagnosis and treatment, the more likely you will fully recover.

      There is a patient population however, that has difficulty detoxifying from the endotoxins released into the blood from dying spirochetes. These patients require skillful antibiotic and herbal medical management in order to heal. At least half of Dr. Marra’s 18 years of experience has been treating adults with chronic Lyme disease and co-infections, and she believes that the ability to heal is largely accomplished through a solid doctor/patient relationship where truthful dialogue is achieved so that the doctor can make informed decisions about how to proceed with treatment. Dr. Marra works with many other Lyme Literate Doctors that she keeps in constant contact with in order to share insights and wisdom with regard to progressive therapeutic techniques.

      Dr. Marra is grateful for the outstanding colleagues that she has, as well as her courageous patients who persevere in treatment, knowing that one day they will be well and free of the often debilitating effects of tick-borne illness.

      Tick Bite Concerns

      • About Ticks

        Ticks are considered arthropods and belong to the same family as spiders and mites, Ixodes. They have two body segments, 8 legs in the adult form and do not have wings or antennae.  They have 4 life stages including: egg, 6 legged larvae, 8 legged nymph, and 8 legged adult. The larvae, nymph and adult stages can all carry and transmit infection. The life cycle of a tick is about two years barring the effects of global warming which may elongate their life cycle.  Different ticks are maximally active at different times of the year, a convenient natural way of minimizing competition for host attachment.  In general, May through August black-legged ticks and Lone Star ticks are active, and April through May, dog ticks are active.  All of these species are potential carriers of the Borrelia bacteria.

        The various ticks known to cause disease include Ixodes scapularis (deer tick) generally found in the northeast and upper Midwest and can carry Borrelia, Babesia, Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, Powassan Encephalitis, tick paralysis, Tularemia, Bartonella and Mycoplasma infections.

        Ixodes pacificus is generally found on the West Coast and is known to carry all of the above mentioned tick-borne diseases.

        Amblyomma americanum (lone star) is found throughout the United States and is generally known to transmit Ehrlichia, STARI (southern tick associated rash illness), Tularemia, tick paralysis, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and Q fever.  Dermacentor variabilis (American dog tick) is found throughout the United States and is known to transmit tick paralysis, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Tularemia, and Ehrlichia.

        Dermacentor andersoni  (wood tick) is found in the rocky mountain states and southwest Canada.  This tick looks very similar to the American dog tick, and is known to transmit Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Tularemia, Colorado Tick Fever, Tick paralysis, and Q fever.

        TickIdScreenShot

        However, it should be noted that at this time (2011), migratory birds have been documented to carry these ticks and therefore geographic specificity of ticks is becoming less and less accurate.

        There are about 850 known species of ticks worldwide and roughly 100 species are known to transmit disease.  Parasitologists estimate that ticks evolved originally as feeding on amphibians and over evolutionary time, adapted to mammalian biology.  Spirochetes (the bacteria that causes Lyme Disease) reside in the gut of the tick, and upon attachment to a host for a blood meal, the tick regurgitates the bacteria and deposits them into the hosts blood.  This is the initial infection site, and may be the site of a “Bullseye Rash”.

        Ticks rarely move more than three feet above the ground and cannot jump or fly.  However, they can attach to birds, mice, deer, chipmunks, skunks, rabbits, humans and many other animals and this is precisely the way that infection spreads across states, countries and continents.  Believe it or not, they have also been detected in the sea.

        Ticks thrive in humidity and live in areas close to their potential hosts (i.e., leaf litter, ends of grass, attached to animals) and respond to exhaled carbon dioxide and body heat. They use chemosensors to actually locate a host.  They attach to a host by a “stinger” and release an anesthetic compound to prevent the host from feeling the bite.  As the tick feeds, a cement-like substance is secreted from the saliva to enhance its capacity to adhere to the skin and extract a blood meal.  Ticks also secrete a substance at the site of attachment which functions as an “anesthetic” and allows their presence to go rather unnoticed by the host.

        There are various opinions regarding the length of time that a tick can be attached in order for disease to be transmitted.  However, Dr. Charles Ray Jones, a world leading authority on tick-borne illness in children with 50 years of clinical experience, feels that as few as 15 minutes of tick attachment is long enough for spirochetes to enter the hosts’ bloodstream.  However, continued research in this area is necessary for proper documentation.  Nonetheless, common sense suggests that other blood vectors need only to attach for a matter of minutes (i.e., mosquitoes, stinging flies, fleas, mites) to deposit their “venom” so the same should apply to ticks.  

      • Babesiosis

        Babesiosis, often a co-infection of Lyme disease in humans, was first identified by Victor Babes in the late 19th century in Romanian cattle and the disease at that time was coined “Red Water Fever.” However, Babesia infection in humans was not confirmed until 1956 in a Yugoslavian farmer.

        Babesia is a protozoan intracellular red blood cell parasite quite similar to malaria and is a worldwide emerging zoonotic disease. There are about 100 known species of Babesia that infect livestock animals and rodents. However, the three currently known species causing human disease, B. microtii, and B. duncani (formerly WA1 and first identified in Washington state but found throughout the United States), and Babesia divergens (found in Europe), are largely found in the northern hemisphere. The islands of Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard on the eastern coast of Massachusetts, are considered endemic for Babesia species, however, migratory birds are likely transport vectors of all tick-borne illness, which may account for the bacteria’s presence on the west coast as well. Currently, scientists believe that there may be additional human pathogenic species such as B. bigemina and B. bovisbut further researcher is necessary in this area of infectious disease.

        Babesia infection is transmitted through a tick bite or contaminated blood products, where sporozoites directly enter the bloodstream and infect red blood cells that contain a heme structure, where an iron molecule resides for oxygen binding purposes. Babesia interferes with red blood cell function, giving rise to common symptoms of: night sweats, air hunger, shortness of breath, severe headaches and often anemia of chronic disease. Serologically, low hemoglobin, hematocit and/or red blood cell count, as well as low ferritin and transferrin, may accompany this disease. Additionally, there are two confirmed human cases of maternal transplacental transmission in humans.

        Laboratory testing for Babesia species can be difficult and serum antibodies as well as fluorescent in situ hybridization techniques and PCR (polymerase chain reaction) tests maximize the chances of documenting the presence of this bacteria. Additionally, infected hosts may have subclinical parasitemia which yields greater difficulty in laboratory detection. Babesia can also be observed in a Giemsa stain where the organism appears like a “Maltese cross.”

        Since Babesia species are parasites, antiparasitic herbs and pharmacologics are required to treat fulminant disease. The presence of this bacteria in an already infected Lyme patient or an immunocompromised or splenectomized (spleen removal) patient, can complicate treatment substantially. However, antimalarial medications are typically used and shed light on a wider variety of treatment choices for this infection, especially when coupled with Lyme disease.

        The last 20 years have been marked by global proliferation of human Babesia infections, and suspicion for this disease should be considered whenever a tick bite has been noted, even if a Bulls eye rash is not noted at the site of the bite. Babesia infection may be transmitted with or without Lyme disease and it is not known to be associated with a Bulls eye rash.

        Consult your “Lyme Literate” physician, Dr. Susan L Marra, for more information regarding this global emerging zoonotic disease for proper diagnosis treatment.

      • Bartonella

        Bartonellosis also known as “Cat Scratch Fever”, is an increasingly recognized and emerging bacterial zoonotic disease found all over the world.  Bartonella species are fastidious haemotropic (blood loving) Gram-negative anaerobic (disliking oxygen) bacteria that are mainly transmitted by biting insects and arthropods such as fleas, sand flies, mosquitoes and ticks or a cat scratch.  Species of Bartonella have been found in wild cats, rabbits, sheep, dogs, grey and red foxes, raccoons, coyotes and even sea otters in Alaska.

        There are roughly 13 species of pathogenic Bartonella species including B. henselae, B. quintana, B. clarridgeriae, B. rochalimae, B. koehlerae, B. vinsonii berkhoffi, B. washoensis, and B. elizabethae, B. alsatica, B. melophagi, B. tamiae, and four of them have been isolated in cats, especially feral cats, giving rise to the name “Cat Scratch Fever.”  Of note, cats appear to be a particular reservoir for Bartonella species however, it has also been found in dogs rendering question as to whether or not dogs are carriers of this bacteria as well.  To date, reliable Bartonella serum antibody tests are limited to the species B. henselae and B. quintana.  However, newly developed fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) testing is now able to detect Bartonella at the species level allowing better laboratory detection of bacterial presence.

        Bartonellosis was first isolated in the early 1920’s, and prevalence of the infection varies geographically.  Northern climates reportedly have less prevalence of the disease, although this trend is changing in conjunction with global climate change.

        In immunocompetent patients, Bartonella infection is characterized by regional lymphadenopathy, low-grade fever, malaise, muscle aches, joint pain, and chronic fatigue.  There have also been reported cases of hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenic purpura, Henoch-Schonlein purpura Syndrome, retinitis, uveitis, neuroretinas, enlarged spleen, glomerulonephritis, endocarditis, and encephalitis due to infection.

        Bartonella infection in immunocompromised patients with low natural killer cells (CD57 cells) low T helper cells (CD4 cells) and/or low T suppressor cells (CD8 cells) often present with “red streaks” resembling cat scratches, and this condition is known as bacillary angiomatosis or peliosis.

        Electron microscopy studies of patients infected with Bartonella reveal that this bacteria has a particular affinity for the vascular endothelium (inside the blood vessel walls) where organisms are observed in clumps along the vessel wall.  This appears to be an advantageous residence for bacteria that utilize nutrients in the host’s blood for their own benefit.

        Clustering of Bartonella cases within families has been observed especially in families that have adopted feral cats.  Ocular, neurologic, dermatologic, hematologic, orthopedic, cardiac, renal, and pulmonary presentations are typical for Bartonella infections but symptom presentation may vary among family members.

        A combination of herbs, antibiotics, immune support, an alkalized diet, moderate exercise and nutritional support are highly recommended for successful treatment of a Bartonella infection.

      • Borrelia burgdorferi (species list)

        Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto strains

        IsolateCountrySourceProvided by
        212 *FranceI. ricinusF. Milward
        297 *USA ConnecticutHuman CSFR.C. Johnson
        1352 *USA TexasA. americanumR. T. Marconi
        19535 *USA New YorkPeromyscus leucopusJ. F. Anderson
        20006 *FranceI. ricinusJ. F. Anderson
        26816 *USA Rhode IslandMicrotus pennsylvanicusJ. F. Anderson
        27985 *USA Shelt. IslI. scapularisJ. F. Anderson
        21305 *USA ConnecticutPeromyscus leucopusJ. F. Anderson
        21343 *USA WisconsinPeromyscus leucopusJ. F. Anderson
        B31 *USA New YorkI. scapularisATCC 35210
        CA2-87 *USA CaliforniaI. pacificusR. T. Marconi
        CA 5 *USA CaliforniaI. pacificusR. Lane
        CA 6 *USA CaliforniaI. pacificusR. Lane
        CA920953 *USA CaliforniaHuman skinL.M. Switalski
        Cat Flea *USA TexasCtenocephalides felisD. Ralph
        Charlie tick *USA WisconsinI. scapularisC. Kodner
        DK7 *DenmarkHuman skinM. Theisen
        ESP-1 *SpainI. ricinusR. C. Johnson
        GeHo *GermanyHuman skin (ECM)Vögel
        HB19 *USA ConnecticutHuman bloodA. Barbour
        HII *ItalyHuman blood (arthritis)V. Sambri
        HUM 115 *USA CaliforniaI. pacificusM. Janda
        HUM 3336 *USA CaliforniaI. pacificusM. Janda
        HUM 7814 *USA CaliforniaI. pacificusM. Janda
        IP1 *France (Poitiers)Human CSFG. Baranton
        IP2 *France (Tours)Human CSFG. Baranton
        IP3 *France (Pau)Human CSFG. Baranton
        IRS *SwitzerlandI. ricinusATCC 35211
        LAKE 339 *USA CaliforniaI. pacificusM. Janda
        MEN 115 *USA CaliforniaI. pacificusM. Janda
        MIL *SlovakiaI. ricinusA. Livesley
        MUL *USA New YorkI. ricinusM. Theisen
        N40 *USA New YorkI. scapularisS. Norris
        NY1-86 *USA New YorkHuman skinR. T. Marconi
        NY13-87 *USA New YorkHuman skinR. T. Marconi
        PKa *GermanyI. ricinusV. Preac Mursic
        Sh-2-82 *USA New YorkI. scapularisS. Bergström
        SON 188 *USA CaliforniaI. pacificusM. Janda
        SON 328 *USA CaliforniaI. pacificusM. Janda
        SON 335 *USA CaliforniaI. pacificusM. Janda
        SON 2110 *USA CaliforniaI. pacificusM. Janda
        SV1 *France (Rambouillet)I. ricinusC. Perez
        SV3 *France (Fontainebleau )I. ricinusC. Perez
        SV4 *France (Pimpont)I. ricinusC. Perez
        Veery *USA ConnecticutVeery birdR. T. Marconi
        VS 2 *USA Shelt. IslI. scapularisO. Péter
        Z 118 *GermanyI. ricinusA. Vogt
        Z 136 *GermanyI. ricinusA. Vogt


        courtesy of: NCBI

      • Ehrlichia & Anaplasm

        Ehrlichia chafeensis (HME), Ehrlichia ewengii and Anaplasma phagocytophilum (HGE), are emerging zoonotic diseases, especially in areas where human urban living encroaches on endemic tick areas.  These bacteria are largely found in mammals residing in the southeastern, south central, and mid-Atlantic areas of the United States, and according to the CDC, most cases are reported in the states of Maryland, Arkansas, Missouri, Oklahoma and Tennessee.  Ehrlichia and Anaplasma bacterias have also been noted in Brazil, the United Kingdom, France, Slovenia, Switzerland, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, Russia and Japan. However, similar to other tick-borne diseases, migratory birds probably play a significant role in disease spread around the globe, and these bacteria (HGE and HME) are likely found in other areas of the world not yet identifying and reporting the disease.  Of note, Ehrlichia in particular, is known to be a veterinary disease largely seen in horses and dogs.

        Ehrlichia and Anaplasma are intracellular obligate bacteria that require a host for replication and a vector for transmission (i.e., ticks).  Human signs and symptoms of these diseases are often not accompanied by a “Bullseye rash”, however, there may be redness and heat at the site of the tick bite.  HME or HGE illness can occur quickly (depending on the number of bacteria delivered to the host at the bite site), or it can develop more slowly over time as the bacteria replicate and proliferate in the host.  Generally, clinically presenting symptoms can include: fever, stiff neck, joint pain, muscle aches, headache, chills, malaise, nausea, and diarrhea.  Elevated serum liver enzymes including ALT and AST may also occur, lending  clues to the underlying bacterial infection in question.

        HGE and HME are serologically diagnosed using antibody titer tests or by using PCR (polymerase chain reaction) which demonstrates the presence of bacterial DNA in the blood and therefore exposure to the bacterias that cause Ehrlichiosis.  Careful determination of these bacterial infections is important because the presence of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, BrucellaTyphus, and Q fever (also zoonotic diseases) can cause false-positive serology for Ehrlichia.

        Occasionally, these infections can require hospitalization, especially for pain management which results from the activation of acute and prolonged pro-inflammatory cytokine release and tissue damage due to the host’s immune system activation.

        An integrated medicine treatment approach to Ehrlichia and Anaplasma infections, where a combination of immunosupportive herbs, anti-inflammitants and antibiotics in rotation, are recommended and generally yield favorable outcomes.   However, not unlike the other tick-borne infections, when the infection(s) are diagnosed early (less than 12 months from the time of the tick bite) prior to dissemination throughout the body, a return to health is maximized.

        In the next decade, cutting edge research on genomics, proteomics, and the cellular microbiology of these bacterial infections is likely to reveal additional therapeutic agents (i.e., herbal, nutritional and pharmacological). Future therapeutic intervention may focus on disengaging adhesin molecules that bind to white blood cells, which interfere with the replication and proliferation of these bacteria in the host.  Around the world, more and more researchers are becoming interested in developing effective new therapeutics for eradicating these diseases.

      • Louse-Borne Relapsing Fever (LBRF)

        Louse-borne relapsing fever (LBRF) is caused by the spirochete, Borrelia recurrentis, and is largely transmitted from person to person by lice. This bacteria is unique because it can alter the proteins expressed on its surface which causes the “relapsing” characteristic symptoms. It initially infects the mucus membranes and then moves into the bloodstream.

        Symptoms can include:

        1. Fever
        2. Malaise
        3. Fatigue
        4. Cognitive Dysfunction
        5. Prolonged QT interval on EKG
        6. Jaundice

        Generally this is a more severe infection than tick-borne relapsing fever and is often found in poor, underdeveloped countries such as Ethiopia.

      • Tick-Borne Relapsing Fever (TBRF)

        Tick-borne relapsing fever (TBRF) is a spirochetal infection cause by Borrelia hermseii, Borrelia miyamotoi, and several other less well known bacterial species. Tick-borne relapsing fever is found in Africa, Spain, Saudi Arabia, Asia, Canada, and the western United States. Rodents are the primary reservoir and ticks are the likely vector for this disease. TBRF is best diagnosed by PCR testing.

        Symptoms of TBRF include:
        • Fever
        • Malaise
        • Cognitive Dysfunction
        • Fatigue
        • Body Aches
        • Other transient and nebulous symptoms vary from patient to patient
      • Brucellosis

        Brucellosis is a zoonotic and tick-borne disease caused by the bacteria Brucella melitensis, and is an ancient disease, dating back to the 5th plague of Egypt around 1600 BC.  Archeological excavation of Egyptian human bones dating around 750 BC demonstrated evidence of osteoarticular abnormalities that are often symptom complications from a Brucellosis infection.  Brucella is found all over the world, especially in countries that rely heavily on agriculture, livestock, and dairy products such as Australia, Canada, Denmark, Finland, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Sweden, the United Kingdom, the Middle East, and central Asia.

        David Bruce was the first scientist to identify the bacteria Brucella melitensis in British soldiers stationed on Malta (an island in Italy) who developed severe fever leading to the name “Malta Fever” for this disease complex.  In 1897, a Danish veterinarian, L.F. Bernhard Bang, discovered a bacillus bacteria in cattle and termed it “Bang’s Disease.”  However, an American scientist, Alice Evans, famous for her work on pathogenic bacteria in dairy products, confirmed that Malta Fever and Bang’s Disease were caused by the same bacteria now known as Brucella melitensis.  Alice Evans was largely responsible for instituting the pasteurization process of dairy products to prevent human disease in the United States.

        To date, there are 9 species of Brucella, (5 are pathogenic to humans), and in 1990 it was discovered that Brucella was also found in marine mammals.  Brucella species are facultative, intracellular, Gram-negative, coccobacilli, and nonmotile due to the lack of flagella.  Sheep or goat’s milk consumption is a significant source of Brucellosis infection, so minimizing the natural animal reservoirs for this disease is important for curbing disease outbreaks.

        Symptoms of Brucellosis include fever, night sweats with a strange odor, chills, weakness, malaise, insomnia, anorexia, headache, joint pain, constipation, nervousness, depression, and impotence.  Many organ systems can be affected by Brucella infection including the: brain (encephalitis), heart (endocarditis), joints (arthritis), testes (orchitis), and prostate gland (prostatitis).

        Mothers who are breastfeeding may transmit the infection to their infants and sexual transmission has also been reported in the scientific literature.

        Diagnosis of Brucellosis is confirmed using antibody titer tests, IgM, and IgG which demonstrates exposure to the Brucella bacteria.

        Integrated medicine treatment for Brucellosis including herbal and nutrient immune support coupled with antimicrobial herbs and antibiotics generally yields very positive outcomes. However, Brucella can have varied effects on individuals so the length of treatment time is variable.

        If you have additional questions or concerns please contact our office.

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