In a recent episode of the podcast Doctors Making a Difference, Dr. Susan Marra joins host Dr. Steven Crane to discuss one of today’s most misunderstood and frequently misdiagnosed health challenges: chronic tick-borne disease. In the episode “Chronic Illness, Misdiagnosis & the Truth About Tick-Borne Disease with Dr. Susan Marra,” she explains why many patients with unusual, multisystem symptoms are actually living with chronic Lyme disease, Bartonella, Babesia, and other co-infections…

Even during the coldest months, Washington ticks in winter do not die. Due to global warming and consistently milder winters, arthropods, including disease-carrying ticks, are now able to survive year-round. As a result, they remain capable of transmitting infections through a single bite. As a Lyme-literate naturopathic doctor, Dr. Susan Marra emphasizes the importance of understanding this year-round risk and taking practical steps to protect yourself outdoors in Washington. Why Washingto…

Nantucket Island, part of Cape Cod, remains one of the most highly endemic regions in the United States for tick-borne diseases, including Lyme disease and Babesia. As cases rise nationwide, a groundbreaking project on the island is exploring a new way to interrupt the spread of infection directly at its ecological source. As a Lyme-literate naturopathic doctor, Dr. Susan Marra closely follows emerging research like this to stay at the forefront of innovative strategies for diagnosing, managin…

Chronic illnesses like tick-borne diseases,  including Lyme disease, Bartonella, and Babesia, as well as mycotoxin-related illness from mold exposure, are notoriously difficult to treat. These conditions often trigger systemic inflammation, oxidative stress, immune dysregulation, and mitochondrial dysfunction — leaving patients feeling exhausted, in pain, and with a range of debilitating symptoms. At Dr. Marra’s integrative medical clinic, we focus on root-cause healing strategies tailored to…

Climate change is reshaping seasonal patterns, and ticks are thriving because of it. In past decades, summer nights in the Pacific Northwest required fleece jackets. Today, rising temperatures and environmental shifts have extended tick season across the U.S., especially in the summer months. Dr. Marra has experienced a spike in patients firsthand. Why Ticks in Summer 2025 Are Worse Than Previous Years According to the CDC, summer 2025 is…

In 2024, Dr. Susan Marra received a Global Lyme Alliance award in recognition of her unwavering dedication to the treatment, awareness, and research of Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses. As the only naturopathic physician on GLA’s Medical Advisory Board, Dr. Marra is deeply honored to be acknowledged by the leading nonprofit organization in the Lyme disease community. About the Global Lyme Alliance The Global Lyme Allian…

Dr. Susan L. Marra is excited to introduce one of the most innovative tools in brain-focused healing: the Neuroradiant 1070 Red Light Helmet, also known as the Neuronic Helmet. This advanced, medical-grade red light therapy helmet offers new hope for individuals struggling with brain fog, mood challenges, cognitive decline, and neurological dysfunction caused by chronic illness or aging. What Is a Red Light Therapy Helmet? A red light therapy helmet uses low-level near-infrared light to…

Change Your Vibe 🌟 Change Your Vibe Emotional Recovery and Nervous System Support During Treatment Recovering from tick-borne disease, mold exposure, or long COVID can be physically exhausting — but the emotional toll is just as real. Fear, guilt, anxiety, and depression are common, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed or hopeless. That’s why elevating your emotional state daily is a vital part of the healing journey. You have the power to change your internal environment, eve…

Fibromyalgia (FM) Understanding the Underlying Causes of Widespread Pain and Fatigue Fibromyalgia (FM) is a modern diagnostic term used to describe a constellation of symptoms—most notably, widespread muscular pain and heightened sensitivity at specific tender points throughout the body. While pain may begin in a localized area such as the neck or shoulders, over time it typically spreads and becomes more generalized. 🧠 Common Symptoms FM pain is often described as: Bur…

Topical Pain Relief Options Topical pain relievers can be a helpful part of managing discomfort caused by inflammation, especially when systemic treatments aren’t tolerated or additional support is needed. Dr. Marra often recommends the following trusted products for localized relief: 🌼 Arnica Montana 6X (Homeopathic) A natural remedy known for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Often used to relieve: Bruising Muscle soreness Joint pain 💨…