Revolutionize Your Healing with Firefly Red Light Laser Technology
We’re thrilled to announce a cutting-edge addition to our wellness services: the Firefly red light laser. Developed by Dr. Maurice Bales of Bales Photonics, this advanced technology is now available exclusively at the office of Dr. Susan L. Marra, making us the only provider on the Kitsap Peninsula to offer this medical-grade red light laser therapy. We’re proud to be the only provider in the region offering this powerful, medical-grade red light laser therapy. Read on to learn what it is, how it works, and whether it might be the right fit for your health goals, plus how to book your first appointment!
What Is the Firefly Red Light Laser?
The Firefly red light laser is a revolutionary form of red light therapy that uses specific wavelengths to stimulate deep tissue healing, reduce inflammation, improve blood flow, and regenerate mitochondria—the powerhouse of the cell. It is 10x more powerful than traditional LED technology – as powerful as Class IV lasers. Unlike traditional red light beds, this laser offers targeted, physician-grade precision for more effective treatment of both surface and deep tissues.
How Does Red Light Laser Therapy Work?
Red light falls within the near-infrared (625–750 nm) and far-infrared (750–1100 nm) spectrum. While near-infrared light treats surface tissues, far-infrared light penetrates deeper layers, including muscle and bone. The red light is absorbed by mitochondria, specifically the enzyme cytochrome c oxidase, which then triggers a chemical reaction that boosts ATP production—fuel for cellular repair and regeneration.
Proven Benefits of Firefly Red Light Laser Therapy
The Firefly red light laser has shown effectiveness in a wide range of clinical and wellness applications:
Accelerates wound healing
Promotes increased blood circulation
Reduces inflammation
Stimulates ATP production
Enhances tissue regeneration
Encourages hair growth
Conditions That May Improve with Red Light Laser Therapy
Due to its broad cellular benefits, this therapy may support treatment for:
Diabetes and circulatory issues
Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease
IBS and digestive inflammation
Sinusitis, bursitis, and arthritis
Bone injuries and fractures
Gingivitis and mouth ulcers
Dermatitis, fungal infections, and parasites Autoimmune imbalances
Muscle pain and fatigue
Insomnia and stress-related conditions
Firefly Red Light Laser vs. Traditional Red Light Therapy
Unlike generalized red light therapy (e.g., red light beds), the Firefly red light laser delivers precise, high-intensity light to a focused area. This allows for deep tissue penetration, enabling it to assist with more complex issues such as bone repair, chronic inflammation, and even cellular detoxification.
Is Firefly Red Light Laser Safe?
This is a medical-grade device that must be operated by a trained physician or certified light therapist due to potential risks like tissue or eye damage. At our office, all sessions are carefully supervised. We start slow, typically 2–15 minutes per session, to ensure safety and optimal results.
However, red light laser therapy is not recommended for:
Individuals with active cancer
Those with epilepsy
Patients with infectious open wounds
Pregnant individuals
Anyone exposed without protective eyewear
Additionally, those with chronic infections may experience a Herxheimer reaction (detox symptoms due to pathogen die-off), which can be managed with guidance from our team.
Try Firefly Red Light Laser—Free First Session Available!
Dr. Marra is proud to be the first in the region to bring you this powerful, physician-exclusive healing modality. Whether you’re seeking recovery from injury, reducing inflammation, or managing chronic pain, the Firefly red light laser could be a transformative solution. Call us today at 206-299-2676 to schedule your free trial session and experience the healing power of red light laser for yourself.Read more of Dr. Marra’s blogs and find more patient resources now!
Most patients with chronic illness who have been repeatedly misdiagnosed, and virtually unheard, wind up with some form of PTSD and adrenal exhaustion. The fight to be heard, find a competent practitioner, receive proper and attentive care, is no small feat in this fast paced world, and is much more difficult for the severely ill. Sadly, this component of Lyme Disease is not very well recognized. This is really similar to the PTSD a soldier experiences once he/she is home from a war. The emotional, physical, psychological, and spiritual toll on the body is very significant. Although the war might be over, there are substantial lingering effects of the struggles that occurred during healing.
I encourage my patients to seek counseling from someone who understands the debilitating effects of chronic illness. Reiki, massage, acupuncture, energy healing, spa visits, and EMDR may be very helpful to patients who are unable to shake off the trauma that they endured during their struggle with Lyme Disease.
Many patients also choose to do a yoga retreat in Hawaii, Bali, etc…to regain their balance in life during and/or after treatment. Island trip (ie., Hawaii, Caribbean), also help patients regain a sense of nature and joy which was lost during their battle with chronic illness.
Please consult with Dr. Marra on ideas that may help minimize the effects of PTSD from chronic disease related to tick-borne illness. Having had the disease herself, she understands on a personal level the battles you face during treatment and after treatment.
In the 18+ years that Dr. Marra has been practicing tick-borne disease illness, there has been great controversy over the use of antibiotics in the treatment of these stealth and persistent infections. She doesn’t think the answer to this controversy is any easier today than it was 20 or 40 years ago. However, over the years, she has seen a trend in the degree of illness that presents in the practice. Patients are MUCH sicker now than they were 20 years ago when she was practicing in Connecticut, and most patients have multiple infections.
In her own journey nearly 14+ years ago battling Lyme Disease and Bartonella, she chose to take an Integrated Medicine approach to healing because she felt that it was her best chance of eradicating the infections, while supporting her body along the way. Not all patients make this choice. Some prefer to use ONLY diet modifications, herbal remedies, Rife machines, and a variety of other healing modalities that are consistent with their belief systems. Dr. Marra chose a combination therapy approach which worked very well for her, but you may not want to, and that’s a personal choice.
In her experience with treating thousands of patients with tick-borne illness, she has not found patients to become affected by long-term antibiotic use, if they are used properly. Frequent rotation of antibiotics, pulsing techniques, timing and dosing changes, with multiple probiotic sources has proved time and again, to be the quickest way out of the Lyme Disease maze of symptoms. Her patient’s recoveries are also significantly influenced by diet choices, hydration, immune system status, genetic predispositions, hormone balancing, detoxification, and a myriad of other factors.
Without question there is a group of patients who simply cannot handle antibiotics for various reasons largely having to do with histamine status and detoxification pathways. In these cases, her patients use herbal formulas that absolutely work, just not as fast. Targeted nutritional medicine is also very helpful in supporting healing.
The point is simply this, as a long time steward of antibiotic use for patients with tick-borne illness, Dr. Marra has not seen any long term damage for their use, provided they are used correctly. She is not suggesting that patients go on life long antibiotics because that is not the answer either. Rather, there is a variety of treatments that can be very beneficial to patients, as long as precautions are taken.
In our practice, Dr. Marra has patients on herbs, antibiotics, nutritional’s, diets, detox protocols, and everything in between because she believes you need to do what works, and what works for one patient may not work for the next. An individual and tailored treatment that reflects a well thought out plan for return to function is, in her opinion, the only way to heal from multiple tick-borne disease. Dr. Marra speaks here from both a personal and professional position which hopefully sheds a ray of hope on your condition.
Ketotifen is a second-generation noncompetitive H1 antihistamine and mast cell stabilizer with probable anti-inflammatory properties. It may also have anti-cholinergic and anti-serotonergic properties that contribute to its overall beneficial effect in certain patients.
It is an oral compounded capsule taken with meals and may be useful in the treatment of the following conditions:
Asthma
Allergies
Autism
Crohn’s Disease
IBS (irritable bowel syndrome)
MCAS (mast cell activation syndrome)
SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth)
Urticaria
Patients with “GI Lyme Disease” generally find that ketotifen helps with symptoms of gas and bloating. For more information on whether or not this might be useful to you in your treatment, please discuss this with Dr. Marra in your office appointment.
Understanding MCAS (Mast Cell Activation Syndrome): A Comprehensive Guide
In this article, I’ll explain what MCAS (Mast Cell Activation Syndrome) is, how it presents itself, common triggers, how it’s diagnosed, and what steps you can take to manage it. Understanding this complex condition is the first step toward finding relief.
As someone who has worked with countless patients struggling with unexplained symptoms, I know how confusing and overwhelming it can be to find answers. One condition that often goes undiagnosed is MCAS (Mast Cell Activation Syndrome). If you’re experiencing symptoms that seem to affect multiple systems in your body—ranging from skin reactions to gastrointestinal distress—MCAS might be the piece of the puzzle you’ve been searching for.
To learn more about my approach to diagnosing and treating MCAS, or to schedule a consultation, visit my website. Together, we can take the next step toward addressing your health concerns.
Caption: Medical Minutes with Dr Marra; Episode 57: Amlexanox and MCAS
What is MCAS (Mast Cell Activation Syndrome)?
MCAS is a disorder where your mast cells, which are part of your immune system, release too many chemicals (like histamine, cytokines, and other inflammatory molecules) in response to things that normally wouldn’t cause a reaction. Mast cells are critical for fighting infections and healing injuries. However, when they become overactive—as they do in MCAS—they release these chemicals inappropriately, causing inflammation and a wide variety of symptoms throughout the body.
How Do Mast Cells Affect the Body?
Mast cells are often described as the “guardians” of our immune system. They help protect us from harmful pathogens and are involved in allergic responses. In people without MCAS, mast cells are activated only when necessary. However, in those with MCAS, these cells are triggered even when there’s no infection or allergic response, resulting in unnecessary inflammation and a cascade of symptoms.
Symptoms of MCAS (Mast Cell Activation Syndrome)
The symptoms of MCAS can vary greatly from person to person, which makes it difficult to diagnose. You may experience symptoms in one or more systems of your body. The most common signs I see in my practice include:
Skin Reactions: Itching, hives, and skin flushing are some of the most frequent symptoms. When mast cells release histamine, these types of skin reactions can occur.
Gastrointestinal Distress: Symptoms like nausea, diarrhea, bloating, or abdominal pain are common, as mast cells in the gut become activated, leading to digestive upset.
Respiratory Symptoms: Many patients experience asthma-like symptoms—such as wheezing, shortness of breath, or tightness in the chest—as mast cells in the respiratory tract react.
Cardiovascular Symptoms: Symptoms like dizziness, rapid heart rate, and low blood pressure can arise when mast cells trigger inflammatory chemicals in the cardiovascular system.
Neurological Symptoms: Brain fog, headaches, and mood changes such as anxiety or depression are also associated with MCAS, likely because of mast cell activity in the nervous system.
Common Triggers of MCAS (Mast Cell Activation Syndrome)
One of the most important aspects of managing MCAS is identifying and avoiding its triggers. I always encourage my patients to track their symptoms and note potential triggers. Some of the most common culprits include:
Environmental Triggers: Certain environmental factors, such as changes in temperature, exposure to mold, and even strong fragrances, can set off symptoms. I’ve seen many patients react to exposure to things like cleaning products or cigarette smoke.
Dietary Triggers: For many with MCAS, specific foods like fermented foods, alcohol, or high-histamine foods (such as aged cheese, processed meats, and vinegar) can aggravate symptoms. Keeping a food diary can help pinpoint these. Read more about how to maintain an anti-inflammatory diet.
Stress: Both emotional and physical stress can exacerbate symptoms. Stress management is crucial for those living with MCAS, and I always emphasize practices like deep breathing, yoga, or meditation to help reduce flare-ups.
Medications: Some medications can worsen MCAS symptoms, particularly preservatives or other compounds that may activate mast cells.
Diagnosing MCAS (Mast Cell Activation Syndrome)
MCAS can be challenging to diagnose because its symptoms overlap with so many other conditions. There’s no single test that can diagnose MCAS definitively, but the process typically includes:
Blood Tests: These can measure levels of mast cell mediators like tryptase, histamine, and other markers that indicate excessive mast cell activation.
Urine Tests: A 24-hour urine collection can measure histamine metabolites and other inflammatory substances.
Symptom Tracking: I always encourage patients to keep detailed records of their symptoms, triggers, and any changes in their health, as this is a key part of diagnosis.
How You Can Treat MCAS (Mast Cell Activation Syndrome)
There is currently no cure for MCAS, but with the right treatment plan, you can manage symptoms and improve your quality of life. Treatment typically involves a combination of medications, lifestyle changes, and trigger management. Here are some of the most effective strategies:
Antihistamines: Histamine is one of the primary chemicals released by mast cells. Antihistamines can help control symptoms like itching, hives, and swelling.
Mast Cell Stabilizers: These medications work to prevent mast cells from releasing their inflammatory chemicals in the first place, helping to reduce flare-ups.
Avoiding Triggers: By identifying what sets off your symptoms and taking steps to avoid those triggers—whether it’s a certain food, chemical, or environmental factor—you can significantly reduce the frequency and severity of symptoms.
Stress Management: Since stress is a significant trigger for many people with MCAS, I encourage all my patients to incorporate regular stress-relief practices into their routine, whether through mindfulness, yoga, or other relaxation techniques.
Supportive Therapies: In addition to traditional treatments, I’ve found that many patients benefit from integrative approaches like acupuncture, functional medicine, or dietary changes. These can support your immune system and help reduce inflammation.
Treating MCAS can be very tricky, requiring the use of several mast cell stabilizing medications and natural supplements. These can include any combination of the following and should be monitored by a physician:
Pharmaceutical Medications Natural Treatments
Zyrtec Hist DAO
Allegra Histaquel
Famotidine Histamine Balancer
Benedryl MC Balancer
Loratidine D-Hist
Ketotifen Bromelain
Zafirlukast Cannabinoids
Cromalyn Sodium Quercitin
Ranitidine Green Tea
Aspirin Saloxicin
Hydroxyurea Curcumin
NSAIDS Vitamin C
LDN (low dose naltrexone) Luteolin
Benzodiazepines Resveratrol
Zolair Honokiol
Hydroxyzine Rutin
Doxipen Genistein
Periactin Isatis
Tagamet Red Light therapy
DMSO cream for itching and hives Hyperbaric Oxygen
IVIG regulates the immune system
Living with MCAS (Mast Cell Activation Syndrome)
While living with MCAS may feel daunting, I want you to know that you are not alone, and relief is possible. Here are a few practical tips to help you manage your condition:
Follow a Low-Histamine Diet: One of the most effective ways to control MCAS symptoms is to avoid foods that are high in histamine, such as aged cheeses, fermented foods, and alcohol. Learn more about how to follow a low-histamine diet now.
Incorporate Stress Management Techniques: Given the role stress plays in MCAS, I highly recommend finding ways to reduce stress, whether through daily relaxation exercises or other mindfulness practices.
Build a Support Network: Living with a chronic condition like MCAS can be isolating. It’s important to build a strong support system of friends, family, or online communities who understand what you’re going through.
Educate Yourself and Others: The more you understand your condition, the more empowered you’ll feel in managing it. Educating those around you—your family, friends, and even healthcare providers—can help ensure you receive the support you need.
Partnering with Dr. Susan Marra for MCAS Treatment
If you suspect that MCAS may be the underlying cause of your symptoms, I understand how frustrating it can be to navigate the complexities of this condition. The good news is that with an early diagnosis and personalized treatment plan, significant relief is possible. I’ve seen firsthand how effective a tailored approach to managing MCAS can be, helping my patients reduce symptoms, identify triggers, and restore balance in their lives.
If you’re ready to take the next step toward managing your MCAS symptoms and improving your quality of life, I encourage you to contact us. Together, we can explore your unique health history, develop a comprehensive treatment plan, and work toward healing. Please don’t hesitate to contact us or call 206-299-2676. I’m here to support you on your journey to feeling better and living well.
Disclaimer The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material contained in these videos is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician before undertaking a new healthcare regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have seen, read, or heard in these videos.
