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, even when the external feels out of control.
💛 Identify Your Personal Uplifters
Make time each day for simple actions that restore balance and joy. These activities raise your internal vibration, reduce stress hormones, and re-center your nervous system.
Try incorporating:
🎶 Listening to music
🧘♀️ Meditation or breathwork
🧩 Play and games
🌳 Walking in nature
☕ Coffee with a friend
🎨 Art projects or crafting
📚 Reading or journaling
🎬 A good movie or stand-up comedy
😂 Laughter — the best medicine
🎭 Practicing gratitude daily
The more consistent you are, the more you’ll notice these practices speeding up your recovery and creating more emotional resilience — not just now, but for life.
🧠 Train Your Brain to Heal
Healing isn’t just physical — it’s neurological. Several programs can help reset your stress response and promote calm, clarity, and control:
💻 Dynamic Neural Retraining System (DNRS)
by Annie Hopper 🔗 www.retrainingthebrain.com Great for managing PTSD, chronic illness-related stress, and limbic system dysfunction.
💻 Gupta Program: Amygdala Retraining
by Ashok Gupta 🔗 www.guptaprogram.com Helpful for post-infection recovery and nervous system rewiring.
💻 Primal Trust
by Cathleen King 🔗 www.primaltrust.org Integrative neuroplasticity training focused on healing trauma, illness, and dysregulation.
💻 The Lightning Process
by Amanda Ashley 🔗 www.amanda-ashley.com Mind-body training focused on rewiring chronic stress responses.
🎵 Vagus Nerve Calming Exercises
Your vagus nerve (cranial nerve 10) plays a huge role in calming your nervous system. Try incorporating these into your daily routine:
Anti-Aging & Preventative Medicine: Supporting Vitality After 50
Aging is a natural process — but how we age can be significantly influenced by how we care for our bodies. Anti-aging medicine focuses on preventative strategies to help you maintain strength, energy, mobility, and cognitive clarity as you move through your 50s, 60s, and beyond.
🧪 Comprehensive Lab Testing
Through advanced blood testing, we assess key biomarkers that reveal the earliest signs of imbalance, including:
Inflammation markers
Immune system dysregulation
Detoxification capacity
Nutritional status
Organ function
Subtle shifts in these systems often appear before symptoms begin, allowing us to intervene early.
🌿 Restoring Balance Naturally
When signs of early dysfunction are detected, we intervene with:
Targeted dietary guidance
Lifestyle modifications
Nutritional supplementation
Herbal support
These interventions are designed to restore homeostasis—your body’s natural state of balance—before chronic disease develops.
📈 Ongoing Monitoring for Optimal Health
Follow-up testing helps detect and correct:
Elevated cholesterol
Anemia
Vitamin and mineral deficiencies
Hormonal imbalances
Small corrections now can yield long-lasting improvements in healthspan and quality of life.
💪 Healthy Aging Means Staying Mobile and Independent
Our goal is to help you maintain:
Physical vitality
Mental sharpness
Emotional balance
Freedom from chronic disease
Let’s work together to identify which organ systems may be showing early signs of wear—and apply smart, science-backed strategies to support longevity and wellness.
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
💨 Bengay Pain Relieving Cream
Recommended especially for MCAS (Mast Cell Activation Syndrome) due to its menthol and methyl salicylate content. It may help:
Reduce localized inflammation
Relieve muscle and joint stiffness
Improve circulation in the affected area
🐍 Cobroxin
A homeopathic formula derived from cobra venom peptides, known to support:
Moderate to severe chronic pain
Neuropathic discomfort
Anti-inflammatory activity without narcotics
❄️ Uncle Herb’s Icy Pot Medicated Salve
A natural salve that combines cooling herbs and essential oils. Ideal for:
Functional Medicine is an innovative and patient-centered approach to healthcare that seeks to identify and address the root causes of disease. Pioneered by Dr. Jeffrey Bland, this 21st-century medical movement emphasizes understanding the complex interactions between genetics, environment, and lifestyle.
The Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM) plays a leading role in educating healthcare providers to apply this systems-based approach. IFM-trained practitioners prioritize:
High-quality whole foods as the foundation of health
Personalized nutritional interventions based on individual needs
Lifestyle modifications that support long-term wellness and resilience
As a dedicated member of IFM, Dr. Marra remains committed to ongoing education by attending annual conferences and staying current with advances in personalized medicine. This continuous learning enables her to provide state-of-the-art clinical care to each of her patients.
Dr. Marra also collaborates with a trusted network of Functional Medicine colleagues. This multidisciplinary support system offers additional insight for complex or challenging cases, ensuring comprehensive and well-rounded care.
With the rapid growth of genomic and nutrigenomic sciences, Functional Medicine is at the forefront of integrating cutting-edge research into everyday clinical practice—empowering patients to reach their full health potential.
Low Core Body Temperature (less than 97.0 degrees F)
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Many patients who suffer from chronic Lyme Disease and coinfections or chronic complex illness, also suffer from a low core body temperature (less than 97.0 degrees F). Sometimes this cold body temperature is due to hypothyroidism, which is relatively easy to diagnose with blood tests and a thermometer, an easily treated with some combination of T3 and T4 sustained release capsules.
However, sometimes a low core body temperature is due to the build up of toxins in the blood that causes the blood to become thick and viscous and unable to flow through arterial vessels and capillary beds. The lack of proper blood flow results in lowered oxygen concentrations to tissues, and therefore the body begins to become “cold”, and rigor mortis sets in, similar to what is seen in death. The absence of oxygenated tissues means the body will be cold.
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Frequent and proper daily detoxification in Epsom salt baths coupled with 30 minutes of full body movement (i.e., walking, dance, yoga, pilates, biking, trampoline, etc…), to exercise the muscle fibers and mobilize cellular waste and toxins in EXTREMELY important. Infra red saunas, hot baths, etc… are also important to elevate the core body temperature. This is why nearly all chronically ill patients feel better in warmer climates. If the core body temperature is too low, blood cannot properly flow to tissues, especially to the periphery, and the vital force of the patient is compromised. This is why patients with a low body temperature appear sluggish, fatigued, weak, and depressed.
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.,Lactobacillus, Saccromyces) 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.
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!
Ticks in Washington State: What You Need to Know and How to Protect Yourself
Ticks are a growing concern in Washington state, as they can be found in various regions across the state, especially in areas where deer reside. These tiny pests can carry dangerous diseases, such as Lyme disease, and pose a significant risk to humans, adolescents, and pets. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast or simply enjoy spending time in your backyard, it’s important to know where ticks are most commonly found and how to protect yourself from them.
In this blog post, we’ll discuss the tick hotspots in Washington state, how to repel them, and natural ways to stay safe during your outdoor adventures.
Where Are Ticks Found in Washington State?
Ticks are not confined to one specific part of Washington. They can be found throughout the state, but they are especially prevalent in areas where deer populations are high, as deer serve as the primary hosts for adult ticks. Some of the key locations where ticks are commonly found include:
Kitsap Peninsula: This area, including towns like Poulsbo, Bremerton, Silverdale, and Bainbridge Island, has a high tick population due to its deer habitats.
Pierce County
Jefferson County
Snohomish County
Skagit County
King County
Southern Washington (around Longview)
Ticks are also found in more rural and forested areas, so outdoor activities like hiking, camping, and even gardening can expose you to potential tick encounters.
Understanding the Risks: Diseases Spread by Ticks
Ticks in Washington state can carry a range of diseases, the most common being Lyme disease. While not every tick is infected, it’s important to be cautious. Lyme disease can cause symptoms like Q fever, chills, joint pain, and fatigue, and in severe cases, it can lead to long-term health complications if not treated promptly.
Another disease to be aware of is Anaplasmosis, which can cause flu-like symptoms. The risk of these diseases makes it essential to take proper precautions when spending time outdoors.
How to Protect Yourself from Ticks
Preventing tick bites is the most effective way to protect yourself from tick-borne diseases. There are several methods you can use to keep ticks at bay:
1. Use Tick Repellents
One of the most common ways to repel ticks in Washington is by using chemical repellents like DEET or Permethrin. Both are effective at keeping ticks away, but they should be used with caution:
DEET: Effective at repelling ticks, but it can be toxic if used frequently or in high concentrations, particularly for children or pets. It is not recommended for daily use.
Permethrin: A pesticide that can be applied to clothing and gear. It’s effective for treating clothing and gear, but avoid applying it directly to your skin.
Although these chemical options are effective, they should be used sparingly, as overuse can be harmful, especially to the brain and nervous system.
2. Natural Tick Repellents
If you prefer a more natural approach, there are several essential oils known to repel ticks. Some of the most effective options include:
Lemon Balm
Eucalyptus
Tea Tree Oil
Cedarwood Oil
These oils can be applied to your skin or used in sprays. For maximum protection, douse your clothing well, as the scent of these oils can create an environment that is unappealing to ticks. By doing so, you essentially “smell like” essential oils, which ticks tend to avoid.
3. Wear Protective Clothing
When venturing into tick-prone areas, it’s essential to wear protective clothing. Consider the following tips:
Wear long pants and sleeves to reduce the risk of ticks crawling onto your skin.
Tuck your pants into your socks to create a barrier and prevent ticks from climbing up your legs.
Wear light-colored clothing, which makes it easier to spot ticks.
In addition, consider treating your clothing with permethrin, which can be purchased in spray form or pre-treated clothing.
Tick-Proofing Your Yard
If you live in an area where ticks are prevalent, consider taking steps to make your yard less hospitable to them. Here are some suggestions:
Keep grass short and trim any bushes or shrubs to reduce tick habitats.
Create a barrier between wooded areas and your lawn using wood chips or gravel.
Remove any leaf litter or debris from your yard where ticks may be hiding.
Consider treating your yard with tick-repelling products, such as sprays or natural treatments like diatomaceous earth.
Seeking Expert Care for Lyme Disease in Washington State? Consult Dr. Susan Marra
Ticks are an important concern for anyone spending time outdoors in Washington state, but with the right precautions, you can reduce your risk of tick bites and the diseases they carry. Whether you’re using chemical repellents or essential oils, wearing protective clothing, or tick-proofing your yard, it’s essential to stay informed and take proactive steps to protect yourself.
If you’ve been bitten by a tick or are concerned about the risks of Lyme disease, it’s always a good idea to consult a specialist. Dr. Susan Marra, a leading Lyme disease expert in the Seattle area, is dedicated to providing accurate diagnoses and effective treatments for tick-borne illnesses. If you’re in Washington state and need guidance or treatment, contact us to learn more about or call to book an appointment.
Stay safe, take precautions, and enjoy all that Washington’s beautiful outdoor areas have to offer!
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.
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.
Ozone (O3) is a powerful oxidant gas and is found in the earth’s atmosphere. It has antimicrobial properties and may be beneficial in the treatment of infections.
I personally went to Mexico 18 years ago to receive ozone treatment after finishing antibiotic therapy for Lyme Disease and Bartonella. While I had high hopes that the ozone would completely eradicate my infections, I was wrong. Subsequent testing after treatment yielded positive Lyme Disease and Bartonella tests.
I do, however, encourage patients to do an 8 or 10 pass ozone therapy AFTER finishing antimicrobials, antifungals, or antivirals, because I believe that ozone heals the endothelium of vessels that were damaged by infection and/or mycotoxins. Please, remember: OZONE SHOULD NOT BE A SUBSTITUTE for proper antimicrobial, antifungal, or antiviral treatment. It should be considered an add-on therapy and administered by a qualified health care provider. Please call my office at (206) 299-2676 for references for qualified physicians who perform this treatment.
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.
Naltrexone is an old drug originally used to help patients wean off of alcohol and heroin and other opiate medications. However, low dose Naltrexone (LDN – 3-4.5mg) has been found to be very helpful to some patients with chronic pain and low immune function, in particular chronic Lyme Disease patients.
LDN works by boosting endorphin levels in the body (the feel good molecules associated with runners high), and thereby alleviating pain. Additionally, endorphins are excellent molecules for immune modulation. LDN binds to the opiate receptors primarily in the brain, blocking endogenous endorphin attachment. The body responds by producing more endorphins, which not only helps to alleviate chronic pain, but also boosts natural killer cells and some T and B cells of the immune system.
LDN may be useful for patients suffering from:
ALS
Alzheimer Disease
Autism
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Fibromyalgia
Lupus
Lyme Disease
Multiple Sclerosis
Parkinson Disease
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Ulcerative Colitis
Vivid dreams have been reported by some patients taking LDN, but generally speaking, there are very few side effects from this low dose.
For more information on LDN use in chronic tick-borne illness, please contact Dr. Marra and she will be happy to discuss its use in your particular health issues.
