I always thought you had to choose one “side” or the other when selecting medical treatment options. You either believed in traditional/conventional medicine or you drank the Kool-Aid. Can you tell I was a tad skeptical? After speaking with these fascinating Alternative Medicine practitioners I can't wait to add acupuncture, reflexology and naturopathic treatments to my traditional preventative healthcare plan (which previously consisted of a yearly physical—step on the scale, mammogram–squish and OBGyn appointments–has it already been a year?)
It's particularly exciting to learn that medical practitioners, both traditional and holistic, are working together for the greater well-being of their patients. You won't need a spoonful of sugar to help this medicine go down.
Acupuncture
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioner, Jacques Depardieu, described the 3,000 year old practice of Chinese Medicine and acupuncture to me this way, “The meridian system, a roadmap of the body's qi (the vital energy which maintains and sustains life), is used to access and initiate our natural healing ability. Meridians are like channels or conduits where qi circulates through the body. When normal healthy bodily functions become compromised they loose their ability to maintain balance due to the dysfunction and constriction of qi. This can lead to more complex health problems. Conversely, if the flow of qi can be maintained through the body, our health and immunity stay strong.” Therefore the purpose of acupuncture is to access and stimulate the meridian network, through the surface of the body, to help the body reach “a balanced, harmonious state: true health.”
Practitioners say it is a painless, safe and effective way of treating a host of medical problems.
CT Acupuncture Center
Ingri Boe-Wiegaard, L.Ac.
Area of Emphasis General Family Practice
Ingri holds degrees from The International College of Oriental Medicine, as well as ,The Norwegian Academy for Natural Medicine (Naturopathic-Homeopathic). She has been practicing full time for 30 years. Ingri's warm and jovial personality will immediately set you at ease. She even has an “Acupuncture Humor” tab on her website.
A treatment session is typically an hour long which also includes a thorough discussion of your health history, symptoms and lifestyle. As part of the health exam your pulse and your tongue are diagnosed. In Chinese Medicine the tongue is seen as a “map to the body reflecting overall health”. The acupuncture treatment then involves placing fine, sterile needles at specific “acupoints” along the meridian pathways.
Treats: Chronic Conditions, Fertility, Pain, Arthritis, Migraines, Injury–acupuncture helps the body to heal–a good treatment besides pain killers & anti-inflammatories prior to physical therapy and chiropractic treatment.
Services:
Acupuncture
Located in Fairfield, Wilton and Bethel
203-259-1660
Center for Integrative Chinese Medicine
Jacques Depardieu, MSOM, LAc
Area of Emphasis Women's Health
Jacques is national board certified in acupuncture and Chinese pharmacology. At the Center for Integrative Chinese Medicine, Jacques utilizes acupuncture, acupressure, Chinese herbology, healing diet and Qigong therapy to treat a wide range of disorders and illness.
After speaking with Jacques I understood why his word-of-mouth practice is booming. He carefully explained, “It's not just putting pins in someone, it [involves] lifestyle changes, too.” He takes great care not to treat the symptoms, but to treat the root of the problem with individualized treatments that are based on the person's whole life in order to promote the body's natural ability to self-heal. “Our bodies are the miracle.”
Treats: a wide range of disorders and illness with a focus on Women's Health.
Services:
Acupuncture
Naturopathic medicine including herbal supplements and healing diet
Qigong Therapy
Located in Darien
203-656-2000
Reflexology
The Reflexology Association of America describes reflexology as “a non-invasive complementary practice involving the use of alternating pressure applied to reflexes (within reflex maps of the body) located on the feet, hands and outer ears.”
Area of Emphasis: General Well-Being, Improve Circulation, Relieve Headaches, Stress and Pain
Sun Reflexology
Don't judge this book by it's cover. It's a hidden gem for foot reflexology. Choose a 30 minute ($28) or 60 minute ($45) foot reflexology massage or combine with a 1 hour body + 30 minute foot reflexology massage ($80). Your whole body will thank you.
Located in Westport
203-259-5666
Coco Spa
Their reflexology foot massages may also be combined with a body massage or with a pedicure. The foot reflexology treatments run from 10 minutes ($15) up to 60 minutes ($85).
Located in Riverside, Greenwich
203-698-2220 or 203-698-2221
Earth Body Spirit Connections
Maryann Barrett, RN, BSN, Energy Practitioner
Area of Emphasis: Women's and Men's Health
Maryann has been a Registered Nurse for the past 25 years. She studied healing techniques at the Barbara Brennan School of Healing (author of Hands of Light) and is currently studying at The Graduate Institute, obtaining a Master's Degree in Integrative Health and Healing. As she carefully explained her healing techniques, Maryann's soothing voice convinced me that I would be putty in her healing hands.
Treats: Anxiety, IBS, Stress, Post-Cancer Treatment, as well as many other medical conditions, and Overall Well-Being.
Services:
Foot Reflexology activates reflex points on your feet, that correspond to specific body parts. This stimulation encourages those body parts to go into a state of self-healing.
Energy Healing clears out and balances the body's natural energy.
Cranial Temple Activation is used to help you move through issues in your life and enable you to move forward by activating areas of potential in you.
Located in Wilton
203-788-7119
Naturopathic Medicine
According to the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians,“Naturopathic medicine is based on the belief that the human body has an innate healing ability. Naturopathic doctors (ND's) teach their patients to use diet, exercise, lifestyle changes and cutting edge natural therapies to enhance their bodies’ ability to ward off and combat disease [self-healing]. Naturopathic physicians craft comprehensive treatment plans that blend the best of modern medical science and traditional natural medical approaches to not only treat disease, but to also restore health.”
Barefoot Medical Arts LLC
Mark J. Romano, ND
Area of Emphasis: Body and Mind
Dr. Romano is a licensed Naturopathic Doctor, wellness educator, and certified Sheng Zhen Gong teacher with over 20 years of experience in fitness, health and wellness. His programs for patients (and students) are a blend of Western medical science and the Eastern healing philosophy. Dr. Romano explained that his practice is about “Putting the body, mind and spirit back into balance.”
Treats Chronic Illnesses–Fatigue, Sleep Problems, Depression, Anxiety, Mental Health, help during Chemotherapy, Sports Injuries, and many other medical conditions
Services:
Wellness and Longevity Training through Biotheraputic Drainage. Learn more
Sports Acupuncture to reduce pain, promote healing and relaxation Learn more
Movement Therapy through Qigong to restore strength and balance Learn more
Qigong a powerful system of healing and energy medicine from China. It is the art and science of using breathing techniques, gentle movement, and meditation to cleanse, strengthen, and circulate the life energy (qi). Used as an ideal aid to recover from illness or injury.
Located in Fairfield
(203) 256-0021
Brian Henninger, N.D.
Area of Emphasis: Pediatrics and Family Medicine specializing in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Dr. Henninger just completed his fellowship in MAPS (Medical Academy for Pediatric Special needs) and is a Defeat Autism Now doctor, who has been very successful with his patients diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Dr. Henninger's mission is “to provide quality health care through the principles of natural healing. To facilitate deep thorough healing in a manner that is effective, painless, and easy.” I was particularly interested in his work with ASD and AD/HD and found Dr. Henniger's passion and conviction for treatment options exciting and fascinating.
Pediatric/Adolescent Treatments Acne, Allergies, Asthma, AD/HD, A.D.D, Autism Spectrum, Bronchitis, Cold and Flu’s, Ear Infections, Eczema / Psoriasis, Headache / Migraines, Immune Boosting, Obesity
Adult Treatments Allergies, Cancer Support, Cholesterol Lowering, Colds/Flus, Diabetes, Digestive Complaints, Eczena/Skin Compliants, Hypertension, IBS/Crohn's Disease, Menopause, PMS, GERD, Smoking Cessation
Services:
Craniosacral Therapy (CST) is a gentle, hands-on method of evaluating and enhancing the functioning of a physiological body system called the craniosacral system. Learn more
Herbal Supplements for treating colds and the flu
Homeopathy involves tiny doses of natural medicines to stimulate the body's inborn healing capacity. Learn more
Myofascial Release (trigger point therapy) is a proven technique used for the relief of soft-tissue pain and dysfunction. Learn more
Nutrition general and specifically involving Gluten and Casei-free diets for ASD children
Hyberbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is used to heal brain injuries by getting more oxygen to the brain it allows the cells a greater capacity to heal. It's used specifically for treating Chronic Fatigue, Lyme Disease and Autism.
Located in Fairfield
203 255-4325
Holistic Medicine
According to the American Holistic Medical Association “The practice of holistic medicine integrates conventional and complementary therapies to promote optimal health, and prevent and treat disease by addressing contributing factors.” In this way, “Disease is understood to be the result of physical, emotional, spiritual, social and environmental imbalance. . . All appropriate methods may be used, from medication to meditation.”
Center for Integrative Health
Area of Emphasis: Autism Spectrum Disorder and Chronic Illnesses in Adults and Children
Nancy O'Hara, MD is a board certified Pediatrician and was the Assistant Medical Director for Defeat Autism Now!® Physician Training and the Physician Mentoring Director for Defeat Autism Now!®. Gail M. Szakacs, MD is board certified in Internal Medicine. Together they work to integrate their patients therapies and medications in a “thorough and holistic fashion”.
Treat: Autism Spectrum Disorder, Neuro-developmental Disorders, Chronic illnesses such as Gastrointestinal Disorders, Chronic or Recurrent Infections, Food Sensitivities, Allergies, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Lyme disease, PANDAS, PANS, other Autoimmune Disorders, Metabolic Disorders, and Malnutrition.
Services:
Coordinate Treatments with your current practitioners to maximize treatment
Nutritional Counseling including vitamin, mineral, amino acid supplementation
Detoxification, immune, antimicrobial, mitochondrial and enzyme therapy
Immunotherapy
HBOT
Neurofeedback/qEEG
Homotoxicology/BIOSET
Located in Wilton
203-834-2813
Also check out. . .
Family and Environmental Medicine
Gary Gruber ND
Area of emphasis: General Family Practice
Located in New Canaan
203-966-6360
Westchester Center for Natural Health
Angelica Lemke
Areas of Emphasis: Pediatrics & Childhood Disorders, Women's Health & Aging, Chronic Fatigue/Autoimmune Disorders, Mental Health
Located in Pleasantville, NY
914-747-1647