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CONTACT Center for Integrative Medicine 908 New Hampshire Ave Suite 200 Washington, DC 20037 (202) 833-5055 office (202) 833-5755 fax Send Us 
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To Barbara re Healthy Aging for Women and Men Program -- from VH
.....has done a "180" in response to the Healthy Aging for Women program. I have lost weight, gained energy and improved my overall attitude. From the extensive testing that was done at the start of the program we found that my replacement hormones were way too high. My OB put me on them years ago and never again checked. We also found that I am a pre-diabetic (insulin resistant). As a result of this testing and the resultant change in my diet, I hope I will never develop diabetes. I think it is a fabulous program.
Learn more about "Healthy Aging for Women and Men" Program
For "Healthy Weight For You" Program -- from Susan to Barbara Boston and the Entire CIM Staff
I am writing a long overdue note today to tell you and the entire CMI staff how much I appreciate your incredible work, your support
and your friendship over these many years as I have struggled with so many health issues.
As you know, my history is a long one, so rather than listing every
treatment, interaction, etc., all of which have contributed greatly to my overall health and wellbeing, I would like to focus for a moment on my most recent experience with CIM - the Transformation diet program. I am not sure its correct to call it a 'diet program'--for me it is a 'new beginning' and a way of looking at how I eat and use food to heal my body over the long term.
I would not say it has always been easy. Weighing food, for example and eating out, which I have to do for my work fairly often, have been challenging. But, you, Dr. Oceyre, Bretta, Marietta, Dr. Pan, LuAnn and the
rest of the CMI staff have helped make it possible. It is clear to
me that support is such an important component of such an undertaking. I am not sure I could be doing this without your caring. I know now how important it is that I come in weekly to be weighed and measured, to have all of you share in my joy of losing so much weight and getting healthier.
As time has gone on, the diet has become easier for me. Weighing
food has become second nature; I am making 'mistakes' on the diet much less frequently, and I can see how I could do this for the long haul. However, I must admit, I would like to have a glass of wine or two here and there, and
once in awhile indulge in a piece of dark chocolate! But, I understand that if I can reach my optimum weight, continue to exercise and do everything
else that is important to stay healthy, that I will be able to have that glass of wine or piece of chocolate.
In fact, that is really how I had lived most of my life before my
injuries, illnesses, etc, etc. So, in a way, I feel that you are helping me to really and truly regain my life as it was. The real test will be when I can
fit into that ten year old size six Armani suit that's way at that back of my closet!!!
From the bottom of my heart, thank you all for everything over these many years. I will never leave CMI. You are my doctors, my therapists and my friends.
16 down and 28 to go...
Susan
Learn more about "Healthy
Weight for You" Program
For "Healthy Weight For You" Program -- from Rebecca to Barbara Boston, WHNP
"I'm happy to report that my anxiety and depression have been in remission for seven months now the longest period in my
adult years and the color has come back into my life. After a couple of months of feeling better, I was able to stop all
consumption of caffeine and refined sugar. I've been learning how to cook and my experiments in the kitchen have become a new
hobby and part of my routine. I've also stepped up my daily exercise to a more vigorous level. As a result, I feel better,
I've lost 25 pounds, and am optimistic about losing the next 25."
"You may not always hear about the positive impact you
have on others but I want you to know that I mark your handling of that
November day as a real turning point in this long process. I appreciate your grace,
compassion, and competence."
Learn more about "Healthy Weight For You" Program
Ecstatic graduates of the PreConception Program
After years of unsuccessful effort, R and B became the delighted
parents of
K (7 lbs 2 ozs), a healthy, full-term baby girl. Their achievement came
after a comprehensive reproductive history and nutritional evaluation. R
and B carefully followed an individualized plan for exercise, nutrition and
stress management.
Learn more about "PreConception" Program
To Dr. Sen Huang for Acupuncture Treatment
I am a 58 year-old male who developed sciatica in my left leg about 8 months
ago. Initially, the pain was severe enough to interfere with my ability to
sit almost anyplace - in a car, on an airplane, in church, at my desk, at a
conference, and at a table in a restaurant. Stretching exercises yielded
relief for a month or two. However, when I experienced a second bout of
sciatica, the pain was more intense and seemed to spread over a wider
portion of my leg.
I was reluctant to have surgery, although my orthopaedist did not have any
other recommendations. Finally, as a last resort before the scalpel, I
considered acupuncture. My sister-in-law is a nurse, and she recommended the
George Washington Center for Integrative Medicine. After a telephone
consultation with the Center's Director, Dr. John Pan, and a face-to-face
consultation with Dr. Sen Huang, the acupuncture specialist, I elected to
try 10 sessions.
The treatment sessions have been pleasant enough. There was a mild sensation
each time the needles were applied, but absolutely no pain or even
discomfort. Typically, I fell asleep shortly after the needle were applied
and only awakened when the session is concluded. My only real concern was
that relief seemed slow in coming. It was not until the 9th session that I
began to notice that the pain was subsiding.
Today, the pain is not entirely gone. I am still sore, for example, after a
car trip. However, I am now able to do almost all of the things that
formerly were quite uncomfortable. Based on the progress to date, I have
decided to continue with the treatments, although the sessions are less
frequent.
Dr. Huang has been thorough in his explanations, blending Asian and Western
medical terminology. He told me at our initial consultation that he could
relieve my pain, and experience has proven him correct. I am certainly no
expert in acupuncture, and therefore I cannot give a very informed
endorsement. However, I would certainly urge anyone seeking a non-surgical
treatment for sciatic pain to consider acupuncture (at least at the Center
for Integrative Medicine)
Learn more about "Acupuncture" Treatment
-- from Michael
For "Reiki" To Luann Jacobs, Reiki Master -- from David
"This letter is meant to acknowledge the superb care provided to me by
staff at The George Washington University Hospital. The staff members' doctors, nurses, technicians and orderlies were
uniformly caring, supportive, professional and friendly. I had an angiogram procedure on Wednesday and bypass surgery two
days later. The staff was with me 100%. Several staffers said how fortunate I was to be at George Washington University
Hospital. I could not agree more."
"In particular, I want to
commend the hospital on its foresight and understanding to have Luann Jacobs, from
the Center for Integrative Medicine, available to patients. Luann helped me
with Reiki and other relaxation techniques before and after surgery. I am certain that I proceeded into my operation in an
unusually relaxed state of being. I suspect many patients will benefit from Luann's expertise. Thank you for including her
expertise in the hospital' s overall
care program."
Learn more about "Reiki"
To John Pan, Barbara Boston, and Luann Jacobs -- from Sherry
I would like to share my experience with John Pan, Barbara Boston, Luann
Jacobs and all of the other personnel at the George Washington Center of
Integrative Medicine. During the past couple of years I have had some
health concerns which I have not felt comfortable treating as initially
recommended by my traditional medical doctors. Consequently I discussed
them with Dr. Pan and felt he took a lot of time to give me advice and
recommendations which were comfortable ones for me. Thanks to his whole
body approach, mind, body and spirit, he was open and knowledgeable about
nutrition, supplements and other complimentary methods of maintaining
health. He also pointed out additional tests which were able to convince me
of appropriate treatments for me. I can wholeheartedly say that he spent
more than the reasonable amount of time answering and discussing my unending
list of questions.
In addition, Barbara Boston has been more than generous with her time
educating me about certain approaches to diet, suggesting additional
approaches to some of my medical concerns and just generally being
exceedingly helpful in every way.
I also took Reiki II from Luann Jacobs and found her a creative and fun
teacher. She also has found ways of contributing complimentary healing
services to the patients and families in George Washington Hospital.
Accordingly, students have been able to find beneficial ways to practice
their skills while contributing to the comfort and peace of mind of the
patients.
In every way I have fround the Center open to new ideas, willinig to discuss
all possible therapies, and eager to be a positive factor in my healing and
that of other patients. For once it has been a pleasant experience to work
with professional medical practitioners and feel that my concerns were in
good hands.
To John Pan -- from Sharon, American Association of School
Administrators
You are such a calm, quiet power. And you were perfect in the "Healthy
Aging for Women" session.
Thank you for making Leadership in Times of Change, the AASA conference for
women school leaders, a great success. I heard over and over how wonderful
the session was.
Learn more about "Healthy
Aging for Women" Program
- feedback after Healthy Aging for Women presentation at conference
To Dr. David -- from Nicole<br>
- ....I did not understand homeopathy before I saw Dr David. Now, I can not recommend her enough.
I first went to see Dr. David when I was diagnosed with gestational diabetes. I had a three year old daughter, a two year old son and I was seven months pregnant with my third child. While I ate healthy before I was diagnosed, I clearly needed a different kind of diet to manage my insulin levels. I was overwhelmed. Dr. David gave me a tincture to drink that helped me tremendously. I was able to control the diabetes with diet. In fact while I still ate healthy I did not have to watch my diet so closely and my glucose levels still came in normal during my daily testing. I even cheated on the diet on rare occasions. My third baby boy was born healthy with no signs of affects from the diabetes. My insulin and glucose levels are now completely normal.
After I gave birth Dr. David came to give me acupuncture in the hospital. I was uncomfortable, retaining fluids and I knew something was off. I felt dramatically better afterwards. A few days later I was diagnosed with post postpartum preeclampsia. I had a severe headache and a spike in my blood pressure. It is a very rare condition that can scar kidneys, create high blood pressure and could cause a stroke. I recovered with a course of magnesium. The doctors could not understand why my kidneys showed no signs of the preeclampsia. I am sure it was due to Dr. David's treatment.
Furthermore, Dr David gave my family a regime to follow to prevent the flu, most particularly this year with the swine flu. We had a new born at home, one toddler and one preschooler so we were particularly
concerned. My daughter, who still puts everything in her mouth at three, did not get the flu while 10 of the other kids in her class all came down with it, (there is only 13 kids in the class). None of us got the flu, we are amazed.
I did not understand homeopathy before I saw Dr David. Now, I can not recommend her enough.
Learn more about Naturopathic Medicine
To Dr. Pan and Marietta -- from RC<br>
- ....have given me back my life...
Dr. Pan and his staff, particularly his nutritionist Marietta, have given me back my life. About 3 years ago, I started to feel wrong. I knew something was wrong with me.
Symptoms: I felt weak most of the time, had unexplained weight gain, had increased anxiety, my vision was getting worse, my asthma was getting worse, I couldn't sleep very well, and several times a week, I would have sudden drops in my energy. When those events happened, I felt light-headed, weak, queasy and awful for several hours each time. After almost a year of feeling this sick and realizing it was impacting all areas of my life, I went to see my primary care doctor.
Medical journey: My (first) primary care doctor ran some blood tests, didn't find anything wrong and told me I was overweight and most likely needed to see a shrink. I knew he was wrong because the 10-15 pound weight gain was a symptom and I knew something was very wrong with me. From there, I spent the next two years bouncing from doctor to doctor. In all, I went through: 3 primary care doctors, 2
gastroenterologists, a cardiologist, an endocrinologist, an infectious disease doctor (to rule out anything from my overseas travel), a dermatologist (about a year ago, my skin changed and my hair started to fall out at an alarming rate), 2 optometrists, and a rheumatologist.
The pieces of the puzzle: Most doctors could find nothing wrong. Some doctors gave me small pieces of the puzzle - like the cardiologist figured out that my blood pressure was really low. Some doctors gave me treatments for some symptoms - like more medicine for my asthma and injections in my head for the hair loss. Many doctors said they suspected I was just depressed. I never went back to any of those doctors. Other doctors kept saying I had 'chronic fatigue.' I knew that was wrong - I didn't feel tired, I felt weak. I did some self- diagnosing and realized I had a wheat intolerance. I stopped eating wheat and within 2 weeks, dropped a lot of weight and my anxiety lessened. But, still, I continued to feel weak, all the other symptoms continued and my hair loss increased. Some doctors wanted to do more invasive testing - such as a scalp biopsy and an upper endoscopy. I did not believe those were the right tests for me. Through my research, and through that done by my family and friends, we realized I might have an adrenal problem.
The Center for Integrative Medicine (CIM): I bought a book on adrenal issues and learned that I needed a saliva test, not the traditional blood test ordered by most doctors. Through a quick search on-line, my husband discovered that Dr. Pan and his CIM could run the adrenal saliva test. I met with Dr. Pan for about 2 hours, gave him my
history, and knew immediately he would find the cause of my problems. After running four tests, Dr. Pan had the answers to all my questions! I was so amazed and relieved! In short, my adrenal functioning was low, leading to the feeling of weakness. Also, my digestive tract was broken, so I was not absorbing nutrients from my food, leading to the hair loss, skin changes, anxiety, etc. These diagnoses explained all my symptoms. Dr. Pan and Marietta put me on about a dozen supplements to re-fuel my body with all the nutrients I had been missing and had me change my diet drastically. I am on an elimination diet, meaning there are about 20 foods that I must avoid 100% of the time. I am also on a rotation diet, meaning that even the foods I can eat, I can only eat once every 4 days. When they first gave me the plan, I cried. A lot. But, I have been living this way for about 3 and a half months now, and I have my life back!! All of my symptoms are better. I have found foods I can eat, I keep a journal to track what I can eat each day, and I've figured out how to take all my supplements each day. I feel healthier than I have felt in my whole life, my hair is growing back, my skin glows again, my energy is more stable, and my weight is actually a few pounds lower than my wedding weight.
After I am on this plan for a year, we will re-evaluate and figure out whether I can gradually return to a more 'normal' way of eating. If any of you are considering visiting the CIM, please call for an appointment. In all honesty, I was worried about the prices I saw on-line, but the expense was so worth it to feel alive again. And, I was pleasantly surprised to learn that insurance did reimburse me for some (admittedly not much) of my expenses. If you are overwhelmed because you have similar dietary restrictions, I would be happy to share with you some of what I have learned. Please call CIM and ask them to call me with your information. I will call you back. Regardless of your symptoms, if you have a mystery medical situation, please give the CIM a chance to help you.
In health and happiness,
RC
Learn more about Nutrition Counseling
To Barbara --from JC<br>Thank you so much for your detailed response regarding the supplements. I will try to purchase the over the counter brands you and Dr. Pan recommended first then I might try the HMF supplements later in the year if the OTC ones prove inadequate for me.
Please thank Dr. Pan for his advice and a special thank you to you, Barbara, for all the time and effort you put into my request. I really appreciate the consistently excellent patient care I receive
at your office.
Best,
JC
