Acupuncture

Did you know that acupuncture has been shown to be more effective than conventional treatment for migraines, back and knee pain? Acupuncture is also the complementary therapy most recommended by medical doctors (M.D.'s), and is covered under more insurance plans than ever before. No other traditional healing method has ever earned as much world-wide success, recognition and support! Acupuncture is now an established part of the modern medical field.

Physicians and patients alike are becoming increasingly aware of the benefits of acupuncture, which has been shown to be effective for these and many other illnesses:

• asthma and allergies
• back, neck and shoulder pain
• carpal tunnel syndrome
• chemotherapy effects of nausea/vomiting, aches/pains, insomnia
• chronic pain
• colitis
• depression and anxiety
• endometriosis
• headaches
• high blood pressure (hypertension)
• infertility and women undergoing IVF treatment
• insomnia
• irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• menopause
• premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
• sciatica
• skin conditions and aging see facial rejuvenation
• smoking cessation
• stress

Acupuncture Treats the Problem at the Root

Typically, patients take some type of western medication either prescribed by their doctor or purchased over-the-counter. Often times, while these medications may temporarily help reduce their symptoms, they do little more than mask the real problem.

With acupuncture, the modern-day technique based upon the ancient method of Chinese acupuncture, you'll start to feel better and resolve your health issues. Acupuncture works so well because it targets the root of your problem by restoring normal body functions.

Our Licensed Acupuncturist

Rebecca Rice DACM (Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine), L.Ac, uses acupuncture to treat patients at the Delmar Stram Center. Rebecca is a  New York State licensed acupuncturist, nationally certified and has developed a reputation for her effective acupuncture-based healing techniques with over 20 years experience.

Depending upon the severity and duration of your ailment, acupuncture treatment plans vary. Your practitioner will discuss your condition with you and come up with a plan that is mutually agreeable.

First time:  What does acupuncture feel like?

If you are new to acupuncture, no doubt you are curious about what to expect! Please read this blog, Curious About Acupuncture?  

Make an appointment with our acupuncturists

Acupuncture works. It has helped countless numbers of people to improve their health and lead pain-free lives. For this reason, The National Institute of Health has approved acupuncture as an effective treatment for many, many health conditions that Americans face today.

Call The Center at 518.689.2244 and we will be happy to discuss your situation and make an appointment for you.

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What is Acupuncture?

The thousands of acupuncture points throughout the body present areas where an individuals qi can be accessed and adjusted. The stimulation of these points brings about a shift in qi flow through the pathways, called meridians, that connect these points to the whole of the body's energetic anatomy.

The acupuncturist uses the specific character of each point, and precise pathway of each meridian to decide where a needle needs to be inserted in order to restore the proper flow of qi in the body. When this is achieved, an immediate increase in wellness is often experienced, with subsequent treatments building and adding upon each other.

Acupuncture needles are extremely thin, sterile, and are not reused. Unlike hypodermic needles, acupuncture needles are solid and hair-thin. In most areas of the body, they are inserted no more than ½ inch. There may be a small amount of discomfort at the initial insertion, but this quickly fades and gives way to the unique sensations of relaxation that typically occur with acupuncture.

Theory of Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a tradition rooted in the awareness of life energy (qi), and the concept of health as a balanced movement of this qi. When qi moves through the body, the physiology of the body responds in many ways. Modern research has found that many acupuncture points are located near neural structures and major blood vessels.

Acupuncture has been seen to affect the transmission of nervous impulses, and it is thought that this effect helps to block pain impulses from reaching the brain. In addition, acupuncture has been seen to effect the dilation and constriction of blood vessels. This affect on blood flow is thought to play a part in the healing and repairing of damaged tissue, as well as the maintenance of healthy body tissue.

The release of endorphins and endogenous opiates, natural pain relievers and mood modulator, has also been observed to play an important role in the therapeutic effects of acupuncture.

History of Acupuncture

Acupuncture, which originated in China more than 3,000 years ago, is one of the oldest, most commonly used systems of healing in the world. The traditional practice of the individual as a whole has led to the rapid expansion of acupuncture in the United States over the last 30 years In 1993, the Food and Drug Administration estimated that Americans made up to 12 million visits per year to acupuncture practitioners.

Throughout its history, acupuncture has been used to both prevent and treat illness. Many centuries of practice, observation, and documentation have combined to make acupuncture one of the most elegant, intricate, artful, and effective systems of healing still practiced in the world.

Modern day acupuncture practitioners draw on the wealth of Chinese medical classics, as well as modern advances in biomedical understanding to provide the most effective and safe therapy possible. Acupuncture continues to evolve today.

Acupuncture is provided at the Center by licensed practitioners. New York State regulates and licenses the practice of acupuncture. To make an appointment with Rebecca Rice call the Center at 518-689-2244

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Integrative Treatment Options

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Acupuncture and Infertility

There are very few health topics and labels that are as emotionally charged, intensely personal and challenging as infertility. Strict medication and assisted reproductive technique schedules alone can be very stressful. When added on to the expectations and possible fears of living with fertility challenges, they can prove overwhelming.

Acupuncture is an effective and valuable tool in boosting fertility rates. Since acupuncture is inherently holistic, it also excels at relieving stressful emotional patterns, fatigue, and overall health challenges that can accompany issues of fertility.

The health and success of pregnancy is largely affected by the mother's and father's state of health and well being, both before and after conception.

Our first priority is to serve as a supportive, nourishing, and effective resource for all of our clients' needs. This usually begins with a regimen of acupuncture and herbs designed to strengthen and balance the overall health picture, with a particular emphasis on the functioning of the reproductive system.

These strategies work along with the woman's menstrual cycle to maximize the body's natural reproductive capacity.

In Chinese Medicine, Strategies to Improve Fertility Include:

• Regulating the menstrual (hormonal) cycle
• Eliminating or reducing obstructions to proper circulation and implantation
• Resolving premenstrual syndrome patterns
• Improving egg/sperm quality
• Relieving stress, anxiety, depression
• Mitigating chances of miscarriage
• Augmenting ART procedure outcomes

Chinese herbs and acupuncture are the most commonly used therapies for infertility. Nutritional recommendations are also encouraged through a visit with Dr. Ronald Stram, M.D.  or Dr. Korey DiRoma, or our dietitician,  but not required.

Our Experienced Acupuncturist

Our Delmar office acupuncturist, Rebecca Rice, DACM (Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine) L.Ac., ,  treats infertility using Chinese medicine alone or in conjunction with assisted reproductive techniques such as IVF or IUI. Dr. Rice has over 20 years experience.

Treatment

General guidelines for duration and frequency of treatments:

Chinese Medicine Alone

• Weekly treatments for at least 3-6 months

Acupuncture In Conjunction With IUI

• Weekly treatments at least 3 months before IUI

Acupuncture In Conjunction With IUI

• Weekly treatments at least 3 months before the month of IVF cycle
• Two treatments per week before and after retrieval and transfer process

Success Rates

The determining factors of Chinese medicine's efficacy are similar to those of allopathic medicine. Those with tubal factors, uterine scarring and cysts may be treated with Chinese medicine and are encouraged to be examined with western diagnostic methods of exploring the reproductive system.

A 2001 study reported a 16% increase in pregnancy rates for women receiving acupuncture during their IVF cycle.

Make an Appointment

Call the Delmar Stram Center at 518.689.2244 or Click Here to contact us by Email.

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Integrative Treatment Options

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Acupuncture for Cancer Patients

Acupuncture provides a valuable complimentary therapy for the reduction of the symptoms and stresses of the cancer patient.

In addition to its well known effectiveness at reducing many pain syndromes, reducing insomnia and anxiety and moderating digestive complaints, a great deal of research illustrates the importance of acupuncture in the holistic approach to cancer management.

Some of the many benefits of acupuncture include:

• Reduction of nausea and emesis with acupuncture, electroacupuncture and acupressure both on its own, and alongside pharmaceutical anti-emetics
• Improvement in white blood cell counts in patients receiving chemotherapy
• Reduction of pain and improvement of mobility in the cancer patient
• Reduction in radiation-induced xerostomia and related dysphagia
• Chemotherapy-induced fatigue
• Reduction of vasomotor symptoms in men undergoing treatment for prostate cancer

Judging from the amount of current research, the list of recognized benefits that acupuncture can provide will continue to increase.

Our Licensed Acupuncturist

Rebecca Rice DACM, (Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine)  L.AC, uses acupuncture to treat patients here at the Delmar Stram Center. Dr. Rice is a New York State licensed acupuncturist, nationally certified and has developed a reputation for her effective acupuncture-based healing techniques with over 20 years experience.

Management of the Cancer Patient at the Stram Center for Integrative Medicine:

In coordination with Dr. Stram, treatment plans are developed for the cancer patient with the goal of enhancing conventional cancer therapies (chemotherapy and radiation) and include:

• Review of caloric and diet history; establishing individualized nutrition assessment and dietary plans to optimize energy levels and maintain lean body mass

Supplementation therapies including vitamin, herbs and botanicals to:

• stimulate and increase immune system function
• encourage cellular repair and regeneration
• accelerate the process of recovery
• provide preventative immune support
• inhibit disease progression
• enhance treatment efficacy
• bolster cancer-fighting capacity

Integrative Medicine - Acupuncture for Cancer Patients

Integrative Medicine, practiced here at The Center, is based on a more caring practitioner-client partnership which incorporates the best of conventional Western medicine with alternative and complementary Eastern therapies resulting in a safer, more natural, whole body approach to stimulate the body’s natural healing potential. Dr. Ronald Stram has been treating cancer patients since 2003 using integrative therapies, including high dose IV vitamin C.

Click here to read about all Cancer Care therapies.

Our Special Team Approach to Your Health Care

At the Center, our practitioners have the opportunity to consult with complementary practitioners and medical doctors about your health concerns and the progress you are making. These practitioners are always available to you as well.

We take great pride in our staff's special team consulting approach to the care of our patients, giving you the best that Integrative Medicine has to offer.

Make an Appointment

Please call the Delmar Stram Center at 518-689-2244 or Contact Us by Email.

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Integrative Treatment Options

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Anti-Aging Therapy

How to Combat the Anti-Aging Process with Intravenous (IV) Therapies

As we get older how do we combat the natural effects of the aging process?First, we have to look at some of the main factors that cause the symptoms of aging and degeneration. These symptoms include fatigue, muscle weakness or muscle loss, reduced stamina and endurance, poor memory and cognition, and chronic inflammation and pain. Many of these symptoms are inter-related and do not always have a singular cause. Addressing some of the root causes can start to reverse aging symptoms and therefore slow the aging process. Let’s look at what happens at the cellular level as we age…

The cells that make up organs, muscle, and connective tissue all have specific duties. Healthy cells must be able to create energy from oxygen, sugar, and fat. This metabolic process creates chemical “free radicals” and waste products that need to be removed from cells. The process of aging is a slow deterioration of the ability of cells to properly create energy.

What affects the health of the cells?Chemical reactions and metabolic processes create free radicals that are unstable and cause damage to cells. Anti-oxidants have the ability to stabilize the free radicals and therefore reduce damage to cells. When there are not enough anti-oxidants to stabilize the free radicals, it is referred to as oxidative stress (or oxidation). Over time, too much oxidative stress leads to cellular damage. If the damage is to the structures that produce energy such as mitochondria , then we get loss of energy production which will lead to fatigue, muscle loss, weakness, and cognitive issues. If there is damage to the nucleus where DNA is built, it can lead to cancer. Examples would be sun exposure, leading to skin cancer, and smoking, leading to lung cancer.

How can we combat this damage?Reducing exposure to specific elements that cause damage is important. Consuming nutritious food high in anti-oxidants, low in sugar (sugar increases oxidative stress), and plenty of clean water is critical. Since aging involves oxidation and a reduced ability to reduce energy, we can try to incorporate ways to slow or reverse this by increasing anti-oxidants, which leads to reduction in free radical damage.

Intravenous (IV) anti-oxidant therapy is a fast way to overcome oxidative stress!

IV vitamin C:  At doses less than 15,000mg or 15 grams acts as a great anti-oxidant. Vitamin C has properties that can stabilize free radicals. Many animals can synthesize vitamin C from glucose, but humans cannot. Therefore, IV vitamin C is a beneficial way for absorption. IV vitamin C works wonders for our immune system as it helps fight infections and decrease inflammation. Infections and inflammation also cause damage to cells over time that negatively affect their function.

IV glutathione:  Another great way to increase cellular anti-oxidant levels. Glutathione is our body’s most powerful anti-oxidant; it stabilizes free radicals to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation. Glutathione is also important for removing chemicals and waste products from cells. Therefore, IV glutathione is beneficial for many degenerative diseases; such as diabetes, autoimmune, cardiovascular, and neurologic diseases.

IV nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, or NAD+: Popularly known today as the anti-aging miracle supplement, can significantly improve the cell’s ability to produce energy. NAD+ is a product of vitamin B3, or niacin, and is involved as a co-factor in energy production cycle within cells. Our bodies can produce NAD+ from niacin, however, as we age, NAD+ production decreases. Reduction in NAD+ along with damage and down regulation of mitochondria further reduces cellular capacity of energy production. Introducing IV NAD+ can help combat symptoms of fatigue, low stamina, and poor memory and focus.

To reverse aging, we must be able to create cellular energy. We have to decrease the oxidative stress that leads to damage of cells and increase factors that assist in energy production. A wellness program that includes proper diet and nutrition, supplementation, oxygen and IV therapies can decrease oxidative stress and increase energy levels, thus allow you to feel your best!

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)
HBOT helps to provide large quantities of oxygen to all areas of the body and greatly enhances the effects of IV therapies. More oxygen= more energy which translates to the repair of damaged tissues, enhanced regeneration of tissues throughout the body, and optimal levels of cellular function on all levels. At the cellular level, higher concentrations of oxygen from HBOT have the following effects:

• Promotes healing,
• Supports the growth of new tissue and blood vessels,
• Decreases swelling and inflammation,
• Stimulates collagen production and promotes healthy youthful skin,
• Increases the body’s ability to fight infections,
• Helps metabolize toxins.

Click to read more  about HBOT.

Make and appointment for a wellness consultation at  our Delmar New York office or South Burlington, Vermont office

We can recommend a customized IV drip just for you and order investigative labs to determine your specific needs to meet your specific goals.  Call us today:  518.689.2244 for our Delmar office or 802.891.3459 for our South Burlington office;  or use our contact form and we will reach out to you.

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Integrative Treatment Options

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Artemisinin for Cancer and Infections

Also known as artesunate, an extraction from the Wormwood plant, and widely known as an effective treatment for malaria, additionally, artemisinin, is known to have anti-cancer, antibacterial, antifungal, antitumor and ant-inflammatory benefits.

How does Artemisinin work against cancer? 

Cancer cells and many infectious bacteria require high amounts of iron to divide rapidly. Normal cells do not store iron in such high concentrations as cancer cells. Artemisinin destroys cancer cells and many bacterial infections by reacting with iron receptors on the cell membrane to cause free radical destruction of their cell membranes while leaving normal cells intact. Delivery of artemisinin to cancer cells causes cancer cell death. 

Integrative Oncology at the Stram Center:  we can combine this treatment with high dose vitamin C and hyperbaric oxygen therapy, both also known to have anti-cancer properties for an overall integrative oncology treatment protocol for achieving greater overall survival.

Conditions treated with IV Artemisinin:

• Leukemia
• Colon cancer
• Lung cancer
• Breast cancer
• Terminal cancer
• Reduction of tumors
• Chemotherapy and radiation resistant cancers
• Babesia and Lyme disease co-infections

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Integrative Treatment Options

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Cancer Care

Integrative Oncology at the Stram Center

The Center offers a wide variety of cancer care treatments — including IV therapy, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, acupuncture, medical massage and clinical nutrition — to combat cancer cells,  help boost your immune system, reduce the side effects of chemotherapy and radiation, increase your energy,  reduce anxiety and generally improve your quality of life.

While traditional oncologists usually recommend chemotherapy, radiation and/or surgery, you may be wondering if there isn't something else you could also be doing to benefit your cancer treatment. Stram Center cancer consultations will help you during this process by offering adjunctive therapies during this period of treatment. We will give you ALL your choices to help alleviate the anxiety that comes with making treatment decisions.

Advanced Cancer Screening and Testing for Optimal Therapeutic Plans

Blood screening tests for cancer, known as a “liquid biopsy”, can detect over 50 types of cancer with a single blood draw. For those with a family history of cancer, you are over the age of 50, or are interested in complementing other cancer screening tests such as colonoscopies and mammograms, a blood screening test can provide another layer of testing for improved screening.  

Comprehensive blood testing can provide a deeper understanding of each patient’s unique cancer profile. In addition to standard tests like imaging, biopsies, and basic lab work from your oncologist, our testing investigates metabolic, immune, and environmental factors that may influence cancer development and progression. Functional lab work may explore nutrient deficiencies, inflammation, hormonal imbalances, the gut microbiome, or toxin exposures that can affect the body’s terrain. The goal of comprehensive testing is to go beyond the tumor itself and look at the whole person—supporting a more personalized approach to cancer care.

RGCC: As part of our integrative cancer support program at the Stram Center, we are now offering individualized testing of cancer tumor cells. Blood samples are analyzed for gene expression, growth factors, angiogenesis, as well as other markers. Samples are also analyzed for sensitivities to a multitude of natural substances and chemotherapeutic agents. Testing for sensitivities allows for more specific therapeutic recommendations for both natural agents and chemotherapeutics. Results are used to develop an individualized and comprehensive therapy program that can be used in conjunction with conventional therapies.  The advantage of this test, which has been used in Europe for the past twenty years, allows the provider to have a better indication of which therapies, both conventional and integrative, may result in more optimal results for the cancer patient. 

Our Integrative Medicine  approach integrates the best of western scientific medicine with the wisdom of complementary practices. The emphasis at the Center is our team approach in the care of our patients to provide the most effective treatment, respecting the medical wisdom across disciplines.

Each member of our staff has been carefully selected for their skill and sensitivity in order to provide the highest quality of care to our patients.

• Integrative Cancer Care
• Acupuncture for the Cancer Patient
• IV Vitamin C and Other Cancer IV Therapies
• Artemisinin Infusion Therapy
• Medical Massage
• Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

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"The Stram Center didn't tell me I have 4-6 months to live; they said 'we are going to attack this with everything we can.' I believe I have been helped here."

Watch Christine's testimonial about her cancer care treatment at the Stram Center

In loving memory of Christine, who lived more than two years beyond her initial prognosis.Christine agreed to sit with us for this interview because she wanted to encourage others not to give up hope if you are told you have a few months to live and to seek an oncologist who will work with alternative medicine.

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Integrative Treatment Options

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CBD (Cannabidiol) Infusions

Cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive compound derived from the cannabis plant and has great potential therapeutic benefits. While oral and topical CBD products are widely known, intravenous (IV) administration is emerging as a method that delivers CBD directly into the bloodstream, potentially enhancing its efficacy.

WHY INTRAVENOUS CBD?

Intravenous administration of CBD offers several advantages over other delivery methods:

Higher Bioavailability: Oral CBD undergoes first-pass metabolism in the liver, reducing its bioavailability. IV administration bypasses this process, ensuring that a higher concentration of CBD reaches systemic circulation.

Faster Onset of Action: IV CBD takes effect almost immediately, making it suitable for conditions requiring rapid intervention, such as severe pain or acute inflammation.

Precise Dosing: IV delivery allows for controlled and consistent dosing, which is crucial in medical treatments where exact dosages are necessary. Potential for Enhanced Therapeutic Effects: By delivering CBD directly into the bloodstream, IV administration may lead to prolonged metabolic half-life and sustained therapeutic effects. 

Potential for Enhanced Therapeutic Effects: By delivering CBD directly into the bloodstream, IV administration may lead to prolonged metabolic half-life and sustained therapeutic effects. 

THERAPEUTIC APPLICATIONS OF IV CBD

1. Anti-Inflammatory and Pain Relief

CBD is recognized for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. IV administration can provide immediate relief for conditions like chronic pain and inflammation. Studies have indicated that CBD could be an effective and safe treatment for reducing pain, primarily mediated through the activation of TRPV-1 and 5HT-1A receptors. MDPI

2. Seizure and Neurological Disorder Treatment

CBD has been approved in the form of Epidiolex for certain types of epilepsy. IV administration offers rapid delivery, which may be beneficial in emergency situations involving severe seizures. Clinical evidence supports the use of purified CBD in multiple indications beyond epilepsy, suggesting its potential in various neurological conditions. Cannabis Research

3. Anxiety and PTSD Management

For individuals experiencing severe anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), IV CBD may offer rapid calming effects. Early clinical studies have pointed to CBD's anxiolytic properties, which could be beneficial in managing anxiety-related disorders.

4. Anti-Cancer Potential

The potential anti-cancer effects of CBD have been a significant area of research. Preclinical studies suggest that CBD may:

• Induce Cancer Cell Death (Apoptosis): Laboratory experiments have shown that cannabinoids can cause cell death in certain cancer cell lines. 
        https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/a...

• Inhibit Tumor Growth and Metastasis: Some studies have demonstrated that CBD can suppress tumor growth and reduce metastasis in animal models. 
MDPI
• Enhance Chemotherapy Effects: CBD may work synergistically with traditional chemotherapeutic agents, potentially enhancing their efficacy and reducing side effects. 
PubMed Central

5. Autoimmune and Neurodegenerative Disease Support

CBD has shown potential in managing conditions such as multiple sclerosis and Parkinson's disease. Its anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties may help in slowing disease progression and alleviating symptoms. However, more research is needed to fully understand its efficacy in these areas

6. Detoxification and Immune System Support

CBD possesses antioxidant properties that can help reduce oxidative stress, potentially aiding in detoxification processes. Additionally, its immunomodulatory effects may support immune system regulation, which could be beneficial for individuals with compromised immunity or chronic illnesses.

SAFETY AND CONSIDERATIONS:

While IV CBD offers several potential benefits, its use should be approached with caution and under medical supervision. Therapy is only available to those over 21 years of age. Potential side effects of therapy could include drowsiness, changes in blood pressure, and potential interactions with medications. It is essential to consult with a health care provider at the Stram Center before considering IV CBD therapy to ensure it's appropriate for your specific medical condition and circumstances. This therapy is only available to those age 21 and older. Please note: there is no THC in theses infusions.

CONCLUSION:

Intravenous CBD represents a promising area in cannabinoid therapy, offering rapid and potentially enhanced relief for various medical conditions. Its applications in pain management, neurological disorders, and potential anti-cancer effects make it a subject of ongoing research and interest. As scientific understanding progresses, IV CBD may become a valuable component of integrative medical therapies, aiming to improve outcomes and quality of life.

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Integrative Treatment Options

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Chinese Herbal Medicine

Desiring a healthier life may be your goal, but for you and millions others it can prove more challenging. You may feel that your immunity is low. You may be in a state of physiological, mental or emotional unrest. Or you may be faced with a more serious illness or chronic pain.

Chinese Herbal Therapy Can Assist You With Any of the Following:

• Allergies
• Autoimmune disorders
• Cardiovascular disorders
• Digestive problems including Irritable Bowel Disease (IBD)
• Eczema and psoriasis
• Fatigue
• Gynecological disorders
• Immune system enhancement
• Infection prevention
• Insomnia
• Irregular menstruation
• Liver disorders
• Pain
• Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
• Stress

You'd be surprised by the number of ailments that can be alleviated when you take a holistic approach to your health.

Chinese herbal therapy offers a safe and effective holistic approach toward you as an individual and is often used to replace or supplement traditional pharmaceuticals.

Chinese Herbs Get to the Root of Your Problem

Herbs are designed to get at the root of your problem without encouraging dependency. And most importantly, there are very few side effects to most herbal therapies as opposed to troubling and sometimes dangerous side effects of some prescribed pharmaceuticals.

Herbs are not given to address symptoms alone the way most pharmaceuticals act. Instead, your practitioner assesses you as an entire individual at each level of being: qi (energy), jing (substance), and shen (spirit), based on Traditional Chinese Medicine diagnostics.

Based on this assessment, your practitioner creates a customized combination of multiple herbs to address your specific state of imbalance in your body. Your customized combination, known as a formula, is taken in granular, tincture, or pill form. Your practitioner may also recommend other specific dietary changes to further enhance your body's balance.

Our Licensed Chinese Herbalists

Dr. Rebecca Rice is a trained Chinese Herbal Therapy practitioner with a Ph.D in Traditional Chinese Medicine located right here at the Center. Dr. Rice and Liza Pollock, L.Ac.  are both a Licensed Chinese Herbalist and Acupuncturist extensively trained in the safe and effective use of Chinese Herbs.

Taking Chinese herbs on your own, or on the recommendation of someone not trained in Traditional Chinese Therapy is not advised. Chinese herbs are safe for you when prescribed by a trained Traditional Chinese practitioner.

Top 4 Benefits of Chinese Herbal Therapy

• Herbs are custom made to get at the root of your imbalances as well as to provide symptom relief. This is done to specifically match you as the individual based on your current health picture, health history, spirit, and constitution. This means a 21 year old athlete with back pain originating about 1 month ago is given a very different set of herbs than a 64 year old woman with back pain, and a history of fatigue and diffuse muscle aches, even though both formulas will treat the back pain.
• There are very few, and mostly mild side effects to herbal remedies. For example, the herbs we use for sinusitis will not disrupt the natural flora in the digestive tract in the way an antibiotic could, and herbs to reduce pain won't inhibit mental clarity and functioning. Likewise, herbs used to decrease inflammation won't inhibit the immune system the way steroids can.
• The quality of our herbs versus herbs off the shelf:
  * We dispense your herbs at the specific dosage and at the correct time.
  * Our herbs are pure which means you won't consume heavy metals and pesticides.
  * We guarantee the contents of the herbs, which means the herbs contain a therapeutic dosage versus a dosage too low or too high or not actually any of the herb in the product at all.
• Herbs work. And, they work in such a way that they promote the body's independent functioning, as opposed to building a dependency.

Chinese Herbs Can Address the Full Range of Human Illness

Chinese herbs can be used and have been developed to address the full range of human illness. They may be used alongside modern therapies including pharmaceutical and nutritional supplements.

At the appropriate dosage and with the appropriate exclusions, herbs may be taken safely by children, pregnant women, and mothers who are breast-feeding. Certain pharmaceuticals, health conditions, and impending surgery all warrant caution, and must be accurately reported to your provider of traditional herbs.

Our Special Team Approach to Your Health Care

At the Center, your Chinese Herbalist has the opportunity to consult with complementary practitioners and medical doctors about your health concerns and the progress you are making. These practitioners are always available to you as well.

We take great pride in our staff's special team consulting approach to the care of our patients, giving you the best that Integrative Medicine has to offer.

Make an Appointment With Our Chinese Herbalists

Now you don't have to travel to China to find a qualified licensed healer. If you are seeking an alternative and safe form of medical treatment, make an appointment with  Liza Pollock, L.Ac or Dr. Rebecca Rice by calling The Center at 518.689.2244 or Contact Us by Email.

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Chronic Illness

Nowhere is the need for an integrative approach more apparent than in the management of chronic illness. We are a synthesis of many systems all working together, and when one or more systems become diseased, all of the others will be stressed as well. From physical challenges, to the challenges of everyday living, to a satisfying quality of life, we have to go past seeing that illness in isolation, and search to understand and nurture the person who is living with a chronic illness.

Experience Counts

The Stram Center has become a beacon to those dealing with long term illness. Patients who have been from one specialist to the next for years, and have accumulated lists of medications, but have never felt as if their entire person and circumstances have been addressed in an effective and compassionate manner. Our mission is to serve these individuals with the kind of time, experience and knowledge that are necessary to provide the best care possible.

Who We Serve

We have seen a great diversity of chronic illness at the Stram Center, including the common, and the very rare. As many illnesses we have seen, our focus on the whole person never changes. Some examples of chronic illness seen at the Center include:

• Fibromyalgia
• Crohn’s Disease
• Ulcerative Colitis
• Arthritis
• Irritable Bowel Disease
• Migraines and Headaches
• Male and Female Reproductive Health
• Asthma
• Allergies
• Chronic Pain
• Cancer and Cancer Recovery Management
• Skin Disease
• Kidney Disease and related Urinary Tract issues
• Women's and Men's Hormone Balance
• Neuropathy
• Parkinson's Disease
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Depression/Anxiety
• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
• Auto-Immune Diseases
• Lyme Disease

Our Special Team Approach to Your Health Care

At the Center, our practitioners have the opportunity to consult with complementary practitioners and medical doctors about your health concerns and the progress you are making. These practitioners are always available to you as well. Our founder, Dr. Ronald Stram has been diagnosing and treating chronic illness since 2003. His clinical experience with more than 15,000 patients during this time frame is unsurpassed in the field of integrative and functional medicine. He often gets referrals from other medical doctors who cannot determine what's wrong with their patients. They come to the Stram Center to find out.

We take great pride in our staff’s special team consulting approach to the care of our patients, giving you the best that Integrative Medicine has to offer.

Make an Appointment

Call The Center at 518.689.2244 to make an appointment or Click Here to Contact Us by Email.

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Cleansing Programs

Detoxification is a term that is often used for chemical and alcohol dependencies. However, it is also a term, which describes the removal of normal metabolic wastes that accumulate from the body’s normal functions.

It also includes the body’s process of removing foreign substances which invade us through living in a polluted world. This includes chemicals and organism that are found in our air, water, food and homes.

Our bodies have a resilient ability to process these environmental substances, but sometimes we need additional support for these processes. It is now appearing that some people have an inhibited ability to maintain these functions. These people are often diagnosed with conditions like chronic fatigue, multiple chemical sensitivities, migraine headaches, fibromyalgia, and immune deficiencies such as autoimmune conditions.

The Center offers comprehensive cleansing and detoxification programs. These programs include dietary regiments such as therapeutic fasting or elimination diets along with herbal and nutritional supplementation which supports the body’s natural "detox" processes, specifically, the cytochrome P450 pathways.

FAR INFRARED SAUNA TREATMENT AT STRAM CENTER
We offer therapeutic Far Infrared sauna to support patients during their cleanse. Stram Center's stationary  far infrared sauna targets the whole body and utilizes multiples types of wavelengths. These low temperature infrared saunas help to mobilize and eliminate toxins and chemicals from your system in a thorough, but gentle way. Far infrared heat is more deeply penetrating than higher temperature saunas and helps to dilate and expand blood vessels, allowing for greater sweating and more elimination of harmful toxins. Further, far infrared heat promotes lipolysis which is the breakdown of fat tissue. Toxins, which are stored in fat tissues, are released into the blood stream and can then be eliminated from the body through normal routes of elimination such as the skin, urinary and digestive systems. Theses saunas also increase heart rates and circulation - its like working out without exerting your muscles. Higher temperature saunas such as those found in health clubs can often stress the body, which limits the detoxification process.

In addition, the deep penetrating heat of far infrared, helps relieve muscle aches, soreness and stiffness and heal tissue injuries.

In Summary, the benefits of Infrared Sauna:

• detoxifies the body by eliminating toxins through sweat, improves circulation, boosts the immune system, and reduces inflammation
• helps to reduce pain, especially chronic pain, and improves sleep
• improves skin health and reduces stress levels.

Portable Sauna: ask us about our portable sauna for your home use! We are authorized sellers of portable saunas for personal use at home. 

Call us at: 518 689-2244.

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Integrative Treatment Options

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