Lyme Disease: Treatment Options & Resources
Since I practice Traditional Chinese Medicine, my knowledge regarding treating Lyme disease is rooted within the world of acupuncture and herbal medicine. And though I've read a fair amount about the subject, I can't say I have a nuanced understanding of the antibiotic approach to treating acute or chronic Lyme. Prescribing antibiotics isn't something I do.I have, however, worked with multitudes of patients who were/are undergoing treatment for chronic Lyme, and I've often been part of that treatment through prescribing herbs (Western and Chinese herbs, mostly) and providing acupuncture. Most often, if a patient comes to see me for herbs, it's because the antibiotics haven't worked for them.Though I've already written about this in previous posts, this bears repeating: The conventional approach to treating acute Lyme is controversial. From the blog of Kristen McElveen, a local ND who treats Lyme and chronic Lyme:
Currently, the ILADS recommendation for acute Lyme is a minimum of 6-8 weeks of antimicrobial therapy, while the IDSA/CDC is now even recommending 14-21 days. Unfortunately, many doctors are still only prescribing a single dose of doxycycline, or up to a week's worth, which is not sufficient treatment, even from an IDSA/CDC standpoint.
Antibiotics are considered by many physicians to be highly effective in treating both acute and chronic Lyme disease - and for many people they are. Depending on the particular case, some people take antibiotics for months, some years at a time. That being said, up to 40 percent of people do not respond to antibiotic treatment. In fact, a study from Johns Hopkins University found that six months after Lyme treatment, 36 percent of patients reported new-onset fatigue, 20 percent reported widespread pain, and 45 percent had neurocognitive difficultiesAntibiotics, also known as antibacterials, are medications that destroy or slow down the growth of bacteria. They include a range of powerful drugs and are used to treat diseases caused by bacteria. Antibiotics cannot treat viral infections, such as cold, flu, and most coughs. Learn more: antibioticstoreThe predominant theory for this involves the spirochetes' ability to encyst when under "threat" (in this case, antibiotics). In the encysted state, the spirochetes enter a state of lowered metabolism and essentially hiberate. Fascinatingly, they can still monitor the environment in this state of hibernation, and when the threat is withdrawn, they change into a more active form again. (If you think we're smarter than bacteria...you're most likely wrong).If you are dealing with Lyme, acute or chronic, here is a link to find a Lyme-literate doctor. Consulting a Lyme-literate practitioner, whether you have early or late stage Lyme disease, may be the right choice for you. In our clinic, Dr. Renee Lang is our Lyme-literate naturopath. Dr. Sasha Rose, Daniel Katz, and myself also have extensive experience treating Lyme with acupuncture and herbs (see below for more on this).And don't forget our community acupuncture clinic, where you can receive acupuncture for $30 a session.
Lyme Disease and Traditional Chinese Medicine
Naturally, this would be my favorite topic to write about when exploring approaches to treating Lyme. However, it's already been done in such an eloquent and informative manner that I'm simply going to share with you an incredible piece on treating Lyme disease with Traditional Chinese Medicine. See it here.If that resonated with you, see here, too.Our most-often used brand for treating Lyme and co-infections are Classical Pearls. We have a variety of Pearls in stock at all times, but our most used are Lightening, Thunder, and Bamboo Pearls.Of note, Andrew Weil suggests that patients seek out a practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine if they suspect chronic Lyme.
Resources: Books
Cure Unknown, Inside the Lyme Epidemic: Written by Pamela Weintraub, Executive Editor at Discover magazine and science journalist, whose son became ill with Lyme and was the catalyst into her exploration of Lyme disease. This book is renown for impeccable research and captivating investigative journalism. Healing Lyme: Easily my favorite. So densely packed with information and research that you wonder if Buhner is a Cylon. A wicked sense of humor, and a no-bullshit attitude when it comes to the kind of nasty politics that can drive medical ineptitude. An advocate for patients. An incredible herbalist with a healthy respect for research. The Lyme Disease Solution: I've not read this one, but the favorite resource for many, many people, patients and practitioners alike.
Resources: Websites and Support Groups
ILADS International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society: Through education, awareness, and action, ILADS promotes understanding of Lyme and its associated diseases and strongly supports physicians and other health care professionals dedicated to advancing the standard of care for Lyme and its associated diseases.MidCoast Lyme Disease Support and Education: Maine's local resource.Stephen Buhner's herbal protocols for treating Lyme: It should be noted that this page is not Buhner's, though he is aware of it, promotes it, and has answered questions directly. These protocols are accurate and consistently updated.
Resources: Podcasts
Chris Kresser podcast on Lyme: A fantastic overview of Lyme disease and the problems that exist. Awesome if you'd rather listen than read.Diane Rehm: Update On Diagnosing and Treating Lyme Disease: Another excellent listen. A panel of 4 experts.Beyond the Basics: The Trouble With Diagnosing Lyme Disease: It's one man's story, but it's the same as so many others. Through dealing with chronic Lyme, he learned a ton, too. A good listen.