Suzanne Way, ND, LAc (EAMP) — Naturopathic Doctor, Acupuncturist
Dr. Way is a licensed Naturopathic Physician and Acupuncturist, and has been in practice since 1993. Her undergraduate studies include an Associate of Arts Degree from Shoreline Community College in 1988 with an emphasis in chemical engineering, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Health and Human Sciences from Bastyr University in 1993. She graduated from Bastyr University with a Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine and Masters of Science in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine in 1993. Dr. Way has been a certified Ayurvedic Medical Practitioner since 2003. In her free time, Dr. Way enjoys swimming, biking, hiking, sewing and painting.
Ayurvedic Medicine: Unlocking the Mysteries of the Medicine from Ancient India
Ayurvedic Medicine originated in India near the foothills of the Himalayas about 5,000 years ago from the Great Rishis (or seers). They established the foundation of this elaborate system of medicine based on their observations of nature and human life. Ayurvedic Physicians of today use information that was passed down from ancient times and other literature or recorded writings dating back 1,000 years. Physicians often receive additional training from India’s best Ayurvedic Medical Schools.
Ayurveda literally means the “Science or Knowledge of Life.” According to Ayurveda the body must remain in a relative state of physical, psychological/spiritual and mental balance to avoid development of disease. This form of medicine is preventative in origin, but is also used for treatment. There are three constitutional types or doshas: Vata, Pitta and Kapha. All of us have a constitution with variable amounts of all three types. Most people are dominant in two main types; less commonly a person is equal in all three types. By evaluating your constitutional tendencies, it becomes more clear what imbalances you have and how to address them.
Ayurvedic Therapies
Abhyanga Massage: Massage with oils specific to your constitution. Performed as a daily self-massage in the morning or received by a therapist.
Nasya: Use of oil or powder to purify nasal passages.
Neti Pot Sinus Therapy: Nasal irrigation and lavage with saline or with added herbs.
Oleation–Modified Form: Internal cleansing with sesame oil or ghee. Traditionally used prior to Pancha Karma Detoxification
Virechana–Modified Form: Purgation therapy using internal cleansing.
Ayurvedic Botanical Medicine: Uses therapeutic herbs and formulas to balance your doshas, as well as traditional and research–based formulas that address specific health concerns.
NOTE: These Ayurvedic Services are currently not available at Clearview Wellness Center:
- Shirodhara
- Vamana
- Dhoomapana
- Basti
- Raktamoksha
Ayurvedic Medicine: Rejuvenation & Detoxification Therapies
Marma Point Therapy (similar to Acupressure): This treatment is usually combined with Abhyanga massage, or in conjunction with the Rasayana Rejuvenation and Pancha Karma Detoxification.
Rasayana Rejuvenation Therapy: Involves a series of 3 to 5 sessions that combines 40 to 45 minutes of rejuvenation Abhyanga (massage) followed by 30 minutes of Swedana via Sauna. It is a lighter form of massage that benefits the lymphatic system.
Pancha Karma Detoxification Therapy: A more comprehensive cleansing therapy including some of the modalities listed under Therapies. It involves vigorous Abhyanga sessions of 45 to 50 minutes, followed by 30 minutes of Swedana (Sauna or Steam). This therapy is most indicated when cleansing of the deeper tissues is the desired effect.
Some Common Conditions Treated with Ayurvedic Medicine
- Acne — Acute vulgarus (Teenage acne), Cystic acne (deep subcutaneous acne)
- Allergies
- Angina
- Anxiety
- Arthritis — Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis)
- Arthritis — Rheumatoid Arthritis (autoimmune arthritis)
- Atherosclerosis (clogging of the arteries)
- Bursitis (knee or shoulder)
- Colds/flu
- Cough
- Diverticulitis (inflammation of a pouch in the lower GI)
- Eczema
- Epstein–Barr Virus
- Esophagitis (acid reflux from stomach)
- Fever or respiratory disorders
- Fibromyalgia
- Gastritis
- Hay Fever (seasonal rhinitis)
- High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
- High Cholesterol
- Hypothyroidism (low thyroid function)
- Irregular periods, heavy bleeding, dysmenorrhea
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (alternating diarrhea and constipation)
- Liver congestion/Fatty liver (liver stasis due to environmental toxicity)
- Menopausal & Premenopausal symptoms
- Muscular strain/Myalgia
- Ovarian dysfunction
- Psoriasis
- Reactive Hypoglycemia
- Sinustis — bacterial/allergic/viral
- Ulcerative colitis (inflammation of the large intestine)
- Ulcers — Duodenal, Gastric, Perforative, H. pylori (parasitic organism that causes ulcers)
- Upper respiratory infections — virual & bacterial