Gu Syndrome (Parasite, Mold, Lyme, or Pathogen)
If you think of parasites, you probably think they are creepy little worm like organisms, that typically live in the tropics, that like to crawl inside your body, make themselves at home, steal from you, and wreak havoc on your health and wellness. While this is not an incorrect assumption, it is not a complete one. Yes, parasites are essentially jerky little freeloaders that live on or inside of you and steal your nutrients, energy, peace of mind, and health. But they are not just worms, and they do not only live in the tropics. Parasites can fall under a number of different categories of microorganisms that live on or inside of another organism (host). Parasites can be protozoans (single cell organisms), helminths (parasitic worms), amoebas (parasites in the blood), and insects, and in broader definitions can sometimes include fungi, bacteria, and viruses as well. While parasites may have once been limited to more tropic areas, they can now be found all over the globe. Some speculate that the reason for their growing ability to travel and survive in other climates stems from the issue of overpopulation, which has greatly impacted and accelerated global warming. Places which were once not habitable by parasites, are now warm and cozy for their arrival. A great example of this can be read about in the study of the migration of ticks and the Effect of Climate Change on Lyme Disease Risk in North America. In addition to them becoming more common throughout the globe, our susceptibility to them is much higher than it may have been many years ago. Why is that? Well there is a tendency within western culture to over medicate, taking pills to mask every symptom, as well as to take antibiotics without any hesitation. Between the antibiotics killing our good bacteria and gut flora, and the medications taking over for our immune response, we are welcoming in these vermin in without much of a fight. What is Gu Syndrome? Ancient texts would have you believe that this syndrome is the result of some kind of black magic or voodoo, which is why many practices do not mention much of it, and why you may have never heard of it. In ancient texts, Gu syndrome could be explained as invisible 'demons' which plague the body and mind, and which generally were associated with an array of digestive and psychological symptoms. While still confounding to most western practitioners, the once perceived dark and mysterious Gu syndrome, more easily understood through TCM practices today. |
Gu syndrome is not specific to one set of symptoms or illness, but is rather a blanket diagnosis that gives explanation and understanding to that which western medicine may perceive as unexplainable. It encompasses many chronic illnesses that are undeniably there but may be hard to diagnose or treat, such as treatment resistant diseases and disorders, chronic inflammatory conditions or illness caused by pathogens, mold, or other toxins, and "aggressive helminthic, protozoan, fungal, spirochete, or viral afflictions that have become systemic in an immune-compromised patient."(Fruehauf)
In other words, Gu Syndrome is the diagnosis that you have a hidden pathogen (parasite, bacteria, virus, fungi, etc.) stuck in the body. Possible Symptoms: As "chronic parasitism" may involve virtually any symptom in virtually any combination, for diagnostic purposes the indications most consistently quoted in traditional texts can be synopsized in the following way:
Other diagnoses that could be considered under the umbrella of Gu Syndrome:
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TCM vs. Western Approach to Parasites
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In most Western medical practices, the first go to upon discovering parasites, is getting them the heck out of there, pronto! And while yes, we do want to get rid of them, doing so expediently and improperly can cause a very unpleasant ripple effect.
Brittany's main teacher, Dr. Heiner Fruehauf, explained it to through the analogy of trying to boil a frog (western approach) vs. simmering it (TCM approach). If you try to put a frog directly in boiling water, all it will do is jump out and find an escape. In the terms of sneaky hidden parasites and pathogens, them "jumping out of the water" usually equates to slithering deeper within the host by crawling into organs, dark spaces, or other more difficult places to access. As I'm sure you can understand as you grimace at the thought, driving pathogens deeper into the system to cause even more damage is the last thing we want to do, and ultimately could cause the person to become even more ill. But thats not the only problem the "boiling water" method poses. The thing about these types of parasites and pathogens is, not only are they living off of you, but by becoming a part of your system and stealing your resources and reserves, a sort of codependency is created between the parasite and the host. To remove it completely will leave the host feeling completely depleted, which may result in weeks or months of being bed ridden. |
How the TCM approach differs:
As opposed to attempting to "boil the frog" the TCM approach understands the power behind a slow simmer. TCM, as always, aims to address the whole system, host, parasite, and all, and in this instance, a quick fix would cause more damage than good. In order to eliminate the parasites, we have to address the baseline issue first and remove the whole codependency aspect of this toxic relationship. In order to do so we must restore the vitality, health, and defense of the host first before beginning the gradual removal of the parasites. That way, as the herbs and treatment start to remove the pesky critters, the body's ability to assist will begin to strengthen and step more fully into the process. Through the "simmer" method of TCM, the parasites may not realize that they are being shown the door, until they have already left the building, so they won't be tempted to scurry and stow away in dark corners. And when the immunity and vitality is restored, the environment will become too hostile for the parasites liking, so it won't want to stay anyway. Though the TCM method for removing parasites or treating Gu syndrome can take some time, this is one of those scenarios where slow and steady will always win. For more information from Dr. Heiner Fruehauf, you can visit his website classicalpearls.org |
How We Can Help
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Now I'm sure you are feeling all warm and fuzzy after reading about creepy critters that can live inside your body, so I want to illuminate how we can help. As you know we have some well versed and practiced practitioners here at Harmonizing Healthcare, but did you know that Brittany and Dr. Sarica have protocols that focus on these cases from different angles?
Brittany focuses on Gu syndrome, and has worked with a number of people with Gu or other parasitic infections with great results, using TCM herbal and acupuncture protocols. And Dr. Sarica offers personalized heavy metal detoxification programs that are created based upon the person's individualized needs. Because parasites and heavy metals have a symbiotic relationship, the metals need to be slowly and safely eliminated in order to completely clear the parasites. |
When we are getting into this deep work, it is so important to be guided by a practitioner that has experience with this, and knows how to support your body through in a way that is gentle and slow, so that you end up healthier at the cellular level by the end of this transformational journey.
So if you or anyone you know has dealt with an undetermined chronic, systemic illness, we are here to help. If you aren't in Flagstaff, or live out of state, Brittany can still assist with online herbal consults to help determine the right plan of action and herbs to move through to better health. If you would like to book an appointment, or have any questions, feel free to call the clinic at : (928) 856-0656. You may also schedule here: |
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Our rates:
Initial acupuncture consultation and treatment: $150* Follow- up acupuncture treatment: $90 Initial herbal consultation: $150* Follow- up herbal consultation: $90 Initial Nutritional Assessment & Consulation with Dr. Sarica: $350 Follow consultation with Dr. Sarica: $100 Initial New Human SpectraVision biofeedback scan with Dr. Sarica: $350 Follow-up SpectraVision Scans: $100 120 minute massage: $150 90 minute massage: $120 Self Myofascial Release Private Session: $90 *On your initial visit, many in-depth questions are asked as this will ensure that your Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) diagnosis is accurate and your treatments highly effective. You also receive an individualized treatment plan with an initial consultation that includes information on your TCM diagnosis and what you can do at home to harmonize any imbalance in your body. |
Some insurance companies have acupuncture benefits. We accept most insurances that have acupuncture benefits and we can call to check eligibility if you are unsure of your benefits. If you have benefits, but we are out-of- network, we will provide you with a CMS1500 form or superbill to submit to your insurance if you have out-of- network coverage so you may be reimbursed. Health Savings Accounts (HSA) or Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) are also possible options. Cash, checks, and all major credit cards are accepted.
**We are a proud acupuncture provider for the VA. If you are a veteran and would like acupuncture, please request services at Harmonizing Healthcare through your Primary Care Provider (PCP). |
Call (928) 856-0656
1926 N. 3rd St.
Ste. 100
Flagstaff, AZ 86004
1926 N. 3rd St.
Ste. 100
Flagstaff, AZ 86004
