Heal your Mind, Body and Spirit in a nurturing environment that blends timeless healing traditions with sophisticated and progressive scientific research. Naturopathic Medicine is the only discipline that balances the ancient wisdom of the earth with current medical technology to serve humanity with the most well-rounded medical care available today.
Naturopathic physicians are general practice medical physicians who receive a Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine from one of the five accredited naturopathic medical schools in North America. Naturopathic medical schools require the same basic sciences as a Medical Doctor, but also emphasize holistic and nontoxic approaches to therapy. In addition to a standard medical curriculum, the naturopathic physician is required to complete four years of training in clinical nutrition, acupuncture, homeopathic medicine, botanical medicine, psychology, and counseling. A naturopathic physician takes rigorous professional board exams so that he or she may be licensed by a state or jurisdiction as a primary care general practice physician. In the state of Connecticut, naturopathic physicians are considered to be specialists in the field of complementary and alternative medicine.
Naturopathic medicine is a method of healing that blends centuries-old holistic medicines with modern medical science. The goal for Naturopathic Doctors (NDs) is to treat the whole person. In order to accomplish this, Naturopathic physicians aim to support the body�s natural ability to heal, physically, mentally, and spiritually. The premise behind Naturopathic medicine is to find the root cause of illness and to address health concerns at their very core, rather than focusing solely on symptomatic treatment.
The first visit is one and a half hours where you and Dr. Kontomerkos discuss your health history (physical, emotional, and spiritual) and together you will identify your specific needs. Dr. Kontomerkos will address all of your concerns, answer all of your questions, and perform a physical exam if indicated. An individualized wellness plan will be developed, including any diagnostic laboratory testing you may need, and treatment plans that fit into your lifestyle. You and Dr. Kontomerkos will then work together during half to one hour follow up visits to assess your progress, review laboratory results, and to ensure achievement of your healthcare goals.
Acupuncture originated over 2000 years ago in China and is one of the most common medical practices used around the world today. Acupuncture involves the insertion of hair thin, sterile, disposable needles into strategic points on the body that are specific for particular complaints or conditions. The practice of acupuncture has experienced a surge of popularity in the United States in recent years and has been clinically shown and medically accepted as an effective tool in the reduction of pain, balancing of emotions, and promotion of healing in a number of ways.
Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and acupuncture are based on a concept of balanced qi (pronounced "chee"), or vital energy, that flows throughout the body. Qi regulates all aspects of the body, influencing spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical balance. Disease occurs when the flow of qi is disrupted and yin (negative energy) and yang (positive energy) become imbalanced. Among the components of TCM are Chinese herbal therapy, meditation, restorative exercises (tai chi, qigong), acupuncture, and oriental massage.
The Western medical understanding (North American conventional medical thought) of how acupuncture works is quite different philosophically. In Western society, the concepts of qi, yin, and yang are largely foreign and difficult to understand in terms of treating disease. Scientists have found ways that fit their scientific model of how and why acupuncture works. The effects of acupuncture on the body involves the release of opioid peptides in the body. The opioid peptides are comprised of endorphins, enkephallins, and dynorphins, types of neurotransmitters. These opioid peptides are closely involved with reducing the perception of pain in the central nervous system and evoking a feeling of contentment (similar to the feeling of a �runners high� achieved after vigorous exercise). Acupuncture has also been linked to increased levels of specific hormones that improve the body�s immune function and its response to stress.
If you have ever considered BOTOX� or cosmetic surgery to improve the appearance of your skin, but you want a safe, non-invasive, natural alternative, then you may want to consider Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture (also known as �The Acupuncture Face-Lift�). Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture is a non-surgical cosmetic procedure performed only by those who are certified in its practice. Dr. Kontomerkos is certified in Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture and has completed her training with Virginia Doran, who is the world�s leading expert in this field.
Dr. Kontomerkos was trained in the scientific model as her foundation in medicine and has a great respect for the ever-advancing field of medicine. She is also a person who has an extreme respect for the earth, its wisdom, and its intelligence. Dr. Kontomerkos received two Bachelor degrees from Boston University, one in Biology and the other in Philosophy. By integrating these two disciplines she began to merge the studies of modern medicine with the studies of the human condition, specifically the means by which people relate to their being and existence. After she completed internships at Yale University Medical School�s Boyer Center for Molecular Medicine and Department of Cardiothoracic Research, she spent months in South America studying the ancient and modern uses of medicinal plants with natives in the Amazon Rainforest, learning their traditions and their medicine. Upon her return she went on to earn a Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine from University of Bridgeport College of Naturopathic Medicine and a Master�s degree in Human Nutrition from the University of Bridgeport Nutrition Institute. Dr. Kontomerkos offers natural medical solutions for the prevention and treatment of acute and chronic illnesses for the entire family. She believes that a unique, interactive doctor-patient relationship with individualized attention to the patient is the foundation of successful medical management. The aim is to heal the underlying cause of illness by understanding the lifestyle of each patient, not to simply mask symptoms. Dr. Kontomerkos finds that there are two distinct groups of people who seek naturopathic care, those who have made the choice to use only natural therapeutics and those who choose to integrate conventional and natural care. She gladly works with both groups of people and has created a referral network of medical doctors and other health care professionals to achieve the best possible outcomes for all of her patients in their progression toward attaining optimal health. For Dr. Kontomerkos, the goal is to provide excellence in healthcare and wellness by merging cutting-edge, evidence-based research with ancient healing traditions. And to continuously provide the best care for her patients, Dr. Kontomerkos enhances her knowledge of the profession through continuing education, teaching, and research.
Advanced Diagnostic Testing � Dr. Kontomerkos orders and reviews blood work, saliva tests, urine tests, and explores illness more deeply than conventional diagnostic testing can. Some examples of these advanced diagnostic profiles include tests that reveal hormonal imbalances, nutrient deficiencies, and amino acid imbalances which often cause a variety of symptoms that are otherwise unexplained by conventional testing methods. Nutrition � Let food be your medicine! Every person has individual needs when it comes to which foods make them healthy and those that cause their body distress. Dr. Kontomerkos will meet you at your comfort zone and work at your pace to help you make changes that will dramatically improve your quality of life and begin the healing process from within. Dr. Kontomerkos also provides nutritional training for kids, helping them make better food choices with tasty alternatives to common junk foods. Exercise Programs � When time is hard to find, you need an exercise program that will work effectively and fit into your schedule. Dr. Kontomerkos will teach you the best exercises for your specific needs and medical condition and you will receive continuous support in sticking to the program. Vitamin, Mineral & Enzyme Therapy � These therapies produce effective results with fewer complications and side effects than conventional treatments. Although they are widely available, most people are not using the correct nutrients and dosages to achieve those successful results. Often an expert is needed to help determine which nutrients and dosages are correct for you and your individual needs. Herbal Medicine � Plants have been used medicinally for thousands of years. In fact, one-third of pharmaceuticals are synthetic versions of plant components. However, whole plants have protective compounds which work together with the human body to prevent side effects and they are extremely nutritive, unlike synthetic medications. It is important to work with a specialist in herbal medicine who can determine the appropriate herbs and dosages for your health concerns and to ensure that these natural medicines do not interact with any over the counter or prescription medication you may be taking. Homeopathy �The word �homeo� meaning similar and the word �pathos� meaning suffering, translates to the homeopathic philosophy of �like cures like�. Homeopathy is a distinct system of medicine that treats illnesses with extremely diluted agents from animal, plant, and mineral origin that, in large doses, would produce similar symptoms in the healthy. There are over 2000 homeopathic remedies that are regulated and recognized by the Food and Drug Administration and they are safe, non-addictive, and have no side effects. Each remedy is chosen after Dr. Kontomerkos conducts an interview focusing on the physical and emotional characteristics of each person, which lead her to the prescription of an individualized remedy. Hydrotherapy � This is the oldest form of medical treatment known. �Hydro� or Water Therapy aids the body in increasing circulation, encouraging lymphatic drainage (dumping of wastes from the cells of the body), enhancing immune function, and stimulating detoxification processes. Many acute and chronic conditions benefit from this type of therapy. Acupuncture � This gentle, ancient healing technique treats various health conditions, stimulates the body's healing response, and promotes physical and emotional well-being. Anti-Aging and Detoxification � One of the cornerstones of health is cleansing the interior of the body on a regular basis. Each organ requires some care, just like each part of your body on the outside. By reducing the toxic load inside your body and increasing the efficiency of your organs of elimination, the body looks younger, ages more gracefully, and often there is a reduction in allergies, loss of weight, and other exciting benefits. Along with the internal anti-aging and detoxification program, Dr. Kontomerkos also performs Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture. Reiki Therapy � Reiki is an energetic therapy developed in 19th century Japan. In addition to inducing a relaxation response, Reiki can decrease pain, improve health by focusing on a particular complaint, and provide insight for the patient. It can benefit emotional health as well as physical health. Preventative Medicine & Lifestyle Counseling - Our prevention and wellness care program includes thorough consideration of your personal and family history, risk factor assessment, laboratory testing, and subsequent creation of individualized wellness plans. This also includes stress management, motivation, and support. Lectures and Wellness Workshops � Dr. Kontomerkos is available for speaking engagements for corporations and small businesses who are interested in increasing the productivity of employees through wellness workshops aimed at immune enhancement and stress reduction. Please contact her directly for more information.
Acne Anti-Aging Allergies Alzheimer�s Disease Anxiety Arthritis Asthma Autoimmune Diseases Back Pain Bronchitis Cancer Support Candida Cervical Dysplasia Chemical Sensitivities Chronic Fatigue Chronic Pain Colds/Flus Constipation Crohn�s Disease Depression Diabetes Diarrhea Digestive Disorders Diverticulitis Ear Infections Eating Disorders Eczema Endometriosis Fatigue Fertility Fibrocystic Breasts Fibromyalgia Fibroids Genetic Syndromes Headaches (chronic) Heart Disease Hemorrhoids Hepatitis High Cholesterol Hormonal Imbalances Hypertension Hypoglycemia Infant Rash & Colic Insomnia Inflammatory Bowel Diseases Irregular Menses IBS Lyme Disease Lupus (SLE) Menopause Symptoms Menstrual Cramps Migraines Night Sweats Obesity Osteoarthritis Ovarian Cysts Palpitations PCOS Pediatrics Perinatal Nutrition Post-Stroke Rehab PMS Prostate Conditions Psoriasis Recurrent Infections Rheumatoid Arthritis Sciatica Sinusitis Skin Problems Sports Injuries Thyroid Disorders Ulcerative Colitis