Some of the Conditions We Treat...

Our integrative health care team offers a wide variety of services for the treatment of many medical problems. We specialize in addressing chronic issues, generally defined as those which have been taking place for 3 months or more.

We often see patients who have been ill for a very long time and who have seen many other practitioners without success. We can often help these patients, when others have failed, because

We provide an exceptionally thorough and detailed evaluation, spending more time with our patients than most other physicians
We utilize a wider range of scientifically validated diagnostic techniques to find the underlying causes of your illness
We incorporate evidence-based metabolic and nutritional therapies which would not be recommended in a drug-oriented practice (See Related Article: Nutrients with Possible Therapeutic Applications)
We will combine these natural therapies with medications if necessary, but with closer attention to the potential side effects and risks of medical therapy
We educate our patients on how to "take charge" of their illness. You are your own best healer when you are informed about your condition, and sensitve to your body's response to treatment

Aging and Menopause

Diagnosis might include:

Detailed laboratory evaluation
for various hormonal and nutritional deficiencies, biochemical risk factors, and disease markers

“This was by far the best medical experience I have ever had! Dr. O’Dair was kind and attentive to my issues. There’s great balance in the approach to healthcare provided by Dr. O’Dair and the staff at NWA. Everyone was friendly and efficient, and I will be forever grateful to Dr. O’Dair for listening, caring, and explaining to me my health issues and providing me with a well thought out plan for my continued improvement. ”

- Anna W., age 46

Treatment might include:

Natural hormone therapy—for women and men
Dietary counseling and nutrient therapy
can address high risk conditions like obesity, hypertension, high cholesterol, or diabetes, in ways that can reduce or eliminate the need for harmful medications.

Link to websites:

Life Extension Foundation

“I am fortunate to have Dr. Barry Elson as my physician. He turned my life around. He practices traditional and state-of-the-art integrated medicine. His excellent staff are dedicated and do all they can to accommodate their patients.”

- Agnes J, 83

Allergies

Diagnosis might include:

RAST blood testing for immediate and delayed food and mold sensitivities
Intradermal skin testing for inhalant and food allergies
Laboratory evaluation for immune deficiencies

“Allergy treatments and supplements have helped open my sinuses. I’ve learned to identify allergy symptoms and avoid allergenic foods and irritants much better.”

- William A.

Treatment might include:

Optimal-dose neutralization therapy uses the results of the intradermal skin testing to produce customized allergy therapy which consists of a tiny dose of the substance you are allergic to. Treatment comes in two forms for you to choose from: sublingual drops (placed under the tongue) for use at home, or allergy shots, which you can receive weekly at our office (or we can provide treatment vials for your primary care physician to administer). The correct dose of antigens will just “match” the individual’s level of antibodies and eliminate the development of symptoms when taken regularly. It is likely that your level of reactivity will gradually decrease over the course of therapy, until the point where treatment becomes rarely needed, if at all.
Food allergy diagnosis and therapy
starts with blood tests and/or elimination/rechallenge diets to help you figure out your food allergies. Some of these symptoms might not appear until several days after you eat the food, making it difficult to figure out what you’re allergic to without blood testing. In our own laboratory, IgG RAST tests help us figure out these delayed sensitivities; IgE RAST tests determine your more immediate reactions. Special medical foods (UltraClear and UltraCare for Kids) are available to make elimination diets much easier. We can provide treatment for underlying bowel conditions, allergy therapy, and advice regarding meal planning and preparation. Fixing food allergies can provide relief from a wide range of troubles, including headaches, arthritis, asthma, congestion, bowel symptoms, and fatigue.
Environmental controls in your home or workplace
Dietary modifications and guidance
Special therapies for chronic sinusitis,
aimed at opening up the sinus passages, treating underlying allergies, and improving immune response.

Related Articles: Hay Fever, Breathe Easy, Food Allergies

“This is the best spring I’ve had in 15 years of tree allergies.”

- David D.

Link to websites:

American Academy of Environmental Medicine
Pan American Allergy Society
American Academy of Otolaryngic Allergy

“I was a chronic sinus and allergy sufferer. I constantly battled sinus infections … Since I have been a patient of Dr. Elson’s, I have made unbelievable progress toward a healthy and much happier life. The care and attention that he and his entire staff have personally given to me have been above and beyond any of my expectations.”

- Gail Z

ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease)

Diagnosis might include:

Laboratory evaluation
to check for nutritional deficiencies, amino acid imbalances, heavy metal toxicity and food allergies

Treatment might include:

Specific oral and IV nutrient therapies

Alzheimer’s Disease

Diagnosis might include:

Laboratory evaluation
to check for nutritional deficiencies, amino acid imbalances, heavy metal toxicity and food allergies.

Treatment might include:

Specific oral and IV nutrient therapies for

Arthritis

Diagnosis might include:

Blood tests and/or X-rays to determine your specific diagnosis
Food allergy testing when indicated
Laboratory evaluation of levels of nutrients which can affect inflammation

Treatment might include:

Specific nutraceuticals to reduce inflammation, relieve pain, restore flexibility, and improve function
Dietary modifications to reduce inflammation and/or address food intolerances
Antibiotic and/or anti-amebic therapy for advanced rheumatoid arthritis

Asthma

Diagnosis might include:

Computerized lung function testing (spirometry) in our office
Allergy evaluation

Treatment might include:

Allergy therapy (see Allergies)
Nutritional supplements to help your airways stay open
Education to prevent exposures and exercise-related symptoms
Medication program
To prevent asthma recurrence and relieve acute symptoms, we provide education on when and how to use medications safely, and how to monitor your response at home

Link to websites:

Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America
American Lung Association

“I am a totally different person now. Two years ago I walked in the door of NWA scared and confused by the traditional doctors who couldn’t figure out what was wrong with me. With the enthusiasm and support from everyone (main office, doctors, technicians) I am so much better! My primary care doctor has thanked me for pursuing doctors who could help me, and now she is a believer in alternative resources.”

- Bette S.

Attention Deficit Disorder

Diagnosis might include:

Detailed laboratory evaluation
to uncover hormonal imbalances, metabolic disorders, digestive problems, nutrient and neurotransmitter deficiencies, heavy metal toxicity and food allergies .

Treatment might include:

Dietary counseling
to help with food intolerances/allergies and hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
Specific nutritional supplement therapy
Heavy metal detoxification if needed

Link to websites:

Nutritional and Dietary Therapies for ADHD

Autism

Diagnosis might include:

Detailed laboratory evaluation
to determine metabolic disorders, digestive problems, nutrient and neurotransmitter deficiencies, heavy metal toxicity, and food allergies.

Treatment might include:

Dietary counseling
to help with food intolerances/allergies and digestive disorders
Specific nutritional supplement therapy
Heavy metal detoxification if needed

Link to websites:

Autism Research Institute (and Defeat Autism Now!)

Cancer

Treatment might include:

Dietary counseling for prevention and improving chances for survival
Nutritional supplement therapy to boost immune response
Intramuscular and intravenous nutrient therapies to promote healing
Help with evaluation of therapeutic options and research protocols
Counseling and guided imagery training for self-healing

Link to websites:

The Cancer Project
Cancer-Survivor
Commonweal Cancer Help Program
Cancer Links

Chronic Fatigue

Diagnosis might include:

Detailed laboratory evaluation

to assess for thyroid disease, nutrient deficiencies, adrenal insuffciency, mineral imbalances, food allergies, Lyme disease, babesiosis, ehrlichiosis, hepatitis, viral infections, and other hidden contibuting factors

“When I first started coming here I slept 15 hours a day and still had a hard time doing everyday things because I was so tired. Now I can sleep 6 hours a day and live a normal life.”

- Lori S.

Treatment might include:

Nutritional supplement therapy to boost energy levels and reduce pain
Effective treatment for insomnia
Body work for chronic pain
Elimination of gastrointestinal dysfunction
Replacement of nutritional deficiencies
Balancing of thyroid, adrenal, and other hormones
Treatment for hidden systemic infections

“My IV treatments at NWA have helped me get from being stuck on my back to living life again. Three years ago I could barely get out of the house, and now I work three jobs, go to school full time, and play guitar in a band. I don’t know where I’d be without this place.”

- A.F.

Link to websites:

CFIDS Association of America
From Fatigued to Fantastic

“I had chronic fatigue and severe digestive disorders for many months. Two conventional MD’s told me that they could not find anything. My fatigue continued and I became quite depressed. I came to see Dr. Elson. The first thing he did was order an extensive blood and intestinal laboratory evaluation. Within a week, the results had returned, and he immediately initiated a treatment program. My condition was healed completely in three weeks.”

- Dr. Michael S, Amherst, Massachusetts

Chronic Infections

Diagnosis might include:

Detailed laboratory evaluation
to assess for the full range of microbes which can cause fatigue and/or joint pain, and to determine immune deficiencies

Treatment might include:

Oral and IV nutrients and herbs to enhance immune response
Antibiotic , antifungal, and antiviral remedies

Link to websites:

Lyme Disease Foundation

Crohn's Disease

Diagnosis might include:

See Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Depression and Anxiety

Treatment might include:

Nutritional supplement therapy: a safe alternative to drugs
Stress management and counseling (see Stress)
Psychotherapy
Eye-movement-desensitization (EMDR) for post-traumatic stress disorder
Hormonal balancing, including thyroid, estrogen, and adrenal hormones
Neurotransmitter and amino acid assessment and balancing

Diabetes

Diagnosis might include:

Evaluation for blood sugar control
Assessment of associated risk factors

Treatment might include:

Dietary counseling
Exercise rehabilitation (see Pain)
Nutriceutical therapy
to improve glucose tolerance and reduce risk for related conditions

Environmental Illness

Diagnosis might include:

Laboratory evaluation
to study liver detoxification function, allergies, and immune status

Treatment might include:

Counseling on chemical fume avoidance and alternatives
Specific nutrient therapy to enhance immune response
Detoxification programs to reduce chemical burden
Evaluation for heavy metal toxicity

Related Article: Multiple Chemical Sensitivities

Link to websites:

MCS Referral and Resources
Chemical Injury Information Network
Massachusetts Association for the Chemically Injured
HEAL (Human Ecology Action League)
NCEHS (National Center for Environmental Health Strategies)

Other Related Organizations:

NCCI (National Coalition for the Chemically Injured)
2400 Virginia Ave., NW, Suite C501; Washington, D.C. 20037
Phone/Fax: 520-536-4625

Fibromyalgia

Diagnosis might include:

Detailed laboratory evaluation

to assess for thyroid disease, nutrient deficiencies, adrenal insuffciency, mineral imbalances, food allergies, Lyme disease, babesiosis, ehrlichiosis, and other hidden contibuting factors

Treatment might include:

Nutritional supplement therapy to boost energy levels and reduce pain
Effective treatment for insomnia
Body work for chronic pain
Elimination of gastrointestinal dysfunction
Replacement of nutritional deficiencies
Balancing of thyroid, adrenal, and other hormones
Treatment for hidden systemic infections

Link to websites:

From Fatigued to Fantastic

Headaches (including migraines)

Diagnosis might include:

Laboratory evaluation
for mold, food or chemical sensitivities, heavy metal toxicity, tumors, or hormonal imbalance

Treatment might include:

Medication and/or oxygen therapy to relieve pain
Specific nutrients and herbs to prevent symptoms
Avoidance of foods that contain tyramines and other causative factors
Treatment for mold, food, and chemical sensitivities
Heavy metal detoxification
Pain therapies

“I've learned to think about taking care of myself. I have fewer headaches, weight loss, and more energy. I appreciate the team approach. I like understanding what healthcare is all about and taking preventive steps to maintain good health.”

- Cyndi T, math consultant

Heart and Vascular Diseases

Diagnosis might include:

Detailed laboratory evaluation for metabolic risk factors
Electrocardiogram (ECG)

Treatment might include:

“Chelation therapy probably saved my life, and it certainly improved the quality.”

- Cornelio C.

Link to websites:

Life Enhancement

Heavy Metal Toxicity

Diagnosis might include:

EDTA/DMPS (IV) or DMSA (oral)-provoked urine testing for stored heavy metals
Blood testing for recent exposures

Treatment might include:

Specific nutrient therapy to enhance liver detoxification
Chelation therapy

Link to websites:

Life Extension Foundation

Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)

Treatment might include:

Specific nutrient therapy including protein and B-vitamins Dietary modifications
including protein-containing snacks, avoidance of sugar and caffeine

Related Articles: Handling Your Hypoglycemia, Food Allergies

Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Diagnosis might include:

Laboratory evaluation to assess digestive function
determining the presence of enzyme deficiencies; gastrogram testing in-office to evaluate stomach acid levels; stool testing for intestinal yeast (Candida), bacteria, and/or parasites; assessing for food intolerances and allergies; checking for functional nutritional deficiencies (especially vitamin D)

Treatment might include:

The “4 R” Program:
Removal of intestinal yeast, bacterial or parasite overgrowth
Reinoculation with beneficial bacteria
Replacement of missing digestive enzymes and/or stomach acid
Repair of the injured intestinal mucosal lining
"Specific Carbohydrate" Diet
Low-dose naltrexone
Anti-inflammatory meal replacements (UltraInflam-X)
Nutrients to reduce inflammation and promote healing in the intestinal mucosa
Oral and/or intravenous nutrition to replace deficiencies from malabsorption

Insomnia

Treatment might include:

Nutriceuticals such as:

calcium
magnesium
5-HTP
GABA
phosphatidyl serine
melatonin
various herbal preparations

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Diagnosis might include:

Laboratory evaluation to assess digestive function
determining the presence of enzyme deficiencies, gastrogram testing in-office to evaluate stomach acid levels, testing for intestinal yeast (Candida), bacteria, or parasites, ruling out inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s, Ulcerative Colitis), assessing for food intolerances and allergies, checking for functional nutritional deficiencies

Treatment might include:

The “4 R” Program:
- Removal of intestinal yeast, bacterial or parasite overgrowth
- Reinoculation with beneficial bacteria
- Replacement of missing digestive enzymes and/or stomach acid
- Repair of the injured intestinal mucosal lining
Effective therapies for Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis
reducing the need for potentially harmful medications

Learning Disabilities

Diagnosis might include:

Detailed laboratory evaluation
to uncover hormonal imbalances, metabolic disorders, digestive problems, nutrient and neurotransmitter deficiencies, heavy metal toxicity, and food allergies.

Treatment might include:

Dietary counseling
to help with food intolerances/allergies and hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
Specific nutritional supplement therapy
Heavy metal detoxification if needed

Link to websites:

Nutritional and Dietary Therapies for ADHD
Autism Research Institute (and Defeat Autism Now!)

Lyme Disease

Diagnosis might include:

Detailed laboratory evaluation
to assess for the full range of microbes which can cause fatigue and/or joint pain; and determine immune deficiencies and co-infections

Treatment might include:

Oral and IV nutrients and herbs to enhance immune response
Antibiotic medications and natural remedies to fight the infection

Link to websites:

Lyme Disease Foundation

Multiple Chemical Sensitivities

Diagnosis might include:

Laboratory evaluation
to study liver detoxification function, allergies, and immune status

Treatment might include:

Counseling on chemical fume avoidance and alternatives
Specific nutrient therapy to enhance immune response
Detoxification programs to reduce chemical burden
Evaluation for heavy metal toxicity
18-Day oxygen treatment protocol

Related Article: Multiple Chemical Sensitivities

Link to websites:

MCS Referral and Resources
Chemical Injury Information Network
Massachusetts Association for the Chemically Injured
HEAL (Human Ecology Action League)
NCEH (National Center for Environmental Health)

Other Related Organizations:

NCCI (National Coalition for the Chemically Injured)
2400 Virginia Ave., NW, Suite C501; Washington, D.C. 20037
Phone/Fax: 520-536-4625

Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

Diagnosis might include:

Laboratory evaluation
to check for nutritional deficiencies, amino acid imbalances, heavy metal toxicity and food allergies.

Treatment might include:

Specific oral and IV nutrient therapies
Dietary fatty acid modifications
Vitamin B12 injections
calcium EAP
food allergy avoidance
Procarin
fatty acid therapy
low-dose naltrexone
intravenous glutathione and phosphatidyl choline
l-carnitine, AMP, and DHEA

Neurological Disorders

Diagnosis might include:

Laboratory evaluation
to check for nutritional deficiencies, amino acid imbalances, heavy metal toxicity and food allergies.

Treatment might include:

Specific oral and IV nutrient therapies for:
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS), including dietary fatty acid modifications, vitamin B12 injections, calcium EAP, food allergy avoidance, Procarin, fatty acid therapy, low-dose Naltrexone Alzheimer’s Disease—including heavy metal detoxification, neurotransmitter augmentation with specific nutrients and herbs, detection and replacement of nutrient deficiencies, anti-oxidants and CoQ10
- ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease),including detoxification of chemical and heavy metal load, amino acids, antioxidants, DHEA and specific nutrient therapies
- Parkinson’s Disease,including IV glutathione, supplementation with amino acids, antioxidants, coenzyme Q10, melatonin, folic acid, acetyl-L-carnitine, phosphatidylserine, NADH, and dietary modifications to maximize medication effectiveness and tolerance

Obesity

Diagnosis might include:

Laboratory evaluation
to check for thyroid hormone deficiency, metabolic typing, food allergies
Body composition analysis and monitoring in-office

Treatment might include:

Dietary counseling
various approaches to suit your individual metabolism and needs, including UltraMeal medical food replacement programs, low fat/reduced calorie programs, low carbohydrate, low glycemic index, or Zone (40/30/30) diets

Exercise training
to help you develop an individualized and medically supervised exercise program, with the support you need to stick with it

Nutritional supplementation

Thyroid hormone therapy to enhance metabolism

Food allergy therapy

Link to websites:

UltraMeal
Wilderness Experiences

Pain

Treatment might include:

“Barry Elson and staff literally saved my life, by helping me recover from two accidents and chronic fibromyalgia. There is no way to overemphasize the caring, medical, and integrative excellence of Barry’s own professional practice, in addition to what he commands of the practitioners, IV, and allergy departments, and even the receptionists. They have given me wings when I never dreamed I would be able to stand ever again. These are just words, which can never truly relay how much the practice has helped me to live (and to want to live) again with chronic problems. They have inspired me to help others who are experiencing the same.”

- Marilou B., RN, MSN

“This has been the only place/therapy that has made my life bearable from the constant pain. If it was not for my visits here, I do not know what I would do.”

- D. Farina

Parkinson’s Disease

Diagnosis might include:

Laboratory evaluation
to check for nutritional deficiencies, amino acid imbalances, food allergies, and heavy metal toxicity.

Treatment might include:

Specific oral and IV nutrient therapies for

Pregnancy

Treatment might include:

To help expectant parents to prepare for a safe,
healthy, confident, and joyful birth experience:

Certified Nurse Midwives of Midwifery Care of Holyoke
(in affiliation with Holyoke Hospital)
offer prenatal, postpartum, and gynecological services in our office. They can be reached at (413) 535-4700
Vicki Elson, MA, CCE
provides childbirth classes, which emphasize confidence, strength, joy, and informed choice.

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)

Treatment might include:

Specific nutritional supplementation to restore hormonal balance
Neutralization therapy for progesterone intolerance
Low-dose natural hormone replacement

Stress

Treatment might include:

Stress management and counseling
Psychotherapy
Eye-movement-desensitization (EMDR) for post-traumatic stress
EMDR is a psychotherapeutic technique that teaches an accelerated form of information processing. It utilizes aspects of cognitive therapy along with bilateral stimulation of the eyes or ears to foster healing from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.
Strategies for coping with illness or other life transitions

Ulcerative Colitis

Diagnosis might include:

See Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Women’s Health Issues

Diagnosis might include:

Office gynecology examination
for vaginal infections, pap smears and preventive care
Hormonal evaluations

Treatment might include:

Natural Hormonal Therapies
Natural and medical treatments for vaginal and cervical inflammation and infection

“I feel fabulous! My thyroid levels are balanced and I no longer suffer from extreme fatigue. Dr. Elson and the NWA staff are friendly, caring and knowledgeable. My quality of life has definitely been enhanced by working with the healthcare professionals at NWA.”

- Kathi B., age 56

Aging and Menopause

Allergies

ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease)

Alzheimer’s Disease

Arthritis

Asthma

Attention Deficit Disorder