Acupuncture is an effective and often relaxing way of treating many conditions, such as pain, digestion, fertility, insomnia, allergy, stress, anxiety and more. Through the gentle placement of tiny needles into specific regions of the body, acupuncture re-balances and harmonizes the Qi. Qi is considered by the Chinese to be a primal energy that works with the tissues and fluids of the body. When the Qi is balanced and harmonized, good health and function result. Pain, for example, is understood to be the stagnation of Qi, which acupuncture excels at dispersing. Even those who are afraid of needles typically find the treatment calming and peaceful.
Acu-steam, is a unique, proprietary treatment offered exclusively at Elemental Medicine. Acu-steam is a more specific, unique form of acupuncture created by Elemental Medicine to bring relief to stiff and painful muscles and joints, particularly in the spine, neck and shoulder areas. Combining the wisdom of traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurveda, Acu-steam begins with a massage to the inflicted area, using warm oils infused with anti-spasmodic and pain reducing herbs imported from India. Acupuncture needles are then placed in targeted areas. Next, hot steam is directed to bathe and soothe the tense, painful muscles and joints. This delightful treatment experience frequently brings quick relief to persistently painful areas, even in difficult cases such as rheumatoid arthritis.
Ayurvedic Medicine
Elemental Medicine incorporates the wisdom of Ayurvedic Medicine, which is based on the ancient natural medical system of India developed more than 5,000 years ago. Considered as a sister science of yoga, Ayurveda looks at the causes beneath a patient’s symptoms in order to bring the body back into balance.
Dr. Devlin and Dr. Savastio use Ayurveda to gain profound insight into the patient’s constitution or body type and its role in the development of health and disease.
A patient’s constitution reveals much about him or her in terms of physical, mental and emotional makeup as well as particular disease tendencies. With this level of in-depth specific information for each patient, Elemental Medicine’s naturopathic doctors develop a customized plan from a tool chest of options. That plan entails selecting the proper diet, lifestyle, herbs and therapies that will bring a patient into a state of vibrant health.
The Constitutions: Added Insights for Health
The constitution is based on the Ayurveda concept that the entire universe is formed from the elements of space, air, fire, water and earth. Ayurveda combines the elements into the three doshas: Vata, Pitta and Kapha. Each person has his or her own inborn blend of these elements that is revealed primarily by his or her bone structure.
Individuals can have one or a combination of the following doshas:
Ayurveda also is the source of Panchakarma, the powerful detoxification and cleansing technique that excels in removing ama, the toxic material that is the root cause of many diseases. Dr. Savastio personally trained with an Ayurvedic doctor friend more than fifteen years ago to bring panchakarma to Elemental Medicine in its most authentic form. He also chose to make it affordable so people from all walks of life could benefit from this treatment, which Dr. Savastio terms “the best of the best.”
Plants have been used as medicine around the world since the dawn of time. As civilizations arose, early tribal practices evolved into sophisticated systematic usage in ancient Greece, China, India and the Middle East. These systems continue today and provide us with a wealth of information and knowledge that is still as valued and useful as ever. Herbs are used in several different forms including teas, baths, poultices, capsules and extracts.
Dr. Devlin’s love for plant medicine is deeply rooted in her love of nature. Her connection with plants began as a child and her understanding grew while studying Biology and Botany in college. In addition to a year of study of Botanical Medicine in Naturopathic School, she completed two years of clinical supervision and an advanced internship. Dr. Devlin has also participated in advanced herbal workshops with Vasant Lad, Rosemary Gladstar, Stephen Buhner, Anne McIntyre, and Mary Bove among others. Dr. Devlin also contributed a chapter in Naturopathic Endocrinology on Adaptogenic herbs and had articles published in magazines.
In addition to their individual uses, plants have the wonderful ability to work synergistically with each other. Both Drs. Devlin and Savastio create customized herbal formulations to address all sorts of conditions from headaches and infertility, to rheumatoid arthritis, based on scientific training and well developed intuitive skills.
For example, one patient’s headache may be due to stress or sitting in front of a computer screen for too long, making him or her feel jumpy, nervous or cold. The doctor may develop an herbal combination that is warming and soothing to the nervous system and adrenal glands in this case. Another patient, who may have headaches from long-term constipation, would require a different herbal remedy for cleansing the blood and promoting elimination of waste.
Homeopathic medicine employs natural remedies from the plant, mineral and animal kingdoms to bring curative change to the body. Homeopathic philosophy sterns back to ancient Hindu text to Aristotle and Hippocrates who spoke of “treating like with like.”
The practice of Homeopathy was developed by the 18th century physician Samuel Hahnemann. He coined the term “law of similars” to describe his insight that substances, when properly ‘potentized’, can stimulate the healing of conditions that they would actually cause IF taken in their crude,natural state. ‘Potentizing’ describes the process of continually refining and diluting the natural substance until it reaches a state where the energetic essence of the substance is preserved, while the crude structure is eliminated. This discovery was realized when he found that using minute doses of quinine, found in tonic, would bring about a healing response in people with malaria. If a person were to ingest a large quantity of quinine it would bring about symptoms similar to malaria. Another example would be using a homeopathic dose of poison i to treat eczema or other skin issues. Homeopathic Amica (often used for sore muscles) and oscillococcinurn (used for flu) are two of the most commonly used remedies. Since Dr. Hahnemann’s time, more than 3,000 substances have been investigated for medicinal use.
Dr. Devlin has found homeopathic remedies to be of exceptional value, for all ages, but particularly for treating infants and children for both behavioral and physical concerns.
Finding the correct remedy for any given patient involves taking a detailed history of the patient’s complaints and an examination of the individual case based on the physical, mental and emotional levels. Homeopathy is safe, inexpensive, powerful and does not interact or interfere with the use of other medicines.
Helping patients create a healthy diet that supports their well being as well as their body types, also known in Ayurveda as constitutions, is a cornerstone of Elemental Medicine’s customized nutrition plans.
Using Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine approaches, Elemental Medicine can make more effective and personalized recommendations than typically found in standard sources of nutritional counseling. These ancient systems recognize that the specific qualities of foods whether they are heating or cooling, drying or moistening, or direct energy up or down-impact overall health and the body’s state of balance. By zeroing in on symptoms, and finding the cause beneath them, Dr. Devlin and Dr. Savastio can find the right diet solution to work in conjunction with other treatment options.
The doctors create personalized programs on nutrition for each patient, detailing which fruits, vegetables, animal proteins, legumes, nuts and seeds, sweeteners, condiments and oils work best for that patient’s condition.
Elemental Medicine also offers a wide range of supplements, which can be ordered over the phone or through email for established patients.
Patients are frequently incorrect when they attempt to diagnose themselves. Much of the content found on websites is directed more at sales than valid fact or education, and additionally, it is often difficult to discern the quality of the supplements purchased online. Many times people become overwhelmed with hundreds of dollars of products and no results, and some supplements do not mix well with medications. Also, this way of purchasing, using supplements as drugs, is not a holistic approach. The doctors at Elemental Medicine can help sort through the hype and develop a focused supplement plan geared for you, your health challenges and goals.
Whether someone is going through chemotherapy or dealing with a chronic illness like hepatitis C, Intravenous Nutrition (IVN) is a great way to get essential nutrients and fluid into the body.
When someone’s digestive tract is challenged it does not extract energy and nutrients as efficiently from food and supplements. Infusing nutrients directly into the blood is an effective method to enhance the body’s healing response.
“Intravenous Nutrition can be a great preventative measure. When we are under stress and the power of the fight or flight response, our body does not digest and absorb nutrients properly. Having IVN can increase energy and support the immune system around stressful events, like a job change, move or death of a loved one. IVN helps to ensure the body does not get run down and become more prone to imbalance.”
-Dr. Beth Devlin
Elemental Medicine offers several customized IVN options targeted at the following conditions:
“I’ve personally been going through the most challenging time of my life. Consequently my weak liver has been seriously compromised. Dr. Savastio and Dr. Devlin offered intensive treatment options -including IVN -addressing the whole person. Every step of the way they taught me how to best take an active role in the healing of my body, mind and spirit.”
-Donna Bruce, Newburyport, MA
Craniosacral Therapy (CST) uses gentle touch to create powerful results. By using subtle movements with pressure, restrictions found in the connective tissue that underlies the skin are able to be relieved. Often these restrictions are formed from earlier emotional or physical traumas.
Dr. Devlin often incorporates other muscle energy release and techniques with the Craniosacral treatment. This treatment is helpful for a broad range of conditions-from migraines and chronic sinus infections, to anxiety and joint pain. It is a gentle soothing therapy effective for all ages from newborns to elders.
Spinal manipulation is often the treatment of choice for spinal pain, whether it is experienced in the neck, upper, or lower back. It combines gentle muscle relaxation and spinal traction techniques with short quick manipulations of the spinal joints to release stored tension and restore healthy alignment. It frequently leads to swift reduction in pain and an increased sensation of serenity and well-being.
“I especially like spinal manipulation because it often brings quick relief from spinal pain and headaches. So much of what we do as naturopathic doctors requires time, patience and effort on the part of the patient before benefits are realized. It is nice to see instant results.”
-Dr. George Savastio
Panchakarma is the ultimate cleansing, detoxification and balancing treatment, successful in:
Panchakarma extends beyond other cleansing techniques to remove toxins by reaching beneath the skin to the muscles, joints and connective tissues where toxic ama is lodged. Ama, according to Ayurveda, is formed by eating the wrong foods, weak digestive powers, poor elimination, or response to stress. Dr. Savastio was trained more than ten years ago by Dr. Somesh Kaushik, an Indian doctor, in the traditional Ayurvedic method of delivering advanced detoxification treatments. Dr. Savastio later brought panchakarma to Elemental Medicine to offer patients “the best of the best” rejuvenating body cleanse.
Panchakarma is an ideal way to achieve optimal health by helping the body restore its inner balance and vitality. It can be used seasonally as a preventative cleanse, or at any time to address a health issue. Chronic Lyme disease, rheumatoid arthritis and cancer patients have often experienced “hope where there was no hope” when panchakarma has been integrated with their treatment plans.
Elemental Medicine employs a traditional four-part process of panchakarma, incorporating the flexibility taught in Dr. Savastio’s training to customize the cleanse for each patient.
Passionate about the benefits of this ancient Ayurvedic technique, the doctors at Elemental Medicine chose to offer it affordably – at a fraction of the cost charged by some spas and alternative medicine clinics. Dr. Devlin and Dr. Savasatio both believe strongly in providing people from all walks of life the opportunity to receive a high quality natural treatment.
Panchakarma is delivered by Dr. Savastio over a relaxing, two-hour period. In contrast to most cleansing therapies, it is frequently a blissful experience.
The four distinct parts of the Ayurveda panchakarma treatment include:
Chronic Lyme disease improvement:
“Dr. Savastio gave and continues to give me the gift of wellness even as I live with chronic Lyme disease. His knowledge of Western medicine and of my previous experience with surgery for two destroyed joints and use of antibiotics was useful as he drew upon his training and broad understanding of Ayurvedic medicine to chart for me a new path to optimal health. Central to regaining and maintaining my health is panchakarma, a therapeutic way of cleansing the body of toxins. This is especially important to me as it strengthens the immune system-my first defense in controlling a degenerative disease. Along with a very personalized dietary and supplement program, Dr. Savastio’s treatments have enabled me to continue to live a very active life at 76- years- old. I can still enjoy hiking, mountain biking, and downhill skiing … and, best of all, a profound sense of well-being.”
-Loy Carrington, Oregon
Many of the doctors that advertise themselves as “Lyme Specialists” take a very aggressive “Kill the bacteria at all costs” approach to treatment, which often results in years of antibiotics delivered via IV’s as well as orally. While there is a place for taking an aggressive approach, as well as antibiotics, many patients continue to suffer. Commonly, Lyme specialists view this as a need to run a multitude of expensive tests, and subsequently add more aggression to the treatment in the form of heavy metal chelation, etc.
While we also pay attention to bacteria, our main focus is on the patient suffering from the condition. Sometimes patients feel relief just by getting off the antibiotics and switching to a more benign treatment in the form of herbs or Argentyn 23, the bio-active silver hydrosol similar, but superior, to colloidal silver. We typically use antibiotics for a new case of Lyme and co-infections, but stop them in favor of other approaches once we feel they have done as much as they’re going to do. The silver is particularly potent in the form of IV’s, in addition to oral doses, and we are very happy to be able to offer this powerful alternative.
Dr. Savastio knows from personal experience that it is entirely possible to be completely rid of any trace of Lyme after suffering from it himself while in medical school and beyond. It is important to dispel fear and negative expectations, and focus on healthy living and positive outcomes. Dr. Savastio has been living a full and healthy Lyme-free life for many years, and we want that for you as well.
The appearance of cancer is a life-altering event, one that can be overwhelming or shocking as it shatters the illusion of invincibility that many carry. Knowing patients often feel rushed by Western medicine’s conventional approaches to making important decisions about treatments quickly, Dr. Devlin and Dr. Savastio gently encourage those newly diagnosed to slow down and evaluate their choices. Facing a diagnosis head-on and dealing with the fear is crucial for success, no matter what treatment course is chosen.
-Dr. Savastio
Elemental Medicine supports cancer patients in all the various approaches, sometimes partnering with their conventional medicine teams.
Most cancer patients the naturopathic doctors work with do some form of conventional therapy. Others have disappointedly seen cancer return after using conventional treatments and opt for the natural therapies going forward. Some begin treatments opting only for natural therapies.
Regardless of the treatment route chosen by patients, Elemental Medicine focuses on restoring cancer patients to the highest level of health possible by first supporting the activity of the immune system. Typically, a customized plan is created which includes diet and lifestyle changes, nutritional supplements and herbs, and natural therapies.
The three therapies that are particularly useful in treating cancer are:
Acupuncture, which helps restore balance among the organ systems and is helpful in improving digestion, reducing pain and alleviating stress and anxiety. Research also shows that acupuncture can improve the immune system and that it is helpful in blood building.
IVN (Intravenous Nutrition), where high dose vitamin C, B vitamins and other nutrients are delivered via an IV to improve overall health and immunity while targeting cancer cells.
Panchakarma detoxification is especially useful, as cancer is generated in a toxic environment. This Ayurvedic therapy is especially beneficial in cleansing toxic residues of conventional treatments such as chemo, radiation and surgery.
Elemental Medicine helps patients thrive and age with power and grace. Each patient is evaluated in the context of his or her whole life—physically, emotionally, mentally and even sometimes spiritually, particularly for those patients facing life-threatening illnesses.
Many patients who have a strong family history of disease seek the help of Dr. Devlin and Dr. Savastio as a proactive measure. Often they want preventative help dealing with stress, diet, exercise and lifestyle choices.
—Dr. George Savastio
—Dr. Beth Devlin
Using Ayurveda’s concepts of the constitutions—or individual body types — Dr. Devlin and Dr. Savastio will determine the best exercise and foods for general good health and preventative care, tailored specifically to that patient. Understanding the elements of their unique constitution is empowering for most patients.
The nurturing, caring support of Dr. Devlin and Dr. Savastio is a valuable component in keeping patients on track in maintaining good health.
Dr. Devlin creates a safe, comfortable and nurturing environment for addressing the special needs of women. Commencing with a thorough intake interview, she follows up with a physical exam and possible testing. Using this information, Dr. Devlin creates for each patient a highly customized treatment plan, which may include dietary suggestions, herbal formulations, nutritional supplements and/or homeopathic remedies.
“I have been referring my patients to Dr. Devlin for over a decade to help with many issues such as endometriosis, chronic pain, bleeding, PMS, general health, fatigue and emotional issues. I appreciate her professional, multifactorial adjunctive approach that could include detoxification, healthy diet, energy treatments, homeopathy or acupuncture. She takes the patient from where they are to where they want to be medically, physically and emotionally. Elemental Medicine doctors have the time, the compassion, and the training to offer the modalities that I cannot. My patients always return very satisfied with their experience.”
—Dr. Terry Vanderlinde, DO-GYN, Dover, NH
Whether a patient is a young girl dealing with acne, PMS (pre-menstrual syndrome) and severe cramps, or is a woman in midlife experiencing hot flashes, mood changes and forgetfulness, or is a post-menopausal woman dealing with osteoporosis, Dr. Devlin can guide her back to balance.
Dr. Devlin also performs routine annual, gynecological examinations, Pap smears and vaginal or urinary tract infection screenings. She compassionately and non-judgmentally supports women of all ages in dealing with sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
When hormonal imbalances are suspected, she may recommend salivary hormone tests. In some cases, she will order bio-identical hormone formulas customized for each patient.
Dr. Devlin guides her pregnant patients naturally through morning sickness, fatigue, skin issues and other common complaints. She is a DONA trained birth doula.
—Dr. Beth Devlin
Educating and empowering women around self-esteem is also part of her mission – whether she is listening to a teenager wondering if she should take birth control pills or not, or hearing about a newly single woman exploring her sexuality post-divorce.
Dr. Devlin is skilled at helping all women create optimal health through a vast tool chest of options, which combine her rigorous medical training with her strong intuition.
She has particular great success in treating infertility and pre-cancerous conditions of the cervix.
Cervical Treatments
In treating pre-cancer cervical tissues that show up in abnormal PAP smears, Dr. Devlin has had great success using an added skill set. She is one of a half-dozen naturopathic doctors in the country who performs escharotic treatments, an in-house topical method for removing pre-cancerous cervical tissue. Patients in childbearing years particularly like this option for treatment, as opposed to surgeries that could create obstacles later in maintaining a pregnancy.
“Dr. Devlin gave me herbal tinctures and suppositories to administer daily and asked me to come in for regular cervical treatments, where she applied bloodroot and other healing anti-cancer plant medicines. The proof was in the pap (!) and I’m now going on three consecutive years of completely normal tests. I never tire of telling this amazing story.”
—Kate Gilbane, Boston, MA
Infertility
“I first met Dr Devlin after my second miscarriage. She suggested personalized treatments that included modifications to my diet, a gentle detox and the prescription of herbs to support my thyroid. I have yet to meet another doctor who is as intuitive and empathetic. With her guidance I was successfully able to carry my third baby to term. I cannot stress enough how grateful I am to have been accompanied by Dr. Devlin on my fertility journey. I am now the proud mother of a wonderful 20-month-old toddler who is a bundle of health. My husband and I look forward to expanding our family and to continue this journey with the guidance of Dr. Devlin.”
—Paula Fleury, Meredith, NH
Elemental Medicine understands the preciousness of your family’s health and wellness, and the unique developmental needs of kids; from infancy to young adulthood.
Establishing good eating and lifestyle habits early, and treating symptoms as naturally as possible when they occur, helps children create a solid foundation for lifelong health.
Dr. Devlin has been successful in treating children with ADD/ADHD. Most children improve their focus on their educational tasks and homework.
-Dr. Devlin
Elemental Medicine also treats children with a wide range of other medical conditions—from common colds, headaches, recurring ear infections, constipation and digestive issues to Lyme disease, allergies, asthma, bed-wetting (enuresis) and teething.
Dr. Devlin respectfully helps teens gain their equilibrium, self-esteem and good health. Plus, she has “a knack” for listening to their special concerns. Both she and Dr. Savastio also help teens with a wide range of health concerns — such as stress or anxiety caused by hormonal imbalances, to the clearing up of acne that may cause unnecessary self-consciousness.
“Dr. Devlin became our family doctor and over time has helped me, my husband and our three young children transform the way we think about our health. It’s about the way we eat, the way we exercise, the way we relax, the way we sleep, the way we treat illness (with herbal tinctures or homeopathic remedies), the way we handle stress and the way we understand how everything in our lives – from intentions to emotions to behavioral patterns – contributes to a larger picture of well-being. We feel extremely fortunate to have Dr. Devlin as a resource and an inspiration for happier, healthier, more holistic living.”
—Kate Gilbane, Boston, MA