Food Allergies

Being a naturopath as well, I have been aware of food as allergens to cause digestive problems.

Thus I have tried a lot hypoallergenic diets to decrease my symptoms and address my health. These diets did help while on them, however, staying on them all of the time proved to be difficult. After hearing Dr. Tan speak at a lecture about Advanced Allergy Testing, I thought, I need to give that a try.

Since working with Dr. Tan, my digestive symptoms such as bloating, indigestion, and a constant “full feeling” have decreased and even gone away while returning foods into my diet that I have been avoiding for years.

Thank You, thank you, Dr. Tan for all your help!! – Summer Baptist, ND, LAc, Honolulu, HI

Salt sensitivity

Salty foods always make me bloat, so I have been very careful to watch my salt intake.

One treatment for this sensitivity cleared my symptoms. I still watch my intake for my health, but I notice that when I do eat something salty, I no longer have any fluid retention. I never thought this would be possible–I always figured that I was someone who could never tolerate salt. – Anonymous patient

Environmental & Food Allergies

I have been suffering from environmental and food allergies since childhood.

Years of allergy medications helped to clear the sinus congestion, runny nose and itchy eyes, but also came with a long list of side effects. Dr Tan has shown me a better way. She listened carefully to my health history and current concerns, then tailored an allergy elmination program specifically for me. Dr Tan took the time to answer my questions and even recommended 2 books. After only a few months of treatment, I am breathing easier and have developed a new sense of well-being. I finally feel like I am in control of my allergies, instead of the other way around. After living for so many years with allergy symptoms, it is wonderful to enjoy the smells of nature, all without drugs. I highly recommend Dr Tan.

Elissa Koskela, Kaneohe, Hawaii

Drug induced Eczema

I’ve suffered from drug (antibiotic) induced eczema since Oct 2007.

Of course, prescribed steroids and other antibiotics didn’t help. In March 2008, I suffered a terribly bad case of inflammatory eczema. It affected up and down both of my arms and legs and my lower back. I look terrible, as if I had some kind of flesh eating disease. I couldn’t sleep at night and showers only brought agony and tears. This went on for a month and it got to the point where a large area of my right lower shin had become infected, and a series of boils appeared long my right leg.

I knew that an allopathic doctor wouldn’t be able to help me anymore. All the medications they prescribed only further messed up my system. So, I know it was time to get treatment from a naturopathic doctor. I prayed that the Lord would guide me to a good one!

Upon my first visit with Dr Tan, she told me right off the bat that my immune system was “shot”. First, we treated the inflammation. Two days after my second treatment, I woke up to such noticeable improvement that I couldn’t believe my own eyes. Since then, the inflammation/eczema dramatically disappeared as the days went by under Dr Tan’s treatment. I couldn’t help thinking that I wish I had found Dr Tan much sooner. I would’ve been spared a great deal of pain and suffering, I’m sure! – Catherine Symonds, Wahiawa, Hawaii

Asthma & Sinus Allergies

At the age of 25, I became asthmatic and my sinuses became very sensitive to everything.

Within a five month time span, I had bronchitis twice and was told by my Ear, Nose and Throat doctor that I would need to inhale steroid medication twice a day for the rest of my life to ensure sinus relief. Even with the steroids, I had major sinus pain on the right side of my face everyday, which forced me to take Advil on a daily basis in order to function at all.
I decided that I didn’t want to live my life on medication every single day. I was referred to Dr. Karen Tan and had results within two days. I no longer had to take Advil, inhale steroids or use my asthma inhaler. I visited Dr. Tan for about a month and a half and learned that my body had developed sensitivities to things that we all encounter on a daily basis- mold, mildew, dust, sulfur (vog) and my own mucus- yes, it’s possible. After several treatments, I feel so relieved- I feel healthy again.
Taking away a lifetime of pain and medication is priceless. I’ve learned that prescription drugs mask the problem and the painful symptoms, but fail to treat the body. I am so thankful for Dr. Tan and her painless treatment methods, words can not explain what she has done for my life. – Heather M. Doeringer, Honolulu, HI

Chronic Sinus & Skin Allergies

Dr. Tan has changed my life!

I had been taking allergy shots once every three weeks, taking Singular daily, going for acupuncture every three weeks, and taking Benadryl every 4 hrs when my symptoms flared up. I could only be outdoors about 30 minutes before my sinuses got stuffy, my body would itch all over, and my back broke out in hives. Needless to say, I spent most of my time indoors. I was always congested even indoors.

I also had food sensitivities as well. Eating foods I was allergic to made me feel nauseous and gassy. I also had cramps and diarrhea. Needless to say, my diet was very limited as well.

After Dr Tan treated me, I can walk on grass with bare feet for the first time in more than 20 years. I am also able to enjoy going on long hikes and being outdoors without suffering and without medications. I can eat more variety of foods now. All the unpleasant symptoms I used to have after eating these foods are gone!

Since we got back to Tennessee, I have been to several outdoor events.

1. A four hour concert outside.

2. A party around a fire pit for 3 1/2 hours.

3. Our neighbors came down and we talked outdoors for 3 hours. (Never would have happened before I saw you)

4. I made 2 entire soccer games without any stuffiness.

If you have allergies and want relief, go to Dr Tan! Do it now so that you can be in charge of your life and not have your allergies dictate what you can and cannot do.

Monica Thomas, Maryville, TN

TMJ pain

I can’t say enough about the acupuncture and naturopathic treatment that Dr. Tan practices.

For years I suffered severe TMJ pain from 2 – 5 times per week, a definite 10+ on the pain scale. It was so debilitating that that all I could do was to sit very still and quietly to minimize excruciating pain, and hope that it would go away soon. I could not work, I could not play, I could barely function anything I did would create more pain.
After a few treatments with Dr. Tan, the TMJ pain. A combination of acupuncture, naturopathic medicine, and gentle encouragement about lifestyle changes has me a new TMJ pain-free person. No more pain. I’m positive that the treatment worked because Dr. Tan evaluated my whole body, mind, and spirit, and did not just treat the symptoms. It just does not get any better than this! Mahalo Dr. Tan – Anonymous patient

Naturopathic Alternatives

I first learned about naturopathic physician and Dr. Karen Tan in 2001. We got to experience the naturopathic alternative to regular health care and found that to be a very valuable and natural way to address health issues.

Since then, Dr. Tan has been our family doctor and has helped successfully with many of our health problems. Dr. Tan is a very good doctor with broad knowledge in both conventional and naturopathic medicines. She is also an expert in acupuncture.

Dr. Tan is a very patient and friendly doctor, and she spends plenty time understanding as well as explaining to us. Dr. Tan has taught us how to take better care of our body and health. Naturopathic is a new approach to health care and provides patients with essential professional care that cannot be obtained from regular medical doctors. We always tell our friends that they have to spend time experiencing it in order to really appreciate its great value. – Eric Wong, Honolulu, Hawaii

Pain Management

Just a note to say sincere thanks to you for the outstanding care and knowledge you have given me during my treatment over the past year. I have experienced reduced pain, reduced stress during extremely pressurized events, and better health overall as a result of your hints, remedies and excellent advice.
I also very much appreciate your continued research on the development of new techniques and innovative supplements. I am grateful for your time and energy! Keep up the good work! – Craig, Kapolei, HI

Welcome!

Doctor Karen Tan’s office is now called the Center for Innovative Medicine

I am still in the same place, but I have a new name for my clinic along with a new logo and a new website. What do you think?

Karen Tan, ND, MAcOM, LAc
Center for Innovative Medicine
320 Ward Ave, Suite 105
Honolulu, HI 96814

Call (808) 591-8778

Please feel free to call with any questions you may have or to make an appointment.

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