STORIES

PERSONAL STORIES

Following are clients' stories as told by them.*  They are divided into sections on General Health, Lyme Disease, and Neurofeedback.
GENERAL HEALTH

Dr. Heather is my hero. She saved my life twice in the past few years, and after that second experience, she allowed me to plague her with questions via emails in her inbox. She healed my husband and me of adrenal fatigue, severe stress and depression, hidden harmful parasites, aching joints and muscles, every food and environmental sensitivity (allowing us to eat things we couldn’t eat before without repercussions), and secret viruses hiding from birth. She then brought us to a place of good moods, strong immune systems, more effectiveness in our work and relationships, and to a knowledge of being able to take care of our own bodies and minds and emotions without spending all our money on needless medicines, supplements, and check ups. She listens, gives advice, cares, teaches, and is the person I hope I can be— and help others to be— someday. There are not enough doctors like her in this world. She is the best! Heather can take on the full gamut of problems: from small nuisances like colds and rashes, to life-disturbing issues such as autoimmune disorders, UTIs, post traumatic stress, and getting down to the roots of problems that the majority of doctors can’t figure out the reasons for. She’s so affordable, too. She is rockstar, basically.

ZD, Florida
After working in India for almost a year, I returned to the California with a bundle of health issues: intestinal parasites, tooth decay, hormonal imbalance, food sensitivities to meat protein, and several infected lymph nodes. While Western medicine helped my dental health, and some medication eased the relentless discomfort I was experiencing, Dr. Swan was the first friendly face in the professional field who looked at the ROOT causes of my ailments.
I was at first apprehensive when being introduced to muscle testing, foot detoxes, the hyperbaric chamber, and homeopathic remedies. But with some trusting patience and pro-active consistency, my body was able to fight off the infections all while maintaining a healthy immune system. Today, I now take homeopathy remedies "as needed": for when my adrenals are over-firing, when my body has an onset of fatigue, and if my stomach feels "off."

On the spectrum of Natural medicine and Western medicine- Dr. Swan holds a healthy view of both sides. I believe that is why she named her practice "integrative"- the idea of Natural and Western working together, for the health of a patient. During one of my appointments, I shared my interest in pursuing a Western method for treating hormone imbalance. 
She responded professionally as she shared potential outcomes, all while advocating in my best interest.

You will feel heard, and she does not shy away from endless question asking (believe me- I usually come to an appointment with at least 20 questions). I would highly recommend Dr. Swan.

AS, Oregon

LYME DISEASE ~ Clients diagnosed with Lyme Disease prior to coming to SIH
I had suffered through at least 14 years of known physical health issues and, sadly, had never known why. I saw multiple doctors to only receive multiple diagnosis, but no one truly knew what was going on with my body. I struggled through my pregnancies as I was extremely ill. I had multiple miscarriages. All this was happening before I was 30 years of age. I knew something was wrong, but I didn’t know what. 

Almost two years ago, I randomly went paralyzed in my legs. I was standing up completely normal when suddenly I slammed down to the ground. It was very traumatic moment. I headed to my doctors office after regaining motion in my legs. They informed me that I was probably just an exhausted young mother of four boys so I need to rest up more. It was no big deal to go paralyzed like that in their opinion. I understood, but I just had this sense that wasn’t it. I reminded them of all the ailments throughout the years, only to be met with a shrug of their shoulders. 

I finally got through to them and they said “fine we will test you for everything”. And oh boy, was I SO grateful they did. A day later I got a call from the Health Department explaining to me that their system was alerted due to my lab results relieving that i had Lyme disease. “Wait, what?” That was my reaction. I answered all their questions. One of the questions they asked me was when did I get my last known tick bite —14 years ago. That’s it! That’s it! This is what has been destroying my body for all these years. I called my doctors office, made an appointment and was eager to do whatever I needed to in order to thrive again. That was until they basically said they can give me a round of antibiotics but it wouldn’t cure it.

I researched so much that week, talked to so many people with Lyme disease... I felt defeated. I was being told left and right that this is my life now. That I would need to be on antibiotics forever, that I needed to see certain Lyme doctors (which I could not afford!) and learn how to survive through the horrible symptoms that are inevitably coming as the disease progresses. I became very terrified. 

Thankfully, the following week brought some relief. Different people all over our mountain community told me about Heather Swan. They would rattle on about testimonies they heard, etc. Her name kept popping up! I even drove home one day thinking about that very fact and right then I passed her office, which, to my surprise, was only a couple miles from my home. I was intrigued about natural medicine but still was uncertain what she could do for Lyme. I decided it was worth a try since I was uneasy with the modern medicine approach. I went into her office and was super relieved to meet the sweetest, most gentle, kind-hearted, understanding, wonderful listener, and full of compassion woman I have yet to meet. We talked. She did all her testing. She was honest. She explained the disease (and other issues in my body) that I’ve been living with, explained every detail of every treatment that I needed to begin and explained that she would be here for me every step of the way. 

We began immediately. I started frequency treatment 2 times a week and after each session I would do a ionic foot detox and on some days I would use the hyperbaric. Additionally, there were homeopathic and herbal remedies that I would use l to help my body during this difficult time. 

Dr. Swan thought it would take about a year to see some tangible results, if we stayed consistent. Well, in 6 months time, I tested clear for Lyme disease. Like it was gone! I knew I was feeling better and better (even though it was HARD during some months) but I was stunned to see that healing happen that quickly. She helped my body heal naturally. That was a miracle. 

Emotionally, physically and spiritually she was and is a pillar of strength that I can safely lean on. She saved my life in many ways. I feel that I owe her everything - but she would never want me to say that. She is passionate to help people. And... she is REALLY good at it, too. ♥️

Coarsegold, CA
After no conclusive answers from my conventional Doctors and worsening symptoms day by day I found Dr. Heather Swan at my absolute lowest point in my health Journey with Lyme Disease, co-infections, and Epstein Barr. She was a Blessing and pivotal turning point for my health. She was able to quickly come up with an action plan of treatment options and even supported my choices to use some herbal remedies instead of her Homeopathic. Dr. Swan wants to see her patients heal in their own individualized ways. She has a wonderful approach that works at healing all aspects of the mind, body, and spirit. It’s a refreshing approach that I felt comfortable and supported throughout the entire process. I have been nothing but impressed by her care and innovative treatment options such as Frequency treatments, Hyperbaric Oxygen therapy, infrared sauna, ionic foot detox, and Homeopathy, just to name a few. With her treatments and changing all my eating and lifestyle habits I have eradicated my Lyme and am now working to heal the damages it left. Thank you Heather Swan deeply and truly!

Lindsey E.
Portland, OR
NEUROFEEDBACK
I highly recommend Dr. Swan's brand of neuro-feedback called BrainMaster Avatar. It is the cutting edge of retraining the brain. Included, is a brain map at the onset of treatment and then every tenth training. I have been called the poster child of feedback in a joking and yet serious manner. This is not my first rodeo, in fact it is my 5th time training my brain. All the training has absolutely helped me become healthier on all levels. 

Please allow me to share just a little of my history. My first feedback was in 2012 after successfully getting off of 16 long numbing years on psychiatric medications. I was a professional within the county mental health field. After experiencing a stressful event I had difficulty sleeping, concentration, and feeling ok about everything. I was 39 years old. I went to a psychiatrist whom I worked with and trusted. He told me, which was not unusual for that time, that I had a chemical imbalance and would have to take psychiatric medications the rest of my life. I objected but he did not listen. Soon, I had a psychologist saying the same thing to me. I was told that I had major depression, bipolar disorder, ADD, PTSD, and borderline personality disorder. Peer pressure can happen at any age! Fast forward into losing my career and my life as I knew it. I broke apart and went home to my childhood home. I did what I was told and ended up on permanent disability. I was not a happy camper at the age of 55. 

Luckily as "Spirit" works, I accidentally and on purpose found a zen psychotherapist who confronted me with my drugged and lost personhood. Next, I remembered that I was living a lie and knew that I was not suppose to be lost. I learned mindfulness skills and tools including insight meditation, qigong, yoga, read lots of helpful powerful books, and did other alternative paths of healing and awakening out of what I call the pain body. 

Neuro-feedback is one of those paths. In fact, I attribute feedback on my brain as the final frontier of healing and recovery. Prior to feedback I was able to get off all the psychiatric medications. With feedback I have increasingly learned to shift into a higher being or level of consciousness and life. It may not be the norm of what I once was or even interesting to you. But I can tell you, that I am healthier than I have ever been! Underneath all the medications was a broken brain from developmental trauma. Yes there is science and some good professionals know this. In the next ten to twenty years more and more feedback will be instituted along with other forms of healing because it works. Uncovering the roots of what causes disease is in my experience buried. And yes working on the level of the brain can and has helped me in countless ways. 

Along with BrainMaster Avatar I see my current psychotherapist a trauma specialist who helps me integrate the changes in my consciousness. I have new memories and an growing ability. Each brain map shows a healthier brain. I cannot change the oil in my car, but I certainly can drive. In other words, I cannot explain exactly how neuro-feedback works except that it rewire's the brain. The pioneers of feedback took an EEG to India and studied the brains of monks who have transcended into enlightenment or call it a healthier brain. The feedback is based on healthier brains than mine. So I train my brain to become healthier. And creating new neuro-pathways absolutely work! This path has certainly worked for me. My friends tell me so as does my life and degree of happiness. Healing and recovery is hard work meaning I also practice gratitude. In fact, next month will be my start anniversary of being off all psychiatric medications 9 years. 

It is important to understand that each person is unique and will experience their brain training as their own. I recommend Heather as an ethical, knowing, compassionate, and Spirit filled practitioner of the alternative healing art of neuro-feedback. It is not easy to share a lifelong journey or not even the past nine years and sound reasonable and down to earth. So if you have any questions please contact me. The truth be known that many of us can become lost and with help we can become found. We do not have to suffer in silence or being alone or settle for less than who God has created us to be. Heather Swan PhD is definitely one of the guides on my healing journey!

Sincerely, Donna Bunce MSW, California

*Stories are written by clients in their own words and do not reflect claims made by 
Dr. Heather Swan or by Swan Integrative Health 

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