Staff

Meet Our Staff

Dr. Atil Narayan, DACM, L.Ac.

Doctor/Chief Executive

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Dr. Naomi Lawrence-Reid, MD

DOCTOR

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Dr. Salinla Ounsakulseree

BOARD LICENSED ACUPUNCTURIST

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Dr. Andrew Gomez

Chiropractor

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Christal Parker

NURSE PRACTITIONER

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Yvonne

CLINIC DIRECTOR

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Antoinette Ortiz

LICENSED MASSAGE THERAPIST

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Amber Garcia

LICENSED MASSAGE THERAPIST

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Dr. Salinla Ounsakulseree

BOARD LICENSED ACUPUNCTURIST

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Dr. Andrew Gomez

Chiropractor

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Christal Parker

NURSE PRACTITIONER

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Yvonne

CLINIC DIRECTOR

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Antoinette Ortiz

LICENSED MASSAGE THERAPIST

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Amber Garcia

LICENSED MASSAGE THERAPIST

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Flor Aguirre

FRONT OFFICE

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Jolene

Front office

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Services

What We Offer

Arthritis

If you or a loved one is among the estimated 54 million Americans living with arthritis, you understand just how debilitating the condition can be. Finding relief is a priority, and is an area of specialty for Dr. Atil Narayan and his staff of Natural Wonders Healthcare in West Covina, California. Dr. Narayan works with you to understand your symptoms and create a treatment plan that delivers results. Schedule an appointment today online or by phone to get started on a path toward lesser pain and improved joint function.

What is arthritis?

While many think of arthritis as a single disease, it’s actually a term used to describe as many as 100 different conditions that cause joint inflammation. The two most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Arthritis is more common among older people, and women have higher rates than men. Being overweight or obese also increases your risk of developing arthritis.

Symptoms include joint pain, swelling, and stiffness, as well as a limited range of joint mobility. You might also feel more tired than normal or notice changes in your appetite.

What causes arthritis?

Your joints are cushioned by a layer of firm, rubbery tissue called cartilage. Healthy cartilage allows flexibility within your joints and also works to absorb shock. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease and occurs when your body’s immune system launches an attack on your joint tissues. Osteoarthritis occurs when your cartilage wears down over time due to normal joint use. An infection or traumatic joint injury can also damage cartilage and cause arthritis.

What is far infrared and how can it help treat arthritis?

Far infrared light is an invisible wavelength of light generated by the sun. In therapeutic applications, far infrared light creates heat deep within your muscles and other tissues.

That gentle warmth has a proven analgesic effect, soothing pain and promoting relaxation. Researchers find that infrared heat can also improve flexibility in connective tissues, thereby relaxing stiff joints.

For those with arthritis, far infrared therapy can also deliver a powerful detoxification effect. The heat, while comfortable, prompts your body to sweat, giving toxins an easy exit path. This added benefit makes far infrared therapy an excellent value.

Can cupping help treat arthritis?

Cupping has received a great deal of attention in recent years, but it’s a therapy based on ancient Chinese, Middle Eastern, and Egyptian healing practices. In fact, one of the oldest existing medical textbooks in the world describes cupping techniques.

The process begins by placing a series of small, sterile cups on your skin. Gentle suction removes the air from the cups and the vacuum effect draws your tissues up into the cups. After a brief period of time, the cups are removed.

Cupping has been shown to increase circulation and reduce inflammation. It’s definitely an approach to consider in your overall arthritis treatment plan.

To learn more about these and other arthritis treatment options, schedule a visit with Dr. Narayan and his staff today. Call to speak with a member of the administrative staff.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a leading cause of wrist pain and can interfere with your normal daily activities. At Natural Wonders Healthcare in West Covina, California, Dr. Atil Narayan and his staff offer multiple natural healing modalities that can treat carpal tunnel syndrome and restore pain-free wrist function. If you’re searching for a solution that doesn’t require surgical intervention or pain medication, schedule a visit today. Call and speak with a member of the office staff.

What is carpal tunnel syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common wrist condition that occurs due to nerve compression. Your wrist contains a slim passageway created by very small bones and a strong ligament. This is your carpal tunnel, and it serves to protect your median nerve, which extends down your arm and into your hand.

If anything places pressure on your median nerve, symptoms will follow. In addition to generalized wrist pain, you might experience a combination of the following:

Sensations of numbness, burning, or weakness in your thumb or fingers

Sudden, shocklike nerve pain

Tingling or pain that travels up into your forearm

Increased clumsiness or weakness in your hand

These symptoms often begin gradually and worsen over time. It’s not uncommon to notice symptoms at night or when you hold your hands at certain angles, like when using the phone or driving.

Am I at risk for carpal tunnel syndrome?

Anyone can develop carpal tunnel syndrome, but certain factors can increase your risk level, including:

Family members with the condition

Pregnancy

Health issues like diabetes, thyroid gland imbalance, or rheumatoid arthritis

Activities that require extreme wrist or hand angles

Carpal tunnel syndrome is very common among men and women who spend long hours typing on a keyboard or working in a setting that requires repetitive hand and wrist motions.

Is acupuncture painful?

Many men and women worry that acupuncture treatments will be painful, especially when they hear the term “needles.” In reality, not only is acupuncture painless, but it can also be a very relaxing experience.

The treatment needles are so thin they flex. They’re sterile and are only used once. They don’t penetrate deep within your body and cause no damage to your organs or nervous system.

You might experience some minor bruising or bleeding at the treatment site, but those effects are not lasting. There’s no need for anesthesia or downtime, and you can resume normal activities immediately after your session.

Dr. Narayan can estimate how many treatments you’ll need during your initial consultation. Be prepared to give feedback about your symptoms during your visits, as this information helps Dr. Narayan customize your treatment plan. To get started, book an appointment today, either online or by phone.

What are some treatment options for carpal tunnel syndrome?

You have choices when it comes to treating carpal tunnel syndrome. Dr. Narayan and his staff can evaluate your symptoms and guide you toward the option that’s best for your specific set of needs.

Many men and women find relief through traditional acupuncture, which uses sterile treatment needles to stimulate the nerves and muscles in your wrist to improve symptoms. Electroacupuncture can also be beneficial and incorporates gentle electrical current into the acupuncture process.

Acupressure is another option that can offer pain relief. Dr. Narayan places precisely controlled pressure on certain acupressure points along your arm and wrist to increase circulation and reduce inflammation.

Can herbal remedies help treat carpal tunnel syndrome?

Herbal remedies offer powerful treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome, but it’s important to work with a skilled, experienced herbalist to achieve optimal results and avoid negative interactions with other supplements or medications you may be taking.

Some of the natural remedies that can assist in treating carpal tunnel syndrome include:

Arnica

Ginko biloba

Circumin (Turmeric)

Ruta graviolens

Rhus toxicodendron

Solomon’s seal

Boswellia

Some remedies are best taken orally, while others are administered via a cream or salve. To learn more, book a visit to Natural Wonders Healthcare today, by phone.

Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a common chronic disorder, but one that’s often misdiagnosed and poorly understood. If you’re living with fibromyalgia, working with a skilled health professionals like Dr. Atil Narayan and his staff at Natural Wonders Healthcare in West Covina, California, is an important part of managing the condition and living your best possible life. To explore treatment options, book an appointment at your earliest convenience by phone.

What is fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder characterized by widespread pain with no clear cause. Because fibromyalgia shares symptoms with so many other conditions, it can be challenging to diagnose. That leaves many men and women frustrated as they search for answers and solutions to this painful disorder.

In addition to pain throughout the body, symptoms of fibromyalgia include:

Headache

Depression or anxiety

Sleep disruptions

Cognitive difficulty

Fatigue

Everyone has a different experience of fibromyalgia, and your symptoms may include a combination any of the above, or entirely different symptoms.

What causes fibromyalgia?

Researchers are still trying to fully understand fibromyalgia, including how it originates and how it affects the body. It’s believed that fibromyalgia occurs when your body’s nervous system becomes overstimulated or responds out of proportion to sensory data.

Certain risk factors increase your chances of fibromyalgia, including:

Physical or emotional trauma

High levels of stress

Genetic predisposition

Certain infections

As more research is done, additional information about the causes of fibromyalgia could play a role in improving treatment options.

Can acupuncture help treat fibromyalgia?

Dr. Narayan and his staff offer several treatments that can help improve your fibromyalgia symptoms, including acupuncture. To understand how acupuncture works, it helps to think about both the traditional and modern views on the treatment.

Acupuncture is part of the ancient Chinese medical tradition. Practitioners believe that every individual has an essential life force, called qi, that runs throughout the body along established channels, called meridians.

If your qi becomes impeded or blocked, widespread pain and health issues can result. Inserting acupuncture treatment needles into specific regions of the skin and underlying tissues works to release the flow of qi, restoring proper balance throughout the body.

The modern view of acupuncture focuses on the ability of the treatment needles to stimulate your peripheral nervous system, increase circulation, and spark an immediate relaxation of muscle fibers. Dr. Narayan’s advanced training and many years of experience allow him to position the treatment needles in the exact configuration needed to address your specific set of symptoms.

In addition to acupuncture, therapies like cupping, far infrared, and certain herbal medicines can all help you find relief from fibromyalgia symptoms. When you’re ready to explore these natural healing options book a consultation by phone.

Headaches

Few things can alter the course of a normal day faster than a serious headache. For those in and around West Covina, California, the care of Dr. Atil Narayan and his staff, of Natural Wonders Healthcare is a great way to address frequent headaches. Dr. Narayan believes in customized treatment plans that place your needs first, and he takes the time to get to know you and your lifestyle in order to create a plan of action that delivers results. When you’re ready to get started, book an appointment by phone.

What are some common types of headaches?

Everyone experiences an occasional headache, but for some, recurring bouts of head pain can interfere with daily routines. These are some of the more common types of headaches.

Tension headaches

These headaches usually come on slowly and worsen over time. You might notice a dull, aching sensation on both sides of your head or pain that spreads to or originates from your neck.

Cluster headaches

These headaches usually occur repeatedly over the course of several days or weeks. You might experience severe pain on only one side of your head, often near your eye. Pain can be burning or sharp.

Migraine

Migraine is not actually a headache but rather a collection of neurological symptoms that include head pain. You might suffer severe pain that throbs or pulses, usually on only one side of your head. Additional symptoms include nausea and sensitivity to light or sound. Migraine attacks can last for hours or even days.

Understanding which type of headache you’re experiencing can help Dr. Narayan devise a personalized treatment plan.

How can acupuncture help treat headaches?

Acupuncture can reduce chronic headaches by improving blood flow and triggering your body to release natural pain-relieving chemicals into your bloodstream. Dr. Narayan and his staff determine the best needle placement to achieve optimal results. In some cases, the needles are placed on your scalp, face, or neck, but acupuncture on other areas of your body can also help treat headaches.

Mounting evidence suggests that acupuncture can play a role in reducing the occurrence of migraine attacks. Taking this preventive measure can give you more time to do the things you love most without the pain and disruption of a serious headache.

Is cupping an effective treatment for headaches?

Cupping therapy can relieve headache pain by reducing inflammation, improving circulation, and eliminating toxins from your body. Small treatment cups are placed on your scalp, face, or body. Next, suction is incorporated, gently drawing your skin up and into the cups.

You may feel a sensation of tension in the treatment area, but cupping is not painful. It’s also common to feel invigorated after sessions, as the process stimulates your nervous and circulatory systems and can trigger endorphin release.

What can I take to relieve headache pain?

It’s tempting to turn to medication to relieve headache pain, but prescription and over-the-counter medications carry a significant risk of side effects. They also only mask the pain and do nothing to resolve the issues that cause headaches in the first place.

Over-reliance on medication can also create a phenomenon called rebound headaches. These are headaches caused by the medication itself and only serve to bring additional discomfort into your life.

Herbal medicine offers a better path toward pain relief — and one that has little risk of negative side effects. Dr. Narayan and his staff are skilled herbalists who can help you find the remedies that best suit your symptoms and lifestyle. When you’re ready to get started, schedule an appointment by phone.

Neck Pain

Your neck is a part of your body that receives very little attention until something goes wrong, at which point you may be able to think of little else. At Natural Wonders Healthcare in West Covina, California, Dr. Atil Narayan and his staff can help you find lasting relief from neck pain. For a face-to-face consultation, reach out to Natural Wonders Healthcare to check availability. You can call and speak with a member of the office staff, or try the easy online scheduling tool.

What are some common causes of neck pain?

Your neck is a complex network of bones, muscles, connective tissues, nerves, and blood vessels. When something goes wrong with any of these components, significant pain can occur.

When you think about the role your neck plays in your overall health, it’s surprising that neck pain isn’t even more common. Not only does your neck support the entire weight of your head, but it also protects your spinal cord and enables the flexibility needed throughout the day.

A number of things can cause neck pain, including:

Traumatic injury

Strains or sprains

Arthritis

Ankylosing

spondylitis

Herniated discs

Mild neck pain from a simple muscle strain often resolves itself after a few days of rest and self-care. If pain persists or is moderate to severe, however, be sure to seek treatment right away.

What are some benefits of using acupuncture to treat neck pain?

Acupuncture offers a natural healing path to address neck pain. Researchers find that patients who undergo acupuncture report a reduction in pain and improved neck mobility, along with numerous other health benefits.

In the hands of a skilled practitioner, acupuncture can relieve neck pain and improve stiffness and mobility. Evidence even suggests stress relief as a treatment outcome, and this can reduce tension in your neck and shoulders.

Acupuncture is a natural healing method and avoids the risks associated with invasive surgical procedures. The risk of adverse effects is also very low, with none of the dangers associated with pharmaceuticals.

Combining herbal remedies with acupuncture can deliver even more impressive results. Be sure to speak with Dr. Narayan about which herbal formulations would work best for you.

Is acupuncture painful?

Many men and women worry that acupuncture treatments will be painful, especially when they hear the term “needles.” In reality, not only is acupuncture painless, but it can also be a very relaxing experience.

The treatment needles are so thin they flex. They’re sterile and are only used once. They don’t penetrate deep within your body and cause no damage to your organs or nervous system.

You might experience some minor bruising or bleeding at the treatment site, but those effects are not lasting. There’s no need for anesthesia or downtime, and you can resume normal activities immediately after your session.

Dr. Narayan and his staff can estimate how many treatments you’ll need during your initial consultation. Be prepared to give feedback about your symptoms during your visits, as this information helps customize your treatment plan. To get started, book an appointment today, either online or by phone.

Sciatica

Sciatica can be more than just painful; the condition can also cause you to limit your activity, threatening your overall health and wellness. At Natural Wonders Healthcare in West Covina, California, Dr. Atil Narayan and his staff work with many men and women to combat sciatica. To learn more about the available treatment options, schedule an appointment today. Book your visit any time by phone.

What is sciatica?

Sciatica is a painful condition that occurs due to nerve compression. Your sciatic nerve is the longest single nerve in your body, running from your lower back down through your hips and buttocks and down your legs.

If anything places pressure on your sciatic nerve, symptoms will appear. One of the more common causes is a bulging or herniated disc in the lower portion of your spine. Occupations that require extensive time standing in one position or sitting at a desk can also lead to sciatica.

What are the symptoms of sciatica?

Unlike many other types of pain, sciatica is fairly easy to diagnose. The primary symptom of sciatica is pain that originates in your lower back and radiates down the buttock and the back of the leg. Sciatica usually only affects one side of the body.

Additional symptoms include:

Numbness

Tingling

Sensation of muscle weakness

Sciatica pain can range from mild to severe and can feel like a sharp burning or a dull ache. You may notice your symptoms worsening after a period of prolonged sitting, or when you cough or sneeze.

How is sciatica treated?

Dr. Narayan and his staff offer multiple treatments that can improve your sciatica pain. Acupuncture is a great place to begin and can increase circulation and relax muscles in your lower back and legs. Acupuncture also releases a flow of endorphins and enkephalins, which act as natural painkillers.

Another treatment option is called microcurrent therapy and uses low levels of electrical current to relieve pain and reduce inflammation. Your tissues already have specific electrical frequencies, and when they’re disrupted, significant pain can occur.

Microcurrent therapy works to restore normal electrical frequencies in the targeted tissues. The process also helps your body synthesize proteins, thus prompting faster healing. You may even notice an increase in your overall energy levels.

Targeted stretching and lifestyle modifications can enhance any treatment for sciatica. By altering the way you use your body every day, you can make meaningful changes that will improve your health, protect against future injury, and strengthen your body.

To explore these and other treatment paths, book a visit with Dr. Narayan and his staff. They will conduct a thorough exam and health review before discussing all available options, giving you the details needed to make an informed decision about your care.

Tendonitis

If you suffer from tendinitis, you may find yourself limited in your daily actions and distracted by persistent pain. Finding relief is important, and it’s possible through the care of Dr. Atil Narayan and his staff of Natural Wonders Healthcare in West Covina, California. To learn more about how you can harness your body’s natural healing abilities and move beyond tendon pain, schedule an appointment today. Call to check availability.

What is tendonitis?

Tendinitis, which is sometimes called tendonitis, is a painful condition marked by inflammation and degeneration tendon tissue. Your tendons are bands of tough connective tissue that attach muscle tissue to your bones.

Because your tendons have a very limited blood supply, they don’t heal as quickly as other tissue types. When tendons sustain tearing or other damage, pain can linger for a long time. While some tendon damage can heal over time without treatment, tendonitis can be effectively addressed by stimulating your body’s healing function.

Can I prevent tendonitis?

Anyone can develop tendonitis, but the condition is more common in adults over the age of 40. Your tendons become less elastic over time and tear more easily.

tendonitis can occur after a sudden injury but is more commonly associated with repetitive stress. You can reduce your risk of tendonitis changing your routines to limit repetitive movements. Gradually increasing your activity level can also lower your risk, as many cases of tendonitis occur after the start of an aggressive new fitness plan.

It’s important to listen to the messages your body sends. If a movement causes pain, take steps to alter your activity and give your body a chance to rest and recover. Pushing through pain is a guaranteed way to injure yourself.

What are some natural healing treatments for tendonitis?

Acupuncture is a great treatment for tendonitis. Traditional Chinese wisdom holds that there is a strong connection between your liver and your connective tissues. Deficiencies in your liver and related blood flow are believed to cause pain and swelling in your tendons, as your tendons won’t receive the nourishment and lubrication they need.

Acupuncture can help by restoring balance in your liver and improving blood flow in the affected area. The process also releases natural pain-relieving chemicals, reducing the urge to turn to pharmaceutical intervention for tendon pain.

Chinese herbal treatments are another great approach and can be combined with acupuncture to boost results. Some formulations help with pain and inflammation, while others help strengthen connective tissues. It’s important to choose an experienced herbalist to get the most out of this approach and to avoid negative interactions with other supplements or medications.

To start a natural treatment path for tendonitis, schedule a visit with Dr. Narayan and his staff today. Feel free to call or visit the office to check appointment availability.

Whiplash

Whiplash injuries occur with little advance warning and can be both stressful and painful. Dr. Atil Narayan and his staff of Natural Wonders Healthcare in West Covina, California, has helped many men and women recover from whiplash using natural, evidence-based treatments that do not rely on invasive procedures or prescription drugs. Don’t suffer through whiplash symptoms when safe and effective treatments can help. Book your visit with Dr. Narayan and his staff today with a simple phone call. .

What is whiplash?

Whiplash is a specific type of neck injury caused by a sudden back-and-forth neck movement. While your neck is a strong and flexible part of your body, whiplash injuries usually occur so rapidly you have no time to prepare or take protective measures.

Auto accidents are among the leading causes of whiplash, especially when your vehicle is struck from behind. The force of impact can cause your neck to quickly extend forward before slamming back against the headrest. Those movements place strain on the muscles, connective tissues, nerves, and blood vessels within your neck.

Sports injuries can also lead to whiplash, as can certain falls. Even physical abuse or simple roughhousing can strain your neck and lead to pain.

Should I take medications to ease whiplash pain?

Medication certainly plays a role in treating many serious conditions, but there is evidence to suggest we rely far too heavily on both prescription and over-the-counter drugs in everyday life. Finding a way to prompt your body’s natural healing ability is a far better approach to achieving lasting pain relief.

Prescription medications carry a long list of side effects. One of the most dangerous is the risk of addiction. Many men and women develop incredibly harmful addictions after using opioid medications to treat pain. That can cause years of disruption to your health and all other aspects of your life.

Over-the-counter medications also take a toll on your body, as these substances must be metabolized and processed. Don’t fall into the common misconception that just because a medication is readily available in stores it doesn’t carry a risk of side effects.

What natural treatments can help with whiplash?

A growing body of research supports acupuncture as a safe and effective treatment for whiplash. A technique called electroacupuncture introduces continuous gentle electrical pulses into the tissues of your neck.

Electroacupuncture begins with insertion of a series of thin, flexible, sterile treatment needles. The needles are then connected to a device that sends carefully controlled electrical current through the needles and into your tissues.

One benefit of electroacupuncture is the ability to target a wider range of tissue than traditional acupuncture. Because the electrical current spreads to a larger area, needle placement does not have to be precise to generate effects.

The experience is not painful and usually lasts less than 30 minutes. You may notice a tingling sensation during sessions, and you might have minor bruising or minimal bleeding at the treatment site.

Dr. Narayan and his staff can also suggest some herbal supplements that can speed your healing process and help address lingering pain as your body heals. Combining herbal therapy with other modalities can boost the effects of your treatment plan.

If you experience whiplash, book an appointment with Dr. Narayan right away to begin treatment. Left untreated, whiplash symptoms can worsen. You can set up your visit by phone.

Arthritis

If you or a loved one is among the estimated 54 million Americans living with arthritis, you understand just how debilitating the condition can be. Finding relief is a priority, and is an area of specialty for Dr. Atil Narayan and his staff of Natural Wonders Healthcare in West Covina, California. Dr. Narayan works with you to understand your symptoms and create a treatment plan that delivers results. Schedule an appointment today online or by phone to get started on a path toward lesser pain and improved joint function.

What is arthritis?

While many think of arthritis as a single disease, it’s actually a term used to describe as many as 100 different conditions that cause joint inflammation. The two most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Arthritis is more common among older people, and women have higher rates than men. Being overweight or obese also increases your risk of developing arthritis.

Symptoms include joint pain, swelling, and stiffness, as well as a limited range of joint mobility. You might also feel more tired than normal or notice changes in your appetite.

What causes arthritis?

Your joints are cushioned by a layer of firm, rubbery tissue called cartilage. Healthy cartilage allows flexibility within your joints and also works to absorb shock. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease and occurs when your body’s immune system launches an attack on your joint tissues. Osteoarthritis occurs when your cartilage wears down over time due to normal joint use. An infection or traumatic joint injury can also damage cartilage and cause arthritis.

What is far infrared and how can it help treat arthritis?

Far infrared light is an invisible wavelength of light generated by the sun. In therapeutic applications, far infrared light creates heat deep within your muscles and other tissues.

That gentle warmth has a proven analgesic effect, soothing pain and promoting relaxation. Researchers find that infrared heat can also improve flexibility in connective tissues, thereby relaxing stiff joints.

For those with arthritis, far infrared therapy can also deliver a powerful detoxification effect. The heat, while comfortable, prompts your body to sweat, giving toxins an easy exit path. This added benefit makes far infrared therapy an excellent value.

Can cupping help treat arthritis?

Cupping has received a great deal of attention in recent years, but it’s a therapy based on ancient Chinese, Middle Eastern, and Egyptian healing practices. In fact, one of the oldest existing medical textbooks in the world describes cupping techniques.

The process begins by placing a series of small, sterile cups on your skin. Gentle suction removes the air from the cups and the vacuum effect draws your tissues up into the cups. After a brief period of time, the cups are removed.

Cupping has been shown to increase circulation and reduce inflammation. It’s definitely an approach to consider in your overall arthritis treatment plan.

To learn more about these and other arthritis treatment options, schedule a visit with Dr. Narayan and his staff today. Call to speak with a member of the administrative staff.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a leading cause of wrist pain and can interfere with your normal daily activities. At Natural Wonders Healthcare in West Covina, California, Dr. Atil Narayan and his staff offer multiple natural healing modalities that can treat carpal tunnel syndrome and restore pain-free wrist function. If you’re searching for a solution that doesn’t require surgical intervention or pain medication, schedule a visit today. Call and speak with a member of the office staff.

What is carpal tunnel syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common wrist condition that occurs due to nerve compression. Your wrist contains a slim passageway created by very small bones and a strong ligament. This is your carpal tunnel, and it serves to protect your median nerve, which extends down your arm and into your hand.

If anything places pressure on your median nerve, symptoms will follow. In addition to generalized wrist pain, you might experience a combination of the following:

Sensations of numbness, burning, or weakness in your thumb or fingers

Sudden, shocklike nerve pain

Tingling or pain that travels up into your forearm

Increased clumsiness or weakness in your hand

These symptoms often begin gradually and worsen over time. It’s not uncommon to notice symptoms at night or when you hold your hands at certain angles, like when using the phone or driving.

Am I at risk for carpal tunnel syndrome?

Anyone can develop carpal tunnel syndrome, but certain factors can increase your risk level, including:

Family members with the condition

Pregnancy

Health issues like diabetes, thyroid gland imbalance, or rheumatoid arthritis

Activities that require extreme wrist or hand angles

Carpal tunnel syndrome is very common among men and women who spend long hours typing on a keyboard or working in a setting that requires repetitive hand and wrist motions.

Is acupuncture painful?

Many men and women worry that acupuncture treatments will be painful, especially when they hear the term “needles.” In reality, not only is acupuncture painless, but it can also be a very relaxing experience.

The treatment needles are so thin they flex. They’re sterile and are only used once. They don’t penetrate deep within your body and cause no damage to your organs or nervous system.

You might experience some minor bruising or bleeding at the treatment site, but those effects are not lasting. There’s no need for anesthesia or downtime, and you can resume normal activities immediately after your session.

Dr. Narayan can estimate how many treatments you’ll need during your initial consultation. Be prepared to give feedback about your symptoms during your visits, as this information helps Dr. Narayan customize your treatment plan. To get started, book an appointment today, either online or by phone.

What are some treatment options for carpal tunnel syndrome?

You have choices when it comes to treating carpal tunnel syndrome. Dr. Narayan and his staff can evaluate your symptoms and guide you toward the option that’s best for your specific set of needs.

Many men and women find relief through traditional acupuncture, which uses sterile treatment needles to stimulate the nerves and muscles in your wrist to improve symptoms. Electroacupuncture can also be beneficial and incorporates gentle electrical current into the acupuncture process.

Acupressure is another option that can offer pain relief. Dr. Narayan places precisely controlled pressure on certain acupressure points along your arm and wrist to increase circulation and reduce inflammation.

Can herbal remedies help treat carpal tunnel syndrome?

Herbal remedies offer powerful treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome, but it’s important to work with a skilled, experienced herbalist to achieve optimal results and avoid negative interactions with other supplements or medications you may be taking.

Some of the natural remedies that can assist in treating carpal tunnel syndrome include:

Arnica

Ginko biloba

Circumin (Turmeric)

Ruta graviolens

Rhus toxicodendron

Solomon’s seal

Boswellia

Some remedies are best taken orally, while others are administered via a cream or salve. To learn more, book a visit to Natural Wonders Healthcare today, by phone.

Fibromyalgia

Dr. Atil Narayan, DACM, L.Ac

Atil Narayan, DACM, L.Ac. Acupuncture & Pain Management located in West Covina, CA

Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a common chronic disorder, but one that’s often misdiagnosed and poorly understood. If you’re living with fibromyalgia, working with a skilled health professionals like Dr. Atil Narayan and his staff at Natural Wonders Healthcare in West Covina, California, is an important part of managing the condition and living your best possible life. To explore treatment options, book an appointment at your earliest convenience by phone.

What is fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder characterized by widespread pain with no clear cause. Because fibromyalgia shares symptoms with so many other conditions, it can be challenging to diagnose. That leaves many men and women frustrated as they search for answers and solutions to this painful disorder.

In addition to pain throughout the body, symptoms of fibromyalgia include:

Headache

Depression or anxiety

Sleep disruptions

Cognitive difficulty

Fatigue

Everyone has a different experience of fibromyalgia, and your symptoms may include a combination any of the above, or entirely different symptoms.

What causes fibromyalgia?

Researchers are still trying to fully understand fibromyalgia, including how it originates and how it affects the body. It’s believed that fibromyalgia occurs when your body’s nervous system becomes overstimulated or responds out of proportion to sensory data.

Certain risk factors increase your chances of fibromyalgia, including:

Physical or emotional trauma

High levels of stress

Genetic predisposition

Certain infections

As more research is done, additional information about the causes of fibromyalgia could play a role in improving treatment options.

Can acupuncture help treat fibromyalgia?

Dr. Narayan and his staff offer several treatments that can help improve your fibromyalgia symptoms, including acupuncture. To understand how acupuncture works, it helps to think about both the traditional and modern views on the treatment.

Acupuncture is part of the ancient Chinese medical tradition. Practitioners believe that every individual has an essential life force, called qi, that runs throughout the body along established channels, called meridians.

If your qi becomes impeded or blocked, widespread pain and health issues can result. Inserting acupuncture treatment needles into specific regions of the skin and underlying tissues works to release the flow of qi, restoring proper balance throughout the body.

The modern view of acupuncture focuses on the ability of the treatment needles to stimulate your peripheral nervous system, increase circulation, and spark an immediate relaxation of muscle fibers. Dr. Narayan’s advanced training and many years of experience allow him to position the treatment needles in the exact configuration needed to address your specific set of symptoms.

In addition to acupuncture, therapies like cupping, far infrared, and certain herbal medicines can all help you find relief from fibromyalgia symptoms. When you’re ready to explore these natural healing options book a consultation by phone.

Headaches

Few things can alter the course of a normal day faster than a serious headache. For those in and around West Covina, California, the care of Dr. Atil Narayan and his staff, of Natural Wonders Healthcare is a great way to address frequent headaches. Dr. Narayan believes in customized treatment plans that place your needs first, and he takes the time to get to know you and your lifestyle in order to create a plan of action that delivers results. When you’re ready to get started, book an appointment by phone.

What are some common types of headaches?

Everyone experiences an occasional headache, but for some, recurring bouts of head pain can interfere with daily routines. These are some of the more common types of headaches.

Tension headaches

These headaches usually come on slowly and worsen over time. You might notice a dull, aching sensation on both sides of your head or pain that spreads to or originates from your neck.

Cluster headaches

These headaches usually occur repeatedly over the course of several days or weeks. You might experience severe pain on only one side of your head, often near your eye. Pain can be burning or sharp.

Migraine

Migraine is not actually a headache but rather a collection of neurological symptoms that include head pain. You might suffer severe pain that throbs or pulses, usually on only one side of your head. Additional symptoms include nausea and sensitivity to light or sound. Migraine attacks can last for hours or even days.

Understanding which type of headache you’re experiencing can help Dr. Narayan devise a personalized treatment plan.

How can acupuncture help treat headaches?

Acupuncture can reduce chronic headaches by improving blood flow and triggering your body to release natural pain-relieving chemicals into your bloodstream. Dr. Narayan and his staff determine the best needle placement to achieve optimal results. In some cases, the needles are placed on your scalp, face, or neck, but acupuncture on other areas of your body can also help treat headaches.

Mounting evidence suggests that acupuncture can play a role in reducing the occurrence of migraine attacks. Taking this preventive measure can give you more time to do the things you love most without the pain and disruption of a serious headache.

Is cupping an effective treatment for headaches?

Cupping therapy can relieve headache pain by reducing inflammation, improving circulation, and eliminating toxins from your body. Small treatment cups are placed on your scalp, face, or body. Next, suction is incorporated, gently drawing your skin up and into the cups.

You may feel a sensation of tension in the treatment area, but cupping is not painful. It’s also common to feel invigorated after sessions, as the process stimulates your nervous and circulatory systems and can trigger endorphin release.

What can I take to relieve headache pain?

It’s tempting to turn to medication to relieve headache pain, but prescription and over-the-counter medications carry a significant risk of side effects. They also only mask the pain and do nothing to resolve the issues that cause headaches in the first place.

Over-reliance on medication can also create a phenomenon called rebound headaches. These are headaches caused by the medication itself and only serve to bring additional discomfort into your life.

Herbal medicine offers a better path toward pain relief — and one that has little risk of negative side effects. Dr. Narayan and his staff are skilled herbalists who can help you find the remedies that best suit your symptoms and lifestyle. When you’re ready to get started, schedule an appointment by phone.

Neck Pain

Your neck is a part of your body that receives very little attention until something goes wrong, at which point you may be able to think of little else. At Natural Wonders Healthcare in West Covina, California, Dr. Atil Narayan and his staff can help you find lasting relief from neck pain. For a face-to-face consultation, reach out to Natural Wonders Healthcare to check availability. You can call and speak with a member of the office staff, or try the easy online scheduling tool.

What are some common causes of neck pain?

Your neck is a complex network of bones, muscles, connective tissues, nerves, and blood vessels. When something goes wrong with any of these components, significant pain can occur.

When you think about the role your neck plays in your overall health, it’s surprising that neck pain isn’t even more common. Not only does your neck support the entire weight of your head, but it also protects your spinal cord and enables the flexibility needed throughout the day.

A number of things can cause neck pain, including:

Traumatic injury

Strains or sprains

Arthritis

Ankylosing

spondylitis

Herniated discs

Mild neck pain from a simple muscle strain often resolves itself after a few days of rest and self-care. If pain persists or is moderate to severe, however, be sure to seek treatment right away.

What are some benefits of using acupuncture to treat neck pain?

Acupuncture offers a natural healing path to address neck pain. Researchers find that patients who undergo acupuncture report a reduction in pain and improved neck mobility, along with numerous other health benefits.

In the hands of a skilled practitioner, acupuncture can relieve neck pain and improve stiffness and mobility. Evidence even suggests stress relief as a treatment outcome, and this can reduce tension in your neck and shoulders.

Acupuncture is a natural healing method and avoids the risks associated with invasive surgical procedures. The risk of adverse effects is also very low, with none of the dangers associated with pharmaceuticals.

Combining herbal remedies with acupuncture can deliver even more impressive results. Be sure to speak with Dr. Narayan about which herbal formulations would work best for you.

Is acupuncture painful?

Many men and women worry that acupuncture treatments will be painful, especially when they hear the term “needles.” In reality, not only is acupuncture painless, but it can also be a very relaxing experience.

The treatment needles are so thin they flex. They’re sterile and are only used once. They don’t penetrate deep within your body and cause no damage to your organs or nervous system.

You might experience some minor bruising or bleeding at the treatment site, but those effects are not lasting. There’s no need for anesthesia or downtime, and you can resume normal activities immediately after your session.

Dr. Narayan and his staff can estimate how many treatments you’ll need during your initial consultation. Be prepared to give feedback about your symptoms during your visits, as this information helps customize your treatment plan. To get started, book an appointment today, either online or by phone.

Sciatica

Sciatica can be more than just painful; the condition can also cause you to limit your activity, threatening your overall health and wellness. At Natural Wonders Healthcare in West Covina, California, Dr. Atil Narayan and his staff work with many men and women to combat sciatica. To learn more about the available treatment options, schedule an appointment today. Book your visit any time by phone.

What is sciatica?

Sciatica is a painful condition that occurs due to nerve compression. Your sciatic nerve is the longest single nerve in your body, running from your lower back down through your hips and buttocks and down your legs.

If anything places pressure on your sciatic nerve, symptoms will appear. One of the more common causes is a bulging or herniated disc in the lower portion of your spine. Occupations that require extensive time standing in one position or sitting at a desk can also lead to sciatica.

What are the symptoms of sciatica?

Unlike many other types of pain, sciatica is fairly easy to diagnose. The primary symptom of sciatica is pain that originates in your lower back and radiates down the buttock and the back of the leg. Sciatica usually only affects one side of the body.

Additional symptoms include:

Numbness

Tingling

Sensation of muscle weakness

Sciatica pain can range from mild to severe and can feel like a sharp burning or a dull ache. You may notice your symptoms worsening after a period of prolonged sitting, or when you cough or sneeze.

How is sciatica treated?

Dr. Narayan and his staff offer multiple treatments that can improve your sciatica pain. Acupuncture is a great place to begin and can increase circulation and relax muscles in your lower back and legs. Acupuncture also releases a flow of endorphins and enkephalins, which act as natural painkillers.

Another treatment option is called microcurrent therapy and uses low levels of electrical current to relieve pain and reduce inflammation. Your tissues already have specific electrical frequencies, and when they’re disrupted, significant pain can occur.

Microcurrent therapy works to restore normal electrical frequencies in the targeted tissues. The process also helps your body synthesize proteins, thus prompting faster healing. You may even notice an increase in your overall energy levels.

Targeted stretching and lifestyle modifications can enhance any treatment for sciatica. By altering the way you use your body every day, you can make meaningful changes that will improve your health, protect against future injury, and strengthen your body.

To explore these and other treatment paths, book a visit with Dr. Narayan and his staff. They will conduct a thorough exam and health review before discussing all available options, giving you the details needed to make an informed decision about your care.

Tendonitis

If you suffer from tendinitis, you may find yourself limited in your daily actions and distracted by persistent pain. Finding relief is important, and it’s possible through the care of Dr. Atil Narayan and his staff of Natural Wonders Healthcare in West Covina, California. To learn more about how you can harness your body’s natural healing abilities and move beyond tendon pain, schedule an appointment today. Call to check availability.

What is tendonitis?

Tendinitis, which is sometimes called tendonitis, is a painful condition marked by inflammation and degeneration tendon tissue. Your tendons are bands of tough connective tissue that attach muscle tissue to your bones.

Because your tendons have a very limited blood supply, they don’t heal as quickly as other tissue types. When tendons sustain tearing or other damage, pain can linger for a long time. While some tendon damage can heal over time without treatment, tendonitis can be effectively addressed by stimulating your body’s healing function.

Can I prevent tendonitis?

Anyone can develop tendonitis, but the condition is more common in adults over the age of 40. Your tendons become less elastic over time and tear more easily.

tendonitis can occur after a sudden injury but is more commonly associated with repetitive stress. You can reduce your risk of tendonitis changing your routines to limit repetitive movements. Gradually increasing your activity level can also lower your risk, as many cases of tendonitis occur after the start of an aggressive new fitness plan.

It’s important to listen to the messages your body sends. If a movement causes pain, take steps to alter your activity and give your body a chance to rest and recover. Pushing through pain is a guaranteed way to injure yourself.

What are some natural healing treatments for tendonitis?

Acupuncture is a great treatment for tendonitis. Traditional Chinese wisdom holds that there is a strong connection between your liver and your connective tissues. Deficiencies in your liver and related blood flow are believed to cause pain and swelling in your tendons, as your tendons won’t receive the nourishment and lubrication they need.

Acupuncture can help by restoring balance in your liver and improving blood flow in the affected area. The process also releases natural pain-relieving chemicals, reducing the urge to turn to pharmaceutical intervention for tendon pain.

Chinese herbal treatments are another great approach and can be combined with acupuncture to boost results. Some formulations help with pain and inflammation, while others help strengthen connective tissues. It’s important to choose an experienced herbalist to get the most out of this approach and to avoid negative interactions with other supplements or medications.

To start a natural treatment path for tendonitis, schedule a visit with Dr. Narayan and his staff today. Feel free to call or visit the office to check appointment availability.

Whiplash

Whiplash injuries occur with little advance warning and can be both stressful and painful. Dr. Atil Narayan and his staff of Natural Wonders Healthcare in West Covina, California, has helped many men and women recover from whiplash using natural, evidence-based treatments that do not rely on invasive procedures or prescription drugs. Don’t suffer through whiplash symptoms when safe and effective treatments can help. Book your visit with Dr. Narayan and his staff today with a simple phone call.

What is whiplash?

Whiplash is a specific type of neck injury caused by a sudden back-and-forth neck movement. While your neck is a strong and flexible part of your body, whiplash injuries usually occur so rapidly you have no time to prepare or take protective measures.

Auto accidents are among the leading causes of whiplash, especially when your vehicle is struck from behind. The force of impact can cause your neck to quickly extend forward before slamming back against the headrest. Those movements place strain on the muscles, connective tissues, nerves, and blood vessels within your neck.

Sports injuries can also lead to whiplash, as can certain falls. Even physical abuse or simple roughhousing can strain your neck and lead to pain.

Should I take medications to ease whiplash pain?

Medication certainly plays a role in treating many serious conditions, but there is evidence to suggest we rely far too heavily on both prescription and over-the-counter drugs in everyday life. Finding a way to prompt your body’s natural healing ability is a far better approach to achieving lasting pain relief.

Prescription medications carry a long list of side effects. One of the most dangerous is the risk of addiction. Many men and women develop incredibly harmful addictions after using opioid medications to treat pain. That can cause years of disruption to your health and all other aspects of your life.

Over-the-counter medications also take a toll on your body, as these substances must be metabolized and processed. Don’t fall into the common misconception that just because a medication is readily available in stores it doesn’t carry a risk of side effects.

What natural treatments can help with whiplash?

A growing body of research supports acupuncture as a safe and effective treatment for whiplash. A technique called electroacupuncture introduces continuous gentle electrical pulses into the tissues of your neck.

Electroacupuncture begins with insertion of a series of thin, flexible, sterile treatment needles. The needles are then connected to a device that sends carefully controlled electrical current through the needles and into your tissues.

One benefit of electroacupuncture is the ability to target a wider range of tissue than traditional acupuncture. Because the electrical current spreads to a larger area, needle placement does not have to be precise to generate effects.

The experience is not painful and usually lasts less than 30 minutes. You may notice a tingling sensation during sessions, and you might have minor bruising or minimal bleeding at the treatment site.

Dr. Narayan and his staff can also suggest some herbal supplements that can speed your healing process and help address lingering pain as your body heals. Combining herbal therapy with other modalities can boost the effects of your treatment plan.

If you experience whiplash, book an appointment with Dr. Narayan right away to begin treatment. Left untreated, whiplash symptoms can worsen. You can set up your visit by phone.