Allergies can be miserable, but fortunately there are effective allergy treatments available within integrative medicine. Low Dose Allergy treatment, LDA, is an option that works for many allergic patients, including children. See what patients have to say about this...
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Dr. Charlene Kannankeril, ND
Dr. Kannankeril is a licensed, board certified Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine. She is trained in natural medicine therapies including clinical nutrition, herbal medicine and nutritional supplements. While trained in the standard medical model and pharmaceutical drugs, she often works with her patients to wean them off unnecessary medications that can carry harmful side effects. She may prescribe compounded medications customized to meet her patients' health needs.
Naturopathic Physician, Integrative Medicine for adults and childrenSpecialty
Dr. Kannankeril works to find the cause of illness rather than treating just the presenting symptoms and her individualized treatment plans are aimed at treating the root of the problem.Practice Philosophy
Naturopathic Medicine, Gastrointestinal Disorders, Thyroid Conditions, Hormone Imbalances and Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) , Stress and Anxiety Disorders, Clinical Nutrition, Women's Health, Annual Exam, Low Dose Allergy (LDA) Immunotherapy, Chronic Fatigue and Autism Spectrum Disorders Area of Focus
Dr. Kannankeril’s areas of specialty include: Approach Dr. Kannankeril spends time with her patients to truly listen and to make connections with each of a patient’s symptoms. She uses that information along with appropriate testing to get to the bottom of each case and develop a comprehensive treatment plan. She is able to prescribe medications, but sees the value in using a natural approach as a first line of treatment. The goal of any health care should be prevention. Dr. Kannankeril teaches her patients tools for living a healthy life. Dr. Kannankeril uses the least invasive treatments to minimize risks of harmful side effects. Dr. Kannankeril works to create a healthy, caring relationship with her patients. She educates them about their health and encourages self-responsibility in their healing processes. While modern medicine works to suppress symptoms, Dr.Kannankeril works to find and remove the underlying causes of illness. Any imbalance in the body, mind or spirit affects the entire person. She takes numerous factors into account when creating her personalized and comprehensive treatment plan. Dr. Kannankeril's role is to remove obstacles to health by assisting the body's natural healing process. About Dr. Kannankeril is a licensed, board certified Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine. She is trained in natural medicine therapies including clinical nutrition, herbal medicine and nutritional supplements. While trained in the standard medical model and pharmaceutical drugs, she often works with her patients to wean them off unnecessary medications that can carry harmful side effects or prescribes compounded medications customized to meet her patients' health needs. Dr. Kannankeril received her bachelor’s degree from George Washington University in Washington, DC. While studying pre-med, she became interested in natural forms of healing and went on to study homeopathy and Ayurvedic medicine near her family home in Kerala, India, and then pursued a Master’s degree in Natural Health. She completed her naturopathic medical degree at the National College of Naturopathic Medicine in Portland, Oregon, the oldest accredited naturopathic medical school in the country. Dr. Kannankeril also received certification in homeopathy and IV Therapy, and completed internships in Cardiopulmonary Medicine and Women’s Health as well as a residency in Integrative Medicine. Dr. Kannankeril was originally appointed by the former Mayor Anthony Williams as a member of the DC Board of Medicine's Advisory Committee on Naturopathic Medicine in 2006. She was reappointed to this position and made Chairperson of the Committee by Mayor Adrian Fenty in 2009. As Chairperson, she regularly consults with the Board of Medicine on integrative medicine and is a member of the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians. Testimonials This was my third visit and Dr Kannankeril and the staff at NIHA are always kind, honoring, and considerate. At age 61, this is probably the first time in my life that I have always left a doctor's office feeling seen, heard, and completely understood, in all aspects. I love the way Dr Kannankeril truly listens and considers what I am saying, because I believe that one size doesn't fit all, and each person is best able to talk about their own body. Thank you Dr K for creating such a safe space, and a peaceful, restful, affirming oasis for your patients to feel heard and understood (a very rare find in these times!) S.M.H. Looking back at 1 year ago, I didn’t think that visiting you would make a difference. But really, the difference is night and day – almost 180 degree turn. Was hopeless, barely functioning, huge list of things that was wrong with me. Now, not doing gluten and the enzymes that are helping, I feel so much better. 50 year old female (Gastrointestinal issues) Thank you so much for the kind of doctor you are. You were the only one who listened and ran the tests to identify this as a hormonal issue. I tell my girlfriends 'She's the kind of doctor who looks at you and asks What do you think about this? and values your opinion and your sense of your own story.' It's so empowering and has helped me keep up with the treatment. Even better is that I have no symptoms now! Dr. Kannankeril is incredibly knowledgeable about her patients... she is so warm and patient with us. Dr. K is the best doctor one could hope for. Thyroid issue I just tell my husband everyday how thankful I am for you. You made me more conscious of everything I do and how my body responds. You've helped me work through these symptoms and realize that it's not just a one-size-fits-all approach that works. My energy is better, my mood is better, no more hot flashes or night sweats and I'm losing weight! 53 year old female (Hormone Imbalance) We welcomed our baby daughter last month and I still can't believe we have her after YEARS of no periods. After two fertility clinics said there was nothing more to do and no period in sight, I came to you. Everyone told me that my thyroid and hormones were normal, but you paid attention to all my symptoms and made connections. Your thorough testing and analysis and then combination of thyroid medication and hormone got me not only my period back, but feeling better than ever at 39! Who knew that after all that, I could have a baby? Well, she's here and we're so very thankful for you! - 40 year old female (Fertility, Hormone Imbalance, Thyroid Conditions) I was skeptical about LDA treatment because it sounded too good to be true, but I was desperate when my allergy medication wasn't enough. Two LDA shots into treatment and I haven't taken Allegra, Zyrtec or Benadryl since! Cherry blossoms are in full bloom and my allergy medication and inhaler are still in my pocket! Haven't needed to pull them out and I can hardly believe it. Thank you!- 56 year old male (Allergies, LDA treatment) Since starting your treatment, I feel more my age and have so much more energy. I'm only now realizing that my digestive issues were so exhausting all these years. I love coming in to see you and hearing your perspective. I get excited to tell my husband about all I learn after each visit. We think you should have your own tv show! - 30 year old female patient (Hormone Imbalance, Gastrointestinal issues) A million thanks for your help with our son. One month on your treatment protocol and he is engaging, aware, making signs and trying to communicate with us for the first time ever! All our behavioral and speech therapists have said that he's like a different child! Even if this is the only improvement we see, that's fine because his response has been amazing! Thank you again! —Regarding 2 year old male patient (Autism) Dr. Kannankeril was the only person to tell me what I needed to hear about my relationship and the stress in my life. I felt so comfortable in talking with her and was able to open up about things I hadn't even told my family or friends. After crying in her office, I realized I had to make a change. Soon after that appointment, I made a big change in my life that no one saw coming. I feel freer, less stressed and feeling better than I've felt in years. I almost felt like Dr. K was my therapist in how well she listened and gave advice. I never would have talked to my primary care doc like that and it was her approach that got me to the point I am now. She really takes everything into account with her treatment and I'm forever grateful.—56 year old female (Hormone Imbalance)Additional Info
Dr. Kannankeril practices Naturopathic Medicine, a natural approach to health and healing that recognizes the whole person. This form of medicine has been studied and practiced for hundreds of years and is based on the following principles of healing:
Prevention
First, do no harm
The physician as teacher
Identify and treat the cause
Treat the whole person
The healing power of nature
5 star Google review
I have been seeing Dr Kannankeril for a few years and she is actively helping to get my body balanced and healthy. She listens, she is knowledgeable, up to date with new discoveries and excellent in her field as Dr. in Integrative Health. I always feel confident in her care that she is supporting me to great health in a personal way. Thank you Dr K for your expertise & care. J.W.
—35 year old female ( Hormone Imbalance)