Summer is right around the corner, and in Tahoe that means MORE hiking, camping, exploring nature with travel to the valleys around Tahoe. Awareness around tick-borne illnesses, especially Lyme disease, has become increasingly important as ticks are and have been found on the West coast with Lyme. Early awareness, prevention, and whole-body support are key.
Ticks can carry many different kinds of infections. Lyme disease is one bacterial infection most commonly caused by Borrelia burgdorferi, transmitted through the bite of an infected black-legged tick (deer tick). While Lyme disease is often associated with the Northeast, tick-borne illnesses are becoming more common across many parts of the United States, including on the west coast and in the mountains.
Not every tick carries Lyme disease, and not every tick bite leads to infection, but recognizing symptoms early can make a significant difference.
Prevention Matters
When spending time outdoors:
Wear long sleeves and pants in wooded or grassy areas
Use natural or EPA-approved tick repellents, we like tea tree oil.
Perform full-body tick checks after outdoor activities including checking your pets that can carry ticks inside the house.
Shower after hiking or camping & launder clothing in hot water
IF you find a tick on you:
REMOVE ticks promptly and carefully so you do not leave any tick parts in your body. There are online videos on tick removal techniques.
SAVE the tick in a plastic bag for testing. Labs can test to see what kind of infection that the tick may be carrying, which makes treating easier.
Seek a tick-borne disease/lyme specialist that will address the root cause and any underlying causes of your symptoms.
Early detection is important.
Common Symptoms of Lyme Disease/ Tick Borne Infections
Symptoms can vary greatly from person to person and may appear days, weeks, or even months after exposure.
Common symptoms may include:
Fatigue
Brain fog
Joint pain
Muscle aches
Headaches
Fever or chills
Anxiety or mood changes
Sleep disturbances
Digestive issues
Numbness or tingling
The classic “bullseye” rash (not always present)
A Naturopathic Approach to Lyme Support
Naturopathic medicine focuses on supporting the body as a whole while addressing underlying imbalance and strengthening the body’s natural healing processes.
1. SUPPORTING THE IMMUNE SYSTEM
A healthy immune response is essential during recovery from any infection. Naturopathic care may focus on:
Anti-inflammatory nutrition
Herbal supplements
Sleep optimization
Stress reduction
Gut health support
IV vitamin therapy
The goal is to help the body respond appropriately without becoming chronically inflamed or depleted.
2. REDUCING INFLAMMATION
Many Lyme-related symptoms stem from systemic inflammation. Reducing inflammation may help improve pain, fatigue, cognition, and recovery. A naturopathic approach often includes:
Omega-3 rich foods
Antioxidant support
Hydration
Herbal supplements
IV therapy
3. NERVOUS SYSTEM SUPPORT
Chronic stress and nervous system dysregulation can worsen symptoms. Many patients with tick-borne illnesses experience anxiety, insomnia, overstimulation, or burnout.
Supportive therapies may include:
Adaptogenic herbs
Breathwork
Meditation
Magnesium support
Nervous system regulation practices
4. DETOXIFICATION SUPPORT
From a naturopathic perspective, supporting the body’s natural detoxification pathways can be beneficial during recovery. This may include:
Hydration
Liver support
Gentle movement
The focus is on helping the body process inflammation and metabolic waste efficiently.
The Importance of Personalized Care
No two Lyme experiences look the same. Some individuals recover quickly, while others experience lingering symptoms that affect energy, mood, cognition, and quality of life.
A naturopathic approach emphasizes individualized care, looking beyond symptoms to understand the full picture of health, resilience, inflammation, stress, nutrition, and nervous system balance.
Dr. Ha Dang, ND, is a specialist in Lyme disease. She has had the privilege of studying with some of the top physicians in the naturopathic field. She has trained with Dr. Dietrich Klinghardt at the Sophia Health Institute. This has allowed her to provide personalized care for Lyme patients and those with chronic illness. Dr. Ha Dang, ND sees patients at the wellness lounge on Mondays and Wednesdays, virtually and in-person.
Healing From the Inside Out
Whether you are navigating chronic fatigue, inflammation, stress, or recovering from a tick-borne illness, healing often requires a comprehensive, whole-body approach.
At the wellness lounge, we believe in supporting the body through restorative therapies, functional wellness, acupuncture, IV vitamin support, and holistic care designed to help you feel balanced, energized, and resilient again.