By: LiliAnn Paras | September 2, 2021 | Beyond The Brand | Colts Neck , Fair Haven , Holmdel , Lincroft , Little Silver , Red Bank , Rumson , Sea Bright
Hanan Ayoub, MD, MPH, IMD, is a practitioner, researcher, educator, and pioneer in naturopathic, integrative, and environmental medicine.
Early on in her career, Dr. Ayoub was inspired to go beyond traditional medical treatments alone. “I realized there are available natural ways to prevent our body systems from shutting down, and to prevent patients from becoming disabled or dying prematurely,” Dr. Ayoub explained. The Atlantis Centers treats patients, educates those interested in holistic healthcare, and established Waves of Equality, an environmental community outreach organization.
CM: How does naturopathic and environmental medicine differ from traditional medical models of care?
Dr. Ayoub: Traditional medical providers typically diagnose and focus on one organ at a time, a “reductionistic system.” Natural medicine on the other hand treats our organs and bodily functions as a whole, where it is recognized that our body systems are interconnected and dependent on one another to function. Natural holistic health dates back to ancient times; a recognition that harmony with nature promotes health and wellness. Two hundred years ago, naturopathic and environmental medicine began to address “environmental excitants” which include the risk factors and adverse reactions experienced through human exposures to pollution and imbalances in our surroundings.
CM: What surprises some of your patients about this approach?
Dr. Ayoub: Many are surprised when they learn that environmental excitants that cause their physical and mental diseases, like depression, come directly from their indoor air quality and backyard. In fact, statistics show that only 40% of depression is due solely to genetics.
CM: What are some of the causes of sleep disorders?
Dr. Ayoub: Insomnia can be a symptom of the onset of depression and recurrence- particularly in the elderly and teenagers. I found that the increased level of exposure to small doses of environmental pollutants, like electromagnetic pollution, can indeed be the cause of their insomnia. Some causes of sleep disorders stem from other environmental factors (noise, heavy metals exposure, and extreme temperatures); neurologic causes (epilepsy, dementia and Alzheimer diseases); neuro-endocrine and hormonal imbalances; weight gain; sleep apnea; and from mental health impairment (anxiety, depression…). These causes often overlap and present an unusual clinical picture. I treated a 40-year-old female radiotherapist who had gotten a Botox injection. This was the cause of her severe insomnia and anxiety disorder. I successfully treated her with homeopathy, high dose vitamin therapy, and energy medicine (laser therapy).
CM: What does Sunrise University offer at Atlantis?
Dr. Ayoub: Sunrise is one of the first schools of its kind to offer hands-on learning curriculum to nurses, pre-health, and pre-med students in the field of environmental and naturopathic medical education. Simulations and immersive experiences provide a unique natural setting with realistic treatment and care opportunities for students and trainees in environmental neurobiology and sleep medicine. Our goal is to link the health of our environment to the health of patients, both in our communities and on a global scale.
CM: You established Waves of Equality, a nonprofit organization dealing with environmental issues affecting adolescents. In what ways is the mission undertaken?
Dr. Ayoub: Waves Of Equality is the foundational nonprofit organization devoted to support Sunrise University’s development. The mission is “to create a healthier inclusive educational and clinical training environment through community engagement.” It is led by medical doctors, and pre-med and STEM students from mainstream universities who wish to improve the future of integrative education and medicine, making it inclusive for all levels of ability. This is accomplished through workshops and training, as well as community outreach.
CM: Favorite Quote or philosophy?
Dr. Ayoub: Discover how you can unlock your body’s ability to heal itself. “The natural healing force within each of us is the greatest force in getting well.” Hippocrates
For more information, visit atlantiscenters.com.
