Learn
Delve into dermatology diseases with new approaches from conventional to complementary care.
Topics
Explore a broad spectrum of dermatological conditions and topics to enhance your practice.
Training Programs
Expert led instruction for every level of patient care.
Log in to see enrolled program content.
Conferences
Gain practical insights and meet new colleagues.
Hover over a conference to view recordings.
Join Us
The largest integrative dermatology community.
Welcome to module 7 as we present new approaches for managing pain and itch!
Pathophysiology of Pain and Itch
This session explores the neurobiology, pathophysiology, and relevant clinical data on the closely-related sensations of pain and itch.
After completing this activity, participants will be able to:
1. Describe the key pathways for pain and itch
2. Outline some of the similarities between pain and itch sensation pathways
3. Identify some key mediators that may be amenable to therapeutic approaches in pain and itch
Therapeutics of Pain and Itch
In this lecture, we take a deep exploration into the scientific and clinical literature around pain and itch treatment approaches.
After completing this activity, participants will be able to:
1. Review approaches to modeling pain and discomfort
2. Appraise clinical studies on pain and itch therapies
3. Illustrate techniques, supplements, and approaches that may improve pain and/or itch
Non-Pharmacologic Approaches to Pain and Itch
This lecture reviews non-pharmacologic approaches to cutaneous pain and itch, including mind body approaches as well as physical approaches.
After completing this activity, participants will be able to:
- Describe the role skin hydration plays in sensation of itch
- Recall mind body techniques that are useful in management of pain and itch
- Explain the general mechanisms for itch reduction with phototherapy
Acupuncture for Pain and Itch
This session offers a brief overview of the history of acupuncture and a more detailed review of the literature for its use in conventional medicine.
After completing this activity, participants will be able to:
1. Name some of the biophysical theories of acupuncture
2. Examine some of the potential roadblocks to using or recommending acupuncture
3. Distinguish some conditions that have positive evidence for acupuncture or acupressure
Marma Therapy in Ayurveda
Marma points are energy points in vital areas of the body that can be manipulated to alter how prana circulates in the body. This lecture will offer a background and overview to Marma with interactive demonstrations on how it can be used.
After completing this activity, participants will be able to:
- Summarize the origins of Marma
- Determine the effect of Marma therapy in recovery from stroke
- Demonstrate how Marma points can be used for facial aesthetics and with breathing exercises
Hands on Marma Tutorial
Marma is the concept that there are energetic and healing points in the body. Marma points are frequently used in bodywork or facial therapies. Ayurvedic practitioner Susan Weis-Bohlen guides us through a hands-on approach to Marma.
After completing this activity, participants will be able to:
- Describe Marma therapy
- Perform basic facial Marma movements
Faculty
Dr. Peter Lio is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Dermatology and Pediatrics at the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. He received his medical degree from Harvard Medical School, completed his internship in Pediatrics at Boston Children's Hospital, and his Dermatology training at Harvard where he served as Chief Resident in Dermatology. Dr. Lio is the founding director of the Chicago Integrative Eczema Center and has spoken nationally and internationally about atopic dermatitis, as well as alternative medicine.
After finishing Medical School and Dermatology Residency at the University of Wisconsin, Dr. Bodemer completed a fellowship in Integrative Medicine at the University of Arizona. She was the first Dermatologist to be board certified in both Dermatology and Integrative Medicine and currently is the only Dermatologist to serve on the Integrative Medicine Board. She has authored academic texts and curriculum and has spoken widely on a variety of topics related to Integrative Dermatology. She has always been drawn to exploring how lifestyle choices impact skin health and disease and feels that the most powerful role a physician can play is as an educator and guide, empowering people to get healthy and stay healthy.
Dr. Raja Sivamani is a board-certified dermatologist and practices as an integrative dermatologist at Pacific Skin Institute. He is an Adjunct Associate Professor of Clinical Dermatology at the University of California, Davis and Director of Clinical Research and the Clinical Trials Unit.He is also an Adjunct Assistant Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at the California State University, Sacramento and an Associate Professor of Dermatology at California Northstate University, College of Medicine.He engages in clinical practice as well as both clinical and translational research that integrates bioengineering, nutrition, cosmetics, and skin biology. With training in both Allopathic and Ayurvedic medicine, he takes an integrative approach to his patients and in his research.He has published over 100 peer-reviewed research manuscripts, 10 textbook chapters, and a textbook entitled Cosmeceuticals and Active Cosmetics, 3rd Edition with a passion for expanding the evidence and boundaries of integrative medicine for skin care.
SUSAN WEIS-BOHLEN is a full-time Ayurvedic consultant, cooking teacher, meditation teacher, and leader of sacred site tours. Susan’s personal journey into the Ayurvedic lifestyle began when she came across the Ayurvedic cleansing technique of panchakarma. What began as the release of damaging toxins and personal difficulties eventually grew into an impassioned vocation. She has since studied with the best teachers of Ayurveda, both in the US and in India. Susan knows exactly how challenging it can be to come to Ayurveda as a beginner and has dedicated her life to sharing the fruits of her studies with students all over the world.
In 2004 Susan opened Breathe Books, a metaphysical bookstore, in Baltimore, and in 2012 she added an Ayurvedic/vegetarian café.
In 2008 Susan received her first certification in Ayurveda from the Chopra Center in California. In subsequent years she studied with Dr. Vasant Lad in New Mexico and India. In addition, Susan is certified in Ayurvedic cooking from Amadea Morningstar, the author of the world renowned Ayurvedic Cookbook, and Ayurvedic Cooking for Westerners. After 10 years of running the business, Susan decided in 2014 to close the shop and café and concentrate fully on her Ayurvedic practice. She is now a full-time Ayurvedic consultant, meditation teacher, Ayurvedic cooking teacher, and speaker.
Susan also leads meditation, yoga and Ayurveda tours to sacred sites in India. In February 2018, Susan published her first book, which became an instant Amazon best-seller, Ayurveda Beginner’s Guide: Essential Ayurvedic Principles & Practices to Balance and Heal Naturally.
Susan lives with her husband Larry and their three dogs, Ella, Shadow and Joonie (a rescue from Pune, India), in the woods in Reisterstown, Maryland just outside of Baltimore City.
