By Sally Novak, DOM, LCSW-C, LAc — GW Center for Integrative Medicine/Lamplighter Wellness That bone-deep caregiver exhaustion? It’s often a battle between your devoted “Manager,” grieving “Exile,” and reactive “Firefighter.” This blog post explores how Internal Family Systems (IFS) can help you understand these inner parts, find compassion for yourself, and create room to breathe …
Do you have seasonal allergies? There’s a cruel irony to spring — the season that finally pulls us back outside is the same one that makes being outside miserable for millions of people. But before we reach for the antihistamines, there are some genuinely effective ways to reduce pollen load and get through the season …
Due to the significant increase in prior authorization requirements, as many insurance plans are now denying a wide range of services and medications, the administrative time required to complete these requests has substantially increased. Many prior authorizations are completed within 20–30 minutes. However, some require extensive documentation, appeals, and insurer follow-up. While we understand the …
This month, Four Directions Wellness (FDW) celebrates ten years of offering integrative wellness classes, Reiki training, and spiritual coaching in the Washington, DC area! Join us as we celebrate this milestone! Since its founding, Four Directions Wellness has been fully affiliated with the GWCIM. Led by Mara Benner and Catherine Miller — both practitioners at …
By Ashley Drapeau, PA-C, LAc, GWCIM Medical Director Five years into the pandemic, millions of people around the world continue to live with persistent symptoms following COVID-19 infection, including fatigue, cognitive dysfunction, dysautonomia, pain, and post-exertional symptom exacerbation. Yet many patients still face significant barriers to recognition, diagnosis, and care. March 15th is International Long …
Watch a new episode of the Mindfulness Experience: January 23 with Dr. Mikhail Kogan and Yael Flusberg A Mindfulness Experience (AME) is a free, online, weekly gathering to help you better understand the latest on COVID, the flu, and common respiratory viruses; immune system support, and a mind-body practice to reduce stress. AME is organized …
by Dr. Tiffany Hoyt, DAOM, M.Ac., M.CHM, Dipl. O.M. For over two decades, Dr. Tiffany Hoyt has practiced all branches of Chinese Medicine at GWCIM, offering a holistic approach deeply rooted in Asian healing philosophy, culture, and life practices. She is accepting new patients for acupuncture, herbal medicine, Chinese nutrition, Qi Gong, and other modalities. …
By Ashley Drapeau, PA-C, L.Ac, GWCIM Medical Director Long COVID-19, a condition characterized by persistent symptoms that occur for at least 3 months following a COVID-19 infection, continues to puzzle medical professionals and researchers alike. These symptoms can last weeks or even years after the initial illness subsides. Symptoms of Long COVID range from mild …
Conversation with Dr. Deirdre Orceyre, ND, L.Ac. Dr. Orceyre is a Naturopathic Psycisian and Director of the Integrative Oncology program at GWCIM. She has been a leading specialist at GWCIM for nearly 20 years. In this video, Dr. Kogan speaks with Dr. Deirdre Orceyre, ND, LAc, about integrative oncology and the evolving role of holistic …
New video (5 min) on Dr. Kogan’s YouTube channel. Discover what helps protect and improve cognition in older adults at risk—backed by a large randomized controlled trial, not just theory. Even ages 60–79 benefit, and results hold across APOE genetic risk, sex, and ethnicity. Structured programs with more accountability, supervision, and support deliver somewhat greater …
We have an exciting opportunity to share with you this summer! This free Assessment is available only to current GWCIM patients. If you are not yet a patient, you can schedule a short appointment with one of our specialists and request this free Methylation Assessment. Letter from Dr. Misha Kogan, Medical Chief Officer at GWCIM …
Sally Novak, an Integrative Psychotherapist at GWCIM and in private practice, discusses an important topic in her latest blog: “The relationship between mental health conditions and dementia risk isn’t simply coincidental—it’s deeply interconnected. Research consistently shows that individuals who experience chronic depression, anxiety, or other mental health challenges face an elevated risk of developing dementia …
Dr. Kogan Discusses New Study Linking CT Scans to Future Cancer Risks – 20-Minute YouTube Video In this 20-minute video, Dr. Kogan dives into a new study published in JAMA Internal Medicine in 2025, which revealed that over 100,000 future cancer cases in the U.S. may be linked to CT scans performed in 2023. This …
Millions of people worldwide are still living with the lasting effects of COVID-19—facing daily struggles with fatigue, brain fog, shortness of breath, and more. Long COVID is real, and it needs more awareness, research, and support. If you or someone you love is affected, you’re not alone. Let’s keep pushing for recognition, care, and solutions. …
Dear patients and friends, We are excited to announce that our Director of the Long-Covid Program, Ashely Drapeau, PA-C, LAc, is stepping into the role of GWCIM Medical Director. I assume the role of Chief Medical Officer. Together, Ashley and I will support and develop the oldest Integrative Medicine institution in Washington, DC. Dr. Mikhail …
Eat, Don’t Drink Your Liquids In February, the cold days are still short, and the nights feel dark and long. However, the year has completed the bottom half of the yin cycle and is now ascending as the yang increases. While we still desire and need to rest, we sense a shift in Nature’s mood.Chinese …
Watch Dr. Kogan as he prepares for the Great American Birkebeiner ski race on February 22, raising funds for AIM Health Institute. Misha’s goal is to raise $10,000, and every dollar counts! Here’s how you can get involved: Donate per Kilometer: Misha will ski 50 kilometers. Pledge $1 per kilometer for a $50 donation, or any amount that feels …
Migraines, affecting millions worldwide, have driven research into effective treatments, including auricular acupuncture. A recent study investigated the effects of needling at the sympathetic point (auricular acupuncture point) on pain intensity and depression levels in migraine patients. Findings A recent study in the Journal of Acupuncture Research compared needling at the auricular acupuncture point (AAG) …
In this YouTube episode, we explore the fascinating power of pediatric hypnosis with Dr. Robert Pendergrast, a leading expert in Integrative Medicine. Dr. Pendergrast shares how hypnosis can be a safe, effective, and empowering tool to help children manage anxiety, pain, sleep issues, and even chronic conditions. Through engaging stories and evidence-based insights, he demystifies …
About Ingredients: Did you ever wonder how to use those little red goji berries that are often found in healthy food sections of supermarkets? In fact, there are many recipes in which you can use goji – from muffins and salads to stews and soups. Here we offer our fall recipe: Goji berries and pumpkin …