Elevate Your Health and Wellness
We will help you heal your body and prevent chronic illness by using a combination of integrative, holistic, and conventional therapies to accurately diagnose and comprehensively treat your illness.
Integrative Medicine
Integrative Specialty Care with An Integrative Approach
Our practice believes enhancing your vitality is possible through holistic lifestyle changes. Integrative medicine focuses on the relationship between your mind, body, and soul. We are mindful of this significant union when supporting your path to whole body wellness.
Our healing-oriented therapies combine complementary and conventional medicine to promote whole body health and wellness.
With over 20 years of experience in conventional, alternative, and integrative healthcare. Dr. Jyothi Rao and her team at Shakthi Health & Wellness look to deliver “A Whole-Body Approach” when it comes to assessing and addressing your health.
Many modern traditional doctors look at medication as the only way to treat health concerns and though they have a place in treatment and are often necesary they are by no means the only option. Dr. Rao believes that integrative medicine is more efficient when addressing any health issues.
The Shakthi Health & Wellness whole-body approach looks to use a multi-disciplinary disciplinary approach to tackle your health and wellness more thoroughly. This means they are dedicated to a more in-depth diagnostic process in order to ensure you are given the most comprehensive treatment plan completely customized for your particular needs.
Jyothi Rao-Mahadevia MD, ABAAHP, FAARFM
Our practice believes enhancing your vitality is possible through holistic lifestyle changes. Integrative medicine focuses on the relationship between your mind, body, and soul. We are mindful of this significant union when supporting your path to whole body wellness.
Our healing-oriented therapies combine complementary and conventional medicine to promote whole body health and wellness.
What Makes Shakthi Different?
Shakthi Health and Wellness uses a specialized health care model that removes the restrictions of appointment time limits and insurance hassles. This personalized approach to healthcare gives Dr. Rao and her experienced team have the time to listen, learn, and run diagnostics tests that complete a comprehensive picture of your health history and condition.
Once we have diagnosed your illness we will create a treatment plan that addresses the root cause and not just your symptoms. Our treatment plans often include a variety of alternative therapies, diet adjustments, exercise advice, and conventional medicine treatments when required.
More Helpful Resources:
What Makes Shakthi Different?
Shakthi Health and Wellness uses direct primary care model that removes the restrictions of appointment time limits and insurance hassles. This personalized approach to healthcare gives Dr. Rao and her experienced team the time to listen, learn, and run diagnostics tests that complete a comprehensive picture or your health history and condition.
Once we have diagnosed your illness we will create a treatment plan that the addresses the root cause and not just your symptoms. Our treatment plans often include a variety of alternative therapies, diet adjustments, exercise advices, and conventional medicine treatments when required.
What does Shakthi Mean?
Shakthi (Shuk-thee) means Strength, Empowerment, and Agent of Change.
Shakthi Digital Guide
At Shakthi Health and Wellness we offer a la carte and yearly plans that are more comprehensive and often cheaper than traditional insurance plans.
What To Expect
How Treatment Works
Our doctors and staff take time to get invested in your health and well-being. We've taken a step back from mainstream medicine and are challenging the norm. Everyone's healthcare needs are different. You are different. We believe patients shouldn't settle. Our practice is not a revolving door. We listen, and most importantly, we hear you.
Appointments
All of our appointments are conducted on an as-needed basis. As Integrative speciality care doctors, we see a limited number of patients which means each of our patients receives dedicated care without the concern of being “rushed” out of an appointment. This allows us to give patients appointments that are more thorough and focused on their needs.
Diagnostic Testing
We offer patients scientifically backed health assessments to better understand the root causes of their health conditions. We evaluate any disruptions to your health and body to develop effective wellness plans to optimize your vitality. To learn more about the specific tests we offer visit this page here.
Costs Involved
Patients receive personalized and tailored care in exchange for a flat fee. The overall cost will be discussed during your initial consultation. Each subsequent appointment will not need to be individually paid for. All patients receive unlimited access to their physicians which leads to better overall health and wellness.
Our Doctors
What Is Integrative Medicine?
What Is Integrative Medicine?
Integrative medicine combines conventional medicine and alternative therapies to enhance a patient’s overall health and well-being by focusing on healing the whole body rather than just masking the symptoms of an illness.
At Shakthi, we believe the relationship between a patient and their doctors is paramount. In order to effectively treat our patients, we consider all aspects of your life in order to find the root cause of the illness. This may include your emotional state, spiritual state, lifestyle habits, and other environmental influences that may have an impact on your physical health.
With this information, Dr. Jyothi Rao will develop a personalized wellness plan that incorporates traditional and non-traditional therapies that will help your body heal.
Healthy lifestyle, food is medicine, concept flatlay with fruit and vegetables in pocket of white doctor's coat with clipboard and stethoscope.
Doctor uses needles for treatment of the patient
Patient Testimonials
Patient Testimonials
I started by seeing Dr. Sudhir Rao for my Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD) Syndrome. I had an accident in July 2010 that caused nerve damage in my ankle. After treatments and surgery, it spread up the entire left side of my body. The only way to describe how you feel is by saying you’re a human pinball machine ? you just never know where the pain is going to be that minute. I had asked about acupuncture because someone had told me that it worked for them. I was at the point of trying anything to lessen the pain because it was getting worse every day.
- Susan Doyle
I am actually a relatively healthy 50-year-old woman. I try to eat well and exercise, but I (like many) felt the creep of age in the form a subtle pounds and decreasing energy. Dr. Rao helped point me in the direction of the correct detox program for me (Core Restore!) as well as the supplements I needed to boost my metabolism and increase my energy! I still need to eat what works for me and avoid the things that don't, and I still have to exercise every day, but my clothes fit better and I have more energy!!
- Shakthi Patients
I came to see Dr. Rao with symptoms of chronic fatigue, abdominal pains, depression, and weight gain. I had seen a couple other doctors and they had found that I had very high inflammation levels and over 15 food allergies/sensitivities. They wanted me to just take prescription drugs, but I wanted more than a quick fix. I wanted my health and my life back! When I scheduled the appointment, I was surprised how by helpful Kelly was on the phone. I didn’t know the details of my insurance coverage and Kelly offered to call my insurance for me. I’ve never had anyone at a doctor’s office do that before.
- Anna Smoot
After visiting the Shakthi website and reading other patient testimonials, I was curious about the wide variety of treatments that were available. I have a very slow metabolism, was fatigued, had insomnia, back pain, and just didn’t feel as well as I wanted to in general. I had more allergic reactions and respiratory issues in the preceding months before coming to see Dr. Jyothi Rao. I had completed three courses of prednisone while under the treatment of my traditional doctor and was fed up with that cycle and was looking for another path.
- Debbie Helman
I was given the gift of Dr. Rao's primary care for Christmas in 2016. I didn?t take advantage of it until March of 2017. My mindset at the time was negative. I had heard about changing eating habits and I felt that I liked the foods I was eating and I was nearly 70, so why change now? After meeting with Dr. Rao and hearing her suggestions, I said I would take it one small step at a time and see what happens.
- Linda J.
I was in the worst shape of my life with depression and anxiety. I had given up. Shakthi provided me with a manageable plan that included supplements, diet, and an exercise program that has transformed my body and given me a new outlook on life. Perhaps the most surprising outcome was learning how to be healthy and have a good relationship with my body. I am now more productive, energetic, and focused. The fog that had been clouding my thoughts has lifted.
- Shakthi Patient
Our Services
Our doctors and staff take time to get invested in your health and well-being. We've taken a step back from mainstream medicine and are challenging the norm. Everyone's healthcare needs are different. You are different. We believe patients shouldn't settle. Our practice is not a revolving door. We listen, and most importantly, we hear you.
Conditions We Treat
Our doctors may recommend various approaches to manage and mitigate your symptoms. Sometimes a combination of approaches will allow the individual to regain their functionality. Some of these approaches include:
- Nutritional Diet
- Supplements/Vitamins
- Meditation
- Massage
- Yoga
- Counseling
- Light exercise
- Medications
Getting to the root cause of your pain is what we do best. We evaluate, address and treat the physical causes, not just the symptoms of chronic pain and inflammation. Putting a focus on food sensitivities, diet and other potential triggers for pain, we are able to help patients get well and get to the next level in their wellness journey.
Depending on the type of diabetes you may be suffering from will dictate the best course of treatment for you. Some may require medication, while others may be treated with lifestyle changes. There is no cure for diabetes, but different treatment methods can allow individuals to live healthy, and functioning lives.
Individuals suffering from hair loss may choose to be treated in a variety of ways. When hair loss is diagnosed early, in many cases you will be able to prevent further damage and encourage regrowth.
With a diagnosis from a medical professional, individuals suffering from hair loss can incorporate the following treatments:
- Vitamins
- Acupuncture
- Medical Treatment
- Steroid Injections
Depending on the specific imbalance you are suffering from, treatment may vary.
The most common medical approaches for treating hormonal imbalances are:
- Weight loss
- Thyroid medication
- Hormonal birth control (women)
- Hormone replacement therapy
There are several approaches one can take to treat inflammation:
- Anti-Inflammatory Diet
- Medications
- Home remedies
There are several ways to begin treating your Leaky Gut. Some of these treatment approaches are:
- Diet Change
- Medication Usage
- Removing all the components that damage your intestinal wall
Common treatments include combinations of pharmacological approaches and home remedies. These include:
- Medications (NSAIDs, steroids, DMARDs)
- Physical therapy
- Surgery
- Healthy weight management
- Light exercise
- Acupuncture
- Massage therapy
- Cognitive therapy (to help you emotionally cope with your symptoms)
Typically, some type of anti fungal medication will be incorporated when treating Yeast Overgrowth. WE may prescribe a cream, capsule, powder, or even injection depending on the location of infection. Some home remedies you can incorporate to support treating Yeast Overgrowth are:
- Garlic: the use/consumption of garlic is helpful because it has anti fungal properties
- Coconut Oil: high in lauric acid which can fight candida
- Aloe vera: Can inhibit the growth of candida
- Probiotics: reduce yeast growth and protect against infections
Acupuncture, Biomat, Infrared Sauna, and IV Therapies are great ways to reduce symptoms of headaches and migraines.
Often times acid reflux is caused by your diet. At Shakthi, we work closely with you to help restore good nutrition and diet in your life. We won't just give you a list of things to do and send you on your way. Through careful testing and study, we'll identify the best nutrition plan for your individualized needs and desired outcome.
If you are experiencing stress, fatigue, weight gain, loss of sleep, lack of energy and focus, you may being putting unnecessary stress on your heart.
We offer personalized, comprehensive consultations focusing on preventative cardiology care and nutrient deficiencies to develop a plan to correct a body out of balance.
Treatments We Offer
IV Therapy allows patients an alternative way to treat symptoms of various health conditions like chronic pain, adrenal fatigue, asthma, immune disorders, and fibromyalgia. The IV Therapy treatment can also be used as an alternative approach to boosting your immunity and your cellular health.
We offer patients scientifically backed health assessments to better understand the root causes of their health conditions. We evaluate any disruptions to your health and body to develop effective wellness plans to optimize your vitality. The diagnostic testing we offer fosters improved wellness and vitality for our patients.
These injections can be used as a supplemental way to encourage total body wellness. Vitamin B12 can be used as an integrative therapeutic tool to help a wide variety of conditions.
The injection encourages the body to make red blood cells, improving oxygen circulation throughout the body. Vitamin B12 encourages your body to use carbohydrates and fat for the creation of energy and additional protein the body needs.
The treatment consists of fine needles being inserted into the skin, at varying depths. The placement of the needles, or acupoints, stimulate specific regions to produce specific physical responses. The thought is that physical stimulation will promote self-healing and bodily wellness.
Once placed into the skin, the patient may feel a dull ache at the base of the needle. But acupuncture should never be painful. The dull ache will gently subside, leaving the individual in a relaxed state. In some practices, the steel needle may even be heated or stimulated as part of the treatment approach.
An infrared sauna uses far-infrared light to create heat. Far-infrared light is the wavelength that most closely resembles the infrared heat given off by the human body. Because of the similarity, far-infrared light can enhance and strengthen our energy.
Amethyst biomats utilize their mineral component and heat to enhance the body’s vitality through far infrared rays and negative ions. Amethyst biomats can be used as treatments for chronic pain, injury, and overall wellness.
Lymphatic enhancement therapy (LET) utilizes electronic instruments to improve circulation and restore lymphatic flow and function. The therapeutic tools use the vibration of light and sound to promote healthy lymphatic tissue and immunity.
Some foods can negatively affect the body. The elimination diet helps to identify these foods on an individual basis.
We teach our patients what good nutrition is and how it can affect their lives for the better. We have a nutritionist on staff to help teach our patients how to prepare food with maximum health benefits. We offer a variety of health, wellness and nutrition classes on-site
We teach our patients what good nutrition is and how it can affect their lives for the better. A Fast Mimicking Diet helps to achieve weight and nutrition goals.
We Specialize In
By combining the very best therapies for healing, proven practices and modern medicine, we are better able to help relieve chronic pain, reduce stress, restore well-being and transform the resilience of our patients.
We work with our patients to heal the gut and restore good health. Good gut health is key to reducing hormone imbalance, inflammation, stress and food sensitivities. Inactivity, poor diet, hormone imbalance, poor gut health, stress, exposure to environmental toxins and nutritional imbalance can all contribute to obesity.
Nutritionist works with the Shakthi team to recommend personalized testing for our patients.
We use specialty laboratory and diagnostic testing to assess body composition. We develop a tailor made program that will achieve the results of the individual. Our weight loss therapy targets resetting the weight control center of the brain. Utilizing all natural (non-hormonal) herbal appetite suppressants, nutritional supplements, nutrition counseling, calorie reduction and education, we work closely with you to develop a weight management plan that is nutritionally sound.
At Shakthi we offer personalized, comprehensive consultations focusing on preventative cardiology care and nutrient deficiencies to develop a plan to correct a body out of balance.
If you are experiencing stress, fatigue, weight gain, loss of sleep, lack of energy and focus, you may being putting unnecessary stress on your heart.
At Shakthi we work with you to identify the imbalances you are experiencing. Using an integrative approach to healing, we use diagnostic testing to identify the underlying causes. Our thorough testing approach allow us to work with you to develop an integrative treatment plan to reduce your stress and bring your body back into balance.
We focus great medical attention on good health and healing for the inside of your body. We also offer skin and body rejuvenating products and procedures that are aimed at improving the way you feel on the outside.
Good nutrition is the foundation for a healthy body and mind. Nutrition is how the body uses food for growth and maintenance. Chronic illness, type 2 diabetes, inflammation, heart disease and some cancers are directly influenced by nutritional habits. It all starts with food. The positive impact of eating a whole food diet high in nutrients can directly influence your quality of life. When you begin to look at making changes in your nutritional intake, whole foods are favored over processed, refined foods.
Acupuncture, Biomat, and our Infrared treatments are great ways to reduce anxiety and stress.
We conduct food intolerance testing to see if specific foods are causing inflammation or an allergic reaction.
We use a combination of blood tests and examinations to diagnose you appropriately. The first tests performed is the antinuclear antibody test (ANA) when your symptoms indicate an autoimmune disorder. A positive result indicates the presence of the disease but not which one specifically. Other tests may be needed to examine for specific antibodies that are released by certain autoimmune diseases. Learn more about our Autoimmune services here.
Conditions We Treat
Our doctors may recommend various approaches to manage and mitigate your chronic fatigue symptoms. Sometimes a combination of approaches will allow the individual to regain their functionality. Some of these approaches include:
- Nutritional Diet
- Supplements/Vitamins
- Meditation
- Massage
- Yoga
- Counseling
- Light exercise
- Medications
Getting to the root cause of your chronic pain is what we do best. We evaluate, address and treat the physical causes, not just the symptoms of chronic pain and inflammation. Putting a focus on food sensitivities, diet and other potential triggers for pain, we are able to help patients get well and get to the next level in their wellness journey.
Depending on the type of diabetes you may be suffering from will dictate the best course of treatment for you. Some may require medication, while others may be treated with lifestyle changes. There is no cure for diabetes, but different treatment methods can allow individuals to live healthy, and functioning lives.
Individuals suffering from hair loss may choose to be treated in a variety of ways. When hair loss is diagnosed early, in many cases you will be able to prevent further damage and encourage regrowth.
With a diagnosis from a medical professional, individuals suffering from hair loss can incorporate the following treatments:
- Vitamins
- Acupuncture
- Medical Treatment
- Steroid Injections
Depending on the specific hormone imbalance you are suffering from, treatment may vary.
The most common medical approaches for treating hormonal imbalances are:
- Weight loss
- Thyroid medication
- Hormonal birth control (women)
- Hormone replacement therapy
There are several approaches one can take to treat your inflammation symptoms:
- Anti-Inflammatory Diet
- Medications
- Home remedies
There are several ways to begin treating your Leaky Gut. Some of these treatment approaches are:
- Diet Change
- Medication Usage
- Removing all the components that damage your intestinal wall
Common arthritis treatments include combinations of pharmacological approaches and home remedies. These include:
- Medications (NSAIDs, steroids, DMARDs)
- Physical therapy
- Surgery
- Healthy weight management
- Light exercise
- Acupuncture
- Massage therapy
- Cognitive therapy (to help you emotionally cope with your symptoms)
Typically, some type of anti fungal medication will be incorporated when treating Yeast Overgrowth. WE may prescribe a cream, capsule, powder, or even injection depending on the location of infection. Some home remedies you can incorporate to support treating Yeast Overgrowth are:
- Garlic: the use/consumption of garlic is helpful because it has anti fungal properties
- Coconut Oil: high in lauric acid which can fight candida
- Aloe vera: Can inhibit the growth of candida
- Probiotics: reduce yeast growth and protect against infections
Acupuncture, Biomat, Infrared Sauna, and IV Therapies are great ways to reduce symptoms of chronic headaches and migraines.
Often times acid reflux is caused by your diet. At Shakthi, we work closely with you to help restore good nutrition and diet in your life. We won't just give you a list of things to do and send you on your way. Through careful testing and study, we'll identify the best nutrition plan for your individualized needs and desired outcome.
If you are experiencing stress, fatigue, weight gain, loss of sleep, lack of energy and focus, you may being putting unnecessary stress on your heart.
We offer personalized, comprehensive consultations focusing on preventative cardiology care and nutrient deficiencies to develop a plan to correct a body out of balance.
Treatments We Offer
IV Therapy allows patients an alternative way to treat symptoms of various health conditions like chronic pain, adrenal fatigue, asthma, immune disorders, and fibromyalgia. The IV Therapy treatment can also be used as an alternative approach to boosting your immunity and your cellular health.
We offer patients scientifically backed health assessments to better understand the root causes of their health conditions. We evaluate any disruptions to your health and body to develop effective wellness plans to optimize your vitality. The diagnostic testing we offer fosters improved wellness and vitality for our patients.
These injections can be used as a supplemental way to encourage total body wellness. Vitamin B12 can be used as an integrative therapeutic tool to help a wide variety of conditions.
The injection encourages the body to make red blood cells, improving oxygen circulation throughout the body. Vitamin B12 encourages your body to use carbohydrates and fat for the creation of energy and additional protein the body needs.
The treatment consists of fine needles being inserted into the skin, at varying depths. The placement of the needles, or acupoints, stimulate specific regions to produce specific physical responses. The thought is that physical stimulation will promote self-healing and bodily wellness.
Once placed into the skin, the patient may feel a dull ache at the base of the needle. But acupuncture should never be painful. The dull ache will gently subside, leaving the individual in a relaxed state. In some practices, the steel needle may even be heated or stimulated as part of the treatment approach.
An infrared sauna uses far-infrared light to create heat. Far-infrared light is the wavelength that most closely resembles the infrared heat given off by the human body. Because of the similarity, far-infrared light can enhance and strengthen our energy.
Amethyst biomats utilize their mineral component and heat to enhance the body’s vitality through far infrared rays and negative ions. Amethyst biomats can be used as treatments for chronic pain, injury, and overall wellness.
Lymphatic enhancement therapy (LET) utilizes electronic instruments to improve circulation and restore lymphatic flow and function. The therapeutic tools use the vibration of light and sound to promote healthy lymphatic tissue and immunity.
Some foods can negatively affect the body. The elimination diet helps to identify these foods on an individual basis.
We teach our patients what good nutrition is and how it can affect their lives for the better. We help teach our patients how to prepare food with maximum health benefits. We offer a variety of health and diet detox programs to help get you back on track.
We teach our patients what good nutrition is and how it can affect their lives for the better. A Fast Mimicking Diet helps to achieve weight and nutrition goals.
Find A Location
Shakthi Health and Wellness Center is proud to offer patients access to Integrative Speciality Care services in Mount Airy and Elkridge, Maryland. Patients can comfortably enjoy a spacious and soothing lobby before being taken back for their appointments. Our exam rooms provide patients with a tranquil environment to promote emotional and physical healing.
In our office, you will also find our Shakthi Kitchen, our state-of-the-art sports performance facility, our Infrared Sauna, and our Biomat and Acupuncture room.
As a Shakthi patient, you will have access to these facilities through our premium plan or you can choose to access them individually via our A La Carte offerings.
What does Shakthi Mean?
Shakthi (Shuk-thee) means Strength, Empowerment, and Agent of Change.
Frequently Asked Questions
We value the importance of the relationship between the doctor and the patient. That is why Dr. Jyothi Rao has taken the time to answer some of the most commonly asked questions at Shakthi Health & Wellness. View our FAQ page here.
Stay Connected!
The latest books, talks, and podcasts that we wish to share in hopes it may help you on your journey to good health, healing and wellness.
Body On Fire
Anti-Inflammatory Cookbook
New Book Dr. Jyothi Rao and Dr. Monica Aggarwal! Your guide to eating plant foods that fight disease. This companion volume to Body on Fire reiterates essential concepts about the nature of inflammation and its relationship to chronic illness.
Our Podcast
At Shakthi Health our integrative medicine approach focuses on the whole person, is informed by evidence, and makes use of all forms of therapies to help you reach optimal health and healing. In this podcast, we will be covering topics in health, wellness, and fitness. Our goal is to help you feel good and live a healthier lifestyle.
Upcoming Events
Get information on upcoming events and see our past events! Dr. Jyothi Rao is a regular guest on podcasts, meet-ups, Facebook lives, and webinars with other healthcare professionals. These discussions cover a variety of interesting topics like diet, disease prevention, mental health, integrative medicine, and more!