‘Dr. Dan’ expands natural healing practice in Port

Aug. 30--NEWBURYPORT -- In a time of tension about medical co-payments and the viability of Medicare and Medicaid, a natural healer who takes doesn't take medical insurance has just built a 5,500-square-foot center to keep up with his burgeoning practice.

Dr. Dan's Natural Healing Center recently opened at 3 New Pasture Road. His second floor is not yet built out but was created to accommodate future growth.

Dr. Daniel Eyink maintained a practice at 171 High St. for seven years but said he needed more room for a growing patient base.

His clients appear to have followed him to his new center, which is among the reeds and marshes of the former industrial park.

Eyink sees scores of patients each week and that doesn't count his acupuncture business. He also sells nutrients and healthy foods.

"Our patient base is growing, probably in part because we keep the prices reasonable," Eyink said. His Dutch surname is tough to pronounce, so he goes by "Dr. Dan."

"One thing I believe is that if you can change the kitchen, health often improves," he said." Eat healthier."

Eyink, a native of Connecticut, started out in the culinary field.

He worked as a cook and chef at top venues on both coasts. His journey included stops at the Bostonian Hotel in Boston and The Harvest in Cambridge.

Eyink returned to college in the late 1980s. After completing his undergraduate work at Lesley College, he graduated from UMass Medical School in Worcester in 1994. He relocated to Newburyport in 1998.

Eyink participated in a "regular" medical practice on Highland Avenue and served at Anna Jaques Hospital.

But creating his own healing center was his way of making a statement about his brand of medicine.

"Natural foods are best and that's why we like the local farmers market," he said. "It provides natural food rather than processed meals. I might have a different point of view (than some conventional physicians) but that could be helpful when it comes to eating and nutrition."

Alan Camilleri, 66, a patient from Boxford, said Eyink "saved my life."

"I had a terrible problem with my lungs and would have moments when I couldn't breath," Camilleri said. "It would occur randomly.

"The doctor suggested certain herbs, supplement, whole foods. My diet changed. I began making progress and now I am feeling much better. He helped me with my knee, too."

Leslie Howlett, 56, of Amesbury is another patient who said her health has been improved by Eyink.

"I have immune diseases and I knew it was chronic problem that would be long term," she said. "With him, I have improved my diet and now include nutrition-rich supplements. I am much better.

"He doesn't take insurance but I feel that is with the insurance companies. They don't recognize practices like his.

"But he is a medical doctor with valuable experience. In terms of expense, he's much less costly than conventional medicine. If you don't have your health, you don't have much."

Eyink said he is not in competition with traditional practices.

Howlett, in fact, said he recommends that she consult her conventional physician from time to time. And then, Howlett and Eyink discuss options.

"There's an ethical piece in my practice," Eyink said, "and I try to keep things simple and not harmful.

"I want to see improvement in a given period of time. If it's not working, it could be time for more traditional medicine. But patients seem to be good with what we are doing."

Dyke Hendrickson covers Newburyport. He can be reached at 978-961-3149, or at [email protected].

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