Alternative option

Traditional and alternative medicine can go hand-in-hand.

That’s one of the ideologies behind Portland’s new infusion clinic.

Tree of Life IV Center celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house Friday at 1303 N. Meridian St. after opening earlier this year.

The infusion and injection center serves as a second location to Tree of Life Health Solutions in Greenville, Ohio. The business previously operated a clinic in Fort Recovery that closed its doors in 2022.

Tree of Life focuses on offering integrative medicine, which combines traditional medicine with alternative medicine and other therapies.

“It’s kind of merging traditional medicine with natural-based medicine,” said doctor and Fort Recovery native David Rohrer. “Not everything can be treated by prescription medication, sometimes people need certain dietary changes or supplementation to help their condition improve, so it’s kind of looking at it from both sides to optimize peoples’ health.”

Family nurse practitioner Pauletta Hummel explained there are options for those who don’t want to utilize traditional medicine. While she noted benefits to both traditional and alternative medicine, she emphasized the effectiveness of integrative medicine.

“The combination of the two (medicines) is just unbelievable how beneficial it is for the patient,” said Hummel, a Winchester resident who is also co-owner of Hummel Drive-In Theatre.

“That’s my mission and goal, is to get out there and tell people, you don’t need a pill for everything,” she continued.

“There’s an etiology behind every symptom, and if you can understand what the etiology is, fill in those deficiencies, your wellness and your quality of life is just, it’s so good.”

The Portland clinic offers IV (intravenous) therapy, which involves injecting different infusions, such as Vitamin C (ascorbic acid), into the bloodstream. The clinic’s IV infusions “menu” includes various combinations created to aid with different needs. “Energy Surge,” which includes B vitamins, Arginine, Proline, Lysine and Citrulline, is designed to kick-start metabolisms and raise energy levels. “Rapid Recovery,” comprised of Ondansetron, B Vitamins, Magnesium Chloride, Manganese and Copper, is intended to “reboot the body” and replenish vitamins and minerals.

Other therapies are designed to kickstart immune systems or metabolisms, combat fatigue, rejuvenate skin, improve overall brain functions and memory recall, alleviate premenstrual syndrome symptoms or help with other ailments.

Hummel explained IV therapies can provide the vitamins and minerals in which patients may have deficiencies.

“It’s really all about access of care to the patient, and what they need on an individual basis,” Hummel said.

The Greenville location offers various treatments, including IV therapies as well as integrative family medicine, chiropractic family care and ozone, hormone replacement and chelation therapies.

When the opportunity arose to open a clinic in Portland, Rohrer added, it seemed like the logical next step.

“Portland’s kind of like my second hometown,” said Rohrer, who previously practiced in Portland and at IU Health Jay for several years. “Portland kind of was a logical choice (for us) to provide some of our resources down in Greenville up here to allow people to get what they need without having to drive.”

Tree of Life IV Center accepts walk-in appointments, with clients having the option to pay with Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Spending Accounts. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays and Fridays, and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesdays.

For more information, call (260) 703-5122 or visit tree-of-life-health-solutionsportland-indiana.square.site.