Integrative Health Blog

Integrative Medicine Approach to Allergies for Rapid Relief

  

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Barbara Solomon MD

Symptoms of Allergies

Do you, or a family member, have a runny nose, sinus congestion, headaches including sinus headaches?  You may be suffering from allergies to  pollens, grasses, molds, dust, cat or dog dander or feathers and may include allergies to foods.   

Non-Invasive, Painless Testing for Allergies

Testing for allergies  is done by electrodermal screening using EDS100 electrodermal test system which is painless, and only involves pressure of the testing device on the correct acupuncture point. The testing is non invasive and involves pressure of the testing device at the base of the thumb for airborne allergies  and the lateral side of the third finger for food allergies.

Testing is ideal for children since it is non-invasive,and uses no needles or injections. The child sits on the lap of the parent and the parent’s sinus point is tested at the base of the thumb to find the neutralizing dilution for airborne allergies and pressure or at  the allergy point on the  third finger, laterally for food allergies.

Integrative Medicine Treatment of Allergies with Customized Allergy Serums

Customized Allergy serums are the treatment for allergies. Treatment is done with allergy drops taken under the tongue taken once a week and not painful injections. The serums cause the immune system to build up blocking antibodies that turn off the allergic response, and may even eliminate the allergy, given an appropriate length of treatment. You can find rapid relief from the symptoms of allergies.

Dr. Barbara Solomon MD is an integrative physician in practice at National Integrated Health Associates, an integrative medicine and dental center serving the Washington DC, Maryland and Virginia metro area. She specializes in treating people with allergies and/or multiple chemical sensitivities and is a long time member of the American Academy of Environmental Medicine.

Change Your Life! Apply for a Raw Food Institute Scholarship

  

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Hello everyone!

I'm Elliott Fiedler and this is my "before" and "after" photo of how the Raw Food Insitute has changed my life. I met Lisa Wilson several years ago when I attended one of her nutrition classes. I was blown away by what I heard and in that moment something inside me knew I needed to learn more.

You see at that time, I was in pretty poor shape. I had high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and a recent heart attack followed by quadruple bypass surgery. I was uncomfortably overweight and nothing green had passed  my lips for decades (literally). Those early classes were a turning point for me and I had many real breakthroughs ... But wait, it gets much, much better than that!

When Lisa launched The Raw Food Institute, I knew it was time to get even more serious about my health. So I enrolled in the first Raw Food Institute class at NIHA in January of 2011. To say that it was a game changer does not even come close to describing that week for me....

IT CHANGED VIRTUALLY EVERYTHING IN MY LIFE!

Listen, when you are forced to face the music (to say nothing of your "maker") with a quadruple bypass operation, things NEED to change. It is not even an option to deny or delay what you know is absolutely essential to your survival and quality of life.

Honestly, articulating how many ways The Raw Food Institute changed my life is a serious challenge for me. An easier  question might be: "WHAT DIDN'T CHANGE?"

So here are a few of the changes that I can testify to:

First, of course, would be the food. I seriously love being a "raw foodie."  It gets me going every day and it makes me happy! I love the way that I feel, the way that I think, and the way that  my  body now responds.  I am 66 years old and I feel better than I did 30 years ago.
I've also met some of the dearest and most supportive friends of my life. Among other things, we grow wheat grass together, we swap recipes, and we share raw meals.

The real question is.... "WHERE WOULD MY LIFE BE IF I HAD NOT FOUND THE RAW FOOD INSTITUTE?"

There is no question that my entire life has been turned around and I am a completely different person because of that one week investment of  my time in myself.

Here are a few "before" and "after" RESULTS  from my RFI experience:

Apply Now for the Elliot Fiedler Scholarship

It is because of this that I want to pass this amazing experience along and share what I believe can be a life changing for you as well. Therefore, I decided to make a contribution to The Raw Food Institute. Lisa is calling it the "Elliott Fiedler Scholarship" and she has decided to match it!!!! This means that ONE student in the June immersion program will be receiving a $1,400 scholarship. Regular tuition is $2400, so the balance will be just $1000. It is a great honor for me to be able to do this.

Please know that you have an opportunity of a lifetime  ahead of you in one amazing week at The Raw Food Institute.

I WISH YOU THE VERY, VERY, VERY BEST! TO YOUR RADIANT HEALTH!
IT'S A LIFE CHANGER!!!!

With love and blessings,
Elliott Fiedler

TO APPLY FOR THE SCHOLARSHIP:

Please send one or two paragraphs about why you are applying  for this scholarship and what unique personal  circumstances qualifies you for it. A winner of this scholarship will be chosen by May 30, 2012. Once the winner is notified, the winning essay will be published here in this newsletter.

Please send your essays to: chelly@therawfoodinstitute.com

See you at the next Raw Food Institute!

Lyme Disease May be Worse Than Ever This Year

  

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The NIHA doctors are already seeing a lot of tick bites and Lyme disease due to the mild winter, early spring and other indicators of a large tick population in 2012.

The Washington Post ran an article this week in which Dr. Paul Beals is quoted:

Holistic Nutrition: Healthy Grilling 101

  

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Anita Capizzi RN, CHC

Anita's Healthy Tips

What will you be putting on the grill this season?

I love it when the warm weather begs us to cook outdoors and enjoy the longer days by having dinner on the patio. That means making sure that the grill is in working order and ready to use. Whether you favor charcoal or gas, how you grill can have health consequences.

What Happens When You Grill Meat

Even local farm raised chicken, beef and pork can contain dangerous chemicals compounds when grilled incorrectly. I am talking about HCA’s or heterocyclic amines which are chemical compounds found in grilled and especially burned meat that has been cooked for long periods of time. When fat drips in to the grill and causes flames to lick the meat, these compounds are formed. There are many types of HCA’s and several are known to cause cancer.

Does grilling always have to include meats? No. Marinated portabello mushrooms or veggie kabobs are excellent on the grill served with cous cous and a delicious mixed greens salad. Vegetables are exempt because only animal meats can react with high temperatures and form HCA’s.

How to Grill with Health in Mind

There ARE things that you can do to reduce the formation of HCA’s when grilling meats. Research has shown that by marinating chicken in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice and garlic, it’s possible to reduce HCA formation by as much as 90%! Marinating beef for several hours also reduces the formation of dangerous HCA’s.

Simply cooking meats at a lower temperature for a longer period is a good option. Using a piece of aluminum foil to protect the meat from the open flame while cooking is also an option. Dr. Andrew Weil says that brushing a rosemary extract (found in health food stores) on beef also significantly reduces HCA levels.

If you use a charcoal grill, there are devices that allow you to light the charcoal briquettes without using lighter fluid which may contain toxins.

Traditions like BBQ’s don’t have to fall by the wayside as we learn new information.

We can make small changes that remind us that we are indeed in charge of our own health.

 Anita Capizzi, RN, CHC, is a Certified Health Coach at National Integrated Health Associates and graduate of the Institute for Integrative Nutrition. Her philosphy is to meet people where they are and upgrade their level of holistic nutrition and wellness, one step at a time.

Tired of Pain?

  

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Nicholas Buscemi MSOM, LAc

Chronic Pain May Be Alleviated by Chinese Medicine

Physical pain is common for many Americans.  A recent national study found that more than a quarter of respondents lived with some pain for extended periods of time. 

Those that suffer from the debilitating effects of chronic pain have a NEW OLD ally in the fight for symptom relief.  Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine have been used for 3000 years to relieve pain.  Chinese medicine is used to counter the effects of inflammation, arthritis, fibromyalgia and other sources of chronic pain and is endorsed by the NIH as a valid treatment modality AND is covered by many insurers.

So How does Chinese Medicine Treat Pain?

“Where there is blockage there is pain, where there is no blockage there is no pain.”

Imagine rivers and tributaries running through the body.  These rivers are filled with a substance called Qi or vital energy which has qualities much like water.  As in any river there are spots that are more and less dense and can be blocked if too much debris accumulates.  This scenario can be the same in the body, our rivers (meridians) get blocked by the debris of daily living.   The meridians that hold and course the vital energy can be blocked by trauma, emotion, environmental factors, hereditary illness, diet and lifestyle and just the process of living each day.  The goal of Chinese Medicine is to find these blockages and use the correct modality (cupping, acupuncture, herbal formula, gentle physical manipulation, Qi Gong, visualization, diet, talk therapy) to unblock the meridians. 

Is Acupuncture supported by science?

Acupuncture is used in hospitals throughout the country as a complementary treatment in pain relief and in some scenarios, acupuncture is used in the place of biochemical anesthetics.   

The NIH supports the validity in acupuncture for the following conditions:  Carpal tunnel syndrome, Fibromyalgia, Headache and Migraine, Lower back pain,  Menstrual cramps, Myofascial pain, Neck pain, Osteoarthritis/ knee pain, Postoperative dental pain, Tennis elbow, Pregnancy related pain, TMJ,  Arm and Shoulder pain.

Live free of chronic pain with the minimally invasive therapy of Chinese Medicine. 

Nicholas Buscemi MSOM, LAc is a practitioner at National Integrative Health Associates, NIHA, an integrative medicine and dental center serving the Washington DC, Maryland and Viginia metro area. Under the tutelage of masters, Nicholas has devoted himself to immersion in the classical method of Acupuncture, Classical Chinese Medicine, Chinese Herbal Medicine, Qi Gong, and Tai Chi.

Chinese Medicine and the "Spring Tune-Up"

  

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Nicholas Buscemi MSOM, LAc

The relationship between our health and the seasons is well documented in medical literature.  From Seasonal Affective Disorder to allergies to the fluctuation in the severity of symptoms associated with most diseases, the ebb and flow of the seasons plays a major role in our health.  The Yellow Emperor’s Canon of Internal Medicine states, “Those who knew the way of keeping in good health in ancient times, always kept their behavior in daily life in accordance with nature.” As society has modernized away from the agrarian lifestyle our bodies have lost the ability to adapt as readily to the effects of the changes in season.

Follow the Cycle of Nature

So how can we keep in accordance with nature?  Of course, a diet based on seasonal crops, regular sleep patterns, and exercise are all important but so is a mind/body tune up. Chinese Medicine takes into account each person’s strengths and weaknesses and how those are affected by the changing season in establishing a treatment protocol.

What Does Chinese Medicine say about Springtime?

Here we are in spring and as it is stated in the classical texts of Chinese Medicine, this is the time where the wood element flourishes in nature.  The liver and gallbladder are related to the wood element.  Therefore spring is said to be governed by the liver and the gallbladder energy.  If there are weaknesses in your physiological liver/gallbladder or in the liver/gallbladder meridians, there will be health issues associated in the spring.  Examples may include joint pain, fatigue, depression, circulation issues, lack in motivation, eyes itching and vision issues, hair thinning and many other associated symptoms.    It is important to note that since there is such a dynamic interconnectedness between the physiology of each of the organ systems in the body that we will each respond uniquely to the seasons.   As such, it is very important to be aware of our particular strengths and weaknesses and address them in the context of the seasons.

Set up an appointment to prepare your mind, body, and spirit for the spring season and beyond.  Remember that preventative care is a long term solution!

Nicholas Buscemi MSOM, LAc is a practitioner at National Integrative Health Associates, NIHA, an integrative medicine and dental center serving the Washington DC, Maryland and Viginia metro area. Under the tutelage of masters, Nicholas has devoted himself to immersion in the classical method of Acupuncture, Classical Chinese Medicine, Chinese Herbal Medicine, Qi Gong, and Tai Chi.

Parasites, a Common Problem

  

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Tracy Freeman MD

A very common yet undiagnosed or misdiagnosed problem that we find in patients is parasites. They can live in the body for many years without causing symptoms and when they do, the symptoms are often subtle or vague.

Parasites  can generally be divided into two groups:

• Helminthes which are multicellular parasites or worms and are most commonly found in the intestines, liver and pancreas and do not reproduce in the body. An adult worm (see photo credit CDC.gov/parasites) can range from 15-35 cm., or almost 14 inches!
• Protozoa which are single celled parasites that can infest the entire body causing serious infections. They rapidly multiply in the body. The most common in the U.S. are giardia and cryptosporidium.

Helminthes are contracted through exposure to feces, water or soil and tend to be more common in children, while protozoa can be found in food, water, insect and animal bites and contact surfaces. 

Parasites are ubiquitous and difficult to diagnose without the right testing as their symptoms are vague or mimic other illnesses.

Parasite Symptoms may include:

• Abdominal pain
• Diarrhea
• Fever
• Nausea/vomiting
• Itching
• Fatigue
• Weight loss

Stool tests are very useful in finding parasites.

Protozoan infections may be traditionally treated with antibiotics, immune building herbs, binding clays. Herbs such as wormwood, black walnut, maiden barber and absinth have been traditionally used as curatives particularly when treating worms.

Other herbs and medications may be used depending upon what your practitioner finds through examination, testing and your medical history.

Through proper testing and treatment of parasites, health can be greatly improved.

Tracy Freeman MD is a holistic medical physician at National Integrated Health Associates, NIHA, an integrative medicine and dental center  serving Washington D.C., Maryland and Virginia. Primary care with a holistic approach is for your optimum wellness, not just freedom from disease. Her areas of focus are Holistic Primary Care of adults and children, Autism, and Women's Health.

Are You Suffering from Sugar Addiction?

  

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Eve Colantoni CHC

If you’ve tried to kick the sugar habit and failed, you could be facing a larger problem than you may have realized; you may be facing an actual addiction.  Sadly, sugar addiction is greatly misunderstood by most people; parents, teachers, even doctors and the medical community at large. In this article, you’ll learn why sugar is so addictive, how to tell if you’ve become addicted, and what steps you can take to break away from the grips of sugar addiction.

“Sugar and spice and everything nice!” The old saying takes us back to happy memories from childhood, but not all that we remember nostalgically is necessarily good for us.  In fact, one of the problems with sugar is that since it’s always been a part of our lives, from birthday parties, to holidays like Valentine’s day or Halloween, we think consuming it is all very normal.  A little in moderation never hurt anyone, right?  Well, when you see the history of sugar, and how it’s become woven into the fabric of our lives, and what it’s actually doing to your body, you may think differently.

Long before you or I were ever born, the first sugar refinery in the United Sates was constructed in 1689.  Many historians have now documented that much of the slave trade was initiated to find free labor to grow and harvest the plants from which sugar is derived; sugar cane or sugar beets.  In my opinion, it makes the scar that slavery left on humanity even deeper knowing that much of the atrocity was committed in the name of producing a drug that would further enslave us--sugar.

Back in those colonial times, sugar immediately became popular, however its use was not nearly as widespread as it is today.  In those early days, most people consumed a reasonable amount of around 4 pounds per person per year.  Today, it’s estimated that some Americans eat as much as 150 pounds per year.  This increase would mean little if we were dealing with a food substance that did little to effect our bodies.  However, in the case of sugar, nothing could be further from the truth.

These days, we’re beginning to realize that not only is sugar not the harmless substance we once thought it was, but conversely could be one of the largest culprits behind the healthcare crisis America in now facing. 

Sugar has now been linked to a myriad of chronic diseases including obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer, arthritis, osteoporosis, ADHD, even depression and anxiety.  With this new understanding of how bad sugar really is for us, you may ask, then why do we keep going back for more?

What most people do not understand is that food has the ability to shift our biochemistry.  In the case of sugar, it actually has the ability to interfere with our brain chemistry, which is why it can be so addictive.

Our natural, body-produced pain killers are referred to as endogenous opioids. When these chemicals come in contact with certain receptor sites, we experience what is thought of as a ‘reward’ as the body experiences pleasure from the interaction.

Researchers have now proven that sugar can stimulate the release of our endogenous opiates. When the receptor sites are continuously filled, and we feel a sense of pleasure, we become conditioned to seek this out, no matter how harmful the substance may be to us. 

In the meantime, while we are repeatedly stimulating the release of these natural chemicals, our body can begin to build up a tolerance, so more and more of the same substance becomes needed to get the same effect. And like any addictive substance, the moment we try to stop using it, we can experience withdrawal symptoms including headaches, extreme cravings, and unusual fatigue.

If you’ve tried to give up sugar, experienced any of these withdrawal symptoms, but still wound up giving into your cravings and going back to eating it, there’s a good chance you’re facing an addiction problem.That said, certain measures can be taken to ease the transition, and to get you off the white stuff and on to a healthier way of life.

So what can you do if you know you’re addicted? On a foundational level, you must re-educate yourself, including your taste buds, to seek out and to learn to appreciate the flavor of real foods. This means foods which do not come from a box, a can or a jar.  Foods without barcodes. Real food as opposed to processed foods which are filled with added sugars, flavor enhancers and chemicals which trick our bodies away from wanting real foods.

Next, certain amino acids, which are the building blocks of protein, can be used supplementally to rebalance your brain chemistry. It’s important to make sure that only quality supplements are used, meaning don’t buy them from you local pharmacy, but rather from a reputable health food store, or get them from a natural health practitioner.

Moreover, as with any addiction, when we realize that at our core, we are stronger than any chemical reaction taking place in our bodies, we can call upon the deep essence of who we really are to create powerful changes in our lives. If you know you are facing an addiction to sugar, know that you have the power to overcome it, but also do not need to go it alone.

As part of my dedication to helping those who are facing this challenge, I’ll be teaching a free class next week to give you more tools you can use in your battle against sugar addiction.  To get on the notification list, just enter your email address below and I’ll send you the details for how you can participate. (If you can’t participate at the time, don’t worry... it will be recorded so you can listen in later).

 REGISTER NOW!

What is Biological Dentistry?

  

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What does good dental care have to do with good health?

Have you ever considered the two to be connected?

Could your headache or knee pain be related to the condition of your mouth?

According to Dietrich Klinghardt, MD, PhD., a leading integrative doctor, "80% of the chronically ill patients that I see have a major part of their health problems in their mouth."

So, what is Biological Dentistry?

Biological dentistry (sometimes called holistic dentistry) is the integration of dentistry and medicine. National Integrated Health Associates, NIHA biological dentists, along with a growing number of eminent clinicians believe that the mouth is intricately connected to the rest of the body and should be treated accordingly.

Biological dentists are traditionally trained with additional study and training on the impact of dental issues on the systems of the body. Dental therapies should work to enhance the body's natural ability to heal and repair itself. Biological dentists practice mercury free dentistry and use biocompatible materials that will not adversely affect a patient's immune system. The emphasis is on building health and well being.

The holistic approach that a biological dentists uses supports the total health of the patient. Total comprehensive care is offered for adults and children in a mercury-free, caring and environmentally friendly dental center.

The biological dentistry component at NIHA also offers:

• mercury free fillings
• the use of bio-compatible dental materials
• quick, painless laser dentistry for cavities or gum disease
• non-surgical treatment of periodontal disease
• the use of purified, bacteria-free water in the entire dental station
• treatment of the "whole person" and physical, mental, emotional and systemic factors affecting oral health
• safe removal of mercury fillings to minimize any mercury re-absorbtion into the body
• treatment of root canals and cavitations (disease in the jaw bone) by non-surgical or surgical methods
• conscious sedation and other options to calm patients
• cooperation with the MD's in the best interest of the overall health of the patient

Remedy for the Weekend Warrior

  

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Anita Capizzi RN, CHC

Sunshine, warm temperatures and beautiful blue skies beckon even the most die hard couch potato to get out of doors and enjoy the weekend.

Spring chores are plentiful with lawn mowing, yard clean up from winter storms and winds. The ground is soft enough to put some color in the yard by planting pansies and petunias. Everywhere people are biking, running and walking.

What lies at the end of all of this activity, unfortunately, for a lot of people are muscle and joint aches and pains!

A Natural Remedy for Achey Muscles

Enter Epsom salts for what ails the weekend warrior! Epsom salts are an age old remedy, wonderful for relaxing tired, achy muscles. There are so many amazing benefits to using these salts which are made of magnesium sulfate, but the best benefit in my opinion is how it feels.

A day spent outdoors doing any kind of physical activity that makes your muscles sore begs some kind of relief.  Soaking in a nice hot  tub with a few cups of Epsom salts dissolved in the water relaxes and pampers the body, makes you feel brand new and ready to do it all again the next day!

Try it out next time your mind tells you that you can and your body pays the price.

 Anita Capizzi, RN, CHC, is a Certified Health Coach at National Integrated Health Associates and graduate of the Institute for Integrative Nutrition. Her philosphy is to meet people where they are and upgrade their level of holistic nutrition and wellness, one step at a time.

photo:ukwildadventures.com