Integrative Health Blog

Erchonia laser for quick pain relief

By Scott Richards

Erchonia laser is an infrared, cold laser that is F.D.A. approved for pain and range of motion. Lance Armstrong has used the Erchonia Laser for peak performance during his seven year reign as Tour de France champion cycler. I have used the laser successfully in my practice for the past 3 years with a great deal of success.

The laser is commonly used for pain relief and decreasing inflammation from injuries of the neck, shoulder, knees and other common ailments. If used shortly after common strains or injuries (hematoma's) the effect of the laser is greatly enhanced in reducing inflammation and pain and minimizing normal recovery time.

I have been trained by a variety of chiropractors over the years including Lance Armstong's chiropractor, Jeff Spencer. By focusing the laser on three area's (cranial nerves, and upper and lower extremities) common pain relief can be enhanced in one to two appointments. Many patients have responded positively to the laser, and many times an increase in muscle strength is experienced in the first appointment. The laser is sometimes used in combination with muscle testing and patients know quickly whether the Erchonia Laser will be helpful in their recovery from injury.

I have recently used the laser to help treat a personal injury which resulted in a large hematoma on my left knee. When being treated for this injury, I was given a timeline of 6 weeks to three months recovery from this injury. Using the laser has helped speed up my recovery time and allowed me to get back to about 90% recovery within the 6 week timeframe.

6 Essential Nutritional Supplements and why you need them

Nature is your best source of nutrition. However, it is now scientifically and medically recognized that even high quality and balanced diets can benefit from targeted nutritional supplements. Augmenting a healthy diet with supplements may provide the best possible opportunity to enjoy optimal health and lower the risk of disease development.
Start with these key nutritional supplements:

Vitamin D
Magnesium
Omega 3 fish oil
Vitamin C
Probiotics
Chlorella

VITAMINS & MINERALS
Vitamin D: Vitamin D is naturally present in very few foods but can be generated from direct sun exposure, which most people don't get enough of- 3 out of 4 Americans are Vitamin D deficient. Vitamin D regulates calcium and phosphorus levels which are vital for bone growth and health, promotes a healthy immune system and is effective in preventing tumor growth.

Magnesium: Magnesium maintains a healthy immune system, normal muscle and nerve function, keeps bones strong, helps regulate blood sugar levels and blood pressure, and is involved in energy metabolism and protein synthesis. It may also help prevent and manage hypertension, cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

OMEGA FATTY ACIDS
Omega-3 Fish Oil: A pure, healthy fish oil supplement rich in essential omega-3 fatty acids is vital in maintaining healthy arteries, reducing risk of heart attack, abnormal heart rhythms, and strokes in people with known heart disease.

ANTIOXIDANTS
Vitamin C: Vitamin C is an essential nutrient involved in a range of key metabolic reactions including bone, cartilage, muscle and blood vessel formation. It aids in iron absorption and in extreme environments can protect against the common cold. However, excessive levels can cause numerous health problems.

DIGESTIVE SUPPLEMENTS
Probiotics: Probiotics-"friendly bacteria"- found in foods like yogurt, lower cholesterol and blood pressure, improve immune function, relieve symptoms of IBS and diarrhea, and protect against colon cancer.
DETOXIFYING SUPPLEMENTS
Chlorella: This single-celled fresh water algae is a source of high-grade protein, chlorophyll A & B, 5 Minerals, 12 Vitamins and 19 Amino Acids. Chlorella is a valuable supplement removing heavy metals from the body and relieving pain and hypertension associated with chronic health problems.
Visit our product website for more health products and information, and talk to your doctor about what other supplements may be right for you.
NIHA products can be purchased online or in person at our office.

View 6 Essential Nutritional Supplements

4 Tips for starting a new vitamin routine:

As with anything, too much of good thing is harmful for your body. Here are few things to keep in mind when you begin a new nutritional supplement:
1. Take a variety of products and supplements to avoid unnecessary allergic reactions.
2. Take vitamin holidays. As with your diet, it's best to have variety in your routine. To avoid overuse, take a few days or weeks off now and then.
3. Strive for optimal nutrition. You need good nutrition from you diet even if you take supplements.
4. Buy quality products. You get what you pay for: not all supplements are created equal.

What is biological dentistry?

By Dr.Mark McClure DDS, FAGD
1. Biological dentistry is the integration of dentistry and medicine. NIHA biological dentists, along with a growing number of eminent clinicians, believe that the mouth is an integrated part of the entire body, and should be treated accordingly. Your oral health relates to your overall health and wellness.
2. Biological dentists are conventionally trained, but have additional study and training in the systemic impacts of dental health. The difference between biological dentistry and conventional dentistry is that our dentists aim to treat a patient's dental problems while evaluating the impact on the rest of the body. They believe that the mouth, and all its structures are connected to your whole body. All dental therapies should work to enhance the body's natural ability to heal and repair itself.
3. Biological dentistry considers other health factors
The field of biological dentistry considers physical, mental, emotional, and systemic factors all to be important in achieving overall wellness. Periodontal disease, infections, toxins, and imbalances in the oral cavity and jaw may contribute to chronic illness, the development of heart disease and pain in the head, neck and other regions of the body. Biological dentistry treats not only the symptoms but gets to the root cause underlying of the problem so it can be corrected.
4. Biological dentistry offers comprehensive traditional dentistry PLUS the biological component:
• The use of bio-compatible materials that will not adversely impact a patient's immune system
• mercury free fillings
• a Mercury-Safe practice, with removal of mercury amalgam fillings to minimize any re-absorption of mercury into the body
• a complete protocol for heavy metal detoxification to rid the body of mercury and/or other toxic metals, supervised by a medical doctor
• Treatment of root canals or cavitations (disease in the jaw bone) by either surgical or non-surgical methods
• Non-surgical treatment of periodontal disease and testing of the gum tissue as part of your exam
• The importance of nutrition on your dental and overall health
• Options for anxious patients including conscious sedation or reflexology as a relaxation technique

A biological dental practice offers many options to the patient. Biological dentists work with the patient first to assure good dental health in a caring environment, and also to treat the patient holistically, respecting the wisdom of the human body.