Colitis and Crohn's Disease - GUTSY WALK

Colitis is inflammation (swelling) of the colon (large intestine) that may or may not include blood or mucous in the stool.

Crohn’s disease is a chronic (lifelong) illness and the inflammation can strike anywhere in the gastrointestinal tract, which is from mouth to anus, but it is usually located in the lower part of the small bowel and the upper end of the colon. 

Causes, incidence and risk factors

Colitis can have many different causes, including:

• Infections, including those caused by a parasite, food poisoning, bacterial or by a virus
• Lack of blood flow (ischemic colitis)
• Inflammatory disorders (ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s Disease)
• Past radiation to the large bowel

Symptoms

Symptoms may include:

• Chills
• Constant urge to have a bowel movement
• Fever
• Weight Loss
• Indigestion
• Bloating
• Cramping
• Pain
• Gas
• Diarrhea
• Lack of energy
• Abdominal pain 
• Constant bloating that comes and goes
• Dehydration
• Bloody stools

With both Colitis and Crohn’s disease, there may be frequent flare ups and times when the disease has gone into remission. There is a 30% flare up risk in any one year.

Nutrition and Diet Intake:

When a flare up occurs, there are certain things you can do to help you through an episode, such as:

• Reduce fat intake (it may be harder for you to digest)
• Try lactose free products
• Try glucose free products
• Eat smaller meals but more frequently throughout the day
• Try identifying trigger foods and eliminate those from your diet
• Reduce sugar and artificial sweeteners if you notice it aggravates your gut
• Try identifying foods that are safe for you to consume and case the least irritation
• Try drinking fluid after your meals

Signs and tests

A health care practitioner (Urologist) will perform a physical exam and ask you certain questions about your symptoms:

• How severe your pain is
• How long it lasts
• How long you have suffered from symptoms
• How often it occurs
• Whether you have been traveling
• How often you have diarrhea

The urologist can diagnose colitis by inserting a tube in the rectum (colonoscopy) and evaluate specific areas of the colon. Biopsies may be taken during the testing which may show changes related to inflammation.

There are other studies that can identify colitis, which include:

• Barium enema
• Abdominal MRI
• Abdominal CT scan
• Abdominal X-ray

Complications include:

• Bleeding
• Toxic megacolon
• Hole in the colon
• Sore (ulceration)

Colon Cancer

On a global scale, Ontario has the highest rate of colon cancer in the world. If inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is detected earlier, there is a 90% chance of curing it. The earlier it is detected, the best chance there is for survival. 

Please keep in mind, as age increases, so does the risk. 

There is no cure for Colitis or Crohn’s Disease... YET. 

Holistic and natural care may reverse the disease and may help with symptoms.

Walk To Find A Cure!

On June 10, 2012 make a change by participating in the GUTSY WALK for Crohn’s and Colitis!

There will be many cities participating in the Gutsy Walk in Beautiful BC: Abbotsford, Vancouver, Surrey, Kamloops, Nanaimo, and Victoria. For detailed information, please click: http://www.gutsywalk.ca/EN/find/national_events.html#bc 

Make a difference and make a change.

Click on the following link for more information: http://www.gutsywalk.ca/EN/index.html

Finding Relief

Massage can be used during periods of remission for patients with ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease to manage chronic pain, but it should also not be used during an active flare-up of ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease as it can exacerbate the pain and increase the risk of intestinal perforation.

Acupuncture has also been known to benefit people with colitis. This procedure involves inserting needles in your skin, which is known to stimulate the release of the body's natural painkillers.


NIS can also help greatly for digestive issues. It helps to maintain digestive health, and support immune system functions. NIS uses non-invasive procedures to identify and provide focus on the issues, and helps maintain healthy bodily functions.

Information provided by: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0002112/

Neurological Integration System (NIS)

Many people have never heard of NIS so let us start from the beginning.

Neurological Integration System is:

• A scientific validated healthcare management system

• Used by practitioners around the world

• Based upon proven principles of neuroscience

The Neurological Integration System IS NOT:

• Stressful to the body

• Does NOT involve the mind

• Does NOT involve manipulation or invasive procedures

• Does NOT require drugs, special diets, or homework exercises to be effective

NIS is a safe approach to healthcare for the entire family!

Imagine the base of a tree as our DNA blueprint, our genetic predisposition.

The root system that supplies nourishment is affected by Environmental Inputs.

Over time our fundamental bodily processes can become compromised causing Symptoms to evolve. 

Imagine the leaves of a tree our representation of a possible 600,000 Symptoms.

With NIS a prioritized system of validated protocols is used to evaluate and resolve the ROOT cause—not the Symptoms in the leaves of the tree. Our focus is to address the possible underlying ROOT causes and restore OPTIMUM POTENTIAL to each individual.

WHAT IS NIS AND WHAT IS IT ABOUT?

NIS is based on 3 main principles.

Principle #1

NIS is based on the premise that all neuro-physiology is governed by the brain and NOT the mind.

Therefore the BRAIN, not the practitioner, becomes the definitive source for evaluating and correcting complaints.

Principle #2

NIS looks beyond labelled complaints

A label is a name given to a “group of symptoms”.

NIS removes the guess work. How?

By using a series of scientifically validated protocols that will evaluate ALL underlying issues for that individual.

Principle #3

The brain makes the correction NOT the practitioner

Regardless of what the practitioner “might think is wrong”, it is the neurological feedback from the BRAIN gathered by muscle testing that the practitioner uses to determine and correct dysfunction.

NIS practitioners “facilitate” the resetting of the neurological circuitry so the BRAIN WILL MAKE THE CORRECTIONS.

HOW DOES NIS WORK?

Our brain is an automatic signalling system controlling ALL functionality in the body.

It constantly receives information from every facet of the body, and in turn sends back “fine tuning” messages many times per second. It monitors every body part & every bodily system. 

Our individual DNA blueprint decides what are individual tolerances are—what is normal function, “OPTIMUM POTENTIAL” for you and me.

From time to time our individual tolerances are exceeded….circuits connecting the brain to a particular body part or system may become disconnected.

Now our potential function becomes reduced…thus symptoms patterns can evolve.

Using NIS practitioners are able to:

1. Investigate & Evaluate WHY the client has symptom patterns in the first place

2. Facilitate the brain to recognize the disconnected circuit.

NOW the brain can “ re-set” the neurological circuitry.

Enabling all body systems to return to optimum potential—for that individual!

HOW DOES THE BRAIN RE-SET THE NEUROLOGICAL CIRCUITRY?

Let us look at the NIS system in action to explain

NIS SCREEN TEST: Involves holding specific anatomical contact points that have an interrelationship

MUSCLE TEST: While specific anatomical contact points are “anchored” the practitioner tests a muscle for positive (strong) or negative (weak) result.

SUB-SCREEN TEST +MUSCLE TEST: Similar to the initial test, a sub-screen is looking to identify specific underlying issues.

INTEGRATE

 When we INTEGRATE we are “re-setting” the neurological circuitry.

Let us find out how…..

When the brain acknowledges an incongruence (identified with the screen & muscle test)

We INTEGRATE by gently tapping a precise area of the cranium the Post Central Gyrus (PCG). The Posgt Central Gyrus is the message sending & receiving centre of the brain. All neurological information from the body goes through the PCG.

When we INTEGRATE  we restore appropriate control to the area of the body under investigation. Normal neural activity is restored.

Now we get a strong muscle!

In other words…once the BRAIN acknowledges the dysfunction it will in its infinite wisdom correct it with absolute accuracy.

WHAT DOES NIS TREAT? 

The human body is capable of over 600,000 different symptoms.

The NIS system is a systematic means of evaluating ALL underlying issues that could lead to ONE OR MORE of those 600,000 symptoms.

Here is an example of symptoms NIS can help with:

• Headaches/migraines

• PMS/ irregular menses/ infertility

• Anxiety/depression

• Fatigue/ CFS/ fibromyalgia

• IBS/ constipation/ digestive dysfunction

• Autoimmune/asthma/respiratory issues

• ADD/ADHD/AUTISM/Learning Difficulties

• Tendon/ligament/muscle/joint issues

• Infections-viral/bacterial/parasite/bacteria

For more information please visit www.neurolinkglobal.com 

New Leaf Wellness and Massage is pleased to announce we have our very own NIS practitioner, Claudette Varley, RN, BSN.

To book a NIS appointment please contact us at 604-850-2511.

TO learn more about Claudette please visit our website:

http://www.newleafwellness.net/our-team/claudettevarley-r-n-nis-practitioner/

 

April: Autism Awareness Month

April is Autism Awareness Month!

TEN COMMON QUESTIONS (Published on Autism Society Canada's Website)

1. What is Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?

Autism Spectrum Disorder, also referred to as autism, is a neurological disorder which causes developmental disability. Autism affects the way the brain functions, resulting in difficulties with communication and social interaction, and unusual patterns of behaviour, activities and interests.

There are, in fact, five Autism Spectrum Disorders described under the diagnostic category of Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD) that appear in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV) of the American Psychiatric Association.

The term "spectrum" refers to a continuum of severity or developmental impairment. Children and adults with ASDs usually have particular communication, social and behavioural characteristics in common, but the conditions cover a wide spectrum, with individual differences in:

• Number and particular kinds of symptoms
• Severity: mild to severe
• Age of onset
• Levels of functioning
• Challenges with social interactions

When speaking of ASDs, most people are referring to three of the PDDs that are most common:

• Autistic Disorder (also called "autism" or "classic autism" or "AD")
• PDD-NOS (Pervasive Developmental Disorder - Not Otherwise Specified)
• Asperger's Disorder (also called "AS", "Asperger's Syndrome" and "Asperger Syndrome")

There is no standard "type" or "typical" person with an Autism Spectrum Disorder. More on ASDs...

2. What is autism?

The term "autism" is often used in two different ways. It is used to refer specifically to Autistic Disorder and it is also used more generally to refer to all Autism Spectrum Disorders.

Autistic Disorder usually appears during the first three years of life and is four times more common in boys than girls. Asperger Syndrome is often diagnosed later, once a child reaches school age. In general, ASDs occur in about 1 in 200 people in Canada. Autism is not related to race, ethnicity, family income, lifestyle or parenting. More on autism...

3. What are some of the characteristics of ASDs?

People with ASDs develop differently from others in the areas of motor, language, and cognitive and social skills. Each person with an ASD is unique and will have different abilities. "Symptoms" or disabilities caused by ASDs might be very mild in one person and quite severe in another. Here are some examples of common types of characteristics and behaviours in a child or adult with an ASD:

Difficulty with Social Skills

• Some people with ASDs show no interest in other people
• Others might be interested in people, but not know how to talk, play with, or relate to them
• Initiating and maintaining a conversation is usually difficult for people with ASDs who are verbal

Problems with Communication

• Speech and language skills may begin to develop and then be lost, or they may develop very slowly, or they may never develop. Without appropriate intensive early intervention about 40% of children with ASDs do not talk at all
• People with ASDs might not be able to interpret non-verbal communication such as social distance cues, or the use of gestures and facial cues that most of us take for granted

Repeated Behaviours and Restricted Interests

• People with ASDs may have repeated ritualistic actions such as spinning, repeated rocking, staring, finger flapping, hitting self, etc.
• Small changes in the environment or in daily routines that most people can manage might trigger acute distress
• They may have restricted interests and seemingly odd habits. They may talk about or focus obsessively on only one thing, idea, or activity

Unusual Responses to Sensations

• People with ASDs may have both auditory and visual processing problems
• Sensory input may be scrambled and overwhelming
• Sensory problems vary in autism, from mild to severe with over and under-sensitivities

Some Co-occurring Conditions

• Neurological disorders including epilepsy
• Gastro-intestinal problems
• Fine and gross motor deficits
• Anxiety and depression

More on symptoms and characteristics...

4. How are ASDs diagnosed?

ASDs are diagnosed in a variety of ways, using a number of different measures and screening tools. A diagnosis of an ASD depends on the number and pattern of typical characteristics. It is based on observation of specific behaviours and disabilities by a multidisciplinary team of doctors and other professionals trained in autism diagnosis.

Parents, family members or other caregivers of children with ASDs are often the first to notice delays in the usual childhood developmental milestones or differences in the ability to speak, make eye contact, play with other children or interact socially.

Autism sometimes goes unnoticed or undiagnosed in both children and adults, especially when it is a mild case or when the person has other disabilities or health problems. In some high functioning individuals, ASDs may go unnoticed for years.

It may only be diagnosed during an educational impasse or a life crisis which puts a person in contact with professionals able to recognize the disorder.

Autism varies widely in its severity and symptoms. An accurate diagnosis and early identification greatly improve the chances of establishing appropriate educational supports and any necessary treatments and interventions. More on diagnosis...

5. What causes ASDs?

The cause or causes of ASDs are still unknown. Classic Autism was first recognized in 1942 by Dr. Leo Kanner at John's Hopkins Hospital. At nearly the same time, an Austrian psychologist, Hans Asperger, described a similar group of patients. ASD has been recognized as a medical disorder only in modern times, but there are many historical accounts indicating that autism existed long before the 20th century.

It is generally accepted that ASD is a neurological disorder. Parenting styles do not cause children to have ASDs. Today research around the world focuses on possible causes such as genetics, differences in biological brain function, pre- and post-natal brain development, environmental factors, viral infections and immune responses and deficiencies. Many possible causes are being investigated. More on causes...

6. Do all people with autism need treatment?

The term "autism" is frequently used as a catch-all term for a wide variety of symptoms, disabilities and special abilities. There are people with Asperger Syndrome, "high functioning" autism and PDD-NOS who may enjoy a very high level of functioning and who may need little or no special treatment or educational programming.

In contrast there are many families who have children with seriously debilitating autism conditions who suffer deeply from a myriad of communication, behavioural, sensory and physical symptoms - children who will never reach their full potential without intensive support, special educational programming and effective evidence-based treatment.

ASC believes that early scientifically validated effective treatment can lead to great improvement for many people with autism. Without appropriate individualized treatment, many people with autism will not develop effective communication and social skills and will continue to experience serious behaviour and learning difficulties. More on approaches to treatment and education...

7. What kinds of interventions, treatments and supports are available?

In order to choose the right treatment, interventions and other supports for children and adults with ASDs, (from early childhood onward) people with ASDs, parents, families and service providers will need to become well informed about the resources that are available.

Careful on-going assessment of the needs and individual strengths and weaknesses of the person affected by ASD will be key. The availability and accessibility of effective evidence-based treatments and interventions will also be critical. At ASC we do not believe that any one single treatment, intervention or program will benefit all people with an ASD. We support professional ABA/EIBI-based treatments and educational approaches because these treatments are based on scientifically validated research and have been shown to be effective for many people.

In general, those ASD conditions that cause disabling medical, behavioural and communication problems can be alleviated with some combination of elements of the following kinds of interventions:

• Behaviour analysis and intervention
• Social and play related interventions
• Assistance with communication
• Sensory integration and motor skills therapy
• Biomedical approaches
• Life-skills building
• Counseling and other therapies

8. I am person with an ASD. Where do I find information and support?

Like other Canadians with disabilities, people with autism conditions are becoming more organized and are speaking out about their lives and their rights as disabled individuals. There are an increasing number of support groups run by and for adults with autism, both on-line and in support group settings. More on support groups...

ASC has provincial and territorial member societies across the country. Our member societies provide direct support to individuals with ASDs. Follow the links to your closest Autism Society or equivalent. You will find information on support groups, scholarships, accommodations and technical supports, employment, and other helpful resources for people with ASDs, if they are availalbe in your region. More on Provincial and Territorial Societies...

9. How do I find support for myself and professional treatment for my child/youth with ASD?

ASC has provincial and territorial member societies across the country. Our member societies provide direct support to families and caregivers of people with ASD. Many of these societies also have local chapters and can connect you to other families in your region. Your provincial or territorial society can also give you contact information about local and provincial resources that are available to assist you, your child and your family. More on Provincial and Territorial Societies

Many parents, who cannot get treatment covered by their provincial government and who can't afford professional consultants and therapists, or who have no access to trained professionals, purchase parent training manuals and do a great deal of work on their own. The use of professional consultants and therapists is highly recommended. Families can accomplish a great deal themselves with accurate guidance, if they have the time and resources. More on resources:Treatment and Education

10. What other resources are available?

Excellent ASD resources are now available on the web and links to many of these can be found in our Resources and Links pages within each section of this website. More on Resources and Links...

Are you interested in helping to raise money for Autism? 

Check out Autism Speaks BC to learn about future events: 

http://events.autismspeaks.ca/index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive.eventDetails&eventID=531

 Join Autism Speaks Canada as we walk to change the future for the Canadian and global autism communities!

Appointments available!

Good morning!

I just want to inform you that there are only a few appointments left this week, 
so call now to schedule before they book up!

Abby Janzen (RMT) will be out of the office next week (April 23-27th).

Dr. Sandhu, will be out of the office on Saturday, April 28th. 


Richard Zhang is booking about 2 weeks in advance for new Acupuncture patients,
 and about 1-2 weeks for subsequent appointments.

Please hurry to book your appointment as next week will be busy!

Remember to drink lots of water, stretch, relax, and stay updated with our recent blog articles. 
You can also 'Like' us on  Facebook for recent updates around the clinic.

To book an appointment, please call our clinic at (604) 850-2511.

Acupuncture & Cancer Care

Cancer It's a diagnosis that no one wants to hear.  It can leave you feeling frightened, uncertain, and powerless. But if you or a loved one is facing cancer, it's important to have hope. In many cases, cancer can be cured, especially when it's detected early.  There are more treatments available now than ever before to cure cancer or slow it from spreading, relieve its symptoms, and help you live a healthier life.

It's also important to know that you have options in addition to standard medical therapies.  Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) have been used for thousands of years to treat a wide variety of conditions. It can safely be used to naturally support your body and mind as you undergo conventional cancer treatments.

Understanding treatments and their side effects Cancer is an overall term for a group of diseases that occur when cells begin to reproduce abnormally, eventually damaging or killing healthy tissue. Most cancers are named according to where they begin in the body, and there are more than 100 different types. The most common are breast cancer, skin cancer, lung cancer, colon cancer, and prostate cancer.

Your treatment plan will be based on many factors, including the type and stage (how far it has spread) of the cancer and your overall health. While cancer treatments have proven to be effective, they do have serious side effects to take into account. The most common treatments include:

Surgery: Performed to remove the cancer if possible.  Surgery may be used alone or along with radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or biological therapy.
Chemotherapy: The use of medications to destroy cancer cells. Chemotherapy generally lasts from 3 to 9 months, and can have side effects including fatigue, nausea, vomiting, hair loss, early menopause, and hot flashes.
Radiation therapy: The use of high doses of radiation to destroy cancer cells. Side effects generally include fatigue, hair loss, and skin darkening at the site of treatment.
Biological therapy: This treatment works by boosting the body's immune system to fight cancer cells. Side effects depend on the specific type of therapy, but they can include rashes or swelling, flu-like symptoms, fatigue, nausea, and loss of appetite.

How acupuncture and TCM can help Acupuncture and TCM have been used for thousands of years to maintain health and relieve symptoms. Practitioners work to treat imbalances in the body's Qi, or vital energy, by inserting fine, sterile needles at specific acupoints.

Since acupuncture has few side effects, it can be safely used as a complement to conventional cancer treatments. In fact, in many cancer cases it's recommended as a way to soothe and reduce side effects. According to the National Institutes of Health1, acupuncture has been found to be effective in relieving:

• nausea
• vomiting
• fatigue
• post-surgical pain

Cancer treatment according to Traditional Chinese Medicine is based on Fu Zheng Gu Ben principles.

Fu Zhen means strengthening what is correct. It is an immune enhancing herbal regimen using specific herbs. The objective is to support and stimulate deep energy systems within the body to make it stronger and more resistant to degeneration.

Gu Ben refers to strengthening and supoprting the body to regenerate and repair.

Treatments may include:

• removing toxins that may contribute to cancer
• increasing the flow of blood and Qi
• removing accumulations of tissue that are believed to be the tumor
• restoring self-regulation and balance among the Jing, Qi and Shen

Acupuncture and TCM can also help relieve stress, depression and anxiety, which can greatly improve your quality of life during this challenging time.

In addition to acupuncture, your pracititioner may also provide massage, acupressure, nutritional counseling, or an exercise program designed to help you stay as healthy as possible. He or she may also recommend herbal medicines or vitamin supplements.

Remember to always communicate with your health care providers about these and any other medications you take in order to avoid any drug interactions.

Treating the person, not just the disease Acupuncture practitioners take a holistic, or whole-body, approach to cancer care. This means that not only will your symptoms be considered, but also your lifestyle, emotional state, and overall health. Your whole being will be taken into account, not just the cancer. When you work with your practitioner to improve your health and relieve your side effects, you are not only helping yourself get the most from conventional treatments, you're taking back the control of your own life.

The American College of Chest Physicians recommends that acupuncture be used for patients who experience fatigue, dyspnea, chemotherapy induced neuropathy or to soothe symptoms of pain or nausea and vomiting. Especially in patients who have cancer of the lungs.

References:
1. NIH Consensus Conference. Acupuncture. JAMA 280 (17): 1518-24, 1998.
Comprehensive cancer care: integrating alternative, complementary, and conventional therapies.
Gordon JS, Curtin S. NY: Persus Publishing, 2000.
Acupuncture, American Cancer Society. May 25, 2007.
http://www.cancer.org/docroot/ETO/content/ETO_5_3X_Acupuncture.asp
Understanding Cancer Treatment. WebMD. Accessed February 11, 2008.
http://www.webmd.com/cancer/understanding-cancer-treatment
New Lung Cancer Guidelines Oppose General CT Screening - Lung Cancer Recommendations - 
Avoid Select Vitamis, Try Acupuncture. Chest, September 2007

NIS and Allergies

Seasonal Allergies

For millions of Canadians, trees in bud and lawns turning green is one of those good/bad news things.  The long, cold slog and all the sniffling and sneezing brought on by a never-ending string of colds going through the office or a kid's school is past - but is being replaced by all that miserable sniffling and sneezing triggered by trees and grasses coaxed back to life bye ever-milder weather.

More than one in six Canadians suffer from hay fever, or seasonal allergic rhinitis.  Depending on what a person is allergic to, allergy season can start in the early spring and last right through the first killing frost of Autumn.  In some parts of the county, you can suffer from March to November.

Why do I start sneezing as soon as the weather warms up?

Blame your parents and your immune system.  If both your parents suffered from allergies, there's a 66% chance you will, too. If one parent only had allergies, then your risk drops - only to 60 percent.

Your immune system identifies and reacts to different allergens, such as pollen that is blown around by the wind.  When an allergen enters the body of someone who is predisposed to allergies, it triggers an immune reaction and the production of allergen-specific antibodies.  These antibodies migrate to mast cells lining the nose, eyes and lungs.

The next time a pollen particle drifts into the nose, mast cells release a slew of chemicals (histamines) that irritate and inflame the moist membranes lining the nose and produce the classic symptoms of an allergic reaction - scratchy throat, sneezing, itching and watery eyes.

Basically, your body is objecting to the activity of trees (early to mid-spring), grasses (late spring and early summer), and ragweed (late summer until the first frost).

Or you might be sensitive to spores, which are the reproductive particles or seeds of fungi or molds.  Spores can cause even more problems than pollen in some people, because they are smaller and can get deep into the lungs and possibly trigger asthma.

In some cases, people who are allergic to birch and alder pollen can develop oral allergy syndrome.  You may have this if you have noticed allergy symptoms after you've eaten an apple, plum, nuts, celery, or carrots. 

This cross-reactivity is believed to be due to the antigen (allergy causing protein) structure pf the pollen grains and the carbohydrates protein covering foods.  Cooking or peeling the skin will usually help.  That's why some people have trouble eating an apple but have no trouble eating apple pie.

How Does NIS Approach Allergies?

Allergies essentially, are a symptom of intolerance of the body either internally or externally.  Internally would relate to what has been ingested, and externally relates to airborne antigens that are either inhaled or come in contact with the skin and eyes.  The cause of allergies relate to the inability of the immune system to counter antigen disruption by responding with a normal antibody response.  Today it is common for these disruptions to be given a label that the public can relate to. Common examples will be hay fever, gluten intolerance, asthma, and in a general sense eczema and dermatitis to name a few. 

MOUTH:

• Looking at the function of cranial nerve 7 and 12
• Any pathology present in the mouth, e.g. viral, bacterial, fungal
• Explain the relevance of spending more time to chew our food

STOMACH:

• Nerve supply to the stomach
• All enteric functions and the control of emotional anxiety and its effect on the stomach.
• The neurological control of of the valves of digestion; cardiac, pyloric, ileocecal, and houstonian valves
• This function allows appropriate time sequencing of the digestive processes that are essential to completing the digestive process. Reflux, constipation and irritable bowel syndrome are synonomous with gut dysfunction
• Any pathology that might be present in the stomach

DUODENUM AND SMALL INTESTINE:

• Function of the liver, gallbladder, duodenum and iluem
• Any pathology affecting any of the glands mentioned
• The nerve supply relating to these glands
• The various emotional triggers that can influence and inhibit the function of these glands

To read the full article by Dr. Phillips, please click on the following link:

http://www.neurolinkglobal.com/data/media/documents/Articles%20of%20Interest/NIS%20&%20Allergies.pdf

Acupuncture & Headaches

If you suffer from headaches, you're not alone.  Over 50 million of us experience some form of a severe headache at some point in our lives.  Whether you experience minor head pain or severe migraines, headaches can take valuable time out of your day and your life, and leave you searching for relief.

One way to seek relief is by reaching for drugs and other medications.  This is fine for the short run, and can help you get out of pain fast.  Unfortunately, common headache medications don't address the "root" cause(s), and when used over long periods of time, can cause unwanted side effects.

Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offer a safe and effective approach to relieving headache pain, without causing harmful side effects, and incorporate a comprehensive diagnostic protocol that can help your acupuncturist understand and address the "root" cause(s) of your headaches.

Understanding headache types
There are many factors in TCM theory that many play a key role in the root cause(s) of a headache.  These include body constitution, emotional health, excessive work, social and exercise activities, improper diet, physical trauma and pregnancy.  Headaches can also be diagnosed according to specific symptoms, times of occurrence, location on the body, type of pain, triggers and remedies which provide relief.

A natural path to relief
Acupuncture and TCM take a holistic, or whole-body approach to health. Your practitioner will take a detailed health history, and perform a physical exam to determine how and why your body's vital energy, or Qi, is out of balance, and what root causes are contributing to the overall problem.  This will allow him or her to identify the type of headaches you are experiencing, and by identifying and treating the udnerlying causes, not just the symptoms, apply the most effective care.

What do you mean my Qi is out of balance?
An important part of Acupuncture and TCM is the concept of Qi. Qi (pronounced "chee") is the vital energy that animates the body and protects it from illness.  It flows through pathways called meridians, and provides nourishment to all of the body's organs.  When there is an imbalance or blockage in the flow of Qi, physical symptoms may result.  Qi stagnation may be the result cause of your headaches.

During treatment, in order to restore the balance and flow of Qi, fine sterile needles will be inserted at specific points along the meridian pathways.  Based on your unique symptoms, your acupuncturist will choose to concentrate on acupuncture points related to specific organs.  Afterwards, a variety of self-care techniques may be prescribed to further expedite your healing process.

It is important to remember that acupuncture is not a "quick fix."  Changes may occur quickly or over a longer period of time, depending upon your overall constitution and health.  It is also important to closely follow care recommendations suggested by your acupuncturist.  Whether it's one visit to address an acute problem, or several visits to address a chronic problem, your acupuncturist will create a treatment protocol that will maximize your healing potential.

Below are a few ways that you can participate in your own healing, by making simple lifestyle changes that may soothe - or even prevent - head pain.

Track those triggers:  Try to keep track of when your headaches start.  Migraine sufferers may find it especially helpful to keep a diary of symptoms and possible causes.  Triggers might include anything from eating chocolates, to anxiety or inhaling specific smells.  Pinpointing these triggers - and avoiding them when possible - could help.

Stress relief:  Stress puts a lot of straing on the body, and can contribute to many types of health concerns, including headaches.  Talk to your practitioner about healthy ways to handle stress, as much as medication or breathing techniques.

Exercise:  Physical activity is an important part of any healthy lifestyle, and is a great antidote to stress.  Your acupuncturist can recommend types of exercises that may work best for you.

Healthy habits:  Making minor changes can make a big difference in your overall health and vitality.  Do your best to eat healthy, organic foods, and make sure to get enough sleep every day.

Naturally, acupuncture care is extremely effective in reducing the frequency and severity of many types of painful conditions, including headache pain.  By working with your acupuncturist and adopting some simple lifestyle changes, you'll be on your way towards a healthier, happier, and pain-free life.

Information provided by: Acupuncture Media Works. 866-696-7577. www.acupuncturemediaworks.com