Many of my patients have already experienced the healing power of photonic Light Therapy. Harnessing a certain spectrum of light, the cells of the body respond to the various wave lengths that calms inflammation and seems to open up pathways so that healing can occur.Now Light Therapy is being studied for more applications, as you can see from the article below. To experience the light yourself, for skin conditions, stress, pain and inflammation, etc, call the office to schedule a treatment at a special Holiday price. 818-562-1400.Scientists claim they could be more effective at keeping you alert than caffeineSmartphones and other gadgets used before bed can cause restless nights because their light causes melatonin suppression – a chemical which controls the body clock.But there are some positives, according to a recent study, that looks at how blue light can make the brain more alert if it is used at the right time.Researchers at Mid Sweden University compared the effects of caffeine and blue light on the brain and found them both to have a positive effect.Interestingly, people exposed to blue light performed better on tests of brain function that included a distraction.The same distraction, however, proved too much for caffeine users, who performed poorly.‘Blue light and caffeine demonstrated distinct effects on aspects of psychomotor function,’ said the authors of the report.‘It has the potential to positively influence a range of settings where cognitive function and alertness are important.’The study builds on research that suggests blue light can improve cognitive abilities such as memory, alertness and reaction time.Although harmless to tissue, blue light is strong enough to trigger biological effects in the body, and it’s being used increasingly for a range of medical treatments.For instance, doctors at the University Hospital of Heidelberg have developed a patch that emits blue light to treat pain.Blue light may also help combat bad breath.Just two minutes’ exposure to blue light from lamps used for tooth whitening was enough to kill bacteria in saliva associated with bad breath, according to one study.Even blind people are able to get the cognitive benefits from blue light exposure, according to a recent research.Research from the University of Montreal found that even when vision is impaired and objects can no longer be seen, changes in light still register in the brain and blind people can tell when a light is switched on or off.The research could have far-reaching effects in the treatment of blind people, as well as in other cognitive disorders, because doctors can potentially use light to activate specific parts of the brain.While the caffeine study used hour-long light exposure times to match the effects of caffeine, previous research has shown changes to brain function can occur with just 50 seconds of blue light exposure.This appears to be a true medical breakthrough, so watch for more applications in the future. And may Light help you to heal.
Should You Get a Flu Shot This Year?
We are conducting a human experiment on a grand scale with flu vaccination. Mild short term reactions include body aches, inflammation at the site of the shot, tiredness. More serious reactions include Guillain-Barre syndrome and shingles and encephalitis.
According to Dr. Dan Harper, who sits on the Board of the Price-Pottenger Foundation, “the flu vaccine lacks efficacy (effectiveness) because the CDC (Center for Disease Control) has to guess which strain of influenza will be dominant in a particular year and it doesn’t always guess correctly.
They (the CDC) only choose three to five strains of influenza A out of 250-plus strains, and they take only two or three influenza B strains out of 75-100 that are out there at any one time. If they don’t guess the right one, you’re going to get sick. You’re putting your faith in the CDC’s ability to guess the one that might be a pandemic.”
One question that is important to ask, is what are the long term effects of any medical procedure? When it comes to flu vaccines hat is very difficult to answer, since there may well be cumulative effects of getting vaccinated year after year. No studies are being done on the long-term effects and if the adverse effects are silent because the damage is done at a cellular level, then it may be years before we have real data.
We certainly have more cancer, more autoimmune disease, more skin rashes, more allergies, more mental health issues than ever before. We know that antibiotics are over-presecribed, and weakening our immune systems. Vaccines contain a list of chemicals and preservatives, including mercury derived thimerosol, so they also add to our toxicc burden, and therefore burden t.
So, there are several factors to consider. If you are prone to colds and flus and seasonal illness, or you work in a setting where people are frequently ill, the flu vaccine may not be the answer. Building your own immune system is a much wiser path.
Many of my patients report to me that they stay well even when their children and co-workers are sick, when they are on my programs and supplements.
With a natural medicine program you don’t have to worry about any side-effects or adverse reactions. You are building your own immunity. That should mean that you are helping your body be less prone to more serious diseases down the road.
During flu season it is important to get enough sleep, eat whole foods instead of processed foods and sugar, and limit alcohol. Get some exercise, breathe deeply, laugh often and stay cheerful. Your attitude and constitution are your best defenses, not chemicals in a syringe.
I can usually help people improve their basic health or to stay healthy, and recover more quickly. It is okay to come in for a consultation when you are sick. Soft-tisuse work on the organs can help more virus through more quickly. Herbal medicine like Echinacea and Andographis, as the whole food supplements are safe and effective.
The adrenals play an important role in immune health. Anyone who has allergies, asthma or frequent seasonal illness has weak adrenals, and often will also have compromised digestion.
The truth is you can come through the winter stronger and healthier than ever, without the flu vaccine.
How To Enjoy Holiday Indulgence Without Paying For It
It is deeply embedded in human culture to feast at Holidays, and over-indulge in food and drink. When food and drink were not so abundant, and available on every corner, those traditions probably did not impact the health as much. Also, the food was all organic and the drink locally brewed or prepared.
Gathering with family and friends to celebrate is important, so there are a few things you can do to make sure that you enjoy but your health, digestion and general well-being do not suffer.
Don’t starve yourself all day as a way to save calories. Eat small protein meals earlier, like eggs or protein shakes. This will keep your blood sugar more stable and keep your mood lifted so that you can enjoy being with your family, and they enjoy being with you. This will also be vital if you plan to drink alcohol. And if you arrive at the table hungry but not ravenous, you may eat a bit less so that you can enjoy more left-overs.
Many of you have learned the technique I use for pushing the stomach back behind the diaphragm to encourage digestion and this is a good night to practice the technique. Taking more digestive enzymes like Zypan, Multizyme or Enzycore will help you avoid heartburn or bloating from a big meal. Wait awhile before eating dessert. Gymnema (herbal pancreatic support) will help with the extra sugar. If fatty foods bother you and gall bladder congestion is an issue, take extra AF Betafood. Two Livco (herbal liver support) before drinking alcohol and 2 more before bed will help your body metabolize alcohol so you avoid feeling the effects the next day.
Be sure to drink plenty of water all day. Try to take a long walk and do some stretching.
Enjoying the bounty does not mean that your health has to suffer, if you give your body some extra support.
We are open Wednesday until 5 pm if you need anything, and I am seeing patients Friday and half day on Saturday.
Lucas and I wish you a wonderful Holiday filled with the best of foods, the best of friends and the love of your families.
Delicious Holiday Fare with the Magic and Health of Herbs
What makes a great cook? Someone who enhances the natural flavor of foods with herbs and spices. Isn’t it fortunate that Nature endowed those delightful enhancers with great health benefits.
So, be generous with your herbs. Kitchen herb gardens make wonderful hostess or Christmas gifts. Many fresh herbs may be used to infuse olive oil.
Here are some of my favorites:
Rosemary-fragrant and strong enough to enhance lamb or steak, it is also used in soaps and hair products. Makes a divine infusion in olive oil. Rosemary is antimicrobial, stimulates circulation, inhibits fats from going rancid through oxygenation. Improves liver detoxification pathways and aids tension headache.
Mint-refreshing and restorative in teas and drinks and partnered with chocolate. Mint assists gall bladder function, gastritis, colds, flus, and morning sickness and has been shown to be effective in irritable bowel syndrome (okay, maybe not with chocolate1) Many a child has been given tummy tea with mint at bedtime.
Sage-the traditional turkey herb is beneficial to memory and concentration and treats the night sweats some experience during menopause. Sage tea can be enjoyed in any season. Don’t use this herb if nursing as it inhibits milk production.
Thyme-a French favorite for meat, eggs or vegetable dishes. Thyme acts as an anti-oxidant, and anti-spasmolytic (coughs), anti-bacterial and anti-fungal. It is a chief ingredient in Listerine mouth wash. Elevate humble cooked carrots to a gourmet dish by slicing them thin and baking until tender with butter, salt and thyme. Put a little water in the bottom of the baking dish to keep them moist while baking. Try purple carrots from the Farmer’s Market. Purple was the original color for carrots and orange carrots were not seen until the Dutch developed them in the 17th century.
Oregano-the pizza herb, known to reduce carcinogens in meat. Oregano is effective against bronchitis due to anti-microbial and anti-fungal properties, treats peptic ulcer, and improves bowel flora, so has a positive effect on the immune system.
Paprika-both beautiful as a splash of red-orange color on beige foods, and full of vigor as a mild to hot spice. Paprika contains whole food Vitamin C, so is anti-inflammatory and good for the adrenal glands. Also known as Capsicum, Paprika is lovely over eggs or rice.
Tumeric-a constituent of most curries and known to many middle Eastern cuisine, Tumeric or Curcumin is a star in the herbal world or its anti-oxidant and anti-cancer properties. It helps ulcers, arthritis, asthma, inhibits fat formation and improves liver detoxification. Whew! Add it to any dish that can use a golden yellow tint such as squash or carrot recipes, or add to rice dishes for a warm touch.
The finest food in the world can also be the healthiest. I hope you enjoy the greatest bounty in all things this Thanksgiving.