Testing And Treatment Tools

In Allopathic medicine, the goal is to look for disease. In functional medicine, we look for imbalances before they become diseases. This is the only way that true natural interventions can be successful. Over the past 3 decades, many laboratory tests have been developed that can detect these imbalances with objective, lab certified analysis. They include:

A. Blood Chemistry Analysis
There is no general screening test that is more efficient, effective and affordable than a functional blood chemistry panel. Traditional blood tests report the acceptable pathological range for certain variables; this is the range used to diagnose disease. A functional range is used to assess the risk for disease before disease develops. The main difference between the functional and pathological range is the degree deviation allowed within their normal range. For example, the functional range for glucose is 85-100, whereas the pathological range is 65-110. Levels above the pathological range may indicate diabetes. Levels above the functional range, but before they reach the extremes of the pathological range, may indicate insulin resistance and future risk for developing diabetes. The functional ranges are more restricted. Blood levels will be out of range sooner than if simply looking at the lab (pathological) ranges.  Referring to the previous example, a blood glucose of 105 would be within the normal pathological range; however, a blood glucose level of 105 would be marked as a precursor to diabetes (insulin resistance) in the functional range. This is significant as diabetes is diagnosed at a level of 126 or higher.

Conventional medical training is concerned with the diagnosis of disease and rarely preventative medicine. If biomarkers can be managed before they fall within the pathological range, preventive medicine can be practiced. Through a simple blood chemistry panel we are able to evaluate food allergies, nutritional status, essential fats, and early probabilities of hypoglycemia, insulin resistance, anemia, chronic infection, dehydration, liver function and more. It is important to realize that functional blood chemistry analysis uses a simple, inexpensive, comprehensive blood panel ordered by most doctors for routine health.  The difference is in the analysis!  We embrace the importance of functional blood tests where changes in diet, nutrition and lifestyle can significantly influence health.

To order a Functional Blood Chemistry Analysis click here.

B. Metabolic Profiling
Metabolic profiling is like performing an emission test on your car. The exhaust is examined to see how efficiently the engine is burning fuel. Similarly, certain compounds called “organic acids” in your urine reveal the efficiency of your body’s machinery. The systems of the body work together, not in isolation, so it is often difficult to know where to begin to treat a complex process. Metabolic profiling provides a roadmap that recognizes these interactions and points to metabolic blockages that lead to disease. The Metabolic Profiles tests show essential nutrient and digestive system abnormalities that reveal root causes of symptoms.  This metabolic map allows you to accelerate your health journey by combining vitamins, minerals, other essential nutrients and dietary changes in order to correct nutritional imbalances. Avoiding costly, time-consuming, trial and error processes allow for nutritional support that is directed to your individual needs.

Metabolic profiling uses cutting edge laboratory technology to test urine metabolites and a simple bloodspot from a finger stick.  Its primary function is to assess specific and important nutritional markers for deficiencies and overall nutritional health. Metabolic profiling is used for the following type of patients: those who take a multitude of supplements and aren’t sure what they should be taking; athletes who want to “fine tune” their nutrition; and anyone who has a serious condition that no other testing has found a problem.

To order a Metabolic Profile click here.
     
C. Salivary Testing
Saliva testing is easy, convenient, and safe. Saliva testing measures your active hormone levels. Whereas blood tests usually measure your total hormone levels, more than 95% of the total hormone levels measured reflect inactive hormones. This is not as useful for determining appropriate treatment for symptoms and disorders of hormonal imbalance.  It is the active hormone excesses and deficiencies which are the key to successful treatment and hormone balancing.

Saliva testing is the best way to monitor hormone levels for individuals using natural interventions. Studies confirm that saliva testing will reflect therapeutic levels of hormones influenced by herbs or bio-identical hormone creams.  Blood tests will not show these changes in hormone levels and therefore are not as useful as a therapy-monitoring tool.  Many hormones (such as Cortisol, Estrogen, Progesterone, Testosterone, and DHEA) fluctuate during the day, and these can be easily monitored with take-home tests that evaluate multiple daily samples and give us a representation of hormone status.  Other valuations from saliva include digestive function and certain food allergies.

To order a Salivary Hormone Test click here.

For over 60 years, electrodermal screening has been used to conduct comprehensive body stress assessment to determine appropriate ways to achieve healthy energetic balance. The first step measures electrical conductivity at responsive points on the skin, typically on the hands and feet (the locations of the test points are generally the same as those of acupuncture points). These measurements are recorded to help provide a profile of a patient’s present condition.

According to European medical research, acupuncture points are related to your body’s organs and organ systems. As a patient moves toward or away from health, the condition of any particular organ or system can be sensed at representative points. Major groups of points are connected through channels, or meridians; 20 of these meridians begin or end on the hands and feet. As a result, stress associated with the corresponding organs may be surveyed using the indicated points.
EDS may be used to assess stress:

• in all the systems, organs and functions of the body.    
• for allergies and sensitivities to foods, plants, animals, environments, inhalants and most anything we meet in our daily life.
• relating to imbalances in nutritional products such as vitamins, minerals, enzymes, EFAs, proteins, hormones and so on.
• from a sensitivity or a weakness to heavy metals, toxic products and pollutants, such as herbicides, pesticides and insecticides.
• due to parasites, fungus, yeast, candida, bacteria, viruses, and vaccines

In our Center, we use the following state-of-the-art technology tools to aid in the use of EDS:

A. Limbic Stress Assessment (LSA)
Your body is designed to facilitate inter-cellular communication. This keeps all the parts working together. Much of this communication is in response to stressors (i.e. viruses, allergens, or pollution). LSA bio-communication technology simulates this experience. It uses computer generated digital stressors to stimulate your body and then listens to and translates your body’s response.

The computer sends your body a question called a digital stressor from a database of over 30,000 stored frequencies from allergens to emotions. This is performed by simply resting your hand on the hand cradle while the computer sends the digital stressors and gathers your response data.  It then monitors your response by tracking changes in galvanic skin response (GSR), a well established biomarker. The report indicates specifically what may be stressing the body. From this, a focused treatment plan can be generated.  This system is used frequently in our Center for testing food or environmental stressors so that one can avoid the stressor while awaiting NAET desensitization. We also use the system to test for appropriate balancing supplements for general health assessments.

If you would like to order this test you can either visit our office for a session OR order a hand cradle —with an internet connection, we can test you anywhere in the world!
 
B. Digital Meridian Analysis (DMA)
DMA is a computerized method used to analyze and document the energetic status of the
acupuncture meridians. The exam takes less than 2 minutes and is totally non-invasive. It allows us to:

• MEASURE each meridian and generate a graphical representation of the flow of energy in the meridian system by using the 65 year old technology of Galvanic Skin Response, (GSR), a non-invasive technique of touching a cotton tipped probe to specific points on the body.
• GENERATE (instantly) complete graphical analysis and interpretation of your meridian energetics, including, yin vs. yang, 5-elements theory and complete symptomatic associations, in an easy to understand format.
• TREAT your most effective acupuncture points - based on analysis and guided treatment recommendations. We generate a report that you can use to supplement your treatment with secondary acupoints, auriculotherapy, and vertebral reflexes. This report can be used for self-treatment or to guide your chiropractor and/or massage therapist.

Only DMA gives you Evidence-Based Acupuncture documentation so you can see improvements in your health.  DMA is frequently used in our Center to monitor the results of acupuncture treatments; it reveals the balance of the meridian system to help avoid potential health issues.

Digital Meridian Analysis can be scheduled as an in-office appointment only.

In oriental medicine, we use a diagnostic system that dates back to 3322 B.C. called (NST).  NST is based on principles of functional neurology, anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, and biochemistry as well as principles from Chinese medicine, acupuncture and massage. NST uses the fact that our bodies have an amazing way of responding to disturbances in its energy field.  We access this by testing the strength of any target muscle such as the arm. If a strong muscle is tested in the presence of an allergen, it may weaken indicating reactivity.  Physiological reactions to chemicals, including those associated with nutrition and allergies are evaluated using NST.

The NST protocol for testing compounds involves placing a homeopathic sample of the item in the persons hand or against the skin.  The practitioner then tests the associated muscle-organ pattern to determine if there is a strength or weakness. The patient does not need to swallow the substance for a change in strength or weakness to be identified – it only has to be within their energetic field.  A possible explanation for this involves the central nervous system; it recognizes the “signature” the client is being exposed to, and then relays the information via intra cellular communication to the organs and glands preparing for use of the compound. If the compound is recognized as beneficial, the energy pattern is immediately enhanced, influencing not only the organ or gland, but also the associated muscle. If it is detrimental, it will weaken the associated muscle indicating a negative sensitivity. Some studies published in the National Library of Medicine indicate a 92% effective rate when compared to conventional allergy blood tests.

Thermography technology has been around for more than 50 years with the FDA approving the first medical thermography system over 20 years ago.  It provides a crucial entryway to preventive medicine as a method of controlling the diseases that we currently only recognize at the latest advanced stages. MTI uses an infrared camera to “see” and “measure” thermal energy emitted from the body. Thermography reveals a fascinating and reliable pattern of thermal activity that discloses a silent warning. These patterns can see the root of such conditions as headaches, allergies, dental pathologies, carotid artery disease, breast cancer, digestive dysfunction, liver/gallbladder disease, musculoskeletal conditions, pain, and immune dysfunction. It is most well researched for its ability to detect risks for breast cancer much earlier than any other screening tool. In fact, studies have shown that it can detect early signs of breast cancer up to 8 years before a mammogram.  

Thermography is most useful for inflammatory phenomena including early detection of cardiovascular disease, arthritis, fybromyalgia or trauma such as strains, sprains or chronic pain.  It is also used for neovascular phenomena; cancer is fed by the bodies own blood supply. This development of early vascularity can be detected well before anatomical changes which are detected with other screening tools.  And lastly, MTI is used for neurological phenomena; chronic regional pain syndrome and nerve irritation can cause referred pain in other areas; circulatory deficits are easily seen in thermographic images.

Mammograms are a good tool for determining the exact location of a developed tumor, but it is not an early warning system.  The real danger of breast cancer is determined by whether or not the tumor has spread to a vital organ.  The longer the tumor exists, the longer it has to spread.  We now have earlier detection through MTI.  While it cannot be called a replacement for Mammography, it has many valuable advantages including: earlier detection of suspicious patterns; an adjunct to inconclusive mammograms; improved detection for women with dense breasts or implants; and a reasonable alternative for women who refuse mammograms.  Research shows that an abnormal thermogram is 10 times more significant as a future risk indicator for breast cancer than a first order family history; a persistent abnormal thermogram carries with it a 22x higher risk of future breast cancer; extensive clinical trials have shown that breast thermography significantly augments the long term survival rates of its recipients by as much as 61%; and when used as a multi-modal approach (clinical exam + mammography+ thermography), 95% of early stage cancers will be detected.

Acupuncture is a component of the health care system of China that can be traced back at least 2,500 years. The general theory of acupuncture is based on the premise that there are patterns of energy flow (chi) through the body that are essential for health. Disruptions of this flow are believed to be responsible for disease. Acupuncture is used to correct imbalances of chi flow at identifiable anatomical locations on and just below the skin, the acupuncture points.  The most studied mechanism of stimulation of acupuncture points employs penetration of the skin by thin, solid, specially tipped, metallic needles, which are manipulated manually or by electrical current. There are a variety of approaches to diagnosis and treatment.

This non-invasive, drug-free, natural solution called NAET (Nambutripad’s Allergy Elimination Techniques) eliminates allergies of all types and intensities using a blend of selective energy balancing, testing and treatment procedures that combine acupressure, conventional medicine, kinesiology, homeopathy and nutritional disciplines of medicine to bring better health in a person.  For example, NAET can be used on infants and children prior to various vaccinations to eliminate any potential side effects.

This system was developed by Dr Devi S. Nambudripad who has treated thousands of patients with her techniques since 1983. Our practitioner has trained extensively with her in advanced techniques of the system for many years, and has had significant success similar to that of Dr. Devi, the founder.  In order to identify the allergen, energy medicine uses various techniques/devices including the DMA (Digital Meridian Analysis), LSA (Limbic Stress Assessment), and NST (Neuromuscular Strength Testing).

Once the allergen is identified, a simple (gentle) form of massage and acupressure is performed to remove the adverse reaction between your body and the substance.  This “elimination” provides your body with good nutrition and enhances your natural ability to absorb and assimilate the necessary elements from the foods and eliminate the unwanted and toxic reactions that affect your body and cause illness. After treatment, one can continue to be exposed to the allergen without reaction. This system is not a magic cure for anything.  It is a tried and true system based on solid oriental medical theory. The best part is that after you have cleared a substance, you can go back to consuming it or being exposed with no ill effect. NAET addresses the root cause of illness and re-establishes health. Since most illnesses can be traced back to some form of allergy or sensitivity, NAET evaluation and treatment could be beneficial to everyone regardless of age, from infants to adults.

There is a growing body of research which indicates that traditional uses of plant remedies and the known pharmacological activity of plant constituents often coincide.  However, herbal medicine is distinct from medicine based on pharmaceutical drugs.  Herbal Medicine is:

• far more balanced than pharmaceutical products because of the complexity of plant materials. Since herbs are typically prescribed in combination, the different components of a formula balance each other, and they undergo a mutual synergy which increases efficacy and enhances safety.
• based on isolated active ingredients and is far less likely to cause side-effects.
• all natural and contains no chemical components.
• designed to primarily correct internal imbalances rather than to treat symptoms alone, and therapeutic intervention is designed to encourage this self-healing process.

Energy Medicine is the practice of the flow of energy as a medium for healing. It is based on the biophysics of the body whereas traditional medicine is, for the most part, based on biochemistry and the use of pharmaceuticals. Energy Medicine takes the perspective that energy is a vital, living, moving force that is integral to our health, wellness and happiness. In Energy Medicine, energy is the medicine and energy is the patient. While Acupuncture and NAET are considered bioenergetic modalities, there is another system we use in our Center:
    
A.  Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy - PEFT
Magnetic therapy is becoming recognized throughout the world as a legitimate medical discipline.  The roots of this bioscience come from the studies done in biomagnetics, the study of the body’s own Magnetic Fields (MFs).  All human activity is conditioned by the earth’s magnetic field and is therefore polarized with positive and negative poles, subject to the physical laws of magnetism. By increasing and/or correcting the natural magnetic fields of the body, health is restored or improved.

Our system uses a full body pulsed electromagnetic field mat that the patient can lie or sit on to alleviate tension-related reactions such as pain, aging, sports injuries, insomnia, arthritis and more.  We have had good success in our Center helping athletes improve performance with 30 minute cycles on this mat. PEFT has emerged showing diverse improvements in neurological, physiological and psychological functions while indicating no adverse reactions.  These benefits have been well researched and documented as much as many other alternative health solutions.