No Shots Please! ~ The Homeopathic Flu Remedy

I’m sure everyone has seen free flu vaccines being offered. For the first   time ever the Center for Disease Control declared this year’s flu strain to be the same as last year’s. If you choose to have a flu vaccine you will need to update your vaccination. If you have been using the homeopathic flu remedy that we provide at Restorative Health you may use the same bottle from last year. If you’ve run out we have some in stock already. Just drop by to pick a bottle up or give us a call and we can mail it to you.

Here are some of the benefits of using the homeopathic flu remedy:
• The flu vaccine protects against the 3 influenza viruses (influenza A (H1N1) virus, influenza A (H3N2) virus, influenza B virus) that research indicates will be most common during the upcoming season. The homeopathic flu remedy not only protects against these 3 viruses but also several other viruses and bacteria common during this time.
• The flu vaccine can have significant side-effects: rarely some people can experience life-threatening allergic reaction such as breathing problems, hoarseness or wheezing, hives, paleness, weakness, a fast heartbeat, or dizziness.
• If someone has a reaction to the homeopathic flu remedy, the symptoms are mild flu-like symptoms, low grade fever, body aches usually lasting 1-2 days.
• The homeopathic flu remedy is a liquid taken orally so it is painless to administer and tasteless.
• The homeopathic flu remedy is non-toxic.
• The homeopathic flu does not contain any detectable levels of chicken egg and may be considered hypoallergenic (unless you are sensitive to alcohol).
• The homeopathic flu remedy can also be used to treat the flu.
• Safe to administer for all ages except younger than age 7 (please call office for recommendations).

Have a healthy Fall & Winter!
Karen R. Threlkel, ND

A Visit to the Kushi Institute – Summer Conference 2011

I recently attended the Kushi Institute’s, Summer Conference 2011, which was held in Palisades, NY. It was a new conference for me. Although I was trained in a wide range of nutritional theories, I haven’t studied Macrobiotics extensively.

The Kushi Institute offers classes in Macrobiotic cooking and philosophy. It’s said that Macrobiotic is more a lifestyle than just a diet. Many people have turned to this way of eating and living as a way to fight cancer. The goal of Macro, as it is referred to, is to eat and live in a way that promotes balance of yin and yang. For example, excessively yang foods are meat, poultry, fish, eggs, processed salt, baked flour, hard and salty cheeses. These foods can make one feel too dry, tight, rigid, irritable, and hot. Whereas, excessively yin foods are sugar and artificial sugars, dairy, chocolate, tropical fruits, fruit juice, alcohol, drugs, and coffee. These foods can make one feel cold, tired, too soft, passive, and lackadaisical.

Eating too yin or too yang can be exhausting. If you eat in the middle, meaning whole grains, legumes, vegetables, this frees up your energy in every aspect of your life and health. Almost all food is cooked which is a departure from the current popular diet of Raw Food. We were provided breakfast, lunch, dinner and two snacks. We were stuffed all day! We ate brown rice with every meal including breakfast, lots of cooked greens, a variety of legumes, miso soup with each dinner, and even had dessert (non-dairy and non-cane sugar sweetened). There’s an emphasis on soy products, which I, unfortunately, am allergic to; it was interesting to experience true Macrobiotic eating. I don’t know if this is the right diet for me but I enjoyed learning another theory of healthy eating and living. If you’d like to learn more, please visit their website at www.kushiinstitute.org, or you may click on the picture below.

Karen R. Threlkel, ND

Dinner at the Kushi Institute

Please Welcome a New Face!

Eve Soldinger, a licensed acupuncturist and certified Medical Qigong practioner,now offers Medical Qigong on Mondays at Restorative Health.

Eve says, “I have always been interested in transformation as a concept. The dilemma for me has been: How can substantial change be accomplished in a world plagued with so many problems? And where is the most important place to focus? I started out being interested in world conflict, studying history and politics. After graduating from college in the late seventies, I shifted my attention by working for a number of service groups that focused on the way that we deliver health care services and health information to people. I went on to study Public Health at Columbia University in the hope of further impacting needed changes in the health care system.
Around that time, I attended a lecture on acupuncture and Chinese Medicine. I felt inspired by its holistic view of medicine, working toward wellness and health, and the potential to heal a person on all levels – the body/mind/spirit. It captured my full attention and my imagination, and I entered acupuncture school in 1983, forever changing my life.

In the past 28 years I have studied many areas of what we refer to as energy medicine. I studied with various healers including the foremost authorities in Chinese Medicine, profound and wise energy healers, meditation teachers of many traditions, and indigenous healers and spiritual leaders in the Americas. The place that all the modalities converge is that the greatest teacher is nature, and our relationship with it, and its natural rhythms and flows. Through the flow of the five elements as in Chinese Medical theory, we see how one element flows and generates movement to the next element, ultimately creating and establishing unity. Using the learning and knowledge has been a journey toward understanding myself, the nature of human existence, and the healing possibilities in every moment.

I am fortunate to have had the opportunity to teach in many Acupuncture and Acupressure colleges throughout the country. In the 1990s I was a Clinical Supervisor at the Traditional Acupuncture Institute in Columbia, Maryland (now called Tai Sophia Institute). I also taught an elective course on Five Element Acupuncture at the American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine in San Francisco, California. I am a faculty member at the Academy for Five Element Acupuncture in Gainesville, Florida. I have been faculty for the Acupressure Institute in Berkeley, California. I also have taught in collaboration with Amy Skezas through RoseLight. As well I travel throughout the U.S. leading workshops on different aspects of the healing arts.”

Please call our office or use our contact form to schedule an appointment with Eve.

Dr. Safayan returns from Honduras

My annual trip to Honduras, with the Hackett Hemwall Foundation, a 5013c NGO, was highlighted this year by one of my patients volunteering at my clinic in Olanchito, Honduras. The HHF is a secular medical corp that has been providing prolotherapy, as a pain management modality, in Honduras for the last 40 years. The group goes to Honduras each March for 3 weeks. He have clinics in the towns of Tela, La Ceiba and Olachito. Over the 3 week period we treat some 3000 patients. The first 2 weeks we provide prolotherapy, the last week we treat severe varicose veins and leg ulcers. This is an extremely gratifying experience for all those involved, physicians and their all important volunteer support staff. If you want more information on the HHF and what we do around the world to help needy people manage their pain, please go to: www.HackettHemwall.org/
who knows we may see you in Honduras next year.

Misconceptions about Naturopathic Medicine

Misconception 1: naturopathic physicians are nutritionists. Although we are extensively trained in nutrition it is not our only focus. After we receive a bachelor degree in pre-medical science we attend an accredited postgraduate four-year naturopathic medical college. The education is similar to other four-year allopathic medical programs including clinical physical diagnosis, basic science, pharmacy, anatomy and physiology. We are required to pass a national naturopathic medical board examination and we must maintain a naturopathic medical license with continuing education.

Misconception 2: natural medicine and naturopathic medicine are the same thing. The use of natural medicine is simply that – using natural remedies to alleviate a problem. Naturopathic medicine is a medical system that works from the basis of traditional medical science to evaluate and treat a patient. Since there are many reasons for illness, naturopaths order laboratory and diagnostic studies. They will determine what the problem is then appropriately prescribe dietary changes, nutritional supplements, and herbs in a system that is right for that individual.

Misconception 3: naturopathic physicians are not doctors. We receive our naturopathic medical training from an accredited four-year naturopathic medical program and earn the degree of Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine (ND). Depending on the state’s license some NDs may prescribe traditional medications, deliver babies, perform minor surgery and perform the duties of any general practitioner.

Misconception 4: naturopaths are homeopaths. Naturopaths are not homeopaths. We receive several classes in homeopathy and are competent in the use of homeopathy but Homeopathy is a separate specialty.

Misconception 5: all naturopaths have the same training. This is the biggest misconception of them all. There are on-line programs that offer the degree of Naturopathic Doctor. These programs do not offer on-site classroom education, supervised clinical practice, nor are they accredited naturopathic medical programs and are not required to pass the naturopathic board examination. I am a board certified naturopathic physician having completed an accredited four-year postgraduate naturopathic medical program at the National College of Naturopathic Medicine in Portland, OR and I successfully passed my naturopathic boards in 2000.

Infrared Sauna Update

As some of you know I have wanted to purchase a sauna for use in our office. I was at a conference last month and found the perfect one. I am beyond excited! I have wanted a far infrared sauna for about 10 years. Far infrared is a wavelength of light that the body perceives as heat. It is more penetrating than the heat from a regular sauna and has the ability to detoxify on a deep level. The sauna is maintained at a relatively comfortable temperature of 130 degrees F for a maximum of 30 minutes. Of course we start at a lower temperature and time and work our way up to the maximum.

Far infrared sauna is useful for:
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Frequent headaches or migraines
• Dark circles under the eyes
• Bad breath, digestive problems, bloating, gas, indigestion , constipation
• Sensitivities to many chemicals including cleaning products, petrol, paint, perfumes, bleaches, etc.
• Achy muscles and joints
• Skin problems such as acne, eczema, psoriasis, general rashes, itchy skin
• Insomnia
• Weight loss
• Fatigue

I’ve been the guinea pig for the last few weeks and I’m pleased to say that since using the sauna I have more energy, an even better mood, and better sleep. Keep in mind I don’t tolerate heat well at all. I hibernate during the Washington DC summers. Far infrared heat feels like the first day of summer before the humidity hits. It’s very pleasant and I actually look forward to it.
I’m currently putting together a detoxification program and will be ready to offer this program to all our patients. Stay tuned for more!

Vitamin D and Calcium: What’s Restorative Health’s stance?

You may have seen a recent New York Times article suggesting that taking Vitamin D and/or Calcium beyond what you may be getting in your diet is not necessary. Full Article
We understand that it can be very confusing trying to navigate what researchers are continually reporting. It can also be frustrating; as it seems that they often change their minds or give one negative for every positive. Recognizing all this, Restorative Health would like to point out a few things concerning Vitamin D and Calcium usage, just to make our recommendations clear and concise.

It is important to remember that researchers, such as the Institute of Medicine cited in the New York Times article, are not taking the individual into consideration as they release their broad findings. With that in mind, Dr. Threlkel and Dr. Safayan follow the rule of moderation and common sense with a scientific basis. To put this in perspective, in the case of Vitamin D, most medical doctors prescribe 50,000 IU once a week for 4-6 weeks. However, Vitamin D is a fat soluble vitamin, meaning it will be stored in the body and can become toxic more quickly than water soluble vitamins.

At Restorative Health, most of our patients receive no more than 5,000IU on a daily basis. This method more closely emulates the amount we would hope to get through our diet, which our bodies are designed to process. For that reason this dose is much less likely to become toxic. In addition, we monitor blood levels of Vitamin D to ensure our patients are always using the correct dose for them. In sum, at Restorative Health we use an individualistic approach, which maintains an appropriate, healthy level of supplementation for each patient.

Shields up!

Winter is upon us! It’s important to make sure our immune “shields” are up during this cold and flu season. Luckily, Restorative Health has three recommendations to make it happen!

1. Wei Chi Tonification (pronounced “way chi”) – Wei chi is our defensive energy, which is exactly what we need to build up during this time of the year! The treatment involves placing acupuncture needles in specific locations in order to enhance our innate defenses. Although it is recommended to aid in prevention of cold and flu, it is interesting to note that wei chi is also useful when making a big transition, such as a domestic or international move. There are three treatments, each lasting 45 minutes, scheduled seven to ten days apart. Though flu season runs through March, for best results treatments should be done by the end of January.

2. Homeopathic Flu Remedy – This remedy consists of the actual annual flu vaccine, which has been professionally manufactured into a homeopathic remedy. Each year a new remedy is created. Although the homeopathic remedy is made from the flu vaccine, there is no detectable particle of the vaccine in the remedy. The remedy is safe for the young and the elderly, which means that one bottle will help an entire family prevent the flu this season. (Special instructions are necessary for use with children under five years of age, so please contact us in that circumstance). Side effects are rare and are usually similar to the injectable version.

3. Phytobiotics – This wonderful supplement can be used to prevent as well as treat respiratory illness during the cold and flu season. It works by boosting your immune system thus preventing airborne pathogens from infecting your respiratory tract. These airborne microbes are common place in congested public places, such as on trains and airplanes. Thus, Phytobiotic is an effective option for travel because it gives you a better defense in those situations.
Compared to the other popular cold and flu remedies, Phytobiotic has a stronger and more comprehensive formula as it contains herbs that help the immune system fight off not only bacteria but also viruses. It also has herbs that specifically support the mucous membranes (the area of the body that is affected by a cold) and the lungs. In short, Phytobiotic is the better choice to either prevent a cold or treat an acute illness.
If you would like to hear more about these immune “shields”, please call our office at 202-244-6661.

More Bothersome Bugs!

As you may have noticed over the summer, stink bugs have emerged as a significant pest, not only of crops, but also households. Their back door into people’s homes is usually via vents; and once they have a foot in, they are extremely difficult to eradicate. Artificial pesticides which usually do the trick when there is a bug infestation do not appear to be effective against stink bugs. According to researchers in the University of Maryland “There are no chemical recommendations currently available for home use.”

The Brown Marmorated Skink Bug (Halyomorpha halys), a common pest in Asia, was first detected in the USA in Pennsylvania in 1998. According to researchers at the College of Agricultural Sciences, Penn State, Pennsylvannia, the bug has been a nuisance to homeowners for several years. After spending winter months as an adult in sheltered locations, it starts congregating outside homes during early fall – about now – and seems adept at finding a way in.

This summer the stink bug has emerged as a serious pest for fruit growers; they feed by sucking plant fluids through their beaks. Although fruit that have been marked by these bugs are still good to eat, consumers tend not to want to buy them. Researchers say the bug is also attacking some vegetables, as well as soybeans.

Penn State researchers fear that the stink bug has become such a major pest for apple growers that they may be applying more pesticides than usual. Over the last 30 years great effort has been made to bring down the amount of pesticides in fruit orchards.

Chinese and Japanese scientists are looking into the use of a certain wasp to keep stink bug populations down. However, currently it has not natural predator.
What is the marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys)?

* The adult is 14 to 17 mm long
* It has an overall dark mottled brown color
* It has two antennae, the ends of which have light and dark bands
* There are light and dark bands on the exposed edges of its abdomen
* Its eggs, which are laid from June to August are light green and barrel-shaped
* Nymphs (babies) are mottled and yellowish, with some black or red.
* As the nymph gets older it starts taking on adult features
* Adults have four wings. Although older nymphs look like adults, they have no wings
* It favors shady areas, especially the empress tree (Paulownia tomentosa),butterfly bush (Buddlreia spp.), Norway maple (Acer platanoides), and honeysuckle (Lonicera spp.)
* They can be a nuisance in homes and buildings during the fall when they seek shelter

Stink bugs are also known as shield bugs. They have small glands on their thorax that can emit a foul-smelling liquid, hence their name. Experts believe the malodorous liquid forms part of their defensive mechanism. If you get any of this liquid on your skin you can wash it off.

To prevent stink bugs from entering your home, seal up cracks with caulk (a waterproof filler and sealant that is used in building and repair to make watertight). Use weather stripping around doors. Check for all possible entry points and block them. After vacuuming the house, empty the vacuum cleaner bag outdoors. If your vacuum cleaner sucks in enough of them, the unpleasant smell can be quite powerful!

There are currently no chemicals that are recommended for home use.

Stink bugs are able to reproduce rapidly and can become a serious threat to crops.

Sources: Penn State, University of Maryland.

Health Care reform starts this week

A new era of health care coverage in America is set to begin this week, when some provisions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act officially begin to be enforced by law. Many of the changes will be phased in over the next several years, but the debate over whether the legislation is good for the country continues to rage on, especially as the November midterm elections draw near.

President Barack Obama spent much of Wednesday touting the legislation’s new “Patient’s Bill of Rights,” and, via the White House website, attempted to combat what the administration calls lingering “myths” about the new law.

“The Affordable Care Act is already making a difference in the lives of millions of Americans,” Obama wrote in a letter posted at Whitehouse.gov. “And starting tomorrow, the Patient’s Bill of Rights goes into effect, ending some of the worst abuses of the insurance industry and putting you, not your insurance company, in control of your healthcare.”

Citing fears over rising premiums, an ever-expanding debt and the expansion of the role of government, some of the president’s Republican critics have been calling for a repeal of the legislation.

“You need to understand that in my opinion Obamacare will ruin the best health care system in the world and it will bankrupt our country,” House Minority Leader John Boehner said recently on “Meet the Press.”

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Setting aside the question of the long-term impact of the new law, Surge Desk outlines the list of the initial changes that will go into effect on Thursday.

1. Insurance companies will no longer be able to deny children coverage for pre-existing conditions.

2. Children of parents with insurance will be allowed to remain covered under those policies until the age of 26.

3. Insurance companies will be forbidden from terminating coverage for any other reason than customer fraud.

4. Insurance companies will no longer be able to cap the amount of benefits and treatment a person can receive in a lifetime.

5. Insurers can no longer charge customers for preventive services like mammograms and colonoscopies.

6. High-risk pools are mandated to cover those who have been denied coverage because of pre-existing conditions.

Source: AOL news desk