Optimal Health

ACUPUNCTURE SUCCESS STORIES

Recent research, as well as my clinical experience since 1983, has proven to me that acupuncture can be extremely effective for the following woman’s health problems.  These include the acupuncture “face lift”, PMS, endometriosis, infertility, cysts, fibroids, breast augmentation and menopause.In addition, there are great clinical and scientific studies on acupuncture for low back pain, sciatica, fatigue and anxiety.   To summarize some of my experiences:PMS Eileen, a 27-year-old psychologist, came to my office with symptoms of severe PMS, which were threatening to interfere with her relationship with her fiancé.  After discussing her symptoms and taking a complete health history, it became evident that she had what is called “Type A PMS.”  Type A refers to PMS where there is an overabundance of estrogen with a lack of progesterone.  Her symptoms consisted of anxiety, irritability and mood swings.   This is the most common type of PMS.Eileen’s treatment lasted three months and she received acupuncture twice per month.  She also took a Chinese Herbal supplement to balance her female hormones and detoxify her liver.After the three months of treatments, she was 85% free from her original PMS symptoms and her relationship with her fiancé was flowing very smoothly.  Eileen periodically came in for “tune-up” treatments, about once every three months, and reports she was still doing really well.LOW BACK PAIN WITH SCIATICA George, a 48 year old male, came to my office complaining of acute lower back pain that had started about three weeks before when he lifted a box and “pulled something” in the back.  George wanted to try acupuncture only, without the use of Chinese herbs or homeopathic remedies.  He came in twice per week and after the first week, his pain had diminished by about 75%.Acupuncture was performed on his lower back, buttock area, legs and ankles.  The treatments lasted between 20-30 minutes each.  After three weeks, George’s pain was about 95% better, on a scale of 0 - 100% (with 100% being totally free of pain.).I told George to come back in for treatment on an as-needed basis.  I see him every six months or so for a tune up treatment.  Georges’ case is a bit unusual, due to the fact that normally I’ll treat low back pain and sciatica using herbs and homeopathic remedies in addition to the acupuncture.  But this case is a great example of lower back pain with sciatica that resolved very effectively with acupuncture only.PMS:  DEPRESSION, HEART PALPITATIONS, WITH ANXIETY Julia, a 28-year-old secretary came to me to work on her symptoms of anxiety, agoraphobia, depression, and racing heart or palpitations.  Her symptoms began after breaking up with her boyfriend after a five-year relationship.   She had also been to a psychiatrist who had placed her on an antidepressant prescription medication, and she was also in weekly psychotherapy.  Her primary problem was that she had trouble getting to sleep at night due to her overactive mental chatter.For the first three weeks I saw Julia twice a week for acupuncture and gave her the homeopathic remedy Coffea cruda* 30C to take at bedtime.  She immediately reported being able to get to sleep more quickly and the heart palpitations were lessoning as well.I kept Julia coming in once weekly for acupuncture for another ten weeks, at which time she reported her anxiety and other symptoms had been almost totally eliminated.  This ended her treatment and I told her to come back if and when, she wanted to try and get off the prescription medication.

CHRONIC FATIGUEMy experience treating CFIDS, or chronic fatigue syndrome and Fibromyalgia is that 80% of my patients feel substantially better within four weeks after beginning treatment.  Jill, a fifty-year-old single mother of two teenagers was under a significant amount of stress when she came in.  She had been trying to treat her self using vitamins and herbs for her severe muscle and joint pains and progressive fatigue for a period of about four years with mixed success.A friend who had seen me for the same problem told her about acupuncture, so she decided to try it.  She came in weekly and I did acupuncture and had her get blood work.  Her blood tests revealed a severe deficiency in protein, sodium, calcium and magnesium.  So along with the acupuncture she increased her protein intake, decreased her carbohydrates in the diet, and began to take the mineral supplements I suggested, which were easier to assimilate than the ones she had previously been taking.Jill improved very quickly and after only six weeks, she reported an 80% increase in energy, and the only time her muscles and joints hurt was when she exerted herself too much in the garden, or didn’t get her full eight hours of sleep.   She continues to come in once a month for her acupuncture “tune-up”.ACUPUNCTURE FOR ANXIETY Marcia, a 42-year-old movie producer, came to me wanting to get off the antianxiety prescription medications he had become addicted to over a period of three years.  This is one of the more difficult treatments using acupuncture alone, so we placed her on a detoxification diet and herbal regimen, without changing her prescription medications.  Checking her blood tests showed her liver enzymes were significantly elevated, so I targeted the liver and created a detoxification regimen for her.After ten weeks of detoxification, the liver enzymes came down on the blood test and with her doctor’s supervision we began to lessen her prescription medications.  After three more months, although she was not off the prescriptions entirely, she managed to reduce them significantly.  She continued acupuncture once every three weeks while taking her herbs, and reported that she had not felt that clearheaded in years!BREAST AUGMENTATION Breast augmentation, or natural breast enlargement, is possible by stimulating the body’s own, naturally existing hormones.  This is done through the use of acupuncture, herbs, homeopathy and specific nutritional supplements aimed at increasing and balancing the body’s own, naturally occurring hormone levels.The effects are always more substantial in younger woman.  Most of my experience has been with women in their late twenties and early thirties.Linda, age 27, came to me for breast augmentation after deciding she didn’t want to suffer the possible side effects of implants.  I saw Linda twice weekly for the initial four weeks and performed acupuncture, and then she came weekly until she received the results she was wanting.Her weekly acupuncture lasted another fifteen weeks and then monthly for another four months.  Needles were placed along the meridians, which travel through the breasts, including the liver and stomach meridians.  Points were also done on the Spleen and Chong Mo meridians, on the stomach, and insides of the wrists and legs, all governing hormones.Linda was also taking a constitutional homeopathic remedy, which in her case was Sepia.  She also took a Chinese herbal supplement called Venus.  She was delighted with her results.   Before and after breast measurements gave her what she was wanting.  In addition, because the treatment was holistic and aimed at balancing the body’s hormones, her overall level of health, and the feel and look of her skin and her energy were better than ever!The average cost for breast implants is from $4,000 to $10,000.   For the acupuncture, the average cost is $2,000 to $2,500.COSMETIC FACE LIFT Acupuncture face-lifts are very effective.  The purpose of the treatment is to strengthen the overall vitality, or chi in the body, thereby creating firmer skin with less wrinkles.  Wrinkles will lesson as specific Chinese herbs are used, diet is changed and needles are placed on the wrinkles themselves.The needles are placed on the face, hands, legs, and stomach, strengthening the meridians, which run through the facial area.  This type of treatment works best if done twice weekly for a minimum of ten weeks.  Then we take a break of about one month, and perform another cycle of treatments of ten weeks at twice per week.Results will vary, depending on the overall level of health and vitality of the patient.  If the digestion is good, and the diet is healthy, good results will be achieved by the end of treatment.  This treatment can also be complemented by home, self-stimulation of the meridians through acupressure and with an electrical acupuncture device held in the hand.The average cost of a traditional face-lift is from $4,000 to $10,000.   The acupuncture facelift from $2,000 to $3,000, and in addition to the facelift, the patient ends up with a much greater level of health.

Dr Randy Martin, OMD, LAc, PhD

Doctor of Chinese Medicine

Certified Classical Homeopath

Encino Office:  MAILING ADDRESS

Tuesday and Thursday

12:30 - 7:30 pm

17000 Ventura Blvd #220

Encino, CA 91316

Telephone: 818 905 6171

West Los Angeles/Santa Monica Office:   

Wednesday

12:30 pm -7:30 pm

1444 Carmelina Blvd #132

West Los Angeles, CA 90025

Telephone: 310 979 6495

Valencia Office:

Saturdays AND Mondays

12:30  - 6:00 pm

23332 Valencia Blvd

Valencia, CA 91355

Telephone:  661 312 9868

Email:  drrandymartin@gmail.com

On the Web:  www.drrandymartin.com

HOW SHOULD I FEEL AFTER MY ACUPUNCTURE TREATMENT?

Acupuncture for Childbirth and Labor by Dr. Randy Martin, OMD

Q - I have heard that Acupuncture can be used to induce labor and to reduce the pain of labor, but I’m so afraid of needles, I’m not sure I can handle even more pain from the acupuncture needles — should I try it?

A - To be quite honest, needles give me the creeps too!  I don’t like them either, and I hate blood tests.  But the needles used for acupuncture are so tiny that you can even put one in the hole of a regular needle used for injections or blood tests.  They are about the size of a strand of hair actually.  And you hardly even feel them.

Q - What is your experience in the use of acupuncture during labor?

A - In my experience, it is not uncommon for the entire labor to be extremely quick and easy when acupuncture is used.

Q - How could you ever possibly convince me that I would want to let someone poke LOTS of needles into me?

A - I know that acupuncture seems odd to our Westernized mind, but there is actually a lot of scientific research that supports its use during labor.  Many studies show that those little needles increase endorphins, and it’s your endorphins that actually help you to relax.  So if you want to calm down and feel a bit more relaxed and less stressed during the whole birthing process, acupuncture is actually the best and safest way to go.

Q  - Are there any studies that acupuncture works to help birthing?

A - Yes.  There are many such studies.  Your labor can be significantly shortened if you use acupuncture while giving birth.  One such research study published in “Gynecologic and Obstetric Investigation” and reported in Natural Health Magazine stated that out of 120 women, those who received acupuncture treatment during the first stage of labor reduced their labor time from an average of 321 minutes, down to 96 minutes.  In other words, the women in this study who received acupuncture reduced their labor by more than one-third!

Q – In your experience, does acupuncture shorten the time for the labor?

A – Yes, definitely.  The women who I’ve needled during their labor had their babies very quickly.  Everyone was very happy and the doctors were really surprised!

Here is one personal experience:  My office got a call from a very pregnant woman who was referred to us by her obstetrician.  “Anna” was one week overdue and her doctor was going to induce labor if contractions didn’t start within 10 days.  This was Anna’s third pregnancy and the other two had been late as well.

Her doctor had heard of my practice, and me and since another of our mutual patients had experienced great success with acupuncture during her pregnancy and birthing process.  So he told Anna to give me a call and try some acupuncture to induce the labor, before resorting to traditional Western methods.  He figured that she had nothing to lose by trying.

He was right!!!  She came to my office and was very uncomfortable in her body.  It was hard for us to find a comfortable position for her acupuncture treatment.  We settled for having her sit up on the massage table, propped up by pillows.  This worked for her, and also gave me access to all the points on her body that I needed.

We treated Anna three times.  Her fourth appointment was scheduled for the day before her doctor was going to induce the labor and delivery, but she didn’t show up.  My secretary jokingly said, “Well, she probably went into labor after the last acupuncture treatment and is back at home already with the baby!”

And my secretary was right.  When Anna called us a few days latter, she said that contractions began immediately upon leaving the office and continued to get stronger and stronger as the hours went by.  A day later she was in the hospital, and the delivery of her baby began shortly thereafter.  All was a grand success!

Q – Does Acupuncture Help with Deliver of Breech Babies?

Yes it does.  In one study published in Fetal Diagnosis and Therapy (Nov-Dec 2003; 18(6):418-21, doctors demonstrated that of the 67 pregnant women studied who had babies in the fetal breech position, those who received acupuncture were far more likely to have the baby move to the proper delivery position.  This study showed a difference of 31% in the group that got acupuncture.   I have personally had excellent successes with my acupuncture fertility treatment and with turning the baby in the last few weeks and hours before delivery.

Q – Can Acupuncture also help emotionally if I feel depressed and am full of fear?

Yes – Acupuncture is very successful at increasing endorphins, or the body’s own, naturally occurring stress-relievers.  Because acupuncture works on the energy of the mom and baby, it not only affects the mom physically, but can also relax her and reduce her stress levels.

It’s really important to keep your body/mind/and spirit balanced during the time of birth, and acupuncture can be your friend and ally during this time.

Dr Randy Martin, OMD, LAc, PhD, QME, MUP, CCH

Doctor of Chinese Medicine

Certified Classical Homeopath

Oils Revisited - Essential Fatty Acids - Are You Getting Enough?  By Dr. Randy Martin, OMD, LAc

Flax Oil - Omega-3 and other EFA’s; Vit E, Lecithin and phytosterols, plant lignins; antioxidants.  Good for autoimmune disorders, arthritis, inflammation; also good for cardiovascular disease; dry skin, psoriasis, eczema, acne, depression, fatigue, allergies, ADD, ADHD, arthritis, chronic viral, bacterial and fungal infections, IBS, kidney stones.

Pumpkin Seed Oil - plant sterols; high alpha-linolenic acid and phyto sterols, important for sexual gland functions and hormone activity;  Alpha linolenic acid is the precursor of other omega 3 oils such as EPA and DHA.

Borage Seed Oil - has more GLA (gamma linolenic acid) than Evening Primrose Oil; GLA is important for the production of prostaglandin E1; highest GLA of any plant.

Fish Oils - high in EPA, eicosapentaenoic acid and DHA, docosahexaenoic acid; EPA and DHA are components of nerve cells and cell membranes.   Omega 3 fatty acids from fish are good for cardio vascular function.   The best fish for EPA’s and DHA’s are sardines, mackerel, salmon, bluefish, herring, and tuna.

Hemp Oil - High in Omega-3’s and some GLA.  57% LA linoleic and % LNA linolenic in a 3 to 1 ratio matching our nutritional needs.   Has more EFA’s than flax oil. Contains GLA which is gamma linolenic acid, and is a controversial one to add.   Has GLA’s and Omega 3’s both.

GLA Oils – High in primrose oil, black currant seed oil and borage oil.  It stimulates growth of hair and nails, skin, and reduces inflammation.

EPA Oils - The most mood elevating Omega-3 component.  Use EPA’s for depression, manic, bi polar, suicidal feelings — EPA contains DHA, but you need the EPA to affect the neural pathways, so don’t take DHA alone.  Low EPA correlates with depression in many separate research studies.   EPA is also good for inflammatory pain and inflammation of any kind, including Fibromyalgia, IBS, Migraines, joint disease, and to prevent stroke and cardiovascular disease.   EPA’s will also raise serotonin, the “feel good” neurotransmitter.  Also use it in violent behavior (criminals, substance abuse, addictions, and impulsive anger,) ADD and ADHD, and to lower blood pressure, Rheumatoid arthritis symptoms, and in Crohns disease.

Ratio of EFA – The best ratio is 1.5% omega-3 and 2.5% omega-6 totalling 4% of your calorie intake. 

Bad Oils - The worst oils are:  corn, peanut (as in peanut butter), sesame, soybean, cottonseed, canola, safflower and sunflower.  All of these are too high in omega 6 oils. 

Good Cooking Oils - The best is to just use Olive oil for everything including cooking, and also better for you.

Saturated Fatty Acids – These fatty oils are made from animal products and can be recognized because they are solid at room temperature (i.e. butter, lard).

Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids – These fats are liquid at room temperature and are derived from plant sources; They will help to lower total serum cholesterol by lowering both HDL and LDL.  But remember that the HDL are the “good” cholesterol and you want them higher and not lower.  Some studies show that polyunsaturated fats may increase your risk of cancer because they tend to oxidize easily.

Monounsaturated Fatty Acids – These fats are liquid at room temperature and are derived from plant sources; They lower serum cholesterol by lowering LDL and leaving HDL unchanged.   They are generally considered “healthy fats.” This type of fat is found in nuts, avocados, tea leaf, olive oil, grapeseed oil and flaxseed oil.

Omega 6 — Linoleic acid and gamma linolenic acid promote the production of the series 1 prostaglandins, which are anti inflammatory and anti atherogenic;  sources are vegetable, nut and seed oils, corn, safflower, soy, canola,

sunflower gamma linolenic acid (GLA), breast milk, evening primrose oil, black currant oil, and borage oil;  good for auto immune conditions, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus, scleroderma, MS, asthma, hayfer, hives and hypertension.

Omega 3 — Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA’s) - docosahexaenoic acid (DHA’s), and alpha linolenic acid (ALA) promote series 3 prostaglandins, anti inflammatory,

anti atherogenic, eicosapentaenoic acid, decrease levels of 4 leukotrienes; found in cold water fish (salmon, herring, mackerel, sardines); cod liver oil; flaxseed oil, soy oil, chloroplasts;  Used for Cardiovascular disease, high

cholesterol, hyper triglycerides, hypertension, auto immune conditions, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, SLE, scleroderma, MS, migraines, Diabetes, asthma, allergies, PMS.

Dr Randy Martin, OMD, LAc, PhD, QME, MUP, CCH

Doctor of Chinese Medicine

Certified Classical Homeopath

Chinese Herbs for Immunity by Dr. Randy Martin, OMD

There are many different Chinese herbs that are useful for treatment of various immune problems. The Doctor of Chinese Medicine generally will not, in fact, use single herbs for treatment of immune problems. This is because of the synergistic effects of using formulas. The herbs tend to complement each other and when used in a formula, they tend to be much more effective than when using the single herbs.

So that you can more effectively choose which formulas and herbs you might wish to take for immune problems, I’m offering this brief run-down on some of the more commonly used. I’d like to acknowledge Andrw Gaeddert for an article he wrote which was my inspiration to write this short summary. If you want to do your own research, just do an internet search. There is plenty of information on the net on these herbs.

Isatis - This plant is one of the more commonly used herbs for boosting the immune system. It is contained in many Chinese herbal formulas. It can be used for bacterial infections, for the flu, hepatitiis, mononucleosis and chronic fatigue syndrome. There are many studies on this herb.

Licorice - Many of us know this as a candy, or a tea, but it also is used to build immunity. It can fight cysts and other tumors and also helps to detoxify the liver. Because it is sweet, it supports the spleen. And in Chinese medicine, the Spleen is the organ in charge of immunity. Licorice can also be used to raise blood pressure and to support the adrenal glands. So if you have headaches or high blood pressure, this herb may make them worse. On the other hand, if your headaches are due to low blood sugar, then licorice may cure the problem.

Ligustrum - This herb tonifies the Yin in your body, so it will increase the production of white blood cells and can be used to treat leukopenia. It can be used with people who are undergoing chemotherapy and radiation

Schizandra - This versatile herb is often seen in Chinese formulas for insomnia and anxiety, but it’s also good for the immune system. By helping to deal with stress and fatigue, it will have an indirect effect on the immune system. This is because if you are not sleeping well or you are stressed out, your system is ripe to get sick.

Astragalus - This herb is great for strengthening the lungs and the body’s defenses. It can fight fatigue and improve or tonify your body to help prevent illness.

Cordyceps - This is one of the many mushrooms that you can use for immunity. There are actually many mushrooms, or fungus’ for the immune system. This one is great to help relax you, to strengthen the nervous system and to help the cardiovascular system. It’s used commonly in Chinese hospitals for wheezing, asthma and to prevent colds.

Andrographis - This herb is used to treat infections, such as herpes, sore throat, pneumonia, and the common cold. It is used in many herbal formulas for colds and the flu, bronchitis and even strep.

There are so many herbs that can be used for the immune system. I always tell my patients that the best thing to do is to experiment to see which work best on them. After you have figured this out, then you will always know which one to use to prevent a cold, or to treat a bad flu.

Also be certain to take the appropriate vitamins and to eat a diet which will facilitate a healthy immune system.

Acupuncture for Stroke — an Important Link for those confronted with post - stroke paralysis and problems.

http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2006/oct/04/yehey/opinion/20061004opi6.html

The following options are discussed to help you decide if any holistic methods might be right for you, either to treat a problem you are having, or just to help you acheive the emotional and physical health goals you are currently working on.

De-fin-i-tions
(to be definite; to know; understanding)

1. Classical Homeopathy - the most effective, deepest acting treatment; uses minuscule amounts of plant, animal or mineral substances to stimulate the body to heal itself; the prescription is based on a complete evaluation of all physical, emotional, intellectual and spiritual patterns in an individual. In Classical Homeopathy, we use the emotional symptoms to point us in the direction of where to treat the imbalance in the body. Symptoms become metaphors, or symbols, for where imbalances are, either emotionally or spiritually. For example, asthma might be used as an indication of some long-standing unresolved grief or loss; urinary tract infections, a symbol of suppressed anger or resentment; low back pain could be a sign of fear or feelings of being overwhelmed, etc.

Your physical symptoms will all eventually be cured using Classical Homeopathy, but as a part of the process, you will also feel much better and happier emotionally. This type of treatment will take from six months to two or more years. Training to become a Classical Homeopath takes many years of study and is highly specialized. Most good Classical Homeopaths study for at least five years before getting good results. Few homeopaths have the patience to dedicate their lives to this type of intensive in-depth study and discipline.

2. Constitutional Homeopathy - similar to Classical Homeopathy, but in some homeopathic circles, this term is used to describe a method where only one, single remedy is used throughout one’s lifetime. In reality, each person has many constitutional layers and requires many remedies in their life. Constitutional Homeopaths use only one dose of one remedy. In reality, as we evolve, we often need to move from one remedy to the next, (even though in some cases, we may need to stay on only one remedy for a number of years,) and may need to take the remedy daily.

3. Acute Homeopathy - in acute homeopathic prescribing, we don’t place an emphasis on the emotional factors involved in disease; rather, we directly treat, and place our emphasis on removing the physical symptoms as quickly as possible. We do, however, look at the causal factor, which in many cases does include an emotional component. For instance, did the cold or flu begin from the emotional stress of a broken relationship, when out in a cold rain or wind or was the cause from lack of sleep and reduced resistance to infection? Is the constipation caused from a difficulty in letting go, a craving for meat or from not drinking enough water. Acute homeopathy will treat every physical symptom known to man, and treat it quite effectively, and in most cases very quickly. But it won’t be a long-term cure as in Classical Homeopathy.
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4. Oriental Medicine - This encompasses many disciplines and treatment types, including acupressure massage, acupuncture, Chinese nutritional medicine, Chinese manipulation (similar to chiropractic) and Chinese herbal medicine. There are many different ways to practice Oriental Medicine, including Five Element Theory, Yin/Yang Theory, Acute prescribing and Korean constitutional prescribing. I use TCM, or Traditional Chinese Medicine most, and place an emphasis on the pulse and tongue diagnostic methods. I do not believe in the use of highly technical computer analysis, but use the more traditional techniques of facial observation and Five Element analysis which have been effectively used for thousands of years to diagnose and treat illness.

5. Chinese Herbal Medicine - This method of herbal medicine is based on the diagnostic methods described in the paragraph above on Oriental Medicine. In this case, however, we use herbs, in addition to or instead of acupuncture, to create the most dramatic and quick curative action that is possible. Chinese herbology usually utilizes formulas containing many different herbs rather than just the individual herbs used in the Western approach. This method is very effective in treating chronic illness and preventing future illness from occurring. There are wonderful Chinese herbal formulas for almost every type of illness, ranging from high blood pressure, menopausal symptoms, high cholesterol, migraine headaches, PMS, ADD, insomnia, colitis, allergies and many other illnesses that plague modern society and which have no know cure in Western medicine.

6. Western Herbal Medicine - This approach to herbal medicine uses herbs primarily found on the North American and European continents. This method generally uses single herbs in order to achieve very specific results. There are wonderful single herbs such as Vitex, Dong Quai, Echinacea, Astragalus, Goldenseal, White Willow Bark, Milk Thistle and others, which can be used to build immunity, balance hormones and eliminate many types of pain.

7. Five Element Acupuncture - This method of diagnosis and treatment utilizes the Five Elements of Earth, Fire, Water, Metal and Wood. The Five Elements are a metaphor for the five primary organ functions in the body: spleen/stomach, heart/small intestines, kidney/bladder, lung/large intestines, and gall bladder/liver. Each organ and grouping of organs has an emotional component as well. Utilizing this type of understanding, we can treat constitutionally as well as symptomatically.

8. Acute Acupuncture - This method utilize specific acupuncture formulas which are designed to treat the acute problems you want to treat. This is the type of acupuncture that most medical doctors study, since it only requires a few weekends of study. It requires many years of concentrated study to practice the deeper-acting Five Element and Constitutional acupuncture.

9. Constitutional Acupuncture - This method utilizes the tongue and pulse diagnosis to assess and then design a treatment plan to treat from a deeper, more holistic framework than the Acute Acupuncture approach. Many very serious and even life-threatening health problems can be totally cured using this method.

10. Bio-chemical Nutritional Analysis - This method of analysis utilizes the Health Equations Program to assess the functional status of your electrolytes and minerals. We start from a Chem Panel and CBC and then do a comprehensive analysis utilizing the basic data from your blood tests.

11. Body-Type Nutritional Analysis - There are many types of Body-Type Analysis. Just a few of the possibilities are Yin/Yang and Five Element Analysis, Endocrine Organ Analysis and Metabolic Typing, among others.

12. Five Element Nutritional Analysis - This is based on the Five Element Analysis discussed above.

13. Yin/Yang Nutritional Analysis - This is based on assessing your balance of Yin and Yang and working with the diet to change the imbalance in Yin and Yang. If your Yin and Yang is in proper balance, it’s very hard for you to become ill. Balanced Yin and Yang is the foundation and cornerstone of balance and Optimal Health.

14. Vitamin/Mineral Supplementation - In our culture, most people need vitamin and mineral Supplementation because very few of us eat properly. In addition, most of us operate on such a high level of stress that we need more of certain vitamins and minerals than in times past. The soil our food is grown on is also almost totally depleted of organic minerals and because of this we need to supplement our diets. Even most organic food is not as complete as in times past.

15. Neurotransmitter Testing & You take a test kit home and obtain samples of your urine and saliva. These samples will tell the lab which of your neurotransmitters are either high or low. The types of problems that will respond very well to this type of testing include anxiety, insomnia, ADD, ADHD, depression, fear, worry, nervous disorders, headaches, chronic pain, PMS, Irritable Bowel, Panic Attacks, Bulimia, OCD, and substance abuse. The test results will be returned to you with a very specific list of which amino acid supplements to take to increase the neurotransmitters you are low in and to decrease the ones you are too high in.

16. Stool Tests and other Saliva Testing for Hormones & There are an assortment of other tests, which include stool, hair testing, blood testing, and others. These may also be useful in helping to determine where you are out of balance and which treatments will work best to put you into balance.

You Decide:

Educating yourself, knowing which modalities (types of treatments) you want and are most interested in, defining your treatment goals, and knowing what you are willing to do to get there, is all an invaluable portion of becoming healthier and overcoming the obstacles to loosing weight, exercising, eating right and joining in partnership with your health care team. You decide which treatment options are right for you after a discussion with Dr. Martin.

Myths about Echinacea by Dr. Randy Martin, OMD, LAc

I am often asked by patients about the risks of long-term usage of the herb Echinacea.  Many authorities have told us of the health risks.  While I agree that the long-term use of any herbal product can potentially cause side-effects, I have never in my clinical practice seen that Echinacea in particular has been any more dangerous than any other herbal product taken over a long period of time.

Many of my patients have been taking Echinacea throughout the cold and flu season and done great.  In general, no herb should be taken more than 4 weeks, but everyone is an individual, and has individual responses to herbs.  Some people develop allergies to certain herbs after only a week or so, and other people can take herbs for a longer time with no negative side effects.

In general, and according to Chinese medical theory, it is always best not to take individual herbs.  Combination herbs are far superior and work better in all ways.  They also have less side-effects.  So if you take Echinacea, get it as a formula with other immune enhancing herbs.

In an article published in the Alternatve Medicine Review, Volume 6, Number 4, 2001, numerous clinical studies of Echinacea were cited.  All of them found that in the numerous clinical studies cited, there was nothing to support any limitations on the longer term use of Echinacea.  

The article states that Echinacea is good for colds, the flu, chronic autoimmune disorders, leuemia, allergies, MS and other chronic immune problems.

In general, I suggest getting on a good immune regimine during the cold and flu season.  This should include a wide variety of herbs and supplements.  My patients and I work out a variety of programs geared specifically to their individual health issues.

Feel free to call our office to schedule an appointment to discuss you individual health and immune building needs.

Hospital Study Shows Improved Health in 70% of Patients Using Homeopathy

The results of a six-year study at the Bristol Homeopathic Hospital in England showed that more that 70 percent of patients with severe illness showed very positive health changes after taking homeopathic remedies prescribed by their doctor.  More than 6,500 patients participated in this study published in the Journal of Alternaitve and Complementary Meidcine (Spence, DS, et al, 2005; 11(5):793-798.)

Disease included eczema, asthma, migraine headaches, irritable bowel syndrome, menopause, arthritis, depression, and chronic fatigue syndrome.  The largest improvements were seen in children.  In fact, over 89 % of children under the age of 16 with asthma reported significant improvement with homeopathic treatments.  Of this group, 75% felt either “better” or “much better”, as did 68% of eczema patients under 16 years of age.

Most of the patients in this study had tried conventional treatments first without any success.  This  study was reported in the BBC News, November 21, 2005 and by the British Homeopathic Association.

Liver Detox and Cleansing by Dr. Randy Martin, OMD

Over the years I’ve written a lot about the Liver and Liver detoxification.  Listening to a well-known “Radio Doctor” today, he was trying to debunk the “myth” of liver detox, stating that it didn’t really do anything and that there is nothing to detox.

But for anyone who has ever done a Liver Detox, I”m sure you’d agree with how much better you felt afterwards.  Also, you could check blood readings, and I”m certain you would see a difference in the Liver panel scores.   

During my recent week-long spiritual/emotional release work retreat in the Arizona desert with Brugh Joy (Brughjoy.com,) one of the participants asked me for advice on how to do a Liver Cleanse and Detox.  So I thought I would distill down a few invaluable hints for those of you who are also interested in this subject.

First of all, it’s generally and traditionally thought that the best times to do a Liver Cleanse or Detox are in the Fall and Spring.  The Winter months are thought to be a time to build the system up and provide the necessary Fire for the colder season.  But because most of us live in Southern California, where the weather is moderate all year round, it won’t hurt for you to do a rather mild Liver Cleanse.  Use your intuition, but don’e go overboard.  It’s all a matter of degree.  (If you live in the colder climates, please be careful in any detoxification, because the body needs “fuel” during the colder months, in order to function well.”)

The best way to detox the liver is through diet.  Avoid the following foods:

~greasy, fatty or deep-fried foods 

~diary products made from cow’s milk

~sugar and sweatened foods

~refined carbohydrates such as white flour products

~sweets of any type

~the less gluten the better

~eliminate or restrict cold or frozen foods

Emphasize the following foods:

~yellow, orange and green colored vegetables, especially green leafy vegetables (all cooked)

~lean meats, any fish, (but no shell-fish), or chicken and turkey

~legumes (lentils, and any beans)

~whole grains (brown rice, quinoa, buckwheat, oats)

~whole grain barley is a wonderful grain, especially job’s tears barely, for those of you for whom gluten does not cause mucus and congetsion

Some basic eating principles for Liver Detox:

~start the day, end the day and during the meal, drink a cup of hot water with lemon or lime juice

~eat only when hungry

~leave the table hungry

~never over eat

~don’t fast, as it will lead to the inevitable binging, unless you know how to do a fast and how to break a fast, and you are not working or under stress at the time

~supplement throughout the day with vegetable juices and your vitamins

~limit your fruit intake to 2 pieces of fruit per day and eat it separtately

~drink plenty of water or hot tea all day long

Some supplements to consider:

~Colonic Cleanse (from Vitality Products)

~Chinese detox herbs such as Free and Easy Wanderer or Minor Bupluerum Formula

~Detoxification 2 phase (from my office)

~Digestive Enzymes

~Probiotics

~Homeopathic Nux vomica 12 C - but only if you are not on a constitutional homeopathic (and remember to follow all your homeopathic rules)

If you begin to feel faint or have any other symptoms, stop your detox and consult a health practitioner.  Do not undertake a detox or cleansing on your own if your system is not doing well to begin with, or you have any serious blood-sugar problems, or you tend to have anxiety or depression, unless under the supervision of a health practitioner.  Do not stop taking any of your Western pharmaceutical prescribed medications without the supervision and full knowledge of your doctor.

If you are able to do some deep emotional release work at the same time as you are doing your Liver Cleansing, the process will be twice as valuable.  This is because the Liver is in charge of anger, resentment and the free flow of energy.  Your digestion and immunity should improve more quickly if you also do the emotional release work, and any headaches you have should also stop.  Allergies should also be expected to improve and any PMS symptoms should lesson.

(Note:  all products discussed in this article are available from my office.)

Best of luck should you decide to try the Liver Cleanse.