Optimal Health

Remedies for the Day After

We often overeat at Thanksgiving and feel uncomfortable that night or the day after.  Here are some homeopathic remedies to the rescue.  Happy Thanksgiving!!!  Enjoy and try and eat healthy.

Nux vomica: This is probably the most common remedy for those who indulge in food and drink resulting in indigestion. It’s kind of the “morning after” remedy. There is a weight and pain in the stomach and a sour taste in the mouth, with nausea in the morning. The typical emotional feature for this remedy is impatience, in an irritable and chilly person.

Nux vomica: This is probably the most common remedy for those who indulge in food and drink resulting in indigestion. It’s kind of the “morning after” remedy. There is a weight and pain in the stomach and a sour taste in the mouth, with nausea in the morning. The typical emotional feature for this remedy is impatience, in an irritable and chilly person.

Pulsatilla: This is another great remedy for indigestion. The Pulsatilla person may have a pain in the stomach but it’s cause by rich foods, when the Nux vomica person likes spicy foods and cannot tolerate rich foods. The Pulsatilla person is hot and doesn’t like warm food or drinks. The Pulsatilla person is rarely irritable, although they may be when sick. More often they are the nurturing, loving and “earth mother” types. They may be a little on the “wimpy” side, a little tearful and needy. They usually have almost no thirst, and like sleeping with the window open at night.

Antimonium crud: This person can have a great deal of belching and bloating after eating. They often have heartburn with a white-coated tongue and a desire for acid foods and pickles. They are usually also going to be irritable and fretful about everything. They may also be argumentative.

Arsenicum alb: This type of person will have extreme anxiety and restlessness as a part of their indigestion. They may also feel paranoid or even persecuted. They may have a lot of irrational fears, of poisoning, of death, or of getting cancer, for example. Their stomach may feel raw, scraped or burning. Their stool may also burn, with diarrhea. The indigestion of the Arsenicum alb person may begin from indulgence from iced foods, acids, and melons. The person tends to be cold. This is one of the most common remedies for food poisoning.

China: Indigestion might follow from a long illness where the patient became debilitated and dehydrated. Prolonged vomiting, diarrhea, or excessive bleeding from childbirth, a bleeding ulcer or a traumatic accident, for instance, might bring on an indigestion responding very well to China. There may also be flatulence and belching. Eating fruit will make this person’s indigestion worse.

Carbo veg: This remedy is made from charcoal, and people responding well may have a lot of bloating and gas. They will often belch a lot and feel worn out. Often they will fan themselves and feel overheated and hot, even though they may have chills as well. Simple foods may also cause problems, and heartburn and belching liquid may accompany the indigestion.

Lycopodium: People who need Lycopodium will have chronic weak indigestion that cannot tolerate such foods as cabbage, beans peas, etc., all causing a lot of flatulence. This person may feel worse in the late afternoon and have pain on the right side of their body. A sense of fullness after eating only a small amount of food will be common. The personality of this person may be a bit on the bossy side.

There are many other homeopathic and herbal remedies for indigestion. If you can’t find your remedy here, please consult with me and we’ll find it together.

How to Withdraw More Easily from Prescription Medications, Smoking or Drugs, and Even Succeed at Your Weight Loss or Quit-Smoking Program.

It’s important to NEVER stop taking any prescription medications without the advice and support of your Medical Doctor.  The reasons are explained below:

Many times, patients come to me with the primary desire to stop taking their prescription medications or recreational drugs.  Other times, patients see themselves getting healthier and more balanced after receiving holistic treatments, and they ask me if they can get off one of their prescription medications.  Still other people, may have inadvertently become accustomed to taking a medication for the side effects of a surgery or an accident or trauma in their lives, and then they want to get off the medication after their life becomes more stable.The medication could be an anti-depressant, hypertension medication, anti-histamine, pain medications, hyper-acidity medications, diet pill, prescription hormones, marijuana, alcohol, or any number of other prescription medications or self-medications, such as sugar, carbohydrate addiction, caffeine addiction or hard drugs.

I would like to quickly outline below the most common mistakes I see my patients making when they try to get themselves off their medications, independent of their doctor’s advice:

1.  They do not first discuss their plan with their Medical Doctor.  It’s really, really important to not only discuss your plan with your Medical Doctor first, but to also get his or her approval for your plan.  This is because your Medical Doctor is in the best position to help you develop a rational plan for how to withdrawal off your medications.   Your Doctor knows your medical history, and also the pharmaceutical effects of the medication you are taking.  He or she is in the best position to help you develop a strategy for exactly how to stop the medication, and in exactly what increments it will be best to do it.

2.  Going too fast.  Many people start feeling really good after they start acupuncture or homeopathy and then they just stop their other medications, or stop them too fast.  This usually leads to having to go back onto their medications.  However, the best way is to actually go a lot slower then you might want to.  Thus you can head off any negative effects and catch yourself before you start feeling bad or your symptoms come back.   If you think you might want to stop over a period of three months, then extend it to six months.  The longer you take to do this, the more success you will probably have in the end.

3.  Not taking the right natural supplements as you taper off your prescription medications.  The body acclimates or even becomes addicted to some prescription medications.  When on a medication, your metabolism or hormones or neurotransmitters may have completely changed.   So if you are going to stop taking that medication, or significantly reduce it, it’s important to feed your body and mind with the nutrients needed to begin to work correctly without the medication.   Without taking natural supplements to replace your body’s dependance on the medications, it is much, much harder to go off any prescription medications.  Obviously, it can be done, but it’s a lot more challenging.

Here is a list of some of some of the more common natural supplements I sometimes recommend my patients take during this most difficult time.

*Homeopathic Kali phos - to support the nerves
*Homeopathic Mag phos - for relaxation, stress and for spasms
*Homeopathic Bio-Plasma - for overall support to keep the system strong during the transition
*Rescue Remedy - for the anxiety and panic that might occur.  Good to keep on hand*Homeopathic Tobaccum - for tobacco withdrawal
*Homeopathic Arnica - if you feel “beat up” and achy all over
*Homeopathic Aconite - for panic in the middle of the night or extreme fear anytime
*Amino Acids:  Theanine, Tryptophan, 5HTP, Taurine, Arginine, GABA, or a good mix of amino acids to support the system during withdrawl.   These amino acids will help to relax the nervous system, and reduce anxiety and alleviate other symtpoms of withdrawl.
*High Potency B-Vitamins - overall support
*Multi-Mineral Formula including large amounts of Magnesium and Calcium - relaxation and to keep the nerves and muscles from creating pain or spasms
*Plenty of fluids.  This should include electrolytes like Emergen-C, and detox tea such as Dandelion and Licorice (to balance the blood sugar).  Detox and blood sugar stability is critical!
*Extra Chromium to balance the blood sugar
*Herbal Pain Relievers for Pain and Herbal Sleep Medications to help with sleep. - I have many in my office and there are many others on the market.  Find what works for you and have it in your medicine cabinet for those times you need it.
*Rejuvamen HGH for energy
*Ponay Tea for energy, weight loss, and to assure assimilation of your proteins and fats
*Protein Powder made with Rice Protein for Detox and blood sugar.  (May also be used as weight loss aid to replace one or two meals per day.)
*Carry Protein Bars with you throughout the day to stop a sudden drop in blood sugar before it occurs. Exercise and breath are also key ingredients.  Exercise, even just daily walking, really will help. And if you cannot get out and exercise daily, try and remember to do breathing exercises, or Tai Chi, or some other centering exercise with breathing.

One really relaxing exercise is called “Cupping” or “Palming”.   Here is a web link for how to do it: 

http://community.livejournal.com/holistic_vision/tag/yoga

By relaxing your eyes, your brain will also stop repeating the same thoughts over and over again.  The eyes are a window to how the mind works.For women, it’s important to regulate the hormones.  If you are menstruating, then regulating and balancing your periods is critical to success.  There are many herbal formulas, and acupuncture, to aid in doing this.  If you are in menopause, it’s critical to balance your hormones, as any additional stress might throw your hormones off and cause another layer of symptoms. In my experience, the people who have the greatest success in withdrawing off prescription medications, stopping an addictive behavior or substance, or stopping recreational drugs have one quality in common:  They don’t give up!Time and time again, I see people stopping treatments or stopping their natural supplements, only to return 6 months later, back on their medications, or addicted again to a drug or harmful behavior.  They say “it didn’t work.”  But actually it did work, but they didn’t stick to the natural program long enough to see the results really take root.  The people who are really successful have follow-through. In general, it’s a good idea to really think through your choice before getting off any prescription medication and to discuss it with your Medical Doctor before making any decisions.  The worst thing you can do is to just go off it on your own without any support.    Your Medical Doctor should be the lead doctor in this decision, and remember to do it very, very slowly, if you really want to succeed.Lastly, anyone who has received acupuncture knows the relaxing effects.  So if you are not phobic of needles, and it’s convenient to get into an acupuncturist’s office, then regular treatments will really help at this transition time.  Even daily treatments for the first week are a good idea, or at least weekly or every other week.  Health insurance usually covers a percentage of the acupuncture treatments as well. Best of Luck on your healing journey. 

Chinese Tongue Diagnosis - How Does It Work?  

My patients are always asking  me what I’m doing when I look at their tongue.  They want to know what I’m seeing… the good and the bad.

Well, Chinese tongue diagnosis is pretty incredible.  Even if you have no problems at all, I can take a look at your tongue and have a good idea of which internal organs need to be treated, and what types of weaknesses and problems you will have in the future.

This link is a really good one!  It describes how tongue diagnosis works and what I’m looking at when I’m examining your tongue.

Tongue Diagnosis article

Do You Believe in Homeopathy? 
I am doing a simple survey.If you have been helped by homeopathy and other forms of natural medicine, please email me a short  testimonial.  Just one or two sentences is fine or a little longer if you want.I will anonymously compile them and send them out so those who do not believe in homeopathy and natural medicine can read them.

Ulcerative Colitis, IBS, IBD, Crohn’s Update 

One of the most effective types of treatments I have done over the past twenty plus years has been the treatment of the range of digestive problems called inflammatory bowel disorders.  The range of diagnoses’ that are treated range from colitis, IBD, Crohn’s disease, indigestion, gas, bloating, inflammation, diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever and fatigue.

I have lectured extensively to support groups and what I always emphasis is the effectiveness of this type of treatment.  I have had patiens who were unable to leave home for longer than a few hours at a time, who, after treatment had absolutely zero limitations on their travel from home.  I have had many patients state that their lives had been totally transformed with holistic treatment. 

Most of these patients have been living with these problems for many, many years, and had not realized there were safe, nature, and effective methods for treating their problems.  Although many patients respond to traditional Western treatment, some fail to respond to even thee strongest drugs.  In addition, there are always risk factors and sometimes side effects from the Western pharmaceutacal drugs, where natural treatments rarely have any side effects.

There are also causal connections between smoking, nicotine, steroidal drugs, and Ulcerative Colits and IBS.  Diet has also been shown to play a large role in the causation of IBS.  In Chinese medicine, we have our own methods for determining which dietary factos are involved in exacerbating IBS.  We use the tongue and pulse diagnosis.  According to these methods, we can determine which diet would be the best for that particular person.  Common foods which are commonly culprits in IBS and affiliated diseases are the following:  ice cream, iced drinks, raw foods, fruits, and other foods which we label as “Yin” or “Damp” in Chinese medicine. 

Correcting nutritional deficiencies or excesses is a major portion of the treatment goal as well.  By analyzing blood and/or hair analysis studies, we can see where the precipitating factors arise in treating IBS, Crohn’s and colitis.  Supplements which are often needed, and are deficient, include Vitamin A and Beta Carotene, DHEA, Vitamin E, Vitamin C, Folic Acid, Calcium, Magnesium, Zinc, and the essential fatty acids, including omega-3, 6 and 9.  Probiotics, such as Lactobacillus, Bifidobacteria and Clostridia are also very helpful, and also quite deficient in people who suffer from IBS problems.  Also, we use Glutamine, Phosphatidylcholine and anti-inflammatory supplements such as Quercetin and Rutin.

In summary, the combined use of both Western and natural methods of treating IBS is quite effective.  Some people respond better to one then to the other types of treatments, but everyone will do well with some combination of both.  

Yours, In Health, Naturally,

The Holistic Approach to Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn’s Disease and Other Digestive Problems like Bloating, Gas, Parasites and Candida Yeast

According to Chinese Medicine, diseases are always an indication of an imbalance on a deeper level.  Colitis and Crohn’s both  relate to other body functions and processes.  It is when we have an understanding of the interconnectedness of all these body processes, that we have a better idea of how to treat ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s from the holistic perspective.

Supplements:  beta carotene, zinc picolinate, magnesium, folic acid, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin E, B, C, lactobacillus acidophilus, liquid chlorophyll, alfalfa tabs, chlorella, quercetin, permeability factors, DGL, digestive enzymes, probiotics, parasite and yeast killers.

Menopause and Traditional Chinese Medicine

The average age for menopause is about 51 years.  It’s important to remember that menopause is both natural and spontaneous, and that in many women, there are no particular negative effects at all. The term “perimenopause,” is the period of time in which a woman is transitioning from normal menstruation to cessation of the menstrual period.

For many women, menstrual irregularity is the most common symptom of perimenopause.   Other symptoms include: hot flashes, night sweats, clammy feeling, rapid heartbeat, irritability, mood swings, weeping, difficulty sleeping, vaginal dryness, fatigue, anxiety, apprehension, disorientation, difficulty concentrating, sore joints, breast tenderness, headaches, indigestion, bloating, depression, weightgain, hair loss, light headedness and osteoporosis.

Most medical doctors will treat these symptoms with HRT, or hormone replacement therapy. Premarin is the most popular estrogen replacement, and is made from the urine of pregnant horses.  According to some research findings, there is an increased risk of breast cancer for women who use HRT.  There are also other side effects that are not as serious.

According to the theory in Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), estrogen is somewhat similar to what we call the Jing, or the essence of Chi.  This Jing is the source ofour Yin and our Yang, which is what gets depleted as both men and women age.   Yin provides our blood and fluidity, and Yang provides our heat, energy and warmth.

Although the ovaries begin to produce less and less estrogenas a woman ages, the production of estriol is “backed up” by the adipose (fat) tissue and adrenal glands.  If this backup system is working right, a woman will have very few, if any, symptoms of menopause or perimenopause.  According to TCM theory, HRT will produce Liver Stagnation and Deficient Blood in the long run.  Symptoms might include nausea, headaches, vision problems, and PMS-likesymptoms, among others.

Alternately, there are many Chinese herbal formulas that will work quite well on the majority of women’s symptoms of perimenopause and menopause.  The following is a list of some of the common formulas I have used with much success:

Temper Fire: This formula works well both to boost the yin, which helps with energy,and also to reduce the heat and hot flashes.

Dr. Martin’s Menopause Formula:  I designed this formula for women experiencing the first signs of hot flashes, dizziness or fatigue.  When it is used with Dr. Martin’s Yin Formula, many women will find that their symptoms disappear in a matter of days or weeks.

Quiet Contemplative: This is similar to Dr. Martin’s Yin Formula, but used for women who prefer an herbal liquid tincture instead of capsules.

Wise Woman’s Well: This formula strengthens the Kidney energy and is helpful when there are palpitations, anxiety, insomnia and hot flashes.

Compassionate Sage: Also helpful for palpitations, insomnia, anxiety or irritability.

Dynamic Warrior or Rehmannia Eight:  These two formulas help to increase Yang energy and are helpful for fatigue, spaciness, poor sex drive, lack of will power and assertiveness, weak knees, and low back pain.

Woman’s Precious: Very helpful when there is fatigue, anemia, light-headedness, vaginal dryness, or wrinkled skin.  It helps to build the Yin and Blood.

It is also helpful in many cases to use a liver detoxprogram.  This assures that the liver is breaking down the estrogen and other hormones circulating throughout the bloodstream.  For this, I useDetoxification Factors, Relaxed Wanderer, Liver Rinse, and other teas and herbs that benefit the liver.

For poor sleep, there are many different formulas available.  Some of the most commoninclude Ginseng & Zizyphus and Ginseng & Longan.  Symptoms that might indicate these formulas include insomnia, fatigue, palpitations and anxiety.

Other formulas I use frequently include the following:

Women’s Journey: When there are mixed cold and hot symptoms.

Women’s Rhythm: During the beginning stages of menstrual irregularity.

Women’s Chamber: When there are cysts or tumors or lumps of any kind.

Three (3) Things to Report from Dr. Randy Martin:

3.  Tax Alert! - - - Acupuncture is NOW a legitimate and Legal TAX Deduction

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1.  Personal Story:

Last weekend, I was lecturing at the Conscious Life Expo at the LAX Hilton on ADD / ADHD,  and also on Addictions using alternative methods of treatment.  I went into the bathroom before my talk and was washing my hands.  As I was washing, the janitor walked in to clean up the bathroom.  He smiled at me and seemed like a nice guy.  We struck up a conversation that went like this:

I said to him:  “It’s crazy how everything is governed by computors now!  You can’t even wash your hands without an automatic water and soap dispenser and an automatic  towel dispenser.  I wonder what happens if the computor system goes down.” 

I mentioned this because for the past 4 days, the Verizon voice mail system was down Statewide, and it obviously really affected my business, which relies on voice mail, and everyone else who depends on their Voice Mail for their life and communications, both personal and business.

The janitor had a very interesting comment.  He said:  “That is exactly why I”m a janitor!  Because I use my body, instead of depending on the conveniences of life!”  Then he proceeded to show me the muscle energy he put into cleaning the mirrors and how it was similar to a good workout.  And he had a great physique, so it obviously was working for him.

He went on to share his entire philosophy on life with me.  He told me that people nowadays don’t use their bodies so they age very fast and that after age 30, the body begins to wear down if you don’t take care of it properly.  Of course I was shaking my head in agreement.  He had absoutely NO idea of what I did for a living.  Nor did he know how much I agreed with everything he was saying.

He proceeded to share how important it was to keep the body in good physical shape and to exercise every day. He said that because of computors and cars and TV’s, that now no one ever uses their body for anything and it will easily get lazy and stop working right. 

He said that it’s really important to change your daily routine so that using your body is a vital and necessary part of your day.  In other words, exercise is great, but he emphasized the need to create a life where you had NO choice but to be using your body, out of necessity, and not out of choice.  He said that this is the only way you will really use your body.   Because we are essentially lazy!   He said that this is one of the reasons he really enjoyed being a janitor, because it forced him to daily stay physically fit, out of necessity and NOT out of choice.

He went on to say that the mind doesn’t know how old you are.  In other words, the thoughts in the mind do not reflect your true age.  That we go through life and were it not for his kids, for example, his mind would think he was still 17 years old.  That it’s only an aging body that makes one know you are actually aging.

He said that this is another reason to stay in good shape physicially, because if your body is in good shape, the mind will think you are young, and cooperate at keeping you younger longer.

I so vibrated with his little talk to me, that I left the bathroom on a high ready to give a great lecture.   When I got about 15 feet out into the hall, I realized I really liked this guy!   That everything he said is what I already know and believe.  So I walked back into the bathroom, introduced myself, gave him my business card, and said I’d love it if he and his family would come in to see me for some complementary acupuncture treatments some time.

He gave me a big hug and I asked his name.  He showed me his Hilton name tag.  Bodhi, the tag said.  “My name is Bodhi!”  Then he gave me another hug and said to keep the energy up!.  And that is what I did, throughout my two lectures, walking around the Expo, and on my way home in the car on the LA freeways. 

Then, when I got home, I looked up Bodhi in Wikipedia online.   It means the awakened one, or the “one who knows.”   Maybe the janitor was God.   Or is God actually everywhere and in each of us, just waiting for our awareness to come forward enough and to attention enough to recognize him/her/it?

I don’t know about you, but I have found this time and time again, that I create so much of my outer reality, based on what I need to see out there —– and that is already hidden inside me.  

Was Bodhi actually me?   Was he real?   Was he was my mirror image, for those 5 or so minutes.  I would have loved following him around all day to learn more about myself, and him.   I hope to see him again.   I hope to receive his hug again, and his energy, and love for life!   Or is he with me now, already?

What is the lesson you are needing to see and hear from the universe right now?  Maybe if you look around, or in the mirror,  the message is right in front of your eyes.   I know that for me, from time to time, I find it, in those special “Bodhi” moments, or in that state just before drifting off to sleep or just waking up, trying to remember where I am.   Even on a TV show, occassionally I will hear something I really needed to hear.  Or in a song……

Where has your momentum come from lately?   From a walk on the beach, a walk in the rain, a lecture, during an acupuncture treamtment?  Is God with you now?  In your breath, in your step, in your pain, in your tears, in your fantasy, or even in Temple or Church?  Bless that fleeting moment and blessing — that he/she/it is with you, even for the fleeting moment, until next time, is the gift…. the blessing continues… and continues … and with it, the hope and inspiration, to go on……. to the next moment of blessed clarity = inspiration….

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2.  Listen to a 5 minute radio tape of Oprah’s friend Dr. Mehmet Oz, interviewing famed homeopath, Dana Ullman, MPH.   Great 5 minute summary of how homeopathy works and how it was discovered.

http://www.oprah.com/xm/moz/200801/moz_20080131.jhtml

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3.  If you itemize deductions for your taxes, Acupuncture is now a legal and legitimate deduction, right along with your other medical expenses like chiropractic, dental or other medical expenses.

Enjoy!

Protocols for Common Childhood Ailments:  (Note - we also have programs for adults and teens, but they are different formulas.  These are special for the kids.)

1.  Acute Asthma:  Wheezing, tight chest, difficulty exhaling
*Begin with Open Air formula
*Add Chest Relief if needed - after first 24 hours
*Add Windbreaker if cathcing a cold
*Select the appropriate homeopathic, such as Aconite
*Assess for Acute emotional trauma:  Rescue Remedy might be indicated

Blessings and Love for a Healthy and Productive Season —