Category Archives: colitis

Do I Need Medical Testing?

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Dear Friends,

I’d like to thank all of you who came out to my lecture this weekend at the Conscious Life Expo!  I enjoyed seeing you and hope you had a great time at the expo.  It was another jam-packed weekend of holistic events.  I love how popular all this stuff is getting.  The LAX Hilton parking lot was full when I got there with attendees…. pretty amazing.  I think it says a lot that in the midst of much of the chaos and stress in our nation, and internationally, and in our individual lives, that so many people find it a priority to attend an event like this… See you next time…
Now, on to a more clinical note:  I’m asked a lot, and it was a major topic of discussion at my lecture this weekend….. When is it good to be tested and what type of testing is needed?  So I’ve written this short article to give you a primer on medical TESTING…
Do I Need To Be Tested?
This is a question I am often asked by my patients.  The question comes up in a few different contexts:
The first is when I ask a patient to get a blood test who has not had any testing in more than a year.  They sometimes object, saying: “This is alternative medicine; why do I need a blood test?”
I explain that testing can often lead to a better, more specific and thorough diagnosis, as compared to Chinese pulse and tongue diagnosis alone.
The second is when the current tests are not comprehensive enough.  Often, and especially with HMO insurance, the type of testing done is not adequate and complete enough to form the type picture needed to diagnose accurately from the Chinese medical perspective.
In What Circumstances Will Testing Really Help Me?
The answer to this question is based on a number of variables.  It largely depends on you and your health goals and situation.  But frankly, and to be practical, it also depends to a large degree on your health budget and financial situation.
In my mind, and for me working with you as your doctor, it’s always preferable to see the results of scientific tests.  The more black and white information I have, the easier it is for me to diagnose you accurately and treat you effectively.
But if you’re on a tight budget, then I sometimes won’t require you to be tested.  The exception to this is that at a minimum, I like all my patients to get basic blood tests.
Testing gives us both a more scientific way of knowing where you stand and gives us the tools we need to treat you more effectively.
Because of my 30 years of medical experience, I can  sometimes predict some of your test results and spare you the extra fee.  Not with blood tests, but sometimes with neurotransmitter testing, or adrenal stress testing.
But this is not always the case.  And I can discuss your options with you.  In general, I prefer the tests, if at all possible.
Which Tests Might We Want To Perform?
The following is a list of some of the more common tests that I routinely perform on my patients:
Blood Testing – general CBC, cholesterol, Chem Panel, Hormones, kidney and liver functions, Vitamin D Blood Tests
Urinalysis – blood sugar, infections
Hormones – Blood and Saliva
Brain Neurotransmitter Testing – Saliva
Adrenals – Blood and Saliva
Stool Tests for parasites, yeast, bacterial overgrowth, leaky gut, and digestive function
Anemia Testing – blood
Blood – Food Allergy Testing
Blood – Digestive Function and Leaky Gut Syndrome Testing
The following is a partial list of symptoms and problems which you may have that benefit from testing to get a more accurate diagnosis and create a more effective treatment plan:
Acne
Herpes
Infertility
Low Sex Drive
Low Motility and Male Sperm Count
Excessive Sex Drive
Addictions, Compulsions, Panic
Compulsive Eating
Bulemia and Anorexia
Alchohol or Sugar cravings
Drug Usage
Chronic Fatigue
Low Energy
Epstein Barr Virus
Lupus
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Menopause
PMS
Low or High Thyroid
Hashimoto’s Disease
Depression
Anxiety
Phobias
Irritability
Chronic Insomnia
Chronic Pain Syndrome
Headaches
Migraines
Attention Deficit or Hyperactivity
Memory Loss
Candida
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Chronic Digestive Problems
Leaky Gut Syndrome
Gas and Bloating
Will My Health Insurance Cover the Cost of Testing?
In some cases, yes.  You will have to call and ask your insurance company about the specific tests.  Each insurance company has different rules.
How Do We Know Which Tests I Will Need?
This is what we will discuss during your consultation.  If you are already a patient, please schedule an appointment for a consultation to evaluate if you need testing and if so, which tests will help you to achieve your health goals.
Together ~ Let’s Make 2013 a Healthier Year
*Acupuncture*
*Homeopathy*
*Chinese Herbal Medicine*
*Nutritional Counseling and Diet*
Dr Randy Martin, OMD, LAc, PhD, CCH
Doctor of Chinese Medicine, Certified Classical Homeopath

 

Encino Office:  PRIMARY 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

 
Dr. Martin’s Book Optimal Health is now available on Kindle and in ITunes
Dr. Martin’s Book Optimal Health – Now Available as an Audio Book on Audible.com

 

 

Herbs and Homeopathy: What is the Difference?

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Here is a link to a really comprehensive article on the differences between herbsand homeopathy, that explains it very well.  I know that most of my patients don’t really know the difference when they first come to see me. 

Both herbs and homeopathy can be used for colds, the flu, headaches, menopause, ADD, colitis, allergies.  It’s really up to you, the patient, which you prefer.  

If you choose to do both together, the results will be quicker AND longer-lasting.  Some people also choose to change their diet and to add acupuncture.  

Doing everything together — the one stop shop — will get you the best and fastest results!   Here is the link:http://www.newstarget.com/022392.html 

Ulcerative Colitis, IBS, IBD, Crohn’s Update

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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,

Digestion, Bloating, IBS, Colitis, Crohn’s Disease Holistic Treatments

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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.

This article is too short to go into specific diagnostic techniques, but I can share with you some of the general aspects of diagnosis from a holistic perspective.  First I use Chinese tongue and pulse diagnosis.  After this I perform a hair analysis, blood tests and diagnose according to “body type”.  I also take a complete history, consisting of about eight pages of information, from infancy to the present, including your family.   From all this information, I diagnose and treat your unique imbalances. 

To treat the imbalances, I use acupuncture, Chinese herbs, constitutional homeopathic medicine, diet, and nutritional supplements.   Some of the specific supplements and foods that have been shown to be effective for ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s are listed below.  Note that you should check with your doctor before trying anything new on your own. 

Please be sure to never take yourself off any prescribed medications without your doctor’s supervision.  The quantities for supplements and herbs vary with each individual.  Not all supplements work for everyone.  This holistic program should be individually prescribed by your doctor to meet your particular needs.

Sample Therapeutic Foods:  potato broth, cooked carrots, okra, parsnips, squash, pumpkin, flax tea, papaya, rice porridge, miso soup, slippery elm gruel, cold water fish, evening primrose oil, black current seed oil, raw cabbage juice, celery juice. 

Avoid the following:  wheat containing foods, corn, dairy products, peanuts, red meat, sugar containing foods, coffee, caffeine, oranges, alcohol, spicy foods, fried foods, salty foods.

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.

Ulcerative Colitis, IBS, IBD, Crohn’s Update

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drrandymartin.comUlcerative 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, Dr. Randy Martin, OMD, PhD, LAc  =====================================================Dr Randy Martin, OMD, LAc, PhD, QME, MUP, CCHDoctor of Chinese MedicineCertified Classical Homeopath Encino Office:  MAILING ADDRESSTuesday and Thursday11:30 am – 7:30 pm17000 Ventura Blvd #220Encino, CA 91316Telephone: 818 905 6171 West Los Angeles/Santa Monica Office:   Monday & Wednesday12:30 pm -7:30 pm1444 Carmelina Blvd #132West Los Angeles, CA 90025Telephone: 310 979 6495 Santa Clarita:Saturday1:00 – 6:00 pmMotion Pros Physical Therapy27141 Hidaway Ave. #207Canyon Country, CA 91351Telephone:  661 312 9868 Email:  drrandymartin@drrandymartin.comOn the Web:  www.drrandymartin.com