Abdominal Pain
Accounted for by the broad spectrum of conditions, ranging from severe inflammatory medical emergencies like appendicitis to a viral gastroenteritis, which one can address with proper dieting and hydration. Abdominal pain symptoms are easily misinterpreted if you rely solely on algorithms found on the Internet. Try consulting your physician regarding your abdominal discomfort if it lasts for over a day or comes with feverish symptoms.
I also see many patients with Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) for whom the impaired mind-body connection was overlooked. Stress often acts the driving force behind bowel inflammation, needing to be understood on both conscious and subconscious levels. And this is the most challenging part of my job – to decipher triggers prompting the patient to get IBS symptoms. Moreover, I must create a unique healing regimen that considers given patient’s cultural beliefs, habits, and working lifestyle.
Acne
There are many different types of acne. And all of them are bothersome and unsightly.
I strongly oppose a prescription-based approach to acne, which often involves antibiotics and retinoid-based compounds. In my opinion, this outdated protocol still practiced by many dermatologists out there can be outright dangerous for your health. Retinoid-based compounds can cause future birth defects in your kids. Additionally, prolonged antibiotic use can be linked to increased risks of breast cancer in women who took antibiotics when younger.
I see acne as an expression of internal derangement. In other words, acne outbreak’s just the body bringing this to our attention. My integrative approach to acne treatment includes a complete lifestyle change augmented by herbal remedies, detoxification, and energy treatment. This holistic analysis of the lifestyle and diet is accompanied by blood work, stool analysis, and energy assessment.
Acid Reflux
Always addressed with band-aid approaches involving long-term medication prescriptions by mainstream “evidence-based” medical establishments. This approach bothers me and many freethinking proactive patients refusing to depend on chronic prescription drugs to cure their diseases. In my opinion, GERD or gastro-esophageal acid reflux disease is always a Mind-Body problem in need of an integrative approach.
This includes a revamping of diet, lifestyle, detoxification regimens, herbal remedies, and energy treatments. We’re often tempted by the quick fixes pharmaceutical companies offer instead of true soul-searching. These take time and demand your commitment.
But don’t be fooled! A quick-fix comes at the price of a handful of side effects like osteoporosis, fatigue, urinary symptoms, and body aches.
Aging
Allergies
I am a HUGE fan of testing for allergies to foods! My favorite clinical example of how liberating this can be is a young lady patient of mine who suffered from this mysterious on-and-off eczema, which responded to steroid creams. However, the patient did not want to use steroids. Rather, she came to me for a holistic/integrative approach to her eczema.
In her case, the solution was easy. She tested positive for a strong sensitivity to radicchio and endive, both of which she used generously in daily salads. By eliminating both ingredients and strengthening her Mind-Body connection via de-stressing, her eczema was completely resolved in just two weeks.
Now, I am not saying that testing for allergies is a panacea. However, it can still be extremely enlightening in clinical workups of asthma, rashes, eczemas and chronic fatigue syndrome, as well as many digestive disorders.
Alopecia (Hair Loss)
Often referred to as “areata”, a circular patchy boldness type occurring in both men and women. While there’s no cure for genetically transmitted alopecia, most hair loss cases have a cause and are resolved naturally. The approach is always integrative, considering the patient’s vitamin/mineral state, their dietary habits, lifestyle, and energetic state. I believe correcting the Mind-Body axis contributes over 90% of the foundation necessary for healthy, lustrous and strong hair.
Mindlessly taking over counter vitamins and supplements for hair loss can be dangerous and almost always futile. Patients may have already spent thousands of dollars on expensive hair shampoos and treatments, balsams and supplements. Yet they still sense the real issue remains unaddressed by this cookie-cutter approach.
This is typically when they come to me for an integrative checkup. Together, we look for the “weak link” in their Mind-Body axis which is compromising the health of their hair.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Overdiagnosed in our society. This is naturally a result of the multi-billion dollar pharmaceutical industry taking advantage of addictive medications traditionally used in treatment. ADHD prevalence is also raised exponentially by prolonged exposure to computers, cell-phones, TVs, and other electric devices. Each emits a strong electromagnetic field that throws off our own inherent biological fields.
My approach to ADHD incudes two parts. Firstly, we wean the patient off their prescription medication. Instead, we replace their pill-taking with strong and positive coping mechanisms reinforced by medical hypnosis. Next, we use customized nutrition, exercise, and lifestyle modifications. We can also throw in periodic herbal/homeopathic remedies and energy treatments to focus the patient’s attention on their highest potential.
This journey does not take place overnight, but he results are medication-free and they last for a lifetime.
Anemia
Can be a sign of a serious disease. A qualified primary care physician can always evaluate any anemia, and so can a hematology specialist.
Anemia (low hemoglobin and/or hematocrit in the blood) can arise for many reasons. Sometimes, it results from iron deficiency in the body. This occurs under heavy menstruation or from constant microscopic bleeding from rectum, often caused by a cancerous/inflammatory bowel disease.
Other types of anemia can result from deficiency of vitamin B12 or folic acid. I routinely check my vegan patients for this disorder, as it can also lead to fatigue and neurologic illness. And then there are patients with ample amount of vitamin B12 in their diet that are still unable to absorb it from the highly specialized place in the gut called terminal ileum. These patients usually come for monthly vitamin B12 injections as to not depend on intestinal absorption of this vital nutrient.
I’ve really only just scratched the surface here, describing anemia. After all, every case of anemia is different depending on the patient themselves.
Ankle Pain
Is very common ad not just in athletes or active individuals. Rather, it also exists in those with scoliosis and patients who tend to shift their body weight towards one side. It’s even common in heel-wearing females!
I typically assess for fractures and ruptured ligaments. If there are none, I work in tandem with board-certified podiatrists or orthopedic surgeons to address inflammation and weight bearing distribution.
Physical therapy is often prescribed as are inserts for the shoes. I use herbal remedies for putting out the inflammatory fire, instead of using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications. The latter can raise blood pressure or lead to stomach or kidney disease, when used frequently. Remember, a functional and holistic approach to wellness takes time. Improvement does not take place overnight as with prescription drugs. The end result, however, is a medication-free you and these results last for a lifetime.
Atherosclerotic Heart Disease
We all know that heart disease is the leading killer, which can be largely prevented and stopped in its tracks. Using prescription medications, however, is the very last resort for me. Only if all else fails do I ever consider proposing prescription medication to my patients.
However, there are still plenty of people out there who choose prescription medication as their first-line therapy; I must respect their freely made decision. So, during the visits here, we like always explore a particular patient’s philosophy about treatments. Can they agree to a radical change in their diet? Their lifestyle? Are they be amenable to weight loss if necessary?
Anxiety
Who hasn’t felt anxious at one point or another? We are all familiar with that unsettling feeling. But for some of us, anxiety can be more crippling than. Specifically, It can keep certain stress hormones constantly elevated. This, unfortunately, can eventually result in hypertension, diabetes, auto-immune diseases, and even heart attacks.
During our integrative physicals, we look at the physiologic causes of anxiety. We also assess the social and emotional triggers. To heal anxiety or even panic attacks, we address clients’ energetic body compositions using ancient Ayurvedic principles. These are often fused with the Pulsed Electromagnetic Frequency (PEMF) Biofeedback diagnostics.
We eventually compose a unique customized solution for the client. This often consists of medical hypnosis and PEMF biofeedback treatments, herbal remedies, dietary changes and lifestyle modifications.
Arthritis
Arthritus comes in many “flavors”.
It can be of an infectious cause or of an inflammatory character, of which Rhematoid Arthritis is a common example. A common illustration of this is a Lyme-disease associated arthritis. Most often, however, arthritis results from an age or activity related “wear and tear” of the joints.
This commonly falls into the category of Osteoarthritis. Often, a patient referred by another patient or colleague of mine often experienced extensive medical evaluation and treatment. Such patients have often have multiple side-effects from toxic medications used in the conventional medical treatments of arthritis. As such, they seek alternative healing methods from functional medical doctors like myself.
Patients come to me because they do not wish to continue taking toxic steroids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAIDs) drugs commonly prescribed by the mainstream medical doctors. Together, we explore inflammatory, environmental, dietary, and psychosocial trigger. To do this, we use a healing regimen. This includes PEMF, pain management hypnosis, herbal anti-inflammatory and detoxifying remedies, anti-inflammatory diet and lifestyle modifications.
Asthma
Is extremely prevalent in today’s children and adult population.
If you ask your grandparents how many asthmatic they knew growing up, the answer will commonly be, “None”. Today, due to environmental and food pollution, every one of us personally knows people suffering from asthma. And to avoid getting stuck on steroids and bronchodilators, we must think holistically!
Most asthma cases are controllable/preventable with an integrative and functional approach. My personal protocols are uniquely formulated based on every patient’s physical (Western) and energetic (Eastern) assessments. For example, I use targeted breathing exercises, diet, physical exercise, herbal detoxification and anti-inflammatory remedies. I also used PEMF Biofeedback and Medical Hypnosis to achieve healthy outcomes with my clients.
True, you can trat Asthma naturally. Yet it still takes a commitment and lifestyle change from the patient, guided by an experienced integrative and holistic physician.
Athletic Performance
Many athletes, both amateur and professional, come to me asking for a natural key to a personal performance improvement. I use medical hypnosis to prepare clients’ subconsciouses for setting personal goals and building sound Mind-Body continuity. In this treatment model, the patient becomes a source of infinite power and inspiration to attain their performance goals.
No drugs are necessary! Depending on their biochemical constitution, some patients may require a brief support from herbal remedies or supplements. Similarly, the ‘you are what you eat’ mantra is reinforced as part of the holistic treatment; we go over the ‘dos’ and ‘don’ts’ of proper nutrition.
Autoimmune Diseases
Common example of autoimmune diseases which I get referrals for are Lupus (SLE), Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis, and Multiple Sclerosis. Most people with autoimmune illnesses are born with genetic predisposition. Now, this alone is not enough to make them sick. Rather, it’s a particular trigger which sets the disease on its course. For some patients, this trigger is stress-related; for others it’s environmental. However, for the majority of clients with autoimmune disorders, it’s a mixture of many triggers.
The only right way to address autoimmune diseases is to acknowledge the triggers’ complexities and empower patients with more knowledge. This includes understanding the very healing techniques needed to prevent the triggers in the daily basis, of course. We often use medical hypnosis and PEMF biofeedback. Additionally, we use herbal remedies and dietary/lifestyle modifications to heal patients struck by the autoimmune illness.
Bacterial Overgrowth
Bacteria in the gut come in many “flavors.” The good and the bad guys, if you will.
When the ratio of thereof gets out of whack, a condition called ‘bacterial overgrowth’ sets in. This typically happens in the gut’s small intestine part, where absorption of vital nutrients from food we eat takes place. Associated symptoms include bloating, increased gas, abdominal pressure or pain, diarrhea, or fatigue from the resulting malnutrition. Bacterial overgrowth is accompanied by localized inflammation and often linked with the weakened immune system.
We use an integrative and functional approach to bacterial overgrowth. This includes a stool analysis and blood work with dietary, lifestyle, and stress assessments, as well as environmental trigger testing. However, I am absolutely opposed to using antibiotics and invasive procedure for treatment of bacterial overgrowth. As bacteria mostly feeds on sugars to build their cellular walls, dietary modification is of the essence. Ironically, positive side effects of avoiding bad carbs actually promote healthy weight loss in those who need it.
Back Pain
Is a generic description of various types of pain along the spine. Back pain cases are generally divided into acute and chronic.
The Acute Back pain commonly results from muscle spasm. We treat it holistically with herbal remedies and pastes, Acupuncture and Massage Therapy. In contrast, the Chronic Back pain is often a result of the herniated disc compressing the exiting nerve. This results in sciatic type pain or a disc disease, wherein a collapse of the vertebrae and resultant nerve compression causes rigidity in the vertebral column.
Moreover, in the Chronic Back Pain scenario, it’s very important to revamp a patient’s lifestyle. This includes their workplace, standing/walking posture, their exercise habits, and the coping mechanisms they use to relieve pain. We often use Medical Hypnosis, PEMF Biofeedback, herbal remedies pastes, and teas. We can also include Massage Therapy (alone or conjunctively with Acupuncture) to reverse and prevent cases of Chronic Back Pain.
Bloating
I often get referrals of bloated patients who refuse to cookie-cutter treatments and conventional toxic medications which, as we well know, do not address the root of the problem.
To truly identify and heal unique causes underlying our patients’ bloating symptoms, we use an integrative approach. Therein we we fuse the best of what Western medicine (with its testing) and Eastern medicine (with its acknowledgement of energy and mind-body states) contribute. And our healing approach proves unique for every patient. Still, they may often include dietary modifications, Ayurvedic Herbal remedies, Medical Hypnosis and Biofeedback, and lifestyle changes, as well as Massage Therapy, and custom-tailored exercise regimen.
Brain Fogginess
Is often clear sign of the Mind-Body disconnect. The mainstream medical establishment erroneously chooses to treat this with toxic and addictive medications like Provigil and Adderall. However, there are so many complications and side effects related to the chronic use of these medications. In fact, more and more people are realizing that they don’t want dependence on Big Pharma. Rather, they wish to become empowered with Mind-Body strengthening and healing techniques to address brain fogginess at its core.
We use integrative approach in assessing brain fogginess. This approach fuses the best of what Western Medicine provides in terms of diagnosis with the best of what Eastern Medicine provides in diagnosis AND treatment. Every holistic protocol is uniquely tailored to a particular patient’s needs. Still, we often use Medical Hypnosis, Meditative Visualization, PEMF, and Ayurvedic Herval remedies. This can be supplemented with organic vegan supplements, detoxifications, Massage Therapy and Acupuncture.
Eventually, the patient becomes fully independent of any doctor and any medication.
Cardiovascular Disorders
Celiac Disease
Contrary to popular belief, extreme gluten intolerance (or “Celiac Disease”) proves relatively infrequent. A full-blown Celiac disease is a serious auto-immune condition, which leads to impaired absorption of vital nutrients. The resulting symptoms are often bloated-ness, weight loss, anemia, abdominal discomfort, chronic diarrhea, fatigue, and irritability. Most patients referred for a presumed Celiac Disease, are diagnosed with the less extreme gluten sensitivity.
Now, Gluten is a protein found in certain grains, such as wheat, farina, faro, barley, and rye. More often than not, a patient gets extensive testing for Celiac disease and a diagnosis of gluten sensitivity. Yet this condition is easily manageable with dietary modifications. Therefore, I don’t opt to use an expensive and invasive workup of Celiac Disease for every presumed Celiac case. Instead, I only reserve it for those who do not respond to dietary modifications empirically used for the gluten sensitivity.
For more information on Celiac Disease and in order not to miss or misdiagnose other similarly presenting digestive disorders, please see a medical professional experienced in the treatment of GI tract disorders. I also recommend speaking to an integrative internal medicine doctor specializing in functional and holistic treatment of gut diseases.
Chest Pain
Can be a true medical emergency if it results from heart disease, clogged arteries, malfunctioning heart valves, irregularly beating heart, and many other cardio-pulmonary conditions. If you are having a new and seemingly random onset chest pain, please call 911 immediately or drop by the nearest emergency room, depending on the severity of your pain.
However, let’s say you have visited the emergency room and they found nothing wrong with your heart or lungs. Let’s say the problem continued, and your primary care doctor referred you to cardiology specialists who still found nothing wrong. Yet you continue to have bona fide chest pains, which can be quite disconcerting to both men and women.
In this case, I recommend a thorough Integrative Assessment of your chest pain using PEMF biofeedback technology and Ayurvedic holistic diagnostics. In doing so, we explore the mind-body syndromes and subtle inflammation and energetic imbalances manifesting as chest pain.
Once we identify the root of the problem, we commonly use herbal remedies, salves, exercises, anti-inflammatory diet and lifestyle modifications. We may also make use of Acupuncture and Ayurvedic massage to heal and prevent these chest pains from taking place.
Chronic Disease
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
A conventional definition of CFS was adopted in 1988. It restricted this diagnosis to only those demonstrating at least six of the following symptoms: Mild fever or chills, sore throat, swollen and painful cervical lymph nodes, muscular discomfort, prolonged fatigue, headaches, diffuse joint aches without swelling or redness, neuropsychological issues (forgetfulness, excessive irritability, confusion, inability to focus), depression, sleep disturbances and general muscular weakness.
Millions of such patients feel drained all the time. Unfortunately, not all fit the strict definition of the 1988 CFS convention. As a result, their concerns are often overlooked by the mainstream physical exams. Nevertheless, I often get referrals for patients with non-specific fatigue, asking similar questions, such as:
- Why do I feel tired most of the time even though I am getting plenty of sleep?
- How am I supposed to get out of bed every day and not feel foggy and depleted of energy?
- How do I refrain from drinking over-the-counter stimulant beverages but manage to fight daytime sleepiness, yawning and feeling listlessness?
What’s a Functional Medicine Doctor to Do?
Integrative Physicals in my office fuse the best of what Western and Eastern medicines offer to address questions like these. Western medicine evaluates what’s visible, touchable, and quantifiable from blood tests and other body fluid testing. Likewise, Eastern healing evaluates energetic imbalances that patients with chronic fatigue symptoms have; a Mind-Body disconnect may be taking place.
To combat existing fatigue and prevent any future fatigue from setting in, we custom–tailor unique protocols to every patient’s needs. We often use Medical Hypnosis, PEMF Biofeedback, Ayurvedic herbal remedies, Massage Therapy, Acupuncture, and organic vegan supplements. Dietary and Lifestyle modifications will always remain the cornerstones for self-healing empowerment which we teach to all of our patients.
Cigarette Addiction
I won’t waste time telling you what you already know–that smoking is dangerous for your and your loved ones’ health. Instead, it’s time for action!
We use medical hypnosis for smoking cessation because it’s extremely effective and safe for the patients. For most patients, smoking cessation via medical hypnosis is accomplished in 3 sessions. Specifically, there’s an initial session, a 7-day follow-up and a final 3-week follow-up. Most patients are very happy with the permanent results, which teach them the self-control skills needed in daily life.
For more information, just go to the American Hypnosis Association! When ready to make a commitment, call my office to make an appointment. This should also be the first day without ever smoking again. *Please note that the results are not being hereby guaranteed and vary for different individuals.*
Cold Sores
These unpleasant sores on the lips and around the mouth are a manifestation of Human Herpes Virus 1.
In our integrative practice, we resent treatment with Valtrex. Instead, we recommend PEMF treatment for acute cases of cold sores. We also make use of targeted organic vegan supplements or herbs. Moreover, we follow the same approach for preventing cold sores, coupled with proper diet and lifestyle modifications.
Common Cold
These common viral infections are often preventable.
When you come in for your yearly integrative checkup, we put together a holistic ‘prescription’ for keeping your immune system nice and strong for the entire year. If you happen to come in for your first visit with a common cold, we equip with sound natural ‘prescriptions’. These include gargles, lozenges, syrups, foods recommendations, breathing exercises and inhalations, self-massage techniques, or cupping among other holistic health tips.
We DON’T prescribe unnecessary antibiotics and over-the-counter aids like Dayquil or Nyquil. They are, in my opinion, useless and potentially even dangerous treatments for viral common colds.
Constipation
Can be a lifelong condition. The best way to assess a chronic or an acute constipation is through a 360 degrees integrative physical exam.
During an Integrative Exam, we conduct a western assessment, using all quantifiable data about your body, from the physical exam, blood, and stool studies. We then conduct an eastern assessment of your invisible energetic constitution and Ayurvedic body typing. What you are NOT going to receive, however, is a prescription for the medication.
Such a prescription may make you dependent and cause further complications. What you are most likely to walk away with is a sound nutritional advice, an exercise advice, a lifestyle modification, a temporary herbal Ayurvedic organic remedy, and a massage therapy regimen.
Cough
A generic symptom of hundreds of various diseases. It can be a manifestation of an infectious disease, or a sign of a severe post-nasal drip. Coughs can also result from ongoing GERD (gastro-esophageal acid reflux disease) or be signs of atypical asthma. Whatever the cause, you do yourself favor by NOT googling and self-diagnosing your cough.
Instead, you should see a Functional Medicine doctor. They can combine Western diagnostics with Eastern Mind-Body assessments to arrive at a holistic diagnosis/treatment of your cough. Remember, dealing with a naturopathic doctor can result in missing life-threatening diseases like Tuberculosis, Walking Pneumonias, and Lung Cancer. Similarly, dealing with a traditional non-integrative physician can result in unnecessary prescriptions to a one of the complex mind-body conditions.
Depression
A disabling condition for so many otherwise healthy and functional people.
Conditions can start off mild, and many people are often in denial at this point. Patients frequently see a doctor for a moderate type of depression beginning to interfere with their daily life at home or at work. Unfortunately, if examined by mainstream primary care doctors or pharmacologists, you will most likely walk away with a life-long prescription medication. More specifically, you will merely be making big bucks for Big Pharma with this prescribed “band-aid” treatment.
If you are not lazy, if you respect yourself and if you believe that you were born with all the necessary tools for self-healing, but just need some professional guidance, you will find a good Integrative doctor to conduct a 360-degree assessment of your Mind-Body. Western diagnostic tools help rule out quantifiable physiologic diseases that underlie your depression, like hypothyroidism or severe vitamin D deficiency. Likewise, Eastern diagnostic and healing tools treat your depression naturally.
In our Integrative and functional practice, we use a unique healing protocol for every depressed patient. This can include Medical Hypnosis, Meditative Visualization, PEMF with biofeedback, Ayurvedic organic herbal remedies, medical massages or detoxification regimen. If you are already on prescription medications for mild depression but feel trapped by it, don’t panic! I can still get you weaned OFF the prescription medication and address your ailment from the Integrative and Functional standpoint.
