Dr. Connie's Musings...

Musings on Other Levels

Einstein is credited with having said that a problem cannot be solved on the level at which is was created. On a global level, recent disasters, particularly the Japan Fukushima nuclear power plant incidents, have driven Einstein's message home in dramatic ways. Scientists have struggled unsuccessfully in attempts to curtail the damage. Radiation continues to seep into the groundwater and surrounding ocean with no apparent fix. 

Drawing on the recent findings that molecules of water can be transformed through the vibration of focused thought, and that "dirty" water can be transformed via inoculation with vitalized, energetically charged water, proponents of energy medicine have stepped forward to become part of the solution. After passing through many hands, vials of energetically charged water have been carried to the site of the disaster in Japan to be emptied into the waters that are carried by the tides to Fukushima to mingle and react with the contaminated water fouled by the nuclear runoff.

On a societal level, the problems confronting survivors of the earthquakes, tidal waves, floods and tornadoes of the past two months, cannot be solved by individuals working for themselves alone. In disaster after disaster, we receive the message that these terrible tragedies are reminding all of us that we are indeed one, that what happens to one affects all, and that it is through co-operation and service to one another that we will all prevail.

On the level of the individual, we find that our health is inextricably tied to the health of the entire planet and all of its inhabitants. Living in a world contaminated by environmental and electromagnetic pollution, we find people suffering from ailments that do not respond easily to pharmacologic fixes for physiologic problems. To fix ourselves we must look to both to fixing the environment and to addressing our physiologic problems from the perspective of energy medicines: homeopathy, flower essences, the vibrations of sound and color, the scientific use of thoughts and words of power and affirmation.

Ancient knowledge tells us that we have left the age of matter and entered into the age of energy. As yet, we are infantile in our ability to understand and use energy therapeutically, but it is in the realm of energy medicine that the solutions to our modern day dilemmas lie.

 Food and Seasonal Allergies

Connie Hernandez, N.D.

According to news sources, climate change has pushed pollen levels this spring to record highs.  As global warming continues unabated, the seasons lengthen and pollen is released earlier. In addition, the increase of CO2 in the atmosphere from fossil fuel burning causes an even greater release of pollen. Researchers predict that allergy seasons will lengthen and pollens will become more potent.

With that in mind, it's good to remember that our bodies can handle a certain threshold level of allergens.  As we have limited control over the airborne pollens we breathe in during the course of our daily meanderings, it behooves us to look at other sources which contribute to the total allergic load and trigger and allergic response -- sources which are under our control.

A good place to begin is the kitchen. Triclosan, the active ingredient in antibacterial soaps, has been associated with increased incidence of hay fever and asthma. Food allergies, too, are a major contributing factor. While you have limited control over the air you breathe, you have more control over what you put into your mouth. Limiting allergenic foods lowers the total allergen load to which you are exposed and lessens allergic reactivity.

If you are unsure as to whether or not you have food allergies, you can take several steps to find out if your food choices are causing you to experience allergic symptoms.  

Elimination/challenge diets are one way to begin. Suspect foods are removed from the diet, a hypoallergenic detoxification diet is implemented, and then suspect foods are methodically re-introduced after symptoms have stabilized. Commonly suspect foods such as gluten, dairy, corn, soy, eggs and nuts are eliminated, as are foods to which you know you are sensitive or allergic, and foods which you crave and/or eat on a daily basis. Foods are re-introduced at 3-day intervals to allow for both immediate hypersensitivity reactions and delayed hypersensitivity reactions to surface. Remember that food sensitivities and allergies can cause an array of symptoms, from fatigue and fuzzy mind to skin rashes, digestive issues and joint pains.

At first glance, the process may seem complicated, but once you get started, it becomes routine.  We can help you with the planning and organization.   

There also are laboratory tests which can offer valuable information. Skin testing would not be the first choice, as it is not particularly useful for food allergies. Blood testing for food allergies is a better option. Specialty laboratories offer comprehensive panels which detect immunoglobulins:  IgG levels are relevant to delayed hypersensitivity reactions and IgE to immediate hypersensitivity reactions.   

At Pacific Naturopathic, after comparing the accuracy of  specialty lab test results, we have chosen to use ImmunoLabs for this type of testing. We use other specialty labs, notably Alcat, to look at different mechanisms of food reactivity.

Foods contribute hugely to how we feel on a day to day basis and to how susceptible we are to environmental allergens. If you're having trouble during hay fever season, consider a methodical approach as mentioned above to evaluating and reworking your daily diet.

Find out more about Dr. Connie's consulting services at:  

 Airborne Allergens: Ten Ways to Lessen Their Impact

Sitting quietly, doing nothing,
Spring comes, and the grass grows by itself.
-- Lao Tzu

Ah yes, in springtime the grass grows, the flowers and trees bloom, the moist weather gives new life to tree and house mold and humans cough, snorfle, sneeze, dab tissues at their watery, itchy eyes and have to deal with inconvenient PND (post-nasal drip).  So although Lao Tsu could sit quietly and contemplate nothingness, many of us spend our time reaching for tissues and trying to find the drug that best addresses our condition. 

For most of us, allergic responses like those mentioned above occur when our immune system reaches a point where it can no longer take the insults it is being subjected to and goes into overdrive, producing inflammation, an over supply of mucus, and trying to expel the environmental insults through sneezing and coughing

Yes, there are drugs that temper the immune response, but is this what we really want?  Better to normalize immune system function, not suppress it so that we are left vulnerable to opportunistic infections.  Here are a few tips to help lessen allergic exposures and reduce symptoms:

1. Stay indoors during heavy pollen periods (peak pollen times are usually between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.) and get a HEPA filtration system to filter particulate matter out of the air.  HEPA air purifiers are available at large stores like Target and at on-line vendors.  We use an Austin air purifier.  Google them for their web site.

2. Wear a dust mask if you have to work outdoors doing anything, especially mowing,  or if you have to vacuum indoors.

3. Rid your house of rugs and carpets.  Use only rugs and mats that are washable and wash them weekly.

4. Keep windows closed to reduce pollen entering the house. Change filters in air conditioning units and vents frequently during this time of year.

 5. Wash bedding weekly in hot water to rid it of mites and other particulate matter.

6. Dry laundry indoors. Wet sheets hanging on an outside lines are easy repositories for blowing pollen.

7. After a sustained period of time outdoors, remove your shoes, change your clothes and take a shower as soon as you get home. Allergens like pollen stick to fabrics. So, try not to track them throughout your home. Shower nightly to wash off any remaining pollen grains on your face and body. If you can't wash your hair nightly, at least tie it up to keep it away from your face.

8. Keep pets off of furniture and out of the bedroom. Pollen can cling to a dog or cat after being outside.  Animal hair also contributes to the total allergic load.

9. Keep car windows closed during peak season. Use air conditioning and point the vents away from your ace.

10. Be prepared with the right allergy treatment.  Use over-the-counter meds as a last resort.  Try natural antihistamines like bioflavonoids and Vitamin C first.

Finally, if symptoms persist to the point where they are interfering with the quality of your life, see your health practitioner for assistance in normalizing your immune system function and reducing your body's total allergic load.

Find out more about Dr. Marcel's work with men at:

Elijah Free, MH, CMI, CMT  

Elijah Free's approach to helping his patients deal with physical pain has been described as bordering on miraculous.  Elijah is also a Master Herbalist who designs and produces all of his own herbal products for his healing practice. He is an herbal product designer for Ridgecrest Herb Co. Elijah also holds a patent for his herbal fibromyalgia formula.   

To contact Elijah, please either call the clinic at 650-917-1121 or e-mail at [email protected].

Amethyst Healings  

on the Biomat     

Tushti Conti  

If you're feeling stressed or otherwise discombobulated, you may want to reserve time on a Wednesday afternoon to experience a guided relaxation and healing session on the Biomat.  You will benefit from Tushti's expertise as a yoga and meditation teacher and spiritual guide, from the penetrating warmth of the far infra red rays (FIR) which the biomat emits, and from the enhancement through the vibrational effects of the amethyst quartz crystals embedded in the biomat. 

Lying on the mat, your body receives the far infra red rays of the mat, refracted through the amethyst crystals to increase bio availability. As muscles, lymph glands, blood vessels, nerves and organs are bathed in the FIR, inflammation and swelling decrease, toxins are cleared, and mental and emotional states improve. Anxiety, depression, ajitation and insomnia are among the conditions for which people feel relief.

The amethyst stone itself is a stone of meditation, and is associated with the  sixth chakra, or Spiritual Eye.  This stone facilitates your entry into a meditative state, and balances and stabilizes you physically, mentally, emotionally and energetically.   Physical effects of amethyst include the soothing of the nervous system, the enhancement of memory, the balancing of metabolism, and the promotion of hormonal production.

We observe a deep peacefulness and calm in our clients as they emerge from Tushti's treatment room. Dr. Connie highly recommends a treatment or series of treatments for just about anyone, but particularly for those ones of you feeling overwhelmed by your day to day life, or by the earth changes we are experiencing.  

For in depth biomat information, please refer to Tushti's biomat information page:  tushti.thebiomatcompany.com

To schedule an utterly relaxing 30-minute BioMat session with Tushti please phone Pacific Naturopathic at 650-917-1121.  Sessions are available on Wednesdays only and cost $45. 

To Men Over Fifty:  

Your Answers to These Questions Can Save Your Life

Do you have:

1) need to urinate often at night

2) frequent or urgent need to urinate

3) difficulty in starting or stopping the urine flow

4) inability to urinate

5) weak, decreased or interrupted urine stream

6) dribbling at the end of urination

7) straining while urinating

8) a sense of incompletely emptying the bladder

9) burning or pain during urination

10) blood in the urine or semen

11) painful ejaculation

12) bone pain (especially in the back, hips, thighs or neck)

13) weight loss

14) fatigue

15) low red blood cell count (anemia)

If you answered "yes" to more than two of these questions, you need to be further evaluated by a doctor.  Questions 1 through 11 may fit a variety of conditions, mostly involving the prostate.  If you answered yes to any question between 12 and 15 as well, it is even more imperative that you find out as soon as you can what is going on. Dr. Marcel is available for consultation either by telephone or in the Pacific Naturopathic offices.  Please dial 650-917-1121 for an appointment. 

About Dr. Marcel's work:

Limited Time Special Rate at Pacific Naturopathic  

Hawaii Retreat

 

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Waipio Valley, with its Black Sand Beach, is just 4 miles from Pacific Naturopathic Retreat in Hawaii

 

 

When we were first thinking about having children, we though that we would wait until the timing was right.  Then a nun who was a close friend told us that if we did so, the right time would never come.  So throwing all caution to the winds, we began the process of conscious conception.  As it was, it took us ten years before we conceived, and only then to the magic of naturopathic medicine.

 

For the past year, many readers of this column have mentioned to us that they were going to come and stay at our retreat center on the Big Island.  Indeed, a few have come.  If you were ever at all considering coming, now is the time.  Changes are afoot (more on this in our next newsletter) and when you add the 25 percent discount (see coupon offer below), our rates have never been  lower.  The coupon offer expires on June 30th for any reservation made for 2011.  Phone or email now!   

See our websites for more details. Phone 808-775-1505 for reservations, or email    

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Because we would like to make this newsletter responsive to you and your needs, you are invited to send health questions you would like to see addressed to us at

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We would also like to invite you to share with other readers your experiences of health remedies that have worked surprisingly well for you.