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A Personal Message
From Dr. Ara Elmajian
Dear Friends
This is the first of our monthly newsletters and we hope that you will find them interesting and informative.
Our team of doctors with their vast and varied expertise strive to offer our patients a comprehensive health care service encompassing preventive and biological dentistry as well as a full range of supportive medical services.
We attempt to keep up to date with new research in the fields of dentistry and medicine. We are connected to a world wide network of like minded professionals and we are continually sharing and learning from each other in order to provide our patients with safe and effective choices regarding their health.
You can read more about our doctors and services by clicking on the links to our website.
We have also found that the same types of questions come up over and over again from our clients so we have included an "Ask the Doctor" section at the end of the newsletter where you can submit your questions via the email address provided.
In this month's main article and in the next few newsletters, I would like to share with you my own personal account of the early stages of how our clinic has evolved to what it is today. It is that journey which has taken it's course because of you, my patients and friends to whom I owe much gratitude for the rewarding path I have found myself on.
Thank you,
Ara
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General Article of the Month
Evolution of a Pain Practice - Part 1 - Headaches and TMJ
Many of you have asked, "How did this unique clinic combining biological dentistry and medicine come together?" The answer is that it has evolved slowly and naturally. After all I have been at this for 33 years.
My fascination with head, neck, and face pain began when I was still in dental school. I was seeing more and more patients suffering from headaches and noticing a recurring pattern of correlation between those headaches and certain malocclusions (bad bites) which in turn were also affecting the TMJ (temporomandibular joint).
Since then I have been on a quest to figure out, not only the enigma of head, neck, and facial pain but also pain in general, throughout the body.
In the early days I discovered that by changing a person's jaw position or occlusion by utilizing orthodontics or increasing their vertical dimension (height of their bite) with prosthetics (crowns, bridges etc) or a combination of both, many patients reported relief from their headaches and facial/jaw pain.
I was introduced in the early 80's, to a modality of treatment, called myofascial therapy, a very powerful treatment tool for pain anywhere in the body. At the time this knowledge was a huge adjunct to my treatment of headaches and TMJ dysfunction and still is.
This month I would like to address headaches and TMJ (temporomandibular joint) dysfunction.
Depending on their frequency and intensity headaches and TMJ pain can be extremely debilitating and can interfere drastically with the normal tasks of everyday life. If you suffer from headaches, even chronic ones, there may be a straight forward explanation and treatment protocol that can help.
There can be numerous and often multiple factors causing a person to suffer from headaches. Some of those may be poor occlusion, whiplash injuries, teeth grinding, allergies, hormonal imbalances, stress, and systemic disorders to mention only a few.
Headaches and TMJ dysfunction or jaw joint pain/clicking are common complaints that we hear from our patients (especially new patients). In many cases the two symptoms may be linked therefore causing a person to suffer from both jaw joint pain as well as headaches.
Often this can be diagnosed by a simple exam and palpation of the muscles and quickly relieved with myofascial therapy, acupuncture, or craniosacral therapy. Depending on the root cause it may take a series of the treatments to completely solve the problem and a tune-up now and again.
If the cause seems to be structurally based, a more comprehensive treatment plan may be indicated perhaps utilizing myofascial splints to help relax the jaw muscles followed by some form of orthodontics or prosthetic dentistry or both.
If it is a more complicated situation we have many advanced diagnostic tests and tools to determine which form of treatment/s would be most suitable for your situation.
Don't suffer needlessly!!
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 Herb of the Month - Valerian
With Dr. Melanie MacIver
Herb of the Month- Valerian
This month's herb is dedicated to all of the insomniacs out there. Not to short change the valerian, which really has a much broader use than sleeping disorders, as Valerian can be used any time one wants to relax muscles, organs, nerves or the brain. It works great in combination with other relaxing herbs, or even by itself. Valerian can be used for anxiety, insomnia, intestinal cramping, headaches, neuralgia and epilepsy, among other things.
We are lucky to live near the B.C. alpine (high altitude meadows in mountainous areas) which host a lovely species of valerian, Valeriana Sitchensis. This gives the opportunity to harvest fresh valerian roots, which are the finest way to sample this plant. Many of the commercially available valerian formulas don't do this plant justice, and are prepared from old, dry roots. The roots are perfect for harvesting in the fall, when the energy of the plant goes underground.
Caution: In a small percentage of the population valerian can be stimulating.
Practice respectful wildcrafting and if unsure of plant identification don't pick it!
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News from our Medical Team Naturopathic Medicine
What is naturopathic medicine? Medicine of the 21st century! Naturopathic Medicine is a primary health care system which blends modern scientific knowledge with traditional, natural forms of medicine. Naturopathic medicine is an art and a science - of disease diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.
A Naturopathic Doctor (ND) is a general practitioner, and views the individual as a whole. An ND considers the structural, biochemical, emotional, and lifestyle factors affecting health. An ND seeks to restore and maintain optimum wellbeing by emphasizing nature's own natural self-healing process.
Symptoms of disease are seen as warning signals. Treatments are chosen based on the individual, not on general symptoms, with the primary goal to treat the underlying cause of disease. It requires personal responsibility for one's own health. Addressing the whole person and identifying the root cause of disease provides hope, support, and effective treatment options.
Our version of the Flu shot!
The fall is upon us and kids are back to school. Don't let the flu bug get you this season. At our clinic, we offer an immune boosting injection that helps your body fight off the flu virus. There are no preservatives, mercury or other toxic substances in it and it is injected similarly to a flu vaccine, without any risks.
We use homeopathics to support your immune system and help fight invading bugs. We recommend one injection now before the season changes, and another later in the winter if you suspect your immune system is weak due to excess stress. Ask our staff in you would like more information on this or any of our therapies.
We are also very very pleased to welcome to our Medical Team - Dr. Jennie Weisenburger and Dr. Jeff Ostheimer.
Dr. Jennie Weisenburger graduated from the Boucher Institute of Natural Medicine in 2006 and will be bringing her own naturopathic experience and expertise to our clinic including botanical medicine, acupuncture, homeopathy, craniosacral therapy, neural therapy, and chelation therapy. Please contact the clinic for specific information regarding Dr. Weisenburger's days and hours .
Dr. Jeff Ostheimer is a R.T.C.M.P (Registered Traditional Chinese Medical Practitioner) and a R.Ac. (Registered Acupuncturist) He offers a unique combination of therapies including biotherapeutic drainage, neural therapy, deep tissue massage, acupuncture, and craniosacral therapy to his patients. Please contact the clinic to set up an appointment with Dr. Ostheimer.
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Ask the Doctor
I work a lot and am very busy, and I sometimes feel a bit overwhelmed with stress - is there something I can do to help manage my stress? .
Yes there sure is! This is a very common problem, people speak to me everyday about this exact issue. Unfortunately high stress lifestyles are part of our culture, with lots of work hours and little time for leisure or exercise. In times of high stress the adrenal glands become taxed, trying to produce lots of the stress hormone cortisol. Cortisol has side effects, so it is important to try to balance this when the crunch is on. Of course, the best treatment is to maintain a healthy work/life balance; get at least 7+ hours of sleep, eat well, regular cardiovascular exercise, spend time outside, and schedule time for family, spiritual life and hobbies. If you are feeling the effects of stress, here are a few more specific things to focus on:
Make sure you always eat breakfast, specifically some protein. This will help with blood sugar, which is affected by high cortisol levels. In a rush? Have a protein drink.
Follow a routine: the adrenal glands like a routine. They follow a 24 hour cycle themselves, and appreciate it when you do.
Support your digestion: high cortisol blocks digestive function, so don't eat while in a stressful business meeting. Chew your food consciously and try digestive bitters just before you eat if you think this system needs some support.
No computer/business right before bed. You deserve a good nights sleep!
Use your body! Most of our stress is in our brains, so get into your body and do some exercise, dance, yoga, stretching - whatever makes you happy.
Breathe- a real deep one, with loud exhalation. It really works!
If you need a little more help, try a nervous system tonic. We have great herbs which can be blended into a formula specific for you. These herbs help the body deal with stress, and can focus on relaxing muscles, promoting deeper sleep, calming, building energy, etc. We also recommend adrenal testing if you have been under high stress for a long time.
Please ask for more information anytime.
Melanie MacIver, ND
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