Greetings!
At the core of Naturopathic Medicine is education; educating our patients, our patients' families and our community. On this premise, we welcome you to our free Monthly Health Newsletter, rich in information on integrative medicine and tips for healthy living.
We hope this information adds an additional tool for knowledge, empowerment, and creating optimal health and well-being in your life.
If you have family or friends that would like to subscribe to this free newsletter, they can add their name by going to our website and clicking on the envelope in the upper right corner. We welcome topic ideas for the newsletter and your feedback. Thank you.
To Your Health!
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Monthly Spotlight on Naturopathic Medicine
Neurotransmitter Testing
Through the advances of medical science, we now have the ability to measure neurotransmitters related to mood disorders, such as anxiety and depression, sleep, behavior issues, such as ADD and ADHD, energy, weight and other body functions. Neurotransmitters, part of the nervous system and related to brain function, are chemicals that relay messages between nerve cells, called "neurons". Every neurotransmitter behaves differently. Some are inhibitory and tend to calm, while others are excitatory and stimulate the brain. Excess amounts or deficient amounts are the cause of certain disorders. For example, deficiencies involving the neurotransmitters, serotonin and norepinephrine, appear to be involved in the development of depressive disorders, while neurotransmitters, such as GABA and glycine are linked to anxiety disorders. Environmental and biological factors, including stress, poor diet, neurotoxins or genetics, can cause imbalances in the levels of neurotransmitter chemicals in the brain. Now with a simple, non-invasive urine test, we are able to identify imbalances of thirteen different neurotransmitters related to the following conditions: depression, anxiety, addictions, cravings, weight gain, insomnia, hyperactivity, low mood, focus issues, and fatigue. If you are already on medication or nutritional therapies, this will not prevent you from accurately testing neurotransmitter levels. This information is pivotal in addressing the underlying cause of these conditions. While no treatment can guarantee success for everyone, it is highly valuable to effectively match either a natural-based program or the correct drug-based treatment to the specific needs of the individual. Many times people do not get help for mood disorders, such as depression, due to the stigma of getting treatment and taking a medication. With individualized testing, there are natural interventions, including botanical, amino acid and nutritional therapies that target correcting these imbalances effectively. In addition, test results provide information to properly determine the most effective medication for a patient or to work cooperatively with another physician providing care. This valuable testing is at the forefront of creating effective and individualized solutions for our patients.
If you think you could benefit from neurotransmitter testing, let your doctor know at your next visit!
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5-HTP - How to Help Your Mood
 5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan) is a naturally occurring amino acid and is a precursor to the neurotransmitter serotonin. It is made from the seeds of the African tree, Griffonia simplicifolia. When taken at therapeutic doses it increases levels of the mood enhancing neurotransmitter, seratonin. Serotonin is an important brain chemical involved in mood, behavior, appetite, and sleep.The effective dose is individually determined and typically ranges from 50-300 mg per day. 5-HTP is most commonly used to treat depression but can also be used effectively in the treatment of anxiety, insomnia, fibromyalgia, migraine headaches and carbohydrate cravings. Potential side effects with the use of 5-HTP include nausea, stomach upset, loose stools or constipation and headache. Typically these side effects are rare and resolve within a couple weeks with continued use. No definitive cases of toxicity have been reported, despite the worldwide use of 5-HTP for the last 20 years. Since the SSRIs (selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors), like Prozac, block serotonin re-uptake, and 5-HTP converts into serotonin, it is possible that dangerously high levels of serotonin could occur, a condition called serotonin syndrome. This is a rare but potentially deadly condition, so caution should be used when combining 5-HTP and the SSRIs. It is important to consult your physician before you begin using 5-HTP to evaluate if it is an appropriate treatment for you. Simple tests can be done to determine if you have a serotonin deficiency that would warrant the use of 5-HTP.
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"I am only one, but still I am one.
I cannot do everything, but still I can do something.
And because I cannot do everything I will not refuse to do the something that I can do."
- Hellen Keller
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| Arizona Natural Medicine, L.L.C.
Integrative Medicine for the Body and Mind
2480 W. Ray Road, Suite 1
Chandler, Arizona 85224-3558
Arizona Natural Medicine, L.L.C.
http://www.aznaturalmedicine.com
480-722-2811
For an appointment at Arizona Natural Medicine, L.L.C., please contact our office.We look forward to hearing from you. |
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Mission Statement
Our mission is to provide the most comprehensive and effective
heath care, integrating the best of Western, Eastern, and Natural
medicine in a safe and caring atmosphere. We provide individualized
care that addresses the whole person, focuses on prevention, and
assists you in achieving an optimal level of health.
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Naturopathic
Philosophy
1. Healing Power of Nature
2. First Do No Harm
3. Identify and Treat the Cause
4. Doctor as Teacher
5. Treat the Whole Person
6. Preventive Medicine
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Real People
Acupuncture and cupping therapy with Dr. Lane have really improved my overall health and energy levels. I've been a patient for several years and have also seen Traditional Chinese Medical Doctors in China and the care at Arizona Natural Medicine has been the best by far.
A.R. - Chandler, AZ
My acupuncture experience with Dr Khalsa at AZ Natural Medicine has been very positive. At a time when nothing else would provide relief, weekly acupuncture treatments have made a measurable difference in my low back pain and in my life. Increased energy is an added bonus. I am 3 weeks post partum and have every right to be exhausted. However, as my pain becomes more manageable I have a substantial increase in energy. Thank you Dr Khalsa and AZ Natural Medicine for helping me to feel better! I forward this health and energy on to my new baby. -CS. Chandler, AZ
Recently I was experiencing pain in my back and shoulders that caused great discomfort and would even wake me up at night . I visited Dr. Lane and she did an acupuncture treatment on my back that has relieved a great deal of my pain in one visit! I can now sleep the entire night. It was an incredible experience and I will be back for more!
L.S. - Phoenix, AZ
I have been suffering from lack of sleep and hot flashes for years. Since I have been seeing Dr. Lane, she has prescribed bio-identical hormones and I have noticed an improved quality in my sleep and my hot flashes are few and far between. I am very happy with the results. I would highly recommend her office to anyone.
R.W.Q. - Chandler, AZ
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Acupuncture & Chinese
Medicine