Applied Kinesiology

The human body has a natural and certain wisdom. That wisdom can be engaged to help us identify a condition causing disease or physical distress and the treatment[s] that can alleviate the condition. The process of engaging that wisdom and providing a way for our body to give us that information is called Applied Kinesiology.

There are three basic causes of health problem - structural, chemical, and mental. Literally, all health problems, whether functional or pathological, are involved with one part or all of these. Applied Kinesiology enables the doctor to evaluate functional balance and direct therapy toward area of imbalance.

Many disciplines, ie Chiropractic, Osteopathy, Medicine, Dentistry, Acupuncture, Biochemistry, Psychology, Homeopathy, and Naturopathy have contributed tools the AK practitioner may call on to address the underlying cause of any condition.

Chiropractic

Chiropractic emphasizes pain relief and wellness through the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Receiving neurological dysfunction treatment includes manual manipulation of the spine, joints and soft tissue is combined with counseling on nutrition, exercise, general health and lifestyle issues to promote well being.

Craniosacral Therapy

Craniosacral Therapy [CST] was developed after years of extensive studies by osteopathic physician John Upledger while serving as a clinical researcher and Professor of Biomechanics at Michigan State University. CST is a gentle method of enhancing the functioning of the craniosacral system, which is comprised of the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord. Using a soft touch, generally no greater than about the weight of a nickel, practitioners release restrictions in this system to improve the functioning of the central nervous system. Patients report relief from a wide range of problems associated with pain and dysfunction. I have found it is often a preferred treatment for migraines and TMJ syndrome.

Myofascial Therapy

Myofascial release is a form of bodywork used to treat pain and limitation of motion to due to restriction of the skeletal muscles and connective tissues that provided support and protection for most structures within the human body. Release is accomplished by relaxing contracted muscles, increasing circulation, increasing venous and lymphatic drainage, and stimulating the stretch reflex of muscles and overlying fascia. I believe the use of this therapy dramatically improves the effectiveness and length of “hold’ for chiropractic adjustments. MUSCLE CONTROLS BONE AND JOINT RELATIOPNSHIPS.

Nutritional Counseling / Homeopathy

Nutrition is one of the most important factors in remaining younger longer, minimizing or eliminating disease and generally promoting health. Nutritional deficiencies rob the body of its own natural resources and may show up as muscle and joint pain, fatigue, mood swings and insomnia. Often people ignore these symptoms or accept them as a natural sign of aging, but if not addressed, these deficiencies can contribute to a variety of diseases such as arteriosclerosis, high blood pressure, diabetes and arthritis. It is now recognized that even mild nutritional deviancies can affect our overall health. Dietary improvements and nutritional supplementation can have a profound effect on health - I’d argue they make me feel younger, healthier and happier. Not all supplements are created equal - I suggest my patients avoid synthetic vitamins and take great care as to the quality and method of preparation of the supplements you use. I would buy only from a source that has access to sources that meet high standards of quality control. I suggest you get them from your health care professional or your local food co op.

Homeopathy

Homeopathy is a 200-year-old system of medicine used by more than 200 million people worldwide. It is a system of medicine based upon the phenomenon that substances, which cause a particular illness in healthy individuals at high doses, can be used to cure or mitigate similar symptoms when given in very small doses. [can you add a link to history?] The premises of homeopathy are opposed to modern medical science. Conventional medicine suppresses symptoms, kills invading microorganisms, and blocks or stimulates physiologic receptors with drugs. In contrast, homeopathy is a gentle system of therapy that invokes the body’s ability to heal itself. To someone trained in Western science, homeopathy appears to be quackery. Despite very strong opposition from the AMA homeopathy survived in the U.S. because, on a grass roots level, it was adopted and supported. In Europe, widespread adoption by physicians sustained the practice. Today, homeopathy is integrated into mainstream medicine in Europe, Russia, India, and Mexico.

Homeopathy works by addressing the energetic realities of health and healing, helping to bring the body into balance and promoting wellness at the core. Many people confuse homeopathy with herbal medicine or vitamins. While they are all natural, they are quite different. Homeopathic remedies are made from plant, animal and mineral sources.

Allergies / Detoxification

I put allergies and toxic reactions in the same general category- our body reacts to a substance as if it were a poison, and to us it is. This is an area where I have first hand experience mystery symptoms that defied diagnosis caused me to give up practicing as a dentist. I later learned I was suffering from allergies potentiated by an overload of heavy metals-- and more importantly I learned how to deal with them. The symptoms, reactions and causes are highly individualized and often interrelated. They differ so much from one person to another that I am not going to attempt to describe either the causes or treatments, but I have a lot of tools at my disposal that might bring you relief.

Every person should cleanse the system of toxins and let the digestive tract rest at least once each year. Cleansing is one of the most direct and effective ways to improve your overall health quickly. Free radicals and toxins can build up in your body over time and may cause fatigue, poor immune function, sleep disturbances, aches, pains, and low energy. There are cleansing programs and supplements available that help the body repair and remove toxins from the body. It is generally recommended that you contact a nutrition professional when choosing a program.