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Holistic Alternative Solutions

Natural Healing Arts

Myoskeletal Pain Therapy

 

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Naturopathic Treatment

There are several treatment modalities that a Doctor of Naturopathy uses:

 

·         Clinical Nutrition - Nutrition is a cornerstone of Naturopathic practice. Many medical conditions can be treated more effectively with foods and nutritional supplements than they can by other means, with fewer complications and side effects.

·         Botanical Medicine - Many plant substances are powerful medicines. Where single chemically derived drugs may only address a single problem, botanical medicines are able to address a variety of problems simultaneously. There organic nature makes botanicals compatible with the body's own chemistry; hence, they can be gently effective with few toxic side effects.

·         Homeopathic Medicine - Homeopathic medicine is based on the principle of "like cures like". It works on a subtle yet powerful electromagnetic lever, gently acting to strengthen the body's healing and immune response.

·        Oriental Medicine - Oriental medicine is a complimentary healing philosophy to Naturopathic Medicine. Meridian theory offers an important understanding of the unity of the body and mind, and adds to the Western understanding of physiology. Acupuncture provides a method of treatment which can unify and harmonize the imbalances present in disease conditions, which if untreated, can result in illness.

·         Naturopathic Obstetrics - Naturopathic Doctors offer prenatal and postnatal care using modern diagnostic techniques. Our approach strengthens healthy body functions so that any complications associated with pregnancy may be prevented. (She does not do Obstetrics, however she does teach and practice Prenatal Massage and Postnatal Massage.)

·         Lifestyle Counseling - Mental attitudes and emotional states may influence, or even cause, physical illness. Counseling, nutritional balancing, stress management and other therapies are used to help patients heal on psychological level.

·         Guided Imagery - for reversing panic attacks, acute stress and PTSD. Dr. Allen is certified in the use of this technique.

 

Your First Visit

Your first visit to a Naturopath will include taking a detailed look into your personal health history and general family history information, performing a physical exam, taking your vial signs (blood pressure, pulse and temperature), Chinese medical diagnosis, urine test and blood type test. The entire visit will be an hour and a half long.

After you and your Naturopath have talked about your chief concern, the Naturopath will analyze the given information and provide you with an individualized treatment plan for next visit (unless is is an acute situation then treatment is given the same day). If you have blood tests or other tests taken by your physician, bring a copy with you to save time and cost. A hair analysis may also be discussed as whether or not it would be of assistance in developing your plan. Saliva and blood Spot testing you can do at home and send to the lab may also be recommended.

 

What Conditions Can it Help?

Virtually all chronic an most acute condition may benefit from treatment by Naturopathic Doctors. People of all ages can be helped. The most common health conditions brought to Doctors of Naturopathy include:

  • Chronic Illnesses - such as allergies, arthritis, heart problems, eczema and impotence.

  • Acute Conditions - such as colds and flu, ear infections, headaches and intestinal upsets.

  • Womens Conditions - such menopause, PMS, infertility, endometriosis and fibrocystic breast disease.

  • Hormonal Imbalances - including andropause (male menopause)  Read more about how Hormones Play a Role in Body Health listed under More heading) .

  • Other - such as mental or emotional stress, depression, insomnia, hyperactivity.

Cupping therapy is an ancient form of alternative medicine in which a local suction is created on the skin; practitioners believe this mobilizes blood flow in order to promote healing.  Suction is created using heat (fire) or mechanical devices (hand or electrical pumps).

 

Through either heat or suction, the skin is gently drawn upwards by creating a vacuum in a cup over the target area of the skin. The cup stays in place for five to fifteen minutes. It is believed by some to help treat pain, deep scar tissues in the muscles and connective tissue, muscle knots, and swelling.

 

There is reason to believe the practice dates from as early as 3000 BC. The Ebers Papyrus, written c. 1550 BC and one of the oldest medical textbooks in the world, describes the Egyptians' use of cupping. Archaeologists have found evidence in China of cupping dating back to 1000 BC. In ancient Greece,Hippocrates (c. 400 BC) used cupping for internal disease and structural problems. This method in multiple forms spread into medicine throughout Asian and European civilizations.

 

Dry Cupping is used in this office

 

The cupping procedure commonly involves creating a small area of low air pressure next to the skin. However, there is variety in the tools used, the method of creating the low pressure, and the procedures followed during the treatment.[4]

The cups can be various shapes including balls or bells, and may range in size from 1 to 3 inches (25 to 76 mm) across the opening. Plastic and glass are the most common materials used today, replacing the horn, pottery, bronze and bamboo cups used in earlier times. The low air pressure required may be created by heating the cup or the air inside it with an open flame or a bath in hot scented oils, then placing it against the skin. As the air inside the cup cools, it contracts and draws the skin slightly inside. More recently, vacuum can be created with a mechanical suction pump acting through a valve located at the top of the cup. Rubber cups are also available that squeeze the air out and adapt to uneven or bony surfaces.[citation needed]

In practice, cups are normally used only on softer tissue that can form a good seal with the edge of the cup. They may be used singly or with many to cover a larger area. They may be used by themselves or placed over an acupuncture needle. Skin may be lubricated, allowing the cup to move across the skin slowly.

Depending on the specific treatment, skin marking is common after the cups are removed. This may be a simple red ring that disappears quickly, the discolouration left by the cups is normally from bruising especially if dragging the cups while suctioned from one place to another to break down muscle fiber. Usually treatments are not painful.

 

Holistic Alternative Psychology

 

M.I.N.D.S. New Dynamics is based on 30 years fo Dr. Dolores Seymour's clinical research in Holistic Alternative Psychology.

It is beyond traditional psychology in order to reach the human psyche and soul, which is not only the 'root' cause of all problems, but also the means to move forward in a positive way with innovative tools, techniques, subconscious/conscious training and individualized plans of actions

Myoskeletal alignment technique (MAT) is a type of bodywork which blends the principles ofosteopathy and structural integration to relieve chronic pain, and to reduce the potential for the emergence of pain which could become chronic over time. This technique is often integrated into regular massage and bodywork sessions, and it can also be used alone to treat systemic problems. Practitioners of myoskeletal alignment technique can be found in many regions of the world. The focus of this technique is on back and neck pain in particular, since this type of pain is extremely common in the industrialized world.

The basic idea behind myoskeletal alignment technique is that back and neck pain are caused by fundamental problems with the musculoskeletal system. Tight, stressed muscles contribute to pain by limiting freedom of movement, while weak muscles provide inadequate support for the body. This in turn leads to posture problems, stiffness, and other symptoms which create an endless cycle of pain. By addressing the fundamental issues in the muscles and fascia, practitioners hope to eliminate the associated symptoms.

Cupping

Massage Therapy

Colene Allen is licensed under the State of Colorado for Massage License #939

 

The term “massage therapy” includes many techniques, and the type of massage given usually depends on your needs and physical condition.

 

Massage therapy encompasses many different techniques. In general, therapists press, rub, and otherwise manipulate the muscles and other soft tissues of the body. They most often use their hands and fingers, but may use their forearms, elbows, or feet.

 

The Benefits Of Massage
What exactly are the benefits of receiving massage or bodywork treatments? Useful for all of the conditions listed below and more, massage can:

  • Alleviate low-back pain and improve range of motion.

  • Assist with shorter, easier labor for expectant mothers and shorten maternity hospital stays.

  • Ease medication dependence.

  • Enhance immunity by stimulating lymph flow—the body's natural defense system.

  • Exercise and stretch weak, tight, or atrophied muscles.

  • Help athletes of any level prepare for, and recover from, strenuous workouts.

  • Improve the condition of the body's largest organ—the skin.

  • Increase joint flexibility.

  • Lessen depression and anxiety.

  • Promote tissue regeneration, reducing scar tissue and stretch marks.

  • Pump oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital organs, improvingcirculation.

  • Reduce postsurgery adhesions and swelling.

  • Reduce spasms and cramping.

  • Relax and soften injured, tired, and overused muscles.

  • Release endorphins—amino acids that work as the body's natural painkiller.

  • Relieve migraine pain.

A Powerful AllyThere's no denying the power of bodywork. Regardless of the adjectives we assign to it (pampering, rejuvenating, therapeutic) or the reasons we seek it out (a luxurious treat, stress relief, pain management), massage therapy can be a powerful ally in your healthcare regimen.Experts estimate that upwards of ninety percent of disease is stress related. And perhaps nothing ages us faster, internally and externally, than high stress. While eliminating anxiety and pressure altogether in this fast-paced world may be idealistic, massage can, without a doubt, help manage stress. This translates into:

  • Decreased anxiety.

  • Enhanced sleep quality.

  • Greater energy.

  • Improved concentration.

  • Increased circulation.

  • Reduced fatigue.

Furthermore, clients often report a sense of perspective and clarity after receiving a massage. The emotional balance bodywork provides can often be just as vital and valuable as the more tangible physical benefits.Profound EffectsIn response to massage, specific physiological and chemical changes cascade throughout the body, with profound effects. Research shows that with massage:

  • Arthritis sufferers note fewer aches and less stiffness and pain.

  • Asthmatic children show better pulmonary function and increased peak air flow.

  • Burn injury patients report reduced pain, itching, and anxiety.

  • High blood pressure patients demonstrate lower diastolic blood pressure, anxiety, and stress hormones.

  • Premenstrual syndrome sufferers have decreased water retention and cramping.

  • Preterm infants have improved weight gain.

Research continues to show the enormous benefits of touch—which range from treating chronic diseases, neurological disorders, and injuries, to alleviating the tensions of modern lifestyles. Consequently, the medical community is actively embracing bodywork, and massage is becoming an integral part of hospice care and neonatal intensive care units. Many hospitals are also incorporating on-site massage practitioners and even spas to treat postsurgery or pain patients as part of the recovery process.

Increase the Benefits with Frequent Visits
Getting a massage can do you a world of good. And getting massage frequently can do even more. This is the beauty of bodywork. Taking part in this form of regularly scheduled self-care can play a huge part in how healthy you'll be and how youthful you'll remain with each passing year. Budgeting time and money for bodywork at consistent intervals is truly an investment in your health. And remember: just because massage feels like a pampering treat doesn't mean it is any less therapeutic. Consider massage appointments a necessary piece of your health and wellness plan, and work with your practitioner to establish a treatment schedule that best meets your needs.

 

 

Other Websites to Visit:

NutritionalWellness.com

Providing authoritative, cutting-edge nutrition, herb and homeopathy information.
Website:  www.nutritionalwellness.com

 

 

NaturopathyDigest.com

An online nautropathy digest with featured articles with other natural health links.
Website: www.naturopathydigest.com

Other Resources

I work with all ages.  If a person is under the age of 18, authorization forms will have to be signed at the office by the parent or legal guardian on the day of the appointment.  An authorized Adult must be present during the treatment.

 

If the appointment is for an adult It is not advisable to bring children with you on these visits, as they are often distracting to the counselor who has much to cover. 

 

Children and age Notation

I also use Guided Imagery in my practice.

 

What is Guided Imagery?

Guided Imagery involves all of the senses.  It involves the body as a whole.  The emotions of all the senses is a precision of focus that can make a powerful impact upon the both the physical and mental state of ones being.

Guided imagery technique is a powerful yet gentle technique that focuses and directs the imagination. It is a right brain activity.

 

Belleruth Naperstek who has been a mentor and teacher has developed in her years of practice way beyond “visualization” and “mental imagery” techniques.  It goes way beyond involving the whole body.   I use her teachings in my practice.  My greatest day was meeting her and having taken her classes.  She is an amazing teacher.

Guided Imagery

A book I suggest to anyone who has or knows someone with Alzheimer's

​

The End of alzheimer's

The First Program to Prevent and Reverse Cognitive Decline

​

By Dale E. Bredesen, MD

Professor and founding. President, Buck Institute:  Professor,  UCLA

a page from the book:

KEN, 67, HAD FAILING MEMORY, A STRONG FAMILY HISTORY
of Alzheimer's disease, and was ApoE4-positive (ApoE3/41. with Alzheimer's disease documented by amyloid PET scan anc:ffluoro-
deoxyglucose PET scan. His MRI revealed that his hippocampus had atrophied so much that it was below the 20th percentile for his age.                                                                                           

After ten months on ReCODE, Ken was doing very well, and his repeat MRI showed a high hippocampal volume, in the 70th
percentile. However, shortly after he received the MRI report, Ken received a note from the MRI center saying that a mistake had been made: the neuroradiologist told Ken he could not believe the
improvement the computer measured was correct-or real. The neuroradiologist suggested that the report be amended to indicate

64 THE END OF ALZHEIMER'S that the new. hippocampal volume was at the 35th percentile, and the initial report revised upward to match the 35th percentile, showing no change. The neuroradiologist could not believe such an
increase was possible. Ken's films were taken to another neuroradiologist for an independent reading: he concluded that the first
volume was actually below the 10th percentile, and the second well over the 80th.

So as I say, disbelief, even incredulity, is something I'm all too familiar with. Let me address some of the most common sources
of skepticism:

oh "My doctor told me Alzheimer's is untreatable."

​

That is the point of this book, and our recent publications. For the first time, cognitive decline is reversible, especially in its earliest stages. Therefore, it is critical to begin the program as early as possible.

​

Information on massage provided by 

Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals

Serving the massage therapy community since 1987 through practice support, ethical standards, legislative advocacy, and public education

http://www.abmp.com/home/

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