• Physical Examinations
  • Gynecology and Women's Wellness
  • Acute care (colds, flu, cough)
  • Chronic disease care
  • Preventative Medicine

Therapies Offered

 
A Complete Alternative Medicine Medicinary

Lab Testing Offered

Naturopathic Medical Modalities

Naturopathic medical doctors (NMD) are guided by the philosophy of Naturopathic Medicine in that they use interventions only when necessary. But, when necessary NMD's have many modalities from which to choose. Naturopathic Doctors are trained to use pharmaceutical medications, botanical medicine, clinical nutrition, dietary counseling, acupuncture, homeopathy, hydrotherapy, physical medicine and even minor surgery.

Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine

Chinese medicine is the longest continuously practiced form of medicine in the world, dating back over 5,000 years.  It is a holistic medicine that looks at all facets of an individual in evaluation of health.  Chinese medicine is a complete system that works to correct imbalances or disharmonies in the body and mind by creating balance within the body systems and in turn, restoring health and well-being. This medicine is based on the concept of balance.  Your body has amazing abilities to heal itself.  By bringing your body into balance and removing obstructions to this healing, we can facilitate your recovery, and improve your overall quality of life.  

The oriental medical system uses the pulse in combination with the appearance of the tongue, chief health concern, and health history to establish a Chinese medical diagnosis. The tongue is connected to many different channels and acts as a mirror to what is going on inside the body.  There are three pulses on each wrist that correspond to your organ systems.  The pulses on the right hand tell us about the condition of your energy, and the pulses of the left hand tell us about the condition of your blood.

Acupuncture is the insertion of tiny sterile needles into the skin on specific points of the body to change the flow of blood, body fluid, and bio-electric energy in internal pathways called meridians.  By doing so the body is stimulated to heal itself. There are over 2,000 acupuncture points each with different indications. These acupuncture points are the places on the body where electricity can most easily move, or points of lowest electrical resistance.  Numerous modern scientists have electronically tested for and verified the location of the ancient acupuncture points.  Further testing has shown clear evidence of not only electrical flow in the meridians, but also movement in body fluid when these points are stimulated.  These points have been shown to affect the circulatory, lymphatic, nervous, and endocrine system, in effect all of the major regulatory systems of the body.

For most people, acupuncture is painless. Most patients state that they feel only a slight tap or nothing at all when the needles are inserted.  Once the needles are in it is normal to feel various types of sensation ranging from warmth and tingling, to a pressure or mild ache that can collect around the needle or move down the channel.  This shows that the energy is responding to the needles and is balancing its flow.  Not all people feel these sensations and it is different for everyone. Most people describe acupuncture as a very relaxing, and rejuvenating experience. 

An acupuncture treatment can last from 30 to 60 minutes depending on the condition being treated. This will give us time to come to an understanding of your condition and administer your first treatment.  Subsequent visits will only take approximately one hour.  Typically 4 to 16 needles are used in each treatment. Needles are normally retained in the body for 20 minutes. The number of treatments is dependent on the severity of the problem and an individual's response

Facial Acupuncture
reduce fine lines and winkles without Botox

Acupuncture has been use for thousands of years to treat a variety of acute and chronic illnesses. The World Health Organization (WHO) released a list of over 50 things that their research shows that acupuncture and Chinese herbs can effectively treat.  The National Institute of Health (NIH) found through research that acupuncture is effective in postoperative care of chemotherapy nausea and dental pain, in the treatment of addictions, stroke rehabilitation, headache, menstrual cramps, fibromyalgia, myofascial pain, osteoarthritis, low-back pain, carpel tunnel syndrome, infertility and asthma.

Acupuncture Face-Lifts - By treating the whole body and addressing the underlying causes of aging and disease, it is more than just a cosmetic procedure. It is a rejuvenation and revitalization process designed to help the whole body look and feel younger. Fine lines may be entirely eliminated and deeper wrinkles diminished. Bags under the eyes can be reduced, jowls firmed, puffiness eliminated, droopy eyelids lifted and double chins minimized.

Chinese medicine works with a number of different modalities including; acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, moxibustion, and cupping.

Chinese herbs can be utilized in many different forms from teas, pills, capsules, and powders.  The Chinese have characterized over 15,000 naturally occurring substances and their medical properties.  These days there are around 400 commonly used herbs in the modern clinic.  Chinese herbs are most often used in formulas of multiple herbs.  These formulas have been time tested and reduce the chance of side effects.    Chinese herbs allow the patient to continue their treatment at home between visits and are invaluable in our efforts to balance the body.

Moxibustion is often used in conjunction with acupuncture needles. Moxibustion is the burning of an herb in the chrysanthemum family to warm strategic acupuncture points.  Moxa has a warming, strengthening, invigorating action.  It opens the channels and directly adds warming energy to the system.  It is helpful in cases of injury, weakness, and stagnation.

Another traditional oriental therapy is Cupping. Cupping is a method of using a glass cup to create a vacuum.  This vacuum pulls on the skin and body fluids to break up stagnation.  By pulling stagnated blood and fluids out of an area, you allow new blood and fluid in.  This greatly relieves stiffness, and increases healing rate.  Cupping is often used to relieve pain and for respiratory and digestive disorders. Cupping can also be used to fight early stages of cold and flu.  This is done by placing cups on the upper back, stimulating point that relate to the releasing pathogenic factors and stimulating the body's immune response. Cupping does result in temporary bruising to the areas applied.

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Botanical Medicine

Also known as herbal medicine or herbalism, botanical medicine involves the use of plants to treat disease and promote health. The powerful medicinal properties of plants have been used for centuries. Animals and plants have evolved alongside each other for millennia, so it makes sense that our bodies respond readily to plant medicines. Various parts of plants are used for their healing effects and nutritional value to help heal wounds, boost the immune system, reduce inflammation, soothe the gastrointestinal tract, aid digestion, enhance mood and improve cardiovascular health. Like many naturopathic modalities, herbal medicine is a very old form of medicine used by cultures all around the world.

Homeopathy

Symptoms are the body's only way of telling you that something is wrong or out of balance. Pain is your body's way to stop yourself from further injury and forces you to rest. A cough is the body trying to expel something from your lungs and fever is one of the body's most vital means of fighting an infection. Most Americans have grown up with the conventional medical paradigm; learning to suppress symptoms as a means to "cure". For example, when you have pain you take an aspirin to stop feeling the pain, or if you have a cough you take a cough suppressant, or suppress a fever with Tylenol. The symptoms may disappear and you may feel better, but these medicines do not cure. Instead of suppressive conventional therapies, homeopathy offers an approach that works with the body's natural ability to heal itself.

Homeopathy is a system of medicine based on the Law of Similars that was founded over 200 years ago by Samuel Hahnemann, MD (1755-1843). In Dr. Hahnemann's time, medical practices were used such as the application of toxic substances (mercury), the bleeding of very sick patients and often-harmful surgeries. Dr. Hahnemann often spoke out against such harmful methods and in the course of his life, he came to formulate the theories that underlie the modern practice of homeopathic medicine. A homeopathic remedy is an FDA approved medicine that consists of a very dilute substance. When given to someone who is healthy, a homeopathic remedy can bring about the same symptoms it can cure. When given to someone suffering from those symptoms, the body is stimulated to heal on its own and the symptoms resolve. Hence, the name, the Law of Similars, or like cures like.

Homeopathic medicines are extremely safe and effective. They are mostly made from plants, minerals or animals. These substances are given in miniscule doses to eliminate the possibility of any side effects as are often seen in the application of pharmaceuticals. There are no interactions to worry about and these remedies are safe to use on the youngest, pregnant, and most elderly patients. Homeopathic treatment can be used to treat people suffering from the most minor of symptoms, such as a cold, to the very severe like cancer. Of course, the skill of the homeopathic doctor will dictate which types of conditions they choose to treat. A homeopathic visit with your doctor involves a thorough, detailed and lengthy discussion in which many details about you as a person and the symptoms you experience are gathered. Your case is then studied and the doctor selects the most appropriate homeopathic remedy for you. You will be given the remedy, with instructions regarding how to take it and then your progress will be monitored very carefully as you move towards optimum health.

There are over 2000 different homeopathic remedies each of which must be carefully selected and prescribed on an individual basis. If the incorrect remedy is chosen there may be no result. Knowing how to follow the case can be even more important than prescribing the initial remedy. Understanding when to give another dose of medicine, when to increase the strength or determining when to switch to a different remedy makes the difference in whether homeopathic treatment is successful. It is likely that a person will move through a series of indicated remedies before they are completely well, all the time moving in the direction of cure. For some with complex cases and a long history of allopathic drug therapies, it may take years, for others like young children with a pure health history, recovery will occur quickly. Only someone trained in homeopathy that knows how to follow your case can get consistent and successful results.

Homeopathy can be effective in treating most acute conditions, like the common cold, the flu or an ear infection. It is also successful in treating more serious and chronic diseases like ADHD, Autism, irritable bowel, Crohn's, ulcerative colitis, eczema, multiple sclerosis, auto-immune conditions such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, and mental emotional conditions such as depression, anxiety, and bi-polar disorder.

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Constitutional Hydrotherapy

Hydrotherapy, the use of alternating hot and cold water, is one of the oldest and simplest methods to induce proper circulation to internal organs and tissues. This is a necessity for optimal metabolic function, tissue repair, and overall well being. There are dozens of specific hydrotherapy techniques valued by naturopathic doctors, with constitutional hydrotherapy being one of them.

Constitutional hydrotherapy is a specialized technique involving the alternating application of hot and cold wet towels. To enhance the circulatory effects, a mild electrical stimulation is applied over various muscle groups during the treatment. The alternation of hot and cold creates a pumping action for the blood and lymph systems, with addition of the low electrical stimulation to assist the lymphatic system. Researchers have found that a reflex increase in blood flow occurs in internal organs when the circulation to the overlying skin is stimulated. Research has further shown that the beneficial effects on the immune system last for up to 24 hours making this a very effective therapy for any disorder involving immune function. White blood cell counts increase within a few hours of having the treatment. Other studies have found that this technique can help regulate blood sugar and blood pressure.

Old time naturopaths used this modality to stimulate the immune system and to promote strengthening the body's ability to heal itself. The treatment is valuable for anyone wishing to stimulate the immune system, for acute infections like colds, flus, sinusitis, or pneumonia, or for chronic conditions from fatigue to bowel conditions to chronic pain. For the chronically ill, daily constitutional hydrotherapy could help immensely, with or without electrical stimulation. In more chronic conditions, your doctor may suggest from 1 to 4 treatments a week for up to several weeks. For acute conditions, just a few treatments may be recommended.

Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement

Hormones are chemical messengers produced in the body that have specific effects on other cells and organs. Puberty, pregnancy, aging, and a variety of conditions and diseases affect hormone production and use. Examples of a few hormones are thyroid, estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, DHEA, pregnenolone, melatonin, and growth hormone.

Determining which hormones require replacement is first done either by blood, saliva, or urine testing. Treatment can include the use of naturally derived or bio-identical hormones (non-synthetic), plant hormone precursors, herbs, amino acids, homeopathic medicine or some combination of the above.

Many women are looking for alternatives to traditional hormone replacement therapy after recent studies showed an increased risk of stroke, blood clots, heart disease, and dementia with the 5-year use of 2 common synthetic HRT drugs, premarin and provera. Traditional HRT uses the strongest form of estrogen, estradial, which is associated with more risk of side effects and disease. There are other alternatives, one being bio-identical hormones. Bio-identical hormones are derived from natural sources, such as, soybean, yam, or other plants, and identical to human hormones, unlike synthetic hormones. Bio-identical hormones use the weaker form of estrogen, estriol, to provide symptomatic relief without the associated risk of disease. Bio-identical hormones can be individualized to meet the needs of the patient verses the "one size fits all" approach of common HRT drugs. Bio-identical hormones provide women with a safer alternative to traditional HRT and provide symptomatic relief of common menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia, low libido, low energy, and vaginal dryness.

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Lipodissolve

Lipodissolve is a series of micro-injections developed to dissolve fat deposits of the face and body. Lipodissolve was originally discovered in Italy in the early 1980’s and modified and improved in Europe in 2002 as a more effective treatment option for localized fat reduction. Lipodissolve may be a suitable therapy for you if you have small areas of fat deposits that need reduction, or you are unable or unwilling to undergo sugery.

Lipodissolve micro-injections target the fat deposits. When injections are done to the fat area you wish to have reduced the medications in the injections initiate the fat to gradually loosen, liquify and finally dissolve and eliminate through the natural process. Lipodissolve is not a weight loss program, and although some patients have dramatic reduction in circumferal measurement, the actual weight loss may be insignificant. This occurs even with liposuction surgery of fat because fat itself is very light in weight. The fat will return if you gain more weight in the future, but observations in Lipodissolve have shown that the fat often stay off quite well in the treated area even after some overall weight gain.

The different injection techniques can be used either for skin retraction or fat reduction. In procedures for fat reduction there has been no reports until date where unevenness in areas injected have been observed from the injections. Often Lipodissolve has been used to correct uneven effects from other procedures, such as surgical lipoplasty and cellulite. Lipodissolve can be used to address fat deposits of:

  • Thighs
  • Hips
  • Double chin/neck
  • Fat of the cheeks and midface
  • Fat deposits of the lower eye fat pads
  • Upper arms
  • Lower arms
  • Upper abdomen
  • Lower abdomen
  • Love handles
  • Back
  • Knees and legs
  • Gynecomastia
  • Cellulite
  • Xanthelasma
  • Lipomas
  • Fat of the pubic/genital area

Before

After

Before

After

Some areas of use may require surgeon use to ascertain safety. Lipodissolve is sometimes used by plastic surgeons to mobilize fat during liposuction, or after liposuction to correct surgical deformities such as increased cellulite from liposuction of thighs, dogears and ‘ripple’ effect from surgery. Lipodissolve is strictly for clinical use. The safety data on Lipodissolve is in accurate clinical use by physicians trained in the therapy and could pose risks with wrong use. Lipodissolve is supported by clinical studies and monitoring of effects in Europe and the USA . The doctor's at East West IHC can provide you the details of these studies on request.

Lipodissolve has shown a very promising safety report and compared with many popular cosmetic procedures, it can be viewed as very safe. Lipodissolve still lack clinical data to confirm long-term safety and if allergies against the medications occur, or the procedure is used wrong, patients can have adverse reactions. If you have any concerns of Lipodissolve safety, make sure your physician has answered all your questions to satisfaction during consultation.

Common side-effects are some light burning in the area injected, bruising, swelling and ache. Women should avoid treatment before and during their period, as this created a much greater experience of discomfort and pain. Your doctor will explain during your consultation what reactions are common and rare with Lipodissolve, and what degree of side-effects you should expect and possible long-term effects. The procedure is seldom very painful, with exception to some body areas and body types which may cause a bit more ache after therapy. Women should avoid Lipodissolve right before and during their period as this will increase the sensation of discomfort dramatically. Depending on body area treated, patients often return to normal activity immediately after treatment. Patients having facial treatments for double chin or facial fat will have extensive and unattractive swelling and may wish to stay off from work 3-4 days although this is not necessary. The normal time for swelling and soreness to disappear is one week. Some minor swelling may persist longer.

Treatment varies from patient to patient case and body areas targeted. It is normal that results are seen in 1-4 sessions although your case can differ. Treatments are repeated every 4-6 weeks apart. If you address large body areas, like the abdomen, and require several sessions you may notice minimal results between the first and second session which improves with additional sessions. Many smaller areas, like double chin, often give satisfactory results two months after a single session.

Our physicians are trained by the American Society of Aesthetic Lipodissolve (ASAL), the developer of the Lipodissolve therapy.

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Clinical Nutrition

Nutrition is more than just a means of energy for the body. Nutrition can serve as medicine to the body. Adopting a healthy diet is often the first step towards correcting health problems. Improved nutrition through knowledge and healthy food choices can give the body the tools it needs to heal. Nutritional interventions afford fewer complications and side effects than some pharmaceutical treatments and are often more beneficial.

Nutrition is a cornerstone of naturopathic healing. What we put into our mouths has a profound effect on our physical, emotional, and spiritual health. Hippocrates said, "Let thy food be thy medicine and thy medicine be thy food." Naturopathic doctors receive extensive training in clinical nutrition. They understand that proper nutrition is the basis of health. Sometimes changing one's diet can be enough to improve one's health status. Other times it is necessary to supplement those dietary changes by providing nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and other co-factors. Some people require supplementation because of difficulties absorbing nutrients, lack of enzymes to properly digest and break down the foods, hereditary factors, or simply increased need of certain nutrients due to disease status. Clinical nutrition involves using vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients to help heal and prevent disease. Nutrients can be given as oral preparations, such as capsules or tablets, as well as in injectible forms, such as IV's or intramuscular injections.

The doctors at East-West Integrated Healthcare can assist you in identifying food allergies and sensitivities, balancing blood sugar problems, and using nutrition to address many health concerns, including weight loss, anxiety and chronic illnesses. Nutrition, through diet, supplementation, and even intravenous therapies, can have a significant impact on your current health, today and long-term.

The doctors at East-West Integrated Healthcare will create an individual plan with specific dietary recommendations. They are skilled in teaching you about foods and specific diets such as elimination diets, cleansing diets, anti-inflammatory diets, gluten-free diets, along with safe and effective fasting programs.

Intravenous and Vitamin Therapy

Nutrition levels can be affected by stress, diet, chemical exposure, alcohol, prescription drugs and impaired circulation. Even when a person feels perfectly healthy, their tissues and organs may be depleted of his/her required nutrient levels. Nutritional deficiencies cause disease and illness. Many people are not receiving the optimal nutrient intake to live a healthy and balanced life.

In addition to eating a well balanced diet, nutrients can be used therapeutically in the form of nutritional supplements, as well as, used intravenously or injected into the muscle for quick absorption. The administration of nutrients directly into the bloodstream bypasses the digestive system for rapid absorption of nutrients into your body allowing the cells to more efficiently detoxify and regenerate all of the tissues, organs and glands of your body. The therapy can restore and improve health performance; improve circulation, the metabolism and the immune system, and naturally relax and detoxify the body.

For example, studies show, vitamin B12 injected into the muscle can be helpful for fatigue and neuropathy. Intramuscular Vitamin B6 in commonly used for treatment of morning sickness. A vitamin cocktail, know as a "Meyers Cocktail" can be used for adrenal fatigue, anxiety, and to improve immune function. During Intravenous Vitamin C Therapy, high doses of Vitamin C are introduced into the blood stream. Research indicates that increasing Vitamin C levels can lead to anabolic processes, organ function improvement, and immune system enhancement.

The application of the nutrients for therapeutic purposes in determined by your Naturopathic physician. This type of therapy can provide safe and effective treatment of many disorders.

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Weight Loss

There are numerous diseases related to being overweight, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer among others. In addition, carrying a few extra pounds effects your energy, sleep, digestion, and self-image. There are many weight loss programs available to the public which can be confusing to even the most informed consumers who are interested not only in losing pounds, but keeping those pounds off. The most effective weight loss programs focus on teaching people how to eat with real foods, the correct portion sizes, beneficial nutrients and exercise.

At East West Integrated Heath-care we offer just such a program that is physician-guided to give you the individualized structured support you need to lose the extra weight and maintain that long-term.

Patients are instructed on how to eat balanced protein and carbohydrate meals using whole foods in order to lose body fat while maintaining lean muscle mass. In addition, the structure of the program enables food sensitivities to be identified to help ensure long-term health and success.

Cleansing and Detoxification

Detoxification, also referred to as cleansing, is the body's natural process of eliminating or neutralizing toxins via the liver,  kidneys, colon, lungs and the skin. Detoxification therapies frequently serve as a foundation upon which alternative medicine is built. The concepts of internal cleansing and detoxifying have been fundamental to naturopathic philosophy for over a century, and have been practiced in various forms since Roman times.

Each year people are exposed to thousands of toxic chemicals and pollutants in the earth's atmosphere, water, food and soil. Building materials used in the home and workplace are often made from chemicals that are very toxic to humans. Everyday products such as gasoline, paint, household cleaners, cosmetics, pesticides, inks, over the counter and prescription drugs, and dry cleaning fluid also pose a serious threat because the body cannot easily break down these chemicals. As we are continually exposed to these toxins, our body's detoxification system becomes overwhelmed and toxic substances accumulate. This accumulation of toxins can wreak havoc on the body's normal processes and is often expressed through the symptoms of disease including decreased immune function, neurotoxicity, hormonal dysfunction, psychological disturbances, auto-immune diseases, and even cancer. A substantial and growing body of research now supports the significant impact that environmental toxin exposure has on health.

The following common symptoms indicate that a cleanse may be beneficial for you!

  • Fatigue
  • Frequent Illness (colds, flus)
  • Headaches
  • Joint pain and Stiffness
  • Constipation and Digestive Problems
  • Increased mucus production and "allergy" symptoms
  • Sensitivity to substances such as chemicals, perfumes and synthetics.
  • Insomnia
  • Nervousness

A cleansing program led by a knowledgeable naturopathic doctor may employ the use of vitamins, minerals, foods and herbs that aid the body in eliminating accumulated toxins. Cleansing aims to reduce or remove disease symptoms as well as promote overall health and wellness on many levels. The goals of detoxification might include increased energy, improved mental clarity, better immune function and digestion, and improved mood and sense of well-being. As with all naturopathic treatments, cleansing can be tailored to the individual's own specific health concerns and wellness goals.

The need to tackle toxic burdens before they manifest themselves as disease has never been greater. It is clear that the future of health care will have at its very core an absolute requirement for safe and effective detoxification procedures, hopefully instituted before the individual's immune system and vital organs have ceased to operate adequately. For more information on a cleansing program contact your naturopathic doctor.

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Chelation Therapy

Heavy metal toxicity is increasingly becoming a concern as a contributor to illnesses.  Mercury, nickel, lead, aluminum, thallium, arsenic, cadmium, bismuth, and antimony are all considered heavy (toxic) metals. Heavy metals are substances that are frequently ingested, inhaled or absorbed through the skin.  They can enter our bodies from many sources including exhaust, cosmetics, paint, evaporated milk, infant formulas, baby powder, bleached white flour, pharmaceutical drugs, antacids, tooth paste, and aspirin. Heavy metals can block the natural detoxification processes. These substances disrupt immune function, neurological function and endocrine function. 

Common effects of heavy metal toxicity are:

  • Fatigue
  • Brain fogginess, attention deficit and problems with concentration
  • Anxiety, depression, bi-polar disorders or obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
  • Thyroid or Adrenal fatigue
  • Infertility
  • Developmental delay in children
  • Autistic symptoms in children
  • Hyperactivity or insomnia
  • Arthritis or fibromyalgia or chronic pain symptoms not related to injury
  • Yeast overgrowth or frequent yeast infections
  • Frequent colds/flus or viral infections
  • Neurological disorders such as tics, memory loss, dementia, tremors etc.
  • Diminished eye sight
  • Diminished hearing, sense of taste or smell
  • Numbness/tingling

Many doctors in conventional medicine are confused about heavy metal exposure and its impact on health.  Heavy metals are rarely found in blood due to their toxic nature; they are quickly moved out of the blood and stored in body tissues (liver, kidney, nervous system, and other organs).  This is why most people who take a blood test for mercury or lead are mistakenly told that they are not at risk for the health risks of these heavy metals.  A more accurate test for identifying heavy metals is a chelated urine test.  Chelation is a method where a substance is ingested to bind the heavy metals in the tissues and then the metals are pulled out of body through the stool/feces and/or urine.  There are a few chelation substances and in our offices we utilize DMSA.  DMSA has long been studied and utilized as an excellent chelator (or binder) of mercury, lead, thallium, arsenic, antimony, cadmium, bismuth etc.

Naturopaths are trained in environmental medicine and are well versed on the impact of chemicals, pesticides, herbicides and heavy metals on the health.  Chelation therapy safely and effectively removes heavy metals from the body's cells and tissues. The word "chelation" comes from the Greek word chele, which means claw. Chelation therapy can be administered orally or by injection. The chelation protocols that our office utilizes are extremely safe and very effective in children as well as adults. 

The therapy can be helpful in improving blood circulation and can be part of the Personalized Treatment Plan for patients with various conditions. Many patients have found that in addition to neurological and psychiatric symptoms resolving, chronic pain syndromes too quickly resolve in cases of long standing fibromyalgia, arthritis, autoimmune disorders etc. 

Naturopathic Spinal Manipulative Therapy

Naturopathic Manipulative Therapy (NMT), a form of physical medicine, incorporates the art of massage, touch, physical therapy, applied kinesiology and spinal manipulation. Naturopathic Spinal Manipulative Therapy is similar to Chiropractic Therapy. Through spinal manipulation, your naturopathic doctor alleviates problems caused by the misalignment of the vertebrae. Treatment with NMT produces a physical 'release' which can encourage metabolic function, stimulate vital energies, restore range of motion and postural balance as well as relieve pain through positive effects of the muscular, nervous and circulatory systems.

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Medicinary

We offer natural products of the highest quality, including vitamins and supplements, homeopathic remedies, and botanicals. We order from reputable, highly regarded companies, many of which only sell to physicians. If we feel that there is a product you would benefit from that we do not have in stock, we can specially order the item for you. Although natural products generally have a fairly safe reputation, they are chemical substances that can interact negatively with other medications or if taken in the wrong amounts. For your safety, it is best to speak to a qualified practitioner before beginning new treatment regimes. Our practitioners are well trained in understanding the interactions and contraindications of nutritional supplements, herbal medicines and pharmaceutical drugs. Naturopathic doctors are the best-qualified healthcare practitioners with this level of training.

Alternative Diagnostic Testing

East-West Integrated Healthcare also performs a variety of laboratory services. In addition to routine medical tests such as thyroid function tests, anemia and blood chemistry screening, or the liver function test, the clinic offers specialized testing for heavy metal toxicity, nutrient assessments, digestive stool analysis and salivary hormone panels among others.

When indicated, we will assess hormone status using specialized tests.  Such testing can be used to diagnose or rule out, menopause, diabetes, thyroid dysfunction, adrenal fatigue as well as a variety of other endocrine dysfunctions. The type of sample used depends on the hormone or system we are interested in.   There are multiple ways to assess hormones.  For many of the sex hormones (estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone) using salivary tests is preferable.

Adrenal Stress Test

The adrenals are two small glands located above the kidneys. Each adrenal gland secretes adrenal steroids (Cortisol, DHEA(S) and Aldosterone) and catecholamines (adrenaline and nor-adrenaline). Cortisol, DHEA and adrenaline are the three main adrenal stress hormones.

Abnormal adrenal function can alter mood and energy. People who have a hard time waking and who suffer with a low energy level during the day often have abnormal adrenal function. In addition, if adrenal function is disrupted, especially at night, then the immune system is adversely affected. Stress is known to suppress the immune response in the lungs, throat, urinary and intestinal tract due to a reduction in an antibody called secretory IgA. As a result, the resistance to infection is reduced and allergic reactions are believed to increase.

In the Adrenal Stress Index provided by Daignos-Tecs (http://www.diagnostechs.com/main.htm) uses four salivary samples collected by the patient at home. This test provides your doctor with four measurements of Cortisol, DHEA, 17-hydroxyprogesterone, gluten antibodies and secretory IgA. These are values helpful to rule out underlying causes of fatigue, insomnia, mood swings, hypoglycemia, and hormonal imbalance.

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Sex Hormone Testing

Hormones are chemical messengers the body uses to transfer information from one set of cells to another set. The ovaries, testes and adrenal glands are responsible for the production of the steroid hormones. Steroid hormones in are primarily involved in the regulation of reproductive function, protection against physical and psychological stress and maintenance of the body's fluid and mineral balance.

Many illnesses are associated with an imbalance in the levels of circulating steroid hormones. Problems with weight, memory, sleep, digestion, blood pressure, high cholesterol, cravings, addictions, sexual dysfunctions, and problems associated with the immune system, are all influenced by the endocrine (Hormone) system. Endocrine problems lead to a wide spectrum of symptoms that in most cases can be reversed using natural methods.

Common conditions associated with hormone imbalance include:

  • Hypothyroidism
  • Insomnia
  • Infertility
  • Peri-menopause and menopause
  • Irregular menstruation
  • Premenstrual syndrome
  • Breast changes (Fibrocystic breast and Breast Cancer)
  • Endometriosis
  • Low Libido
  • Andropause (Male menopause)
  • Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
  • Erectile dysfunction
  • Polycytic Ovarian Syndrome
  • Insulin resistance and Diabetes

Men or women supplementing with over-the-counter hormone preparations including DHEA or on hormone replacement therapy can derive great benefit from being tested as it is the only way to gauge adequate, inadequate or over-replacement. Both salivary and urinary testing is available.

Neuroscience Testing

Health care providers can accurately measure the levels of neurotransmitters (Brain Chemicals), such as dopamine and serotonin in your urine. Symptoms, including low mood, anxiousness, insomnia, and fatigue may be related to neurotransmitter imbalances. Neurotransmitter testing is a tool for the assessment your nervous system. As such, the ability to pinpoint specific neurotransmitter imbalances may be used to guide your physician in the selection of appropriate interventions. Neurotransmitter testing may also provide insight into why various interventions may not be working, as well as monitoring the effectiveness of current therapies. Currently these tests are covered by United Healthcare, Aetna, Medica, Mutual of Omaha, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, and Medicare.

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Urine Test for Heavy Metals

Urine element analysis is a test used for the diagnosis or confirmation of heavy metals that have accumulated in the body and is also used to monitor detoxification therapy. The test provides diagnostic information on potentially toxic elements such as lead, mercury, cadmium, nickel, beryllium, arsenic and aluminum found stored in the body. The urine toxic metal test, referred to as a heavy metal challenge testing, is done in conjunction with taking a heavy metal chelator such as DMPS or EDTA. The chelator is taken in the morning and urine is collected over the following 24 hours. Insurance billing is available by the laboratory, however, not all private insurance covers this type of testing. If you insurance denies your claim, you would be expected to personally pay for testing.

Complete Digestive Stool Test

Comprehensive Digestive Stool Analysis (CDSA) 2.0 by Genova Diagnostics evaluates digestion, absorption, pancreatic function, and inflammation, in addition to bacterial balance, yeast, and parasite infection. This profile is recommended for patients with diffuse and non-specific GI-related symptoms, such as indigestion, dysbiosis, constipation, and diarrhea. The new 2.0 profile features exclusive new markers for assessing irritable bowel syndrome, sub-mucosal inflammation, colorectal cancer risk, pancreatic insufficiency, and occult infection.

Food Sensitivity Testing

Researchers estimate that at least 60% of the U.S. population suffers from unsuspected food reactions that can cause or complicate health problems. Symptoms can be diverse, ranging from arthritis to migraines. For that reason, many health professionals routinely consider food allergies or intolerances when evaluating a patient's health problems.

IgG antibodies are associated a "delayed" food reactions that can worsen or contribute to many different health problems and are considered the most common form of food intolerance. These reactions are more difficult to notice since they can occur hours or even days after consumption of an offending food. These "hidden" food allergies are caused by increasing blood levels of IgG antibodies in reaction to eating specific foods. Foods that are hard to avoid, such as milk, corn, and wheat are often the culprit. Rotation diets and challenge testing have traditionally been used to find offenders, however this type of diet is often difficult for patients and is time consuming.

Immunolabs food sensitivity profile helps to identify those foods that may be causing health problems easily and rapidly. This helps to achieve positive outcomes sooner. Food sensitivities can occur at any age, triggering many different symptoms and contributing to a variety of disorders, including:

  • Digestive Symptoms: Irritable or Inflammatory bowel disease
  • Energy Symptoms: Fatigue, lethargy, sluggishness, ADD/ADHD, restlessness
  • Neurological Symptoms: Migraines, Insomnia, Poor Concentration, Learning Disabilities
  • Emotional Changes: Depression, Anxiety, Mood swings, Irritability
  • Skin problems, acne, rashes, hair loss, Hot Flashes
  • Joint and Muscle Changes: Rheumatoid arthritis, Weakness, Stiffness, Joint Pain
  • Immune Changes: Recurrent ear infections, Sinusitis, Asthma, Allergies
  • Weight Changes: Excessive Weight, Cravings, Compulsive Eating, Water Retention

Find out now if your symptoms indicate you may need to take the test.

A simple blood test will reveal your personal food sensitivities. Your test report will then be created which includes:

  • A list of toxic foods to avoid
  • A list of lots of foods to enjoy
  • A wallet sized laminated toxic food reminder card to carry with you
  • Your personalized food and meal plan
  • Helpful hints for food shopping

Nutritional Status Testing

There is overwhelming evidence confirming that nutrient deficiencies suppress immune function contributing to chronic disease process including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, arthritis and Alzheimer's. Functional Intracellular AnalysisT (FIAT) is a patented tests provided by Spetra Cell Laboratory for assessing the function of specific vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and other essential micronutrients within an individual's white blood cells (lymphocytes). Unlike traditional serum, hair, and urine tests, it provides a complete picture of an individual's functional intracellular nutritional status. This testing enables your physician to develop appropriate interventions for patients who are pursuing lasting health. FIAT test components are reimbursable by most private insurance carriers ordered for diagnostic purposes. If components of the FIAT are not a covered benefit the patient will be responsible for payment.

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