Loving Holistic Pediatric Care

Immunity and vitality is of utmost importance in holistic medicine. Holistic pediatric medicine places great importance on preventing disease before it begins. The goal of treatment is always to restore health and/or prevent disease by improving the immunity and immune regulating functions of the child. With holistic pediatric care, it is possible to identify and treat the unique patterns and weaknesses of each child before they manifest into chronic conditions, diseases and/or pathological states.

Holistic pediatric health care uses a systems-based medical philosophy grounded in the principles of biochemical individuality and focuses on the genetic predispositions and constitutional make-up of each child. Holistic pediatric care is very personalized care and offers safe, natural, nutritional and individualized medicines/remedies that address the unique patterns and constitutional needs of your child.

Chinese medical doctors are classified as board certified primary care physicians by the State of Florida. The Department of Health recognizes that acupuncture includes the use of electro-acupuncture (AKA non-invasive acupuncture-no needles), herbal therapy, nutritional counseling, dietary supplements and homeopathic preparations to promote health.

Holistic pediatric care by Toni Krehel, AP is hands-on therapy-based medical care that includes holistic therapies such as electro-acupuncture, microcurrent therapy, homotoxicology, herbal therapy, homeopathy, cranio-sacral therapy as well as lots of tender loving care to address both physiological and emotional needs of the child.

Often parents measure their success in part by how well their children are. Having healthy, happy children gives you peace of mind and a sense of accomplishment. Making holistic medicine a life-style choice enables you to be the primary health care provider for your family.

Yeast and Parasites linked to chronic inflammation and poor digestion

Two natural consequences of immune deficiency states is parasite infestation and yeast over-growth. These conditions always manifest in patients who have chronic inflammatory conditions and poor digestion. The inflammatory process creates dampness as a buffer to protect vital organs and tissues from damage. Once the immune system has stabilized the inflammatory condition, the waste materials and fluids produced during the inflammatory process need to be eliminated to keep the body from becoming a sewer. When fluids are not metabolized properly, heat from the body congeals the stagnant fluids into mucus states that make the perfect environment for parasitic colonization.

Whenever inflammation occurs, the sympathetic nervous system must engage to counteract the inflammation. When the immune system triggers the sympathetic or fight-or-flight nervous state, the parasympathetic nervous system, which influences digestion, disengages. Digestion slows its production so that most or all of the body's energy resources can be diverted to the sympathetic response. The extent to which digestive function diminishes depends on the severity and duration of the sympathetic response. In chronic inflammatory conditions, poor digestion becomes part of the disease process. Both lead to immune deficiency states.

The immune system has a mechanism for dealing with the kind of internal milieu that fosters an infestation and over-growth of yeast and parasites. It relies on the digestive functions of the body to transform damp conditions. The organ system that transforms both damp accumulation and noxious substances (such as yeasts and parasites) from a substantive state into metabolic waste for elimination is the pancreas. When digestion is weak and sluggish, yeasts and parasites are allowed to proliferate and create chronic allergic or auto-immune states. The chronic inflammatory condition creates more dampness which digestion must then eliminate. Yet the chronic inflammatory condition requires sustained sympathetic action, which further diminishes the productive capability of the digestive system. The more sympathetic you are (inflammation, stressed), the less parasympathetic you have (digestion, normal). This creates and perpetuates a cycle of cause/effect with sympathetic dominance and parasympathetic weakness. The greater the differential between the two, the harder it becomes to restore health.

The best way to solve problems with yeast and/or parasites is through individualized care, taking into account your personal health history of all the contributing factors and patterns of disease associated with this immune problem. Holistic physicians can recommend homeopathic and Chinese herbal medicines specifically for parasites and yeasts. You don't have to be diagnosed with parasites and/or yeast, however, to improve the conditions that foster that growth. Digestion is an important immune regulating function of the body's defensive system. It performs vital house-keeping functions to keep the internal environment from becoming a haven for parasites and other opportunistic pathology-creating organisms. When you improve digestion you improve immunity.

Holistic Medicine provides the proper framework for restoring vitality and health to the digestive system so that the damp conditions ripe for parasites and yeast can be dredged and drained. Supporting the pancreas and stimulating lymphatic drainage are two key components of the yeast/parasite removal process. Damp resolving and qi supplementing herbs are commonly used in Chinese Medicine to improve digestion and immunity. Immune regulating herbs provide allergy relief as well as nutritional support for the organs that become weak in immune deficiency syndromes.

I find the following remedies to be very helpful when rectifying health problems related to yeast/parasite infestation. These nutritional supplements stimulate and support the lymphatic and digestive systems. This is good protocol for most chronic health problems, not just for parasite/yeast over-growth. (these can be found at www.e-holistichealth.com)

1. Newton Lymphatic Drainer (homeopathic remedy): stimulates lymphatic drainage and also supports liver and kidney functions to remove toxins ... a must for sluggish digestion, hepatic congestion, inflammatory bowel conditions, chronic respiratory illness, allergies and skin conditions; appropriate for the entire family; long term use okay for chronic conditions

2. Standard Process Pancreatrophin (whole food nutritional supplement): supports the health and functioning of the pancreas ... a must for sluggish digestion, hepatic congestion, weak constitution, allergies and all skin conditions;

3. Standard Process Allerplex (whole food nutritional supplement): supports the vitality and functions of the adrenal glands, lungs, liver and kidneys (important for chronic allergies), supports proper acid/alkaline balance ... a must for weak constitution, chronic respiratory illness, allergies and over-all immunity.

4. Chien Chin (Chinese herbal formula): supports elimination via the renal system, supports bladder health, drains damp ... a must for yeast infections, chronic urinary infections, chronic respiratory illness, intestinal candidiasis, allergies and all skin conditions.

5. Liddell Immune Boost (homeopathic remedy): improves vitality & immunity, stimulates lymphatic filtering system ... a must for weak constitution, chronic fatigue, chronic respiratory illness, allergies, inflammatory bowel conditions, allergies and all skin conditions.

6. Aquilaria Pills (also known as Aquilaria Transform Qi Pills, Chinese herbal formula)- although traditionally used for symptoms related to poor digestion (distension, pain, constipation, etc.), this formula contains herbs to transform damp from the intestinal tract and supports the kidneys too

7. Shen Ling Bai Zhu Pian (Chinese herbal formula) - useful in chronic diseases as an immune tonic, improves digestion and drains dampness ... good for a weak constitution, sluggish digestion, chronic fatigue, chronic respiratory weakness, intestinal candidiasis

All these clinically-based remedies have broad-spectrum nutritional value for general health and are appropriate for anyone with poor digestion, chronic fatigue, allergies, inflammatory bowel conditions and yeast or parasite infestation. The Chinese formula Chien Chin is an important addition to any detoxification protocol. After immune functions and digestion are improved, the waste materials must be eliminated. Symptoms of "damp heat" will manifest in the renal system (the bladder, kidneys and reproductive organs) and these symptoms are often mistaken as infections. The Chien Chin works like an antibiotic to resolve the "yeast" and it supports the functions of these organs. The Standard Process formulas are available only through licensed holistic practitioners (not available on website or retail: call 904-821-9535 for more info).

Yours in Health,

Dr. Toni

Is Allergy Immunotherapy in the same category as Vaccination?

Do allergy shots fall into the same category as vaccines? That is a good question. The answer is both yes and no.

Allergy shots are often called “vaccines” because (1) they are injected and (2) the intention of both is to confer immunity. However allergy shots are unlike vaccines because (1) they are injected subcutaneously - under the skin, and (2) they do not contain the viral/bacterial material and toxic chemicals that vaccines do.

Allergy Immunotherapy is only recommended for allergic asthma, allergic rhinitis, conjunctivitis and stinging insect allergy. It is not recommended for food allergies. It is not clear why this therapy does not work with foods. This might suggest that perhaps injecting attenuated food substances trigger more severe allergic reactions. It is said that allergy immunotherapy works like a vaccine and allergy shots are often referred to as vaccine. The immunologic basis for this form of treatment, however, is actually unknown. The theory is that both allergy immunotherapy and vaccinations manipulate the immune system into creating some type of immunity or resistance to the allergens and pathogens. The literature says that allergy shots must stop after 3 to 5 years and at that time the doctor has to decide whether to continue them or not. That would suggest that the cumulative effect of getting allergy shots compromises immune function in some way or has other side effects.

Allergens injected subcutaneously under the skin unleashes histamine or other mediating chemicals. The immunological reaction is similar to the allergic reaction a person has to the allergen in the environment. In other words, the immune system is allowed to behave the same way it does when the substances are encountered in the environment. This means that the mechanism INCLUDES both the normal cellular reactions and the complex non-specific reactions that happen under NORMAL circumstances of exposure. Allergy shots contain a non-toxic water-like base along with the allergen (which is not a virus or bacteria). Allergens cause allergic reactions (sometimes death, as in stings, etc.) but rarely morbidity. This is because the injection is subcutaneous, not into the bloodstream. A subcutaneous injection or oral medicine triggers normal immunological reactions. This permits completion of the complex process involved to create real immunity, and it allows the immune system to modulate appropriately. The substances are not driven into the bloodstream or deeper tissues of the body where vital organs could be affected.

Vaccines, on the other hand, are infection by injection – they are injected into the deeper tissues and bloodstream. Vaccines BYPASS the normal cellular reaction system and the complex communication process between the cellular immune system and the non-specific immune system. Life-long immunity can ONLY be conferred when the immune system deals with infection naturally (as in getting it from the natural environment). The immunity conferred with vaccines is only temporary, never life-long. Vaccines include both DISEASE-CAUSING viral or bacterial substances AND are loaded up with toxic chemicals and pharmaceutical medicines. These adjuvants are included because the immune response behaves quite differently with infection by injection and the adjuvants are needed to stimulate an immune reaction. Vaccines ALWAYS create morbidity – however, and except in the case of massive allergic reaction which is immediate, the signs/symptoms of vaccine reactions are often delayed due to the way non-specific immunity works.

Both allergy shots and vaccines have risks for allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis. The risk is higher and more common with vaccines (for obvious reasons). Sublingual allergy immunotherapy has less risk for this kind of allergic reaction because the substances are not injected subcutaneously or into the bloodstream. When chronic allergies become debilitating or life threatening and suppressing the inflammatory response with antihistamines and/or steroidal drugs does not improve the individual’s health, the conventional approach is to identify the specific allergens so that they may be eliminated from the individual’s diet and/or environment or, as in the case of allergy immunotherapy, try to create immunity to the specific allergens. Allergy immunotherapy is successful for many people and is an efficacious way to deal with a very debilitating problem. Often, however, the therapy only lessens the severity of the allergy response and creates other side effects (headaches, skin conditions, additional allergies). If the allergy immunotherapy is only partially successful, then it is not curative and the health of the individual is still compromised and in a weak state.

The question should not be “What is a person allergic to?” but “Why does the person have allergies at all?” The real problem is not this or that allergen but the health of the individual and his/her ability to resist ANY disease process or infection. Neither vaccination or allergy immunotherapy addresses the underlying organ weaknesses and immune system problems that make the person susceptible to infections and allergic reactions. It is well known that repeated vaccination compromises immune function and weakens the health of the individual. What are the limits to such an approach?

Are there ways to improve health so that a person is not hypersensitive and susceptible to infection? Yes. For chronic immune deficiency states (repeated infections, severe allergies), consult with an experienced holistic physician who can diagnose and treat the underlying causes and patterns that are specific for you. For mild allergies begin improving your health today by making holistic healthcare a lifestyle choice. Chinese Medicine and Homeopathy provide life-promoting nutritional medicines that improve the health and vitality so that you can become more resistant to infection and less hypersensitive to the natural environment. There are many effective over the counter Chinese medicines and clinical homeopathic remedies that safely relieve allergy symptoms while improving overall health.

Three of my favorite Chinese herbal medicines for symptomatic relief of mild to moderate air-borne allergies include:

Dr. Shen’s Allergy Pills: for itchy eyes or skin, runny and stuffy nose

Dr. Shen’s Sinus and Nose Pills: nasal and sinus congestion or sinus headache

Bloom Season Support: for sneezing, post nasal drip, watery eyes, facial congestion

Homeopathic remedies for symptomatic relief of mild allergies to pet dander, pollen, hay fever, dust, insect bites, medications and food include:

Liddell Allergy: sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, post nasal drip, itchy eyes, rash, sinus discomfort

Liddell Sinus Congestion & Headache: sneezing, stuffy or congested nose, discharge, sinus pain, headache, throat inflammation

One of my favorite Chinese formulas for improving immunity (good support for those with seasonal or chronic allergies) is:

Dong Chong Xia Cao (cordyceps): used historically as a daily tonic to help the body build strength, improve breathing and lung function and strengthen the immune system

All these formulas have anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-biotic properties. Dr. Shen's brand formulas contains no drugs, dyes, pharmaceuticals, animal products, or unlisted ingredients and contain premium grade herbs. You can learn more about these safe and effective remedies by visiting www.e-HolisticHealth.com or by calling the Beaches Acu-Medical Center pharmacy at 904-821-9535.

Tibetan Singing Bowl Sound Therapy

Tibetan Singing Bowl Sound Therapy uses sound vibrations (sound waves) to reduce stress and promote healing. The blissful harmonic vibrations induce relaxation and create a deep sense of well being.

The nervous system is of vital importance to health, healing and happiness. The normal frequency of brain waves when we are awake is known as the beta state and is associated with active concentration, anxious thinking, anxiety and apprehension. This type of stressful brain activity, when prolonged or excessive, alters the normal functioning of the nervous system and leads to impaired digestion, chronic fatigue, heart diseases and a hyperactive immune system.

Neuroscientists have discovered that areas of the brain linked to positive emotions, good mood, self-control and a happy temperament light up when the brain is in a meditative state. Brain waves in meditation or sleep states (alpha, theta, delta) are associated with deep relaxation, clarity of mind, creativity and intuition. Tibetan Sound Therapy impacts the central nervous system function in a very profound and positive way by synchronizing the brain with the deeper alpha and theta brain wave frequencies.

Relaxation is necessary for healing. Tibetan Sound Therapy trains the body to relax so that natural healing mechanisms are activated. In the relaxed state, the sound vibrations balance brain wave patterns so that stressful habitual thought patterns are unblocked and released. In the relaxed state, the sound vibrations bring the parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems into proper balance – stimulating cellular repair, cellular detoxification and immunity. Sound therapy has been shown to be a vital part of the healing process for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy as well as for patients struggling with pain and/or stress-related conditions such as depression.

Vital energy (qi) flows through the meridian pathways of our body and rotates through seven energy centers (chakras). Each energy center and organ system is associated with a tone on the musical scale. The sound vibrations of the Tibetan Singing Bowls resonate with the various tones associated with energy centers and organ systems, creating a powerful stimulating effect.

You can enjoy the blissful sounds and vibrations of Tibetan Singing Bowl Sound Therapy in half hour or hour long sessions. You can also add Tibetan Sound Therapy to your acupuncture treatments to promote a more relaxed state and to enhance the treatment session.

Toni Krehel, AP

drtoni@beachesacumedical.com

Beaches Acu-Medical Center

904.821.9535

LIFESTYLE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR A STRONG IMMUNE SYSTEM

Consume life-promoting foods and plenty of water.

Engage in activities that promote vitality.

Take charge naturally: Use Chinese herbs and homeopathic remedies for wellness and disease.

Get regular chiropractic, cranial sacral and acupunture treatment for a balanced nervous system.

Enjoy plenty of good sleep and nurture healthy relationships.