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Once you’ve received a name for your health problem (a diagnosis), remember it’s not the end but only the beginning.
The important question you must now ask yourself is what caused it? You may have heard that when nutrient levels go down, the toxicity levels go up and healing is difficult. However, in many outdated practitioner guidelines in the United States there is no mention of finding the cause and solution by assaying the nutrients and toxins, evaluating imbalances in the nervous system and meridian pathways. By doing so you jump back on your healing path! What do people have in common when meds or surgery don’t work? There are patients I’ve seen in the clinic that have been told after extensive examination: “We can’t find what’s wrong,” or “It is all in your head,” or “Sorry, you’ll have to learn to live with it.” The examining doctor, unable to find the root cause of the problem, has little else to tell you. Fortunately, many physicians are now referring their patients for a functional chemistry evaluation and meridian analysis as a last resort. Energy Flows Where Attention Goes The human body’s energy flow courses over twelve meridians or channels that are normally well balanced. If a disruption of energy flow exists, it can alter the entire system, producing pain or symptoms in your body. If we compare a 175 lb man on one end of a seesaw and a 47 lb child on the other end, it becomes obvious the seesaw is “broken” due to the fact the heavier person would be sitting on the ground and lighter would be dangling in the air. Even though the seesaw is producing a “symptom” of being broken-detailed examination would not reveal anything wrong with the seesaw. The obvious answer is in the “balance.” Correction of the balance corrects the problem. The integration or blend of both Eastern and Western medicine is the driving force behind solutions to overcoming many challenging health issues in the world today. “I’m here because I’ve tried everything” is a common phrase I frequently hear from patients. Uncovering the root cause is the focus rather than looking at a long-term routine of meds with side effects that would keep patients hooked for years to come. It Started In The Early 90’s Back in the early 90’s, during my initial years of practice, patients would come in for a specific problem looking for a quick fix. It would be an upcoming event, a big competition, an overdue pregnancy, a 12 year old covered in warts because of a weak immune system while kids would make fun of him at school, cancer pain, nausea from chemo, a puppy that was hit by a car and he was going to be put down (patient stopped by the office after seeing the vet), multiple sclerosis, pro hockey- basketball, baseball, football injuries,-golfers, swimmers, new born, law student prepping for bar with migraines, pilot with neck pain, A-list actor with an eye that was beginning to close due to injury (who jokingly told me the only part he could get would be a pirate with a patch over his eye), Olympic volleyball player with pain in ALL joints (had previously been x-rayed over 12 times in a month), 40 year old with early spinal degeneration and horrific pain…the list goes on. Patients were generally referred to me by doctors as a “last resort” and told there was nothing more that could be done from a Western medicine perspective. The Short-Term Treatment Plan The quick fix. As soon as patients felt better, they would say, “OMG” It worked!!! Like a patch job on the road. They’d wait until the next injury or relapse. They did not understand long term wellness because “I did not educate them.” But then I received a universal message in 2006…I became totally paralyzed from an autoimmune problem. Only able to move my hands at the wrists and blink my eyes I was told “I’ll be confined to the electric wheelchair and would not walk again.” A “patch job” would not suffice. I needed a deep, uncover the root cause type of care if I was ever to walk again. Recovery Was A Choice A couple of years passed. I found my way back as I approached the ability to walk again. I vacated the electric wheelchair investment and recovered. How I did this I share in my book: “Change The Way You Heal, 7 Steps To Highly Effective Healing.” I then started to make a change in my practice. I implemented treatment programs geared toward long term lifestyle changes to help those that wanted a “life of health” not just a short-term “patch job.” This was when I integrated the full functional medicine laboratory testing along with Meridian Imaging and a variety of time-tested Eastern healing methods that I developed. The term: “Doctor of Last Resort” slowly took hold as I began seeing many more unresolved health conditions. This approach changed the type of practice I had in the past. I was no longer the short-term relief doctor like an aspirin without side effects. It changed the healing process for patients. People from around the globe started inquiring and looking for changes beyond “I’m feeling better.” Their strong desire to maintain overall health and move beyond only “when it hurts.” This is wellness. This is holistic. Understand? As a result of my new multifaceted approach patients now “get it” because their lives are more active overall and they want to keep it that way. They choose maintenance at various levels depending on the daily stress they are exposed to or the severity of tissue damage from their original health issue. Now, there’s a greater need for everyone to feel good which evolves into looking good! I can tell you how good I eventually looked (in my heart) even though I was sitting in a wheelchair withering away having lost almost 60 lbs of healthy weight in just a short few months. When I decided to change on the inside, I felt the change on the outside evolve. Whether a health problem influences or stops you from family activities or playing with the grandkids, an upcoming part in a film, sports competition, infertility, pain management, low energy, chronic health problem or just anti-aging…it doesn’t matter what you name the condition…. You will have an edge because of the healing choices you make today and not quitting too soon! (this is the most common reasons for slow healing). I see some quit and then continue on the slow self-destructive path holding on to the health problem. At times they will return to try again. This is also common. The approach I now share with patients is more about energy balance, quality of life and longevity from the inside out. If you wear out your body, where will you live? In the clinic there are some of the best cosmetic surgeons in the world. This is an example of working from the outside in which is also a starting point for many. Patients that have unresolved health problems know it’s more than just physical goals. It’s also emotional and how they spend the rest of their time on earth and their ability to embrace positive change when it comes to living their passion. Get my point? We’re working on so many things during the available 24-hours. Excessive stress, family responsibilities, raising kids, caring for loved ones, personal worries, exposures to environmental heavy metals, overwhelm from news on social media and television… it’s overpowering. When patients see and feel results from labs, meridian imaging, and we treat imbalances and understand how it influences their digestion, metabolism, hormone activity, energy levels, aging and more. They get better! How Can I Help? We all must be patient with Mother Nature. I was fortunate to be given a 2nd chance at life. It was a gift. I now have an obligation. Being paralyzed with an unexpected health crisis changed me and the methodologies I integrate to help you overcome health challenges and achieve the wellness you deserve both physically and emotionally so you can share those desirable moments with loved ones. I’ve been there. I now understand you more than I did before I was paralyzed. I know what it’s like to be frustrated when your body seems to fail you. From a simple headache or back pain to full blown cancer or a paralyzing autoimmune issue. I'm here for you. If you’ve fallen off the path, it’s easy to jump back on with a little guidance. If you’ve been told there’s nothing more that can be done then start by checking your energy levels through Meridian Imaging. If it’s been awhile, remember you are always welcome back to start where we left off. Call our office. Telehealth and concierge house calls are also available. Surprise yourself! Happy Mother’s Day!
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 As each year zips by so fast, my mother is at some point asked; "How old are you?" She always offeres the same reply: "My age is none of "my" business." We all seem to be put into a box/category of potential health problems depending upon what "age decade" we are entering. If anything...age should be forgotten....why enter you're age on that health questionnaire? Having worked with and consulted thousands of patients of different age groups over the past 30 years, reviewing x-rays, blood tests, etc...I can say the "age number" is worthless! It has nothing to do with finding and uncovering the root cause of your health problem! Looking into the eyes of those in the presence of a friend or loved one with declining cognition is heartbreaking as is seeing so much pain in those suffering. So......Today I'll show you how to support brain health and memory for you or a loved one during the first few months of 2020! Also, please remember that heavy metal toxicity is not the topic here. It is also a factor in declining brain health and must be addressed. The Problem What do you do when someone has the beginning symptoms of Alzheimer's, but has not yet been given the official diagnosis? The current answer is-- come up with a new disease label or name. Medical science has done this with a new term called AAMI. This stands for Age-Associated Memory Impairment. This is a precursor to Alzheimer's. Due to the unbelievable increase of Alzheimer's disease, the "powers that be" specializing in brain-aging health concluded there should be an earlier way to recognize this terrible disease. The new AAMI label is now being used for people who have early signs of Alzheimer's.The criteria for AAMI includes the following:
Currently, 40% of people between the ages of 50-59 have it and it increases by 10% every ten years! Unfortunately, most health practitioners not trained enough in integrative medicine do not have the knowledge to know how to measure the one ingredient needed every day to keep our brains healthy and memories vibrant. This important brain ingredient is called phosphatidylserine.  Phosphatidylserine is a key component of the cell membrane and is essential to cell-to-cell communication and transfer of biochemical messages into the cell (especially within the brain and central nervous system).
Participants with relatively low memory scores were found to have experienced a significant improvement in memory. -- Journal of Clinical Biochemistry and NutritionThe Research Phosphatidylserine may help improve memory function in older adults, suggests a 2010 study published in the Journal of Clinical Biochemistry and Nutrition. For the study, 78 elderly people with mild cognitive impairment were assigned to six months of treatment with phosphatidylserine supplements, or a placebo. In tests performed at the end of the six-month period, participants with relatively low memory scores at the start of the study were found to have experienced a significant improvement in memory. In another study, a group of people with a brain age of around 64 years were placed on Phosphatidyl Serine 100 mg three times a day for 3 months. Before and after double blind testing showed that this rolled the hands of time back to a brain age of about 52, 12 years younger by providing 30% improvement in memory! Yes, you read that correctly, 30% improvement in memory!! Do you know any drug that does this? "These people had marked improvements in everyday memory items like phone numbers, faces and names and of all things, placement of glasses and keys!" In previous blogs, I’ve shared with you many tips on supporting health and offered treatment programs for your own personal health journey. Here is a link to our online pharmacy. Once you register, go to FAVORITES under BRAIN HEALTH. You will be able to order my favorite Phosphatidylserine. Of course the most effective way to determine the root cause is to identify your areas of weakness through laboratory testing.References: Crook TH, et al, Effects of phosphatidylserine in age-associated memory impairment, Neurology, 41:644-49, 1991 Grisante R. 2019 News Functional Medicine Univ. Heiss WD, Kessler J, Mielke R, Szelies B, Herholz K. Long-term effects of phosphatidylserine, pyritinol, and cognitive training in Alzheimer's disease. A neuropsychological, EEG, and PET investigation. Dementia. 1994 Mar-Apr;5(2):88-98. Oma S, Mawatari S, Saito K, Wakana C, Tsuboi Y, Yamada T, Fujino T. Changes in phospholipid composition of erythrocyte membrane in Alzheimer's disease. Dement Geriatr Cogn Dis Extra. 2012 Jan;2(1):298-303. Kidd PM, Alzheimer's Disease, amnestic mild cognitive impairment, and age-associated memory impairment: Current understanding and progress toward integrative prevention, Alt Med Rev, 13; 2:85-1 Crook T, Petrie W, Wells C, Massari DC. Effects of phosphatidylserine in Alzheimer's disease. Psychopharmacol Bull. 1992;28(1):61-6  I am frequently asked about fevers. Especially during winter months. In Eastern Medicine, the patient is told to minimize exposure to drafts, wind or a constant breeze away from the back of the neck and shoulders. This is an extremely vulnerable point in the body's defense systems agains a cold or flu. Yes, this includes an air-conditioner blowing air or an open window draft. Solution? Cover up! Blanket or scarf! It's been said that when a fever reaches 102 degrees, a group of proteins called interferons are produced that help prevent viral replications and inhibit cancer cells. And at 103 degrees, all nutrition to the spleen is shut down to starve any bad bacteria that are present or multiplying. Add Years. Do More. Live Life. Thanks to Dr. Sullivan and his contribution!  My private and concierge house call practice in Beverly Hills focuses on delivering a holistic, multi-disciplinary approach to providing integrative care to patients in pain and a multitude of other unresolved problems. Unfortunately, many people don’t realize that pills, even over-the counter (OTC), provide a lot of medication to the body – often more than the amount needed to simply dull the pain.
This excess medicine must be included because the liver acts as the filter for the body and knocks out about one-third of the medicine you take orally. The remaining medicine must then be spread throughout the entire body because your body doesn’t know that you are only trying to treat your sore knee or strained shoulder. Every day across the country, millions of people relieve pain with the assistance of OTC pills without giving this a second thought. For the vast majority, when used as directed, they achieve relief for their pain safely. But pain medication can be tricky to manage due to the range of options and varying doses which is why the FDA is revamping the approval path for OTC drugs. As reported by The Wall Street Journal, “this move will change how tens of thousands of medicines and personal care items reach U.S. store shelves.” Despite liver toxicity issues concerning doses over 325 mg, the FDA still allows a 500-milligram over-the-counter acetaminophen to be sold. “It is inexcusably poor judgment on the part of the FDA to have failed to take action concerning this major source of acetaminophen consumption, and, consequently, acetaminophen toxicity,” Dr. Sidney M. Wolfe, founder and senior adviser of Public Citizen Health Research Group in Washington D.C., told the Wall Street Journal. Acetaminophen has a narrow therapeutic window. The difference between a safe, effective dose and an overdose — which, in serious cases, can lead to liver toxicity — is a relatively small increment in milligram consumption. Ibuprofen, naproxen and even aspirin can cause stomach upset, and even ulcers, when not administered at the right dosages. Outside the United States, more people use a balance of topical and external medicines. Topical pain relievers such as creams, gels, patches and sprays work locally and largely reduce, although they do not entirely eliminate, the systemic risk – accidental or otherwise – that OTC pain pills can present. Many people enjoy a few glasses of wine with dinner, or going out for beers after work. However, combining alcohol consumption with virtually all OTC pain relievers delivered in a pill label is against labeled use. According to the National Institutes of Health publication on alcohol and metabolism, liver damage can occur with as few as four to five extra strength acetaminophen pills consumed with varying amounts of alcohol. For a list of commonly used medicines that can interact adversely with alcohol, visit this National Institutes of Health page. There are a variety of non-invasive techniques, procedures, specific acu-points and philosophies surrounding pain relief worldwide. With a topical, you can deliver much less medicine to the body because you’re applying it directly at the site of pain. If meds are needed, I encourage patients to use as directed. It is important for pain sufferers to know their options and consider treating mild to moderate pain locally to improve their pain relief outcomes. Integrating a holistic approach is extremely effective without the side effects. If considering acupuncture, remember...the acupuncture needle is a part of history while the laser is part of the present and has replaced the needle. Also remember that if your body is not healing, there is a biochemistry component you are missing as to why your body is not healing. Specific laboratory testing may be needed to uncover the root cause. Be patient with your body! Dr. Aristotle's Article published in Physicians News Digest To help uncover the root cause of infertility problems there are 3 things to consider:
 Many are now combining integrative medicine with fertility clinic procedures to increase the odds of a successful pregnancy. The success rate is strong although there are a variety of medical conditions that may render a couple childless despite the best efforts of procedures. “As a nurse, I am generally surrounded by anti-natural approaches to health problems. I decided to try the integrative approach for infertility. I lived far away and wasn’t able to make every treatment but after three months I discovered I was pregnant!” In addition to a detailed medical history, the first step is to measure the energy flowing in the meridians through the female reproductive organs and make sure there are no blockages coursing through the uterus and ovaries. This is done vis the meridian imaging shown in the video at the top of this page. WHEN IS INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE AN OPTION? Integrative care may begin when a woman tries to conceive, before initiating fertility treatments, after several unsuccessful months/years of trying or during the first several weeks of pregnancy.  ONCE PREGNANCY OCCURS THEN WHAT? Most patients choose to continue treatments to support their pregnancy and the overall well-being of the mother and support the growing child. Many benefits include stress reduction, nutrition, helping with nausea, and structural support for low back pain relief when the body is shifting. A patient consulted our office that had visited a fertility clinic. She successfully became pregnant with triplets. However.... one of the triplets was not developing properly and was potentially creating a life threatening burden for the other two. In fact it was a situation that was going to possibly require a selective reduction (reduce the number of fetuses). The Mother decided to wait. We analyzed and located the blockages in the meridian system, corrected imbalances associated with the nervous system and integrated homework for the patient. Result: The procedure was not needed and today the patient has 3 healthy children. HOMEWORK FOR INFERTILITY Once the meridians have been balanced via a meridian analysis, there are also targeted Acupoints needed to support the pregnancy. Here is a list of common solutions using specific points depending on your unique situation. 1. Help protect pregnancy and early pregnancy support. 2. Nourish the emotions and reduce the stress associated with prior pregnancy attempts (if needed). 3. Benefit the uterus and promote conception/fertility 4. Nourish ovaries. 5. Calm the mind and prepare for IVF. 6. Benefit the embryo before and after transfer.  “A 40-year old female scheduled for a 3rd attempt at a local fertility clinic. She was losing hope but was told how the meridians may help enhance the success rate of of in-vitro fertilization by supporting the blood flow throughout the reproductive organs. She was treated 2 times a week for a 3 months before the IVF procedure with follow-up support. Using the Acupoints needed for fertility support and performing a meridian analysis of which consisted of many energy blockages flowing through the reproductive organ system we were able to help prepare her for the fertility clinic procedure. Shortly after the fertility clinic procedure she was informed it was a success!” TOXICITY RESULTING IN INFLAMMATION We are all are exposed to high levels of environmental toxins. Over the years the body can accumulate toxins from the air, food and water including substances we apply on our skin. Many of these toxins get stored in the various tissues of the body including the female reproductive organs and eventually will become part of the baby’s circulatory system while pregnant.  For example, researchers examined data from studies around the world, covering nearly 3,000 mother-child pairs. They discovered that every 10-fold increase in a mom’s flame-retardant toxins levels led to a drop of 3.7 IQ points in her child. Pre-pregnancy programs integrate targeted laboratory analysis to determine your current state of toxicity; nutrition and detoxification capabilities. Then a custom detoxification and nutrient support protocol will be completed. We do not recommend a detoxification program during pregnancy. However, there are other options for the various symptoms as shown below. LABOR Did you know there are meridian points that have been shown to help support painful uterine contractions? They work wonderfully for signaling the meridian system of the body to assist labor at full term. This support care is completely safe. Labor induction with this approach was recently shown in a study to reduce medical inductions by 35-43%, the use of epidurals by 31% and emergency Cesareans by 32%. A patient was overdue a few weeks and consulted our office. We did a meridian analysis to help uncover any energy blockages. There were splits shown on the Meridan coursing through the uterus. We balanced the meridian then sent the patient home with "homework points." In 3 days, I received a call and they had delivered a health baby boy!  POST-PARTUM DEPRESSION AND RECOVERY
After giving birth, a mother’s hormones can shift dramatically which shows up both physically and emotionally. Meridian Therapy helps moderate hormonal changes to assist in the transition back to normal. Nutrition and Chinese herbs will also help speed recovery and stabilize the mood. Care also will help stabilize the structural changes that occurred while the body begins to recover on the structural level. If you have questions, give a call for a consultation. 310.734.0951 or complete our online form at www.DrAristotle.com  We all know how antioxidants are great for us. They act as a friendly police force, helping us fight free radicals. Without antioxidants, free radicals run chaos throughout the body causing cell damage as they go. When I first heard about hydrogen water, I was skeptical because hydrogen is so abundant, why had we not realized the power of this element years ago? Turns out we had been missing a very important possibility that has been right under our noses all along. Molecular hydrogen has so many wonderful benefits and acts as a powerful antioxidant neutralizing free radicals that contribute to disease progression. 1. Hydrogen acts as an antioxidant
Hydrogen gas acts as powerful antioxidant and has been shown to protect cells from even the most cytotoxic reactive oxygen species. Specifically, inhalation of H2 gas has been shown to suppress brain injuries through these effects. 2. Hydrogen supports your body’s antioxidant system H2 supports your body’s natural antioxidant system by signaling pathways associated with the prevention of disease. 3. Hydrogen is anti-inflammatory In animal studies, hydrogen gas has been shown to be extremely anti-inflammatory. While we could use more studies on humans to back these initial findings, research on patients with rheumatoid arthritis are extremely promising. 4. Hydrogen may help reduce pain As mentioned above, the effects of hydrogen on patients with rheumatoid arthritis have shown a significant decrease in pain. This pain relief is due to the reduction in oxidative stress caused by the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of hydrogen gas. 5. Hydrogen protects your muscles In an animal study, hydrogen water prevented muscle wasting in mice that had muscular dystrophy. Hydrogen also boosted the natural production of glutathione which is often called our master antioxidant. The effects of hydrogen on athletes and exercise is a promising area worth keeping your eye on. 6. Hydrogen can speed up sport-related recovery Hydrogen water has been shown to reduce muscle fatigue in elite athletes after intense exercise. This is because it reduced lactic acid buildup, which improved muscle function. 7. Hydrogen can help balance the pH of the blood Hydrogen water has also been shown to have an alkalizing effect in the blood. This is especially beneficial to people who are extremely physically active because extreme exercise can cause metabolic acidosis. 8. Hydrogen affects cell modulation Hydrogen appears to have effects in the cells that help them maintain homeostasis and healthy modulation. Through healthy gene expression and cellular metabolism, hydrogen positively affects cellular processes on many different levels. 9. Hydrogen is neuroprotective Hydrogen has been shown to reduce damage to the brain in Parkinson’s patients. It’s also shown to have generally neuroprotective properties due to its ability to fight oxidative stress. 10. Hydrogen is protective against metabolic conditions Studies have found that hydrogen increases insulin sensitivity, decreases blood sugar, and blood cholesterol levels. These effects make hydrogen up potential therapy for fighting obesity, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. 11. Hydrogen boosts your mitochondria Your mitochondria are the powerhouse of your cells, which makes them directly responsible for your energy levels day to day. Clinical studies on hydrogen-rich water have found that it improves mitochondrial function. 12. Hydrogen protects against DNA damage Hydrogen gas has been shown to significantly protect DNA against radiation damage. It does so by scavenging hydroxyl radical formation. 13. Hydrogen can calm allergic reactions With allergies on the rise across the world, this is an interesting observation. Studies have found that in animals, hydrogen can sometimes calm allergic reactions. The way hydrogen appears to calm allergic reactions is by modulating cell processes and restoring homeostasis. It seems that hydrogen restores healthy processes throughout the body, which makes it a good idea for just about everyone to consider taking. 14. Hydrogen is protective against cancer Hydrogen appears to be protective against cancer. At this point, it probably doesn’t surprise you since you know how hydrogen can protect against oxidative stress and damage to the DNA. Hydrogen has also been observed to help reduce side effects of chemotherapy in some patients. 15. Hydrogen protects organs Hydrogen has been observed to be protective against damage to numerous organs including the brain, pancreas, heart, liver, eyes, and lungs. This is believed to be because of hydrogen’s anti-inflammatory, antiapoptotic, and oxidative stress fighting effects. Dr. Aristotle's Personal Note: As I mentioned, I feel molecular hydrogen is going to be one of the next biggest buzzwords in the health industry. To be ahead of the game I've paired up with the best molecular hydrogen supplement on the market. Vital Reaction makes tablets, inhalers, and other products for delivering molecular hydrogen to your body. When you use the VR code A90210 at check out, you’ll receive 10% off all products. The code A must be capitalized.. Please also share this article with your friends and family because molecular hydrogen might be one of the simplest additions they can make to their life today that has incredible health benefits. Resources:
PS VR discount code is A90210. “The power that made the body heals the body.. Sometimes called degenerative joint disease (DJD) or “wear and tear” arthritis, osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic condition of the joints. It begins when the cartilage or cushion between the joints breaks down leading to pain, stiffness and swelling. SYMPTOMS Symptoms include stiffness, especially first thing in the morning or after resting, and pain. Many joints may get swollen after extended activity.  RESEARCH
The January 28, 2019 issue of Osteoarthritis and Cartilage showed that patients with mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis who used joint injections of corticosteroids experienced accelerated progression of osteoarthritis compared to those those in a matched group who had not received joint injections. Another study showed that quarterly corticosteroid injections for knee osteoarthritis increased cartilage loss without providing any clinical benefit, according to a randomized controlled trial published in an issue of The Journal of The American Medical Association JAMA."Although the cartilage loss was not associated with worsening of symptoms, rates of cartilage loss have been associated with higher rates of arthroplasty, raising the possibility of potential for longer-term adverse consequences on the health of the joint," write Timothy E. McAlindon, MD, MPH, from Tufts Medical Center in Boston, Massachusetts, and colleagues. OPTIONS Reduce inflammation by determining the root cause. Heavy metal toxicity will be a problem contributing to inflammation and joint pain. Remove imbalances that may be occurring in the joint by evaluating your current meridian status. Balance any structural problems in a joint. If you or a loved one are experiencing joint pain, have tried everything and would like to consult with me and receive a Wellness Score Report with analysis at our N Rodeo Drive clinic location…..give us a call at 310.295.1078. How Long Will It Take To Heal? Far too often in the health care profession, a patient is told after extensive examination, "There is nothing wrong," or "Sorry, you'll have to learn to live with it. ”The examining doctor, unable to find the root cause of the problem, has little else to tell the patient. Fortunately, many physicians are now referring their patients for a different wellness approach and evaluation.  Once a meridian analysis, medical history, physical examination and labs have been completed and if the case accepted……. the next common question… How long will it take? A small number of patients will experience a worsening of symptoms as the body's energies are returning to normal. This is normal and no need for alarm. It’s followed by improvement as part of the usual healing process.  Wellness care also relies on your self-healing abilities. For acute problems where there has been little or no organ system or tissue damage, results are often permanent. For chronic conditions and depending how much tissue damage exists, symptoms may return from time to time.
Common factors that influence healing:
Some issues that include calcium deposits, ligament instability, muscle damage or scar tissue can make it difficult to correct BUT supportive care can help keep symptoms at bay and slow progression. If you have questions about your health problem and factors that are slowing your recovery, ask! Our primary interest is your health and well-being.  It’s hard to miss the necessities of collagen proteins these days. Whether it’s in the form of homemade bone broth or collagen powders, collagen-rich items are now the “go-to” product to help slow the effects of aging. Dietary collagen can be helpful for supporting the body’s collagen structures. Did I Always Have That Wrinkle? As crazy as that sounds, over the years, I’ve said that on numerous occasions staring at the person in the mirror! Collagen breakdown begins as early as in your 20s. And the breakdown continues… Year after Year……. And it gets worse. As we age the body produces less collagen as we age over time. So, it can’t “hold up” your skin as well as it used to. Some believe this is one of the reasons for aging skin, uneven skin tone, brittle nails, and other signs that give away your age. Over time epithelial & dermal layers get thinner due to loss of collagen, elastin, proteoglycans and water binding capacity. This results in wrinkles, dryness, loss of tone & elasticity, cellulite, and “crepe-like” appearance. Why would you want to support collagen and maintenance? Well, collagen accounts for as much 40% of all the protein in the human body, especially connective tissue (skin), including blood vessels. Here’s how collagen supports us as a percentage of the protein in the following tissues:
Compared to other proteins, collagen has a special amino acid combination thats crucial to your body. It’s the braid-like three protein strands woven together that lends collagen its strength as well as its flexibility, which we see in some of the tissues above. Oh yes! We stretch, run, do yoga and Pilates while our blood vessels expand and contract thanks to the structural properties of collagen. Here’s the science behind it all for the curious ones. Collagen proteins are rich in something called hydroxyproline. This is the amino acid proline, modified by adding an additional component. Hydroxyproline accounts for around 12% of the amino acids in collagen. Collagen also contains a high amount of the amino acid glycine (about 22%) which is found in the dietary protein which provides the building blocks for collagen, but ingesting pure collagen itself ensures a combination of these critical raw materials. Many of us don’t consume enough daily protein. Even those with a higher protein intake, the richest sources of collagen—animal skins, bones, and tendons—are not typically part of the modern Western diet. (Tendon soups and stews are popular in East Asia.) Fortunately, powdered collagen protein is now available, and it can be incorporated into shakes, smoothies, and other foods and beverages (including coffee). (You can use it to make homemade jello, gummies, puddings, and other gelatin desserts.) Collagen powder is also an easy (and tasty) way to get higher doses of this kind of protein than you might be able to get from sipping broth or eating chicken skin. Collagen proteins are helpful for a number of issues. Because of its primary structural role in certain tissues, collagen has been shown to help increase bone mineral density, support healthy blood pressure, improve nail growth and the appearance of skin wrinkles, and reduce some of the symptoms associated with osteoarthritis. Did you know collagen is a unique protein that…
#2 HAIR: The amino acids in collagen support the structural proteins in hair that encourage existing hair growth, thickness, and strength. #3 JOINTS: Collagen provides support to the body’s connective tissues and joints. #4 BONES: Collagen can help strong and healthy bone structure. #5 BRITTLE FINGERNAILS: Collagen supports fragile and brittle nails. #6 COLLAGEN PRODUCTION: Collagen has sources of amino acids that help the body naturally produce more collagen. #7 LEAN BODY MASS: Combined with resistance exercise, collagen supports lean muscle growth and muscle strength. #8 LIVER HEALTH: The glycine in collagen may also help support the liver. #9 ANTIOXIDANT FUNCTION: Collagen has antioxidant properties. #10 RESTFUL SLEEP: Due to its glycine content, collagen supports the quality of sleep in those who have occasional difficulty sleeping. My Collagen Choice I personally use the Whole Body Collagen (see below) because it contains 3 unique Collagen Peptide Blends:
Are you not feeling yourself when you wake up in the morning? Are tossing and turning at night trying to find that comfortable position? Chances are, if you have back pain it keeps you awake at night. Of course, researchers have found that chronic back pain significantly affects quality of sleep. Address sleep problems as an integral part of your pain management plan to prevent the progression of back pain (Marin et al., 2006).  Chronic back pain was found to affect several dimensions of sleep, including (Kelly, et al., 2011):
To prevent lost sleep at night and to improve next day performance capabilities, it is important to have proper sleeping posture. Proper sleeping posture supports your spine while you are asleep to prevent waking up feeling stiff and sore throughout the night. Sleep Solutions to Prevent Waking Up with a Stiff Back The best sleeping postures are sleeping on your back or your side. While sleeping on your back focus on relaxing your spine so your back, shoulders, and hips are comfortably touching the bed. Keep your legs extended out, or place a small pillow under your legs with your legs slightly bent. Laying on your back and allowing your legs to fall to one side or the other can cause excessive spinal twisting while sleeping. If you prefer to sleep on your side be aware of your posture by placing a small pillow between your legs. This will help keep your hips in a level position throughout the night. Check to see that your ear is aligned over your shoulder and your shoulders are aligned over your hips. This is a neutral posture with minimal stress to your back and neck. Support your body with good pillows, but not excessively fluffy pillows. I want you to feel comfortable at night and be able to fall asleep without pain. However, excessively fluffy pillows can create strain to your neck and do not support your head. You may experience headaches or neck pain from the use of too many pillows or very large pillows. (I see this happening too frequently) Once you find a comfortable position that supports your back focus on falling asleep in this posture. If you wake up throughout the night consciously put yourself back in the healthy sleeping posture and fall asleep again in this posture. You want to train yourself to sleep in a healthy position. This requires conscious repetition. Even if you wake up in a different position, simply move back into the healthy posture to fall back asleep. Take note of your posture when you wake up. Did you wake up in the same position or did you toss and turn throughout the night? Tossing and turning can reduce sleep quality leaving you feeling groggy in the morning. If you moved throughout the night put yourself back in the healthy posture before rising from bed. Train your brain and body to maintain a good sleeping posture. If you feel stiff in the morning when you wake up, take a shower then perform light stretches of the lower back before heading to work. Ease into the day with a good stretch and proper posture. Poor sleep is associated with many health consequences that can affect your performance at work, your mood, and how you feel during the day. To prevent fatigue the next day take care to sleep in a good position and create new posture habits that support healthy sleeping patterns. References:
 There’s a frightening pattern I'm seeing in patient's blood tests that needs your attention. My concern is the combination of dangerously low red blood cell (RBC) magnesium “and” low vitamin D levels seen in many comprehensive blood tests.. It’s important to know that if you consistently have low vitamin D levels, even though you take vitamin D, a magnesium deficiency may be the reason you can't correct it. Low magnesium levels could also make you a victim of a fatal heart attack. In addition to increasing your RBC magnesium levels, I recommend working on increasing your vitamin D levels to 75 nmol/L or more. Don't settle for a Vitamin D level of less than 50 nmol/L. It is not enough to support your healing or good health. The most current medical literature has shown that 5000IU per day is safe. You can increase as high as 10,000 IU. I'm seeing many health providers are still recommending 3-400IU per day. This is out-dated information. This level is enough to help prevent a disease called rickets. Much higher levels of vitamin D are needed for prevention and healing diseases such as diabetes, coronary artery disease, osteoporosis, depression, recurrent infections, dental problems, etc. So the take away is make sure you have your red blood cell magnesium levels in conjunction with vitamin D levels properly tested. By the way, I mean red blood cell magnesium NOT serum magnesium. There's a big difference! For help getting tested for Vitamin D or RBC Magnesium, give us a call.  Not all lectins are evil. Some reports are simply making broad statements that are scaring too many people. Lectins are made by plants to help protect themselves in nature.  As for beans, an article in the Archives of Internal Medicine showed that eating a few servings a week cuts heart attack rate by 22%. Beans also have effects on reducing blood pressure and block an enzyme for which many people take a drug. Don’t forget the macrobiotic diets that include beans and the positive effects with cancer patients.
As a patient you already know the techniques I use support brain health. The brain communicates with your body and the care you receive enhances your neurology. But what happens when there is a disorder of the brain itself? One of the things we first notice is memory loss. Now, "remember" we must also take a look at the biochemistry of the body and.... There are exciting things happening in the area of brain research to help with disorders of the brain. I initially discovered this approach in 2010 but was still somewhat skeptical back then. I'm always reminding myself, "The frog in the well knows not of the great ocean beyond...but only sees the sky above." This is certainly one of those seeing beyond items. I have observed hundreds of studies on this topic and am excited to see the results evolving. Read on.... Photobiomodulation (PBM) describes the use of red or near-infrared light to stimulate, heal, regenerate, and protect tissue that has either been injured, is degenerating, or else is at risk of dying. Yes, please re-read that last sentence. One of the organ systems of the human body that is most necessary to life, and whose optimum functioning is most worried about by humankind in general, is the brain.  The brain suffers from many different disorders that can be classified into three broad groupings: traumatic events (stroke, traumatic brain injury, and global ischemia), degenerative diseases (dementia, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's), and psychiatric disorders (depression, anxiety, post traumatic stress disorder). There is some evidence that all these seemingly diverse conditions can be beneficially affected by applying light to the head. There is even the possibility that PBM could be used for cognitive enhancement in normal healthy people. In this transcranial PBM (tPBM) application, near-infrared (NIR) light is often applied to the forehead because of the better penetration (no hair, longer wavelength). Some workers have used lasers, but recently the introduction of inexpensive light emitting diode (LED) arrays has allowed the development of light emitting helmets or “brain caps”. This research review article will cover the mechanisms of action of photobiomodulation to the brain, and summarize some of the key pre-clinical studies and clinical trials that have been undertaken for diverse brain disorders. To order and download a free copy of the research article click here: http://www.draristotle.com/store/p12/brain Here's another research article surrounding Home Treatment For Dementia.. Significant Improvement in Cognition in Mild to Moderately Severe Dementia Cases Treated with Transcranial Plus Intranasal Photobiomodulation Aug 2017 Abstract Objective: This study investigated whether patients with mild to moderately severe dementia or possible Alzheimer's Disease (AD) with Mini-Mental State Exam (MMSE) Baseline scores of 10–24 would improve when treated with near-infrared photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy. Background: Animal studies have presented the potential of PBM for AD. Dysregulation of the brain's default mode network (DMN) has been associated with AD, presenting the DMN as an identifiable target for PBM. Materials and Methods: The study used 810 nm, 10 Hz pulsed, light-emitting diode devices combining transcranial plus intranasal PBM to treat the cortical nodes of the DMN (bilateral mesial prefrontal cortex, precuneus/posterior cingulate cortex, angular gyrus, and hippocampus). Five patients with mild to moderately severe cognitive impairment were entered into 12 weeks of active treatment as well as a follow-up no-treatment, 4-week period. Patients were assessed with the MMSE and Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale (ADAS-cog) tests. The protocol involved weekly, in-clinic use of a transcranial-intranasal PBM device; and daily at-home use of an intranasal-only device. Results: There was significant improvement after 12 weeks of PBM (MMSE, p < 0.003; ADAS-cog, p < 0.023). Increased function, better sleep, fewer angry outbursts, less anxiety, and wandering were reported post-PBM. There were no negative side effects. Precipitous declines were observed during the follow-up no-treatment, 4-week period. This is the first completed PBM case series to report significant, cognitive improvement in mild to moderately severe dementia and possible AD cases. Conclusions: Results suggest that larger, controlled studies are warranted. PBM shows potential for home treatment of patients with dementia and AD.  Ordering Tip If you are interested in the intranasal light devices or have product inquiries please contact https://vielight.com and use office code HEAL to receive our professional order pricing.    Your child is having a bad day....Difficulty Swallowing? Fever? Swollen Glands? Earache? Yep…your child's immune system is working overtime. If too frequent, then children’s tonsils are often surgically removed to help treat the symptom. Are There Options to Surgery? Let’s first look at recent research. A study of almost 1.2 million patients suggests that children who have their tonsils or adenoids removed before age 9 are at higher risk for respiratory, infectious, and allergic diseases up to the age of 30 years. Yes, up to 30 years old! That means kids are at higher risk through grade school, middle and high school, college and beyond! "We found that tonsillectomy was associated with a nearly tripled risk of upper respiratory tract diseases, and that adenoidectomy was associated with doubled risk of [chronic obstructive pulmonary disease] and upper respiratory tract diseases and nearly doubled risk of conjunctivitis," -Dr. Sean Byars, University of Melbourne in Victoria, Australia, Another study in the Journal of Clinical Chiropractic Pediatrics indicated a strong correlation between spinal adjustments and the suppression of ear infections. Out of the 332 children, ranging in 27 days to 5 years old, 80% of the children did not experience another ear infection in the 6 months following the study. These children were given an initial series of spinal adjustments and then maintenance adjustments every 4 to 6 weeks. (Journal of Clinical Chiropractic Pediatrics. 1997; Volume 2, No. 2:167-183.) What Can You Do? Locate the root cause. As a last resort, parents bring their children for a spinal examination and meridian scan. I then explain a few things.... Imbalances in the spine are called subluxations, which result in health problems. Spinal or meridian problems may be the root cause why your child’s body can’t defend itself properly through the immune system. Tonsils are a crucial part of the body's immune system. They are one of the first line defenses against respiratory invaders, bacteria and viruses that enter through a child’s mouth and nose. Cutting out the tonsils means to remove an important part of a child’s ability to fight respiratory infections. Mother Nature created tonsils as part of the lymphatic system. This system is important in prevention and healing of illness. Root Cause? The ducts leading away from the tonsils travel through the muscles of the neck. It’s necessary for those muscles to create a pumping effect on the lymph fluid to help keep the immune system strong and resilient. A spinal subluxation in the neck can produce irritation of the nerves, which causes muscles to contract. This restricts lymph flow in the neck. In children, the lymph ducts are smaller than those in adults and are more easily blocked and prevented from doing their job of defending the body from foreign invaders and draining the waste products away from the area. Result? Sore throat, earaches, etc.  Solution A subluxation of the neck can cause muscle contractions, which slows lymph flow and reduces the capacity of your child’s immune system to function (and yours too if this is the case). This is a common reason for repeated, chronic illness. To help your child heal, when evaluating the neck, it's important to uncover areas of fixation and immobile area in the spine. Then a meridian scan will help you identify blockage in the neck's meridian system. My Child Is Sick Today... Should He/She Get Checked For Neck Subluxations? Yes. To help support the healing process, patients bring kids in to check for subluxations and meridian imbalances and correct them when needed. Of course it’s best to get checked for subluxations and meridian imbalances as a maintenance family protocol a few times a year or when there has been a bad fall or sport injury. I recommend integrating gentle spinal and meridian corrections. The use of soft tissue techniques to help return normal function of the neck and related spinal muscles are preferred by most parents. For meridian treatment needles are a problem with kids. I suggest soft Laser Acutherapy to balance meridian energy flow. This approach helps restore your child’s body to support the healing Mother Nature intended so they start feeling better...naturally. What Causes Neck Subluxations and Meridian Imbalances? In addition to the nutritional issues not discussed here, most children develop spinal subluxations or meridian imbalances simply from the life of being a kid playing, jumping and falling, with all the associated minor accidents and falls which children frequently experience. Food, toxins and other external factors may also play a role. A regular check-up with a meridian evaluation and spinal examination is similar to a dental check-up in that Prevention Is Key! If you have more questions, give me a call or schedule a Meridian Scan and Spinal Examination for your child. 310.734.0951  Dr Aristotle voted as one of Los Angeles Magazines' Best Chiropractor 2018. I owe it all to you… I was just informed that I have been voted as one of Los Angeles Magazine's Best Chiropractors for 2018….. and I’d love for you to be a part of it! If you have health issues or are sick and tired of being sick and tired—I’d like to return the favor by offering everything I have to offer at a substantial discount. For only 2 weeks ending on February 14th, and to help celebrate this award, we are doing something we’ve never done before. If you are a new patient or current patient I’d like you to receive a gift of 40% off your treatment session(s). This is for either our Beverly Hills or Monterey locations. We’ll keep time slots open for the first 20 new/current patients that schedule or until our appointments are full. Whether you need a booster treatment or are new to our office, your health is valuable and we want to make it easy for you to get the care you need. If you've been on the fence with a desire to change the way you heal and you’ve never received care…. then you are in for a treat. Many patients have shared; “I wish I met you years ago…before my health problems showed up.” Remember, small health problems can become big problems if not discovered early. We are committed to providing you with the best care available. Simply reference this letter and to help celebrate you'll receive 40% off our services until February 14th. (Valentines Day) Yes, this includes new examinations, treatments, Laser Acutherapy, Meridian Analysis, and the consultation/analysis for the blood test. You are important to us and this is our gift to you. You must mention this e-mail to receive your gift. Remember this ends February 14. Call 310.734.0951 to reserve a time for your professional care or online click here. Sincerely and in appreciation… Dr. Aristotle Economou “Thank you for changing my way of healing. I had been getting headaches every night and don’t have one tonight.” M.R. ~Business Owner During my treatment I could feel the stress melt away. I'm now able to work with more focus. H.A. ~Office Manager “I was exhausted every afternoon around 3pm. Now I have enough energy until I’m ready to go to bed!” B.H. ~Homemaker P.S. All family members are welcome to take advantage of this offer. If you are a new patient, this will be one of the most comprehensive examinations you’ve ever experienced. I will guarantee it. If you don’t feel this way at the end of your exam, you will receive a refund. “The power that made the body heals the body.. Change The Way You Heal, Dr. Aristotle Economou L.Ac.(Az),D.C.,Dipl.Ac.(IAMA) Author of Change The Way You Heal BH310.com P.S. Schedule a consultation for either concierge wellnss care or in office visits. Call 310.734.0951 to learn more. When inviting others to our office, please ask the new referral to mention your name. |
May 2020
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Dr. Aristotle EconomouDr. Aristotle understands the difficulties patients go through when dealing with a personal health challenge. In 2006, an event occurred that turned his life upside down and put his years of clinical experience in wellness healthcare to the ultimate test. Over a short period, the muscles in Aristotle’s body unexpectedly became paralyzed with only the ability to slightly move his hands at the wrists and blink his eyes.
Aristotle ended up in an intensive care unit (ICU), followed by a 72-day stay in a local hospital. He was told he may never walk again. Throughout the year, his healing journey continued while confined to an electric wheelchair and requiring around-the-clock care. With help and determination, Aristotle combined modalities from Functional Medicine, Eastern Medicine and unique techniques in Chiropractic and Tui Na. This resulted in the ability to rebuild his body mind and spirit, which was the foundation to his miraculous recovery including the ability to walk again.
Aristotle then wrote the book, Change the Way You Heal: 7 Steps To Highly Effective Healing. No matter how big or small your health problem, this inspirational book shows you how to maximize your healing abilities and resources using the same methods he implemented in his own recovery. |
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