 | | Services | | Acupuncture/Traditional Chinese Medicine | | Chiropractic | | Homeopathy | | Hypnotherapy | | Integrative Psychiatry | | Massage Therapy | | Polarity Therapy | | Reiki | | Thermography | | Transformational Psychology | | | | Acupuncture/Traditional Chinese Medicine | Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a system of healing that originated about 4,000 years ago. Using acupuncture, herbal medicine, qi-gong, dietary and lifestyle guidance, TCM has had great success in returning the body to a state of balance, thus alleviating symptoms of disease and restoring good health. TCM is unique in its approach because it seeks to treat the cause of disease, not merely the symptoms.
Acupuncture is a safe, painless and effective treatment that incorporates the use of very fine, disposable, sterile needles that are inserted into specific points on pathways called meridians that flow throughout the body. Acupuncture works by regulating the flow of energy (called ?qi?) through these meridians. It can produce a feeling of deep relaxation while it restores balance to the body.
Chinese herbal prescriptions are often combined with acupuncture to complete the treatment. Anywhere from 5 to 20 herbs may be used that are specifically chosen for the individual patient. Herbs are an important component in the healing process between acupuncture treatments. Simple qi-gong exercises and dietary advice may also be included to provide the patient with tools for self-healing. | | Back to Top | | | | Chiropractic | Your nervous system is your body?s fuse box. It controls and coordinates all organs, tissues, structures, and functions of the human body. It relates you to your environment, both internally and externally. The nervous system comprises your brain, spinal cord, and 31 pairs of spinal nerves, all housed and protected by the bones of your spine. When your vertebrae are in alignment, the spinal chord and nerve roots are properly protected. This allows mental impulses (life) to travel freely between the cells, the glands, and the brain. But since vertebrae are moveable, they can be displaced or misaligned. When vertebrae are misaligned, due to trauma, stress and chemicals, instead of protecting the nervous system, they injure it. This is called a vertebral subluxation, or simply a subluxation: a bone is out of place, pinching a nerve.
Our bodies have an innate healing intelligence that knows exactly what?s right for each one of us. It maintains proper balance within the body. When the vertebrae misalign, it cuts off that innate intelligence from expressing itself at its highest level. The cells supplied by the subluxated nerves are deprived of energy and information, and they begin to malfunction and perform without harmony. Balance is lost and overall performance suffers: a state of ?dis-ease? within the body. Chiropractic adjustment allows this innate intelligence to flow throughout the body unimpeded.
Subluxations rob a person of the ability to perform 100% on-the-job, at home, at school, in the community, and in society. The cost of subluxations to the human family is staggering!
The goal of a chiropractor is to restore performance ? to enable each individual to reach his or her highest potential. Ninety percent of subluxations are painless and may therefore go unnoticed by the individual. The chiropractor?s job is to determine if the spine is subluxated, and if so, to correct it. This is accomplished through a chiropractic adjustment. An adjustment takes pressure off of the nervous system by moving vertebrae back in place, thus restoring structural integrity to the spine and nervous system.
A chiropractic adjustment is a gentle thrust, typically done with the chiropractor?s hands, directed along the spine to correct subluxations. This restores the protective function of the vertebrae, and clears the nerve channels, allowing the body to communicate freely without interruption. Every cell affected by the subluxation may now work in harmony. The shackles of subluxations are now freed. With the limitations of subluxations removed, people are freer to be all that they were designed to be?developing their talents, skills, and capabilities for the betterment of themselves and others. | | Back to Top | | | | Homeopathy | Homeopathic medicine is a natural method of healing founded by a German physician, Dr. Samuel Hahnemann. It has been recognized for over 200 years as a safe and effective means of treating both serious and minor ailments. When you come to a homeopath for a consultation, we treat you, the whole person, rather than just your disease. Just as exercise keeps your body strong?and makes you feel good?homeopathy enhances your natural defenses and vital force to help restore your body to harmony and balance. Today it is accepted in many countries as a recognized medical treatment.
Picture a house with windows, doors, a roof, plumbing, all sitting on a solid foundation. An earthquake occurs. The house shifts on its foundation; windows break; pipes rupture; ceilings come crashing down. You engage a plumber to fix the pipes, a carpenter to mend the doors, and a roofer to replace the tiles.
But really it's the foundation that needs to be stabilized so that the rest of the house can be balanced, in its right place, and strong enough to resist future earthquakes.
Traditional medicine is like the plumber, the carpenter, and the roofer. It looks at the individual parts and makes them work. Homeopathy looks at the foundation and seeks to provide long-term solutions to your health problems.
Homeopathy is a natural system of healing that works by using a small dose of a substance to help stimulate the body's healing forces. Homeopathy is an effective & safe treatment that is gentle yet extremely effective when used properly. Homeopathy is based on the principle of the "law of similars." In other words, a substance that could cause symptoms in large amounts can facilitate healing in minute homeopathic doses.
Let's look at some examples: Coffee taken full strength acts as a stimulant and can make it hard to sleep; but the remedy Coffee Cruda, which is the homeopathic for of coffee can help with insomnia. The homeopathic remedy Allium Cepa (Red Onion) is used to treat the runny nose and watery eyes that occur with a cold or hay fever, the very symptoms it would cause if one were cutting a red onion.
Note that homeopathy does not diagnose illness. Rather, it addresses the underlying causes of your symptoms. | | Back to Top | | | | Hypnotherapy | While the American Medical Association approved of Hypnotherapy as a healing modality in 1958, it is an ancient healing art that has existed for thousands of years and utilizes the power of the mind for therapeutic purposes. In a comfortable, confidential, and safe environment, hypnosis may be used to access the subconscious mind to facilitate in communicating necessary changes for achievement and success. During the process of hypnosis, the critical mind is bypassed which allows the hypnotherapist to give effective and efficient suggestions for positive change.
Issues that may be successfully addressed include weight management, stress reduction, insomnia, pain management, performance anxiety and overcoming procrastination. People with chronic health issues often have had a ?significant emotional event? in the past that has not yet been resolved. Hypnotherapy not only helps to recall these events, but also expedites resolution and the healing process. | | Back to Top | | | | Integrative Psychiatry | Integrative Psychiatry is an approach towards psychiatric care that combines the best of allopathic psychiatry with Ayurvedic medicine and acupuncture.
It includes a multi-dimensional analysis and treatment plan, incorporating a fusion of treatment modalities uniquely designed for each individual and their state of imbalance. This may include medication, acupuncture, herbal formulations, aromatherapy, Western botanicals, diet, and psychotherapy.
The evaluations and treatments are all types of psychiatric conditions such as depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, and ADHD and is a certified buprenorphine provider.
| | Back to Top | | | | Massage Therapy | Massage therapy is given for the well being of the body and mind. This may include stress reduction, relief from muscular tension, spasm or pain, or for increasing circulation or energy flow. Massage helps to facilitate and aid the healing process of many different conditions. It has been proved that regular massage therapy can help to lower blood pressure, decrease anxiety and help treat pathologies such as sciatica, carpal tunnel, lower back pain, tension headaches and many other physical discomforts.
Other modalities of massage that may require additional training of the therapist are sports massage and prenatal massage therapy. Manual therapy pre- and post-sporting events and during training help many athletes recover from intense sporting activities, while pre- and peri-natal massage promote a healthy and enjoyable pregnancy for the mom-to-be.
Massage helps to relax the body and mind so that the body can better function on its own. Massage therapy is recognized as effective in reducing or managing pain, improving circulation and respiratory function, stimulating lymphatic flow, calming the nervous system, decreasing stress level, and improving immune system function.
Massage practitioners do not diagnose illness, disease or any physical or mental disorder, nor do they prescribe medical treatment, pharmaceuticals or perform spinal thrust manipulations. Massage is not a substitute for medical examination or diagnosis. | | Back to Top | | | | Polarity Therapy | Polarity Therapy is a comprehensive health system involving energy based bodywork, diet, exercise and self-awareness. It works with the Human Energy Field, electromagnetic patterns expressed in mental, emotional and physical experience.
In Polarity Therapy, health is viewed as a reflection of the condition of the energy field, and therapeutic methods are designed to balance the field for health benefit.
Polarity Therapy was developed by Randolph Stone, DO, DC, ND (1890-1981), who conducted a thorough investigation of energy in the healing arts over the course of his 60 year medical career.
Basic characteristics of the Human Energy Field are described in many sources, both ancient and modern. For example, the term "Polarity" refers the universal pulsation of expansion/contraction or repulsion/attraction known as Yang and Yin in Oriental therapies. Similarly, Polarity integrates the "Three Principles and Five Chakras of Aryuvedic tradition and at the same time, Polarity Therapy is tied to modern science, which has confirmed its essential theme of energetic relationship as the basis of all phenomena.
In a typical Polarity Therapy session, the practitioner assesses energetic attributes using palpation, observation and interview methods. Sessions usually take 60-90 minutes, do not require disrobing and involve both touch and verbal interaction.
In the Polarity model, health is experienced when energy systems function in their natural state; energy flows smoothly without significant blockage or fixation.
Blockages generally manifest in sequence from the subtle to the dense levels of the field. Polarity Therapy seeks to find the blockages and release energy to normal flow patterns and to maintain the Energy Field in an open, flexible condition.
| | Back to Top | | | | Reiki | Reiki is a hands-on healing technique that balances, realigns energy, and activates your own healing powers. It reduces stress, increases energy and focus, and enhances creativity.
Reiki is a Japanese word meaning Universal Life Energy, the energy that is inherent to all creation. It describes an ancient Tibetan energy balancing treatment. It is based on Traditional energy theory (Prana, Chi, Qi, Ki), and incorporates the meridian system of energy pathways running through the body.
Reiki is non-manipulative. Through loose clothing, the practitioner channels Universal Life Energy through their hands, helping to direct energy where it is needed.
Reiki is very relaxing and comforting. Some experience a deep meditative state, some fall asleep, and others become recharged. Some whose brains are on 'overload' simply enjoy giving up daily pressures for an hour and allowing their minds to quiet.
Reiki feels good. It is recommended as a treatment before and after surgery. It is helpful during illness, and can be used along with other conventional treatments. Reiki is recommended for people who feel perfectly healthy, to maintain an energetic balance which can help in the prevention of illness.
| | Back to Top | | | | Thermography | By Dr. Hillary Smith D.C.
What is thermography?
Breast Thermography (Digital Infrared Thermal Imaging ‘DITI’) is a 15 minute non invasive test of the physiology. It is a valuable procedure for alerting your doctor to changes that can indicate early stage breast disease.
The benefit of thermography is that it offers the opportunity of earlier detection of breast disease than has been possible through breast self examination, doctor examination or mammogram alone.
Thermography detects the subtle physiologic changes that accompany breast pathology, whether it is cancer, fibrous disease, an infection or a vascular disease. Your doctor can then plan accordingly and lay out a careful program to further diagnose and /or MONITOR you during and after any treatment.
How is thermography performed?
* Non invasive
* No radiation
* Painless
* No contact with the body
* M.D. approved
This quick and easy test starts with your medical history being taken. Thermography is a non invasive test. This means there is no contact with the body of any kind, no radiation and the procedure is painless. The first session provides the baseline of your “thermal signature”. A follow up session assures that the patterns remain unchanged. All of your thermograms (breast images) are kept on record and once your stable thermal pattern has been established any changes can be detected during your routine annual studies.
Who can benefit from thermography?
All women can benefit from breast screening with thermography. However, it is especially appropriate for younger women (30 - 50) whose denser breast tissue makes it more difficult for mammography to be effective. Also for women of all ages who, for many reasons, are unable to undergo routine mammography. This test can provide a 'clinical marker' to the doctor or mammographer that a specific area of the breast needs particularly close examination. There are no contraindications and it can be used for women who are pregnant, breastfeeding or have implants.
Is it safe for a pregnant or nursing woman to have a breast thermogram?
Yes, breast thermography is a safe procedure for any woman. However, during these periods the breasts are more highly vascularized (have more blood vessels) which can make baseline screening more difficult. When pregnant or breastfeeding, thermography is best used for screening of a specific complaints such as a lump, discomfort or infection. Ideally, baseline routine screening should be done 3 months after a woman has stopped breastfeeding.
What can breast thermography detect?
Thermography detects the subtle physiologic changes that accompany breast pathology, whether it is cancer, fibrous disease, an infection or a vascular disease. Your doctor can then plan accordingly and lay out a careful program to further diagnose and /or MONITOR you until other standard testing is positive. This allows for the earliest possible treatment. It takes years for a tumor to grow, and the earliest possible indication of abnormality is needed to allow for the earliest possible treatment and intervention.
Regular screening can provide an early alert for possible referral to mammography, sonography, or MRI to improve early detection by your doctor.
What is the difference between a thermogram and mammogram?
Breast thermography plays a role in early detection and monitoring of abnormal physiology (including breast cancer) and is considered a screening device. Mammograms are used to precisely locate an abnormal area and are considered a diagnostic tool. Breast thermography does not replace mammography. They are considered complementary to each other.
What are the early breast cancer detection guidelines?
One day there may be a single method for the early detection of breast cancer. Until then, using a combination of methods will increase your chances of detecting cancer in an early stage. These methods include :
* Mammography for all women who are aged 40 or older.
* Regular breast thermography (DITI) screening for women of all ages.
* A regular breast examination by a health professional.
* Monthly breast self-examination.
* Personal awareness for changes in the breasts.
* Readiness to discuss quickly any such changes with a doctor.
These guidelines should be considered along with your background and medical history.
Can thermography detect breast cancer?
It takes years for a tumor to grow thus the earliest possible indication of abnormality is needed to allow for the earliest possible treatment and intervention. Thermography's role in monitoring breast health is to help in early detection and monitoring of abnormal physiology.
Breast cancers tend to grow significantly faster in younger women under 50:
* AGE AVERAGE TUMOR DOUBLING TIME Under 50 years old 80 days
* Age 50 - 70 years old 157 days
* Over age 70 years old 188 days
Source: Cancer 71:3547-3551, 1993
The faster a malignant tumor grows, the more Infrared radiation it generates. For younger women in particular, results from thermnography screening can lead to earlier detection and, ultimately, longer life.
Doctors do not yet know how to prevent breast cancer. However you can increase your chances of detecting breast cancer in its earliest stages by understanding the need for, and participating in an early detection program. Only about 20 percent of biopsied breast lumps are cancerous. And, if cancer is found early, there are choices for treatment. With prompt treatment, the outlook is good. In fact, most women treated for early breast cancer will be free from breast cancer for the rest of their lives.
For more information please call Dr. Hillary Smith D.C.
818 769-4045 | | Back to Top | | | | Transformational Psychology | Transformational psychotherapy is a system to assist others in achieving and maintaining balance, peace and an inner sense of well-being. On a deeper level, it is about maintaining a connection to your innermost core; your authentic self. When you know yourself, you have clarity and wisdom. When you know yourself you can align with your soul?s purpose. You can know your Buddha nature and recognize it in others. This realization will transform your life and your actions
Your core is your true nature without any ideas, concepts, or beliefs about who you are. Many of us have built a false self from childhood based on things that were told to us. We?ve adopted a pseudo-self based on what was and is expected of us. Some of us believe if we behave in a certain way, people will love us. But this is an abandonment of the self.
Learned patterns and behaviors that are based on false beliefs keep us from experiencing our core/true self. But it is our core that allows us to experience the permanence of peace, love and joy. This center is the only place where everlasting peace exists and it is always available to us. We already are that. When we are trying to accomplish feelings of love or peace from outside ourselves we will always end up disappointed because things around us are constantly changing. That is why it is imperative that we stay connected to our heart center where love is eternal. Our core is the only reliable, consistent source of truth.
I work on all three levels: mind, body and spirit. By using different types of breathing techniques that allow the body to open and encourage emotions to surface quickly, we can calm the mind and get centered in our core. From here we discover where the blocks and holding patterns are in the body. Together, we can explore what emotions are behind those blocks. All trauma is stored in the body and will remain there if it is not addressed. If it remains for an extended period of time, it can develop into illness and dis-ease over time. I teach self release techniques when combined with the breathing to assist in the dissolving of energy blocks.. Sometimes memories are unlocked and material stored in our unconscious mind can be brought to conscious awareness to be worked through in the therapy. What is hidden cannot be healed until we shed light on it.
By combining illumination on past trauma while learning tools to deepen your connection to your authentic self, you can transform darkness into light. Your core is your constant source of strength and light.
I treat most issues such as depression, anxiety, grief, trauma, PTSD, chemical dependency, overeating, relationship issues, marriage counseling, life transitions, sexual identity, fear, anger, and more. Transformational psychotherapy is just a different style of healing but all issues are dealt with in a holistic manner by working on all three levels of mind, body and spirit. Everything is stored in the body; mostly on a cellular level. Some things are experienced before we were able to talk (pre-verbally) which is why we need to explore things through the body. The body will tell us everything we need to know. We just need to get present and turn our attention inward. | | Back to Top | | |
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