Food allergies and sensitivities are all the rage. Going 'gluten-free' is almost a fad these days. You are likely reading about it in magazines and hearing about movie stars trying it. Well, just like antioxidants in blueberries and omega 3 in fish oil, food sensitivities are something us Naturopaths and Clinical Nutritionists have been preaching for decades. In my own practice of twenty plus years, not a week has gone by that I haven't taken someone off of one or another foods to help them turn their health around. A great many people are eating foods everyday that their bodies don't process very well. When they do, it causes inflammation in the intestinal tract, and that can create conditions both subtle and gross such as low energy, brain fog, gas and bloating, headaches, rashes and much more. I have hundreds of success stories I could share. Here are two. One woman came to me complaining of daily headaches for the past 30 years. Mayo Clinic did not help, nor did any of the other dozen clinics she went to. She came on referral from one of my patients and told me her story. Within the first ten minutes I determined that she had a dairy sensitivity as well as a fungal (yeast) overgrowth. She started eating dairy free and clearing out the yeast, and in less than a week her headaches were gone and have not come back. Another patient presented with fatigue, gas and bloating and GERD (reflux and heartburn). I determined that he had an intolerance to gluten (not as bad as Celiac's) and several other common foods. Removing those foods and taking some intestinal herbal remedies cleared his condition within two weeks. Both of these case studies are representative of the experience most patients have when they come to me for food allergy and sensitivity testing. I have also had patients who were being treated for neck or back problems and no other major complaints whom I ran my testing on just to see and whom showed sensitivities to certain foods. Going off the foods that tested positive resulted in them having more energy, better sleep, less colds and sinus problems, clearer skin and less headaches, to name a few. If you are experiencing nagging health issues, please consider making an appointment so we can look at any food sensitivities, allergies and/or other underlying issues. Health is our greatest wealth, and I'm here to help you feel rich! Add Comment [This article, frum Brie Zeltner, the Plain Dealer, on Cleveland.Com, speaks to the increase in popularity in using alternative therapists including Chiropractic, Therapeutic Massage and nutritional supplements. At Live Well Holistic Health Center, patients typically see powerful results from all three of these therapies for a wide variety of conditions. Following is the article.] Alternative therapies have hit the mainstream, if Consumer Reports readers are any indication. A recent survey, released July 21, showed that about 75 percent of the more than 45,000 people the magazine polled were currently using some form of alternative or complementary medical therapy. That included vitamins, with 71 percent of respondents taking them, or mind-body therapies like yoga and massage, which about 20 percent reported using. As a 2009 Consumer Reports survey also indicated, most people felt that hands-on therapies were the most effective alternative methods of treating their ailments, but rated prescription medication more effective than alternative remedies for most conditions. Back pain and neck pain, notoriously difficult to treat, were two conditions forwhichan alternative remedy, chiropractic, won out over prescription drugs. Of the 36 percent of people who used the technique for back pain, 65 percent said it "helped a lot" for their pain, whereas only 53 percent said the same for prescription drugs. Readers with fibromyalgia, a complex chronic-pain syndrome, said that deep-tissue massage was the most effective treatment for them, rating it just slightly higher than prescription drugs. The magazine asked about several other ailments that are often hard to diagnose or treat, and lead many to complementary and alternative medicine, or CAM,therapies for relief. While prescription medication was the most helpful therapy for these -- irritable bowel syndrome, digestive problems, depression, anxiety, headache and migraine, insomnia, cold and flu, and allergy -- alternative therapies weren't too far behind in some cases. A total of 47 percent of people used multivitamins or supplements like fish oil or vitamin B complex to treat depression. More than 40 percent of people with anxiety used deep breathing exercises, and 34 percent of them said this helped them a lot. Many of the most popular CAM therapies are also the most effective -- probiotics for irritable bowel;meditation for insomnia, anxiety and migraine; and chiropractic and massage for back pain. This is borne out by the results of the high-quality but sadly very small body of scientific research being funded by institutions like the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, part of the National Institutes of Health. If three out of four of us are really using these therapies at any given time, let's hope that body of research continues to grow. Do you feel low energy or have problems concentrating? Are you getting sick too often, catching every cold or flu that comes along? Are you experiencing aches and pains that are slow to heal? Do you get frequent headaches? Are you worried about the spring coming and your allergy and sinus issues returning? Do you take medications that suppress symptoms but don’t fix the problem? Did you know that a comprehensive and well rounded natural medicine approach to your health can change all of the above? Nearly every condition is a combination of imbalances coming together. Factors such as spinal integrity, nutrition, toxicity and stress can interact to create various health conditions, or simply make you feel less than 100%. The approach we take at Live Well Holistic Health Center looks at the whole person and aims to address all of the possible contributing factors. Dr. Martin Orimenko is a multidisciplinary holistic doctor trained in chiropractic, acupuncture, massage, nutrition, ayurveda, energy healing and more. He always screens for the various possible contributing factors to any condition. When patients come to him, Dr. Martin corrects structural imbalances, assists people in cleansing and detoxifying, relieves tension, restores the even and balanced flow of energy in the body, addresses stress issues in people’s lives and helps people achieve optimum nutrition within their comfort zone. There are solutions to almost any health problem, and a well-rounded and comprehensive approach will always be the most effective and efficient approach. If you aren't feeling 100%, consider scheduling a complete natural health evaluation at Live Well with Dr. Martin Orimenko. Because without your health, you have nothing. Winter, with its dull skies and cold wet weather, is the heavy 'Kapha' season according to Ayurvedic medicine. Ayurveda describes three 'doshas' or qualities ascribed to all things. The Kapha dosha has the qualities of wet, cool, earthy and oily. It tends to bind, stabilize, lubricate and sustain. The winter season is a time for consolidation and containment and a time to shelter from the cold in rest and reflection. Kapha's qualities of nourishing and sustaining complement the season's inactivity, enabling the mind and body to quietly recharge in preparation for the new year ahead. To stay balanced and healthy during the winter, try to follow the general guidelines below. You will likely have fewer colds, feel less run down and be charged and ready for the new year. First and foremost, protect yourself from the elements and don't over extend your self. Even more than in the autumn season, a scarf is your first line of defense as the neck is the most vulnerable to the wind and cold, and it is the physical place where we catch colds, according to traditional Chinese medicine. Also as in the autumn, lubricate your nostrils and ears with oil or butter to protect those delicate vulnerable areas from the cold wind. Spend plenty of time indoors by the fire or with several candles, reading, writing, sipping tea, with a blanket...get cozy. It's healthy to get outdoors all year 'round, but in the winter wait for those days when the sun is shining and there is no wind. The Kapha times of day are from dawn to mid-morning and from early evening until about 10 p.m., and these are ideal times to counter Kapha's cold heaviness with some warming exercise to enliven a sluggish mind and body. Winter is not a time for inactivity, but it is a time for extra rest and recharging. So now it's time for a full extra hour of sleep compared to summer. The winter diet should be warming and substantial, with more whole grains, less fruit, lots of steamed or baked vegetables, especially root vegetables like carrots and potatoes, and more dairy and meats if these are in your diet. Soups are wonderful during the colder weather. Garlic, ginger and cayenne will add warmth and spice up your life. To thrive this winter, stay warm and cozy, get lots of rest, eat warming foods, and do your warming exercises. And of course, if you feel like you'd benefit from some extra support, we have wonderful natural supplements at Live Well to help with breaking up Kapha, warming the body, supporting the immune system, and recovering from any colds or flus more quickly. Bodywork, Massage Therapy, Gentle Chiropractic, Acupressure, Medicinal Aromatherapy or any combination of these powerful modalities are also available at Live Well. All of these modalities can be used as tools to help you feel your best, even at a time when the weather provides extra challenges. Soon enough, spring will be here! Autumn, with its crisp, cold weather, is ‘Vata’ season, according to Ayurvedic medicine. Ayurveda describes three ‘doshas’ or qualities ascribed to all things. The Vata dosha is often compared to the wind, being erratic and changeable, quick, cooling and drying. Autumn is a time of high energy, unpredictable weather, and increased activity. To counter the unbalancing qualities of this season, try to follow the general guidelines below. You will likely catch fewer colds, have less dry skin and chapped lips, and feel better overall. First and foremost, protect your neck from the cold and wind. According to traditional Chinese medicine, the neck is the most vulnerable to those elements and the number one way we catch colds. So never go out without a scarf. Second, begin shifting away from cold, raw foods like salads and cold cereal and toward warm, unctuous (more oily), nurturing, cooked foods such as oatmeal, soups and casseroles. Third, get a little extra rest by adding another half hour (and full hour by Winter) to your nights sleep. Lastly, a technique from Ayurveda to further protect yourself from the drying effect of the cold and wind is to take a little ghee, cooking oil or even butter on your pinky fingers and lubricate inside your nostrils and ears. Trust me, its great, and it really helps kids. So stay warm, get your rest, keep lubricated, and enjoy a cold-free Autumn. Join Siddiqa Salter, the "Renegade Aromatherapist", for a sublime evening of experiential learning. Siddiqa is a Master Aromatherapist who is passionate about using the gifts of Mother Nature to usher forth vibrant health and wellness on every level of your being. On Wednesday October 20th, she'll share:
We are excited to have Siddiqa here with us at Live Well on Wednesdays starting in October 2010. Siddiqa is a Master Aromatherapist, body worker, energy healer, coach, counselor, breath worker, yoga teacher, and an all around vibrant being. She comes to us at Live Well to share her gifts in a number of specialty treatment and teaching offerings. Call us at (610) 896-1554 to schedule your session with Siddiqa! About Siddiqa Siddiqa Salter is a Master Aromatherapist specializing in Medicinal Aromatherapy consultations, workshops, certification courses, and holistic wellness retreats. Her signature offering is The Total Body Bliss, a sublime experience in massage, energy work and essential oils. Siddiqa holds a Master's Degree in Spiritual Psychology from the esteemed University of Santa Monica and weaves her heart centered counseling skills into all that she does. Yoga is one her greatest joys and she holds numerous certifications in Kundalini, Prenatal and Hatha Yoga. Siddiqa currently teaches yoga at Cerca Trova Yoga Center in Havertown, PA. As a certified massage therapist, Rebirthing Breath Coach and Energy Worker Siddiqa brings a unique blend of modalities into her healing sessions. She hosts a popular weekly show called The Renegade Aromatherapist on Soulgarden.tv where each week she delves into the teachings of the Plant and Tree Kingdom sharing how one can practically apply this medicine to everyday life. She also teaches the Level 1 Wisdom of the Earth Medicinal Aromatherapy Certification Course that is a magical blend of both practical and esoteric teachings. Ask about her upcoming course dates. For over a decade Siddiqa has devoted her life to helping people listen to the innate wisdom of their bodies, make healthy choices and live life vibrantly with 100% therapeutic grade essential oils, yoga, cleansing and positive mental awareness. To learn more about Siddiqa please visit her website at: EssentiallySiddiqa.com SERVICES Medicinal Aromatherapy Consultation: Feeling tired, run down or frustrated with your health? Want more from your life? Ready to expand, uplevel and embrace yourself in the way Mother Nature intended? A consultation is the perfect way to get started. Siddiqa’s expert knowledge and pristine intuition enable her to create a customized essential oil protocol for your highest well-being. True Medicinal Aromatherapy addresses the entire being not just the symptoms. Anyone can sell you an essential oil but working with Siddiqa will empower you to discover your true health. Her clients have experienced freedom from pharmaceuticals, digestive issues, menopause discomfort, depression, migraines, and a myriad of other physical and emotional issues. Consultations are always about you, your life and your budget, never generic. 30 minutes $45 60 minutes $75 Medicinal Aromatherapy Session: Experience and in-depth consultation followed by a localized hands-on essential oil treatment that targets specific areas of need. Siddiqa combines honoring your questions and concerns with her strong intuition to create a powerful custom designed healing session. This treatment is perfect for those wanting assistance with colds, flu, headaches, localized pain or discomfort, digestive upset, mental clarity, and energetic and vibrational up leveling. Please wear loose comfortable clothes contusive to targeted essential oil application. Quick Fix: 30 minutes $55 Standard Session: 60 minutes $110 Total Body Bliss: signature treatment This unique and intoxicating total body treatment is a wellness experience like no other. After receiving your wellness consultation, relax on the massage table while being anointed with over 400 drops of the finest essential oils available today. Your body will be coaxed into a state of grace with the combination of essential oils, massage therapy and energy work. Anointing with the plant essences is an ancient and sacred tradition. Siddiqa is one of the only Master Aromatherapists in the world who anoints clients in this age-old way. The Total Body Bliss is the ultimate experience in relaxation, detoxification, release and pure communion with the Plant and Tree Kingdom. Be prepared to enter into the Divine! 1 hour 30 minutes $150 Private Yoga: An individualized session custom tailored for each client based on your physical level of strength, flexibility, knowledge, comfort and desired goals. Sessions are totally focused on you so that you get exactly what you need from your yoga experience. You will learn more about your body and its ability to heal itself with Siddiqa’s compassionate and loving approach to reaching your fullest potential. Siddiqa has worked with thousands of people from all walks of life and rejoices in assisting you decompress, breathe more fully and feel long and limber. Small yoga assignments will be given for you to practice between sessions. 1 hour $75 Our bodies heal themselves but, at times, need assistance in removing the interferences to their health potential. Our purpose is to enhance wellness and vitality by: 1) Removing interference to your body’s neurological control through spinal adjustments, 2) Removing interference to normal blood flow and good structural balance through bodywork (massage techniques), physical therapies and acupressure, 3) Removing toxins and malevolent organisms (such as candida-yeast) through cleansing and balancing the digestion and nutrition, 4) Removing the charge on emotional issues and stresses through NeuroEmotional Technique and teaching stress management techniques. We are here to serve the Philadelphia Area and beyond. Our Mission is to relieve suffering and restore health and to help our community become less dependent on medications and more reliant upon our body’s innate ability to heal through regular chiropractic care, good nutrition, exercise and a positive mental attitude. We specialize in difficult health challenges in infants, children and adults. We utilize a variety of healing modalities to suit the patient and to be thorough. We offer hope, sincerity, love and optimism to our patients. Please don’t hesitate to ask us about your health issues and how we might help you. Let’s make this your best year yet! Live Well &Thrive! Bill's Experience: Bill had a horrible case of Poison Ivy – his face, hands, and shoulders were a mass of lumps and rashes. A friend of mine suggested Reiki to ease his discomfort and to dissipate the spread of the inflammation. Bill admitted to me of being skeptical and said he had never heard of Reiki until our mutual friend mentioned it. I explained the basics and began to work on him. As Reiki started to penetrate the irritation, Bill acknowledged a feeling of heat and tingling immediately. There are several reactions to receiving Reiki, mostly heat, cold, fluttering and tingling, however, these sensations do not need to be felt for Reiki to be affective. Bill contacted me the following day to say he could not believe the difference in his skin overnight. About two months later, Bill literally brought his friend Jake, suffering from Poison Oak to see me. It was so rewarding to see Bill become such an advocate for the Reiki modality. Gina's Experience: Gina is in her early 40’s and has been a client for years and visits regularly for monthly Reiki “tune-ups”. Gina first started receiving Reiki because she enjoyed the relaxation she felt during a session and the oomph she felt afterwards. As our work together progressed she noticed she wasn’t getting sick as often as she had in the past. She usually had three to four colds a year (!!) and was very susceptible to respiratory problems. Since receiving Reiki she rarely gets sick and feels much more relaxed in her day to day activities. Marlene's Experience: Anyone attuned to Reiki is able to work on themselves with the same effective results as when working on a client. About eight years ago I had to go through minor surgery. The procedure was performed in a doctor’s office, however it was invasive and time consuming. Before the surgery began I gave the doctor and attending nurse a “Reikied Rock.” They both looked at me, then each other, exchanging a glance between them that I could almost see in neon, “Coo-coo bird alert…let’s just go along with her.” They each stuck the rock into their pockets; I was prepped and the surgery proceeded. Two weeks later I went back to the doctor’s office for a post surgical visit and to have stitches removed. After the examination the doctor looked at me intently and said that if another physician examined me he would never know I had undergone such a procedure – he was really amazed. The doctor then asked me several questions about Reiki, which I was happy to answer. The next time I saw the doctor he told me he had been carrying the Reikied rock with him and even transferred it to his back pack when he went hiking. Of course, I was just one huge smile. When receiving a Reiki session you remain fully clothed but it’s suggested that you wear very comfy clothes. Reiki is a completely relaxing encounter besides being a means to boost your immune system with regular monthly sessions. You don't need to be ailing from any physical problem to be enriched by its affects. To schedule a Reiki session with me and experience its power for yourself, call Live Well Holistic Health Center at 610.896.1554. ‘Lu Rong’ is velvet antler or immature deer antler. It is a remarkable whole food product that has been used in oriental medicine for over 2,000 years. It is harvested from deer without harm to the animal, before the antler turns to bone, in its fast growing cartilaginous state. Scientifically it is very high in superior forms of chondroitin and glucosamine, with all their co-factors present. It has significant amounts of IGF-1 (insulin growth factor) which encourages absorption of the glucosamine and chondroitin and also stimulates cell growth and multiplication. It has ‘gangliosides’ which facilitate cell-cell communications and anti-inflammatory prostaglandins. It has ‘pantocrin’ which increases athletic performance and speeds recovery from injuries. It is anabolic and rejuvenating, helping to burn fat and build muscle. It is testosterone and libido enhancing. It is immune stimulating and free radical scavenging. Dr. Martin Orimenko highly recommends Lu Rong for any type of injury, for anyone wanting to increase endurance and athletic performance, for arthritis, osteoporosis and inflammatory conditions, for nerve degeneration, sexual dysfunction and to slow the aging process. It has helped women with delivery and helped babies and children with delayed walking and growth. Lu Rong is a remarkable product. We have found an excellent source which comes in 830 mg capsules with no fillers of any kind and at a very good price and of the highest quality. We always keep Lu Rong, in addition to a wide range of other natural supplements, in stock at Live Well Holistic Health Center. In his signature Holistic Health Visits, Dr. Martin uses Kinesiologic Analysis, a form of muscle response testing, to determine which nutritional supplements and dietary changes would correct your imbalances and best vitalize you. Dr. Martin Orimenko works with you to develop a customized program to help you reach your health goals. Call us at 610.896.1554 to learn more or to schedule an initial Holistic Health Visit. An initial Holistic Health Visit includes both a full consultation and a full treatment with Dr. Martin. We look forward to helping you on your journey to feeling fantastic from head to toe! |  About this BlogIn our journey down the road to vibrant health, we make discoveries and we gain insight. We'll share that wisdom here in our blog. You'll see posts from Traci Orimenko, Holistic Health Counselor and Office Manager at Live Well, and Dr. Martin Orimenko, Director of the Center. If we're lucky, we'll also have some guest posts from our Reiki Master and Massage Therapist too. Enjoy, Live Well & Thrive! ArchivesApril 2012 CategoriesAll |
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