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! 
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We are walking barometers!  Just like animals and plants can sense changes in weather, so can many people. And many people do not realize that it’s the weather that is making them feel lousy.  Some of the meteorological variables implicated include: temperature, barometric pressure, rainfall, humidity, thunder-storm activity, sunshine, and the level of ionization of the air.  Rapid changes in temperature affect blood pH, blood pressure, urine volume, and tissue permeability. Our bodies react to cold by constricting the blood vessels in the periphery, making the heart work harder. A significant drop in barometric pressure leads to an expansion of air in isolated body cavities and of fluids in membranes. This can injure tissues in joints or muscles, causing aches and pain. Some people experience the same phenomenon during air travel when the cabin pressure drops during take-off.  In addition, bones and muscles have different densities. During temperature and humidity variations unequal expansion and contraction of these tissues may increase the pain in inflamed joints and injured muscles.

Winds can bring dramatic temperature changes and, more importantly, changes in electrical charge, and this can directly impact our moods.  Negatively charged ions in the air, such as those produced by ocean waves and waterfalls, make us feel positive and lift our spirits.  Positively charged ions make us feel down and agitated.  When warm, dry winds blow, dust attaches to negative ions and they lose their charge thus increasing the ratio of positive ions which means more negative mood. Humidity, pollution and high pollen counts also deplete negative ions. As long as the winds blow, the positive ions tend to accumulate.  In many cultures, seasonal winds are referred to as ‘ill winds’ or ‘winds of depression’. Such winds are associated with feelings of anxiety, stress, depression and sleepless nights around the world.  Studies show that when some of these winds blow, traffic accident, crime and suicide rates all rise significantly. In Traditional Chinese Medicine wind is considered a pathogen, just like a virus is considered a pathogen. 

There are a few cities where there are more negative than positive ions in the air: Niagara Falls, Canada; Sedona, Arizona; Mt Shasta, California; and Kauai, Hawaii. People living in these areas say they feel healthier.  A ratio of 5 negative to 4 positive ions produces a sense of well-being. ‘Sick building syndrome’ is more common today than it was 20 years ago. Most homes and offices are built to be airtight and when the heating or air conditioner is running this causes friction, which depletes the negative ions. Consequently, only the positive ions are left to re-circulate. Bacteria, mold, mildew and allergies thrive in positive ion air. Synthetic clothes and carpeting cause friction and deplete negative ions. Some natural fibers repel positive ions!  Nature has its own way of creating negative ions.  When it rains heavily negative ions are generated. That is why the air feels so refreshing and uplifting after a heavy downpour.

Medical conditions that are sensitive to weather changes include: rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, low back pain, gout, fibromyalgia, phantom limb pain, scar pain, headaches, trigeminal neuralgia, and pain influenced by mood disorders. Weather is also associated with changes in birth rates, sperm count, outbreaks of pneumonia, influenza and bronchitis.  In advance of a cold front, we often see showers and thunderstorms, and a decrease in barometric pressure. In these low pressure conditions some people feel edgy and their arthritis flares up. More than 50% of migraine sufferers say their headaches have a weather trigger, and studies confirm the relationship between the numbers of reported migraine attacks and rapid changes in barometric pressure.  One study found that migraines were most likely to occur on days with falling pressure, rising humidity, high winds, and rapid temperature fluctuations.

What Can You Do?
The following are some countermeasures that could improve your reaction to those malevolent weather fronts:  Avoid overheated and stuffy rooms; Go for full spectrum lighting, not fluorescent, (you may need to add you own incandescent or full spectrum flourescent lamps); Get plenty of fresh air and sunshine; Try enjoying the outdoors in all weather conditions; Open your windows more; Take alternating warm and cold showers;  Wear natural fiber clothing rather than synthetic; Go for hardwood and tile floors over synthetic carpeting; Ensure regular sleep; Have a balanced and healthy diet, (As part of my nutrition counseling, I typically suggest an anti-inflammatory diet high in vegetables and fruits and lower in animal products); Try anti-inflammatory supplements such as curcumin, boswella and bromelain as well as anti-histimines like quercetin, NAC and stinging nettles.

Consider coming in for a wellness visit with me at the Live Well Holistic Health Center.  In a visit with me, Dr. Martin Orimenko, I will use Kiniesiology and other non-invasive testing techniques to prescribe supplements and a diet that is personalized for you, your body, your health concerns and any health conditions you are working to overcome.




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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. 
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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!
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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.

 

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Upon waking one morning not long ago, I found the skin on my cheeks to be inflamed with rough and reddish patches of what looks like some sort of rash.  " Great", I thought. " I have a new client to meet in a hour.  Fabulous."  What could have caused this overnight skin reaction?  Oh, I don't know, probably gluten.  Maybe it was the dairy and possibly even the eggs....of the vanilla creme doughnut I ate yesterday. 

This is how I started my morning. Now to be clear, the doughnut was a treat for being very strict with my diet since returning from Costa Rica. It was just one little treat that might have bothered my stomach, but I honestly didn't see it being painted on my face the following morning. Yet this is what can happen when you're sensitive to certain foods, as I am.  We tend to think that you'll only end up with some digestive distress that will pass with time, however the reality is it can be a crap-shot as to how your body will react to consuming something on your "avoid list."  I periodically get this cheek rash, but never connected it with what I was eating until this incident.

In the grand scheme of things, it's rather inconvenient for anyone to always maintain a strict clean diet, especially if you've got a busy life.  So its not entirely uncommon to 'cheat' thinking that no one will know how badly the food affects you.  Yet, truthfully that not the most accurate  picture one can paint about food sensitivities.  In fact, most people believe that symptoms non-digestive in nature are completely unrelated to what they're eating. Think again. Food is a foreign substance, just like drugs. There can be side effects, but unfortunately Mother Nature doesn't provided any enclosed paperwork disclosing every potential side effect that could mess up your body's homostasis (natural balance).  Mind you, I'm not saying that food and drugs are the same because they aren't. However, they can and do affect the the body in varying ways depending on your own unique situation and background.

Even non-digestive issues such as acne, psoriasis, anxiety, depression, headaches & migraines, foggy thinking, fatigue, arthritis and asthma can be a consequence of a sensitivity.  The list of potential 'side effects' is actually longer than this, but these are a few that are non-digestive in nature.  It is worth considering what you could be doing to your body if you are, in fact, sensitive to something.  Long-term consumption can lead to all sorts of problems and poor health-holes that you probably would rather not stumble into.  I know from experience personally from struggling with IBS-like symptoms for many years of my adult life, chronic headaches, exhaustion, skin issues, and almost 20 lbs of extra stubborn weight that was actually systemic inflammation.  Plus, I work with clients who suffer from many of the same issues and have spent an incredible amount of time feeling sick as they bounce from doctor to doctor with no answers to show.  Though standard Western medicine doesn't always have the best approach to these sort of problems, there are clear steps available for everyone to take that can redirect the body back towards good health. 

As a certified health coach, I work with clients to make progressive changes in both diet and lifestyle based around individual goals.  Clients learn how to incorporate in new nutritious foods and cooking techniques which will support their unique health situation.  We work together to help you to understand food labels, feel comfortable at the grocery store, cleanse your pantry of 'bad' food, release old "bad" food habits with ease, and actually become creative  and confident in the kitchen.  All of this helps clients transition from foods which were causing all these chronic health problems to those that now enable and support good digestive health and general wellness.  

For further information about my services, articles, recipes and events, visit my website Evolving Well.  You may also contact me at (484) 682-2008 or jenfugo@gmail.com.
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MY PHILOSOPHY
Dr. Martin Orimenko, DC, ND, FIACA

     I believe that the body knows how to heal itself of nearly everything, but at times becomes stuck or overwhelmed.  It can be stuck or overwhelmed physically, chemically or emotionally.  A condition may have come on suddenly, or taken months or years to develop.  I believe many different healing techniques work and I choose to incorporate several of the best ones.  I use a variety of the best techniques from chiropractic, kiniesiology, ayurveda, massage, and acupressure.  I also believe that diet and nutrition play a critical role in our overall health.  Therefore I incorporate, when needed, recommendations for changes in diet, nutritional supplements and cleansing programs.  I also believe that emotions can interfere with healing and actually create certain conditions.  Therefore, I utilize a quick and painless emotional clearing technique called NeuroEmotional Technique when called for.   
   
     As an expert and an authority in facilitating the healing process, I will do my absolute best, using all that I know, to bring about healing for you as fast as possible, but I will need your full cooperation and commitment in order for us to have success.  This may mean agreeing to a treatment plan, changing your diet, taking certain supplements or adding a home exercise for example.  If we work together, my goal is to restore you to your optimal health and vitality!  

 



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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!

 
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It seems like every other person suffers from allergies in the Spring time in most areas of the country.  It can make you absolutely miserable and dramatically lower your quality of life for weeks at a time.  Helping people with allergies has always been a significant part of my practice and I’ve learned a lot over my 20 years in natural medicine.      

My basic message to readers is that ‘the outside reflects the inside.’ In other words, you will be susceptible to pollens, cat dander, dust, etc. that are outside your body, to the degree that your insides, namely your mucous membranes, are clogged, full of mucous, or otherwise imbalanced.   The mucous membranes are the lining of your alimentary canal that runs from mouth to anus.  The primary problem area is the intestinal lining.  This area is a perfect breeding ground for yeast (Candida albicans, a type of fungus).  With things like antibiotics, birth control pills, steroid drugs, tap water and a sugary diet all contributing to their growth, it’s no wonder it is such a prevalent health issue.  Yeast overgrowth also directly contributes to chronic sinus infections, chronic colds and bronchitis, indigestion, brain fog, low energy and lethargy, and indirectly to a long list of other conditions.  

The solution is balancing your intestinal tract by doing a little cleansing of a very specific nature for a few weeks. Restricting the foods that grow yeast and taking a good antifungal (natural, not Nystatin) can make a world of difference not only for allergies but for all the conditions mentioned above.  And the effects are permanent, notwithstanding doing all the things to encourage yeast growth again.  It’s not the only way to help allergies but in my experience the majority of people derive enormous benefit from this type of cleansing. 

I would be delighted to help anyone you know who is suffering from allergies.  In an initial Holistic Health Visit, I'd use Kinesiologic Analysis to determine the best anitfungal for you, and in addition to giving you a full consultation and treatment to address your allergies, we'd get you set up with a cleansing program (typically 3 weeks, though it differs for everyone) to address your systems and the root of the problem.

There's no reason to continue to suffer with allergies!  Call us at 610.896.1554 and schedule an appointment today to start feeling better in as soon as a week from when you start a cleanse program specialized to your needs.
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Years ago a holistic doctor friend told me about this liquid whole food supplement that would help lots of different patients heal and feel great.  He was right!  

‘Body Balance’ has been my number one supplement for the past 8 years.  Loaded with 121 naturally occurring nutrients, it supplies the body with such an array that it has an easier time healing itself.  It is comprised of 9 different kinds of sea vegetables, the most nutrient-dense plants ever discovered, and organic aloe vera juice, considered a miracle healer by the native Americans.  The ‘algin’ in the seaweeds detoxifies chemicals, heavy metals and  radiation.  

The combination of sea vegetables and aloe gives you all 8 essential ‘glyconutrients’ that enhance cell-to-cell communication and facilitate your immune and endocrine systems.  The seaweeds alkalinize your system and the aloe facilitates nutrient absorption in the intestines.  Both sea vegetables and aloe have anti-tumor compounds and help regulate blood sugar and blood pressure.  

The list of benefits from this supplement goes on and on.  Suffice to say that this good-tasting juice has helped more types of patients feel more energetic and ‘well’ than any single product I’ve ever carried, and I’ve carried hundreds.  

Call us at 610-896-1554 or email us at thrive@livewellholistichealth.com for more information or to order some Body Balance for you and your family.  Even children love the taste!  

Stop by our Center to taste a sample of this supplement and to ask Dr. Martin Orimenko how you can address any health concerns using our all natural holistic approach to medicine at our Live Well Holistic Health Center on the Main Line, just outside of Philadelphia.  Live Well & Thrive!
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Dr. Martin Orimenko
Live Well Holistic Health Center
16 East Lancaster Avenue
Ardmore , PA , 19003 US
(610) 896-1554

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