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. 
Add Comment
 
 
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!
Add Comment
 
 

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.
Add Comment
 
 
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!

 
Add Comment
 
 
Julie Gayer Kris is a certified yoga instructor, yoga therapist and Thai Yoga therapist. Also certified in Reiki, Julie has been offering healing sessions since 1996.  Her treatments are simultaneously gentle and deeply transformative. Benefits include relief from back, neck and shoulder tension, freedom from joint pain, improved sleep and digestion, increased relaxation and a feeling of overall wellbeing.  Julie has worked at some of the country's elite spas and centers in Hawaii, Seattle and New York City, and she is now here at the Live Well Holistic Health Center on Wednesdays starting this week!  

During a Thai Yoga Therapy Healing Session with Julie, you will experience a full body treatment including stretching, rocking, pressure points, massage and deep relaxation. Individualized to meet your needs, the session may include a consultation with stretches, breathwork or exercises designed specifically for you.  Many people have lovingly called this treatment "lazy man's yoga".  

In preparation for your Thai Yoga Therapy Session, please do not eat for 2 hours prior, and bring or wear comfortable breathable clothing that covers your legs.  Full pants are preferable to shorts, and for your utmost comfort, it is helpful to bring with you a pair of clean fresh socks.

Your first massage treatment at Live Well Holistic Health Center is only $45 for an hour long massage, through September.  Call us at 610.896.1554 to schedule your treatment.  You'll be so happy you did!
1 Comment
 
 
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.  
Add Comment
 
 
Since people seek Reiki for numerous reasons I thought it would be helpful for those of you who never experienced this beautiful energy to hear about some of my clients’ stories.  Names in blogs will be changed to honor privacy.  My first blog is about Dave’s session.
 
Over the years I’ve noticed that woman seem much more open to trying modalities such as Reiki, while men seem initially more reluctant. This was the case with Dave.  Dave had chronic back problems over the years and just couldn’t seem to find relief.  After seeking help from medical doctors and using prescription drugs for intense lower back pain he was no better off and felt hopeless.  His wife, Kim had taken a Reiki I class with me and convinced Dave to try Reiki.  She practically dragged him (gently) through the door.  Even though he was a willing participant, he didn’t quite know what to expect. 
 
It’s very important to me that the atmosphere for receiving Reiki is calm and peaceful so clients have a place of solace during their session.  I keep the room dimly lit with Reiki music playing and a candle burning to invite complete relaxation.  Dave took this all in and looked at Kim as if he were 9 years old going to overnight camp for the first time.  As the session started I could feel his body relax into the energy.  Personally, I think it was pure relief that I wasn’t swinging a chicken over his head chanting Kumbaya.  By the end of the session he said his back felt much looser and made an appointment for the following week.  When he  arrived without Kim for his second session I knew two things; he was physically comfortable enough to drive, and comfortable and confident with the Reiki modality.
 
This session was verrrrrry interesting.  As an empath I’m used to feeling the energy path or pain of the client within my body.  I’ve experienced the beauty of Kundalini, warm and cool flows of energy and various vibratory sensations, but this was a first…While working on Dave mid-point, I started to experience an electrical feeling in my hand and within seconds of this sensation my hand involuntarily flipped palm side up, I’m thinking WOW, this is too cool, but  immediately asked Dave what he was feeling.  He said he felt an intense surge of heat run through his back, but he was very comfortable and relaxed and we continued with the session.  Afterwards, Dave commented that he felt much better.  Reiki works through the body long after the session ends, many times it’s not until the next day that true results are realized.  This was the case with Dave when he called to tell me  how great he felt.  The following week we had another session, and then appointments became routine monthly visits to maintenance well being visits.  It doesn’t take a fast ball volt of energy to accelerate the healing process, but in Dave’s case, it hit a home run, as Reiki always does.  
 
Anyone receiving a Reiki session remains 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, call Live Well at 610.896.1554.  Traci at the front desk will take good care of you and answer any questions you may have!
Add Comment
 
 
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!
Add Comment
 
 
Part of my mission in practicing Reiki is to work with folks dealing with cancer. Like most families, mine has had its triumphs and losses in battling this disease. When my mother was in her 40's she was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent a radical mastectomy; in her mid-60's she again faced another mastectomy. My mother died at age 86 from a non-cancer related issue. During her lifetime she quietly counseled many people who dealt with numerous types of cancer - she was a positive, amazing and truly inspirational individual. It is on behalf of my mother, aunts, uncles, and a cousin I lost last year to cancer that I am dedicated to help. 

I am working with Live Well Holistic Health Center in being able to offer Reiki sessions for 20% off of a normal session fee for any cancer patient, their immediate families and oncology healthcare providers. Children will receive a 45 minute treatment for $30. Reiki boosts the immune system and has given great relief both physically and emotionally to those going through chemo and those dealing with the aftermath. I am driven to help anyone going through the passages of this disease and am offering what I can in order to enhance and strengthen their lives while dealing with cancer. To schedule a session folks just need to contact Live Well Holistic Health Center and refer to this posting.To learn more about me and my background and approach, click here /reiki-with-marlene-berdit.html If you, a family member, or friend is dealing with cancer but do not live in the Philadelphia area, I encourage you to seek out a reputable Reiki practitioner in your area.

Please relay this message to anyone you know that can benefit from receiving this information.
Add Comment
 
 
Statins, which are a class of drugs used to lower your cholesterol, are among the most commonly prescribed medications in the world, and I believe, one of the most unnecessary drugs there are.  While the FDA has deemed statins to be safe to use for their intended purpose, no drug is totally without side effects in susceptible individuals. As the use of statin drugs continues to increase and people have now been taking statins for prolonged periods that are significantly longer than the time  required for testing drugs, the side effects of statins are appearing to affect more people than ever before.  Since the drug companies that manufacture statins have become aware of the incidences of serious side effects, they added a warning to statin advertising that was not present in the earliest advertising. This warning states, “Unexplained muscle pain and weakness could be a sign of a rare but serious side effect and should be reported to your doctor right away.” People who take statin drugs need to heed this warning immediately because in extreme cases the side effects of statins can be fatal.

Muscle Pain and Rhabdomyolysis
Muscle symptoms are a common side effect of statins; many people experience aching in the shoulders, pain in the jaw, or muscle pain in the legs. The muscle pain is a symptom of muscle breakdown that is occurring in the body due to the  statin drug. When tissues break down, the body must eliminate the excess waste products. The waste products then overload the kidneys, causing more serious problems. Rhabdomyolysis (often called rhabdo for short) is the medical term for the breakdown of muscle fibers that results in the release of muscle fiber contents into the bloodstream. Besides muscle pain, the other major symptom of rhabdomyolysis is dark red or cola colored urine. Severe rhabdomyolysis can result in death from acute kidney failure due to overload of the kidneys with deteriorated muscle tissue. If fact, the cholesterol lowering drug Baycol was removed from the market after being implicated in over 60 deaths due to rhabdomyolysis. However, rhabdomyolysis remains a dangerous side effect of statins in general.

Muscle Weakness and Neuropathy
Neuropathy, short for peripheral neuropathy, simply means a malfunction of the peripheral nervous system. . There are many causes of neuropathy, including injury to the nerves caused for example by an accident or various diseases like diabetes and kidney problems. The occurrence of toxic or poisonous substances in the body can also cause neuropathy.  For certain individuals, the use of statin drugs can interfere with proper functioning of the peripheral nerves. Researchers assume that the build-up of statins in the body causes neuropathy.  Muscle weakness is frequently a symptom of neuropathy and the muscle weakness may develop in a matter of days or may slowly progress over weeks or months. Individuals may simply not recognize the progressive muscle weakness and excuse the symptoms away as the result of being tired, overdoing or just getting older. For those who take statins, keep muscle weakness in mind as it “could be a sign of a rare but serious side effect.” Other symptoms of neuropathy include: numbness, tingling, and pricking sensations; burning pain (especially at night); and/or sensitivity to touch. If left undiagnosed, neuropathy can lead to deterioration of the muscles and paralysis. Remember that we all need throat muscles to swallow, chest muscles to breathe, and that the heart is a muscle. In the extreme, severe neuropathy as a side effect to statin use can lead to death. Some researchers estimate that 1 in 10 people who take statin drugs will experience a mild form of neuropathy where the symptoms may be a feeling of tiredness, difficulty in arising from a low chair or getting out of bed, shortness of breath or difficulty walking. A famous Danish study concluded that an individual who is a long-term user of statin drugs has anywhere from 4 to 14 times greater risk of developing peripheral neuropathy than a person who does not take statin drugs. Typically, long-term use of statins is defined as 2 years or more but neuropathy can occur even after just a few days of use in a susceptible individual.

Memory Loss
Some people experience memory loss, inability to concentrate and feel that they are developing Alzheimer’s disease when taking statin drugs. This memory loss may be as extreme as complete amnesia that lasts for 6 to 12 hours. These types of problems are known as cognitive defects. Other people claim to experience mood swings and other behavioral changes when taking statins. These differences in behavior are not just subjective feelings on the part of the individual but tend to be corroborated by family members. The FDA determined that approximately half of the reported  memory loss problems occurred within 60 days of starting on statin therapy, although memory problems were also reported after taking a statin drug for just 5 days. Fortunately most people return to normal after discontinuing the statin drug.  However, a small group may continue to suffer with cognitive problems, perhaps indefinitely. Note: Amnesia used to be a rare phenomenon, especially transient global amnesia (TGA) where individuals can forget major details of their lives for hours only to return to normal until the next episode. Yet TGA is occurring with increased frequency.  In addition, a recent study raises the possibility that statins increase the risk of delerium in patients after surgery. They believe that statins may cause blood flow to the brain to reduce in favor of flow to the heart.

The Alternative Approach
So what to do about that high cholesterol? There are clear cut ways to lower your cholesterol naturally, with no drugs what-so-ever.  A lifestyle and diet that support a healthy heart are a must.  That includes regular exercise, plenty of rest and relaxation, and a diet that is heavy on vegetables and light on animal products and refined carbohydrates, particularly sugar.  Many now believe that inflammation is the real cause of atherosclerosis and that statins have more to do with reducing inflammation than directly lowering cholesterol. (This new effect of statins has only recently been brought to light and helps to explain why the pharmaceutical industry is now offering this drug for organ transplant victims and patients having such inflammatory based auto-immune diseases as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus erythematosis).   This diet certainly helps reduce inflammation as well.  As far as supplements, my greatest successes with reducing my patients’ cholesterol have been with a combination of red yeast rice, coenzyme Q10, policosanol and omega 3 oils. And as far as genetics are concerned, it is true that regardless of your cholesterol level, if your ancestors and blood relatives experienced premature heart attacks and/or strokes, you are at risk, possibly even high risk.  However, it simply a predisposition or tendency in your genes.  In order for those genes to give expression to disease, you have to encourage them through bad diet, lack of exercise and extra stress.  To discourage them, follow the guidelines above, including diet, exercise, stress reduction and supplements, see a Holistic Doctor like myself who can counsel and support you with nutrition, lifestyle, herbal supplements and general wellness, and kiss your statins goodbye.



Add Comment
 
Dr. Martin Orimenko
Live Well Holistic Health Center
16 East Lancaster Avenue
Ardmore , PA , 19003 US
(610) 896-1554

This hCard created with the hCard creator.