Finally done with the recovery from Surgery - but never will be 'done' healing

In November 2010, I had shoulder surgery for a large bone spur, calcified acromion-clavicular joint and a calcium deposit a bit larger than a Two Dollar Canadian Coin (aka Tooney).  The first question you may ask is why did a Naturopath do that?  Well - I see it this way - the amount of time spent altering my diet/applying homeopathy and oils in hopes that it will 'dissolve'/reduce the bone spur of over 5mm and 'decalcify' a joint was a potentially lost cause.  In this case - prevention would have been a better approach - but I did not KNOW I was genetically disposed to this condition.  Also, 20 + years of travel abuse/constant computer work AND a car accident wreaking havoc with my circulation/nerve conductivity in my neck sure did not help either.  So here I am with early onset of Osteoarthritis - in recovery.  I have even been off of nightshade plants for almost two years- reducing my exposure to the native alkaloid which are know for mimicing autoimmune inflammation.  So - even with all that - what else could there be done to 'feel better'.

So - you can have surgery - get a 'clean slate' and keep it that way OR you can be debilitated, not be able to work or cook or play guitar and take allopathic remedies and attempt to keep the pain down and kill your kidneys.  I would not say that was the easy way out - you have not known challenges until you have that brachial nerve block and lost complete mobility / movement of your arm.  I have a new found appreciation, respect and admiration for those who are permanently paralyzed just from that short period post surgery.  I also would not say that the recovery path did not have its challenges as well - especially when the law of constraints at work messes with your recovery plans (aka - you are the ONLY one who can do X and I am sorry I am messing with your recovery but you have to work 60 hours these weeks because everyone else is on vacation). 

Don't get me wrong - I did make sure to go to all my therapy sessions, and work my tail off - studying and working insane hours - because I am committed to getting done (and could be considered 'commitable' for that too).  I would be considered that obsessed with a client's health too if that it my primary project to be worked.  I believe in achieving results, and completing what I start - regardless of the lack of commitment of others - I guess it is the optimist in me, wanting to see things better on the other side.  Others would say I was 'obsessed'.  There is a fine line between ownership and obsession and I tend to cross it in the name of right and just, perhaps a bit more than I should. Then again, if I did not - it would not be me.

So that 2 week overload cost me about 5 weeks longer in Physical Therapy to make up for it.  Once I broke past the stickiness and added cervical decompression towards the end, I got better quicker.  I got off the Mobic early on and only twice mid way through did I take it for a day especially for Super Bowl preparations/cooking.  During the rest of the time, home exercise daily, round the clock ice packs, magnets and homeopathy/Helichrysum oil were utilized.  Note - every thing I just mentioned other than the ICE makes most orthopedists and doctors cringe. Sorry gents - but if it works or helps - why should it be wrong in your minds?  I even confirmed my 'diagnosis' with a Rheumatologist - whose exhaustive blood tests yielded 'nothing remarkable' except run of the mill Osteoarthritis from overuse and abuse.

I see the difference in approach to be complementary or even supplementary to the fine hard working efforts of my Physical Therapy Team.  The concept of Kinesiotape is about as 'Witch Doctor' to some as my magnets or oils - but has been known to work, be studied - just like the other modalities.  In fact I use that even more than my magnets and oils as well as in complement of them too; I will do a piece on Kinesiotape next Thursday :) after my 'Green piece'.

I am ramping down on my cervical decompression sessions too - so once done I will be in 'maintenance' and for the majority of folks that means stopping home exercises when the visits stop. I for one will not STOP my therapy.  One lesson that can be learned from early osteoarthritis is MOVEMENT IS THE KEY. Whether it is Thera-Bands (even though you are stronger), stretches or low poundage free weight - if the joint is moving and the blood/nerve signals are good then your health is too :)

It is time to get moving again :)  too much typing time :P

With the advent of Spring coming - more treadmill preparation for running and Wii Fit Plus for use is coming due.

Love and Light - Laura

The world is changing around us...time for Green !

Today the workers around the damaged power plants in Japan are being pulled off the location.  It is only a matter of time before more will be endangered from the modern energy methods of Nuclear power plants not being properly fortified - well - let me rephrase that - the plants were fortified to the best of their ability based on the knowledge and information provided and the costs able to be spent.  Now - Mother Nature threw that fastball which we could not resist to swing at - and we struck out.

I send Reiki to Japan every day since the catastrophe and I know it goes to someone somewhere and to the Earth.  It does not matter if my lineage is from the Master Usui or Ole Gabrielsen - I know I am doing a part to help.

We as 'adaptable' as we are - are still unprepared for life's unexpected changes.  Technology enables and disables us.  Even this blog - it is just me being able to say something to a wider audience I would say over and over again in person.  It is sharing of my words that can drive change too.

In advent of this massive radioactive 'ripple' not necessarily in RADs or contamination - and even though I am not near it even on the way end of the filter down from the ozone and atmospheric patterns - I am going to increase my cleanse schedule and shift my diet.  Change is upon us and the best way to deal with it is to embrace it and work with it - and everyone has their way that will work for them.

No extraneous toxins will be added to me - effective Monday 3/21 as the Spring Solstice is completed - I know I enter barbecue season and just the exposure to carcinogenic smoke alone is more than I should deal with, I am preparing with countermeasures :)  and preparing my family too.  My kids will be more apt to respond and participate - I will accept what ever my husband chooses to do or not do.  It will be a monthly short cleanse every month to compensate.

These changes though seemingly drastic are actually no different than what nature does to cleanse itself - rain, thunder, lightning, earthquakes...we forget we are on a 'living planet'. 

Now begins the period of Mindful action and every small action can yield great results...I pray for us all to remember and make small meaningful choices - they really do add up.

Ok - on a different slant - deciding what to write about on Thursday being St. Patrick's Day and all.  It just hit me - GREEN :)  The merits of Greens in the diet and the new discoveries about the wonder food - BROCCOLI !

Stay tuned - as we all would like to see the fortune as the end of the rainbow - especially if it is filled with love, hope and healing for Japan, the Middle East, our internal strife/civil wars in government around the country and the Earth as a whole.

Yes - Green is good - and on so many levels :)

Integrative Healthcare Symposium - A Summary and a caution!

The Summary

March 4-5, 2011 were spent immersed in a firestorm of knowledge and information to process.

That is putting it mildly - but the impact and the resultant actions being taken from what was absorbed from that firehose have shifted my path to health again.

Glass over plastic, nutraceutical dosing, leaning more and more to vegetarianism - and staying on the quarterly cleanse path versus shifting back to bi-annual/annual are just some of the major shifts.

Now I have a group of peers - who graduated with me - from the same course of studies - from the same perspectives on health and prevention - who I bonded with during those two days.  Together - we will stay connected and share our lessons so that everyone can benefit.

There were even one or two who I connect with on Facebook who I missed this year :(

However - the beauty of being somewhat local for my 'day job' allows me to actually schedule time to meet them in a less crowded and overwhelming environment like a conference.

The key take away from the symposium was - "You are not your genetics - but you shape them by your diet and environmental exposure" - true Darwinism.  I am living proof of the 'epigenetic' evolution taking place.  Looking at myself in 2007-2008 overwhelmed and stressed from work and schooling; in 2009 having the EUREKA moment and starting the change to now.  True net change was only 24 pounds since 2007 - but when I had spiked up in early 2009 - it is 33 pounds.  It looks like a lot more from what I have been told.  I even know the 8 pounds difference since the last time I wore a dress in May 2010 and it is quite substantial in the fit.

The Caution...

In the upcoming days post the horrific events of the 8.9 earthquake in Japan and its tsunami - and the spike in radiation exposure coming over in the next three weeks or so to my part of the states - all I can do it alert others to protect themselves.  A colleague of mine, thyroid cancer survivor, is starting to ramp up her vitamins, minerals and trace elements to keep her and her family protected.  I intend to do the same for my family.

Dr. Brownstein has excellent information to guide prevention in the case of the radiation spread.

www.drbrownstein.com

Stay well and protected - everyone

Too long since last post...

As with all things - time gets away from us...

There is no problem with that - as long as we remember to get back on the track and keep moving forward.

Since my last post - I have graduated and received my diploma as a Doctor of Naturopathy.  I commend my peers who worked dilgently and achieve their degrees as well.  There were a few hundred folks finishing up in the end of January and 5 of them are attending the Integrative Healthcare Symposium with me.

I have been in email/chat contact with them for months now and it will be great to meet them in person.

This time away has made me think about what I really want to say and do here in this blog.

So as I finish packing and preparing for the long train ride into NYC - I have these parting words until I write a review and summary of the Symposium.

"Wellness is the foundation for Knowledge and Compassion - from the state of balanced health I can share what I have learned with respect and grace.  Helping others to find health and maintain it through education is the way."

This is shaping up to be a very productive and adventurous year :)

Your in love, light and wellness

Dr. K

Thursday Product Commentary - Magnetic Therapy: What is the real deal?

For most of the last 15 years, I have used magnetic therapy for wellness as well as acute conditions.  The products I have been using are manufactured by Nikken, Inc. Nikken is known as a network marketing company and I recently got back into being a distributor, more for my own benefit at this time; essentially, my husband's MAGSTEPS (original model with reflexology point) were worn to shreds.  Not bad for 15 years of abuse and effectiveness :)

I have experienced improvement in aches and pains and circulation as a benefit of using those magnetic insoles as well as the bracelet and Elasto Mag shoulder/neck wrap.  I personally use their far-infrared fabric comforter all year round.  I even have the two different size magnetic rollers for therapeutic use. I even sleep with a magnetic / ceramic core pillow as well.  Why - because they make me feel better and I DO know when I use them too much and switch off the pillow or the bracelet/wraps.  I even alternate my insole usage as well.

I have shared my experiences with others and have sold some product - but that is not my end goal.  I only recommend products which have benefited me personally or demonstrated benefit or improvement with others.  My end goal always has been and always will be the objective observation and documentation of product usage and if it works for someone (I always let them try it first - if possible) and they buy it - great; if they don't no big deal.

We have iron in our bloodstream and the magnet increases the blood flow by being present and attracting the 'iron' in the cells to the areas of application.  Note - this does not always work for everyone - but as per my objective analysis - more than 80% of the people who have experienced it - use it on an as-needed basis and of those 50% use them on a consistent basis.

Would I recommend magnetic therapy - YES; do I have things I can share so you can experience for yourself, YES.  Just drop me a line and ask for more information or check it out at http://www.nikken.com/product/technology/#advancedMagnetic

Thursday Commentary - Roles of ND's and MD's in New Jersey (and in General)

In preparation for opening my practice - I have gotten asked "Well, what does a Naturopath do?"

Good Question :)

Seriously - the role of a ND or Naturopathic Consultant (in New Jersey) is one of an educator and coach.  NDs are not recognized as anything more than a consultant as there is no NJ State board certification like for Physical Therapists or Medical Doctors or Chiropractors.  In the neighboring state of NY - they have an association and are self administering and managing their community of Naturopaths - and pushing for licensure.  Connecticut is a state where an ND is similar to a MD as long as they have gone to a MD style college. 

There is a National Governing body for Board Certification (ANCB) - as Certified Traditional Naturopath - which I intend to sit for later this year. Even the ND's who go to 4 year MD style school have some form of board certification (AANP) but theirs is more like a MD by its content and partially overlaps with my scope of work.

Bottom line difference between the two roles is the approach - Medical Doctors are reactive, treat symptoms, diagnose illness and prescribe medicine.  Naturopathic Doctors/Consultant are preventative, educators on the body and its systems on WHY certain symptoms can occur and work hard in coaching others toward health and on occasion they recommend protocols which have been documented to assist the body in achieving and maintaining health.

Where diets are concerned - medical doctors tell you to go on a diet or monitor your progress that they define for you.  Nutritionists educate in a similar fashion as Naturopaths, however Nutritionists do not focus on the herbal or homeopathic supporting protocols or 'therapies' which make diets easier to work through.

So - in a nutshell - what will I be doing?  I plan to educate and coach folks in the art and science of detoxification and cleansing for health, reviewing existing diets and exercise patterns to jointly craft successful eating and exercise strategies using what nature (and some science) provides for assistance and support (aromatherapy, magnetics, and homeopathy).

To quote my past life in dealing with Quality Certification when related to health - "SAY IT, DO IT, PROVE IT"

• SAY you want to improve your health - daily
• DO something positive for yourself for your health - because you want to do it
• PROVE it to yourself through consistent behavior and sharing with others your success

Over the last two years - I have worked my health strategy plans around this motto: I said I wanted to change and make changes daily (as well as perform balancing and Reiki Maintenance daily as of the last year); I continue to do at least 4 things for myself for the betterment of my health daily - for ME; and lastly - my commitment shows in my own self improvement and genuine desire to help others achieve health too.

So - is there a place for ND's in the same world as MD's - sure; we are two sides of the same coin and should be acknowledged for the contributions we both make in the active and passive roles of client's lives.  If prevention became the norm then MD's would be just like ND's and then dis-ease is but an oddity versus a common day occurrence.

I am in negotiations for office space already - with two different places.  Once I have completed negotiation and am "open for business" - it will be posted here.

We are almost 'ready for primetime' now :)

All that is left is my graduation date...

On Jan 31 - my final grades were posted for my degree.  I will be graduating with High Honors this month. Four and half years of part-time schooling and application of all the education, knowledge and wisdom I could garner from fellow students, naturopathic/medical doctors and instructors is finally able to surface. 

I may have been an amateur Homeopath since 1995, but now the application of Homeopathic protocols comes even more naturally to me than ever.  I rarely consume anything allopathic anymore on an exclusive basis.  When I have arthritis pain that is really bothering me - I will take that Mobic (a prescription NSAID) plus Gelsemium Sempervirens pellets, along with an aromatherapy oil blend of Helichrysum, Peppermint/Wintergreen and Lemon blend to knock it out faster.  If I catch the ache sooner - the Mobic just sits on the shelf.

I am looking forward to starting my part-time consulting in March post the Integrative Practitioner Conference in NYC.  My practice is not limited by geography, only by time and availability.  I still have a full time job, until I get too busy that I have to choose and that will be an easy decision to make.

My first promotion to the public to have them get to know about me is a donated effort to my Temple's Sisterhood Day of Re-Jew-Vination this weekend.  The theme is about Natural Health and Diet and I will be sharing about finding one's path to health.  I will be providing examples from cases I have worked with over the last two years (and specific examples from myself, of course) and providing a therapeutic Reiki session to the participants.  It should be an educational and relaxing afternoon.

So next step is graduation date and diploma receipt, then time to get the next big project going - helping others !

It is going to be a great year !

In light and in health - Namaste