Posts Tagged ‘Nature Cures Clinic’

|

What Happens After the Coma?

Tuesday, January 17th, 2012

by Dr. Andy Swanson – Nature Cures Clinic physician

_____________________________________

Many people who have acquired a brain injury tell a similar story.  They gradually awaken from a coma.  They have to relearn aspects of life that were once simple tasks, like balance, walking, speaking, socializing, and tempering emotions.  Weeks pass, exhausted from math and reading classes, speech and physical therapy.  The process challenges the very deepest aspects of the individual, often instigating feelings of frustration, hopelessness, and depression.  After a period of rehab, they leave the hospital with limited options with regard to therapy, relationships, housing, financing and work.

Local support groups are often great resources to steer people towards the help they need.  The Brain Injury Association of Oregon (www.biaoregon.org) offers an excellent resource guide to help those with TBI navigate the assistance available.  Communities are coming together to enhance this network for those recovering from TBI.  Many people in the TBI community, however, are unaware of the options offered by complementary providers such as naturopathic doctors, acupuncturists, yoga therapists and nutritionists.  I’d like to share a brief overview of some of the treatments we provide at Nature Cures Clinic that may be of help in the recovery from TBI.

At Nature Cures Clinic we offer individualized health care focused on addressing not just symptoms, but also the underlying causes of imbalance.  For example, I treated a patient for a year and a half for Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis that started following brain injury.  The treatment plan focused on balancing the thyroid while simultaneously providing the central nervous system with the building blocks for healing.  A generalized TBI treatment would have missed the thyroid imbalance.  Even if it is clear that the majority of symptoms are related to TBI, it is absolutely necessary to consider other systems of the body that may be operating below optimal function.  At Nature Cures Clinic, we treat each person according to the needs of their body.  This is determined by a complete physical exam, a detailed history of illness, and any labs and imaging necessary to accurately assess ongoing internal imbalances.

A brief summary below introduces you to the three modules of the TBI program at Nature Cures Clinic.  There may be concepts here that you are unfamiliar with.  In the coming weeks, I will provide more information on how we use these therapies in the treatment of TBI.

IV Nutritional Therapy offers a unique way to offer the body nutrients to heal following injury.  We have a standard multivitamin formulation we use for many health conditions.  These nutrients help enhance mood, energy, and immune function.  Other formulations specifically target the brain, and these I find particularly useful to accelerate healing post-TBI.  These include nutrients such as alpha lipoic acid and glutathione.  I will discuss this further in future posts.

Nutrition matters.  What you eat directly impacts how you feel and how well your body heals following injury.  Even though food is a very sensitive area for many people and dietary changes are challenging, it can be the pivotal change that decides whether or not the nervous system heals.  I will discuss this further in future posts.

Chinese Medicine provides a fresh approach to working with many symptoms of TBI such as chronic pain, muscle spasms, forgetfulness, and mood disorders.  Through the lens of Chinese Medicine we often encounter underlying imbalances in the body that may have been overlooked by modern medicine.  Addressing these underlying imbalances removes potential obstacles to healing, and thus can speed up the recovery from TBI.  At Nature Cures Clinic, we incorporate three aspects of Chinese Medicine as part of the TBI program: Acupuncture, Herbal Medicine, and Qi Gong.  I will discuss each of these further in future posts.

The three modules above, IV Nutritional Therapy, Nutrition, and Chinese Medicine offer a thorough complementary approach to the treatment of traumatic brain injury.  The program is not intended to replace the current model of care, but rather to augment a medical model that falls short in providing options for continued outpatient care for post TBI syndrome.  It is my belief that the brain can always do better, regardless of how much time has passed since injury.  Please feel free to contact me with any questions you have regarding healthcare and the TBI program at Nature Cures Clinic.

 

Tags: , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Acupuncture, Alternative medicine, Andy Swanson, Articles by our Doctors, Back pain, Brain, Chinese medicine, Chronic disease, Chronic fatigue, Cognitive development, Diet, Dr. Andy Swanson, General, Health, Healthy diet, Healthy lifestyle, Herbs, Holistic, Naturopathic medicine, Naturopathic medicine, ND, Neurological disorders, Nutrition, Pain, TBI, Thyroid function, traumatic brain injury, Wellness | Comments Off

Quick and Easy? Slow Down and Enjoy the Ride

Tuesday, January 17th, 2012

by Maria Zilka, NTP – Nutritional therapist, certified GAPS practitioner

___________________________________________________________________________
Standing in the grocery store checkout line, reading the magazine covers while I awaited my turn – it struck me how many headlines refer to getting things done in as little time as possible:  “Lose 10 pounds in 2 weeks”,” Fast-track your house cleaning,” “7 easy steps to a better relationship” – and my favorite – “Dinner in under 20 minutes.”

Why are we in such a hurry to get things done? Yes, we’re all really, really busy these days with work, family, school, friendships and the need to take care of ourselves, but it seems we may have traded in the time we used to give to these life-enriching areas  for time we happily give to doing… well, nothing.   Watching television, playing on our cell phones or even reading about how to get things done faster and easier are all distractions to the job at hand – whatever that may be.  It reminds me of the words from an old country song – “all I really gotta do is live and die, but I’m in a hurry and don’t know why.”

Cooking at home can mean better food choices.

In the context of our health we’ve become conditioned to look for quick fixes – often in the form of a pill – and it’s become quite common to think that your health is restored once the pain is gone.  We’ve become very adept at shutting up our symptoms.  Have a headache? – Take some aspirin.  Body aches? – Reach for the ibuprofen.  Acid reflux? – Stop that fire fast with some antacid!  Symptoms gone? – All better.  Unfortunately, ignoring or suppressing a symptom doesn’t make the underlying problem go away and eventually those symptoms will only get louder and perhaps more serious.

There is an art to everything – from cooking your family meals to cultivating healthy relationships – and by looking for the shortcuts we miss out on the joy of the journey.  Nowhere is this more apparent than in taking care of ourselves and improving our health.  So, as we ride the crest of the wave into the New Year, with all of our resolutions and good intentions, maybe it’s time to slow it down and look at our approach.

With that said, here is my “quick and easy” list for slowing down, paying attention and reaping long-term benefits from your efforts!

Learn to cook. Anyone who has come to see me at the clinic will attest to the fact that my number one suggestion for improving health is to learn how to feed yourself.  No kidding.  Relying on restaurants with their over-used and often poorly chosen oils and fats along with questionably sourced animal products is taking a gamble with your health.  Though there are an increasing number of really terrific and health-conscious restaurants serving our area (aren’t we lucky?!), they can be expensive. Better to save the eating out for Date Night and strive to return to the good old days of eating in.  Feeling socially isolated?  A girlfriend of mine started a weekly cooking club where everyone comes to one another’s home bringing food, recipes, and all kinds of strategies for the kitchen.  She’s having a blast and not only is she making new friends, she’s even improved her knife skills!

Start an exercise routine that you love. If you don’t like to run then don’t run.  If dancing brings you joy then dance.  It’s that simple.  The only caveat to this statement is, again, slow down – see if you really don’t enjoy it.  Sometimes it’s just getting used to a new routine or getting fit enough to enjoy it.  I remember when I started running again after being a long-distance runner in college and falling away from it for several years – I hated it.  All I could think was “how on earth did I ever enjoy this?”  Then I started running the trails in Forest Park and the world of running changed for me forever.  Suddenly, I was 10 years old again running through the woods and jumping over fallen trees.  What joy!  It was no longer exercise to me – it was therapy!  Whatever it is you choose to do, just do it long enough to find out if it moves you. Then just do it.

Get a good doctor. I hear so many people tell me that they go to the doctor they see because of their insurance plans.  Some stay with the same doc for years just because they hate the “hassle” of finding a new one.  It is a fact that when gathering data on drug effectiveness the pharmaceutical companies know to keep any doctor/patient relationship out of the picture.  Why?  Because the relationship and trust that is created between a good doctor and their patient has a positive effect on optimizing a person’s health.  On the flip side, think about how detrimental a poor relationship can be?  Have you ever felt dissed by your doc?  Five minutes of their time and the door is shutting in your face – midsentence?  Take the time to find yourself a doctor that cares and will listen.  You’ll feel the difference.

Finish what you start. We all have the same mantra “if only I had the time…”  Yes, if only.  It’s actually less about time than it is about commitment and integrity.  Don’t let time be an excuse to not get your stuff done!  If you want to write that book, play that instrument, or lose that weight – make the time to get it done. Set your priorities and don’t let other things distract you from using that time to finish what you want to finish.  You’ll feel less stress and more happiness when the “lack of time” doesn’t exist for you.

Detoxify your life. Toxins are all around us.  In the air we breathe, the water we drink, the foods we eat – even the people we hang out with can be toxic!  Do we take the time to really think about what it means to detoxify our lives?   We may do a metabolic liver cleanse – but continue to use a shampoo with detergents that can mess with our hormones.  We drink filtered water but bathe in unfiltered water.  We go for a run – in downtown traffic pollution.  Reducing toxins in our environment reduces stress on us physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.  So take some time to look at your world – your home and workplace – and make a commitment to truly detoxifying your life.

At Nature Cures Clinic, we believe that the underlying cause of many people’s health concerns can be addressed by eliminating common food allergens that contribute to toxicity in the body and then healing the gut lining. Any food that is not properly digested and entering the system through an unprotected gut is considered a toxin and will create an immune response.  Fatigue, joint pain, headache, bloating, bowel issues and stomach pain are just some of the physical symptoms caused by an unhealthy digestive system – and anxiety, depression, ADD, brain fog, epilepsy and other neurological disorders are also connected to this imbalance in the system.  If this sounds familiar, I’d like to invite you to schedule a free consult with me to talk about the GAPS Diet (Gut & Psychology Syndrome), the Nature Cures Clinic Detox program and the Elimination Diet.  There is a good chance that these nutritional approaches to improving your health may be the start of a whole new lifestyle as well!

Do you have a few minutes?  One of my favorite poets is Mary Oliver – she writes about the human experience using nature as her backdrop.   Below is a link to a video using one of her poems “The Journey.”  Please, sit back and relax – listen and enjoy the journey you’re on.  And, when you’re ready… slow down.

Tags: , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Articles by our Doctors, GAPS, Maria Zilka, Nutrition | Comments Off

HealthChat Podcast: Seasonal Depression

Sunday, December 18th, 2011

In this edition of the HealthChat podcast, Dr. Greg Nigh and Dr. Greg Eckel discuss the naturopathic approach to treating and managing seasonal depression, also called Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). The discussion looks at internal and external factors as causes and treatments. Click here to listen to the Seasonal Depression podcast.

Tags: , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Podcast | Comments Off

The Yearly Onslaught: Managing Colds & Flu

Thursday, December 15th, 2011

by Dr. Greg Eckel - Nature Cures Clinic director

Uh oh, it’s that time of year again… sniffles, coughs, fevers oh my…

Every year we get into the same discussions about whether one should get the flu shot, how to handle a fever, how to get through a cold. Well look no further, here is a resource for you. I’ll share what I do for my family and loved ones (that includes you!).

Shot or no shot? Join the discussion at Facebook.com/NatureCuresClinic

First of all, you have heard the virtues about vitamin D. In this case it helps activate natural killer cells. Natural killer cells are a major part of your innate immunity (you’ll have to ask me about one of my favorite super heroes….), which will help you overcome countless viruses. If you don’t know your blood level of Vitamin D, I highly encourage you to get it done at your next blood draw. You can then individualize your dose of Vitamin D. Ideally you want your blood level to between 50-80 ng/ml.

The next piece is always a shocker as it sounds so wrong…the wet sock treatment. In these PC times, it’s been renamed “warming sock treatment.” (By me!) You need a pair of cotton socks and a pair of wool socks. You take a hot foot bath before bed, put the cotton socks under the faucet water as cold as it’ll go, ring them out (so they are damp, not dripping), and put these on your very warm feet. Pull the wool socks over top of that and go directly to bed, do not pass go. This is home hydrotherapy.

At first signs of any upper respiratory illness (sore throat, nasal congestions, sneezes), do this technique for a few evenings to stimulate your immune response. It increases your blood flow at night, your feet will be dry in the morning, and your head will be more clear.

For those with perennial runny nose and congestion, I feel for you. Look no further than EHB (Echinacea, Hydrastis, and Berberine). I use EHB at the first signs of any type of ‘cold.’ This is a very drying formula, has a lot of immune system punch, including garlic and vitamin A among other ingredients. This is also my first go to when I’ve seen a lot of sneezing, coughing patients during the day. We sell it in the Nature Cures e-store — check it out there if you don’t have time to come in to the clinic.

Another component of your immune system function is your gut. Did you knowthat roughly 90% of your immune system surrounds your gut in the GALT (gutassociated lymphoid tissue)? Probiotics are a great addition to your home medicine cabinet. Every doctor has their favorite blend of beneficial bacteria…. of course we have our favorites at the clinic, high ORAC or super natent are two of my favorites.

I’m not impressed with the latest and greatest strands of human microflora. I find most of the time this gets into marketing hype on the most recent research article on so and so particular brand. We do our research so you don’t have to is what I’ll tell you. We see what works clinically and stick with that.

For the kiddos, we have a chewable vitamin C that goes down easy. No complaints coming from them in the morning, even requests for it, when mama or papa forgets. It’s always nice to not have to force anything on them.
Living in the hometown of Linus Pauling, one can’t write an article on immune system function without mentioning vitamin C.

I’m going to leave the discussion about the flu vaccine for those that are interested. If you are interested in that discussion, let’s carry that on our facebook page. Please post a question you have and I’ll be sure to get on there and answer.
Here’s to a healthy and happy new year to you!

-Dr. Eckel

 

 

 

Image Courtesy USACE Europe District

Tags: , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Articles by our Doctors, Colds, Dr. Greg Eckel, Flu, H1N1, Naturopathic medicine, Respiratory infections | Comments Off

Depression: Treatments that go beyond medication

Monday, October 17th, 2011

_____________________________________________________________

A number of imbalances in the body or brain could be the cause of depression. Naturopathic medicine seeks to find and change those causes.

by Dr. Greg Nigh - Nature Cures Clinic physician

October is National Depression Awareness Month. This is a good opportunity to reflect on the treatment for depression that our “health care industry” almost universally utilizes.

Sales of anti-depressant medications brings in around $12 billion in profits annually for the pharmaceutical industry. Approximately 30 million people are currently taking anti-depressant medication in the US alone. And while there is evidence that anti-depressants can improve symptoms for individuals with severe depression, there is virtually no evidence that the drugs work better than placebo in those with moderate or mild depression.

Naturopathic treatment approaches to depression shed light on causes instead of masking symptoms with meds.

Depression can be used to illustrate the difference between the conventional and the naturopathic approach to symptoms. The conventional approach is to prescribe a medication that hides the symptom. The conventional medical assumption is that depression is caused by an imbalance in brain chemistry, and that imbalance is corrected with the medications. In reality, though, anyone can read the mechanism of action of those drugs and discover that no one knows exactly how they reduce symptoms in some people.

The second and most dramatic aspect of conventional treatment of depression is what it lacks: in a primary care setting there is no thorough inquiry into why a given individual is experiencing symptoms of depression. Once the list of qualifying symptoms are expressed, the prescription very commonly is quick to follow.

In naturopathic medicine, depression is understood in much the same way that any other symptom is: it signals an imbalance. If the overall goal of medicine is to promote health and enhance vitality, it is essential to understand all the elements that lead to the depression experienced by each individual.

For example, diet and nutrition play a profound role in health generally and in the regulation of mood in particular. Dietary excesses of some foods deplete serotonin and dopamine, the brain chemicals associated with feeling good. Likewise, lack of specific nutrients can have profound effects on the body’s ability to maintain optimal function of the nervous system. Simply correcting these issues can lead to dramatic improvements in symptoms.

A much larger issue is the way in which our society has turned circumstantial feelings of sadness, grief, isolation or hopelessness into a diagnosis that requires medication to manage. When individuals experience profound loss, or feel trapped in relationships or jobs, or are unable to resolve past traumas, medications to mask those valid emotions are not addressing the cause of the depression.

A naturopathic approach to depression utilizes a comprehensive understanding of the history and circumstances that contribute to the depression. It can involve lab testing to determine metabolic imbalances. It will virtually always involve a close look at nutrition and the ways in which eating habits might be contributing to the ongoing symptoms. It can include recommendations for regular exercise, because that is a therapy that has been consistently found to relieve depression as well as medications.

There are many reasons that any given person might experience depression. Treating depression can only be done if the underlying cause is understood as clearly as possible, and therapies are used to re-establish balance in an individual’s life.

During National Depression Awareness Month, those who feel they may have depression should seek out a naturopathic physician. The most important thing to know about depression is that it is not simply a chemical imbalance in the brain that requires medication to correct. Depression is a dynamic relationship between an individual, their lifestyle, their circumstances and their way of thinking about their life. In the context of a naturopathic treatment plan, all of these factors are addressed to optimize an individual’s full capacity for optimum wellness.

Dr. Greg Nigh is available for free 30-minute consultations to discuss your health care. To set up an appointment, call Nature Cures Clinic at (503) 287-4970, or email info2@naturecuresclinic.com

 

 

 

Image courtesy:  TheAlieness GiselaGiardino

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Alternative medicine, Articles by our Doctors, Dr. Greg Nigh | Comments Off

NCC Cleanse: Day 1

Saturday, September 17th, 2011

Nature Cures Clinic Cleanse
Day 1

After reading through the materials for Day 1 and 2 of the cleanse, it seemed pretty doable to me.  Breakfast wasn’t so different from what I usually have.  This morning it was a bowl of steel cut oats with blueberries, raspberries and a dash of cinnamon.  I would normally have added honey and  milk of some sort.  It really wasn’t too bad without the added sweetness.  I was worried it would be too dry for my taste, which is why I usually put in the milk.  But, because the berries were frozen, when I heated them up there was enough juice to spread throughout the oats.

For my mid-morning snack, I had a salt-free organic brown rice cake with a tablespoon of unsalted almond butter.  That kept me full until lunch, which was a 1/2 cup of brown rice with black beans, blanched green beans, chicken, and about a tablespoon of salsa verde for some fat and flavor.  This was really satisfying and seemed like a lot of food, but it was still under the 600 calorie limit.  I used an online calorie counter to figure out how much each ingredient was worth.

With both breakfast and lunch I took the Formula 1 capsules, which I noticed, did not have any kind of bad aftertaste or smell- love that!

Mid-afternoon I had a handful of raw almonds and about a third of a sliced cucumber.  By 3pm I was really wanting some protein and the almonds did the trick.

Dinner: The Shake.  5:30pm arrived and it was time to make dinner, a crazy looking shake of protein and greens powder.  I decided to buy a Blender Bottle from Dr. Costello because I knew I wouldn’t want to mess around with an actual blender, especially when the shakes become more frequent.  The Blender Bottle is special because of a metal ball inside that is shaped like a round whisk.  It really works; I was quite impressed.

Admittedly, I hate greens powder.  I can’t stand the smell or the taste and was not looking forward to this at all.  During my cleanse prep session with Maria Zilka, I expressed my concerns about the flavor and she had a brilliant idea blending: Baby food!  The organic baby food that comes in convenient little pouches will mix with the greens powder quite nicely in the Blender Bottle.  I chose a Plum Organics mix of pear, blueberry and purple carrot (all approved foods on the elimination diet).  Maria said that I could mix half a cup of fruit puree to the shake and fortunately each little pouch is exactly the right amount.

THE RESULT:

It didn’t smell bad, it didn’t look good and it didn’t make me gag- but it is 7:40 pm right now and I’ve still got 6 ounces to go.  It is not an easy beverage for me to get down, but it is far from the worst I’ve ever tried.  I wont be making it without any purees, and I think I can handle it.

I don’t think I have hit my water goal for the day yet and I would definitely like some carbs right now.  I’m pretty sure I will feel hungry for a while…wish me luck as I try to exercise some willpower!

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Caffeine, Caloric restriction, Diet, Elimination diet, Food, Food intolerances, Healthy diet, Maria Zilka, Naturopathic medicine, Nutrition, Office Manager Blog | Comments Off

“Simply put; They make me feel better.”

Monday, February 22nd, 2010

I was pretty weak, sick and scared when I first started my treatments at Nature’s Cures Clinic, but the kind and personal treatment I have received has brought my health back around pretty dramatically.  Everyone I have encountered there is friendly, professional and brimming with a passion for their work, armed with vast expertise in a multitude of healing arts.

Simply put; They make me feel better.

xoxo Storm Large

Tags: , , ,
Posted in Testimonials | Comments Off

Friday, April 20th, 2007

“Natures Cures clinic is great. They are very attentive and do everything possible to get you where you want to be. I am experiencing a healthy more normal “me” because of the clinic. Thank you”

Tags: , ,
Posted in Testimonials | Comments Off

Friday, April 20th, 2007

“I have never felt like a physician, not to mention an entire clinic’s staff, was immediately invested in my health and well being and cared about me, like I have at Nature Cures.  I couldn’t be happier.”

Tags: , ,
Posted in Testimonials | 1 Comment »

Friday, April 20th, 2007

“Our family has sought care through Nature Cures Clinic on a wide range of needs. We’ve gotten the best of treatment and positive results on everything, from children’s diet to resolving an old and “hopeless” shoulder condition. Thank you!”

Tags: , , , , , ,
Posted in Testimonials | Comments Off

Friday, April 20th, 2007

“Nature Cures Clinic has saved my life.  It is the first time that I have felt like my health needs are being addressed and my concerns are being heard. The time spent and the education provided every time I am in is so pleasant and invaluable.  I’ve sent all of my family!”

Tags: ,
Posted in Testimonials | Comments Off

|