Category Archives: Acupuncture

NSDJ5 Interview with Shirley McElhattan

Interview of Shirley McElhattan by Dr. Jay Sordean related to her services and experiences in the senior placement consultation industry. Shirley has been working in that capacity for 20+ years in the San Francisco Bay Area. She also has personal experience helping to care for a family member with Alzheimer’s.  Http://www.NaturalSolutionsWithDrJay.com

Contact Shirley at  http://www.stpaulstowers-esc.org

Dr. Jay interviewed Shirley for background for his two bestselling books. To order either of the bestselling books by Dr. Jay Sordean, go to:http://www.OutsmartingDementia.com and  http://www.SuperBrain-TheBook.com
For information about brain evaluation and treatments, go tohttp://www.TheRedwoodClinic.com/chapel
To learn more about Alzheimer’s, dementia, and how to boost your brain power, go to http://www.theredwoodclinic.com/alzheimers-dementia-prevention/

Go to Natural Solutions with Dr. Jay and sign up for the podcast.

Or go directly to the interview by Clicking here.

http://www.naturalsolutionswithdrjay.com/?powerpress_pinw=47-podcast

NSDJ3 Interview with Kewesi Simon

Interview by Dr. Jay Sordean with Kewesi Simon, Mixed Martial Arts Teacher in Oakland, California August 2014. Part of a series of interviews for Dr. Jay’s books on the brain.  In this episode we learn about the need to strengthen the neck to reduce traumatic injury to the brain in sports such as martial arts and football, such as CTE (Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy).  Listen to this fascinating interview in the workout hall of the Martial Arts Gym of Kewesi Simon in Oakland, California. This interview was part of Dr. Jay’s research for his books in August 2014. http://www.OutsmartingDementia.com   and  http://www.SuperBrain-TheBook.com

For information about brain evaluation and treatments, go tohttp://www.TheRedwoodClinic.com/chapel

To learn more about Alzheimer’s, dementia, and how to boost your brain power, go to http://www.theredwoodclinic.com/alzheimers-dementia-prevention/

Go to Natural Solutions with Dr. Jay and sign up for the podcast.

Or go directly to the interview by Clicking here.

NSDJ2 Interview with Austin Hill Shaw

Interview by Dr. Jay Sordean.  Austin Hill Shaw discusses the nature of creativity and how to keep the brain as active as possible. Austin Hill Shaw, a Creativity Guru, explores concepts of creativity and how that process reinforces brain activity. Interview was done in Berkeley California at Hs Lordships restaurant as part of Dr. Jay’s research for his books in August 2014. http://www.OutsmartingDementia.com   and   http://www.SuperBrain-TheBook.com

For information about brain evaluation and treatments, go tohttp://www.TheRedwoodClinic.com/chapel

To learn more about Alzheimer’s, dementia, and how to boost your brain power, go to http://www.theredwoodclinic.com/alzheimers-dementia-prevention/

For information about Austin Hill Shaw go to http://www.austinhillshaw.com

 

Go to Natural Solutions with Dr. Jay and sign up for the podcast.

Or go directly to the interview by Clicking here.

NSDJ1 Interview with Dr. Byron Fong

Dr. Jay Sordean interviews Dr. Byron Fong, LAc, DOM about treating patients with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and other brain issues with Traditional Chinese Medicine.  How often should people be treated to maintain their health. What can we do to help our children maximize their brain health.

Lunchtime interview in Berkeley, California between two professional colleagues (Dr. Jay and Dr. Fong) each with more than 30 years clinical experience in natural medicine, Chinese medicine, acupuncture, and functional medicine. So please forgive the sound of plates, the cars running by on the street, and chewing!

Go to Natural Solutions with Dr. Jay and sign up for the podcast.

Or go directly to the interview by Clicking here.

Water Pollution: Olympic Water Badly Polluted in Brazil

Water Pollution and the water you play in and drink

When you start to think that your water sources are safe, think again. Especially if you are competing in water sports in Rio de Janeiro Brazil during the Olympics. An Associated Press article published in the SF Chronicle Thursday December 3, 2015 details the presence of “disease-causing viruses directly linked to human sewage at levels up to 1.7 million (THAT’S MILLION) times what would be considered highly alarming in the US or Europe.” Olympic competitors in trials this year became infected with things like MRSA, a flesh-eating bacteria, shortly after the trials in August.

Bacterial and viral toxins now have to be considered, along with chemical and heavy metal toxins, in all health considerations related to disease as well as optimizing health. If you are travelling be very aware of your environment.

Marc Zuckerberg recently wrote a letter to his daughter MAX about how he wants the future of health to be incredible, with no more disease, for MAX and all of the people she will live with. The lack of mention of things like environmental pollution and chemical toxins in his letter hopefully does not suggest that he thinks that these are insignificant.

http://www.sfchronicle.com/news/science/article/New-AP-test-Rio-s-Olympic-water-consistently-6669662.php

#ChanZuckerbergInitiative #MarkZuckerberg #MRSA #PriscillaChan #Olympics

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Bioimpedence Analysis (BIA): What the heck?

Bioimpedence Analysis (BIA) – What is it anyway??

Bioimpedance Analysis is an accurate and quick test that gives us objective information we then use when designing & monitoring your individualized health programs (weight loss or weight gain, detoxification, immune challenges, etc).

How does it work? Bioimpedance analysis (BIA) is the assessment of body composition using electrical tissue conductivity. It simply involves placing two adhesive electrodes on the hand and wrist, and two on the ankle and foot. The computer then runs a very small current through the body for 10 seconds while the patient is lying down. It’s non-invasive and comfortable. Results are printed instantly.

Health and well-being are closely tied to the health of the body’s fat-free mass and body cell mass compartments. By focusing attention on these mass compartments, therapeutic strategies are more effective because results can be measured objectively.

Bioimpedance Analysis Machines

The Biomarkers 2000 device, a bioimpedance analyzer, provides a direct readout of the impedance of the human body, and estimates of fat mass, fat-free mass (lean body mass), body cell mass, extracellular mass, total body water, intracellular water and extracellular water.
Applications: • Acute/Chronic Disease • Geriatrics • Obesity/Weight Loss Program • Lifestyle Assessment • Eating Disorders • Athletic Performance

How accurate is the test compared to other tests of this type? The BIA test is extremely accurate when performed properly. The current ‘gold standard’ for body fat testing only is still the hydrostatic method (getting dunked under the water), with an error margin of around .5 to 1 ½ %, whereas the BIA error margin is around 1 to 2 ½ %. However, the BIA accurately measures crucial data – including intracellular water (a good health indicator), extracellular water (a good toxin indicator) and phase angle (good indicator of cell health and fatty acid balance) – which the hydrostatic method does not. Also, the BIA is more convenient…you don’t need to get wet!

SUMMARY and VALIDITY: We have performed hundreds of these tests and have found that the results have been reliable to base our programs for detoxification, improving function, losing weight safely with respect to body composition, and monitoring improvements in overall function in combination with our other methods.

Bioimpedance Analysis References

References Ott M, et al. Bioelectrical impedance analysis as a predictor of survival in patients with human immunodeficiency virus infection. Journal of Acquired Deficiency Syndromes and Human Retrovirology, 1995; 9:20-25. Guo SS, et al. Aging, body composition, and lifestyle: the Fels Longitudinal Study. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 1999; 70:405-11. Position of the American Dietetic Association. Nutrition intervention in the treatment of anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and eating disorders not otherwise specified (EDNOS). Journal of American Dietetic Association, 2001; 101:801-819. Blackburn GL. Managing obesity in America: An Overview. Advanced Studies in Medicine, 2002; 2(2):40-49. Lee CD, et al. US weight guidelines: Is it also important to consider cardiorespiratory fitness? Journal of Obesity and Related Metabolic Disorders, 1998 Aug; 22 Supplement 2:52-7. Position of the American Dietetic Association, Dieticians of Canada, and the American College of Sports Medicine. Nutrition and athletic performance. Journal of American Dietetic Association, 2000; 100:1543-1556.

Muscle Pain

Muscle Pain and How to Manage it (MusclePain)

Are you suffering from muscle pain?  You are not alone.  Everyone suffers from muscle pain at some time in their life.  However, if it is persistent for no clear reason, you need to find out the underlying cause.

How is that done?  By asking you questions, like “FibromyalgiaHow long have you suffered and where is the pain?  What is the quality of the muscle  pain (sharp, aching, dull, stabbing, crawling, knife-like stabbing)?  Is the pain in the muscles of  your
neck or lower back? Your shoulder, elbow, forearm, thigh, calf?  In your hip, knee, lower back, middle back, ankles, foot? ”  Wriite down your answers about your muscle pain  on a piece of paper right now as that will help us better understand why it is occurring.

Have you been to other doctors who gave you a muscle pain diagnosis?  Like strain, contusion, torn tendon, torn or ruptured  muscle, cramp, contraction, or wasting?   Write down what the diagnosis (or diagnoses, plural) are.  And are you taking medication, had surgery, or have used other methods to relieve the muscle pain with less than stellar reesults?  Write these down also.  Then call us +1-510-849-1176

When you have done this comprehensive self-survey, take a chance and give us a call at The Redwood Clinic in Berkeley, California to see if we might help.  Our courteous staff is eager to listen and see if there is a way we can ease your pain.  +1-510-849-1176

 

Acupuncture and Sedona Method – Great Combination

Acupuncture and Sedona Method – Great Combination

At The Redwood Clinic we combine the best of natural medicine approaches to create a synergistic effect.  This enables faster and deeper results for patients.  This also addresses the physical, emotional, and spiritual levels of a person’s health concerns.

Acupuncture and Chinese medicine are a multifaceted system including energy work, OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAmassage, exercise, diet, stress-reduction, herbal formulas and even martial arts.  As comprehensive as allergythis may be, there are still other approaches to healing and health that work very well with acupuncture and Chinese medicine.

Thus, we like to combine the best of all worlds when possible.  Of course, if you are coming in with an insurance plan, that plan has restrictions on what it will pay for and not pay for.  Usually that is very limited.  So to really get the full benefit of our years of clinical experience you may have out of pocket expenses. But believe me, that is worth it.

11-10-08-speeding-mediumYour car insurance won’t pay for a tune-up — only crashes.  But you don’t refuse to get the tune-ups just because your insurance won’t pay for it.  The same thing should apply to your health.

When people are resting during an acupuncture session we often encourage them to listen to a guided imagery process to work on different aspects of their body’s healing powers.  And to reduce stress responses.  One of the many processes we offer selectively to patients, based on their individual needs and circumstances, might be the Sedona Method.Sleep

Please watch and listen to another recent positive experience using this unique integrative approach only found at The Redwood Clinic.

 

Brain Dead Millions

Are there really Millions who are “Brain Dead”?

476px-Chimp_Brain_in_a_jarWhen people like Ronald Reagan, Margaret Thatcher, and Nelson Mandela – who were significant leaders of the world – had Alzheimer’s, what does that mean about the fate of the common person? Alzheimer’s does not develop overnight — it is a progressive disease. All three had evidence of it while they were in seats of extreme power. In advanced Alzheimer’s, people have to be told what to do in all but the most basic of life processes. Does it make you wonder who was behind the thrones of power telling them what to do? If you knew that Donald Trump, Jeb Bush, Hillary Clinton, or any of the other candidates had early stage Alzheimer’s would you still want to elect them?

One in eight Americans will have Alzheimer’s. One in 3 dies with dementia. ONE in THREE!!!! That should concern you. If you have never known anyone with Alzheimer’s or known of a caregiver of someone with Alzheimer’s it is time you did. I have numerous testimonials of people’s experience caring for family members with Alzheimers. Watch them.

BOOK2When I’m not enjoying life and working with people who want to change their life for the good, I can have bouts of frustration about not knowing why memory enhancement seems to be a forgotten priority for people until it is fading. Solutions are available, but the understanding that everyone has to face this problem seems lost on billions across the planet. We are almost 8 billion people on this planet. A billion will have Alzheimer’s.

Don’t get me wrong. Some people are concerned about the possibility. But it saddens and perplexes me that millions are spent on supplements that have a catchy name but don’t really address the complexity of the issue. As a quote (in my boIok) from a patient states “The human psyche is at least as complicated as Indiana.” 🙂 I don’t know if you are one of those who thinks your brain will always be fine, but please watch my video to wake up your brain to take action for self-preservation. …..https://youtu.be/_b5rbA5TjeE

How to Improve Back Pain

How to Improve Back Pain

For decades we have been helping patients improve their back function, reduce and end back pain symptoms, and help avoid unwanted back Backpainsurgery.  This includes acute back pain – upper, middle, low back pain — as well as sciatica.  It also includes chronic back pain — also in the same regions.  This is employing acupuncture, electroacupuncture, therapeutic massage, stretching, instruction in posture, McKenzie exercises, herbs, nutrition, and the past 5 years Neurologic Relief Center technique. Of course, the choices were made after a comprehensive history taking, evaluation, and analysis.  Short-cutting this process is not a wise thing to do, is unprofessional, and in the long run is not helpful for the patient.  Some “community acupuncture clinics,” some medical doctor offices* and others practitioners with less training and superficial understanding of the problems will do a very cursory exam, if at all.  And frankly speaking, looking at the tongue and feeling the wrist pulse, while helpful in some ways, is WHOLLY INSUFFICIENT to determine what is going on, but that is what you will get at a low-cost clinic.   *Medical doctors will at least eventually refer you to a specialist if the are internal medicine or family practitioners.

"Watch Your Back!"

“Watch Your Back!”

A recent book about back pain, “Watch Your Back!: How the Pain Industry Has Cost Us More and Given Us Less” by Richard A. Deyo, MD suggests that there are 4 main ways that we heal back pain.  We do not agree that these are the only ways, but agree that these are important aspects of the process.  On the other hand, one of many lecture segments about back pain that we have presented is on youtube  HERE. The 4 ways of healing back pain according to Dr. Deyo are: 1) Time heals all.  There is a time frame, a natural healing cycle, that healing (by the body’s own healing powers) takes place in.  Just have to let time take it’s time. Usually 4 weeks. 2) Regression to the mean.  Over time the person gets better. 3) Placebo effect.  People are given both an active method and a real method.  Even the placebo, physical treatment, is better than the control (no intervention).  COMMENT: This points out the fact that the placebo effect is powerful.  Some researchers may claim that the placebo effect should not be used, but even editorials in the Journal of the American Medical Association have on and off lauded the benefits of using the placebo effect as much as possible if it will help the patient. 4) The doctor’s warm, attention, sympathy, and caring have a strong influence on recovery. Dr. Deyo elaborates on these as well as analyzes various studies on treatment methods used to treat back pain, including acupuncture, massage, physical therapy, pain medications and surgery.  Neurologic Relief Center (NRC) technique is not discussed. The NRC is still gathering data to put together further studies on efficacy.  Numerous anecdotal cases are shown in this blogs articles and on youtube from around the world.  Cases 1. Case 2, Case 3, Case 4