As we age, nothing seems to work as well as it used to. Sometime in our late forties or early fifties, we notice more pain, less energy, change in sleep patterns, or our primary care doctor tells us we need to be on a baby aspirin and a pharmaceutical medication for the rest of our lives for our diabetes, hypertension or high cholesterol.  Most of us completely take our health for granted for our first 40 years. A good analogy I like to use with my patients is that they have been withdrawing from their health bank account for years, and are now in the red, and it is time for them to make some big deposits into themselves before there is a health crisis.

One of the first problems of aging starts with the digestion, especially in the United States, where our diets are relatively low in fiber, and high in carbohydrates and saturated fats. As we digest less efficiently, we absorb nutrients less, and don’t have the means to repair tissue damage from toxins in the environment, stress, and unhealthy lifestyle. Our state of mind can deteriorate; we experience stress, anxiety, and depression more powerfully because we have less reserve in our health bank account.

The TRUE Health Plan offered by Bodhi Body is true preventative medicine in that it puts big deposits into your health savings account.  You have unlimited access to a physician who addresses your personal and specific health concerns. Our IV nutrient bags make huge nutritional deposits directly into your body so you don’t have to rely completely on the digestive system. Colonics help heal and regulate the digestion, and Acupuncture and massage address stress and pain directly. Our TRUE Health Plan is completely drug free, and the side effects are more energy, better sleep and state of mind, better digestion and better overall life.  For more information go to www.bodhi-body.com or call 480-237-2410

Frequently in my practice I have parents who bring their children in presenting with a complaint of chronic ear infections.  Most likely their pediatrician has put them on several courses of antibiotics to treat their symptoms only to have them return as often as monthly.  The parents want to know, after multiple rounds of pharmaceuticals and no end in sight, is there an alternative for their little one?  The answer is YES!

First, we must look at the cause of the AOM:

If a child has been on multiple antibiotics in the first years of life their immune and gastrointestinal systems can be in a state of great dysfunction.  This can then lead to a predisposition of food sensitivities by allowing larger molecules to pass through the gastrointestinal tract into blood circulation.  Not to mention, the over-all proper absorption of vital nutrients will be drastically diminished.  This process over a short period of time will lead to inflammation throughout the tiny bodies.

Anatomy of the inner ear:

Eustachian tubes in children are much more narrow & horizontal than in adults (see graphic).  This means that even a small amount of inflammation can cause the closure and improper drainage of the inner ear leading to increased pressure, redness, and pain.

Does your child need antibiotics?

According to the American Academy Pediatrics…Not necessarily.

“This study suggests that in cases of ear pain caused by AOM in children in which active treatment, besides a simple 2- to 3-day waiting period, is needed, an herbal extract solution may be beneficial. Concomitant antibiotic treatment is apparently not contributory.”

http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/cgi/content/full/111/5/e574

Treatment is as easy as 1,2,3…

First, administering natural pain management using soothing and antimicrobial botanicals in a solution that is easily absorbed through the tympanic membrane (ear drum). Secondly, increasing immune function by using supplements and hydrotherapy to heal the gut, replace good bacteria (probiotics), increase circulation, and reduce stagnation.  Thirdly, Eliminating food sensitivities and decreasing systemic inflammation by identifing, avoiding, and desensitizing through Natural Elimination of Allergy Therapy.

Dr. Jesika DiCampli practices at Bodhi Body Integrative Medical Centers.  Visit Dr. DiCampli to see if your child could benefit from a Naturopathic medical approach to ear pain and AOM. Call 480-237-2410 or email for more information at info@bodhi-body.com

The original form of prolotherapy was developed in the 1930s. A specially formulated solution is injected into a joint, or along injured ligament and tendons. The solution stimulates the body to heal damage, and can tighten ligaments, repair tendons and deposit collagen.

In many cases prolotherapy is a viable alternative to surgery, and it helps to heal injuries and decrease pain. Hines Ward and Polumalu had a treatment called PRP prolotherapy performed to help heal up injuries prior to playing in the Super Bowl last year. In this technique, blood is drawn out of the patient, spun down in a special centrifuge to separate the platelets and growth factors needed for healing, and reinjected into the joint. In essence, it simulates inflammation without causing it, and stimulates the joint to heal.

Think prolotherapy might be right for you? Call us at 480.237.2410 and schedule your consultation to learn more about it with our Sports Medicine specialist, Dr. Heather Wdowin, today.