Natural Alternatives for Chemical Based Insect Repellents and Pesticides

May 5th, 2010

We have reached the time of year when the weather warms and we venture outside to begin our spring clean up, gardening, and sport activities.  This is a great time to discuss natural alternatives for chemical based insect repellents and pesticides.

Why natural alternatives to commercial based insect repellents?

DEET, N,N-Diethyl-meta-toluamide, is the most common active ingredient found in commercial insect repellents.  Originally developed by the US Army as farm pesticide, DEET works by blocking an insect’s ability to smell.  DEET also affects the central nervous (in insects and mammals) by inhibiting an enzyme called acetylcholinesterase.  This enzyme is involved muscle control, and has been found to cause seizures.  DEET is also a solvent and is capable of dissolving some plastics and other synthetic materials, but also natural materials like leather.  Doesn’t sound like something you want to put on your skin does it?  Picaridin is another synthetic insect repellent.  Much less caustic than DEET, and unlike DEET, is not a solvent.  Its toxicity is minimal according to the FDA, EPA, and WHO.

Instead of coating yourself with chemicals, why not make your own natural insect repellent with ingredients you can purchase in any health food store?

Herb essential oils with insecticide properties include cedar, lemon balm, perilla, various mints, feverfew, lavender, garlic, and eucalyptus.  Oils such as vegetable, almond, grape seed or olive oil should be used as a carrier of the essential oils when making insect repellent for topical use on skin. For example, an insect repellent can be made with 30 drops of combined lemon balm, lavender, citronella, eucalyptus and rosemary essential oils (easily found in any health food store) mixed in one ounce of vegetable, olive, almond or grape seed oil and applied as needed. Dried herbs in sachets can be stored in cabinets and drawers to repel insects. Rosemary and lavender are especially good for this purpose. Add chamomile, thyme, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg and other herbs, as you like.  Smudges can be made of cedar or other herbs that help repel insects.

INSECT SPECIFIC

Ants

Pour a line of cream of tartar, red chili powder or paprika; rub a fresh garlic clove or place dried peppermint leaves at the point of entry. Repeat as needed.

Chiggers

Bathe in very hot water within a few hours of exposure to decrease larval attachment. Rub mountain mint (Pycnanthemum spp.) on your legs prior to going into tall grass or woods. Put sulfur powder in your socks, shoes and pant cuffs to deter chiggers.

Cockroaches

Place bay leaves around cracks in the room, set out a dish of equal parts baking soda and powdered sugar, oatmeal flour and plaster of Paris, chopped bay leaves and cucumber skins, or crushed tobacco and water to repel cockroaches.

Fleas

Feed pets Brewer’s yeast, garlic tablets or B-vitamins and wash them regularly with herbal baths of fennel, rue or rosemary. You may also use a cedar bed, spray or smudge.

Flies

Hang bunches of insect repelling herbs or put vases of aromatic herbs on windowsills. Tansy is especially effective. You can also make a tea with any of the above herbs and spray it around windows, doors and plants. Homemade flypaper can be made by boiling equal parts of sugar, corn syrup and water and spreading the mixture onto strips of brown paper.

Mites

To keep mites out of flour, put 2-3 nutmegs, peeled elder shoots or bay leaves in the bin or bag.

Mosquitoes

Rub eucalyptus, fresh elder leaves, citronella, lavender or chamomile oils on the body and clothing. Repeat frequently for best results. Citronella repels mosquitoes but must be reapplied every hour to remain effective. You can also use a piece of flannel dipped in camphor-phenique to help clear the area or burn an herbal smudge or fragrant candle.

Moths

Use cedar chips, newspaper and dried lavender as a substitute for mothballs.

For Bites and Stings

Use chickweed tea or topical cream for itching. Topical peppermint oil, sandalwood oil, lemon balm oil, lavender oil, plantain, aloe, witch hazel, comfrey or jewel weed are useful for bites. Raw onion, lemon juice or vinegar on stings will relieve pain and itching. To remove a stinger and soothe a sting, put wet mud or a baking soda/water paste on the sting, allowing it to dry and then peel it off. Oatmeal, Epsom salt or baking soda soaks are helpful in all cases of skin irritation.

IN THE GARDEN

Insect Spray Concentrate

Crush 3 unpeeled garlic heads/bulbs; add to 3 oz. liquid paraffin in a small bowl. Let stand 24 hours. Melt 1 Tablespoon grated oil-based soap (such as Ivory Snow) in 2 cups hot water. Add soap mixture to garlic mixture. Strain into a glass jar and store in refrigerator. To use, dilute 4 Tablespoons in 4 pints water.  Spray at least every two weeks.

Wormwood Spray

Simmer 8 oz. wormwood leaves in 3 pints water for 30 minutes. Stir, strain and allow cooling. Dissolve 1 teaspoon Ivory Snow in 2 cups hot water. Add to wormwood water. This spray is excellent for caterpillars.

Red Pepper Spray Concentrate

Chop 1 unpeeled onion and 1 unpeeled head/bulb of garlic. Add onion, garlic and 1 Tablespoon cayenne pepper to 3 pints water and simmer in a saucepan for 20 minutes. Cool and store in jars in the refrigerator for 6 weeks. Strain and store in jars. To use, dilute 1 Tablespoon of concentrate with 1-pint water. Add a little Ivory Snow. This is a good general insect spray and is effective against caterpillars.

For general application to our garden, we use organic Neem seed oil. We combine it with soapy water. It controls a wide variety of insects on houseplants, herbs, vegetables, nuts, fruit, flowers, trees, roses, lawns and shrubs. It is great for the organic gardener.

Since we are on the subject of gardens, I should also mention an all natural deer repellent. A big problem for our garden! It is called Bobbex and is made right here in Connecticut. Works great!

Resources

  1. www.altnature.com/library/repelling_insects.htm
  2. www.gardenguides.com/TipsandTechniques/herbal.htm
  3. Bove, Mary N.D. An Encyclopedia of Natural Healing for Children and Infants. Keats Publishing. 1996.
  4. Ody, Penelope. The Complete Medicinal Herbal. Dorling Kinserly. 1993.
  5. Tierra, Leslie. The Herbs of Life: Healing Using Western and Chinese Techniques.
  6. Pearson, David. The Natural House Book. Fireside/Simon & Schuster, Inc. 1989.

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Take a Proactive Approach to Your Health with a Spring Detox Cleanse

April 26th, 2010

In the last 50 years our environment has become increasingly more polluted, resulting in a greater human toxic burden than ever before. Tens of thousands of noxious and toxic chemicals have been introduced into the environment. So no matter how careful we are or where we live, we all have some level of exposure. Add to this the use of alcohol, tobacco, and prescription and non-prescription drugs, and it can readily be seen that a challenging task has been created for the body to get rid of these substances.

There are many fad detoxification regimes floating around the internet and published in magazines.  The problem with these applications of detoxification, such as the famous lemonade detox or even colon flushes, are that you are not supporting the body’s innate biochemical processes to deal with the increase burden of metabolizing the toxins you are liberating from your tissues.  So in reality, these detoxifications can make you ill.  The liver carries the greatest burden of detoxifying foreign substances, as well as substances created in the body such as hormones. You can help your liver do its job by providing your body with sufficient protein as well as the nutrients and botanicals involved in optimal liver function.

In order to provide our patients with a sound method of detoxification, we met with various representatives of nutriceutical companies and reviewed their products for not only effectiveness, but also overall cost efficiency for our patients as well.  We are proud to have teamed up with Ortho Molecular professional products in order offer our patients the very best in detoxification programs.  The best part of it is that you are able consume real food, which our doctors will personally recommend on an individualized basis!

We have paired this detoxification program with our service of Constitutional Hydrotherapy to provide the most well rounded application of detoxification.  Constitutional hydrotherapy is a special technique which greatly improves recovery from many illness, both acute and chronic, such as fatigue, arthritis, bronchitis, food poisoning, heart disease, influenza and chronic constipation to name a few. It has been used successfully by thousands of naturopathic physicians for over a century and at one time was standard medical treatment for many illnesses in hospitals and clinics.  The benefits of constitutional hydrotherapy include an improvement in sleep, digestion and metabolism, bowel function, an increase in your energy level and a reduction in chronic pain.

If you would like more information, please call the office and speak to your respective physician.

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Green Tea is Good for Bone Health

March 24th, 2010

Osteoporosis is the thinning of bone tissue and loss of bone density over time, and is a major health problem in both elderly women and men. Much research has been conducted to determine the association between green tea consumption and the prevention of age related bone loss, decreasing the risk for osteoporotic fractures.

The active constituent in green tea, Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), is well known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, as well as effectiveness in cancer and  arteriosclerosis.  Research is now showing green tea consumption also has positive effects on the delicate balance between osteoclast (cells which break down bone) and osteoblast (cells which create bone) activity.

A study conducted by Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center determined:

…tea and its bioactive components might decrease the risk of fracture by improving bone mineral density and supporting osteoblastic activities while suppressing osteoclastic activities.1

What about for your teeth?  Periodontal disease involves inflammation and infection that destroys the tissues that support the teeth, including the gums, the periodontal ligaments, and the tooth sockets, alveolar bone.  A study conducted by Department of Periodontology, at the College of Dentistry, Seoul, Korea reports:

…EGCG significantly inhibited osteoclast formation.  These findings suggest that EGCG may prevent the alveolar bone resorption that occurs in periodontal diseases by inhibiting the expression of MMP-9 in osteoblasts and the formation of osteoclasts.2

1 Nutr Res. 2009 Jul;29(7):437-56. Green tea and bone metabolism. Shen CL, Yeh JK, Cao JJ, Wang JS. Department of Pathology, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430-9097, USA.

2 J Periodontal Res. 2004 Oct;39(5):300-7. Inhibitory effects of green tea polyphenol (-)-epigallocatechin gallate on the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-9 and on the formation of osteoclasts. Yun JH, Pang EK, Kim CS, Yoo YJ, Cho KS, Chai JK, Kim CK, Choi SH. Department of Periodontology, Research Institute for Periodontal Regeneration, College of Dentistry, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea.

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Taming The Burn: How to Improve Your Lactic Acid Threshold

February 21st, 2010

We’ve all had that feeling. The sensation that our legs were on fire as we struggle to cycle to the top of a hill, or do those last two crunches. You know, the feeling that makes you say, “Wow! I must be out of shape!” or “I feel muscles hurt in places I didn’t even know I had them!”

Congratulations! You’ve hit your lactic acid threshold.

In our cells there are two basic ways to make energy: aerobic (which requires the presence of oxygen) and anaerobic (which doesn’t). Most of the time we use the aerobic system, but when this system runs out of oxygen, as what happens with more intense exercise, anaerobic energy mechanisms kick in. The end product of anaerobic exercise is lactic acid. It was once believed that lactic acid was the end of the energy story. However, new studies indicate that lactic acid can be used to produce large amounts of glycogen, a substitute for glucose, that can quickly fuel your muscles in the absence of glucose.

During low intensity exercise, the body is usually able to keep up with demands for oxygen by the muscle cells. However, when there is an increase in demand, the body quickly ramps up its ability to break down glucose for energy. This metabolic overdrive causes an increase in a molecule called pyruvate. Under intense physical demand, pyruvate can go either of two ways. It can it can be used for extreme energy making right then and now, or it can be converted to lactic acid and used later. You can only use so much pyruvate, and if the cells cannot can not burn it fast enough, more pyruvate will wind up as lactic acid. You now have an over abundance of lactic acid floating around.

This is the lactic acid threshold. You’re exercising beyond the capacity of the muscle cells to keep up. The accumulation of lactic acid causes the acidity in your muscle cells to rise which then leads to muscle fatigue.

The key to increasing your lactic threshold (and thus increasing your exercise capability) lies in improving your body’s ability to oxidize lactic acid for energy production.

So how do we do this? First, we need to provide our cells with enough oxygen and the ability to use it. This increases the aerobic energy mechanisms and helps to oxidize lactic acid. The best way to do this is of course to train and condition your body by regular exercise. As you do this, your cells learn and become more efficient at their jobs. However, through simple supplementation, you can support your body’s effort to achieve a high lactic acid threshold faster.

Creatine: This supplement is neither a mineral, vitamin nor herb, but rather an “organic acid.” When creatine hits your muscle tissue it “buffers” the acidity which leads to muscle fatigue. Creatine also decreases the formation of lactic acid. In humans, approximately half of the stored creatine originates from food (mainly from fresh meat), so the type O diet is usually creatine rich. Plant based diets are usually low in creatine, so type A may want to use a creatine supplement if they are planning to train hard. Type B and AB can also benefit from creatine for reasons that are theirs alone: Creatine provides a bit of “non-protein nitrogen” which types B and AB can really benefit from.

Hydroxy-methyl-butyrate (HMB): helps muscle cells burn fatty acids for energy, which decreases the lactic acid threshold by reducing the requirement for carbohydrate sources of energy. Foods high in HMB are:

Type A: Alfalfa Sprouts, Pineapple, Asparagus, Avocado, Cauliflower, Grapefruit

Type AB: Alfalfa Sprouts, Pineapple, Asparagus, Cauliflower, Catfish, Grapefruit

Type B: Red Meats, Asparagus, Cauliflower, Catfish, Grapefruit

Type O: Red Meats, Asparagus, Grapefruit

Manganese: This essential mineral has been well documented in its ability to oxidize lactic acid.

Vitamin C: One of the most potent lactic acid oxidizers is Vitamin C. When it comes to supplementation with Vitamin C, the best sources are food sources, such as the rose hips, acerola cherry and elderberries.

Bromelain: Pineapple, Ananas comosus, has been used as a medicinal plant in several native cultures and Bromelain has been known chemically since 1876. Bromelain is an enzyme found in the stem and fruit of the pineapple plant. It is best known as a digestive aid and for its anti-inflammatory effects in traumatic injuries and after surgery. Bromelain has also been used successfully to treat a number of disorders including heart disease, arthritis, upper respiratory tract infection, and Peyronie’s disease (a condition that affects the genito-urinary tract and can cause sexual dysfunction in men). It has been used successfully to heal wounds caused by burns and to increase the actions of antibiotics.

Bromelain’s anti-inflammatory activity appears to be due to a variety of physiological actions. Evidence indicates that Bromelain inhibits inflammation at the sites of injury and is known to digest blood clots. Perhaps the strongest evidence of benefits of Bromelain enzyme supplements come from numerous European studies showing various blends to be effective in accelerating recovery from exercise and injury in sportsmen as well as tissue repair in patients following surgery. In one study of soccer players suffering from ankle injuries, Bromelain supplements accelerated healing and got players back on the field about 50% faster than athletes assigned to receive a placebo tablet. A handful of other small trials in athletes have shown it can help reduce inflammation, speed healing of bruises and other tissue injuries (including fractures) and reduce overall recovery time. In patients recovering from facial and various reconstructive surgeries, treatment with Bromelain significantly reduced swelling, bruising and stiffness.

If you plan on using these supplements to help build your lactic acid threshold, they should be taken anywhere from 30-60 minutes before you begin your workout.  Now next time you are out running, fast walking or cycling you can look confidently at that hill on the horizon and whisper to yourself: ‘I can do that!”

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Fatty Acids

February 21st, 2010

Over the last few years there has been an increased focus on the intake of particular fatty acids and the health benefits associated with them.

Probably one of the most heard about fatty acids are those that are derived from fish oil. These omega-3 fatty acids called eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexanoic acid (DHA) have been extensively studied for their therapeutic effects in numerous diseases. One of its most known effects is its ability to modulate inflammation decreasing the excessive production of pro-inflammatory chemicals called eicosanoids. Excessive amounts of eicosanoids have been associated with increased blood clots, higher levels of histamine, and auto-immune diseases such as seen in lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.

Omega-3 fatty acids can also help decrease LDL cholesterol (the bad cholesterol) and triglycerides and increase HDL cholesterol (the good cholesterol). They have also been shown to increase insulin sensitivity, and reduce the amount of free fatty acids in circulation, important issues in individuals with obesity, diabetes and metabolic syndrome.

Studies have been conducted on the effects of omega-3 fatty acids supplementation in individuals with cognitive and depressive symptoms as well. One recent studied showed that omega-3 fatty acids supplementation suggested a possible role of fatty acids intake in maintaining adequate cognitive functioning and possibly in preventing or delaying the onset of dementia. Omega-3 fatty acids modulate the amount of inflammation and enhance production of neurotransmitters (chemicals required for normal brain function which are important in the treatment of depression).

Have a thrifty metabolism? Enhancing muscle growth and increasing insulin sensitivity. The best lipid source for this activity is Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA). Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA) is a fatty acid found naturally in meat and dairy food. Conjugated Linoleic Acid supplements currently are derived from sunflower oil.

Conjugated Linoleic Acid reduces fat and preserves muscle tissue. According to the research project manager, an average reduction of six pounds of body fat was found in the group that took CLA, compared to a placebo group. CLA supplementation has shown to improve the lean mass to body fat ratio, decreasing fat deposition, especially on the abdomen, and enhancing muscle growth. To achieve this, CLA reduces body fat by enhancing insulin sensitivity so that fatty acids and glucose can pass through muscle cell membranes and away from fat tissue. This results in an improved muscle to fat ratio. Compelling evidence indicates that CLA can promote youthful metabolic function and reduce body fat. CLA also enhances the immune system—many studies have shown that CLA seems to possess significant cancer preventive effects.

Flaxseed oil omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to reduce inflammation and help prevent certain chronic diseases such as heart disease and arthritis. These essential fatty acids appear to be particularly important for cognitive and behavioral function as well as normal growth and development. Lignans, such as those found in flaxseed oil, appear to help modulate excess growth factors levels later in life (which may help enhance longevity) and encourage the proper removal of cells damaged by aging or mutation.

Flaxseed oil has been found to lower cholesterol and saturated fatty acids and inhibit plaque formation in blood vessels not only on via physical mechanisms but also on the cellular level antiproliferative and anti-inflammatory actions. Research of such studies show that Flaxseed oil may not only be beneficial in preventing atherosclerosis, but reducing risk factors for coronary artery disease and stroke.

Flaxseed lignans belonging to the phytoestrogens are metabolized after ingestion into enterolignans that may offer a protection against the onset and development of hormone-dependant cancers. Flaxseed has also shown to inhibit established human breast cancer growth and metastasis, and this effect is partly due to its down regulation of insulin-like growth factor I and epidermal growth factor receptor expression, two substances over expressed in such a disease.

Micallef MA, Garg ML. The lipid-lowering effects of phytosterols and (n-3) polyunsaturated fatty acids are synergistic and complementary in hyperlipidemic men and women. J Nutr. 2008 Jun;138(6):1086-90.
Tsitouras PD, Gucciardo F, Salbe AD, Heward C, Harman SM. High omega-3 fat intake improves insulin sensitivity and reduces CRP and IL6, but does not affect other endocrine axes in healthy older adults. Horm Metab Res. 2008 Mar;40(3):199-205.
Solfrizzi V, Capurso C, D’Introno A, Colacicco AM, Frisardi V, Santamato A, Ranieri M, Fiore P, Vendemiale G, Seripa D, Pilotto A, Capurso A, Panza F. Dietary Fatty acids, age-related cognitive decline, and mild cognitive impairment. J Nutr Health Aging. 2008 Jun;12(6):382-6.
Tassoni D, Kaur G, Weisinger RS, Sinclair AJ. The role of eicosanoids in the brain. Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2008;17 Suppl 1:220-8.
Blankson H, Stakkestad JA, Fagertun H, Thom E, Wadstein J, Gudmundsen O. Conjugated linoleic acid reduces body fat mass in overweight and obese humans. J Nutr. 2000 Dec;130(12):2943-8.
Dupasquier CM, Dibrov E, Kneesh AL, Cheung PK, Lee KG, Alexander HK, Yeganeh BK, Moghadasian MH, Pierce GN. Dietary flaxseed inhibits atherosclerosis in the LDL receptor-deficient mouse in part through antiproliferative and anti-inflammatory actions. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol. 2007 Oct;293(4):H2394-402. Epub 2007 Jul 6.
Prasad K. Hypocholesterolemic and antiatherosclerotic effect of flax lignan complex isolated from flaxseed. Atherosclerosis. 2005 Apr;179(2):269-75. Epub 2005 Jan 26.
Lamblin F, Hano C, Fliniaux O, Mesnard F, Fliniaux MA, Lainé E. [Interest of lignans in prevention and treatment of cancers]. Med Sci (Paris). 2008 May;24(5):511-9.
Chen J, Stavro PM, Thompson LU. Dietary flaxseed inhibits human breast cancer growth and metastasis and downregulates expression of insulin-like growth factor and epidermal growth factor receptor. Nutr Cancer. 2002;43(2):187-92.

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Morning Sickness

January 21st, 2010

Despite its name, you can experience nausea during pregnancy anytime of the day. There is no one explanation for its occurrence. However, it is suspected to be caused by pregnancy hormones such as human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and vitamin B6 deficiency. Other factors which are thought to contribute are the predisposition to nausea, such as motion sickness; age, the younger you are the more likely you will experience it; and a family history of expecting mothers having experienced it. Although you can not adjust your hCG levels to avoid morning sickness, there are quite a few things you can do:

• Avoid triggers such as offensive odors and fatty spicy foods. Reducing the intake of saturated fats or foods high in fat and eating more protein can be helpful.

• Eat frequent small meals which prevents the stomach from being completely empty and allowing blood sugar to drops; both things known to cause nausea. Food should be thoroughly chewed and eaten at a leisurely pace. The main meal should be in the middle of the day. Liquids should be avoided with meals.

• Eat an abundance of fresh vegetables, especially green leafy vegetables, along with balanced proteins, complex carbohydrates, and fiber. Food-combining techniques such as not combining protein and starch or starchy vegetables in the same meal may be of value.

• Eating small amounts of complex carbohydrates such as a biscuit or dry toast, especially after waking up, while still lying down, helps settle the stomach.

• Keeping a small, easily digested snack in the bathroom can keep blood sugar normal and the stomach from getting empty in the middle of the night.

• Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration. Carry a water bottle with you at all times can help with this.

• Have your health practitioner recommend a high potency multi-vitamin which contains vitamin B6. Studies have shown this to help significantly with nausea and vomiting episodes.

• Ginger (Zingiber officinale) has been used for centuries in the treatment of nausea. Ginger tea can be sipped during episodes of morning sickness or you can even chew on some ginger root. There are quite a few products on the market that contain ginger in a hard candy form, such as Gin-Gins. Just make sure to find a product that actually contains ginger and not just an artificial flavoring.

• Acupressure and acupuncture have been widely used for nausea and vomiting in pregnancy in China and elsewhere for centuries. An acupressure wristband, such as ACUBAND, which is approved by the FDA for treatment of nausea, can be used. This device presses on an acupuncture point on the wrist to relieve symptoms.

Pregnancy is a delicate state. There are many misconceptions that products are not dangerous because they are natural. However, many substances, including those that are natural may very well be contraindicated in pregnancy. Which ever method(s) you choose to try to ease your morning sickness, be sure to discuss it with your health care provider first.

Murray, Michael and Joseph Pizzorno. Textbook of Natural Medicine. Ed. 3. Churchill Livingston, St. Louis. 2006
www.webmd.com

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Welcome to the Naturopathic Family Medicine and Nutrition Center

January 10th, 2010

NFMNC is a health practice dedicated to providing the best in holistic, individualized care. NFMNC is where mind, body, and spirit are integrated achieving harmonious vitality.

Created by Dr. Natalie Colicci, NFMNC’s mission is to provide excellent service tailored to the unique physical, mental, and spiritual needs of each individual. Drawing on medical research, NFMNC uses only the highest natural supplements designed to achieve maximum health benefits.

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We welcome Dr. Samuelle Easton ND, MS, LAc, Dipl Ac.

January 1st, 2010

Samuelle Easton is a licensed Naturopathic Physician and Acupuncturist. Using a scientific approach to synergistically apply the principles of western healing modalities and traditional oriental medicine, Dr. Easton works with natural therapies including naturopathic and homeopathic medicine, acupuncture and oriental medicine and nutritional and lifestyle counseling.

Dr. Easton received her Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine from the College of Naturopathic Medicine at the University of Bridgeport and completed her Masters of Science in Acupuncture at the University of Bridgeport Acupuncture Institute. She is privileged to have studied with some of the most respected names in holistic medicine including André Saine and A. U. Ramakrishnan as well as prominent authorities on oriental medicine and acupuncture including Richard Teh-Fu Tan and Zhi L. Huo. Additionally, her post-graduate training included acupuncture training in Master Tung’ technique, Toyohari Japanese acupuncture, a non-invasive form of acupuncture, Korean Hand Therapy and Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture as well as completing an acupuncture internship in the neurology department at the Lutheran Medical Center in Brooklyn, NY.

A general healthcare practitioner who uses natural, non-toxic therapies, Dr. Easton specializes in chronic illnesses and enhancing optimal radiant health for well patients. Dr. Easton has a special interest in dermatology, neurology and gastroenterology.

Dr. Easton is a licensed Naturopathic Physician and Acupuncturist in the state of Connecticut and a licensed Acupuncturist and Cosmetologist in the state of New York as well as a member of the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians. She is nationally board certified as a Diplomat of Acupuncture by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM).

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We joined up with Doctor’s Data!

November 9th, 2009

In addition to the diagnostic testing we offer our patients from Quest Diagnostics and local imaging centers, we would like to announce that we are also now working with Doctor’s Data to provide our patients the latest in testing for the assessment, detection, prevention and treatment of heavy metal burden, nutritional deficiencies, gastrointestinal functions, hepatic detoxication, metabolic abnormalities and diseases of environmental origin.

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We are now offering Cold Laser Therapy!

September 21st, 2009

What is Cold Laser Therapy?

Cold laser therapy, sometimes also referred to as low-level laser therapy is quickly becoming the first line of attack in pain control and tissue healing in rehabilitative medicine. Cold laser therapy is safe, painless, non-invasive and the results are often immediate and sustainable. NASA has been using light therapy for over 30 years to accelerate the healing process for their astronauts while in space.

How does it work?

All light has an effect on the cells of the human body. What that effect is shall be determined by the wavelengths of light applied. The cold laser produces a beam of light that has a specific wavelength and frequency. When the light of the Laser is applied around the knee joint the electromagnetic energy is converted to chemical energy within each cell which sets in motion a chain of chemical reactions allowing the healing process to begin. This chemical reaction in the cell allows several things to occur:

Stimulates Healing and Repair of Tissue
Increases Tissue Strength
Reduces Pain
Reduces Swelling/Inflammation
Promotes faster wound healing
Stimulates nerve function
Promotes Cellular Oxygenation/Detoxification

Is Cold Laser therapy safe and are there any side effects?

Cold Laser Therapy has been successfully used around the world for over 30 years, with no reported long-term side effects. In the United States the FDA has ruled that the therapy is safe.

For the past 30 years the technology of Cold Laser Therapy (also known as Low Level Laser Therapy or LLLT) has been formally accepted in Canada and in many other parts of the world such as Europe, Scandinavia, Russia and Japan. In all this time there have been no recorded long-term adverse effects from its use. It is considered to be non-invasive, painless and safe.

The question is often asked “If it’s a laser aren’t they used in surgical operations, to cauterize tissue?” The answer is “Yes” – Hot Lasers are able to cauterize (cut) tissue. However, the ones we use are “Cold Lasers” with design parameters that make it impossible to damage even one cell in the body. Our Lasers stimulate and energize the cells.

Is Cold Laser Therapy painful?

No. Low level lasers do not generate perceivable heat. Therefore, when the laser contacts the skin the patient experiences no warmth or burning as a result of the laser. Most people feel nothing at all while a few may feel a slight tingling during the treatment.

What other conditions does the Cold Laser help treat?

Knee Pain
Joint Pain in knees, hands, ankles, and hips
Arthritis, Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis
Chronic neck, back, and shoulder pain
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Rotator Cuff Injury
Bursitis
Tennis Elbow and Golfer’s elbow
Fibromyalgia
Plantar Fascitis
Headaches
Tendonitis
TMJ
Other Musculoskeletal injuries
Wound healing
By using the cold laser to stimulate acupuncture points, it can even be used for smoking cessation for those individuals who do not like needles!

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