The doctor of the future will give no medicine, but will interest her or his patients in the care of the human frame, in a proper diet, and in the cause and prevention of disease
The great philosopher, Alfred North Whitehead, stated that “philosophy begins in wonder. And, at the end when philosophic thought has done its best, the wonder remains”.
Surely, chiropractic and its philosophy began in wonder. D. D. Palmer wondered, he questioned why individuals had differences in immunity! Why was it that two individuals could live under the same roof and eat at the same table, yet one would become ill with typhoid or pneumonia and the other would not?
Chiropractic and its philosophy began in a primitive era of healthcare. At the turn of the century while Koch and Pasteur were busy trying to demonstrate how newly discovered microbes were associated with specific diseases, D.D. Palmer, the rugged individualist was hypothesizing about individual differences in immunity.
D. D. Palmer was asking very different questions than Pasteur, and heading toward almost antithetical conclusions.
Then in a moment of wonder, a spectacular moment, after adjusting Harvey Lillard’s upper thoracic spine with a specific thrust and restoring his hearing, D. D. Palmer knew he had found something very special, something wonderful. — something that no amount of ridicule, scorn or persecution could take away from this rugged individualist. He sensed he was on the edge of a new era of health care.
A new paradigm of health and disease was being birthed inside the being of this prairie healer – Old Dad Chiro.
Then in a flash of genius, shortly after delivering his first adjustment, D.D. Palmer linked specific adjustments of subluxations of the vertebral column to the removal of interference in the nervous system — the master
control system which gives life to and vivifies the entire human being.
He theorized that subluxations produce neurological dis-ease, impacting principally the then newly discovered autonomic nervous system. Specific chiropractic adjustments corrected neurological interference or Dis-ease allowing the body to heal itself naturally from the inside out.
D.D.’s early theorizations were the beginning of a chiropractic vitalistic philosophy based on the body’s inherent wisdom and innate ability to heal itself.
Palmer’s new paradigm and philosophy were quickly labeled as quackery by a medical and scientific community which became infatuated with a mechanistic reductionistic philosophy of science. Medical science focused more on the once invisible microbes and the drugs used to destroy them, rather than on the internal vivifying factors within individuals.
Chiropractic practice and philosophy did not fit the conventional mechanistic reductionistic paradigm and were viciously attacked. Isolated and out-cast, many chiropractors were imprisoned for practicing their healing art. Political medicine did its best to stamp us out. But the vitalistic fire of our philosophy would not die.
There is the example of Dr.William Werner, who went to jail for the cause of chiropractic, and later became the founder of the American Bureau of Chiropractic, a lay organization dedicated to the promotion of chiropractic. He went to jail rather than abandon his purpose. He told the judge, “Your honor, as long as I have these two hands and there are sick people, I will use them in rendering my vocation as a chiropractor.” He refused to give up or give in.
Our patients responded and demanded chiropractic care and licensure for their doctors. We received licensure because we were distinctive, drugless, and non-duplicating. We had a unique legislative niche and a
singular vitalistic philosophy.
100 years of outstanding clinical chiropractic success have proved the visionary foresight of this man, D. D. Palmer. The basic principles which undergird chiropractic philosophy still stand. They have been confirmed
and enriched by B. J. Palmer, by many other chiropractors and also by researchers in psychology,neurology and immunology.
On the heels of a federal appeals court ruling that denied an association between autism and vaccines, the family of nine-year-old Hannah Poling will receive more than $1.5 million to provide for her care for the rest of her life, to compensate for lost earnings, and for pain and suffering for the first year. Hannah developed autism after receiving vaccinations for nine diseases during one visit to her doctor.
Hannah’s family will also receive more than $500,000 per year to cover their daughterâ€s care. Although this case was settled before trial by the government in 2007, the compensation was not agreed upon until now.
Hannah Poling and Mitochondrial Disorder
Hannah was vaccinated againstmeasles, mumps, rubella, polio, varicella, diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, and Haemophilus inflluenzaeduring one doctor’s visit at age 18 months. At that time, thimerosal (a mercury-containing preservative), which some experts say may cause or contribute to autism, was still being used in children’s vaccines.
Soon after receiving the vaccines, Hannah stopped eating, developed high fevers, began having screaming fits, and showed signs of autism. Her parents then filed an autism claim in federal vaccine court.
A factor that compounds this situation is the fact that Hannah has a mitochondrial disorder, in which her basic cell metabolism dysfunctions. Symptoms of this disorder can range from muscle weakness to diabetes, developmental delays, cardiac or liver disease, swallowing problems, poor growth, muscle pain, loss of motor control, and susceptibility to infection.
According to a Time magazine article from, “There are no scientific studies documenting that childhood vaccinations cause mitochondrial diseases or worsen mitochondrial disease symptoms,” as stated by the United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation. Yet this court decision acknowledges Hannah’s injuries and that the vaccines aggravated an unknown mitochondrial disorder that did not “cause” her autism, but “resulted” in it.
Approximately 1,000 to 4,000 children are born with a mitochondrial disease each year in the United States. There are dozens of different types of mitochondrial disease, including Alpers disease, Barth syndrome, carnitine deficiency, and Pearson syndrome. These diseases mainly affect children, but adults can develop these diseases as well.
In 2008, the United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation released a statement in response to the Poling case, noting that “There are no scientific studies documenting that childhood vaccinations cause mitochondrial diseases or worsen mitochondrial disease symptoms.†The court in this case decided that Hannah’s underlying disease increased her risk of injury from the vaccinations.
While Hannah Poling’s family will receive more than $1.5 million compensation for their daughter’s care, it cannot reverse the damage that has been done. This case raises many questions, one of which is how many other Hannahs are out there. One thing we do know is that nearly 5,000 families of children with autism have filed claims for compensation through the federal government’s Vaccine Injury Compensation Program.
Can some foods make you smarter? Research shows that nuts and seeds just might boost your brainpower and balance your moods. That’s right, everything from the most common nuts — such as walnuts, hazelnuts, cashews and almonds — to the more exotic seeds and nuts can clear up that “brain fog” and enable you to think clearer and be happier than you ever imagined.
Both figuratively and literally speaking, walnuts are “brain food.” As Rebecca Wood points out in her “New Foods Encyclopedia,” the walnut looks remarkably like the human brain. “The thin, outer green husk, which is removed before the walnuts are marketed, is likened to the scalp. The walnut’s hard shell is like a skull. The thin envelope inside, with its paper-like partitions between the two halves of the nut, is like the membrane. The convoluted nut itself represents the human brain’s two hemispheres.” Now, you might not like to remember this resemblance while you’re eating a handful of them, but you will want to remember that walnuts are made up of 15 to 20 percent protein and contain linoleic (omega-6 fatty acids) and alpha-linoleic acids (omega-3 fatty acids), vitamin E and vitamin B6, making them an excellent source of nourishment for your nervous system.
A healthy nervous system means both clearer and happier thinking, according to research. In fact, according to Readers Digest’s “Fight Back with Food,” under-consumption of omega-3-rich foods may actually lead to depression. The same walnuts that you can find in the baking aisle of just about any grocery store, may be able to boost your mood in a way similar to the famous antidepressant drug Prozac. Back in November 2004, NewsTarget covered the amazing antidepressant effects of omega-3 fatty acids.
As is the case with Prozac, walnuts’ potential antidepressant effect pertains to serotonin, the important brain chemical that controls both your moods and your appetite. Like Prozac and other selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor drugs (SSRIs), walnuts may influence the human brain’s serotonin levels, according to Professor James Duke’s book “Anti-Aging Prescriptions.” That means that you may be able to relieve the disorders commonly treated with antidepressant drugs — insomnia, depression, overeating and other compulsive behavior — without the dangerous side effects.
Walnuts aren’t the only nut with mood-boosting omega-3s, either. Gandhi praised flax seeds as a wonder food, and many nutritionists and health food fans everywhere agree. In fact, at a recent visit to the Canyon Ranch Health Resort, flax seeds were all the rage. Guests just couldn’t get enough flaxseed bread and whole flax seeds as a garnish, and with good reason. Flax seeds are an excellent source for omega-3s, making them a viable source for those who don’t like to eat fish, the most common source of omega-3s.
Like walnuts, flax seeds may offer an alternative to antidepressant pharmaceuticals, which are often loaded with side effects. However, as the editors of Bottom Line Health point out in their “Uncommon Cures for Everyday Ailments,” the effectiveness of walnuts or any other emotion-boosting seeds and nuts depends on the severity of your mental disorder. Furthermore, boosting your moods with nutrition should not be used as a substitute for the care of a medical specialist.
Walnuts aren’t the only common nuts that can boost your moods and your brainpower. According to Professor James Duke, many varieties of seeds and nuts contain tryptophan, an important amino acid that the brain converts to serotonin. Roasted pumpkin seeds and dry sunflower seeds are an excellent source of tryptophan, making them a safe, natural way to relive mild depression and insomnia. Additionally, sunflower seeds are high in thiamine, an important B vitamin for memory and cognitive function.
While you’re in the nut aisle shopping for walnuts, pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds, be sure to pick up some cashews, almonds, pecans and peanuts too. Each can improve your mental health in its own way. Cashews are high in magnesium, which can “open up” the blood vessels in your body, including those in your brain. When more oxygen-rich blood nourishes your brain, like any organ, it operates better. By providing your body with phenylalanine, adding almonds to your diet can do wonders for your mental and neurological health.
According to “Off the Shelf Natural Health: How to Use Herbs and Nutrients to Stay Well” author Mark Mayell, phenylalanine has the rare ability to cross the blood-brain barrier, where it then stimulates your brain to produce “the natural pain-killing and mood-boosting neurotransmitters dopamine, adrenaline and noradrenaline.” Accordingly, phenylalanine-rich almonds can drastically reduce the symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease, a neurological disorder that is always debilitating and often eventually deadly. Additionally, almonds are high in riboflavin, which may boost your memory. Peanuts and pecans provide another important nutrient for optimal brain function, choline. According to “Permanent Remissions” by Robert Haas, choline aids in both memory and brain development.
When you look at our history as a species, the knowledge that some seeds and nuts may enhance brainpower and moods makes perfect sense. As “Origin Diet” author Elizabeth Somer writes, seeds and nuts were an essential part of our ancestors’ diets: “Up to 65 percent of our original diets were fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts, seeds, and other plants. Our ancient ancestors ate pounds of produce every day. The other 35 percent came from wild game, low in saturated fats and rich in polyunsaturated fats called the omega-3 fatty acids.
Hundreds of studies spanning decades of research show that diets based on these foods are also the ones that lower disease risk, prevent obesity, boost energy and mood, improve mental function, and slow aging.” Seeds and nuts are essential to a healthy, well-functioning brain and, if they’re high in omega-3, essential to the brain development of an unborn fetus and growing child. It is worth your efforts to make them part of your diet, and that of your family.
How can I can prevent back pain?
Anyone can develop back pain, from the very active to the very
sedentary. We don’t know exactly what causes back pain in every
situation. We do know that some activities pose a higher risk for
causing back pain. These include heavy lifting and twisting and
bending of the trunk. Staying healthy and fit is very important.
Should I use heat or ice when I have back pain?
For the first day or two after the onset of acute back pain, cold
therapy (ice or cold packs) usually feels better. After that, heat usually feels better. The warmth helps relax the muscles and ease the spasms.
My leg hurts, and my doctor is telling me that the problem
is in my back. How can that be?
The nerves to the legs have their origin (the nerve root) in the
lumbar spine. When the nerve is pinched or compressed in the spine, it is felt in the leg. You might feel pain, weakness, or numbness.
My back pain feels better when I bend forward and is
severe when I stand up straight. Why?
If you have lumbar spinal stenosis, you will feel better when you walk holding onto a shopping cart because as you lean forward, the pressure on the nerves caused by the stenosis is reduced.
Why does my back feel better lying down?
You may notice your back pain improves when you lie down. In
this position there is less “load” on the discs. Studies have measured the pressure on the discs in different positions. By far, lying down is the position with the least pressure across the disc space.
Why do doctors ask me about my bowel and bladder?
The bowel and bladder are controlled by nerves from the spine. If
you are having difficulty controlling your bowel and bladder, it
might indicate that there is a reflex from those organs to your spinal column.
I have a torn disc. Will it grow back together?
Once the vertebrae are properly aligned the disc can begin healing Most often, a torn and painful disc improves with time and with nonsurgical Chiropractic treatment.
‘Market for lemons’: Professor Donald Light claims that five out of six prescription drugs are not effective
Professor Donald Light described the pharmaceutical industry as a ‘market for lemons’ – one in which the seller knows much more than the buyer about the product, and takes advantage of this fact.
‘Sometimes drug companies hide or downplay information about serious side-effects of new drugs and overstate the drugs’ benefits,’ said Prof Light, a professor of comparative health policy at the University of Medicine and Dentistry in New Jersey, US.
‘Then, they spend two to three times more on marketing than on research to persuade doctors to prescribe these new drugs.
‘Doctors may get misleading information and then misinform patients about the risks of a new drug. It’s really a two-tier market for lemons.’
He alleged that the pharmaceutical industry owned companies in charge of drug testing and provided ‘firewalls’ of legal protection behind which information about dangers or lack of effectiveness could be be hidden.
Companies were assisted by the ‘relatively low bar’ for effectiveness that had to be crossed to get a new drug approved, he claimed.
Prof Light presented his paper, entitled ‘Pharmaceuticals: A Two-Tier Market for Producing ‘Lemons’ and Serious Harm’ at the American Sociological Association’s annual meeting in Atlanta, Georgia.
One of the most common mistakes people make is waiting to eat until you’re starving. When you’re in this state, your judgment is going to be significantly impaired. As the saying goes, “ready to eat a horse.” Most likely though, you’re going to reach for something sweet like chocolate or ice-cream, or something salty like chips or crackers. You don’t eat a little. You eat a lot. One key to preventing this is to eat while you’re moderately hungry. Don’t wait till you’re starving.
The scale on the right gives you an idea of when you should eat. You should stay between 3lj. When you eat this way, you stay between 3-7. However, if you allow yourself to go all the way toŁ-2, you over do it and wind up at 8-9. This causes a vicious cycle. Remember, it’s okay to eat. The more often you eat, the wiser choices you tend to make. Here are a few tips on hunger:
Eat regularly- Starting with breakfast, shoot for 3 meals with healthy snacks in between.
Have ready available, nutrient dense snacks- Snacks should be nuts, trail mixes, fruit, dried fruit, carrots, protein bars, etc.
Never buy groceries while hungry- When you go to the grocery store on an empty stomach, rest assured, you’re more likely to buy on impulse. When you buy on impulse, you usually buy comfort foods.
Drink water- Drinking water may not take away the craving you have at the moment, however, drinking water regularly throughout the day keeps you hydrated. This decreases some of the physiological stresses you may incur, which in turn causes emotional/mental stress.
Study Shows Drinking 3 Cups a Day Can Lower Hypertension
By Charlene Laino
WebMD Health News
Reviewed by Louise Chang, MD
Nov. 10, 2008 (New Orleans) — If you’re worried about your blood pressure, you may want to follow the British custom of regularly “sipping a cuppa” — tea, that is.
In a new study, drinking three cups of herbal tea containing hibiscus each day lowered blood pressure.
“Most of the commercial herbal tea blends in the United States contain hibiscus,” says Diane L. McKay, PhD, of Tufts University in Boston. She tells WebMD that people with the highest blood pressure at the start of the six-week study benefited the most.
McKay presented the study of 65 healthy men and women with modestly elevated blood pressure at the American Heart Association (AHA) meeting here.
Overall, drinking hibiscus tea blends lowered systolic blood pressure — the top number in the blood pressure reading — by an average of 7 points. That was significantly more than the 1-point drop observed in people who were given a placebo in the form of hibiscus-flavored water, McKay says.
While a 7-point drop in blood pressure might not seem like much, she says studies have shown that “even small changes in blood pressure … when maintained over time … will reduce the risk of stroke and heart attack.”
Past AHA president Robert H. Eckel, MD, says that more study is needed to determine whether herbal tea’s blood-pressure-lowering effect can actually be sustained over the long haul.
The degree of blood pressure lowering associated with tea drinking in the study was as much as would be expected with standard blood pressure drugs, he says.
Legumes Help Lower Cholesterol Levels
Other research presented at the meeting suggested that eating a diet rich in pinto beans, chickpeas, and other legumes may help to lower cholesterol levels.
“Based on our findings, [I'd suggest you] consume at least three cups of dry beans and peas, or legumes, a week,” says researcher Lydia A. Bazzano, MD, of Tulane University in New Orleans.
Past research has shown that eating soy-rich products may help to control cholesterol levels, but little was known about the non-soy legumes that are more popular in the U.S., she says.
To fill in the knowledge gap, Bazzano and colleagues pooled and analyzed results ofಌ studies involving nearly 300 men and women.
Most of them had “undesirable cholesterol levels,” she says. Their average total cholesterol level was 250 points at the start of the study their average LDL, or bad, cholesterol was 172 points.
Total cholesterol in those who ate a legume-rich diet for at least three weeks dropped by an average of 14 points compared to those on placebo. LDL cholesterol dropped by an average of 11 points more in the group eating lots of beans.
High-Fat Diets May Raise Heart Failure Rick
Other research showed that high-fat diets rich in processed meats and cheeses may affect measures of heart failure.
Failing to eat enough vegetables, soy, and fish can have the same effect, says Longjian Liu, MD, of Drexel University School of Public Health in Philadelphia.
Consuming a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, on the other hand, was associated with improved blood vessel function, other research showed.
Would you attach a microwave oven to the side of your head…and then turn
it on?
Sounds like a really ridiculous question, doesn’t it? But using a cell phone is like doing just that!
Give some serious consideration to some of the latest scientific findings
about cell phone use. Considering that cell phones have become such a
necessity of life that 7 out of 10 Americans wouldn’t even consider leaving
home with out them.
Think about the following:
New European research shows a “substantive link” between cell phone use and acoustic neuroma — tumors of the auditory nerve that cause permanennt nerve and brain damage. According to a recent BBC news online report, the study shows that use of cell phones for a decade or more increases the likelihood of developing these tumors by nearly 4% on the side of the head habitually used for cell-phone communication.
Couple that with a Finnish study from 2002 that linked radiation of the
type emitted by cell phones to “adverse effects” on human brain tissue and you may have some cause for concern, regardless of what the benevolent, unbiased cell phone industry has to say. All these findings are scary enough. But the very latest headlines should make everyone take notice.
The latest report from the UK warns that CHILDREN under the age of eight
should not use mobile phone! By the way, the wireless industry is now
heavily targeting children in their advertising campaigns.
In the US nearly one-third of U.S. teens carry cell phones.
Also, four out of ten American kids, ages four to eighteen, own some kind
of wireless device (cell phone, Palms, pocket PCs, pagers or ultra light
laptops). An older child, thirteen to eighteen is likely to own more than
one wireless device with almostಲ% owning at least one. 42% of kids ageseight to twelve and 13% of kids seven and under also own at least one
wireless device.
And for all those men who care about their sperm counts, the new research
which shows that men who regularly carry their mobiles near the groin, on a belt or in a pocket could potentially have their sperm count reduced by as much as 30 percent. That’s no joking matter!
Cell phones are a huge danger to everyone. Yet I can’t imagine anyone giving up their cell phones (or cordless phones, for that matter). Fortunately, you don’t have to because there is a solution
I recommend that everyone use protection from the dangerous EMF’s from
wireless technologies by using a headset. Purchase a GOOD one. In this world one ofyen gets what one pays for. Buy cheap it’s usually cheap shoddy product. Protection from the harmful radiation of cell phones is a must. It’s much. much better to be safe than sorry!
