Healing Highly Sensitive Body in Chicago and South Florida

Immune System Reprogramming (ISR) is a technique based on Allergy desensitization (NAET) discovered by Dr. Nambudripad about 30 years ago. With NAET, a special acupressure treatment (a back tapping) is performed while the patient holding the substance that the patient is allergic to. Sometimes instead of holding the real allergen, a glass vial with homeopathic preparation inside is used to represent the allergen. If the procedure is a success, the patient’s allergy to the substance will be greatly reduced or eliminated. Up to now this technique and other variations such as BioSET are being used by thousands of health professionals to eliminate common allergies.

 

What is the difference between ISR and NAET?

 

• ISR addresses not only allergy and sensitivities but also autoimmune response and energetic conflicts amount internal organ systems
• ISR provides home kit for each patient and significantly speed up the healing process
• A self tapping procedure is added to be an alternative to the original back tapping procedure
• ISR is one of the modalities in the IBMT and is mainly used in the first phase of the program. Without other complementary modalities, ISR can not solve the root issue for allergies

 

How does the tapping work to reprogram immune system?

 

ISR is a typical energetic therapy. No biochemical or physiological theory can be used to explain this phenomenon. Clinically we often face question from patients about how the body knows what is holding and what is in the glass vial. The only answer we have is that our energy is extended outside our body. The body senses what is close to you without taking it inside. This explains why some peanut-allergy patients react to the peanut by just touching it.

 

But how does the tapping reprogram immune system? With a popular term, information therapy, we can describe the tapping procedure as a tool delivering information to the body and instruct the body to heal. For example, with acupuncture, a needle is inserted into a specific acupuncture point. The body receives two signals, the pain signal serving as an alert to the body and a location signal that tells the body where the problem is. If the body is listening and responding, a healing process is triggered and the symptoms can be resolved. The tapping is similar to acupuncture. It stimulates acupuncture points on the back or front serving as an alert, while the substance held in patient’s hand serves as a signal for direction, which instructs the body to perform specific healing.

 

It believes that this technique not only reduces allergies, but also reduces autoimmune responses and opens internal metabolic blockages. With the help of the electrodermal devices, specific autoimmune responses and energy blockages can be detected and small glass vials with homeopathic preparation inside are made according to the findings. The tapping procedure is performed while the patient holding the vial. With this modified technique, energetic conflicts and blockages can be resolved.

 

Is the reprogramming result permanent?

 

Allergy symptoms are caused by internal toxins and adrenal malfunction. ISR helps to reduce the immune response, but not to solve the toxin and adrenal issue. Without solving the root problem, allergy and autoimmune response will come back. However, if the immune system is chaotic and attacking everything, the body never completely detoxifies and adrenal system never completely recovers. Thus ISR is a necessary therapy to calm the immune system down in the beginning stage of the healing process. Long-term detoxification and adrenal therapy will follow to resolve the root problem. ISR can be used any time when allergy and autoimmune response is observed in the healing process.

 

ISR works better when the body is balanced. Without meridian balance work with homeopathy, this technique may not work efficiently. This is because ISR requires the body to be alert and willing to follow instructions. If the body is chaotic and not responding, a balancing protocol with homeopathy often is necessary for the technique to work. Thus taking homeopathic remedies and following ISR home procedure is the two major therapies in the early stage of the IBMT program.

 

Dr. Harry Hong's comprehensive program specializes in the integration of a variety of natural healing therapies such as energy testing, allergy desensitization, homeopathy, Chinese medicine and acupuncture, enzyme therapy, flower essences, hyperbaric oxygen therapy and much more. The Healing Light Co is committed to provide quality special care to the Highly Sensitive Person with Highly Sensitive Body. We are located at northwest suburb of Chicago area and have a Out-of-Town program as well. For more information, please visit www.highlysensitivebody.com.

Enzyme therapy uses digestive enzymes to help a variety of health conditions. Dr. Ellen Cutler is an expert on this therapy. Please refer to her book, Micro Miracles, for details about the therapy. Here I summarize my understanding and clinical experience on digestive enzymes.

Most food allergies start with food indigestion and food intolerance. Because of the modern stressful life styles and environmental toxins, our body, especially digestive system, is not working perfectly. It results in low digestive function including deficiency of stomach acid, digestive enzymes and digestive energy. Over eating one type of food such as sugar and carbohydrate may result in a reduction of the body’s ability to digest this type of food. Partially digested food molecules leak into our body through “leaky gut”. (Leaky gut is a result of toxic and pathogenic damage of intestine membrane). Long-term exposure of partially digested food molecules in the body eventually triggers immune responses and allergies.

Digestive enzyme helps break down food molecules and improves indigestion related symptoms. But it doesn’t solve the root problems, which is imbalance and toxins in the body as well as bad eating habit. Taking digestive enzymes is to buy some time for the body to heal. Without treating the root issues and changing bad life styles, the benefit of digestive enzymes won’t last very long. Clinically we have seen many cases that digestive enzymes work well very in the beginning and quit working after a while.  It is important for patients to know that they may only have a small window of benefit using digestive enzymes. It is necessary to treat the root issue while taking digestive enzymes.

For those people who can not change their busy life styles or those who’s digestive function has not yet recovered completely, taking digestive enzymes is necessary to maintain a good digestive function. I have seen patients who benefit by taking digestive enzymes for a long time after finishing our program to maintain their body’s balance. Digestive enzymes become a necessary part of their life.

Most of the digestive enzyme formulas contain a variety of enzymes. Some of them help sugar and carbohydrate digestion and some others help protein and fat digestion. My suggestion is that plant enzymes work better than animal ones. Best quality enzymes work much better than poor quality ones. It is worth to spend more money for better enzymes. Enzyme Inc provides high quality enzymes. They are very specialized towards different nutrients and have best quality comparing to other similar products.

In addition to help digestion, some enzymes can be used for other purpose as well. If taken empty stomach, cellulase can be used to destroy cell membrane of yeast that grows inside digestive system. Protease can be used to reduce inflammation and improve immune function and help autoimmune condition and allergies. Since plant enzymes are natural product, they are very safe to take long-term. There is small number of people who might be allergic to digestive enzymes. Their enzyme allergy may be the major cause for their indigestion. The good way to treat these people is to balance their body first and desensitize enzyme allergy. Most people will be able to take the enzymes after the treatment.

 

Dr. Harry Hong's comprehensive program specializes in the integration of a variety of natural healing therapies such as energy testing, allergy desensitization, homeopathy, Chinese medicine and acupuncture, enzyme therapy, flower essences, hyperbaric oxygen therapy and much more. The Healing Light Co is committed to provide quality special care to the Highly Sensitive Person with Highly Sensitive Body. We are located at northwest suburb of Chicago area and have a Out-of-Town program as well. For more information, please visit www.highlysensitivebody.com.

According to traditional Chinese Five-Element theories, emotions are processed through energy pathways, the meridians. Anger goes through the Liver meridian, joy through the Heart meridian, pensiveness through the Spleen meridian, grief through the Lung meridian, and fear through the Kidney meridian. Although the theory is preliminary, it is still the first one that suggests a connection between emotions and physical body. Apparently there are more emotions and more complicated energy pathways than the five listed above. If for some reason there are blockages in the meridian, the specific emotion is going to be blocked as well. This may result in a delayed emotional process, or a specific emotion holding. A long-term emotional blockage may cause related physical conditions such as slowed detoxification, blocked metabolism and emotional disorders.

Traditional Chinese medicine deals with emotional blockages through acupuncture and Chinese herbs. The most common meridian causing emotional problems is the Liver and the Heart meridians. The Liver blockage often causes anger issue while the Heart meridian is always associated with sleep problems. There are quite a few herbal formulas dealing with the Liver energy stagnation and the Heart energy deficiency. The blockages in other meridians also cause other emotional and physical conditions. Specific pattern differentiations are needed accordingly.

Most recent development of emotional therapy using Chinese energy system started from 1980s. Dr. Roger Callahan found a meridian tapping technique to eliminate negative emotions such as anxieties, phobias, and painful memories. He believes that negative emotions disrupt normal energy flow in the meridians. By tapping specific acupuncture points that associate with those meridians he is able to strengthen the energy and help the meridian to get ride of those negative emotions. He called his technique Thought Field Therapy (TFT). In the 1990s, based on the original TFT, Dr. Gary Craig developed his own accessible approach to energy psychology, which is the Emotional Freedom Therapy (EFT). Both therapies and other variations of this technique can be available to treat emotional issues and physical conditions caused by emotional blockages. Patients can learn the technique and perform the treatment at home.

Since electrodermal screening technique was developed, specific emotional blockages and associated meridians can be easily identified. With Immune System Reprogramming (a special tapping technique) the blocked emotions can be released and the meridian is balanced again. The Immune System Reprogramming is a type of informational therapy, which signals the body to heal. It is similar to TFT or EFT, when you tap your meridians with an emotion vial (homeopathic preparation) in hand, the body is signaled to open the emotional blockage and balance the associated meridian. With this technique we are able to identify the hidden emotional factors that cause physical conditions and solve the problems even if the patients are not aware of the connections between their emotions and their physical conditions.

In 1940s a German doctor, Edward Bach, developed a unique emotional therapy, called flower essences. He found that the smells of the flowers trigger emotional reactions. He believes that many of the diseases are caused by the conflicts between our divine goals and our personalities. This conflict causes mental and emotional blockages that may lead to physical conditions. He discovered original 38 flower essences that help to balance the psychological state and keep the soul once again a whole and revitalized. Flower essences can be used in special combinations addressing specific psychological status for each patient. More advanced homeopathic preparations of flower essences are also available for deeper emotional issues.

In our clinic, we try to analyze every patient for emotional connections and choose the right therapies for them. Emotional therapy is an important part of our program and has helped a lot of patients.

 

Dr. Harry Hong's comprehensive program specializes in the integration of a variety of natural healing therapies such as energy testing, allergy desensitization, homeopathy, Chinese medicine and acupuncture, enzyme therapy, flower essences, hyperbaric oxygen therapy and much more. The Healing Light Co is committed to provide quality special care to the Highly Sensitive Person with Highly Sensitive Body. We are located at northwest suburb of Chicago area and have a Out-of-Town program as well. For more information, please visit www.highlysensitivebody.com.

The equipments we use in our office are MSA Professional from Biomeridian, IQS from I2I network and Asyra from G Tech. All of them are computerized electrodermal screening (EDS) devices. Electrodermal testing came a long way since Dr. Voll developed his protocol, Electro acupuncture According to Voll (EAV) half a century ago. Combining traditional Chinese acupuncture theory and western technology he developed a testing protocol for meridians through acupuncture points. He also added eight extra meridians to traditional Chinese theory and renamed EAV meridians with physiological terms. He evaluates meridian energy using a device testing skin conductivity around acupuncture points. Changes in skin conductivity believe to be one of the few physiological phenomena for acupuncture points. His early work is the bases for all later development of the electrodermal techniques.

 

All modern equipments include a testing device based on EAV and computer interface with a database. The EDS devices basically run the following three tests:

 

• Meridian balance test: meridian balance testing is a protocol to detect energy changes within each meridian. The test determines whether the energy is under stress (blocked) or weakened (deficiency). Based on Chinese theory the energy in each meridian has to be balanced so that the healing ability reaches to optimal.
• Remedy test: Remedy test is used to determine what remedies may help the imbalanced meridian re-achieve balanced stage. This function is very useful to help the doctor design a very personalized protocol for each sensitive patient.
• Sensitivity test: Sensitivity test is used to determine what factors bother the body and cause the imbalance of the meridians. This function is very useful to search the root issue of the disease and help to pinpoint the cause.

 

Remedy testing is one of the most used functions for EAV. For example, a patient having a cold/flu often shows a stressed Lymphatic meridian. To determine if a homeopathic or herbal remedy will help the patient or not, the doctor need to test the Lymphatic meridian again while the patient holds the remedy in his hand. If the reading on the Lymphatic meridian reaches normal balance, this remedy is the right one to take. The modern computerized EDS device equipped with a remedy database is able to test and even scan for the right remedy without patient’s holding the real one.

 

Sensitivity testing is a function that is opposite to remedy testing. If the body does not agree with a substance, e.g. an allergy food, a balanced acupuncture point becomes imbalance while the patient is holding that substance. It believes that the substance may cause a stressed energetic response in the body and the skin conductivity changes accordingly. This function is very useful to identify allergies and internal blockages. With a large computer database and a well designed sensitivity testing protocol, a broad spectrum of factors that may contribute to the disease can be quickly screened and energetic blockages can be addressed specifically.

 

Computerized EDS device uses special language to communicate with the body through electric signals. This technology with a large database allows practitioners to test many substances without using the real ones. The MSA Pro has a huge database containing more than 50,000 substances and remedies. Asyra AT3 is a newer generation device with automatic function that significantly shortens the testing time and is perfect for children.

In the past fifty years, our environment has become increasingly contaminated with toxic substances such as food additives, pesticides, medications, industrial chemicals and heavy metals. Our body has been exposed to such a heavy load of toxins to metabolize and eliminate. In addition, our fast-paced lifestyle has stressed the body’s normal function and pushed our body beyond its natural capabilities of detoxification.

Clinically, we have seen an increase in such non-specific symptoms as chronic fatigue, migraine headaches, and sinus congestion. People also complain being much more susceptible to colds or flu. There have been more and more allergies and autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, Colitis and lupus.

Trying to eat organic food and drinking purified water are no longer sufficient to help the body to detoxify. We are being inadvertently exposed to toxic chemicals everywhere throughout the day and night. If the toxins exceed the body’s capacity to detoxify, they may cause a wide variety of health problems. Low level toxicity can be very difficult to detect. Yet the action of the toxins can seriously weaken our immune system and cause above non-specific symptoms, while conventional medical testing often does not have an explanation for them. According to Dr. Roy Martina some of the most apparent symptoms of toxicity include:

Fatigue, headaches, rashes, joint aches, ringing in the ear, swollen glands, hair loss, hormonal imbalances, difficulty concentrating, dizziness, restlessness or irritability

The human body is a powerful self-detoxification machine. The majority of detoxification and elimination is carried out by four systems in the body: respiratory, digestive, urinary and dermal. If these systems are not working well, especially the live function is compromised, the toxins will accumulate inside the body and cause problems.

IBMT homeopathic program is a special detoxification program combining ancient Chinese meridian theory and European homeopathic remedies. In this case, homeopathy and Chinese medicine compliment each other perfectly. We use Chinese approach to balance meridians and associated organ systems and help the body achieve an optimal detoxification and self-healing ability. Homeopathic remedies are used to stimulate cells to release toxins, stimulate elimination organs, energize organs and help them recover from stress caused by toxins.

With IBMT we recognize that detoxification process requires different stages of help. For people with very high toxicity, the whole body is in a chaotic stage. Both intracellular fluid and extracellular fluid are full of toxins. The functions of many key detoxifying systems are compromised and the tissue is towards degeneration. At this stage, the body simply can not detoxify. If a detox product is used at this stage, the released toxins have no way to be eliminated efficiently and bounce back to other part of the body and cause toxic symptoms. This is called Ping-Pong effect. To help this situation, a wake up call for the body is necessary in the early stage of the program. We use both Chinese herbs and homeopathic remedies to improve the organ function, clean up the drainage system, energize the cellular detox metabolism. Once the preparation is finished, the body is ready to detoxify even without specific detox remedies.

Classical homeopathic remedies sometimes cause “healing crisis”, which means getting worse before getting better. Complex homeopathic remedies, which are the ones we use, try to avoid this from happening by adding drainage components in the formula. Meanwhile, meridian balancing approach also helps to ease the reactions during detox process. However, for those people who have high toxicity and are sensitive to everything, a mild detox reaction can still be observed. The reaction is caused by toxins passing through filter and elimination systems. According to Dr. Roy Martina, the symptoms may include:

Fatigue, headaches, increased need for sleep, lack of concentration, depression, anger, anxiety, memory loss, hypoglycemia, insomnia, skin rashes and eruptions, frequent urination, soft stool, etc.

After the elimination process is done successfully, most patients experience:

Disappearance of reactions and symptoms, a distinct increase in energy and vitality, increased feeling of general well-being, more tolerance and resistance to stress, colds and flu, more reactive to other therapies.

At the second stage of the detox, organ specific remedies are used to signal the tissue releasing toxins. In the later stage, toxin and pathogen specific remedies are also used to target particular toxins such as heavy metal and petrochemicals.

During detox process, several other factors have to be considered as well:

• Allergies: For those who are very sensitive to everything, the immune system is very sensitive and the immune responses to nutrients and enzymes may cause many blockages in detox function. An initial process to stabilize immune system is necessary to reduce the chance to have a detox reaction. Immune System Reprogramming is often used in the beginning of the process.
• Emotion: The influence of the emotions over the body is very strong. Emotional blockages significantly stress meridians and systems causing a slowdown of detox function. For those who are very emotional, detox therapy may not work well without specific emotional treatment.
• Structure: Spinal misalignment often causes both energetic and biochemical blockages. Without addressing significant structural issues, detox program may not complete and the patient often shows detox reaction. A cranial-sacral manipulation is very helpful to solve this problem.
• Nutritional supplement: At the beginning of the detox program, the body is in a chaotic stage. Nutritional support is not necessary and often causes problems for the body. In the later stage of the therapy, immune sensitivities are under control and nutritional supplement such as vitamins and minerals start to help the body to detoxify.
  
  Once the detoxification is finished, a tissue regeneration program helps the damaged tissue recover, supplements for deficient hormones and nutrients, prevents organ degeneration.

Dr. Harry Hong's comprehensive program specializes in the integration of a variety of natural healing therapies such as energy testing, allergy desensitization, homeopathy, Chinese medicine and acupuncture, enzyme therapy, flower essences, hyperbaric oxygen therapy and much more. The Healing Light Co is committed to provide quality special care to the Highly Sensitive Person with Highly Sensitive Body. We are located at northwest suburb of Chicago area and have a Out-of-Town program as well. For more information, please visit www.highlysensitivebody.com.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is a specialized therapy using increased atmospheric pressure to allow the body to incorporate more oxygen into blood cells, blood plasma, cerebral-spinal fluid, and other body fluids. Original HBOT involves inhaling oxygen with high pressure (above 1.5 ATA). Recently low pressure HBOT chamber (less than 1.4 ATA) with or without additional oxygen has also been introduced due to its low cost and reduced risk factors. Studies have shown that HBOT helps tissue healing process by improving hypoperfusion (lack of circulation) in brain tissue, reducing neuroinflammation and oxidative stress, and improving stem cell mobilization and immune function.

Northwest Hyperbaric of Chicago is located at Schaumburg/Hoffman Estates area in northwest suburb of Chicago, about five miles west of the Woodfield Mall, easy to access with I-90 West. We are equipped with a spacious Vitaeris 320 soft chamber and an oxygen generator. To schedule a session, please call 847-922-4156.

Applications

 

According to International Hyperbarics Association, HBOT can be used to treat Stoke, diabetic foot wounds, air and gas embolism, carbon monoxide poisoning and smoke inhalation, gas gangrene, decompression sickness, acute mountain sickness, cerebral palsy, brain injuries, near-drowning, thermal burns, anemia, wound healing, crush injuries, bone grafts, etc. Based on Dr. Daniel Rossignol’s pioneer study, HBOT also helps to solve behavior issues of autistic children and improve their brain development.

 

Risk and Side Effects

 

Comparing to other therapies, side effect of HBOT is minimal. The most common complaint is the ear and sinus problems caused by pressure changes, similar to when you travel with airplane. This problem is temporary and resolves when HBOT is completed. To prevent the ear problem, the patients can be taught autoinflationary techniques before the therapy to promote adequate clearing of the ears during treatment. Some patients experience temporary changes in eyesight. These are minor and occur only in those individuals who have large numbers of treatment. Vision usually returns to normal within weeks following the end of treatment.

 

Other side effects such as claustrophobia and oxygen toxicity (when 100% oxygen is used with hood/mask) are rare. With low pressure HBOT, patients usually do not breathe in 100% oxygen with mask, the oxygen related side effect can be easily prevented.

 

Contraindications

 

Asthma attack, upper respiratory tract infection and sinus infection, viral infection, high fever, cold and flu, history of ear surgery and severe ear disorders, Pneumothorax (a pocket of air trapped in the pleura), Emphysema with CO₂ retention, history of seizures, and pregnancy. 

 

Research

 

Rossignol suggests that HBOT compensates for decreased blood flow by increasing oxygen content of plasma and body tissues. HBOT has potent anti-inflammatory effects and reduces oxidative stress. HBOT mobilizes stem cells from human bone marrow, which may aid symptoms in autistic children. Rossignol also provided a 6-children case study with low pressure HBOT and showed improvement in all 6 children and no adverse effects noted.

 

Reference

 

Rossignol D. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy may improve symptoms in autistic children, Medical Hypotheses (2006) 67, 216-228

 

 

Dr. Harry Hong's comprehensive program specializes in the integration of a variety of natural healing therapies such as energy testing, allergy desensitization, homeopathy, Chinese medicine and acupuncture, enzyme therapy, flower essences, hyperbaric oxygen therapy and much more. The Healing Light Co is committed to provide quality special care to the Highly Sensitive Person with Highly Sensitive Body. We are located at northwest suburb of Chicago area and have a Out-of-Town program as well. For more information, please visit www.highlysensitivebody.com.

 

Chinese herbal medicine is the main treatment method within Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). TCM is the world's oldest, continually practiced professional medicine, with more than 2,500 years of history. In recent years, Chinese herbal medicine has become a popular and effective alternative therapy in the West.

In what ways does Chinese herbal medicine differ from Western folk herbalism?

Western folk herbalism primarily treats diseases or symptoms by using individual herbs or, occasionally, a combination of a few herbs. Chinese herbal medicine, when practiced as part of TCM, used combination of many herbs (usually six to eighteen depending on each patient and diagnosis), and is based on an individualized pattern diagnosis as well as a disease diagnosis. Your pattern is made up of your signs and symptoms, your emotional temperament and the overall composition of your body. To put in a simpler way, two patients with same symptoms of migraines may be diagnosed and prescribed totally different herbal formulas, rather than both being treated by the same single herbs in the Western folk herbalism method.

Do Chinese herbal medicines have side effects?

Most of the components of Chinese herbal medicine have a very low toxicity compared to common Western drugs. When they are prescribed according to a correct TCM pattern diagnosis, they should have few, if any, side effects. If you experience discomfort while or after taking Chinese herbal medicine, tell your practitioner who can modify the formula until there are no side effects.

What is Chinese herbal medicine good for?

By promoting the body's ability to heal and recover itself from illness, Chinese herbal medicine can treat the full range of human diseases. It can be used to treat:

• Chronic diseases, such as allergies, gynecological disorders, autoimmune diseases and chronic viral diseases. It can be one of the few alternatives to treat menopausal disorders, chronic fatigue syndrome, depression and fibromyalgia.
• Acute diseases, like intestinal flu, viral flu and the common cold.
• Chronic pain when sometimes combined with acupuncture
• Degenerative diseases due to aging.

Are all the herbs used in TCM vegetable in origin?

Chinese herbal medicine may include vegetable, animal, and mineral ingredients, yet majority of ingredients is from vegetable sources. Leaves, flowers, twigs, stems, roots, tubers, rhizomes and bark, are among the parts of vegetable or plant used. Most of Chinese herbs come from China, with only a small percentage comes from outside China.

How are Chinese herbal medicines taken?

The most common method of taking Chinese herbal medicine is drinking a liquid, prepared by boiling the prescribed herbs. The taste of this liquid can be a challenge for some patients at the beginning. But when adding sugar or honey to it, patients can usually get used to the taste in a couple of days. There are also herbal capsules and powdered extracts for those with a busy schedule or cannot take the liquid form. However, the liquid form allows the patient to obtain the maximum result from Chinese herbal treatment. Capsules can be used for prolonged administration for chronic disease, or to continue therapeutic results after a successful initial treatment with liquid herbal medicine.

How long does it take to see results with Chinese herbal medicine?

In acute conditions, results may occur in a matter of minutes. In chronic conditions, some results should be seen within two weeks. Although chronic conditions may require taking Chinese herbal medicine for a long time, signs that the medicine is working should be apparent to the patient and practitioner from the first few weeks.

Can pregnant women take Chinese herbs?

It is generally NOT recommended for pregnant women to take Chinese herbal medicine unless it is necessary. If choose to do so during a pregnancy, the patient should inform her Chinese herbal doctor of her pregnancy before any treatment begins.

How do I know if a practitioner is professionally trained in Chinese herbal medicine?

Although Chinese herbs are safe when prescribed by a well-trained, knowledgeable practitioner, they are strong medicine. Chinese herbal doctor generally needs longer training than an acupuncturist does. Ask your practitioner about where the training had taken place, how long the training was, and how long he or she has been in practice. Patients should also ask if the practitioner has passed a certification exam for Chinese herbal medicine, set up by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM).

 

Dr. Harry Hong's comprehensive program specializes in the integration of a variety of natural healing therapies such as energy testing, allergy desensitization, homeopathy, Chinese medicine and acupuncture, enzyme therapy, flower essences, hyperbaric oxygen therapy and much more. The Healing Light Co is committed to provide quality special care to the Highly Sensitive Person with Highly Sensitive Body. We are located at northwest suburb of Chicago area and have a Out-of-Town program as well. For more information, please visit www.highlysensitivebody.com.

Acupuncture is defined as the insertion of fine needles into the human body at specific points to treat specific health problems. These points are determined and mapped by the Chinese two thousand years ago, and are continuously being developed over time.

What problems can be treated by acupuncture?

Acupuncture is more effective in treating the following problems:

• Pain-related disorders such as low back pain, headaches, migraines, facial paralysis, nerve pain, partial weakness after a stroke, certain types of muscle atrophy, inflammation of nerve endings, frozen shoulder, tennis elbow, sciatica, sports injury and osteoarthritis.
• Ear, nose, and throat disorders such as toothaches, earaches, sinus inflammation, nasal inflammation or dryness.
• Gastrointestinal disorders such as inflammation of the stomach or colon, constipation and irritable bowel syndrome.
• Disorders of reproductive system and endocrine system such as PMS, menopausal syndrome, infertility and impotency.

How does acupuncture work?

Traditional acupuncture theory is based on ancient Chinese theories of the flow of Qi (pronounced Chee), or Energy and Xue (pronounced suih), or Blood, through different but distinct meridians (pathways) that covers the body just like the normal nerves and blood vessels do. According to this theory, acupuncture allows Qi to flow toward areas where it is deficient and flow away from areas where it is excess. By using this method, the acupuncturist can regulate and restore the energetic balance of the human body. Modern research on acupuncture pain relief suggested that acupuncture needles stimulate human body to produce endogenous small peptides such as endorphin, which leads the body to a deep relaxation and reduces the pain.

Does acupuncture hurt?

It should hurt just a little bit but nothing like injection or withdrawing blood. Once the needles are inserted at the right acupuncture points with the right stimulation, the patient should feel some soreness, cramping, heaviness or tingling sensation around the needle. This feeling can also move along its own meridian (i.e. energy pathway). Summing it up, if you do experience discomfort in an acupuncture treatment session, it should be mild.

How can we make sure the needles used are clean?

The best practice today in the US is to use only sterilized, individually packaged, disposable needles. No needles should be reused after each treatment. This eliminates the possibility of transmitting a communicable disease by a contaminated needle.

How many treatments will each patient need?

Because each individual responds to treatment differently, a series of six to fifteen treatments are generally needed, due to the duration, severity and nature of your problems. For certain acute conditions, however, one or two treatments may resolve your complaint. On the other hand, certain degenerative conditions may require more than fifteen treatments over time.

What to do when receiving acupuncture treatment?

You can do the following:

• Wear loose clothing, women should avoid tight stockings or one-piece dress. Wear least amount of jewelry.
• Relax during treatment. Do not hesitate to ask your practitioner if you have any questions along the way.
• Avoid sudden move or change of body positions. Let your practitioner know if you are uncomfortable.
• If you are nervous, you can experience dizziness, cold sweat, shortness of breath or faintness during treatment. If this happens during treatment, inform your practitioner right away.

What to expect after treatment?

Some patients may experience an immediate total or partial relief of their pain and other symptoms after the first treatment or first couple of treatments. This relief may last or some pain may return as time progresses. Some others may start to feel the relief after 4-6 treatments. It depends on your body’s reaction to acupuncture therapy.

What criteria should one use in choosing an acupuncturist?

Choosing an acupuncturist can be a tough decision, since you want to find the best practitioner for your problems. The usual question to ask is how long the practitioner has been trained in acupuncture, because a couple months of training is often not enough for a thorough training. Also inquire where the practitioner got his/her training, how long has he/she been practicing, and if the practitioner is properly licensed in the U.S. Acupuncture is a licensed and regulated healthcare profession in more than half the states in this country, including Illinois. Acupuncturists should also be certified by the National Certification Commission for the Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM).

 

Dr. Harry Hong's comprehensive program specializes in the integration of a variety of natural healing therapies such as energy testing, allergy desensitization, homeopathy, Chinese medicine and acupuncture, enzyme therapy, flower essences, hyperbaric oxygen therapy and much more. The Healing Light Co is committed to provide quality special care to the Highly Sensitive Person with Highly Sensitive Body. We are located at northwest suburb of Chicago area and have a Out-of-Town program as well. For more information, please visit www.highlysensitivebody.com.

Polarity in energy medicine describes the spin direction of the energy flow in the body. There are many different explanations towards the concept of polarity. Bio-electrical explanation of polarity refers to the angular momentum of the electron in the orbital path. The number of electrons circling the nucleus defines chemical composition. The spin of the electron creates an electromagnetic field. If the rotation of the electron is incorrect, it causes an imbalance.

In his book of Virtual Medicine, Dr. Keith Scott-Mumby suggests that the spin, also known as optical rotation, comes from the helical structure of crystalline solids, or helical molecules in liquids and solutions. Spin is designated either right or left. What practitioners with virtual medicine detect is that healthy blood and saliva have a right-spin; urine and stool have left-spin. When a person is under extreme stress, this may reverse. Natural nutrients and food we eat all have right-spin. Since we do not know the polarity issue very well, many synthetic materials may not have right-spin and their energy conflicts with the body’s energy field. This is certainly an area deserves further research.

Dr. Roy Curtin of I2I network believes that polarity switch also shows as a malfunction of the responding system of our consciousness. It affects not only our conscious mind but also subconscious mind. All of our physiological controlling systems require yes or no response from each other. If the system responds YES but it really means NO, many physiological pathways may become blocked or slowing down. Clinically we often see patients responding to supplement and medicine completely opposite to its supposed response. For example, a sleeping pill should calm them down and help them sleep but instead it makes them awake. Many times it is due to polarity switch and the patient responds to the supplement differently.

What causes polarity switch is still unknown and deserves more scientific research. It is suggested that geopathic stresses and radiation may cause the switch. But Dr. Scott-Mumby mentioned that this may also be the other way around, those who have revered polarity may be more sensitive to the geopathic stress and radiation.

Clinically we found that many patients with reverse polarity could not recover therapeutically until the polarity is back to normal. For those who are very sensitive to everything even to remedies, they may have a polarity issue. Without switching the polarity back, they may not get better. We also found that no matter what symptoms the patient had, solving polarity issue sometimes help the major symptom get better even without addressing the symptom. Thus detecting and treating polarity switch becomes the first priority in energy medicine.

To detect polarity switch we use electrodermal screening device with specific filters. It helps to know if the patient is switched and also helps to find out what homeopathic remedies work for that particular patient. There are several remedies to choose from. Most of them are geopathic stress related remedies. By helping the body deal with geopathic and radiation stresses, it also helps the polarity switch back. There is also tapping technique can be used to switch polarity. But my experience is that taking homeopathic remedy is easier than doing tapping all the time. During my practice, I try to include a polarity remedy in the remedy combination all the time especially for those very sensitive patients. I want to be sure that they respond to the therapy the right way.

 

Tapping for Polarity Switch

Callahan’s technique: locate the area on the side of the hand between the wrist and the base of the pinky. Karate chop. Firmly tap this area of either hand with the 4 fingers of the other hand about 15 times.

You may also gently tap directly under the nose about 15 times.

Dr. Harry Hong's comprehensive program specializes in the integration of a variety of natural healing therapies such as energy testing, allergy desensitization, homeopathy, Chinese medicine and acupuncture, enzyme therapy, flower essences, hyperbaric oxygen therapy and much more. The Healing Light Co is committed to provide quality special care to the Highly Sensitive Person with Highly Sensitive Body. We are located at northwest suburb of Chicago area and have a Out-of-Town program as well. For more information, please visit www.highlysensitivebody.com.

From the viewpoint of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), migraine headaches are classified according to the overall condition of the patient, not only the nature of the headache. The headache is a result of disturbance or imbalance of Yin-Yang within the Zang-Fu organ system or the Channel system (Meridians), which are the two principal systems that regulate the functions of the body and mind. The diagnosis of TCM is the unique pattern differentiation of the clinical symptom-complexes, which represent specific pathological conditions that can be adjusted or reversed to physiological conditions by TCM therapeutic techniques such as medicinal herbs, acupuncture and Qi Gong therapy.

The disharmony of the Liver system is the most common reason causing migraine headache. According to the Zang-Fu theory, the Liver is the organ system that regulates the flow of Qi as well as stores the soul (related to mental activity). The smooth flow of Qi regulates emotional activities as well as ensures that the overall body activity operates normally. The disharmony of the Liver system, most commonly deficiency of Yin energy or excess of Yang energy, causes irregular Qi flow and Blood stasis, and accumulates Heat inside the body. Both the Qi stagnation and the Heat accumulation may result in migraine headache. The Liver type of migraine shows moderate to severe intensity, sometimes with pulsating quality and aggravation by walking stairs or physical exercise. This type of migraine is commonly in conjunction with emotional strain or stress, feeling of oppression in the chest and hypochondrium, depression or anxiety, reddened tongue with thin coating, and taut pulse.

Deficiency of the Kidneys is another common reason to cause migraine, especially for those patients with a long history of headache. According to the theory of the Five Elements (Phases), Water (Kidney) energy produces Wood (Liver) energy. The Kidney deficiency, caused by prolonged illness, may result in the Liver Yin deficiency and trigger headache. The Kidney deficient type of migraine shows mild to moderate intensity and is commonly in conjunction with weakness of lower back, low energy, lassitude, pale tongue, deep and weak pulse. Clinically there is a third type of migraine, which is the combination of the Liver type and the Kidney type of headache. The Liver Qi stagnation and Kidney deficiency may co-exist in the same patient.

Migraine headaches are also triggered by other pathogenic factors such as Wind, Damp Heat and Cold. Examining the nature of the headache usually helps to identify the factors causing the headache. For example, Wind causes a moving headache (the location of the pain changes); Damp results in a headache with heaviness; Cold causes a headache that may get worse when the temperature drops. In addition, the location of the headache also makes a difference. The forehead headache is usually related to Stomach meridian, the crown and back headache is related to Bladder meridian, while the side headache is usually related to the Liver or Gall Bladder meridian. However, the major pathophysiological change of the body is the Qi stagnation and Blood stasis. Pattern differentiation process recognizes the signature symptoms for each organ system as well as the pathogenic factors. Proper diagnosis should be made thorough analyzing the complete history of the patients and all presenting symptoms, followed by checking the tongue and taking pulse.

Acupuncture is the most common therapy for migraine. Efficacy of acupuncture towards migraine headache has been reported by many independent studies. Acupuncture analgesia has been thoroughly studied since the 70s. The major finding through these studies indicated that acupuncture stimulates endogenous morphine-like molecules such as endorphin and monoamine to block the pain signal. But acupuncture does far more than just the pain relief. It modulates endocrine and nervous system and stimulates self-healing process of the body. The actual mechanism is still unknown.

Acupuncture therapy uses very thin needles to stimulate acupuncture points on the skin. For migraine headache the following acupuncture points are commonly used: Hegu (LI 4), Tainchong (Lv 3), Zulinqi, and Fengchi. From my experience, a non-invasive electroacupuncture is also useful for this condition. Electroacupuncture is a method of stimulating acupuncture points with mild electric current. A number of points along the Stomach and Gall Bladder meridian on shoulder, neck and head, are often used. Electroacupuncture effectively relieves headache and relaxes tension of the muscle around the neck and shoulder. Chinese Tui Na (manipulation) for the neck and back also helps to relieve the headache. Dosage, duration and frequency of the therapy depend on individual patient. Most patients get some degree of relief after a single treatment. But the pain may come back after a few hours to a couple of days. This is due to the imbalance of the body. Multiple treatments are highly recommended because acupuncture analgesia has proven to be accumulative. Normally twice a week for 4-6 weeks (8-12 visits) is recommended. Complex cases with severe imbalance of the body may need longer time. For most of the cases, a properly prescribed Chinese herbal formula helps the patient to recover faster.

Chinese herbal medicine is another common therapy for migraine headache. Chinese herbal medicine has been used to balance the body with natural products for thousands of years. The theory behind Chinese herbs is the unique Yin-Yang and Zang-Fu theory, which is parallel to Western physiology. For the disharmony of the Liver system, the principle of treatment is to smooth the flow of Liver Qi and clear the Liver Heat. The prescription is based on specific symptoms of each patient as well as the experience of each practitioner. Decoction of Bupleurum chinensis (Chai Hu), Angelica sinensis (Dang Gui) and Paeonia lactiflora (Bai Shao) in combination with other herbs is commonly used. For the pattern of Kidney deficiency, the principle of treatment is to reinforce vital energy of the Kidney and Liver. The prescription is usually the decoction of Rehmannia gutinosa (Di Huang), Dioscorea opposita (Shan Yao) and Cornus officinalis (Shan Yu Rou) with modifications. Patent formula is also available for both cases. Chinese herbal medicine is the core of traditional Chinese therapies for migraine headache and is very powerful to balance the body. It significantly reduces the pain, shortens the headache attacking time, reduces the frequency of the migraine and prevents the headache from happening. The duration of Chinese herbal treatment is usually 1-2 months and also depends on individual patient's condition.

The tense lifestyle in the modern society is one of the reasons causing migraine headache and other related illness. The regularity of lifestyle, such as eating, resting and sleeping, is important for migraine patients in addition to the herbal and acupuncture treatment. Regular physical exercise, emotional control techniques and other calm activities are also necessary to prevent migraine attacking. Qi Gong is an ancient Chinese technique to actively promote circulation of Qi in the body and adjust the body inner clock to the natural clock. Similar to Yoga meditation, Qi Gong is the Chinese way to control and cultivate the energy of our body. It also serves as emotional control technique to prevent migraine headaches. Tai Ji Quan is another popular exercise in Chinese society. It combines Qi Gong and physical exercise and allows people to practice regularly to relax and adjust the conflict among the organ systems caused by the modern lifestyle. Both Qi Gong and Tai Ji Quan can be very good self-help techniques for migraine.

Diet is considered an important influence of health and illness in TCM. Food is believed to be part of the medicine and affects the result of the herbal treatment. According to Chinese theory, food is classified into different groups according to their nature and taste. Fatty and greasy foods, alcohol, coffee or sweets can produce Dampness and Heat, while spicy also produces Heat. Migraine patients should avoid those food items in their diet, especially for those patients diagnosed with the disharmony of the Liver. On the other hand, diet is believed to complement the nature of each human body. Properly designed diet plan according to Chinese theories will compensate Yin-Yang nature of the body and benefit the overall health in a long run. Consult a TCM practitioner for more information about the diet of each specific case.

Dr. Harry Hong's comprehensive program specializes in the integration of a variety of natural healing therapies such as energy testing, allergy desensitization, homeopathy, Chinese medicine and acupuncture, enzyme therapy, flower essences, hyperbaric oxygen therapy and much more. The Healing Light Co is committed to provide quality special care to the Highly Sensitive Person with Highly Sensitive Body. We are located at northwest suburb of Chicago area and have a Out-of-Town program as well. For more information, please visit www.highlysensitivebody.com.