Dr. Mark Ensweiler

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There are a wide range of symptoms and injuries that can manifest in our shoulders, elbows, forearms, and wrists. In this brief discussion, our focus is related to how soft tissue (muscular, tendon, ligament, fascia) injuries, pain, or problems in these areas can, in many instances, be addressed and treated through modern, hands-on massage and bodywork techniques along with related conservative therapies.

What Types of Conditions Are We Referring To?

A partial list might include: Rotator cuff tendinitis, shoulder pain, “tennis/golfer’s” elbow, forearm and wrist pain, tendinitis, or injuries.

While problems and injuries in these areas of the body can be complex and require a variety of therapeutic treatment options, in most cases it is highly recommended to consider having a professional soft tissue evaluation to help determine if conservative hands-on and related therapies might be appropriate for your condition. Many common soft tissue conditions of the upper extremity involving tendinitis, trigger points, sprains/ strains, sports injuries, and scar tissue can be effectively treated with conservative manual massage and myofascial therapies:

• Active Release Technique (ART)
• Graston
• Massage Therapy
• Hellerwork Structural Integration
• Integrative Dry Needling

Along with hands-on healing techniques, in certain cases additional specific natural healing therapies might be utilized, if necessary, to help reduce pain, promote circulation, and enhance healing. These modalities might include: cold laser, therapeutic ultrasound, and electrical muscle stimulation.

At Lotus Healing Arts, one of our main areas of focus and clinical expertise is evaluating and treating a wide variety of soft tissue injuries and conditions involving the upper, lower extremities and spine. Please feel free to contact our professional staff to determine if your soft tissue injury or condition might be treated with our natural therapeutic techniques.

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It’s that wonderful time of year again as the seasons shift, the temperatures are warming and the spring breezes and rainfall are upon us. Growth is abundant and appears to be happening everywhere in the plant world, with buds popping through and pollens flying. The seasonal changes can bring mixed blessings to those of who suffer with seasonal allergies (sneezing, itchy eyes, runny nose, etc.), from trees, grasses, molds, and weeds.

While there are many different ways to address allergies and their symptoms, our discussion today focuses on some simple, safe & effective approaches from a natural health care perspective that you may want to consider this allergy season.

While seasonal & inhalant allergies can be complex, we are going to look at a few simple options to consider in helping to reduce and possibly eliminate signs and symptoms of seasonal allergies. According to natural health care approaches, utilizing a simple approach of minimizing potential “allergenic loads” on our systems can help reduce or eliminate certain allergy problems.  In other words,  if we might be sensitive to 3 different substances (pollens, foods, dust), the attempt is to minimize our exposure to these as much as possible.

1. Try to reduce indoor inhalant exposure (dust, molds, pets, etc.) with regular cleaning and using HEPA air filtration units (available in stores or online) in individual rooms and/or whole house air filters for your furnace.
2. Try “nasal washes/rinses” every day during allergy season using salt water or saline.  This is a simple and practical way to help clear sinus and nasal passages clear.
3. Focus on awareness and elimination of foods that might cause allergy symptoms –   Some foods or food groups in some people can cause symptoms similar to inhalant or airborne allergies. Identifying and eliminating certain reactive or trigger foods or beverages can lessen systemic inflammation and also help to lessen allergenic loads on our systems, especially during a time when seasonal pollens are present.  (NOTE: There are simple, cost –effective tests to determine if a person is reacting to a wide variety of foods.  Please contact our office to inquire about Food Sensitivity Tests available at Lotus Healing Arts).
4. Natural treatment options to consider.  Acupuncture treatments can help some people to reduce symptoms of inhalant allergies.  Specific Nutrients  & Herbs can also be very helpful for many and while not every treatment or remedy works well for everybody, here are a few important ones to consider, alone or in combination.  I have used these remedies on a personal and professional basis for many years and have seen many positive experiences using these formulas. (Please refer to our previous newsletter, Natural Remedies for Sinus Conditions, for related herbal products)

– General: Vitamin C, MSM, probiotics, proteolytic enzymes, stinging nettles, butterbur extracts.

– More specific: Here are 4 of my favorite nutritional and herbal remedies for symptomatic relief of seasonal allergies. All of these remedies have anti-histamine qualities, are free of side effects and are non-sedating and non-stimulating, so they can be taken any time of the day.

NOTE: All of the formulas listed below are manufactured by GMP companies, which represent the highest quality ingredients and labeling practices. These remedies are available at a discounted price through September 30, 2015.

1. Yi Min – A modern Chinese herbal formula derived from the highest quality herbs from a Taiwan & California based company (Sun Ten). This concentrated formula can safely address a wide range of allergy – related symptoms and is gentle and safe enough to take on a daily basis during allergy season. Suggested Dosage:  1-3 tablets, 2-3 times per day. Regular Price (90 tablets) – $27.  Discounted price– $23.40
2. Histoplex AB –  A modern combination of high quality Chinese and Western herbs that can safely reduce airborne seasonal allergy symptoms.   (Made by Biotics Research.) Suggested Dosage:  2 capsules, 2-3 times per day. (90 capsules)  Regular Price- $34.50  Discounted Price- $31
3. ReBoost Nasal Spray –  This is a gentle and effective natural, homeopathic remedy to help clear sinus passages and reduce sinus irritation from inhalants.  Suggested Dosage:  1-2 sprays in each nostril, 1-3 times per day.  Regular Price- $11.99  Discounted price- $10.50
4. Quercitin (w/bromelain) – This is a naturally occurring set of nutrients that is found in certain foods like apples, onions, pineapples, and green tea. They have a wide range of therapeutic values, including acting as a natural anti-histamine. Safe and appropriate to take on its own or in combination with herbal formulas to help address seasonal allergy symptoms.  Suggested Dosage: (400mg) –  2 capsules, 2-3 times per day.  Regular Price- $27.99   Discounted Price-$23.50

(Please refer to our previous newsletter, Natural Remedies for Sinus Conditions, for related herbal products)

The seasons are changing once again and the colder, shorter days of fall and winter lend themselves to certain health challenges and issues for all of us- colds, respiratory/sinus problems, flus, etc.. So, how to stay healthy during the midst of our long, cold winters and is there more to be done other than receiving a flu shot? We have all heard of the importance of hand washing and trying to avoid or minimize exposure to certain germs and yet there can be so many more simple and practical options to consider in order to keep ourselves and our families in good health this time of year.

I am excited and inspired to share a few practical concepts and practices with you from the natural health and functional medicine viewpoint that I have worked on and evolved with myself and patients over the years to maintain relative robust health and resilience, especially during challenging times. Even though we appear to be exposed to more challenging germs/viruses this time of year, the truth is that we are almost always exposed to some types of germs, viruses, bacteria, etc. on a daily basis. And yet we don’t always get sick as a result. Why is this? The short answer is because of our immune system, which is our major” internal defense” against illness and in maintaining our overall health.

Without a doubt, our immune systems are complex and yet so important in keeping us healthy. A strong & vital immune system is the cornerstone for successfully dealing with various types of seasonal colds, flus, & illnesses, not to mention helping us to maintain overall health and well-being. So, an important issue to look at is: HOW to keep our immune systems balanced, strong, and active.

There are a number of natural, safe, and effective methods and practices to strengthen our immune systems. Let’s discuss a few important ones:

• Rest and managing stress – It is so vitally important to get healthy, high quality sleep (7-9 hours/night) and short naps can also be helpful here. Managing our stress levels, through various ways & means (exercise, music, meditation/prayer, being creative, having fun, setting appropriate boundaries to avoid being too busy, etc) can all be beneficial.
• Stay hydrated – Another simple and yet important concept – drink lots of non-chlorinated water, herbal & green teas, etc. . Try to avoid or minimize sugary drinks. (Excess sugar can be a challenge to our immune systems).
• Exercise & sweating – Movement and exercise of many types can also be good for our health and immune systems in so many ways. The goal here is to do things that are practical, appropriate, and fun for you. Some examples might be: various cardio/aerobic workouts, walking, swimming, skating, yoga, Pilates, Tai Chi, etc.. Raising our core temperature through exercise and sweating can be so beneficial for our health and one of my favorite ways to accomplish this is through sauna. Taking saunas (especially with warm steam) can be a great way to reduce toxins in our body, relieve stress, and to enhance circulation. I’ve been told that over 90% of people living in Scandinavian countries take saunas at least once a week and this is one of their cultural secrets of health, happiness, and longevity. Please consider this simple option (YMCA, health club, motels) and remember to drink lots of water!
• Diet & Nutrition – Highlights would be to emphasize nutrient dense foods: lots of organic fruits & veggies, including berries of all types (these can be used fresh or frozen and are a great addition to a protein-based smoothie shake), wild caught fish, farm raised meats, organic grains, lots of nuts (Brazil, almonds, pecans, macadamias, pistachios, etc), mushrooms (most  mushrooms are very healthy for us – Shitake varieties are tasty and are also powerful immune tonics), healthy oils like olive and coconut. Spices can be practical and appropriate in many ways: garlic, cinnamon, ginger, oregano, rosemary, and many other spices can add taste to our food as well as have healthy properties.
  • Try to avoid or minimize: foods and drinks with too much sugar, artificial sweeteners (aspartame/Nutrasweet), and preservatives. For some people, dairy products can be challenging, as they create more sinus related mucus and phlegm. Try to use organic butter,  yogurt, etc. when possible and check out some dairy alternatives (milks, yogurts, etc) : coconut, almond, rice, for example, especially if you are ill with a cold, sinus, or respiratory issue.
• Nutritional & Herbal Supplements – Our immune systems function best with optimal nutrient status. Some of the most important nutrients to help in this time of year are obtained from eating healthy and yet taking high quality nutritional supplements in addition can help support this whole process in safe and effective ways. Many vitamins, minerals, and nutrients are important and yet in our bodies they work together and not in isolation, so it’s a good idea to keep up with these: Carotenoids (Vitamin A precursors), Vitamins: C, B12, E, D, zinc, selenium & magnesium. Probiotics (healthy intestinal bacteria) are also vitally important for our immune system at any time of year.
• Vitamin D is an extremely important nutrient for many body systems, especially our immune system. It is important to be at optimal levels and testing to assure this is important and allows for an individualized approach to appropriate supplementation. Vitamin D testing is very cost-effective and can be done through Lotus Healing Arts. Additional functional tests are also available at our office to determine each person’s nutrient status: Spectra Cell Nutrient test, the ION test, and RBC mineral tests, to name a few.
• Immune Strengthening Herbs – Herbal medicines and therapies are the oldest organized system of treating and preventing human illness and scientific research continues to validate many therapeutic benefits to various herbs. There are a number of wonderful herbs available now from the Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ayurvedic, and Western/European models. Herbal therapies and medicine can be a complex topic and one that I will address in future newsletters, however, let’s look at a few to consider for seasonal use. There are those category of herbs that are considered to be “immune tonics” and these can be taken longer-term throughout the winter month. Some examples are: Astragalus, Echinacea, Mushroom Extracts: Ganoderma, Shitake, Cordyceps, Maitake. Adrenal or “energy tonics” might also be considered: Rhodiola, Eleuthero, Ashwaghanda, Ginseng, etc.. Other herbs and herbal formulas can be used in more specific ways to prevent and/or treat various types of seasonal illnesses. Examples of these would be: Elderberry, Andrographis, Isatis, oregano, olive leaf, and a wide range of various Chinese herbal formulas (Yin Qiao San, Gan Mao Ling, Cinnamon Twig Decoction).
  • Herbs, like nutrients, can be used by themselves but usually work best in appropriate combinations to obtain a therapeutic effect. Herbs can also vary in terms of quality, potency, etc, so I recommend knowing your source and using the highest quality herbs and at the proper dosages. NOTE: Most herbs and herbal formulas are very safe and yet certain herbs can interact with Western pharmaceuticals, so it’s good to consult with Dr Ensweiler to discuss these issues, if needed.

We maintain a wide variety of high quality, immune strengthening nutrients, herbs, and herbal formulas at our natural pharmacy at Lotus Healing Arts AND the clinical knowledge and experience as to how and when to use them. We are highlighting a few simple formulas from our natural pharmacy this month and these are available for the next 2 months at a 10% discount when you mention this article. Even though getting sick is an unavoidable aspect of the human experience, we can certainly look to prevent and/or shorten the duration of seasonal illnesses by using time-tested principles and practices from nature and natural medicine.