Pathways Article Summaries and References
Issue 10 - Summer 2006
Letter from the Editor
Jeanne Ohm, DC
I just spent the last several days in bed with a flu and raging fever. The first day I sulked. Who needs this? The second day I fasted on fruit and water. Temperatures were elevating and there were moments of delirium. I anxiously awaited the pinnacle of letting a fever run its course – the break into a full body sweat. I am a firm believer in allowing symptoms to run their course and avoiding suppression with drugs, because that suppression only drives the illness deeper. The flu is a viral overload. The body raises the temperature to the specific degree it needs to be at to address that overload. A healthy system is able to handle these temperature elevations and they are a sign of normal body function. The more toxicity in the body, however, the more difficult the whole process becomes.
By the third day, I was still in the dry heat/chills stage. I was becoming a bit concerned. Where was the sweat? Where was the breaking point? I couldn’t last too much longer with these elevating temperatures. What is the boiling point of human body fluids?
I began to consume ginger root tea by the jarful. Somehow the burning sensation of the ginger was mild compared to the heat of my body. It was soothing to the chills. The flavor, the warmth, the liquid- it was the first drink that my body kept going back for more. And so I did. Several, spicy jars later, I intimately experienced visceral effects of ginger. It aided in heat production! My skin temperature reached a level comparable to a hot griddle. And then finally, the glorious sweat came– oceans of it poured out of me. Now I craved water. I was envious of fish. Truly they lived the glorious life. Then I knew to restore my electrolyte balance and I selected miso soup.
Here is my purpose in sharing this. All in all I had four days of what could be considered “an awful illness”. In reality, I was given an opportunity to do a complete cleansing fast, experience what was very comparable to a sweat lodge, to be alone, reflect on old patterns that needed to change – wow—very similar to some of the healing retreats out there all in the comforts of my own home!
The reason why I was hit so hard by this was because my body was in need of a housecleaning. Do you remember Dr. Phil Incao’s article, “Not a Battle but a Housecleaning” (Pathway’s Issue 6)? In his article he discusses the importance of these “house cleanings” and when we neglect to initiate them on our own, our bodies will do us the service. I had innately known this, and was planning a time of pulling myself “away from it all” and do a major meditative, restorative detox. As life would have it, I kept saying “next week”, “soon”, “after this project”. The wonderful wisdom of my body had a clearer insight into my needs and seized this time as perfect. How fulfilling to allow my body to complete this process without suppressing and hindering it.
This is most important point I want to leave you with: the huge value of allowing an “illness” to run its course without suppressing its symptoms. Reread Dr. Incao’s article. His perspective may be life saving in your ability to turn “illness” into “a healing retreat”. Also, in this issue of Pathways, pay close attention to Dr. Moskowitz’s article. He explains vaccines do not enhance immunity, but through suppression actually hinder normal immune system function. When “choosing to vaccinate or not” our concerns about the thimerosal, the age of the child, the amount of dosages per shot, or selectively choosing shots are minor compared to the effects of irreversibly altering this wonderful mechanism we call the immune system.
Feature Article:
How Do Vaccines Work?
Richard Moskowitz, MD
This article was excerpted from Dr. Richard Moscowitz's article: "The Case Against Immunizations" published on his website: http://members.aol.com/doctorrmosk/articles/immunizations_1.html. This insightful perspective offers parents the underlying reasons how vaccines affect the immune system function.
From the Article:
It is dangerously misleading and indeed false to claim that a vaccine makes us "immune" or “protects” us against an acute disease. In fact it only drives the infection deeper into the interior and causes us to harbor it chronically, with the result that our responses to it become weaker and weaker, and show less and less tendency to heal or resolve themselves spontaneously. To consider that possibility, I will examine the process of coming down with and recovering from a typical acute disease like the measles, in contrast to what we can observe after giving the measles vaccine...
Notes:
- Phillips, C., "Measles," in Vaughan, et al., Nelson's Pediatrics, 11th Ed., Saunders, 1979, p. 857.
- Davis, B., et al., Microbiology, 2nd Ed., Harper, 1973, p. 1346.
- Ibid.
- Ibid., p. 1342.
- Ibid., p. 1418.
- Hayflick, L., "Slow Viruses," Executive Health Report, Feb. 1981, p. 4.
- Ibid., pp. 1-4.
- Davis, op. cit., pp. 1418-1449.
- Burnet, M., The Integrity of the Body, Atheneum, 1966, p. 68.
- Talai, N., "Autoimmunity," in Fudenberg, Basic Clinical Immunology, 3rd Ed., Lange, 1980, p. 222.
- Hayflick, op. cit., p. 4.
Supporting Article:
From the National Vaccine Information Center comes their guidelines for parents prior to vaccinating their children. The NVIC can be visited at: www.909shot.com
Wellness Lifestyle:
The Energy of an Embrace
Our Wellness Lifestyle column
contributes suggestions and ideas relevant to health and well-being
on all levels. This months article comes from Daily Om, a newsletter
for inspirational thoughts for a happy, healthy and fulfilling
day. You can register for free at: www.dailyom.com to receive
these wonderful messages.
From the Article:
The need to touch and be touched is established early in our lives, as we develop and grow in the omnipresent embrace of our mothers’ womb. Once we are born, separated from that sanctuary of connectivity, we begin to crave the physical embrace of our parents. As we age, we become more independent. Yet during times of triumph or trouble and during those moments when we are in need of reassurance, we can't help but long for a hug...
Nutritional Nuggets:
Help for Parents of Hard-to-Raise Kids
This article addresses the relationship between food, behavior and learning from the Feingold perspective. Developed by Ben F. Feingold, MD, this method has been show to offer children (and parents) the guidelines to a healthier diet and lifestyle.
The Feingold Program uses foods and other products that are free of synthetic (artificial) colors, synthetic (artificial) flavors, aspartame, and the antioxidant preservatives BHA, BHT, and TBHQ.
Initially aspirin and foods that contain natural salicylates (such as apples, oranges and tomatoes) are removed. After a favorable response has been established they may be reintroduced.
From the Article:
As he examined a new patient with a terrible case of hives, Ben F. Feingold, M.D., had no idea that in a few years his work would shake up fundamental beliefs about food, behavior, and learning, and help shape new ones. The year was 1965. Dr. Feingold, who was both a pediatrician and allergist, was considered by his peers to be a pioneer in the fields of allergy and immunology. He had accepted the challenge to establish allergy clinics for the Kaiser Permanente health care system in Northern California, and now served as chief of allergy in Kaiser’s San Francisco Medical Center...
References:
- Foods and Additives are Common Causes of the Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder in Children, Boris M, Mandel F, Annals of Allergy, May 1994, Vol. 72, pp. 462-8
- Controlled Trial of Oligoantigenic Treatment in the Hyperkinetic Syndrome, Egger J, Graham PJ, Soothill JF, Carter CM, Gumley D, The Lancet, March 9, 1985
- Food Dyes Impair Performance of Hyperactive Children on a Laboratory Learning Test, Swanson J, Kinsbourne M, Science Magazine, March 28, 1980, Vol 207, pp. 1485-7
- The effects of a double blind placebo controlled artificial food colourings and benzoate preservatives challenge on hyperactivity in a general population sample of pre-school children, Bateman B et al., Archives of Diseases in Childhood, June 2004
- Favorable effect of a standard elimination diet on the behavior of young children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): a pilot study. L. Pelsser et al., Ned Tijdschr Geneeskd 146(52);2543-7, Dec 2002
Additional Resources:
- Why Can't My Child Behave? Why Can't She Cope? Why Can't He Learn? by Jane Hersey
- Healthier Food for Busy People by Jane Hersey
- What are all those funny things in food? Introductory workshop by Jane Hersey (audio CD)
All of the above are available from the Feingold Association of the United States, 554 East Main Street, Suite 301, Riverhead NY 11901 (800) 321-3287 www.feingold.org
Chiropractic for Life:
Baby Wearing:Suggestions for Carrying Your Baby:
A Chiropractic Perspective
Jeanne Ohm, DC
This article offers parents practical guidelines for carrying their babies - guidelines that support the parent's and infant's postural development for maximum nerve function.
From the article:
There has been much interest in the media about carrying our
babies. Outside of the variety of car seats (being awkwardly used
to carry the baby) and the traditional stroller, many parents are
now opting to “wear” their babies. Numerous baby carriers
are now available to choose from. In general, parents are looking
for greater insight in choosing the methods of carrying their infants.
Here is some insight from the chiropractic perspective.
In chiropractic we frequently say, “structure determines
function”; primarily, the spine determines the function of
the nervous system. In chiropractic we recognize that the nervous
system controls all body systems. Therefore, a nervous system stressed
by a compromised structure will affect the body’s overall
ability to be healthy. One significant way our spinal structures
become impaired is through irregular, repetitive postures. New
parents need to be aware that the means they choose to carry their
babies has postural effects on both themselves and their children...
Pregnancy Matters:
Midwives
Jeanne Ohm, DC
This section on pregnancy brings greater insight to parents about
the choices made during pregnancy that support, natural, easier,
safer births. This Pathways issue relates the similarities between
the essential core philosophies of midwives and chiropractors and
how they blend as a wonderful team in pregnancy and birth.
From the Article:
As I attend and present at midwifery and birthing conferences on behalf of the ICPA, I am constantly reminded that midwives and doulas are aligned with chiropractors in numerous ways. Some of the common bonds we share are:
- Knowledge of and trust in the body’s inner wisdom
- Skills and objectives focusing on working with the body’s normal function and natural healing abilities
- Support and commitment towards non-traumatic, non-invasive birthing procedures
Birth:
Pain in Labour: Your Hormones are your Helpers
Sarah, J Buckley, MD
Outstanding author, instructor and practitioner, Dr.
Buckley gives mothers the insight and understanding about the
role of hormones and their relationship to pain in labour.
From the article:
Why does birth seem so easy for our animal friends when it is so difficult for us? One obvious difference is the altered shape of the pelvis and birth outlet that is caused by our upright stance; our babies need to twist and turn to navigate these unique bends. Even our nearest cousins, the great apes, have a near-straight birth canal.
However, in every other way, human birth is like that of other mammals (animals that suckle their young) and involves the same hormones—the body’s chemical messengers. These hormones, which originate in the deepest and oldest parts of our brain, cause the physical processes of labour and birth, as well as exerting a powerful influence on our emotions and behaviour...
First published in Australia’s Parents Pregnancy, Autumn 1999, as “Your Hormones are your Helpers.” This version updated July 2005.
About the Author :
Read more about Dr. Buckley here: www.sarahjbuckley.com
Breastfeeding:
Breastfeeding
in Public -
Part Two
Breastfeeding and the Law
This article addresses a rising concern about breastfeeding in public and offers solutions to help change the limited views about this normal, natural process.
From the Article:
Breastfeeding in public IS legal in the United States, though sometimes people simply don’t know it and therefore might complain about it. This means you can nurse your baby anywhere that you are allowed to be with your baby. About 20 states have passed laws that explicitly state this fact. These laws exist to clarify the legality of breastfeeding. Even if a state does not have such a clarifying law, breastfeeding in public is still legal...
This article was
printed with permission from the website:
www.007b.com/breastfeeding_public.php.
Parenting:
The 5-Minute Solution
Scott Noelle
This article addresses a situation most parents have found themselves
in and offers a simple, loving solution.
From the article:
The scene: I was working diligently at the computer in my home office when my 2.5-year-old daughter, Willow, approached my desk and grabbed a pile of 4x6-inch photos that I had carelessly left within her reach. These pictures of our older daughter and a friend had been sent to us by the friend's mother, and replacing the pictures would have been inconvenient if not impossible.
Given
Willow's developmental stage — where "looking" at
the pictures might include folding, ripping, and coloring them — I
reacted from fear and stood up from my desk to rescue the photos
from the wild-child!...
About the author:
Scott Noelle lives in the United States, near Seattle, with his wife Beth and their two daughters. A longtime advocate of conscious, holistic, instinctive, natural parenting, Scott now offers telephone-based coaching to support progressive parents worldwide. His free E-zine, Transforming Parenthood, is available online at: www.scottnoelle.com
Mind Body:
Get Moving and Boost Your Brain Power
Tim De Canio, DC
Dr. De Canio addresses the importance of movement and neurological function
for overall greater health and well-being.
From the article:
I am often asked by parents, “Dr. Tim, how can movement of the spine help strengthen my child’s brain [nervous system] now and in the future?” Well, half your child’s nerve impulses are sent from the brain to tell the body what to do (jump, sit, run, etc.), and then back to the brain, through the spinal cord. The sole purpose of these nerves is to stimulate the brain via movement. Movement charges your brain's “battery” while also allowing you a greater opportunity to think more clearly, behave correctly, have more energy, and most important function better...
About the Author:
Tim DeCanio, D.C., D.A.C.N.B is a Family Chiropractor and a Board Certified Chiropractic Neurologist who has a successful practice in Royal Palm Beach, FL.
Family Life:
Handling Unwanted Advice
Elizabeth Pantley
Priceless suggestions and strategies for parents when encountering
the well meaning, advise giver.
From the article:
“Help! I’m getting so frustrated with the endless stream of advice I get from my mother-in-law and brother! No matter what I do, I’m doing it wrong. I love them both, but how do I get them to stop dispensing all this unwanted advice?”
Just as your baby is an important part of your life, he is
also important to others. People who care about your baby are
bonded to you and your child in a special way that invites
their counsel. Knowing this may give you a reason to handle
the interference gently, in a way that leaves everyone’s
feelings intact.
Regardless of the advice, it is your baby, and in the
end, you will raise your child the way that you think best. So
it’s rarely worth creating a war over a well-meaning person’s
comments. You can respond to unwanted advice in a variety of ways...
About the Author:
Elizabeth Pantley is the best-selling author of Gentle Baby Care, an excellent book offering parents information on numerous topics relative to having children. She is frequently quoted as a parenting expert in national magazines She's also a mother of four. Both this book and her first book, The No Cry Sleep Solution can be ordered from her website: www.pantley.com/elizabeth
Seasonal:
Natural Remedies for a Summertime First-Aid Kit
Joanne G. Crane, CNHP
From the Article:
To begin making your own summertime remedies use a glass or plastic container, not metal. I use small, travel-size hair spray bottles that have been washed and dried. Be aware, the essential oils (use only those from a health food supplier) will eventually break down plastic, but that would take a year or more. When using more than one essential oil, blend them together in proper proportions in a glass container...
About the Author:
Joanne Crane is a Certified Natural Health Professional in VA. She is also very active with Families for Natural Living a non-profit grass roots parental organization. Joanne can be contacted via her website: www.mynsp.com/crane
Research Review:
This section is a compilation of current research relevant to children and pregnancy. Some of the cited studies address:
- Pacifier Use Warning
- The Relationship between Antibiotics and Asthma
- Benefits of Delayed Cord Clamping
Pacifiers May Contribute to Ear Infections, Tooth Decay, and Thrush
Dr. Joseph Mercola
From the Article:
Infants who can be weaned from continuous pacifier use or avoid it completely are less likely to experience ear infections and, probably, other ill effects as well, according to a recent study.1 Pacifier use was found to cause a 40% increased risk of ear infections in infants, as well as higher rates of tooth decay and thrush, according to Dr. Marjo Niemela and associates from the University of Oulu in Finland...
References:
- Niemela, Marjo, et al. Pacifier as a risk factor for acute otitis media: a randomized, controlled trial of parental counseling. Journal of Pediatrics, Sept 2000; 106:483-488.
- Jackson, J.M. and Mourino, A.P. Pacifier use and otitis media in infants twelve months of age or younger. Pediatric Dentistry, Jul-Aug 1999; 255-260.
- Niemela, Marjo, et al. Pacifiers and dental structure as risk factors for otitis media. International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology, Apr 1994; 29(2):121-7.
Parent's Perspective:
This section offers testimonials from parents about the wonderful results they have experienced with their families under chiropractic care. This month's story is about chiropractic care in a newborn with respiratory distress and her immediate results for better function after her chiropractic care.
Chiropractic Care and Respiratory Distress in Newborn
From the Article:
Maleea’s birth was very difficult, the hardest of my three children. Her head was stuck in the birth canal totally looking over her left shoulder. The doctor could not get her head into an upright position. Having had two babies before, I knew how to push, but I could not deliver her. I pushed for over two hours, with Maleea in the birth canal most of that time. I was exhausted. I didn’t realize how close I was to a c-section. The doctor was packing up to go to the surgery room. Maleea must have sensed this and she was born, with me ripping a lot!...
Family Wellness Forum:
In this column, we address questions parents have about care in pregnancy, birth and for their children's health. This month, we offer insight and definition for the Webster Technique, a popular adjusting technique used throughout pregnancy to optimize normal body function. Read more about the Webster Technique here: http://www.icpa4kids.com/webster_technique.htm
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