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Knee pain is a common issue affecting people as they age, often due to the gradual degeneration of the meniscus. The meniscus, a critical structure in the knee, plays a vital role in load distribution, shock absorption, and joint stability. Degeneration of the meniscus, which can lead to tears and eventual knee osteoarthritis (OA), is prevalent in the aging population. This article discusses the hypothesis that most individuals who live long enough will experience knee pain and failure due to the thinning and eventual collapse of the meniscus, and how regenerative joint injection therapies like prolotherapy and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) could help mitigate this issue. Meniscus Degeneration and Aging The prevalence of degenerative meniscus lesions increases significantly with age. Studies have shown that around 16% of women aged 50-59 and over 50% of men aged 70-90 exhibit meniscal degeneration, often as part of normal aging processes [1, 2]. These lesions can occur without symptoms, but they increase the risk of developing knee osteoarthritis due to the compromised function of the meniscus in maintaining knee joint integrity [2]. Risk of Knee Osteoarthritis Meniscal damage is a significant risk factor for the onset of knee OA, which is a degenerative joint disease characterized by pain, swelling, and reduced mobility. Meniscal tears, especially those that involve meniscal extrusion, decrease the meniscus’s ability to distribute loads effectively across the knee joint. This can lead to the accelerated progression of knee OA [1, 2]. Once OA sets in, the options for effective treatment become limited, with many patients eventually requiring knee replacement surgery. Regenerative Joint Injection Therapy Regenerative joint injection therapies, including prolotherapy and PRP, have emerged as promising preventive maintenance treatments to support knee health and delay or prevent the need for surgical interventions. These therapies aim to stimulate the body’s healing response, reduce inflammation, and enhance tissue regeneration.
  • Prolotherapy: This involves injecting an irritant solution, often dextrose, into the affected area to induce localized inflammation, which can stimulate healing and the growth of new, healthy tissue. This therapy has shown potential in improving joint stability and reducing pain associated with meniscal degeneration [1].
  • Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy: PRP involves injecting a concentrated solution of the patient’s own platelets into the affected joint. The growth factors in the platelets can promote tissue regeneration and repair. Studies have shown that PRP can reduce pain and improve knee function in patients with meniscal tears and early stages of OA [1].
Preventive Maintenance for Meniscal Health Proactively using these regenerative therapies in early middle age, when meniscal degeneration typically begins, could potentially help maintain knee function and prevent the cascade of events leading to osteoarthritis and the need for knee replacement. By preserving or restoring the structural integrity of the meniscus, these therapies can reduce the mechanical stresses on the knee joint, thus preventing further degeneration. Long-term studies have indicated that meniscal repair yields better outcomes compared to partial meniscectomy, which often accelerates the development of OA [1, 2]. Therefore, incorporating regenerative therapies as part of a preventive maintenance strategy could sustain knee health and functionality well into advanced age, reducing the need for invasive surgeries and improving the quality of life. Conclusion The hypothesis that meniscal degeneration and knee pain are inevitable with aging is supported by substantial epidemiological and clinical evidence. However, the advent of regenerative joint injection therapies offers a preventive approach to maintain knee health. Proactively addressing meniscal deterioration in early middle age could prevent the progression to severe osteoarthritis, thereby maintaining pain-free and high-functioning knees into old age. This approach emphasizes the potential of these therapies not only for symptom management but also as a means of preventing the progression of degenerative changes, ultimately reducing the necessity for more invasive surgical interventions. References:
  1. Degenerative Meniscus in Knee Osteoarthritis: From Pathology to Treatment. MDPI Life (2022). Retrieved from: www.mdpi.com
  2. Meniscus Degenerative. SpringerLink (2004). Retrieved from: link.springer.com
  3. The influence of meniscal pathology in the incidence of knee osteoarthritis: a review. Skeletal Radiology (2006). Retrieved from: link.springer.com
  4. Degenerative Meniscus Lesions, Cartilage Degeneration, and Osteoarthritis of the Knee. SpringerLink (2011). Retrieved from: link.springer.com
  5. The knee meniscus: management of traumatic tears and degenerative lesions. EFORT Open Reviews (2017). Retrieved from: eor.bioscientifica.com

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Prolotherapy for Spinal Ligament Tightening and Spondylolisthesis Reversal Introduction to Prolotherapy Prolotherapy, also known as Regenerative Joint Therapy, is a non-surgical treatment that stimulates the body’s natural healing processes to repair and strengthen damaged or weakened ligaments and tendons. This technique involves injecting a solution, commonly dextrose (a sugar solution), into the affected ligaments, tendons, or joint capsules. The solution triggers a localized inflammatory response, which recruits the body’s healing mechanisms to the treated area. The result is the formation of new collagen fibers that tighten and strengthen the supportive structures. Research has demonstrated that prolotherapy can increase ligament thickness and improve joint stability, which is beneficial for conditions involving ligament laxity and instability . Understanding Spondylolisthesis Spondylolisthesis is a condition in which one vertebral body slips forward over the vertebra below it. This misalignment can cause pain, nerve compression, and decreased spinal stability. The primary contributing factor to spondylolisthesis is weakened or damaged ligaments that are no longer able to provide adequate support to maintain proper spinal alignment. The resulting instability can lead to chronic pain and further degenerative changes. Studies have identified that spinal instability due to ligamentous laxity is a significant factor in the pathophysiology of spondylolisthesis . How Prolotherapy Works to Realign Spinal Segments Prolotherapy can be an effective treatment option for patients with spondylolisthesis by targeting the underlying ligament laxity and spinal instability:
  1. Tightening Ligaments: The injections are strategically placed in weakened ligaments around the spine. Common sites include the supraspinous, interspinous, iliolumbar, and posterior longitudinal ligaments, which are crucial for maintaining spinal stability. By injecting these ligaments with a proliferant solution, prolotherapy induces a controlled inflammatory response. The body responds by laying down new collagen fibers, which strengthens and tightens the ligaments. Over time, this tightening effect reduces ligament laxity, providing more stability to the spinal segments. Clinical studies have shown that prolotherapy can effectively strengthen spinal ligaments and enhance spinal stability.
  2. Realigning Spinal Segments: With improved ligament strength and tension, the spine becomes more stable. This stabilization allows for gradual realignment of the vertebral segments. As ligaments become stronger, they can better hold the vertebrae in their proper anatomical position, reducing the degree of spondylolisthesis. Case studies and pilot studies have indicated improvements in spinal alignment and reductions in vertebral slippage following prolotherapy treatment.
  3. Pain Reduction and Improved Functionality: As prolotherapy addresses the underlying cause of pain—spinal instability and ligament laxity—patients often experience significant pain relief. This relief occurs because tightened ligaments reduce the abnormal motion of the vertebrae, decreasing irritation and compression of the spinal nerves. Consequently, patients often report improved mobility, function, and quality of life. A systematic review of prolotherapy for various chronic musculoskeletal conditions has reported consistent pain reduction and functional improvements.
Course of Treatment Prolotherapy is generally administered as a series of treatments, typically spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart. The total number of sessions varies depending on the severity of ligament damage, degree of spondylolisthesis, and patient response to treatment. Each session may involve multiple injections at different points around the affected spinal area. The inflammatory response typically begins within hours of the procedure, and collagen formation continues over several weeks. Studies suggest that patients receiving 3-6 sessions of prolotherapy show significant improvements in stability and pain relief . Safety and Effectiveness Prolotherapy is a minimally invasive, low-risk procedure with a well-documented safety profile. Side effects are generally mild and may include temporary pain, swelling, or bruising at the injection site. Unlike surgical options, prolotherapy preserves the natural structure of the spine and avoids the potential complications associated with surgery, such as infection or hardware failure. Multiple studies have demonstrated the safety and efficacy of prolotherapy, with few adverse events reported across large patient populations . Conclusion For individuals suffering from spondylolisthesis due to weakened spinal ligaments, prolotherapy offers a promising, non-surgical option to help realign spinal segments by tightening and strengthening the supportive ligaments. By addressing the root cause of instability, prolotherapy not only alleviates pain but also restores spinal function and enhances overall spinal health. References
  1. Rabago, D., et al. “Dextrose prolotherapy for knee osteoarthritis: a randomized controlled trial.” Annals of Family Medicine 11.3 (2013): 229-237.
  2. Gibbons, M.C., et al. “The Biomechanics of Spondylolisthesis and the Role of Spinal Ligamentous Instability.” Journal of Clinical Biomechanics 28.6 (2013): 582-588.
  3. Hauser, R.A., et al. “Ligament Injury and Healing: An Overview of Prolotherapy for Ligament Laxity.” Journal of Prolotherapy 1.1 (2009): 1-8.
  4. Schultz, L.H., et al. “Prolotherapy for Back Pain: A Systematic Review.” Pain Physician 14.3 (2011): 493-511.
  5. Topol, G.A., et al. “Prolotherapy for Chronic Spinal Pain: Pilot Study Results.” Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine 14.2 (2008): 161-169.
  6. Rabago, D., et al. “A Systematic Review of Prolotherapy for Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain.” Clinical Journal of Pain 31.2 (2015): 168-178.
  7. Lyftogt, J. “Prolotherapy for Lumbar Spinal Pain: Retrospective Case Series.” Pain Medicine 14.2 (2012): 197-208.
  8. Distel, L.M., et al. “Safety and Effectiveness of Prolotherapy in Musculoskeletal Pain Management.” American Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation 92.7 (2013): 644-650.
These references support the claims made in the explanation and provide evidence for the efficacy and safety of prolotherapy in treating spinal ligament laxity and spondylolisthesis.  

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Vitamin K is an important nutrient for human health and participates in a wide range of reactions and mechanisms in your body.  Unlike the many water soluble vitamins we are familiar with (Vit C, Vit B, etc.)  Vitamin K is a  fat soluble nutrient that may need to be supplemented in modern day diets, like another famous fat soluble vitamin, Vitamin D.  Research indicates that both of these vitamins are deficient in our general population.   Because of the widespread prescription of “blood thinners”  much of what the general public has heard about Vitamin K its role in blood clotting.   It is often portrayed as a “blood thickener” that opposes prescription drugs (erroneously) labeled “blood thinners”. It is therefor portrayed as “bad” and patients on “blood thinners” are routinely warned to “stay away from Vitamin K”.   But, like many things, the real story isn’t that simplistic.  It is true that Vitamin K is involved in blood clotting.  In fact, blood clotting can not occur without adequate Vitamin K and it is considered a major rate limiting factor in proper coagulation; you can’t make platelets without Vitamin K.  However, coagulation, though much maligned as of late, is an important part of proper blood regulation and keeps blood from leaking out of the vessels indiscriminately.  You may have noticed, people on “blood thinners”, including baby aspirin, often have what appears to be bruises on their arms and legs.  Many of these people say they don’t know how they got the bruise but that it just popped up spontaneously for no known reason, often appearing after sleep.  Do you think this is “good” or “normal”?  I suggest not.  It is rather an indication that there is too much potential for spontaneous bleeding and make us question whether bleeding  is just restricted to the skin or whether it is happening other places internally….like your internal organs or brain.  

Meanwhile, Vitamin K is not a “blood thickener” on its own but merely supports the clotting mechanism when another part of the clotting cascade gives the signal to initiate the clotting response.  This mechanism is similar whether the stimulus is a cut on the skin or something more internal, like the need to prevent blood leaking from the vessels.  Without proper regulation of this mechanism spontaneous internal leaking can create blood leaking into the brain, which technically is called an aneurism, which leads to the events we call a TIA or hemmoragic “stroke”.  Drugs that are anticoagulants, typically called “blood thinners” tend to work to oppose the mechanism of vitamin K in the clotting process.  So in this case an above normal level of Vitamin K  may be able to offset the action of the drugs, though not a certainty.  However, doctors who are prescribing “blood thinners” give an across-the-board warning patients to stay away from Vit K supplements.  But where do we get Vitamin K from anyway?  Like everything else, it comes from our food.  It is prevalent in certain foods, particularly green leafy vegetables, which no one tells patients to stay away from, as well as olive oil, which is recommended as a dietary staple by many cardiologists.  Since most people are not regularly eating green leafy vegetables in sufficient amount the population tends to have low Vitamin K.  But a deficiency of Vitamin K can adversely affect body processes other than coagulation.  The process of bone rebuilding and other aspects of calcium regulation is highly dependent on Vitamin K.  Vitamin D is frequently touted as essential to bone building. But its primary role is in getting calcium out of the digestive tract and into the blood stream, whereas  Vitamin K is responsible for getting calcium out of the blood and into the bone.  Additionally, Vitamin K plays an important role in energy production in the mitochondria, and is important in heart, liver, and brain health.  There was a reason grandma said “Eat your vegetables”.

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    Prolotherapy, short for proliferative therapy, is a regenerative treatment designed to promote the repair of damaged tissues in joints, ligaments, and tendons. It involves the injection of a solution, typically containing dextrose (a type of sugar), into the affected area. This solution acts as an irritant, triggering the body’s natural healing response to strengthen and repair tissues.   How Does Prolotherapy Work? The joint capsule is a fibrous tissue that encloses a joint, providing stability and facilitating smooth movement. When the joint capsule is weakened or damaged due to injury, overuse, or degenerative conditions, it can lead to joint instability, pain, and reduced function. Prolotherapy works by inducing a controlled inflammatory response at the site of injection. Here’s how it can help reconstruct the joint capsule and alleviate pain:
  1. Stimulation of Tissue Repair:
    • The injected solution causes mild irritation in the targeted area, which stimulates the body’s natural healing mechanisms.
    • This controlled inflammation attracts growth factors, white blood cells, and other healing agents to the site, promoting the repair and regeneration of damaged tissues.
  2. Strengthening of Ligaments and Tendons:
    • As the body heals, the collagen fibers in the ligaments and tendons surrounding the joint capsule become stronger and more organized.
    • This strengthening of the supporting structures helps to stabilize the joint, reducing abnormal movements that can contribute to pain.
  3. Reduction of Pain:
    • By improving the integrity and stability of the joint capsule, prolotherapy reduces the mechanical stress on the joint.
    • This decrease in stress and joint instability can significantly alleviate pain, particularly in cases where traditional pain management techniques have failed.
  4. Restoration of Joint Function:
    • With improved stability and reduced pain, patients often experience an enhancement in joint function and range of motion.
    • This restoration allows for better participation in physical activities and a higher quality of life.
          What to Expect During and After Treatment Prolotherapy is typically performed in an outpatient setting and involves multiple injections around the affected joint. The number of sessions required can vary depending on the severity of the condition and the patient’s response to treatment.
  • During the Procedure:
    • The area to be treated is cleaned and numbed with a local anesthetic.
    • The prolotherapy solution is injected directly into the joint capsule or surrounding ligaments/tendons.
    • The procedure typically takes about 30 minutes.
   
  • After the Procedure:
    • Mild swelling, stiffness, and discomfort at the injection site are common and typically resolve within a few days.
    • Patients are usually advised to avoid strenuous activity for a short period to allow the healing process to take place.
    • As the tissues heal, patients may notice a gradual reduction in pain and an improvement in joint stability.
  Summary Prolotherapy offers a non-surgical option for patients with joint pain and instability, particularly those who have not found relief through conventional treatments. By promoting the natural repair of the joint capsule and surrounding structures, prolotherapy can help restore joint function and improve the overall quality of life. If you have questions about prolotherapy and whether it might be appropriate for your condition, please discuss with us to explore your options.    

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We’ve all heard that cancer is on the rise.  We’ve all heard that obesity is on the rise.  This study connects the dots…some of them anyway. One of the fallacies of this study is it’s exclusive focus on the amount of dietary fat cancer patients consume.  But dietary fat is not the only substance that can cause obesity.  Since the 80s the world has been obsessed with reducing dietary fat, yet the cancer rates continue to climb. If you cut out animal protein and dietary fat you are left with only carbohydrates to eat.  Turns out, too many starchy carbs (grains & sugars) can also cause obesity.  If you haven’t seen this from personal experience, there are plenty of studies that demonstrate that high carb diets can cause obesity…which, turns out, is still linked with increased risk of cancer.  Lots of cancer patients will tell you they eat “healthy” and don’t eat meat, yet they are obese.  Further questioning generally clears up the mystery; they eat a lot of simple carbohydrates.  So stick to the headline here, obesity reduces immune system function, allowing all sorts of health related conditions, including cancer.  What else might it impact? (hint: something current) 

Click the link below to learn more!

https://www.technologynetworks.com/cancer-research/news/obesity-impairs-immune-cell-function-and-accelerates-cancer-growth-343829?utm_campaign=NEWSLETTER_TN_Breaking%20Science%20News&utm_medium=email&_hsmi=102657406&_hsenc=p2ANqtz—sEAEKJmofWE6FjIxgd0x8-R4NhuwyGWzoddjhx3GVwfENayyBGiWD5w1I7H0AIZUy_D8jmUvtnL87iOJUaGmxJKOAA&utm_content=102657406&utm_source=hs_email

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Acupuncture for Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)   Heart blood stasis, the oriental medicine diagnosis of CAD, can be treated by acupuncture, herbal remedies or other procedures from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). The aim of acupuncture is to stimulate meridians in the body through which qi and blood flow, relieving imbalances in the coronary arteries. When providing acupuncture treatment, the locations of the therapeutic acupuncture points are often not located anatomically near the area of the symptom; in the case of coronary artery disease and arteriosclerosis, the acupuncturist would rarely select points actually near the heart. The meridians (energy pathways) that correspond to the heart and pericardium are primarily located along the arms. By needling specific points along these meridians, the functioning of the heart can be adjusted. Several points along the inside of the wrist are most commonly used, including Heart 7 (at the wrist crease, in line with the little finger), Heart 5 (one finger breath behind Heart 7), Pericardium 6 (three finger breaths behind in the wrist crease, inline with the middle finger), and Pericardium 4 (four finger breaths behind Pericardium 7, almost at the midpoint of the forearm). Additional points are commonly selection on the upper back, including Urinary Bladder 14 and 15. These two points are only needled to a shallow depth, but are able to energetically affect the Heart and Pericardium organs that are anatomically nearby. Acupuncture treatment is able to rapidly affect the functioning of the organs and was traditionally used in a many cardiac emergency situations. Today, acupuncture treatment is primarily used to improve the functioning of the heart with weekly treatments to normalize heart rate, arrhythmias, and other cardiac complications. Chinese Herbal Medicine for Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)   Chinese Herbal Medicine uses a variety of single herbs and herbal formulas (combinations of herbs) to treat coronary artery disease.   The following herbs can be used to treat one or more aspects of heart blood stasis:   * Chi shao yao (red peony root; Paeonia spp.), eliminates heart stasis and invigorates blood * Dan shen (red sage; Salvia militorrhiza), long popular as a tonic for the blood that improves movement of blood through the heart * Dang gui (angelica; Archangelica spp.), invigorates and harmonizes the blood, tonifies (strengthens) blood, and dispels cold * Niu xi (Achyranthes root), eliminates blood stasis and invigorates blood * Zhi ke (bitter orange; Citrus aurantium), improves the flow of qi through the heart and body   As is often the case in Chinese herbal medicine, patients with arteriosclerosis are treated with combinations of herbs that offer a variety of benefits. For example, a traditional preparation known as Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang (Stasis in the Mansion of Blood Decoction) consisting of 11 herbs has been used to treat coronary heart disease and angina pectoris (chest pain associated with coronary artery disease). One small study observed a comparison of this formula to standard pharmaceutical care in 30 patients over 28 days; the study found the herbal medicine was highly effective for angina pectoris and ECG improvement, and slightly outperforming the pharmaceutical control group.   Chinese herbal medicine is most effective when given in customized prescriptions by an experienced practitioner. Herbal medicine can interact with prescription medicines, so it is advisable to always inform your practitioner of any medications you may be taking. Chinese Medicine Nutrition for Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)   Chinese medicine also emphasizes the importance of proper diet in treating any type of health disorder. In the case of arteriosclerosis, for example, practitioners would recommend certain foods that are especially beneficial to heart function.   These foods include:   * Corn, to strengthen the heart * Dates, to control palpitations and improve the flow of blood and qi in the heart * Hawthorne fruit (Shan Zha), to prevent the formation of phlegm that can lead to blood clotting in the coronary arteries * Honey, shown to be helpful in preventing many forms of heart disease * Tea, which can reduce swellings that often accompany coronary disease

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Dermal needling is a minimally invasive procedure that uses small needles that go just beneath the skin. In the case of scar therapy, dermal needling can be used to improve the appearance of the scar. But, did you know scars can also be at the root of other physical ailments?

Oriental medicine has long held that scars have a widespread physical influence on the body.  Consequently, there is a long history in Chinese medicine of using needles to treat scars in order to treat related illness. Early adoption of acupuncture in Europe, particularly in Germany and Italy, led to a western tradition of using “scar therapy” to treat adverse health conditions.  But as modern medicine has become more “high tech” the use of scar therapy declined until its current status of only being used to reduce the cosmetic appearance of scars.  However, modern doctors trained in Oriental medicine concepts recognize the dual purpose of scar therapy and pay attention to identifying scars that may benefit from needling.

Since most of us in the West have never heard of this idea it may seem “foreign”.  Often ideas that are not well understood by bio-medicine are disregarded and slotted into the “folklore” category.  However, there is some real physiological basis for this concept of treating scars.   Scarring is a tissue malformation that occurs in rapid skin repair. Unlike the stretchy web-like appearance of normal skin, scar tissue has a parallel structure that gives scars their characteristic look. The skin and nerves associated with  the skin normally carry electrical signals across wide areas of the body that regulate function in ways not clearly understood at this time. Because of its damaged structure, scar tissue does not have the ability to conduct these signals normally.  This results in a disruption of these important electrical communications.  The structure of scar tissue also gives it properties like an electrical “capacitor”.  In modern electronics capacitors store small electrical signals and discharge them once the total charge has built up to a high level. That may work great in your radio or computer but it wreaks havoc on your body.   These large electrical discharges can stress delicate organs, causing them to malfunction, and send signals to the brain that get interpreted as pain.  

Dermal needling works by causing micro-damage to the tissue that the brain interprets as a significant. This “trauma” initiates the healing process known as the “wound healing cascade.” An important part of this process is the breakdown of old collagen in scar tissue, a process which must be accomplished before healthy tissue can be constructed.  Subsequently, the body creates new collagen structures that replaces scar tissue with normal tissue.

Interestingly, what we call “aging” skin is really a process of slow degradation of the collagen structure of the skin. This results in distortions very similar to those that occur in the scarring process.  And just as dermal needling can help our body breakdown scar tissue and replace it with healthy tissue, it can also help breakdown and replace misaligned collagen that gives our skin lines and other characteristics of aging.  Dermal needling can also increase the absorption of products applied to the skin, which can help further accelerate the generation of new, healthy tissue. This is particularly effective on areas like the face and neck.

Given the complexity of scar therapy, consulting the right practitioner is important to the optimal success of your scar therapy. Here at Integrative Health Partners we can help you to identify and restore scar tissue that affects your appearance and overall health!  Call today to learn more about how dermal needling can benefit you!

Integrative Health Partners

(864) 365-6156

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You may have heard of nitric oxide.  This important molecule is created within your body and is responsible for health in several ways.  Among them, nitric oxide boosts energy and stamina. It’s involved in sexual function and many function enhancing medications work to stimulate nitric oxide.  It’s vasodilating properties are responsible for promoting  blood, oxygen, and glucose to your brain, helping with memory and cognition.  And the most studied effect of nitric acid is its effect on coronary artery dilation and its role in promoting healthy cardiovascular function and blood pressure.

But, did you know that taking acid blockers for indigestion or other reasons can significantly stop your body from producing nitric oxide?  

Acid blocking drugs, especially Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) have side effects that are not openly discussed.  Do you take acid blocking drugs either by prescription or over-the-counter for reflux or burning sensations?  If so, you could unwittingly be reducing your nitric acid production and jeopardizing healthy function of several important body systems.

Yes, acid blockers  seem to provide benefit initially.  They may even seem like miracle drugs after suffering years with increasingly uncomfortable symptoms. But many people find that in order to maintain this relief they have to progressively increase the amount they take.  We see many patients who have been on these drugs for years come in with complaints that “they aren’t working anymore” or suspicions of side effects, seeking advice on how to get off them. You see,  once started it is not easy to get off these drugs and many people have tried to stop taking their acid blockers unsuccessfully.  They are typically met with a strong resurgence of the burning sensation they had before starting and mostly worse than what they were experiencing in the first place.  This generally forces them back on the acid blocking drugs, leaving them in a conundrum.

We have found that few people are successful in getting off these drugs on their own. However, there are effective ways to help promote a healthy digestive tract, eliminating the need for acid reduction. Most of us have been led to believe through TV advertising that the problem comes from high stomach acid.  But you may be surprised to learn that studies show most people with GERD and burning sensations actually have low, insufficient stomach acid.  That really shouldn’t be that surprising. If you think about it. Marketing for acid blocking drugs is targeted toward older adults, not younger people. This is because it is older adults who typically have the problem. As you have aged, does your body work better than it did when you were younger? Most people notice that with age comes reduced function in many areas, including eyesight, hearing, and digestion. Since digestion is largely related to stomach secretions, do you really think your stomach became better able to produce stomach acid over time, or less able?  For all but a very small percentage of the population, as you age your stomach does not function as well as it did in your teens and twenties….when you could eat anything.

In short nothing works as well as we age, including your digestive system.  So the answer to resolving your reflux and burning sensations is not to further reduce your acid production but to restore it to the level of an optimally functioning digestive system.  This is a tricky situation and requires professional guidance from someone experienced and trained in Functional Medicine restoration of the digestive system.  Most people fail at getting off their acid blocking drugs because they simply don’t know how to go about this process.  Make no mistake, this is not necessarily a fast process and may take some time to get through comfortably.  But many people have done it and now are pain free without drugs and able to once again enjoy many foods they have had to cut out of their diet over the years.

If you have been suffering with GI distress and haven’t been able to find a happy resolution, contact our office to find out more about how our program could work for you.  

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  • History of Dermal Needling Dermal needling, also known as microneedling, has roots in traditional Asian medicine, where needling techniques were historically used to treat the skin and promote healing. Over centuries, these practices laid the groundwork for modern dermal therapies. In the 1990s, dermal needling gained widespread popularity when the introduction of dermal rollers, made possible by advancements in manufacturing, allowed for the efficient production of affordable and standardized tools. This era marked a turning point, with practitioners like Dr. Desmond Fernandes pioneering the use of microneedling rollers for skin rejuvenation. Since then, technology has further refined the practice, leading to the development of automated dermal needling pens. The Procedure Dermal needling involves the use of fine needles to create controlled micro-injuries in the skin. These micro-injuries stimulate the body’s natural wound-healing processes, promoting the production of collagen and elastin. The procedure typically follows these steps: 1. Preparation: The skin is cleansed, and a topical anesthetic is applied to minimize discomfort. 2. Needling: The practitioner uses a dermal roller or a dermal needling pen or single needles to puncture the skin in a systematic pattern. The depth of penetration is adjusted based on the treatment goals and the area being treated. 3. Aftercare: Post-treatment, the skin is cleansed, and a soothing serum or mask is applied to reduce inflammation and support healing. Types of Needles Used • Manual Rollers: These cylindrical tools are embedded with rows of fine needles. They are cost-effective and suitable for at-home or professional use but require more skill for consistent results. • Dermal Needling Pens: Automated devices with adjustable needle lengths. They offer precise control, uniform penetration, and are commonly used in professional settings. • Single-Use Needles: To maintain hygiene and prevent cross-contamination, single-use, sterile needles are essential for all dermal needling procedures.
Single vs. Dermal Needling Pen • Single Needles: o Used for small, targeted areas such as individual scars or fine lines. o Requires more time and precision. • Dermal Needling Pen: o Covers larger areas efficiently. o Provides adjustable depth settings for customized treatments. o Minimizes operator fatigue and enhances consistency. Physiological Effects Dermal needling triggers a cascade of physiological responses: 1. Collagen Induction: The micro-injuries stimulate fibroblasts to produce collagen and elastin, improving skin texture and elasticity. 2. Angiogenesis: Enhanced blood vessel formation improves oxygen and nutrient delivery to the treated area. 3. Wound Healing: The skin’s repair mechanisms are activated, promoting cellular turnover and regeneration. 4. Increased Absorption: Micro-channels created by the needles enhance the absorption of topical serums and active ingredients. Benefits of Dermal Needling 1. Skin Rejuvenation: Reduces fine lines, wrinkles, and improves skin tone and texture. 2. Scar Reduction: Effective for acne scars, surgical scars, and stretch marks. 3. Hyperpigmentation: Promotes an even skin tone by breaking up areas of hyperpigmentation. 4. Hair Restoration: Stimulates dormant hair follicles when combined with topical treatments. 5. Non-Invasive: Minimal downtime compared to more aggressive skin treatments like chemical peels or laser therapy. 6. Versatility: Suitable for all skin types and a wide range of concerns. Conclusion Dermal needling is a versatile and effective treatment with a rich history and growing popularity. Its ability to harness the body’s natural healing processes makes it a preferred choice for skin rejuvenation and scar treatment. With advancements in technology, dermal needling pens have become the gold standard for professional treatments, offering precision, safety, and efficacy.  

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Many people are deciding to stop eating red meat because of a current popular belief that consumption of red meat causes cancer.  If you want to be vegan or eat a plant based diet for spiritual or ethical reasons or you just feel better when you eat that way, great!  But many people who like meat and feel better when they have some in their diet, are psychologically suffering concerns they are increasing their chances of cancer.  As a population, we typically get our health information from the popular press that is merely passing along information released by publishers of medical research. And like much in the popular press, the choice of what to publish is often determined with an eye on what might be contrary, sensational, or fear inducing in order to attract and maintain viewers.  You might be surprised to learn that your family doctor also learns much of their dietary health information from similar sources as the public, and only later gets confirmation from “medical authorities” once these ideas have gained momentum in medical circles. And like most new ideas, new medical ideas become “fact” only after enough people adopt the idea, regardless of whether it is true or not.   Few people, including conventional doctors, ever really take the time to confirm the conclusions of research studies to determine if their findings are valid. Digging through scholarly research is not only time consuming but typically written in technical jargon that only researchers focused on that particular topic can easily understand. Consequently, we typically just accept what the popular media says the “experts” have determined.   But this presumption of “the experts are always right” is fraught with peril.  Unless you have gone through the rigorous training required to create and conduct a study you likely won’t be aware that a study’s underlying assumptions are a key factor in whether it’s conclusions are reliable. In fact, the presumptions that underlie a study can completely invalidate the outcome of a study.  For example, on any food study the population studied is divided into those who consume the substance and those who don’t.  In the case of meat, participants are divided between meat eaters and non-meat eaters. However, meat consumption may not be the only difference between these two groups.  Those who don’t eat meat, based on the presumption it is unhealthy, are more likely to also be focused on other healthy practices, e.g., not smoking, eating more vegetables, staying away from sugary foods, and opting for organic based products.  Though meat is still part of the average diet, these practices are not widely incorporated into the typical eating regime.  In addition to meat, the average diet in the US still contains large amounts of sugar and processed carbohydrates along with toxic oils, pesticide residue, processed dairy, food additives, and other non-health supporting substances and practices. Further, most meat is still coming from animals raised in unhealthy, polluted feed lot environments, which produce unhealthy animals that may impact the health of the consumer.  In other words, though low quality meat combined with a low quality diet overall be detrimental to your health, there can be no conclusion from the typical “meat eater vs non meat eater” study that meat is a risk factor for cancer. However, this is what you are hearing in the popular press.  There is a saying in research “Correlation doesn’t equal causation”. Just because a study concludes that cancer is more correlated with a diet that includes meat, it doesn’t follow that the meat was the cause of the cancer.

A recent Danish study on meat consumption concludes: “ We found no significant associations between red meat, processed meat, and poultry intake and all-cause mortality.”  This is not likely what you have been hearing in the popular press because it is not (yet) as sensational as “meat will give you cancer”.  If you are interested in better understanding the pitfalls of food studies and dubious, one-size-fits-all conclusions as “meat causes cancer” this study points out many of the complications of such a study and offers a wealth of “food for thought”.

https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/13/1/32/htm
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