Naturopathic, Chronic conditons, Focus for life, Dr. Hagen

Food Allergy Testing

Commentary

The food we eat is the fuel that our body runs on. You would expect that your car would not run properly with the wrong type of fuel. The same concept is true for your body. Many people eat the same foods on a regular basis believing that they are healthy and good. If however your body is allergic to the food you eat, you may be causing more harm than benefit, no matter how healthy you believe your diet to be. It can be difficult to determine what food your body reacts to since it can take up to 3 days for a reaction to take place. You may not link your migraine headache or chronic allergies to something you ate 3 days ago. Also, eating foods that you are allergic to can cause chronic inflammation in the body. It is now known that inflammation is the underlying cause of many chronic diseases, including heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and IBD (irritable bowel disease) to name a few. Food allergy testing is done with a simple blood test. Your blood is testing against 1115 common foods to determine the best individualized diet for your optimal health.

This therapy has been shown to be beneficial in managing:

• Allergies

• Headaches

• Fatigue

• Constipation/diarrhea

• Weight issues

• Skin issues (acne, psoriasis, eczema)

• Brain fog

• IBD

• IBS

• Chronic colds and flu

• Autoimmune diseases

• Arthritis

Parasite and Gastrointestinal Health Testing

Commentary

Many people believe that gastrointestinal parasites are not common in the US. The truth is that parasites are common in our environment (food, water, lakes, pools) and that when the gut is unhealthy, these parasites can take hold and flourish, causing a multitude of symptoms. Parasite testing is not routinely done in our healthcare system. Focus for Life utilizes specialty stool testing that is accurate and effective at identifying parasitic infections.

This therapy has been shown to be beneficial in managing:

• The elimination of chronic parasitic infections

• Gas and bloating

• Diarrhea

• Stomach/abdominal pain

• Nervous system problems, ie anxiety, ADHD, Aspergers, Autism,

• Other gastrointestinal complaints

Muscle Testing

Commentary

Muscle testing is founded on the concept of internal energy flow and is a noninvasive way to assess the body's imbalances and its needs. Muscle testing uses the muscular system as a window into the functioning of the nervous system. It involves testing the body's responses when applying slight pressure to a large muscle. This provides information on energy blockages, the functioning of the organs, nutritional deficiencies, and food sensitivities, among other things. This allows the practitioner to determine the best course of treatment for an individual patient.

Nutritional Analysis

Commentary

Our doctors have years of training in clinical nutrition and dietary supplementation. Many of our patients wonder what the optimal diet is for health, longevity, and the prevention of chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease. Or, others are looking for a weight loss program that is both effective and satisfying. We also have many patients with questions about dietary supplements (vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, botanicals, herbals, probiotics), wondering what supplements to take and what to look for in a quality supplement. At Focus for Life, we put together comprehensive nutritional and dietary programs and educate our patients about healthy lifestyle choices that are personalized based on individual need.

This therapy has been shown to be beneficial in managing:

• Chronic disease prevention

• Weight issues

• Pain management

• Anti-aging

• Auto-immune conditions like arthritis, lupus,

• Overall health and wellbeing

Hormone Testing/Balancing

Commentary

Hormones are chemical messages used by our bodies to communicate. When hormone levels are balanced, our bodies are communicating properly. When hormone levels become unbalanced, women may experience PMS, emotional swings, hot flashes, heavy menstrual bleeding, fatigue, anxiety, bone loss, breast tenderness, migraine headaches, vaginal dryness, loss of libido, weight gain, or even infertility. Men may experience loss of libido, emotional swings, fatigue, anxiety, and depression. At Focus for Life, we start by assessing current hormone levels by taking either a blood or saliva sample. If needed, there are many ways to balance hormone levels without the use of synthetic hormone supplementation. Natural choices include bioidentical hormone replacement, botanical medicines, and vitamin and mineral cofactor supplementation. An individualized program is designed based on the needs of each patient.

This therapy has been shown to be beneficial in managing:

Emotional issues (anxiety, mood swings, depression)

• Bone loss

• Energy levels

• Loss of libido

• Breast tenderness

• PMS

• Heavy menstrual bleeding

Bone Health Testing

Commentary

Most women are aware that bone loss is a concern as they continue to age. Many are also aware of the importance of having their bone density monitored by having a DEXA scan done, but few are aware that bone loss can easily be monitored by collecting a urine sample. This is an effective and non-invasive way to monitor the efficacy of bone health treatment programs on an ongoing basis, allowing better management of osteopenia and osteoporosis.

This therapy has been shown to be beneficial in managing:

Treatment programs for bone loss

Genetic Testing

Commentary

As our knowledge of various genetics grows, so does our ability to test for and detect genetic changes in our DNA. Specialty testing that looks at groups of genes that may contribute to the development of a particular disease is now available. Knowing what we may be predisposed to based on our genetic makeup allows for proactive lifestyle changes which may have the potential to prevent chronic disease development.

This therapy has been shown to be beneficial in managing:

• Estrogen metabolism abilities

• Detoxification abilities

• Cardiac disease risk assessment

Detoxification Programs

About Detoxification Programs

Commentary

We live in a world where we are exposed to toxic chemicals from before the time we are born. May of these toxins get stored in the body, unable to be broken down and excreted. Some of the things we are exposed to on a regular basis include heavy metals (mercury, lead) pesticides, herbicides, home cleaning products, and air pollution. Research studies have shown that having these toxins in the body may cause hypertension, fatigue, brain fog, skin problems, emotional disturbances, depression, endocrine (hormonal) disturbances, autoimmune diseases, and other chronic diseases. At Focus for Life we offer specialty testing to assess stored toxins in the body. We also offer individualized detoxification programs which may include IV glutathione and other detoxification IVs, nutritional support, colon hydrotherapy, ionic cleanse detoxification footbaths, and homeopathic detoxification programs.

This therapy has been shown to be beneficial in managing:

• Fatigue

• Brain fog

• Skin problems

• Neurological Problems

• Emotional disturbances

• Depression

• Endocrine (hormonal) disturbances

• Autoimmune diseases (lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis)

• Other chronic diseases

• Hypertension

IV Therapies for Detoxification

Commentary

Studies show that the body needs ample amounts of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to flush stored toxins from the body. It can be difficult if not impossible to get adequate amounts of these nutrients into the blood stream if they are taken orally. Intravenous (IV) therapy is an efficient way to supply the body with increased amounts of the nutrients necessary to excrete toxins. One example of IV detoxification is the use of glutathione following dental work to help in the removal of mobilized mercury.

Homeopathic Detoxification

Commentary

Some patients need a gentle, natural way of stimulating the body to begin releasing stored toxins. Homeopathic detoxification programs offer safe and gentle cleansing program that can be used alone or in combination with other methods of detoxification.

Pain Management

Conditions

• Musculoskeletal Pain (neck, back, shoulder, hip, joint pain)

• Arthritis (Rheumatoid and osteoarthritis)

• Herpes zoster/shingles

• Neuropathy

• Nerve pain

• Carpal tunnel

• TMJ

Acupuncture

Commentary

Acupuncture originated in China more than 2,000 years ago, making it one of the oldest and most commonly used medical procedures in the world. Numerous studies have shown that acupuncture is a safe, effective, and lasting means of relieving pain. Focus for Life combines this ancient healing art with color therapy. Acupuncture may influence the release of hormones and other organic substances within the human body which would affect our mental, emotional, psychological and physical states of health.

This therapy has been shown to be beneficial in managing:

• Carpal tunnel syndrome

• Headache

• Postoperative and chemotherapy nausea and vomiting

• Addictions (smoking cessation)

• Stroke rehabilitation

• Menstrual cramps

• Tennis elbow

• Fibromyalgia

• Asthma

Links

http://www.webmd.com/news/19991201/mri-shows-accupuncture-reduce-pain

Trigger point therapy

Commentary

Trigger Point Therapy is used to treat painful areas of muscle that contain trigger points, or knots of muscle that form when muscles do not relax. Trigger points may irritate the nerves around them and cause referred pain, or pain that is felt in another part of the body. A small needle is inserted into the trigger point and a homeopathic medication and possibly a local anesthetic are injected into the area of the trigger point. With the injection, the trigger point is made inactive and the pain is alleviated. The injection usually takes just a few minutes.

This therapy has been shown to be beneficial in managing:

• Muscular pain, especially in the arms, legs, lower back, and neck.

• Fibromyalgia

• Tension headaches

• Myofacial Pain Syndromes (chronic pain involving tissue that surrounds muscle)

Links

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trigger_point

Cold laser

Commentary

Much research has been done in the areas of pain management, wound healing, nerve regeneration, collagen stimulation and fat breakdown in the body. The cold laser is FDA approved for the treatment of chronic pain, burns, lipodissolve, and neuromuscular reeducation. It is used by athletic teams to decrease pain in professional athletes. Unlike the "hot" lasers that are used for hair removal and other cosmetic purposes, the cold laser is a gentle therapy that works on an energetic level in the body to activate restorative and healing cellular responses.

This therapy has been shown to be beneficial in managing:

• Musculoskeletal Pain

• Tissue adhesions/fibrosis (scar tissue)

• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

• Herpes (Type 1, Type 2, and zoster) active breakouts and pain

• Skin infections

• Acne

• Wound healing (tissue, bone)

• Dissolving fat deposits in the body

• Anti-aging by stimulating collagen production

Physical manipulation

Commentary

This therapy has been shown to be beneficial in managing:

• Lower back pain

• Neck pain

• Headache

• Fibromyalgia

• Sciatica

• Myofascial pain

• Spinal stenosis

• Chest wall pain

Apitherapy/Bee venom therapy

Commentary

Currently in China there are entire hospitals devoted to the use and research of bee products in health and disease. In Europe, bee venom therapy has enjoyed popularity for rheumatic, arthritic, and chronic pain conditions. It is considered mainstream treatment. Various studies performed by agencies including NASA, the Multiple Sclerosis Society, and the Navy have shown that bee venom contains at least 18 active substances including adolapin and melittin. These are potent natural substances with great anti-inflammatory properties that far exceed steroids. Scientific research has shown melittin (a component of bee venom) stimulates production of nerve growth factor and fibroblast growth factors as well as osteogenesis (bone growth) in the laboratory.

This therapy has been shown to be beneficial in managing:

• Arthritis (all types), soft tissue, rheumatic problems

• Multiple sclerosis

• Neuromusculoskeletal pain (chronic pain syndromes, painful scars)

• Vertigo/vestibular disorders

• Eye inflammations (iritis, retinitis, optic neuritis, cataracts)

• Autoimmune disorders (M.S., lupus, polymyalgia rheumatica, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes mellitis related pain syndromes)

• General neuropathic changes (peripheral neuropathy, spinal radiculopathy, early RSD, PHN)

Links

http://www.apitherapy.org/

Neural Therapy/Scar Therapy

Commentary

Neural Therapy is popular in German and Spanish speaking countries yet little known in the English speaking world. The practice of neural therapy is based on the belief that energy flows freely through the body of a healthy person. The key concept in Neural Therapy is that any scar, traumatised, infected or dysfunctional tissue may create health problems at distant locations in the body. Injections of anesthetic such as procaine and lidocaine may be given into nerves, acupuncture points, glands, scars, and trigger points to restore proper energy flow and cell membrane potentials that allow for proper signaling within the body. A course of treatment may involve one or more injections spread over several weeks.

This therapy has been shown to be beneficial in managing:

• Chronic pain

• Sports or muscle injuries

• Headaches

• Arthritis

• Scar therapy

Links

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neural_therapy

Prolotherapy

Commentary

Prolotherapy is a simple, natural technique that stimulates the body to repair the painful area when the natural healing process needs a little assistance. In most cases, commonly prescribed anti-inflammatory medications and more drastic measures like surgery and joint replacement may not help, and often hinder or even prevent the healing process. The basic mechanism of Prolotherapy is simple. A substance is injected into the affected ligaments or tendons, which leads to local inflammation. The localized inflammation triggers a wound healing cascade, resulting in the deposition of new collagen, the material that ligaments and tendons are made of. New collagen shrinks as it matures. The shrinking collagen tightens the ligament that was injected and makes it stronger. Prolotherapy is very effective at eliminating chronic pain due to ligament and tendon weakness.

This therapy has been shown to be beneficial in managing:

Recurrent swelling or fullness involving a joint or muscular region

Popping, clicking, grinding, or catching sensations with movement

A sensation of the "leg giving way"

Joint laxity or hypermobility (sports injuries)

Links

http://www.prolotherapy.org/

Aesthetics

Mesotherapy

Commentary

Mesotherapy is a technique invented in 1952 by Dr. Michel Pistor. Medication is injected into the layer of fat and connective tissue under the skin, resulting in fat reduction and skin tightening. Focus for Life combines (1) an individualized nutritional program, (2) a choice of safe and effective homeopathic injectable medications from Italy or phosphatidylcholine, another option used by most other aesthetic clinics, and (3) cold laser therapy to achieve beautiful aesthetic results naturally.

This therapy has been shown to be beneficial in managing:

• Overall weight loss

• Spot weight reduction

• Cellulite appearance

• Wrinkle appearance

Facial rejuvenation

Commentary

Our facial rejuvenation packages use safe and effective techniques that stimulate the body to produce collagen and other factors necessary for a beautiful complexion, wrinkle reduction, and skin firming/tightening. We begin with an individualized nutritional program to provide the body with nutrients essential for beautiful skin. We offer acupuncture facial lifts and/or simple injections of homeopathic collagen and minerals. Both options are followed by cold laser treatments to enhance collagen production naturally.

This therapy has been shown to:

• Reduce wrinkle appearance

• Firm and tone skin

• Stimulate collagen production

• Promote a healthy complexion

General Treatment Methods

Acupuncture

Acupuncture originated in China more than 2,000 years ago, making it one of the oldest and most commonly used medical procedures in the world. Acupuncture is a safe, effective, and lasting means of treating many conditions, from pain management to aesthetics to nausea and vomiting to smoking cessation. Focus for Life combines this ancient healing art with color therapy. We know that the body absorbs light from the entire color spectrum. Each color has a different frequency and energy, and each frequency and energy may have a different affect on the nervous system and the endocrine system. This may influence the release of hormones and other organic substances within the human body which would affect our mental, emotional, psychological and physical states of health.

Botanical Medicine

Botanical medicine is the use of plants in many forms for medicinal purposes. A resurgence of scientific research in Europe and Asia is demonstrating that some plant substances are superior to synthetic drugs in clinical situations. Botanical medicine is safe, gentle and effective for many medical conditions including hormone balancing, hypertension, heartburn, decreased immune function, viral infections, bacterial infections, ear infections, and the common cold.

Clinical Nutrition

Let your food be your medicine and medicine your food" is one of the foundations on which naturopathic medicine is built. Many medical conditions can be treated as effectively with foods and nutritional supplements as they can by any other means, but with fewer complications and side effects. Many people struggle with finding a healthy satisfying diet that is both enjoyable and will prevent the development of ailments such as heart disease, diabetes, and gastrointestinal complaints. Something as simple as a proper balanced diet can be both therapeutic and prevent future disease.

Homeopathy

Homeopathy was developed by Samuel Hahnemann in the 1840s. Homeopathy is a system of medicine founded on the concept of "like cures like". Small energetic doses of medicines that are specifically selected based on your individual symptoms are given to stimulate the body's own healing ability. Homeopathy can be used to treat a wide variety of conditions. It is safe and effective and rarely if ever has any side effects.

Physical Medicine

The mechanical alignment of the body can affect nervous system function and overall health. Also, many acute and chronic pain syndromes are the result of structural misalignments. Gentle, manual adjustment of misaligned body structures can produce profound healing effects. This method of treatment is beneficial in managing many conditions.

Counseling and Stress Management

Mental attitudes and emotional states can be important elements in healing and disease. Understanding how your emotions are influencing your physical symptoms can be a necessary step in the healing process.

Minor Surgery

Minor surgery refers to the removal of skin tags, warts, moles, and freckles for cosmetic purposes.

Pharmaceuticals

Though often used as a last resort, we do write prescriptions for our patients when medically necessary.