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Top Stories 27th
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The President's Corner
By: Jane Carter for Dr. Curtis Well here we are again, and nothing’s changed. The Council on Naturopathic Medical Education (CNME) is trying to be re-approved by the United States Department of Education (USDE). In August 2002 CNME cohorts submitted an application indicating they were supported by so many, hoping the Department of Education would re-approve them, even though they have not changed one bit. Their petition will be acted upon sometime in June. CNME is not bashful when it comes to deceiving USDE. Even though there is a time limit on certain responses to the CNME application, you have until April 25th to write the Secretary of Education opposing CNME’s application. A sample letter follows. Send your response to: Dr. Rod Page, Secretary of Education, USDE, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20202, and Ms. Bonnie LeBold E.D. National Advisory Committee on Institutional Quality & Integrity, Office of Postsecondary Education, USDE, 1990 K Street, NW, Room 7007, Washington, DC 20006-7592. Sample letter: Ms. Bonnie LeBold E.D. National Advisory Committee on Institutional Quality & Integrity, Office of Postsecondary Education, USDE, 1990 K Street, NW, Room 7007, Washington, DC 20006-7592. RE: Council on Naturopathic Medical Education Dear Ms. LeBold: Please let this letter serve as my opposition to the Department of Education’s recognition of the CNME as an accreditor. It is my understanding that the CNME has represented itself - as well as its policies, procedures, and decisions - as having the wide acceptance of practitioners and employers within the field of naturopathy. In truth, the CNME concerns itself only with a very small segment of the naturopathic community: naturopathic physician types. These individuals claim to be competent using drugs and surgery. The constituency that my organization represents consists of traditional naturopaths who are natural healers whose services do not include the prescription of drugs or surgery. Although the CNME may profess to represent all naturopathic doctors, please be assured that their views, policies, and decisions toward naturopathic education sharply contradict the views and priorities of my organization. Accordingly, strongly I urge you to deny recognition to the CNME. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Sincerely, (Your Name) On a brighter note, ANMA thanks you for your continued support. ANMA is growing at a phenomenal rate. Our certified doctors are taking an active role in state affairs, and supporting the association. ANMA will soon present its 22nd annual convention, scheduled for July 18, 19, 20, 2003, and already with the present registration, it promises to be a great event. Exhibit space is going fast. Call now so you don’t lose out! One indication ANMA is doing things right, is that so many participants sign up for the convention more than a year in advance.
Nutrition and Down Syndrome:
By: Robert J Thiel, Ph.D., N.M.D. ABSTRACT There is no standard medical treatment for Down syndrome (trisomy 21). However nutritional therapy has been used to a limited degree for this population since Turkel pioneered it in 1940. In the 1980s, Warner modified Turkel's approach and continues to innovate. Others, such as Lawrence, Leichtman, and Thiel, have built on the foundation laid by Turkel and Warner. Although the use of nutrition is not considered as standard therapy by most in the medical community, this may be because practitioners have not sufficiently reviewed the literature which supports nutritional approaches as well as the fact that results are sometimes inconsistent. This paper points out some of the nutrients which may be different in the Down syndrome population such as vitamins A, B1, B6, B8, B12, C, D, and E; minerals such as calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, selenium, and zinc; and amino acids and other substances such as carnitine, carnosine, choline, cysteine, dimethylglycine, inositol, omega 6 fatty acids, phenylalanine, serine, superoxide-dismutase, and tryptophan. In addition, it reports that height and various aspects of facial appearance seem to improve for children with Down syndrome who try nutritional therapy. This paper also provides some rationale for why food nutrients are preferred for this population.
INTRODUCTION Trisomy 21, more commonly referred to as Down syndrome (DS), is a genetic disorder which is present in approximately 1 out of every 700 live births. It results in three number 21 chromosomes, as opposed to the normal two [1]. "The diagnostic clinical features of this condition are usually readily evident, even at birth. The flat facial profile, oblique palpebral fissures...Down syndrome is a leading cause of mental retardation. The mental retardation is severe...Virtually all patients with trisomy 21 older than 40 years of age develop neuropathologic changes characteristic of Alzheimer's disease, a degenerative disorder of the brain. Patients with Down syndrome have abnormal immune responses that predispose them to serious infections, particularly of the lungs, and to thyroid autoimmunity" [1]. Down's patients tend to be short since at age 18 the median average female with Down Syndrome grows to approximately 4'9 1/2", and the average male grows to approximately 5' 1/2" [2]. "These patients also have immune defects and an increased susceptibility to leukemia...Essentially nothing is known about how one extra chromosome 21 could have such profound effects" [3]. While there is no effective medical intervention for trisomy 21, there are treatments for complications such as cardiovascular disorders, hypothyroidism, and infections. Though some recommend nutrition as part of a program for those with trisomy disorders therapy (sometimes referred to as orthomolecular medicine), the prevalent medical opinion appears to be that nutritional is ineffective [4,5]. In 1940, Dr. Henry Turkel (M.D.) began experimenting with nutrition for Down syndrome [4]. Due to problems with the US FDA, he ended up basically being confined to practicing only in Michigan (as well as Japan). In the mid 1970s, Dr. F. Jack Warner (M.D.) began to communicate with Turkel. In a meeting in California in 1984, Turkel asked Warner to take over his work. Since that time, Warner began to specialize in seeing patients with trisomy 21. Warner has probably seen more people with Down syndrome than any doctor currently living. The mother of one of his patients, Dixie Lawrence, did additional research and developed another formula, originally similar to that which Warner uses, but without iron and L-glutamine, but including certain amino acids. Dr. Lawrence Leichtman (M.D.), with others (including Lawrence), has been working to modify/expand Lawrence's formula. This researcher (Thiel) has made modifications to previous approaches by attempting to better individualize nutritional therapy for those with Down syndrome, advocating more natural vitamins/minerals, supporting suspected hypothyroidism nutritionally, and correlating some of the nutritional connections between Down syndrome and epilepsy [6,7]. This paper discusses some nutrients used in nutritional therapy and some of the results that Warner has attained. The clinical portion of this paper was pre-approved by a review board of the American Naturopathic Medical Association.
SELECTED NUTRIENTS OF INTERESTThere are any number of nutrients which could be looked into; those shown below are some of those thought to be of interest for this paper. Vitamin A Based on a review of several published studies, Baer et al concluded, "Serum vitamin A levels have been reported to be lower in individuals with Down syndrome...possibly due to malabsorption...However other workers have failed to confirm these findings" [8]; it appears that beta-carotene levels may be high [8]. It has been speculated that the alteration of the conjunctival epithelium in patients with Down syndrome may be due to altered metabolism of vitamin A [9]. A five month study involving 23 children with Down syndrome tested supplementation with vitamin A and concluded that it significantly reduced the incidence of infection and improved plasma vitamin A levels [10]. Vitamin B1 (Thiamin) A blood study of 90 children up to 16 years old with Down syndrome found that marginal thiamin deficiency seemed to exist in this population at higher rates than the general public [11]. A smaller study found that non-institutionalized children with Down syndrome tended to consume thiamin below the recommended daily allowance [12]. Vitamin B6 It appears that vitamin B6 metabolism may be abnormal in those with Down syndrome [13-14]. A three year double-blind placebo controlled longitudinal study involving those with Down syndrome found that vitamin B6 supplementation helped normalize brain function by reducing elevated cortical auditory evoked potentials to a more normal level [15]. Folate (once known as vitamin B8) Children with Down syndrome often have below normal levels of folate [16-18]. Erythrocyte macrocytotis is more common in children and adults with Down syndrome and may be due to an alteration of the folate remethylation pathway [16]. As those with Down syndrome age, further declines in folate levels seem to occur [19]. Vitamin B12 Some reports suggest that serum vitamin B12 levels are reduced for those with Down syndrome [20] while others have not found that [16]. Vitamin C One study found that many children with Down syndrome had a deficiency of vitamin C according to serum tests which correlated to dietary intakes [21]. A case report [22] found the same result, yet a small study [12] found that institutionalized children with Down syndrome tended to consume more vitamin C than the recommended daily allowance. Vitamin D Disorders of vitamin D metabolism have also been speculated for Down's patients [4,23]. Not only have poor dietary intakes of vitamin D been found in those with Down syndrome [24], low levels have been found even in cases of high exposure to sunlight [23]. Vitamin E A recent study found that children with Down syndrome have significantly less vitamin E levels than those without it [25]. Down syndrome patients with dementia appear to have lower plasma levels of vitamin E than those that do not [26]. Calcium Turkel & Nusbaum speculated that those with Down syndrome often have disorders of calcium metabolism [4]. A small study found that children with Down syndrome tended to consume more calcium than the recommended daily allowance [12]. Decreased intracellular calcium levels have been found in those with Down syndrome [27]. Decreased hair levels of calcium have also been noted in the Down syndrome population [28]. Copper Down syndrome patients have often been found to have elevated levels of copper. These elevations have been found in erythrocytes, neutrophils, platelets, and serum [26,29-31]. Interestingly, one study found normal copper levels in those with Down syndrome who had poor dietary intakes of copper [24], which may suggest that some metabolic disturbance increases copper retention in this population. Iron Anneren et al found that median levels of iron in erythrocytes and neutrophils were significantly lower in those with Down syndrome than in controls without it [31]. A small study found that children with Down syndrome tended to consume less iron than the recommended daily allowance [12]. Magnesium One study found that magnesium levels in erythrocytes and thrombocytes, but not neutrophils were lower in children with Down syndrome [31]. Another found lower red blood cell levels of magnesium lower in the Down's group as compared to the non-Down's group [32]. Manganese One study found that manganese levels in erythrocytes and thrombocytes were lower in children with Down's [31]. Another study found that hair levels of manganese seems to be lower in those with Down syndrome [33]. Selenium Down's patients may have below normal plasma levels of selenium (31,32,34,35). As selenium does affect thyroid metabolism by helping convert T4 to T3 [36], it is possible that supplementing with it would have some benefit. Hamilton reports that one study found that supplementation with selenium reduced (by 50%) elevated mononuclear cell copper content in Down syndrome [35]. Zinc Several reports suggest that Down's patients have below normal plasma levels of zinc [29,30,34,35,37]. Stabile et al. found that supplementation with zinc has been shown to increase DNA synthesis in Down's patients with low zinc levels [38]. A study by Bucci et al found that zinc reduced TSH by 34% for hypothyroid Down syndrome patients [39]. In addition, it has been found that children with Down syndrome become deficient in a zinc-containing insulin-like growth factor type 1 (IGF-1) after one year of age [40]. Even though zinc is a constituent in cytoplasmic superoxide dismutase, zinc supplementation was reported by Abdalla & Samman to reduce superoxide dismutase levels in non-Down's female subjects [41]. Carnitine Deficient blood levels of carnitine are much more common in children with Down syndrome than in children without it [26]. Carnosine No studies on carnosine levels have been found for this population. Choline Down syndrome is associated with a presynaptic cortical cholinergic deficit involving an extensive loss of choline acetyltransferase [42]. A case report showed that the EEG pattern of a 2 1/2 year with DS improved after phosphatidyl choline supplementation [43]. Cysteine People with Down syndrome have been found to have abnormally high levels of cysteine [44]. As an attempt to compensate, this may be why abnormally high levels of cathepsin S (a lysosomal cysteine protease) have been found, post-mortem, in those with Down's and Alzheimer's [45]. Dimethylglycine/Trimethylglycine Dimethylglycine (DMG) is a precursor of glycine, which is a neuroinhibitory amino acid [46]. "Children with Down syndrome usually have particular difficulties with, and delays in, language development" [47]. Warner believes that DMG can improve speech and affect behavior for Down syndrome patients [48]. Leichtman, however, told this researcher that he prefers trimethylglycine (TMG) to DMG for those with Down syndrome. Rimland told this researcher that although TMG has certain theoretical advantages over DMG, that he felt that it seemed that, to date, DMG was still better clinically. Inositol People with Down syndrome tend to have abnormally high levels of myo-inositol [49-51]. This has also been confirmed in animal models [52]. Omega-6 Fatty Acids Hamilton reported that long-chain omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid concentrations appear to be higher in Down syndrome patients [53]. Phenylalanine Excess phenylalanine is often present in those with Down's [54]. There seems to be a difficulty in converting phenylalanine into tyrosine in Down's, probably because the activity of phenylalanine hydroxylase is impaired in the liver of those with Down syndrome [55]. Serine One study found a significant plasma deficit of serine for those with Down syndrome compared those with non-Down's mental retardation [44]. Superoxide Dismutase It is well recognized that superoxide dismutase levels are abnormally high in those with Down syndrome [8,32,41,56]. Tryptophan "There appears to be an abnormality of tryptophan metabolism in Down's syndrome" [14,26]. Infants with Down syndrome have been shown to improve muscle tone by taking tryptophan supplementation [57]. RESULTS Dr. F. Jack Warner (M.D.) employs primarily nutritional therapy for children with DS. Warner's protocol includes a multivitamin/mineral/glandular supplement, flaxseed oil, dimethylglycine, and sometimes selected herbs and amino acids. This researcher conducted an investigation of a randomly-selected sample of Warner's Down syndrome patient files. Height, weight, facial swelling, nose bridge development, and epicanthal eye fold was examined. The brief results are shown in the tables below (study details are part of two papers [58-59]): Table 1 Height
Table 2 Weight
For facial appearance, a comparison was made of before and after photographs in Warner's files. A ten point scale was developed with zero signifying normal for children without Down syndrome and to a maximum of ten signifying an appearance consistent with the more pronounced presentation of this feature. For example, a lack of any noticeable (or completely flat) nose bridge would receive a score of 10, whereas a completely normal appearing nose bridge would receive a score of zero. Some data was excluded if it was unclear from the photographs. Table 3 Facial Swelling (excessive = 10)
Table 4 Nose Bridge (lack of =10)
Table 5 Epicanthal Fold (highly discernible =10)
DISCUSSION In spite of apparent nutritional differences and clinical results, the use of nutritional therapy for persons with Down syndrome has been repeatedly challenged [5,60,61]. However, even some mainstream researchers have recommended vitamin and mineral supplementation for those with Down syndrome [62,63]. Early work, done by Turkel [4] as well as a study by Harrell et al [64] concluded that nutritional intervention did raise intelligence of persons with Down syndrome. Others, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, have criticized these researchers and have concluded that nutritional interventions are not effective [5,59,65]. Yet, Dr. Bernard Rimland (Ph.D.) investigated the work of some of the critics and found that they do not in fact properly duplicate with the Turkel or Harrell work; furthermore Rimland has written that the position of the American Academy of Pediatrics is "inaccurate, biased, and inept" [66]. Turkel, Warner, and others have shown before and after photographs to demonstrate that nutritional therapy can improve the appearance of those with Down syndrome [4,48]. This researcher, as shown above, has found that height, as well as facial features, appear to respond to nutritional therapy, specifically the Warner protocol [58,59]. Napolitano et al found that zinc supplementation increased growth in 15 of 22 children with Down syndrome [40]. Why might nutritional therapy play a role? Aside from the obvious nutritional differences previously mentioned in this paper, there are several possible reasons. Down syndrome patients have increased incident of thyroid disorders [1,67,68]. Most nutritional interventions for it contain iodine which has been shown to be helpful for some thyroid problems [69] as well as the amino acid tyrosine (the primary thyroid hormone is composed of iodine and tyrosine [70]) and the minerals zinc and selenium. Bucci speculated that zinc deficiency may be one cause of subclinical hypothyroidism in children with Down syndrome [39], while a study by Kanavin et al found that thyroid hypofunction in Down syndrome appeared to be partially related to low selenium levels [71]. Feeding the thyroid through nutrition, instead of treating it through medications, seems to make clinical sense when dealing with this population [6]. Phenylketonuria, which can also cause mental retardation, is caused by a deficiency of hepatic phenylalanine hydroxylase and reduces the conversion of phenylalanine into tyrosine, and is often controlled by reducing consumption of high phenylalanine foods [72]; there is a case report where a improvements were noted in a Down's patient who went on a low phenylalanine diet [73]. Since those with Down's tend to have a problem converting phenylalanine into tyrosine [55], it is possible that DYRK (dual-specificity tyrosine-regulated kinase) may have some involvement. DYRK1A, which is located in the Down syndrome critical region of chromosome 21, catalyzes tyrosine directed autophosphorylation as well as the phosphorylation of serine residues--it is suspected that DYRK1A may be involved in causing mental retardation in Down syndrome [74,75]. It should be added that DYRK1A only affects certain tyrosine forms [76]. DYRK1A may not have anything to do directly with the development of hypothyroidism or any other specific tyrosine abnormality currently recognized as being part of Down syndrome, but its impact does show that there are metabolic differences in Down syndrome that affect nutrients somewhat differently than occur in the non-Down's population. Oxygen radical-induced damage appears to be important in Down's, Alzheimer's, and other illnesses with a neuropsychiatric components [56,77]. Biomarkers of oxidative stress have been found to be significantly elevated in patients with Down syndrome [78,79]. Warner has clinical findings which support his position that ingestion of antioxidant nutrients have the effect of lowering the DS person's body's excessive levels of superoxide dismutase [79]--others involved with natural health have suggested that antioxidant nutrients such as vitamin C, beta carotene, flavonoids, zinc, selenium, and vitamin E may reduce free radical damage and possibly slow the accelerated aging associated with DS [77,80]. Some believe that the impaired viability of Down syndrome neurons can be amended by antioxidants, such as vitamin E [78]. Since vitamin C as found in foods can have 3.2 times the antioxidant of ascorbic acid [81], selenium in foods can have 17.6 times the antioxidant effect of seleniomethionine [82], and natural vitamin E can have 4.0 times the free radical scavenging strength than synthetic vitamin E [83], it appears that food nutrients may be the most helpful type for this population. Also, because most food vitamins and food minerals are better absorbed and/or retained by the body [81-88], food vitamins and food minerals are the preferable form for this population for more than just antioxidant reasons [84-86]. Furthermore, an in vitro study concluded that food vitamin C had negative ORP (oxidative reductive potential), whereas regular ascorbic acid had positive ORP (negative ORP is much better as it helps 'clean up' oxidative damage, whereas items with positive ORP do not) [87]. It may be of interest to note that it has been written, "that an 'overdose' of natural food complex {vitamins} is not harmful, whereas an overdose of a chemically pure vitamin or other isolated 'nutrient' can be. Science is beginning to concur" [86]. Accelerated brain glycation (and the resulting brain damage) occurs early in the life of those with Down syndrome [89] and probably leads to dementia. Carnosine is an antiglycation agent [90,91] that might prove helpful. Since selenium rich yeast has been shown to have 123.01 times the antiglycation effect as sodium selenite for diabetics [88] and food vitamin C has greater antiglycation effects than ascorbic acid [84,88], this is another reason that food nutrients may be the preferred form to use when Down syndrome is present. Carnosine is also an efficient chelating agent for copper [92] which is of interest as many with DS have abnormally high copper levels [26,29,30]. Carnosine and related compounds such as homocarnosine have been found to have protective effects against hydrogen peroxide-mediated Cu,Zn-superoxide dismutase fragmentation [93] and Cu,Zn-superoxide mutants [94]. Supplementation with acetyl-l-carnitine has been shown to improve memory and attention in patients with Down syndrome [95]. N,n-dimethylglycine (DMG), an amino acid derivative, is naturally found in the human body and supports transmethylation processes [96]. There is a report of a Korean study which used DMG for autistic children which found that it improved verbal communications and behavior, while a report of a Taiwanese study suggests that DMG reduced lethargy in autistic children, but did not improve speech [97]--Warner has found that it does improve speech in those with Down syndrome [48]. Down children are especially prone to bacterial respiratory infections [1]. One study found that supplementation with selenium rich yeast tablets significantly stimulated serum concentrations of IgG2 and IgG4 antibodies (which are frequently low in Down syndrome patients) [34]. IgG2 is known to be directed against the bacterial polysaccharide antigens of encapsulated bacteria such as streptococcus pneumoniae and hemophilus influenza [34]. An Italian study, however, found that low levels of vitamin C consumption was correlated with increased infection rates for children with Down syndrome [21]. Warner reports a reduced incidence of infections for those undergoing his treatment [48]. Dietary restrictions may also be advisable. A study involving Dutch children with Down syndrome concluded that those children were more prone to have celiac disease than other Dutch children, but not more likely to have a cow's milk intolerance [98]. Celiac disease seems to increase IgA and IgG in Down's patients [99,100]. A German study concluded that children with Down syndrome had higher bovine serum albumin antibody levels than others [101]. Warner, Thiel, and Leichtman often advise against the consumption of cow's milk for those with Down syndrome, but Turkel did not.
CONCLUSION Whether or not specifically due to the presence of a third 21st chromosome, metabolic disturbances are involved with Down syndrome. The nutritional profiles of the Down syndrome population do in certain significant ways, differ from those of the general public. Various signs and symptoms associated with Down syndrome have been reported to improve when certain nutritional protocols have been tried (which is of profound interest as there is no accepted medical treatment currently in existence for Down syndrome). Nutritional therapy has safely been treating people with Down syndrome for over sixty years. Nutrition, especially involving food nutrients, is a logical therapy to consider when Down syndrome is present.
A Naturopathic Physician By: Dr. William von Peters, N.M.D., Ph.N. In my previous article "Making the Cut: What Exactly Is Naturopathy" I took to task some erroneous assumptions concerning Naturopathy. I presented the point that true Naturopathy/Naturopathic Medicine is defined according to the terms agreed to by the Profession and enacted in the federal definition found in the Dictionary of Occupational Titles. In this regard we find Dr. Benedict Lust stating: Naturopathy is defined as a complete science of healing which incorporates all the good there is in the healing art in conformity with the laws of God, Nature and Humanity. Whatever the Naturopathic school teaches, that is Naturopathy-which includes obstetrics and other corrective methods as needed in a general practice. THE law covering the recognition of Naturopathy, passed by Congress of the United States, in February, 1929, is a real law. It was signed by the late President Coolidge and it creates independence for the Naturopathic healing art. Our system of treatment is non-medical.1 But, this is not to say we are not a branch of the Healing Arts, i.e., of medicine in its larger sense. In fact, Dr. Lust specifically notes: We Naturopaths, who practice many different systems of Natural Healing under the broad term of Naturopathy, do not constitute a branch or branches of the Medical tree. We were in existence long before the witch doctor, the medicine man, the voodoo priests -- the foundation stones of Materia Medica of today -- were ever thought of. Naturopathy, or the Nature Cure, is the real tree of the Healing Art. Medicine, with its drugs and other sinister devices is but an ill-smelling fungus -- a parasite-which has grown through superstition and nauseous propaganda through unfair class legislation and racketeering methods to where it covers and almost conceals the true healing art.2 This 1929 law and its 1931 clarification is the means whereby the federal Dictionary of Occupational Titles picked up our official definition. We have today, within the field of Naturopathy, a mish-mash of terms delineating Naturopaths. Some have declared that there are only Naturopathic Physicians, and all the rest are not Naturopaths at all. Of course the opposing view that there are only Naturopathic Doctors and no Naturopathic Physicians is also batted about. Actually there are today some four different types of practitioners calling themselves Naturopaths. (I should note that in this discussion I am only including those practitioners from legitimately chartered schools - the diploma mills, whatever degree they claim to grant, are specifically excluded for obvious reasons.) 1) There are those with the Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine (N.M.D.) degree, 2) there are Naturopathic Doctors (N.D.) in Naturopathic Medicine, 3) there are Naturopathic Doctors (N.D.), and there are 4) non-doctoral level Naturopaths with or without a certificate from a recognized program in Naturopathy, which can be termed Naturopathic Practitioners. All claim to be holders of the grail of Naturopathy, but the scopes they claim (or are qualified for) are variable in the extreme. This is why a correct understanding of Naturopathy as propounded by Dr. Lust, Dr. Collins and the other Fathers of Naturopathy is so important. I should note that prior to 1960 there was only the original N.D. degree which was founded by Dr. Lust as an effort to prove that the Naturopath was not practicing allopathic Medicines hence the new designation as a Naturopathic Doctor, used interchangeably with Naturopathic Physician. The scope of practice was and is that found in the Dictionary of Occupational Titles, which includes (as I noted in Making the Cut) minor surgery, diagnosis and other methodologies of a Physician. The non-Physician N.D. appears to have originated and been pioneered by the correspondence schools; possibly as a reaction to the suppression of Naturopathic Medicine, its schools and licensing boards. The correspondence schools in developing their programs, narrowed the scope of practice of their N.D. to that of a nutritional consultant by deleting everything that the allopathic Medical profession could seemingly object to from its curriculum. Consequently, it included only nutrition, some herbalism, some homeopathy, and some very basic information in health sciences. This action by correspondence schools led the residential schools such as the United States School of Naturopathy and Allied Sciences (1911) and National College of Naturopathic Medicine (founded in 1955, and later Bastyr, founded in 1979) to change their degrees to differentiate themselves from this minimalist interpretation of Naturopathy. Thus, these schools began to grant the Doctor of Naturopathy in Naturopathic Medicine degree. Then came the Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine (N.M.D.) degree. This degree was pioneered by the United States School of Naturopathy operating as First National University in 1960. It is also enshrined in the legislation of Arizona, which grants all licensed Naturopaths of the state to call themselves a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine and to use the initials N.M.D. In an aside, there is a story about a diploma mill that was erected in the 1970s to sell N.M.D. degrees to Chiropractors who wished to become Naturopaths. According to the story the mill made off with the money, and that is supposed to be where the idea of a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine came from. However apocryphal this story may be, it was the U.S. School which began the first N.M.D. degree for any legitimate Naturopathic school in 1960, not the 1970s. Again, as I noted in Making the Cut, there are some profound philosophical differences in Naturopathy at present - and are delineated among the different types of practitioners. Many of these differences were prevalent virtually from the beginning of Naturopathy, at least in nascent form; but due to the suppression of Naturopathy by the Allopathic Medical profession they have become more hostile to each other as there are few licensing laws on the books today to determine qualifications. From 35 states in the 1940s we are down to 13 today. The Naturopathic profession in the 1940s, especially following the death of Lust, but also before, particularly spent a great deal of time fighting over these ideas of what a Naturopath practiced as there were the Naturopathic Physicians of the Lust/Collins variety, those of the Pseudo-Medical type, and those of the Nature Cure type. We need to look to again to the Father of American Naturopathy to set us upon a firm foundation as to what a Naturopathic Physician is, and whether he should be a full-fledged physician, a limited scope Physician, or not a Physician at all. Fortunately, Dr. Lust has given us his thoughts on these matters and we need to take them into serious consideration. Before beginning, I would like to state that there is one point of view which says that Dr. Lust in the beginning only wished Nature Cure, but over the years progressed into Naturopathic Medicine. These partisans claim they are "traditional naturopaths" who use only heat, air, light and non-invasive forms -- in other words Nature Cure. Dr. Lust in 1902 stated: "There’s a difference—and please don’t call us "Nature-Cure" cranks again. We are not a therapeutic gadfly or an anti-medical mule." 3 Thus we see that from the beginning, Dr. Lust confounds these so-called "traditional naturopaths" in rejecting their arguments for Nature Cure and anti-medical (read anti-physician) arguments. Nature Cure is within Naturopathy, but it is not the sum and totality of Naturopathy. We do find, however, that Benedict Lust certainly damned those who would pervert Naturopathy with allopathic Medicine - or "green allopathy" as they style themselves today. "There is another specimen of Maverick in human form that I have found on this enlightening trip - I do not know where to classify him unless it is under the head of Modern Medicine. Can you picture a Naturopath who dabbles in surgery and serum treatments? They are as criminal in their work as orthodox Medicine - fooling the public by "Naturopathic" nomenclature. Incidentally, why do some Osteopaths and Chiropractors want surgical privileges? It is a funny world that tries to combine water with oil. These unbranded, uncataloged, unclassified fake Naturopaths are imbued with the get-rich-quick, damn-the-public ideas. A blot on our decent escutcheon and a disgrace to our civilization."4 The good Doctor, the personal representative of Father Monsignor Sebastian Kneipp to America, agreed, however, that Naturopathy is a system of medicine in its own right. He sometimes linked it under the heading of "drugless medicines", in his fight to have natural practitioners of all stripes come up to the standards of the Doctor of Naturopathy, which he created and pioneered for this purpose. He stated in one article: "In closing I will say that Naturopathy - true Naturopathy - is summed up in its recognized definition as embraced in the special law of Congress of February, 1929. In conformity with this definition are the curriculums of all true Naturopathic schools made. It is the basis for all legislation and our strong line of defense. To the terms of the definition must we adjust our practices. Remember: Naturopaths are Doctors -- minus Materia Medica and Surgery."5 Note that he demands, "to the terms of the definition we must adjust our practices." This is the definition, later clarified by Congress in 1931 and defined in the Dictionary of Occupational Titles; to wit: "Diagnoses, treats and cares for patients, using a system of practice that bases treatment on physiological functions and abnormal conditions on natural laws governing the human body: Utilizes physiological, psychological and mechanical methods, such as air, water, light, heat, earth, phototherapy, food and herb therapy, psychotherapy, electrotherapy, naturopathic corrections and manipulation, and natural methods or modalities, together with natural medicines, natural processed foods, and herbs and nature’s remedies. Excludes major surgery, therapeutic use of x-ray and radium, and the use of drugs, except those assimilable substances containing elements or compounds which are components of body tissues and are physiologically compatible to body processes for maintenance of life."6 The occasion for this article was Lust’s trip around the nation visiting state organizations and schools. It was on his visit to California, particularly to the College of Naturopathic and Chiropractic Physicians and Surgeons where they were teaching Naturopaths to be "Physicians and Surgeons" that caused this passionate outburst against mixing allopathy and naturopathy. This idea of the Naturopathic Physician-Surgeon would certainly be anathema to many Naturopaths ears in our day and age. I will quote from this article to give the flavor of the denunciation. THERE is another specimen of Maverick in human form that I have found on this enlightening trip -- I do not know where to classify him unless it is under the head of Modern Medicine. Can you picture a Naturopath who dabbles in surgery and serum treatments? They are as criminal in their work as orthodox Medicine - fooling the public by "Naturopathic" nomenclature. Incidentally, why do some Osteopaths and Chiropractors want surgical privileges? It is funny world that tries to combine water with oil. These unbranded, uncataloged, unclassified false Naturopaths are imbued with the get-rich-quick, damn-the-public ideas. A blot on our decent escutcheon and a disgrace to our civilization. IN closing I will say that Naturopathy -- true Naturopathy -- is summed up in its recognized definition as embraced in the special law of Congress of February, 1929. In conformity with this definition are the curriculums of all true Naturopathic schools made. It is the basis for all legislation and our strong line of defense. To the terms of this definition must we adjust our practices. Remember: Naturopaths are Doctors - minus Materia Medica and Surgery.7 And now it is time to recognize, as Benedict Lust did shortly thereafter, that Naturopathy must move forward in its full definition. He was a man of strong opinions, one need only read his articles in The Naturopath, Herald of Health, or Nature’s Path to grasp that he didn’t leave you in the dark regarding where he saw Naturopathy. However, he was also a man who had a vision for Naturopathy, and who, when shown he was wrong, was big enough to change his opinion and enlarge his vision for America. Thus we find his lengthy apology: We met some very dear old friends and we were happy to shake hands with Dr. John Arnold, our former secretary (1910-1917) of the American Naturopathic Association. We were somewhat surprised and startled to see such splendid Naturopathic Colleges. One in particular, the College of Naturopathic and Chiropractic Physicians and Surgeons, is especially to be recommended. And here again, I must hesitate. We all make mistakes at times and nomenclature often leads to erroneous conclusions. When I first saw the name of the College of Naturopathic and Chiropractic Physicians and Surgeons, I was rather aroused and incensed. I felt that here was a big mistake. I was under the impression that our revered healing art was getting too close to the doors of Materia Medica and Surgery. On this subject I expressed my opinion in no uncertain terms several months ago in NATURE’S PATH. My conclusions as set forth in that previous article were instantly attacked by conscientious Naturopaths of California, and a new and true angle on the whys and wherefores of the name of this particular college was presented to me. It is with pleasure that I am able to write that I have analyzed personally the legal and professional situation in California. In view of the discriminatory mandates in force by the adherents of the Medical Trust, the domination of certain public officials and the existing rules of insurance companies and other semi-public institutions, it is absolutely necessary that a Naturopath should be designated also as a Physician and Surgeon. Only through this addition to their title are the non-drug healers enabled to obtain the legitimate privileges covered by law. Without the rather strange appendages aforesaid, Naturopaths are deprived of many rights -- they could not sign birth or death certificates, assist in compensation insurance matters, arrange sick fund papers, testify in courts of law as qualified physicians and practice in hospitals and public institutions generally. Yes, Dr. Bertheau, of Los Angeles, and the capable faculty of the Naturopathic College are absolutely justified in maintaining an institution that turns out Physicians and Surgeons. These surgeons are amply qualified to do whatever surgery necessary in the healing art. I am convinced that they are entirely able to rectify the results of accidents, abnormalities, deformities and certain malignant growths where Naturopathic treatment require too much time. The study of Materia Medica in this college is not for the purpose of practicing medicine in its accepted term, but to know intimately the destructiveness of drugs and the terrible consequences of administering any sort of poisons to human beings. EXPERIENCE has shown that where a Naturopath in his practice opposes the use of Narcotics and other elements destructive to organisms he must be enabled to adequately explain the reason for his opposition to his patients and be prepared to combat the opinions of medical doctors who may be called in consultation. One charge that has defied denial which Naturopaths have made against the Medical men is that these same medical men have never really studied THE EFFECTS OF DRUGS. Their only knowledge of drugs is what they have gleaned from the catalogues of the drug supply houses and the spirited advertising propaganda of the commercial chemist. Life and welfare of the patients are not considered. Such things as prescriptions, vaccinations and inoculations are business propositions with the humanitarian angle entirely eliminated. So we welcome Dr. Bertheau’s school that has made a real beginning to furnish the public with Naturopathic Surgeons. It is not out of place here to state that the American School of Naturopathy founded by the author in 1896 has always exploited the danger and destruction of drugs and inoculations to life and health. The entire idea back of the teachings of Naturopathy is the bringing into being of adequate healing methods without the use of medicine, but a true knowledge of the dangers and damages caused by medicine is absolutely essential to every Naturopath. Such is not true with the teachings of many Osteopaths throughout the country. Unfortunately, there are thousands of Osteopaths who are desirous of calling themselves Physicians and Surgeons as a mere excuse to use dangerous and poisonous drugs and a yearning to perform operations not caused by accidents. These Osteopaths look with jealous eye on the big fees received by the orthodox surgeons and are envious of the immoral money which comes through the magic prescription pad. Oh! It is easy to walk about among the ailing with a little printed sheet on which you can scribble a few Latin terms and receive money therefor. The fact that the doctor does not know the effects of drugs on the human body -- the body which has to work on the medicine, incidentally -- is not considered. Mysticism is their ambition -- Money their goal. To my mind, such Osteopaths are committing treason against the practice of Osteopathy by becoming drug dispensers, serum squirters, pus venders and butchers. I am with the very honest effort in California to raise the Naturopathic (non-drug) profession to a higher standard of service. I am with every progressive movement to fit Naturopaths to take the place of Medical doctors and fake Osteopathic Surgeons. California has always been a pioneering State and is a community well suited through tradition and learning to take the initiative. I am whole-heartedly with the progressive Naturopaths of California. My acquiescence in the terms of Physicians and Surgeons as attached to Naturopathy applies only to California and not to those States where Naturopathy is not discriminated against and where the Naturopaths do not have to face such rigid and relentless laws and peculiar local conditions as they do in California. The above distinction I wish to emphasize emphatically at this time in order to avoid any misunderstanding of my position in the future.8 So the question it would seem is whether the Naturopath as Physician and Surgeon should be, according to Dr. Lust’s vision, a limited Physician or an unlimited one, such as the allopathic Medical Doctor. Before seeking the answer to this question, I will note some historical facts of importance. There were in the 1800s a group of Physicians labeled Eclectic Physicians who had an unlimited practice, with their own materia medica. Originating from the same German ideas as Naturopathy, and deriving from Thomsonianism, these Physicians thrived against the heroic medicine of the Allopaths. With the coming of the Flexner report and the regimentation of all M.D.s (which included the Homeopathic Physicians and the Eclectic Physicians) into the "Regular", oftentimes called the "Orthodox" model, both Homeopathic Physicians and Eclectic Physicians and their colleges went out of business. Some slowly, some quicker. The Eclectics in particular ceased to exist. Why? Because they either accepted the caveats of practice according to Allopathy, or they migrated into that other natural medical field, Naturopathy. These Physicians were natural in their approaches, they delivered babies, signed death certificates, and did everything that Allopathic M.D.s did, except that they did not use synthetic drugs or surgery as a common treatment modality. While they were somewhat marginal within Naturopathy, as Benedict Lust maintained a strong hand of control over the growth and development of Naturopathy, they nevertheless were a leaven and beacon to the call to provide full fledged natural Physicians to the American people. In the end, our good Dr. Lust embraced this goal by 1933, and true Naturopathy has continued to train its Physicians in his model. Thus we see him ask the question, and answer it: We must do away with the sectarian proposition in its entirety and become rational - we must recognize, study and apply all natural methods of healing that are necessary to meet the conditions of each individual case. There are never two cases alike and the non-doctor who claims to be a straight Chiropractor or a straight Naprapath is a very small doctor indeed. He cannot be compared, by any stretch of the imagination, with the doctor who has studied all the methods of biological healing, including Naprapathy and Chiropractic. We want 100 percent doctors -- not merely part-of-the way doctors. WE cannot expect to replace the medical men if we allow ourselves to be piece-meal doctors. We cannot hope for recognition if we are content with the bread-crumbs we gather during the continuous feast of the Medical Trust. We cannot aspire to the heights of our profession with limited licenses. Limited licenses mean, in reality, no recognition at all in the hearts, the intents and the scheme of the Medical Trust. There is no such thing as compromise between Modern Medicine and Naturopathy.9 Within this unlimited scope Dr. Lust embraced obstetrics, saying: Whatever the Naturopathic school teaches, that is Naturopathy- which includes obstetrics and other corrective methods as needed in a general practice.10 Further clarification of this point is found in the booklet of Dr. Paul Wendel, "A Brief Explanation of Naturopathy" he states: "Minor Surgery -- May be used by the Naturopath as he desires." Dr. Henry Lindlahr, another of the fathers of American Naturopathy, states in this matter: "By none of the statements made in this book do I mean to deny the necessity of combative methods under certain circumstances. What I wish to emphasize is that the allopathic school of medicine is spending too much of its effort along combative lines and not enough along preventive lines. It would be foolish to deny the necessity of surgery in traumatism and in abnormal conditions which require mechanical means of adjustment or treatment. Do Naturopathic Physicians and Surgeons wish to compete with Allopathic Surgeons in using Surgery for common treatment of disease? God forbid. However, as Dr. Lindlahr notes there is a time and place for reconstructive surgery, and as Naturopathic Medicine continues to develop and flourish, there is a point in common at reconstructive surgery wherein Naturopathy can provide a superior treatment modality by combining this surgery with natural therapeutics. Further, in this endeavor, the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians and Surgeons was founded in 1948 to help the profession grow. It was this Association, of which I am President, which provided the profession with the textbooks Naturae Medicina and Naturopathic Dispensatory, and Basic Naturopathy. These textbooks, to which we retain full copyrights, continue to be two of the best books ever written on Naturopathy. They are in print, and are used by First National University of Naturopathy. It is time for all Naturopathy to come back to the vision of Dr. Benedict Lust and stop the minimalization or allopathization of our profession. Many Medical Doctors, particularly the young ones, are today looking for alternatives to the failed medical paradigm. We should be that recourse for those M.D.s who realize the necessity of natural medicine and the failure of the allopathic model. But we will fail to offer them this recourse should Naturopathy either itself adopt allopathy, or be a laughing stock at the paucity of its scope of practice. Addressing this problem in 1933, as he saw Osteopaths giving up their philosophy and birthright to be accepted by Allopathic Medicine, Dr. Lust ponders: The power of the medical trust would have been broken long ago if the Naturopathic factions of all the different division of natural and biological healing would have been united. It is too bad that in many States the Basic Science Law, which, by the way, is unconstitutional, has been accepted and the certain Osteopaths and straight Chiropractors have compromised with the medical trust. These unfortunate have sold their rights as far as the future of Osteopathy and Chiropractic are concerned. It brings to mind the statement that the great Dr. Still of Kirksville, made in 1915. He was asked: "What will be the future Osteopathy?" He replied: "Compromises with the medical people to participate in the membership of mixed boards is killing Osteopathy rapidly. The real enemies of Osteopathy are those Osteopaths who want to be medical men." He knew what he was talking- about from sad experience! 11 Fr. Msgr. Kneipp gave Benedict Lust a commission. He stated in 1933: "In this connection I will add that as far as I am concern, I did not speak for myself -- I spoke as a commissioner and representative of the great and glorious Father Kneipp who charged me, in the year 1896, to bring his wonderful healing message to the people of the Americas and to carry this magnificent movement into every home and fireside in the Western World, to create a new profession for the ministering of the sick; to establish schools and colleges for the dissemination of Nature Cure knowledge; to found publications and print text books that would aid this humanitarian movement and bring a realization to mankind that through the cosmic forces of Nature, God transmits His power to all alike and brings harmony, health, happiness, and peace into this world."12 He stated at the end of his life, in 1944 some 6 months before his death: "Few persons realize that the Nature Cure today coincides in every particular with the teachings of the Son of God. It is only when Natural Healing is divorced from its religious background, that it fails to act according to established principles. The Naturopath who is not a God-fearing individual is no Naturopath at all."13 Let us then, move forward in humility to re-build the profession of the full Naturopathic Physician, embrace the vision of giving God’s Medicine to a world in pain and sickness. Deus lo Vult! Dr. von Peters is President of First National University of Naturopathy, the oldest and only federally chartered Naturopathic University in the world. First National University created the Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine (N.M.D.) degree in 1960 to bring the profession back to true Naturopathic Medicine. © First National University of Naturopathy & Allied Sciences (www.fnun.edu) October, 2001 All Rights Reserved
ANMA Embroidered Polo Shirts
Are Here! Dear ANMA Members, As you may already know, ANMA began offering embroidered polo shirts earlier this year. What you probably don’t know, is that we now offer the polo shirts in black. The quality of the black polo shirt is even better than previous shirts. The original white polo shirts, as I’ve said before look absolutely beautiful, but the black polo shirts have a different uniqueness that makes having both a must. I promise you will be very pleased with these polo shirts. ANMA offers nothing but the best quality to its valued members. I guarantee that every order will be processed and mailed as quickly as possible. All shirts will be shipped Priority Mail to ensure speedy delivery. ANMA can offer these polo shirts to members for only $25.00 plus shipping and handling. The sizes we have range from small to triple extra large. If you would like a 2xl or 3xl, please add $1.00 and $2.00 respectively. I’m not the only one who thinks the ANMA polo
shirts look beautiful: If you have any questions or want to place an order, e-mail me at: gregorywest@anma.com or call Julie Morgan at (702) 897-7053 or mail to ANMA, P.O. Box 96273, Las Vegas, Nv. 89193. Thanks for all of your support. Sincerely,
UnderWire Bras By: John D. Andre, D.C., N.D. Women Only There are certain areas of concern that are the prerogative of women, the business of women. Many of these involve matters that are unique to the female body. Human beings are more alike than they are different from one another. Still, gender can be a real separator. Especially in the area of health care, women’s needs and issues are often different from men’s. The Bra The bra is an important support device for the female breast. The larger a woman is, it seems the more important her bra is to her. Whereas a small-breasted woman can sometimes easily go without the support of a bra, a woman with larger breasts may never be able to do so without discomfort and sometimes pain. Construction & Design Throughout the years, many bra designs have come and gone. Some models have gone the way of last years less fashionable styles, while others have lost favor due to the attractiveness of newer models. In general, women like bras that are good looking and offer strong support – giving wear-comfort and eliminating an important kind of fatigue. The UnderWire Bra has gained an immense amount of popularity with women for just these reasons. In fact, it’s very difficult today to find a bra that doesn’t have an UnderWire in it. So What’s Wrong With Them? Simply put, the UnderWires that make these bras so supportive and comfortable are the very things that create a real and insidious problem for women. All UnderWires are made of a plastic coated metal. It is this metal that causes problems. How Can That Be? In his article: Chinese Lessons For Modern Chiropractors, Dr. George Goodheart - the father of Applied Kinesiology – spoke to his discovery called the "Antenna Effect." He found that it is possible to tape a small metal ball onto an AcuPoint (acupuncture point), and accomplish longer-term stimulation to that point. Those little bee-bees are now called AcuAids and are used by thousands of doctors daily. This was an important discovery. Like those tiny bee-bees, ANY metal that is constantly on a given point on the human body will cause ongoing stimulation and MAY cause problems. Critical factors are WHERE the point is, and WHAT that point ties to in terms of the human psychophysiology. This is the problem: The UnderWires in the UnderWire Bra fall directly onto two very important NeuroLymphatic Reflexes (AKA Chapman’s Reflexes). The one under the right breast goes to the Liver and Gall Bladder. The one under the left breast goes to the Stomach. How Does That Work? These reflexes, like all AcuPoints, follow the Law of Stimulation. In the beginning of putting energy into a point, it is stimulated, often causing an increase in associated function. Later on, this continued stimulation causes sedation of that point and a subsequent decrease in its associated function. It’s a mechanical thing. If a woman keeps the metal UnderWires on top of those reflex points, over time that WILL mess up the functioning of the associated circuits: Liver, Gall Bladder, and Stomach – along with the specific muscles associated with those circuits, which will in turn adversely effect structural biomechanics. While there IS the matter of biochemical individuality, all women who wear UnderWires will be affected to some extent. Bottom Line: It will likely make the wearer sick . . . slowly and quietly. What To Do? Obviously, these UnderWires must be removed from the body. Here, there are some choices to be made. One can simply go shopping for new bras without UnderWires. That can be less than fun for a woman who has looked for years, only to find the just-so-comfortable model of bra which has become her favorite. Some UnderWire Bras will work fine for some women without the UnderWires in place. If that is the case for you, simply take a razor blade, put a very small slice in the fabric at the end of the UnderWire, slip the UnderWire out, and stitch it up. This fixes the problem for all time. Another possibility is to replace the UnderWires with plastic of the same diameter and length. This used to be easy to do. One could simply go to the corner knitting store and purchase plastic knitting needles for replacement. Today, there are not only a lot less of the corner knitting stores, but also it is now VERY difficult to find knitting needles made of plastic. If one is fortunate to find the requisite plastic needles, the job is rather simple. Take the appropriate number of plastic needles and place them on a cookie sheet. Preheat the oven to 200 degrees. Place the tray of needles into the oven. Continue turning up the temperature slowly until the plastic reaches that point where it is just beginning to be bendable. Take them one at a time to the waiting sink full of cold water. Bend and hold them to the proper curve and put them into the cool water to set the new shape. Lastly, cut them to length, sandpaper the ends smooth, insert them into the waiting slots in the UnderWire Bras, and stitch closed. Magically, you’re done. And most importantly, you are not making yourself sick any more. Choices, Choices, Choices Life really comes down to the choices we make, and then living with the results and consequences of those choices. There are precious few things we can do for ourselves that can make a meaningful difference to our health and well being. As with ANY changes needed in our established lifestyle, this one requires a little work. But, it is REALLY worth doing.
Three Faces of Breast Cancer
By: Roy B. Kupsinel, M.D. KUP’S KOMMENT: In medical school and in postgraduate training I was taught to diagnosis diseases and treat with appropriate modalities, especially pharmaceutical prescription drugs. During my evolution as the "Transition Physician" I became more aware that I was dealing with an entire being — physical, mental, emotional and spiritual —and of the need to treat the entire person in what is called the holistic approach. Many alternative physicians use nutritional supplements as substitutes for drugs. They are generally less expensive, much safer, and may be as, or even more, effective than the pharmaceuticals. The medical profession seems to have adopted the term CAM for Complementary and Alternative Medicine and courses are now being offered in many medical schools throughout the country in this field. There is an ever increasing awareness and acceptance of CAM. Many of the nutritional supplements, like the prescription drugs, are being advertised on national television. I am sure the industry sees the tremendous profits to be made with these vitamin, mineral, and herbal products. However, the consumer profits, too, from this availability. A substantial percentage of our population is seeing alternative health practitioners and taking nutritional supplements. Conventional medicine is adapting to these changing times as so many people are looking for something that works and is reasonable in price. Several years ago I was on a radio health talk show of a very prominent nationally known host. Again this past year I met with a well-known man, who is a producer of numerous outstanding books and a national health magazine. He was considering an article about me in his magazine. With both I encountered the same problem. Each wished for me to address a disease. I did my best to explain that I no longer look at a patient as a disease but as a whole person. The radio talk show became a bit heated. The magazine publisher apparently could not find a subject from me for his publication. I had offered him CREDIBLE MEDICINE but he never published it. It was published in SYNAPSE and also in THE TOWNSEND LETTER FOR DOCTORS AND PATIENTS. (Reprints available upon request.) I had a number of e-mail and snail mail letters and telephone calls of praise for this article. It conveys this holistic approach. As I write this article about breast cancer, please bear the above in mind. It becomes necessary to focus on the specific subject to raise health consciousness. I believe that wellness as well as illness begins with the thought process coupled with the feelings, emotions and belief systems. Thoughts create. All thoughts are prayers and God answers our prayers. If we combine our positive thoughts with loving emotions and feelings we manifest health, joy and happiness. Conversely, with the thoughts plus the emotions such as anger, fear, hate, resentment, illness presents. Sometimes, we may be unaware or unconscious of our thoughts and wonder why and what we have created in our reality of life. On the physical plane, we also have factors that may contribute to our illnesses. Without gong into any detail we are looking at the pollution of the air, food and water with all kinds of toxic contaminants that we, in turn, may pollute our bodies. Degenerative diseases are multi factorial. In regard to the Faces of Breast Cancer, let me now turn to the discussion of synthetic bras, restricted lymphatic drainage and other factors in breast cancer that include the Zeta Potential.
SYNTHETIC BRAS Beginning in the mid 1970s I began attending weekend seminars of John Diamond, M.D. in New York City. At that time he was President of the International Academy of Preventive Medicine and founder of Behavioral Kinesiology (BK), a simple form of muscle testing. His initial book on this subject is called BK-BEHAVIORAL KINESIOLOGY and the subsequent paperback, still available, YOUR BODY DOESN’T LIE. I often recommend this book to my patients and to health professionals. It is not only informative but practical for one to apply the various testing techniques with a partner. Back then I was becoming very interested in my hobby of magic. In Ft. Lauderdale’s SearsTown, right near Paul Diamond’s Magic Store, I purchased two large cup synthetic fabric bras. My mother-in-law Mary was kind enough to do the alteration and make a three-cup bra. Now, in doing health talks I began combining a few magic tricks for attention, impact, and educational value. I would call a man up to help me. Next, place the bra on him, often as cameras flashed and many laughed. Then I would do the kinesiology or muscle testing. I would have the person place with his fingers together the middle finger of his right hand on the angle of Louis. This is a bony bump about two inches down from the top of the sternum or breastbone. Go ahead and feel it on yourself. It is the acupuncture alarm point for the thymus gland, the "Commanding General" of our Immune System. Then, I’d have him extend his left upper extremity to the side and parallel to the floor. I’d place my right hand on his left wrist and my left hand on his right shoulder to steady him for the next move. I would ask him to resist my push as I pushed gently and firmly downward and down his arm would go. Next, I’d repeat the test without the bra and the arm would be strong. This testing shows that the synthetic bra interferes with the energy related to the thymus and the immune system. The synthetic fabric creates a electrostatic field that is foreign to the human body and probably detrimental! I can infer from this testing that the synthetic bra is a factor in immuno suppression, and an impaired immune system is a factor in cancer of the breast or of other parts of the body. Solution! I advise my female patients to go for 100% cotton bras. Many of the large department stores have them and I also have a list of sources to order via catalog. (It is available upon request.) If the man is wearing metal-framed glasses or a big metal western belt buckle, I have him remove these items. Metal crossing the midline of the body (right down through the center) causes a condition called "switching." When a person is switched there is to some degree impairment of memory concentration, balance, coordination and receptivity. The switching also reverses the results with the muscle testing. A metal reinforcement in the bra is metal crossing the midline. It results in switching and the above potential problems. So, ladies, avoid the metal in your bras and go for 100% cotton. I learned how to test the thymus and for the switching from Dr. Diamond. For more information go for YOUR BODY DOESN’T LIE.
RESTRICTED LYMPHATIC FLOW/OTHER FACTORS Four years ago I was visiting in Naples, Florida a friend of two decades. We went shopping at the local Barnes and Noble Bookstore for the book, DRESSED TO KILL: The Link Between Breast Cancer and Bras. My friend has the habit at the end of the day at home to do a little magic act like pulling the rabbit out of the hat. Instead, she would reach behind her back and under her blouse and magically produce her bra along with a great shy of relief! I didn’t associate her action with the book until this past weekend when I finished reading this 192 page masterpiece by Sydney Ross Singer with his wife Soma Grismaijer (S/S). Initially, I read the first forty pages and found the bookmark there when I resumed this weekend. I was prompted to write this article by several e-mails from Geoffrey Sherman of the U.K. He is a health enthusiast that sends out via e-mail information about cancer. He is focused on the writings of G. Edward Griffin’s WORLD WITHOUT CANCER (Part I and II) - books that I have had and read twenty years ago, and the use of laetrile for the treatment of patients with cancer. I have sent him my article CREDIBLE MEDICINE to raise his consciousness to a broader focus on degenerative diseases being multi factorial. To the best of my knowledge laetrile is outlawed in the United States. Well, I reviewed the book and made five pages of notes. I have always had a problem with book reviews in that I wish to tell the story of the entire book in a condensed version. So, I encourage you to obtain a copy. I shall weave in some of the highlights with my applicable knowledge. (Avery Publishing Group ISBN 0-89529-664-0 $11.95) Once again there are many factors in why a female develops breast cancer. The disease is multi factorial. I am not primarily concerned with what is the "cause" but with what are the "causes" or "factors," and how they can me eliminated, reduced or controlled. The theory that S/S present is that the constriction of the flow of lymph is a/the (?) cause of breast cancer. As anthropologists, S/S write in a very clear, understandable, yet scientifically credible style. The book opens with the couple doing research in the Fiji Islands with Soma discovering a lump in her breast. As S/S kept me in suspense about her lump until the end of the book, I shall do the same to you and encourage your reading it. The lymphatic drainage to the breast (See page 77) is primarily (85%) to the armpit or axilla; secondarily, to the breastbone area and the liver. The majority of breast cancers are in the upper outer quadrant that is nearest the axilla. The bra is likely to constrict the flow of lymph, concentrate toxins in the breast and contribute to the development to tumors (mass of tissue like a cyst) and cancer (malignant mass of tissue). Most are familiar with the circulatory system with arteries and veins but some may not know much about the lymphatics. This system is a "garbage collector," "disposal" and immune enhancer for the body. The lymph gathers up poisons in the fluid outside the cells and carries it through its vessels and lymph nodes, immune cell manufacturing centers, to be excreted by the other components of the circulation. In addition, many women have red bra strap depressions on their shoulders — another indication of constriction. Some suffer from neurological problems with numbness in the upper extremities and shoulder pain. S/S point out other constricting garments. The high-healed shoes may cause back and hip problems, bunions and hammer toes. As I learned from John Diamond, the high heels also "switch" the cerebral hemispheres of the brain. (See "switching," above.) (I wear and recommend Birkenstock sandals! Source: FOOTPRINTS 1339 Massachusetts Lawrence, KS 66044 1-800-488-8316) Tight fitting men’s underwear may raise the scrotum to nearer the body, increase the temperature and contribute to infertility. Female blended or synthetic panties and panty hose may create a favorable moist hot atmosphere for the "fungus among us," Candida albicans, to thrive with resultant vaginitis with itch and the odorous cottage cheese discharge. Like the bras, tight belts, tight fitting glasses over the bridge of the nose and constricting headpieces as bands and hats may impair lymphatic flow and drainage. Tight belts may play a role in testicular and pelvic cancers such as the bladder, ovaries, uterus and lower intestines. S/S question lymphatic obstruction from tight fitting eyeglass frames over the bridge of the nose. From my BK training with John Diamond, I am aware and can demonstrate that tight fitting hats or headbands weaken the body’s energy. Actually the skull bones "breathe" or move rhythmically and the tightening prevents this natural subtle function. Add tight men’s collars and neckties. It’s enough to choke you. I rarely wear a necktie and never a tightly buttoned shirt. Fortunately, the female corsets are no longer in fashion and may have contributed from the abdominal constriction to skeletal deformities and diseases, as previously mentioned. According to S/S the major breast cancer risk factors are age, country of origin, alleged hormone influence, genetic, diet, toxins and their addition, bras. For details refer to their book. However, let me list a few examples with most from the book with credit to Jeremy Green’s GREEN LIFESTYLE GUIDE: Americans use an average of twenty-five gallons of hazardous wastes/chemicals a year. Car - antifreeze, oil. Household - cleaners for the oven, sink, toilet, drains, degreasers, rust solvents, paints, lawn and garden products - fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides; nail polish remover, shoe polish, glues; irradiated foods, genetically modified foods that the government is not telling us about; artificial colorings and flavorings. Benzene is in photo supplies, spot removers and some solvents. Toxins may be leached from plastic containers or wrappings with microwaving. Formaldehyde out gases from plywood, e.g. in mobile homes. Nitropyrenes are in toners. Toxic waste dumps are polluting the air, ground and aquifer. Gasoline exhaust, radiation, and subtle energies from the earth, electrical appliances, high-tension wires, and cell phones pose still another threat to our health and life. And on and on. I am sure you get the picture! Let me call to your attention the writings of Hulda Clark: especially her book THE CURE FOR ALL CANCERS. She believes that intestinal parasites called flukes are present in our bowel. The presence of various chemicals like benzene, mentioned above, open the door to our body through the circulatory system for the flukes to go to various organs tissues and glands like the liver. As they go through their life cycle within our body a toxic state is created that leads some cells to go crazy with division and "bingo" cancer! I shall briefly focus on two toxins. There is an ever-increasing pollution of our air, food and water (the macrocosm) and subsequently our bodies (the macrocosm). As we become aware of these contaminants we can often take positive loving action to eliminate, reduce or control their poisoning us. The majority of my new patients have been using antiperspirant deodorants that contain aluminum. Several years ago I had a Thai deodorant stone, purchased at a local health food store, analyzed by Doctors Data of Chicago for aluminum. It was loaded. I wrote up the results in the holistic heath magazine HEALTH CONSCIOUSNESS and strongly advised the readers as well as my patients to avoid these stones and antiperspirants with aluminum even though the Thai stone distributor’s medical doctor claimed that this type of aluminum was not harmful. Aluminum has no known role in the human body. It is a poison! Go to natural deodorants or a colloidal silver spray. (See Zeta Potential below) I would estimate that about 95% of the American population has or has had silver or mercury amalgam fillings. Even if the fillings are removed and replaced my clinical observations show me that the patients continue to harbor this toxic substance in their organs, tissues and glands. The mercury travels from the fillings all over the body and causes havoc that is often unrecognized and diagnosed by the physician or dentist. How much mercury is entrapped in the breast tissue and contributes to cancer? We know that the mercury also impairs the function of the immune system as well as other endocrine glands. Clinically, I’d place the mercury toxicity secondary to the fillings on a par with the bras as a major factor in breast cancer, other cancers, and degenerative diseases. Let me highlight for you the Bra and Breast Cancer Study (BBC) that S/S conducted. For the thorough outline, discussion and conclusions refer to their book! On a limited budget of $20,000 and with the help of volunteers, S/S conducted their study from May 1991 to November 1993 in five major U.S. cities — San Francisco, Denver, Phoenix, Dallas and New York. They studied over 4,500 women with about one half having breast cancer. They used a questionnaire (in the book) and personal interviews. Although findings are rather complex here is the essence of the study. Females wanting to avoid breast cancer, wear bras for the shortest time possible with less than twelve hours a day being strongly recommended. Even better, don’t wear a bra! Braless women rarely develop breast cancer. Without wearing a bra there is a twenty fold less chance of developing breast cancer. The push up bras with under wires are tight fitting with resultant pressure and damage. Also, the bra metal crossing the midline of the body causes switching (See above for "switching"). S/S gives directions for the female to determine the proper bra size. They make lifestyle change suggestions. Eat less meat, poultry and fish. I’ll add eliminate pork! Buy organic beef. Use filtered water. Be aware that the skin absorbs chemicals that may be in new clothes, laundry detergents, perfumes, dyes, synthetic fabrics, Spandex in bras and undergarments — fibers contain a chemical compound that may cause skin problems with depigmentation or whitening. Use natural fabrics - cotton, linen and wool. I had silk! You can buy cotton bras (See above.). Learn to massage your breasts after bra removal. Have or develop a more PMA or a Positive Mental Attitude. In the final pages, S/S state they have sent their findings to the "experts" but not one responded. I counted nine! These people consist of prominent health professionals affiliated with well known health organizations of the United States. I can well identify with such a lack of communication throughout my medical career and especially as the Editor/Publisher of HEALTH CONSCIOUSNESS magazine. Years ago when I hosted a local health talk radio show Gene Burns told us that only five percent of those listening call in but the rest are listening! My hunch is that even though only a few or none respond there are many out there getting your message, Sydney and Soma! May God bless you and may this article on Breast Cancer further serve to get the word out and to raise health consciousness about this devastating disease.
ZETA POTENTIAL About the same time as I purchased DRESSED TO KILL a friend of mine from Port St. Lucie, Florida, Frank Hartman, sent me his article PREVENTION AND REVERSAL OF BREAST CANCER, HEART AND DEGENERATIVE DISEASES. (Frank Hartman 2421 Leithgow Street Pert St. Lucie, FL 34952) I have pulled the article from my file and will share with you some of the highlights particularly related to breast cancer. Zeta Potential (ZP) deals with an area of chemistry that has been overlooked and can explain and reverse degenerative disease. ZP is the ability of a liquid to carry material in suspension. Such solutions are called colloids. A well known one in the health field is colloidal silver. Small microscopic particles (less than 0.5 microns) are suspended in a solution by a minute electrical charge, the ZP. Milk and blood are two examples of very stable colloidal solutions. Aluminum (Al) destroys ZP. Al is used in city water that is cloudy to precipitate out particles to clear the water. Yet, the Al remains for the consumer. Al is often the primary component in deodorants and body lotions that women frequently apply after a shower with shaving the under arm hair and legs. With the warm porous skin absorption is increased. Another harmful substance is the high salt diet from the shaker and in highly processed foods. Salt (NaCl) destroys the ZP, too! As one ages there is a decrease in the blood ZP with subsequent kidney overload. There is increased precipitation of toxins and toxic metals in parts of the body that include the breasts as well as joints, limbs, extremities and the blood vessels. Remember, the axilla where the antiperspirant is applied is right next to the upper outer quadrant of the breast, which has the highest number of cancers. So, when the female applies the aluminum antiperspirant, the ZP is zapped and the toxins precipitate out | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
