Ouch! My feet are hurting me!

Did you know that poor fitting shoes can cause more than just foot pain?

Back, knee and ankle pain can result from improper support under your feet. 

About 70% of the population have something called pronation syndrome. Pronation is the result of collapsed arches causing excessive twisting in the foot. This twisting results in overstretched connective tissue (fascia) under the foot and leads to structural imbalance in the ankle, knees and low back. The excessive stretching can also cause micro tears in the bottom of the foot leading to heel spurs and plantar fasciitis. 


At Brio Integrative Health Centre, we offer customized orthotics to help correct a variety of foot, knee and back pain. 
Customized orthotics are specifically designed to fit your unique foot shape and for a specific activity (golf, walking, badminton, or skating for example). Come in to speak with Dr. Lee to learn how we can help ease your pain.

September is the best time to purchase new shoes because of the "back to school" sales. If you have new footwear or If you have any foot, knee or back pain, please be sure to come in to the clinic and speak with us to ensure you have the correct fit and support.

Food Allergy & Children

According to a recent study, Food allergies may affect nearly 6 million children in the U.S.

I heard about this study from US biotek.  US biotek is the company that supplies the food allergy kits I use on kids and adults to identify food allergies.  This is a fantastic test that has helped many patients with eczema, psoriasis and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)  find relief.

To learn more about the food allergy test, check out the clinic's website.

US BioTek Laboratories News

Food allergies may affect nearly 6 million children in U.S., study estimates

Los Angeles Times - June 20, 2011

A recent study published in Pediatrics, 2011 suggests that food allergies affect a significant number of children in the US. This study, the largest of its kind, surveyed nearly 40,000 US households with one or more children less than 18 years of age. Based on the data collected, the researchers found that food allergies affect 8.0% of US children or about 6 million. Of those children, 30.4% had multiple food allergies and 38.7% had a history of severe reactions. The most common allergies reported in the survey were peanut (25.2%), milk (21.1%) and shellfish (17.2%).

A well-known hallmark of food allergy is the production of IgE antibodies to a protein or epitope of the problem food. An allergy of this type develops when food-specific IgE antibodies, bound to tissue mast cells and basophils, present in the skin, gut and respiratory tract, come into contact with, and bind the circulating allergen. This binding activates these cells to release inflammatory mediators including histamine, prostaglandins, leukotrienes and cytokines. These compounds cause much of the discomfort associated with allergy including stomach cramping, diarrhea, vomiting, hives, itching and swelling. Exposure to a minute amount of the allergenic food can provoke a reaction.

Food allergies may involve more than one immune mechanism. The classic Type I, acute onset IgE-mediated reaction has been the most thoroughly studied for its close association in asthma, hay fever, atopic dermatitis and food allergies. Elevated serum IgE against several allergens has been demonstrated in many of these instances. Further, IgE-mediated allergies hold special importance as the induced anaphylactic reaction is potentially life-threatening in some people.

The prevalence of food allergies has shown a remarkable upswing over the past 10 to 20 years across all ages and it is a biological mystery as to why we see this trend. There can be a genetic influence to developing allergies. Allergic parents are more likely to have allergic children. But certainly this cannot account wholly for the epidemic rise that we have seen over the decades. The manifestations of allergy are the result of the complex interaction between genetics, nutrition, immunity and environmental exposures such as tobacco smoke and pollutants that can increase the antigenic response.

Sound laboratory testing remains an essential clinical tool of the practitioner for proper patient screening and care.

US BioTek Laboratories offers testing from serum for IgE antibodies specific to common food and inhalant allergens through semi-quantitative ELISA. Our ELISA utilizes validation protocols traceable to World Health Organization (WHO) IgE guidelines for enhanced immunoassay performance. For full test panel information on our allergen-specific IgE, please click here.

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Reference Gupta, R. S., Springston, E. E., Warrier, M. R., et al. (2011). The prevalence, severity, and distribution of childhood food allergy in the United States. Pediatrics. DOI: http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/early/2011/06/16/peds.2011-0204.abstract

Frequently Asked Questions about Acupuncture with Dr. Jeffrey Lee, Richmond BC

Many people are discovering the benefits of acupuncture.  New patients call in to my clinic in Richmond, asking many great questions.  The post below will answer some frequently asked questions about acupuncture.


Question 1:  Can acupuncture help my condition?
Acupuncture is beneficial for relieving pain, managing stress, and treating a variety of conditions.  During the spring allergy season, I help many patients relieve their itchy eyes, sneezing and congestion symptoms naturally using acupuncture.

The spring time is also a time when people become more physically active. I use acupuncture to help people heal from injuries and prevent injuries by helping the body loosen up and improve circulation.

Acupuncture is the treatment of choice for the following conditions:

1) Musculoskeletal: Back Pain, Carpal Tunnel, Neck pain, Arthritis, sciatica
2) Digestive Conditions: Constipation, Diarrhea, IBS, Colitis
3) Addictions: alcohol, drugs, smoking
4) Mental emotional:  Anxiety, Depression,
5) Fatigue: low energy, chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia
6) Headaches, Migraines , cluster headaches
7) Pregnancy symptoms:  morning sickness, back pain,
8) Menstrual irregularities & infertility
9) Sleep problems

Question 2: Does acupuncture hurt?

No. Most people enjoy treatment and find it very comfortable, restful, and relaxing.  Sometimes the needle insertion feels like a quick pinch that rapidly goes away.   After an acupuncture treatment, you can expect to feel less pain, more energy, and a  heightened sense of well-being.

Question 3: How many visits will I need?

The number of treatments required depends on the severity and duration of the symptoms to be addressed. Within the first 4-6 sessions, the effectiveness of the treatment is often evident and clear treatment goals should be established.

Question 4: My friend told me about this unique tool that measures my acupuncture points, what is it?

An acugraph is a specialized scan of your acupuncture meridian system.  This cutting edge technology provides us with a more in depth analysis of your health.  Based on your results, we customize treatment plans for each individual.  

Dr. Jeffrey Lee, is a naturopathic doctor and registered acupuncturist. His practice is located in Richmond, BC. 


If you have further questions about acupuncture, please visit our clinic's website or give us a call @ 604-271-9355

Quit Smoking naturally! Ask Dr. Lee about using acupuncture and low level laser therapy

Our Quit Smoking Program breaks the nicotine addiction by tackling it from 3 angles.

1) Ear Acupuncture using laser therapy can break the addiction cycle

2) Herbs & supplements to block nicotine receptors, reduce cravings and    detoxify the body

3) Support and Education.


Our program is designed for 3 weeks of treatment.  A minimum of 6 treatments is recommended.

This is NOT a "reduce smoking" program, it's a "quit smoking program".  This means NO MORE CIGARETTES EVER.  This program is only effective if you are ready.

In the first visit, we address the following:

a) Establish why you want to quit and if this is the right time to do so.

b) Establish a quit date:________________

c) For best results do the following:

o   Public Commitment.  Tell Friends and Family.  Share it online. 

o   Choose a quit date that is early in the week.  Chances of relapse are higher over the weekend.  Remember, the first 3-4 days are the most critical.

o   On quitting day, dispose of ALL cigarettes, ashtrays, lighters at home, work and vehicle. 

o   Find 5 healthy habits you can do to replace your smoking routine ( ex. Short walk, glass of water, eat a carrot/celery stick,  chew gum, bike ride, call a friend etc).

  

What kind of treatments are done?


Ear Acupuncture is consistently very effective for addictions, with reported success rates of 75 to 90%.  The treatments will affect dopamine pathways in the brain, reducing cravings and helping the brain re-establish normal dopamine levels

o   It is best to begin treatment the day of or the day after you quit.   

o   Each treatment will last approximately 15 minutes. 

o   Acupuncture points on your ear and body will be stimulated with a laser or with needles.  



Call 604-271-9355 to book your appointment or speak with Dr. Lee.

Natural Relief for Seasonal Allergies - Dr. Lee's Top 5 solutions.

Do you have watery, itchy eyes?  A congested nose?  Are you coughing and sneezing? Or your nose is dripping like crazy?  Well, it sounds like you have something I struggle with, as well as many patients - Seasonal Allergies!

I was a long time sufferer of seasonal allergies, and being a Naturopathic doctor, I have always searched for natural relief for seasonal allergies.  Some of the suggestions below are available at a local health food store, while others require more specialized treatments from an acupuncturist or naturopathic doctor.



Top 5 Natural Relief for Seasonal Allergies


5. Support the body's anti-allergy mechanisms with vitamin C & high quality fish oils. 
Vitamin C prevents the release of "histamines" from white blood cells.  Between 2 to 4 grams is what I take per day for my seasonal allergies.  Omega-3 Essential Fatty Acids (Fish Oils) is effective at reducing the inflammation causes by seasonal allergies.  I typically take 1 teaspoon twice a day. 

4. Luffeel nasal spray or tablets. 
Luffeel is a homeopathic product that works very well for seasonal allergies.  For my patients that get severe seasonal allergies, I recommend they start using the tablets 1 month before the allergy season tends to start.  To learn more about Luffeel for natural seasonal allergy relief, please read this article on my clinic's website.

3. Acupuncture Treatments

Acupuncture is effective for both treatment and prevention of seasonal allergies.  Thin needles are placed into specific acupuncture points throughout the body to help strengthen and stabilize the immune system.  The treatments are relaxing and patients find that they sleep better the days after acupuncture.

2. Customized Chinese Herbs
I find Chinese Herbs much more effective than over the counter anti-histamines.  Chinese Herbs are custom tailored to the specific individual's seasonal allergy symptoms.  Much like acupuncture, Herbs help stabilize and strengthen the immune system, not just simply covering the seasonal allergy symptoms.

1. Nebulizer Treatments
A nebulizer is a machine that turns liquids into a vapor or mist.  The mist is then inhaled by mouth and absorbed through the lungs.  A variety of natural medicines can be nebulized and delivered into the body this way. This is the most effective natural treatment to manage and treat seasonal allergies in my practice.


Dr. Jeffrey Lee is a naturopathic physician and registered acupuncturist in Richmond, BC.
Call today to get rid of your seasonal allergies!
www.yourbriohealth.com
604-271-9355

Licensed Naturopathic Physicians obtain prescribing authority

In the Spring 2011 issue of Integrated Healthcare Practitioners, Dr. Christoph Kind, ND wrote an article on the landmark Advancements in British Columbia Healthcare.

To see the full article, click here.

A summary of the article:

- In the fall of 2010, licensed naturopathic physicians, who chose to obtain prescribing authority, were granted access to a wide range of therapeutics previously limited by prescription.

- ND's have been licensed as physicians since 1923 in BC

- A major stumbling block in 1990 occurred to the naturopathic profession when the NDP government initiated a practice review process of all health professions. This stalled all scope issues for a number of years and in the end almost derailed the profession

- Recently, the government began holding its "Conversation on Health Care" meetings across BC, and found that an overwhelming number of British Columbians wanted more access to complementary and preventative health care. 

- An appropriately certified naturopathic physician may now have full access to the natural medicines previously help behind locked doors, but used so safely and effectively in the past. 




" It reduces the existing burden on MD's while ensuring the provision of safe and effective primary healthcare in a measured fashion"

Low Level Laser Therapy & Lymphedema

I have treated a variety of Lymphedema cases in my practice using acupuncture and naturopathic medicine.  However, recently, I have found that low level laser therapy is far superior to previous methods at reducing swelling around the ankles and legs.

Lymphedema occurs when the lympathic channels are blocked, causing fluids and proteins to leak out and remain trapped between cells.  Chronic lymphedema can occur after surgical procedures, inflammation in the region, congestive heart failure or kidney issues. 

Most conventional treatments include:
1) Elevation of extremity above the heart
2) Compression techniques (bandages, fitted garments)
3) Manual techniques (massage, compression)

Advantages of Low Level Laser Therapy for Lymphedema
- circulation is enhanced
- reduces fluid retention
- painless treatment that reduces discoloration
- heals skin infections