CranioSacral Therapy: It’s Role in Recovery & Childhood Development Part 1 

This subject is one near and dear to me as I have been using Craniosacral Therapy (CST) for many years now and I have seen how life changing it can truly be for families. When parents go searching for information I am not sure they get a true understanding of what this is and I would like to take some time to share with you the basics.

Craniosacral Therapy (CST) was pioneered and developed by osteopathic physician John Upledger following extensive scientific studies from 1975 to 1983 at Michigan State University, where he served as a clinical researcher and Professor of Biomechanics. CST is a gentle, hands-on method of evaluating and enhancing the functioning of a physiological body system called the craniosacral system—comprised of the cranial bones, cerebrospinal fluid and the membranes. The membranes surround the brain and spinal cord like a wetsuit and the cranial bones sit on top. The system works together to pump CSF throughout the system.

CST is a very calm and relaxing therapy, children can read, listen to music, watch TV or play with their toys during a session. The practitioner will feel for the CST rhythm by placing their hands on the cranial bones using a soft touch generally no greater than five grams, or about the weight of a nickel, restrictions are released in the craniosacral system to improve the functioning of the central nervous system. The CST rhythm is the flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pumping from the head down through the spine. The CSF is produced within the brain itself and contracts at a normal rate of 6 to 12 cycles per minute, creating the rhythm.

The proper pumping of the CSF is important for our body, its functions include:

·      Removing waste and toxins from cerebral metabolism

·      Protecting the brain & spinal cord

·      Supplying nutrients to the nervous system

A person properly trained in the technique with a background in treating children should perform CST; there is a very high level of finesse that comes with working on children. The treatment is aimed at the membranes and helping improve flow and exchange of fluids, it is not necessarily about realigning the cranial bones although in cases such as plagiocephaly can help tremendously.

How does this therapy help children?

·      Removes waste and toxins from cerebral metabolism- many children today are having trouble detoxifying and this aids in that process.

·      Supplying nutrients to the nervous system

·      Releases tension in the body

·      Balances the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)

The nervous system imbalance is the key to why this helps so many children. The Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) has branches, the sympathetic (fight or flight) and the parasympathetic (resting) both of which affect our bodies greatly. Most parents will describe their child’s behavior as “ramped up” or “they cannot seem to relax” and this is why. The sympathetic nervous system is in overdrive and CST helps balance it out thereby decreasing that “overdrive” feeling.

Symptoms a child may experience with ANS dysfunction include:

·      Abnormal sweating

·      Anxiety

·      Bed-wetting

·      Constipation and/or diarrhea

·      Dark/light intolerance

·      Detoxification issues

·      Difficulty potty training

·      Emotional instability

·      Feeding problems

·      Hyperactivity

·      Inattention

·      Nausea

·      Poor social skills

·      Sensory processing problems

·      Sleep problems

·      Tics

·      Vomiting

Stay tuned for part 2 later this month when I go over FAQ’s and more details about how this therapy can help your child.

Be Well,

Dr. Brooks

Whole Child Wellness

www.mychildwellness.com

Eczema or Dermatitis Herpetiformis?

Many people suffer with long-term skin issues and many never find the answer. Over the years I have seen “eczema” become a bigger and bigger issue beginning in infancy and evolving as they get older. We know that eczema is sometimes the catch all for skin rashes. Eczema can include red bumps, itching, inflammation, pain, swelling, scaly, and dry skin. This can be chronic or acute and due to several reasons from environmental assaults to food allergies. Many children benefit from the use of creams on the irritated skin but what happens when that does not work?

Dermatitis Herpetiformis (DH) is a chronic disease of the skin marked by groups of watery, itchy blisters. Food containing gluten triggers an immune response that deposits antibodies at the top layer of the skin. DH is hereditary linked to gluten intolerance, children will not always show up gluten intolerant in testing. Parents should investigate food sensitivity/allergy testing as this may be the first glimpse of an issue.

It is also important to address overall digestion and immune function. Have a wonderful and healthy holiday!

Be Well,

Dr. Amber Brooks

Whole Child Wellness

www.mychildwellness.com            

Bad Bacteria

The television has done a good job at educating the larger population that positive bacteria can be beneficial and has capitalized on probiotics in many foods you can buy. This is important to do because there are bad bacteria that can wreak havoc on the gastrointestinal system leaving your child very sick.

Children with Autism often have very high pain thresholds so seeing their pain is not always possible, this is why testing becomes imperative. Your doctor needs to see what is going on so they can treat appropriately. When parents refuse to test it makes it nearly impossible sometimes. It will save you time and money in the end if you know what you are treating from the start.

The Journal of Pediatrics did a study on Helicobacter Pylori and GI symptoms back in March 2010. Most people will get stomach pain with these bacteria but how would you know if this was your child? Many other clues have to be considered, such as constipation, diarrhea, large volumes, malodorous, mucus or blood in stool. There is not one definitive thing that I can tell you, but if abnormal bowels are something your family has been struggling with then ask your doctor to test for H. pylori so you can rule it out. I find many kids have deeper issues to solve digestively so I always suggest stool and urine testing to get down to the bottom of what is happening in a child. It’s amazing what you can find out with two simple tests and in turn what you can heal with proper care.

Be well,

Dr Brooks

Part 2: Flu Shot, Get the FACTS!

Last month I broke down the ingredients in many different flu shots that are on the market and this month I wanted to define each of them for you in detail. Please read over October’s blog to refresh your memory. The decision to vaccinate for the flu is a decision made by each family and many feel pressured to do it all the while wondering what the facts or potential harm may be, this will hopefully help those wanting more information.

Some things to consider before you get your flu shot….

1.     The ingredients listed below have side effects and toxicity levels affect each child different. Consult with your doctor before getting the flu shot to see if the effects will delay their treatment.

2.     Both seasonal flu and swine flu vaccines will require two inoculations. This is because single inoculations have failed to produce sufficient antibodies. This is an admission that prior flu vaccines were virtually useless.

3.     Adjuvants are added to vaccines to boost production of antibodies but may trigger autoimmune reactions. Some adjuvants are mercury (thimerosal), aluminum and squalene.

4.     Researchers are warning that over-use of the flu vaccine and anti-flu drugs like Tamiflu and Relenza can apply genetic pressure on flu viruses and then they are more likely to mutate into a more deadly strain.

5.     Most seasonal influenza A (H1N1) virus strains tested from the United States and other countries are now resistant to Tamiflu (oseltamivir). Tamiflu has become a nearly worthless drug against seasonal flu.

6.     Public health officials are irresponsible in their omission of any ways to strengthen immunity against the flu. No options outside of problematic vaccines and anti-flu drugs are offered, despite the fact there is strong evidence that vitamins C and D activate the immune system and the trace mineral selenium prevents the worst form of the disease.

Ingredients:

1.     Beta-propiolactone: C3H4O2 An attenuating agent

The vapor is very irritating and the liquid form is carcinogenic. Propiolactone is “reasonably expected to be a human carcinogen.” (IARC 1999)Recognized - carcinogen, Suspected - gastrointestinal or liver toxicant, respiratory toxicant, skin or sense organ toxicant. More hazardous than most chemicals.

“Neurological complications due to beta-propiolactone (BPL)-inactivated antirabies vaccination. Clinical, electrophysiological and therapeutic aspects.”

“Seventy six patients with neuroparalytic accidents due to antirabies vaccination (ARV) with BPL vaccine were studied…. Fourteen (18.4%) patients died and 6 were autopsied. The pathological features were essentially myeloradiculopathies, with variable degree of encephalic involvement. Two showed distinct necrotising myelopathy of immune type.”

Swamy HS, et al, J Neurol Sci. 1984 Jan;63 (1):111-28. — 1/1/1984

2.     Potassium chloride:KCl

Potassium chloride is also commonly known as “Muriate of Potash”

used in medicine, scientific applications, and judicial execution through lethal injection. The majority of the potassium chloride produced is used for making fertilizer. Side effects can include gastrointestinal discomfort including nausea and vomiting, diarrhea and bleeding of the gut.  Orally it is toxic in excess, high doses can cause cardiac arrest and rapid death.

3.     Monosodium Glutamate (MSG):C5H8NNaO4

Stabilizer
MSG is a food additive, popularly marketed as a “flavour enhancer”. In its pure form, it appears as a white crystalline powder.

4.     Monopotassium phosphate:KH2PO4 

Monopotassium phosphate is a soluble salt used as an additive in cigarettes, fertilizer and as a fungicide and buffering agent in vaccines.  The synthesized, active, end-use product is a crystalline powder containing 100% active ingredient.

5.     Squalene: C30H50, an Adjuvant

Too dangerous for human use, Squalene is not licensed for use in the United States.  Oil adjuvants like squalene have been ordinarily used to inflict diseases in animals – for experimentation and study.  According to anthrax vaccine expert Gary Matsumoto and other reliable sources, the US military used an unlicensed, experimental anthrax vaccination laced with squalene, with disastrous consequences, including Gulf War Syndrome.

6.     Sodium taurodeoxycholate: Detergent

Sodium Taurodeoxycholate has been observed to promote tumor growth in the throat, pancreas, colon and other tissues. By increasing cell permeability it also increases drug uptake showing that exposed cells become more vulnerable to toxic insult.

7.     Octoxynol-10 (or 9): Detergent

Octoxynol 9 (or 10) typically contains traces of the toxins ethylene oxide, dioxane, C9 phenols, or glycol ether. Detergents and emulsifiers promote tumors and cause cells to leak or explode by weakening their walls, with no mechanism for regulating destructive activity. 

8.     Polysorbate 80: C64H124O26 a Detergent, Emulsifier, Solubilizer, Stabilizer. These chemicals are similar to detergents in their ability to increase cell permeability, damage, and bursting. After injection they can rapidly metabolize into sorbitol and ethylene oxide, which is much, more toxic than the original chemical. When Polysorbate 80 breaks down there are 20 moles of ethylene oxide for every mole of sorbitol. These polysorbates have been shown to cause dangerous, sometimes fatal effects, when given through a needle. Changes in heart function can occur immediately. The blood-brain-barrier (BBB) can be weakened and penetrated, followed by seizures and even death. Anaphylactic and other reactions can occur. Infants are particularly susceptible (some math analysis here). These polysorbates also demonstrate synergistic toxicity with a range of chemicals (here and here) including lindane, thalidomide — even Polymyxin B.

9.     Formaldehyde:CH2O Attenuating agent, Preservative, Disinfectant, Fixative
Aust. National Research Council: fewer than 20% but perhaps more than 10% of the general population may be susceptible to formaldehyde and may react acutely at any exposure level.  More hazardous than most chemicals in 5 out of 12 ranking systems, on at least 8 federal regulatory lists, ranked as one of the most hazardous compounds (worst 10%) to ecosystems and human health (Environmental Defense Fund)

10. Sodium deoxycholate: Detergent

Sodium Deoxycholate causes cell death and symptoms such as burning, redness, and swelling. It has been shown to weaken the blood-brain-barrier (BBB) and subsequently activate seizures.  It demonstrates synergistic toxicity — notably with Amphotericin B, the antifungal listed above.

11. Thimerosal: C9H9HgNaO2S a Preservative

Thimerosal is a very toxic compound, which is harmful by inhalation and ingestion. It is a neoplastigen and a teratogen. Thimerosal is also dangerous for the environment. 

a.     Causes cell death

b.     Inhibits methylation- methylation is vital to our biological process. It can be involved in modification of heavy metals, regulation of gene expression, regulation of protein function, and RNA metabolism.

c.      Depletes glutathione- MOST important molecule for the detoxification and elimination of environmental toxins. It’s made mostly in the liver antioxidant, immune support, supports cellular response, helps eliminate toxic metabolic waste products, methylation & enzymatic rxns.

d.     Causes DNA damage at .6 mcg/ml, vaccines are 25-50 mcg/ml

Reference:

·      CDC, March 2010. Find info on CDC website.

·      CDC, March 2010. See website for this info

·      Healthscents, online http://healthscents4u.com/FluVaccineIngredients.aspx

·      WAVE- World Association for Vaccine Review, online http://www.novaccine.com

Be Well,

Dr. Brooks

www.mychildwellness.com            

Flu Shot, Get the FACTS!

This is the time of year where many get the flu shot so, I thought it would be wise with all the media attention around vaccination to tell you what is in your flu shot. There are many option you have to choose from so its best to do the least toxic one or skip it altogether if you are weary. Its important you know they base the current flu vaccine on strains from the previous years and viruses evolve, this is why people still get the flu despite the vaccine.

The cases of death due to flu are rare. When this occurs all are immunocompromised or suppressed and those with serious underlying diseases. The typical child can withstand getting the flu and with proper interventions can be over it themselves within 3 days. 

Influenza (Afluria)

Beta-Propiolactone, Calcium chloride, Neomycin, Ovalbumin, Polymyxin B, Potassium Chloride, Potassium phosphate, chick embryo cells, sodium phosphate, sodium taurodeoxychoalate

Influenza (Agriflu)

Cetyltrimethylammonium Bromide (CTAB), Egg protein, Formaldehyde, Kanamycin, Neomycin sulfate, polysorbate 80

Influenza (Fluarix)

Egg albumin, egg protein, Formaldehyde, gentamicin, hydrocortisone, octoxynol-10, alpha tocopheryl hydrogen succinate, polysorbate 80, sodium deoxycholate, sodium phosphate, thimerosal

Influenza (Flulaval)

Egg albumin, egg protein, Formaldehyde, sodium deoxycholate, phosphate buffers, thimerosal

Influenza (Fluvirin)

Beta-Propiolactone, egg protein, Neomycin sulfate, polymyxin B, Polyoxyethylene 9-10 nonyl phenol (triton N-101, octoxynol 9), Thimerosal (multi)

Influenza (Fluzone)

            Egg protein, Formaldehyde, Gelatin, Octoxinol-9, Thimerosal

Influenza (FluMist)

Chick kidney cells, egg protein, gentamicin sulfate, monosodium glutamate, sucrose phosphate glutamate buffer.

Stay tuned in November, I will break down all the ingredients and possible side effects as well as things to consider before you consider the flu shot in 2011

Be Well,

Dr. Brooks

www.mychildwellness.com