My approach to holistic health is to help the whole body.
Everything is connected. Anything can cause anything. So, I use the thought process of zooming in and zooming out to see the whole picture.
When you think of a symptom or problem – that is zooming in. Headaches, pain, mood problems, bowel trouble, and allergies are all pieces of the puzzle that can give you information. When you zoom out from there you could notice that all of these problems might be connected and originating from a liver/gallbladder that is not functioning well.
This view can be taken with supplements, too. Zooming in: Cal Amo by Standard Process is a mineral salt. It supports the acid/alkaline balance of the body. Zoom out: When a person takes Cal Amo it can support the sinuses, lungs, adrenal glands, and joints. So, seeing the bigger picture of the benefits of specific supplements is important.
Dr. Schmidt developed the 7 Step Blueprint to Optimal Health. These steps are the way the Practitioners in this office approach how to fix the problems of your body in a step-by-step fashion. This is how we zoom out and see the bigger picture. But, each step can help you zoom in on specific areas or concerns that may be the cause of chronic illness or poor health. Here is a link with information on Dr. Schmidt’s 7 Step Blueprint to Optimal Health.
A similar zoom in/zoom out approach can be taken with food. We can zoom in and look at ingredients and recipes to create meals for ourselves and our family. And, we can zoom out to see bigger picture truths such as eating real food, not products. Eat good quality healthy food like organic meats and organic vegetables.
I also apply this philosophy to life. When I zoom out I am setting goals and targets. When I zoom in I am making plans, taking steps to get to the goal. So, make plans and start taking steps to get to your health goals. We can help you with that. At The Nutritional Healing Center of Ann Arbor, we help solve complex chronic conditions and illnesses by looking at the big picture and zooming in and out to help make a healthier you.
In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, we often forget to pay attention to one of the most crucial systems in our body – the lymphatic system.
The lymphatic system plays a vital role in maintaining our overall health and assisting in the detoxification process. Let’s explore the significance of lymphatic drainage, the benefits of dry brushing techniques, and discover natural solutions to combat lymphatic congestion.
The lymphatic system is a complex network of vessels, nodes, and organs that works tirelessly to rid our bodies of toxins, waste, and excess fluids. Unlike the circulatory system, the lymphatic system doesn’t have a pump, relying on muscle contractions and body movements to facilitate the flow of lymph fluid. When this flow is hindered, it can lead to lymphatic congestion, causing a range of issues such as swelling, fatigue, a compromised immune system, and many other common symptoms.
Lymphatic drainage is the natural process of eliminating waste and toxins from the body. For starters, it helps maintain fluid balance and promotes overall well-being. When the lymphatic system is functioning optimally, it assists in the removal of toxins and ensures a healthy immune response to everyday life. Dry brushing is a simple yet effective technique that can enhance lymphatic drainage. By using a dry brush with natural bristles, you can stimulate the lymphatic system and promote circulation. Here’s a basic guide to dry brushing:
Choose the Right Brush. Select a brush with natural bristles; we sell one here at The NHCAA. Brushing Technique:
Start at your feet and move upwards in gentle, circular motions.
Always brush towards the heart to follow the natural flow of the lymphatic system.
Pay special attention to areas with a high concentration of lymph nodes, such as the armpits, breast area, and groin.
In addition to dry brushing, incorporating these natural remedies can further support lymphatic health-
Hydration:
Adequate water intake is crucial for maintaining lymphatic flow and preventing congestion. Ensure you stay hydrated throughout the day.
Herbal Teas or Supplements:
Certain herbs, such as dandelion and nettle, have diuretic properties that can aid in reducing fluid retention and supporting lymphatic function. Ask your practitioner which supplements you are on or should be on to support your lymphatic system.
Exercise:
Regular physical activity promotes muscle contractions, aiding the movement of lymph fluid. Incorporate activities like walking, yoga, or rebounding into your daily routine.
Massage and Manual Lymphatic Drainage:
Professional massages or manual lymphatic drainage sessions can help stimulate lymphatic flow and alleviate congestion. Using an essential oil such as myrrh, tea tree, or castor oil when doing manual lymph massages is also beneficial.
In a world focused on quick fixes and external solutions, it’s essential to recognize the importance of nurturing our internal systems, especially as we are binding up toxins in our body. By embracing lymphatic health through practices like dry brushing and incorporating the above natural remedies, we can unlock the potential for a healthier, more vibrant life. Prioritizing the well-being of our lymphatic system is a small yet powerful step towards overall wellness.
Thermography is a non-invasive, radiation-free imaging procedure. Through infrared technology, a thermogram measures temperature changes in the body. Finding areas of heat (inflammation) allows for early detection of disease processes. Although thermograms are not diagnostic in and of themselves, they can empower you to be proactive about your health.
Thermography can be done on the whole body but is most commonly done on the breast, neck, and head. Breast thermography can help assess the risk of developing breast cancer and the health of the surrounding lymph. A hormonal score can be assigned as certain warming patterns can indicate a hormonal imbalance. Thermography on the neck can help indicate thyroid and surrounding lymph inflammation. Thermography on the head can show issues hiding in the teeth and sinus, and can show some problems brewing with the facial nerves.
When it comes to the pros and cons of thermograms, there are many pros and only a few cons.
The Pros:
Does not require a doctor’s order
Can track on your own to be proactive
Safe and non-invasive
Can be done frequently without negative consequences
Relatively low cost
Empowers you to track progress of health interventions
The Cons:
May warrant further testing
Not fully diagnostic on own
Not covered by insurance
If you are a client at the NHCAA, your practitioner can use your thermography results and come up with a plan specific to you. After an intervention is in place, we can track progress over time with a follow-up thermogram. For example, I have a client who, on a scale from 0-5, had a risk rating of 4 on one breast and 4 + on the other. I put her on a plan to address her hormones, breasts, and lymph. She did a new thermogram in 6 months. Her risk rating on the 4+ breast decreased to 4 and all the heat changes reduced. The change over time shows improvement and validated that we are on the right track. We now modified the plan to add castor oil packs to expedite her progress.
I am a huge advocate of thermography because of the great health information provided, how easy it is to have done, and how safe it is. Although thermograms do not replace mammograms, they can be used much more frequently to keep tabs on your health. Thermograms can also assess other areas of the body and elucidate areas of inflammation that perhaps you did not know you had. Thermography is a powerful tool in your health arsenal that can empower you to prevent health issues in the future and to find solutions for current challenges you may have.
Hi! My name is Dr. Joel Vickers. I am a Doctor of Chiropractic and I specialize in a diagnostic technique known as Applied Kinesiology.
Many people aren’t familiar with the history of Chiropractic and don’t know that this profession was originally founded in 1896…after helping a person with hearing loss! In the early 1900’s, people flocked to Chiropractors to get help with their ulcers, heart and lung problems, bowel disorders, blood sugar issues, etc.
With the advent of “modern medicine”, less people are turning to Chiropractors for help with their organ dysfunction. However, it is well-documented that subluxations of the spine (misaligned vertebrae) which Chiropractors correct, can stretch or pinch nerves that cause nervous interference and subsequent organ dysfunction.
Every organ in your body is related to one or more muscles. This is called the “muscle-organ relationship”. If an organ is diseased or doesn’t function as it should, the muscles that are related to that organ reflexively may be weakened. Conversely, your muscles also help to move lymph out of the organs they’re related to and if you have a muscle that’s been weakened due to trauma then it cannot assist the organ with lymphatic drainage. A few examples of the muscle-organ relationship are:
Organ
Muscle
Affected
Stomach
Pectoralis Major
Chest, Back
Gallbladder
Popliteus muscle
Knee
Heart
Subscapularis muscle
Shoulder, Arm
Lungs
Deltoid muscle
Shoulder, Arm
Thymus Gland
Infraspinatus muscle
Shoulder, Arm
Adrenal Glands
Sartorius muscle
Back, Knee
Relating the muscle-organ relationship to the above organs and their related muscles, it is easy to see how a person with ulcers might have chest or upper back pain; a gall bladder problem may cause knee pain; a heart attack might cause chest pain; or an adrenal weakness could cause low back or knee pain.
An Applied Kinesiologist’s therapies include techniques that can help with a variety of organ dysfunctions. There are various reflex points that Applied Kinesiologists can use that, when stimulated, can help an organ heal itself faster. A few examples are:
Reflex points that help increase blood flow to an organ. This increased blood flow increases the speed at which the nutrients move into an organ. This is important since restricted blood flow to an organ makes it more difficult to heal it quickly, regardless of your nutritional status. (Think “clogged water pipes”)
Reflex points that help with lymphatic drainage from an organ. This includes waste products from the cells of the organ. This is important since lymphatic back-up makes it more difficult for the good stuff (the nutrition you eat) to enter the cells to heal them. (Think “clogged drain”)
It is important to understand that these types of therapies work best if the patient is following a diet that is conducive to healing. Those who are already in a nutrition program here at this facility are perfect candidates for Applied Kinesiology. Those who aren’t in a nutrition program with one of the nutritional practitioners should be!
If you suspect your organs could use a “boost” in their healing process, come see me, Dr. Joel Vickers, at the Nutritional Healing Center of Ann Arbor and I will help your body heal your organs as quickly as possible! Call now at (734) 302-7575.
Scoliosis is a curve in the spine that normally shouldn’t be there. If it occurred at birth it is called “congenital scoliosis” and it is due to your genetic makeup. If it happened later in life, it is called “idiopathic scoliosis” which means its cause is unknown.
My name is Dr. Joel Vickers and I specialize in Applied Kinesiology. I use “AK” as my primary muscle balancing tool to correct muscles that have been turned off via trauma. Because muscles move bones and hold them in their proper alignment, AK is a unique muscle balancing system designed to help correct muscular imbalances that can cause misalignments to any one of the 204 bones of the human body. These misalignments may produce curvatures and rotations of the spine, which can affect one or more vertebrae.
In idiopathic scoliosis, AK treatments can really make a structural difference in these patients. They usually have had some jolts, jars, or falls in their life resulting in muscular imbalances. (Think gymnasts, cheerleaders, soccer players, etc.) Not all muscles attach to the spine and hold it in its proper alignment, but those that do, (when weakened through trauma) will allow the spine to move away from them. Thus, looking at someone’s back, a curve to the left usually means muscles on the right side are in a weakened state and are allowing the vertebrae to move away from them. In most cases of idiopathic scoliosis, the abnormal curves in their spines can be corrected.
In congenital scoliosis, the curvatures in their spines are basically set for life and cannot be changed. However, the owners of said spines can still have muscles turned off via trauma. In other words, not all back pain of a patient with scoliosis is caused simply because they have the diagnosis of scoliosis. Patients with congenital scoliosis may also slip, fall, get in auto accidents, have sporting injuries, etc. and they need their muscles turned back on just like the rest of humanity.
I can help with scoliosis…regardless of the diagnosis. Call the Nutritional Healing Center of Ann Arbor at (734) 302-7575 and let me stabilize or totally correct your spinal curvatures!
A good part of my practice is spent helping restore normal biomechanical function to those persons who have made the decision to push their bodies athletically.
Sports such as soccer, rugby, lacrosse, basketball and football come to mind when one thinks of sports that include high-force impacts to the body. Less impactful (but equally injured) are the athletes who lift weights, play baseball or softball, ski, bowl, play tennis, run or throw in track events and run cross country. These include (but are not limited to):
Elementary age school children who have injured themselves on the playground during recess
High school athletes who want to perform better than their peers
College athletes who would like a shot at professional sports
Middle-age athletes who compete in local and national recreational leagues
Elderly folks who want to exercise because they know it is healthy and that it can extend their life as well as their quality of life
Typical injuries I see in my practice are:
Head and neck injuries, including concussions
Shoulder, wrist, and forearm injuries
Upper, middle, and lower back injuries
Hip, knee, and ankle injuries
My name is Dr. Joel Vickers and I specialize in a muscle-balancing technique known as Applied Kinesiology (or “AK”). Through AK muscle balancing techniques, I am able to determine which muscles have been turned off via trauma…and then I turn them back on. This is completely different from the care rendered by athletic trainers and physical therapists. Call the Nutritional Healing Center of Ann Arbor at (734) 302-7575 and make an appointment with me so I can help you move past your athletic injuries to reach your true potential as an athlete!
Applied Kinesiology is a diagnostic system wherein the Doctor restores normal function to muscles that have been weakened or “turned off” via traumatic events. These strained muscles have automatically turned themselves off to protect further damage, and they will not turn themselves back on with exercises, stretches, rest, or nutritional therapy.
The trauma, although not always apparent at first, will often surface many years later. If treatment is postponed, neurological damage usually begins first followed by damage to the joints associated with these weak muscles. Sometimes an operation is required to clean out or even replace the joint, further limiting the patient’s range of motion, mobility and lifestyle.
The following questionnaire has been created to help with your decision to see Dr. Vickers for structural corrections via Applied Kinesiology.
Have you ever received trauma in the form of jolts, jars, or impacts to any part of your body?
Have you ever fallen down? On ice? On dry ground/grass? On asphalt or concrete?
Have you ever been in any kind of automobile accident? Low speed (10-20 MPH)? High speed (30 MPH+)?
Have you ever been diagnosed with a ligamentous sprain or a strained muscle?
Were you ever involved in sports and suffered any type of injury?
Have you ever started an exercise program only to find that some old injury has resurfaced to stop your progress?
Or…have you started and restarted an exercise program only to stop repeatedly due to pain or weakness?
Have you ever had a concussion, or what you suspect was a concussion?
Have you ever had any kind of injury and you haven’t felt the same ever since the event or you’re having trouble doing the things you used to do?
Are there any specific things you can’t do anymore, either with your right side or your left?
Do you ever blame your inability to do things you used to do…on your age, or because your parents had trouble doing simple things at your same age?
Have your children been injured playing, playing sports, or just from living a rambunctious life?
Do you know of any athletes who have been struggling with injuries that they can’t seem to get fixed, by trainers, physical therapists, or other health care professionals?
Have you had any dental work or jaw trauma, and now you have head, neck or jaw tightness, pain, or discomfort?
If the answer is YES to any of the above questions, you need to contact our office and make an appointment to see me to get your muscles turned back on! In the meantime, I recommend you read all the articles written in this handout as they cover many (but not all) of some of the more common problems handled by a trained Applied Kinesiologist.
If you have any questions about Applied Kinesiology or have more specific questions that the articles haven’t covered, please feel free to call the Nutritional Healing Center of Ann Arbor at (734) 302-7575 and I would be happy to answer any questions you have. Or, if you would prefer to have a free 15-minute face-to-face consultation, please call the office and they will put you on my schedule and we can discuss your case and I will let you know if I think I can help you.
I have worked in the field of medications and supplements for 23 years; first as a pharmacy intern, then as a pharmacist, and now as a holistic pharmacist. I have always had nutritional supplements involved in my work. Throughout this time, I’ve been well aware of the importance of having adequate levels of Vitamin D, B12, iron, and so on. However, it was not until I started studying nutrition and holistic health and working hands-on with clients that I learned about the value of a nutrient called “inositol.”
After over 13 years of work with supplements, I can confidently say that Inositol is my #1 favorite supplement of all time. The use of this nutrient has produced clinical miracles, and in some cases, very quickly.
What is inositol?
Inositol is sometimes called a B vitamin; however, it is not actually a vitamin at all. Inositol is a type of sugar that your body, and the bodies of other mammals, produce from glucose. Don’t let the word “sugar” mislead you; inositol helps increase insulin sensitivity and lower blood glucose.
Food sources of inositol
Inositol is also contained in many foods. You can find inositol in high amounts in many legumes, fruit (especially citrus), whole grains, liver, and honey.
Functions of inositol in the body
The extent of inositol’s role in the intricate functions of the body is not fully known; however, there is strong evidence for many very important functions such as:
Hormonal regulation
Nervous system health/neurotransmitter signaling
Insulin sensitivity/glucose regulations
Fertility/egg quality
Lipid (fat) metabolism
Cardiovascular health
Side effects of inositol
Inositol is not a drug, so it does not cause side effects. However, some individuals may experience some mild, unwanted effects, especially at higher dosages (over 1500mg) and more commonly if a high dose is started without a gradual increase in dose. These effects are:
Diarrhea
Nausea
Indigestion
Dizziness
Fatigue
My clinical results with inositol
As I mentioned, inositol is my favorite supplement. I have seen this supplement bring people out of crisis and into stability and good health. I have also seen inositol play a pivotal role in controlling many chronic conditions.
Here are my top clinical scenarios to use inositol:
Anxiety
Obsessive thoughts and compulsions
Depression
PCOS and many other menstrual irregularities
Pain (especially nerve pain)
Sleep disturbances and insomnia
ADHD
Autism spectrum disorders
Headaches
Helping assist psychiatric drug tapering
Essentially, when I think of nervous system stress and neuroendocrine issues (issues that involve how the nervous system and hormonal systems interact), I think of inositol.
Real cases that inositol helped
I had a client who was working with her doctor to taper off anti-anxiety medications in a class called benzodiazepines (or Benzos). Benzos are very habit-forming and can cause troubling, even dangerous effects as someone is trying to discontinue them. She was working with her medical doctor, but even with tapering down the dose, she was struggling. I helped her successfully and safely discontinue her Benzo by using inositol along with her tapering process. With the help of inositol, she was off her benzo in less than a year.
I have 2 cases within the last year where the issue was extreme anxiety and panic with resulting insomnia. Both cases told me they were considering going in-patient in a psych hospital. Both cases responded to inositol within 24 hours of starting it and were able to avoid hospitalization.
Other specific results I’ve seen with inositol
Reducing and sometimes stopping tics, twitches, eye blinking, and vocal “stimming” in children
Return of a regular menstrual cycle in PCOS cases
Chronic pain under control
Reduction in pain from shingles
Not only does inositol do many amazing things for health, but it has other desirable aspects, too.
First, it is very safe and traditionally well tolerated. Any ill effects are usually mild and often resolve with a slower increase in the amount. It can be used in children and during pregnancy. Inositol can also be a safe alternative to side-effect-laden anxiety medications.
Second, it tastes really good! Inositol has a sweet flavor, which makes it pleasant to take. The sweet taste makes it very easy to administer to children. I typically use the inositol tablets by Standard Process, which are sourced from honey. These tablets can be chewed. There is also a powdered formulation that is so easy to add to drinks or smoothies. The powder is also very helpful if taking a higher dose.
As a bonus, the sweet taste and glucose-assisting properties can even help to reduce sugar cravings.
Sweet endings
Inositol is a nutrient that, in the right situation, can achieve clinical miracles. It is safe, well-tolerated, and tastes good. All these factors make it a nice adjunct to many healing plans. If you have anxiety issues, I highly recommend this product to see if you can find safe relief.
I am not a big fan of New Year’s Resolutions. However, this is the time of year when I develop a plan for the upcoming year. I set goals, generate ideas for travel, and make strategies for what I want to do with my diet and health. I write these things down so that I can be accountable for them. It is a to-do list for the year.
I am currently cleaning out cupboards, the food pantry, and closets (donating things I don’t wear). I make space for new things by getting rid of things I no longer need or that don’t serve a purpose. I also organize and assess my unused supplements that I’ve saved. Some people prefer to finish their bottle of a supplement, while others like to save unused supplements. I keep my unused supplements in case the need arises for them later. The following are some ideas on when to get rid of old supplements: throw away expired items. Some things do last past their expiration date, but if something is long past (more than 6 months), it is time to get rid of it. Unused liquid supplements that have been opened should be discarded after about six months.
I looked up “out with the old, in with the new” and found this statement: “To change the old for the new. To leave old things or ideas behind and bring in new things or ideas.” Bringing in new ideas can be refreshing. With this “out with the old” approach, I employ the thought of doing better when I bring something new in. If I am going to buy food or any new item, I think about what would be a better option than the thing I am replacing. Not everything needs to be replaced. It can be economical and less clutter to keep things simple. But if you are going to buy something, quality matters.
Some examples of swapping out the old and in with the new/better are:
Instead of commercial, buy organic.
Instead of margarine, use organic butter.
Instead of canola, use coconut, avocado, or extra virgin olive oil.
Instead of commercial salad dressing, use vinegar and oil, or make your own dressing.
Instead of brand-name flavored syrups, use real maple syrup or honey.
Instead of white refined pasta, eat red lentil or chickpea pasta.
Instead of white refined sugar, use coconut crystals or monk fruit sweetener.
Instead of fake, get real.
Level up with what you buy for yourself and your family in the new year. Swap out old habits and products with new and improved thoughtful ideas and choices. Make 2024 a great year! Here’s to your health and wellness.
Scented candles are often considered an easy way to create a cozy atmosphere or to unwind after a long day. It seems they become even more common during the holiday season. However, beneath their fragrant allure lie several potential health hazards that many overlook.
Most scented candles are made from paraffin wax, a petroleum byproduct. When burned, they release chemicals like benzene and toluene, both known carcinogens. The wicks may also contain heavy metals such as lead, emitting toxic fumes when lit. These pollutants can cause respiratory issues, trigger allergies, and even contribute to long-term health problems.
In addition, synthetic fragrances used in candles often contain phthalates- chemicals linked to hormonal disruptions and reproductive issues. These compounds are not just inhaled, but can also be absorbed through the skin or ingested when the melted wax comes in contact with food.
But fear not! There are safer alternatives to achieve a delightful aroma at home. One of my favorite options is homemade potpourri, which not only adds a pleasant smell to your home but also allows for plenty of customization. Here’s a simple recipe to get you started:
Homemade Potpourri Recipe:
Ingredients:
Dried flowers (rose petals, lavender, chamomile)
Citrus peels (orange, lemon, lime)
Spices (cinnamon sticks, cloves, rosemary)
Essential oils such as peppermint (optional for added fragrance)
Instructions:
Gather your dried flowers, citrus peels, and spices in a bowl. You can either purchase these items or dry them yourself by leaving them out in a cool, dry place for a few days.
Add a few drops of your preferred essential oil if you desire a stronger scent.
Mix the ingredients together gently.
Place the potpourri mix in a decorative bowl
This homemade potpourri not only provides a natural and pleasant scent but also serves as a lovely decorative element in your home. You can experiment with different combinations of flowers, fruits, and spices to find your favorite blend.
Making the switch from scented candles to homemade potpourri might seem like a small change, but it can significantly reduce your exposure to harmful chemicals. By prioritizing your health and the air quality in your home, you can create a soothing and inviting environment without compromising the well-being of you or your guests.
Remember, a cozy atmosphere doesn’t have to come at the expense of your health. Here’s to making our homes healthier, one step at a time!
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