A Naturopathic Approach to Treating Epstein-Barr Virus

While attending the Reverse / Restore / Renew (R, R&R) training event, I had a live blood analysis that displayed characteristics of infectious mononucleosis (mono) and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in my blood. What a surprise!  Phillip R. “Cloudpiler” Landis, ND (naturopathic doctor), explained the symptoms and implications of this virus. I knew that I had contracted “mono” in college 40 years ago but hadn’t given it a thought since then. EBV Syndrome symptoms are the same as and are often misdiagnosed as chronic fatigue syndrome. Current EBV research links the virus to several types of cancer and multiple sclerosis (MS).

After some thought I was able to see the pattern of life stresses that activated the re-occurrence of my mono symptoms. The EBV virus may have actually triggered my breast cancer--I had been told by my physician that I did not display the hormonal or genetic characteristics associated with breast cancer (that were known at that time).

Currently, there are no antivirals for EBV, and antibiotics do not work on viruses—I do not want to take poisonous pharmaceuticals anyway. My mind was in a bit of a panic. I now had even more reason to pay attention to Dr. Landis’ R, R&R training. He told me that he also had a recurrence of EBV and that he had developed a highly effective herbal tonic and protocol.

Mononucleosis (mono) is a common, acute, infectious disease, usually affecting young people, caused by Epstein-Barr virus and [is] characterized by fever, swollen lymph nodes, sore throat, and lymphocyte abnormalities and is also called glandular fever. (American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. (2016) Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company)

Typically, people are infected with EBV at some point in their lives. Infection is nearly inescapable. In the US, 95% of all adults will be infected by age 40, and 50% of all children by age 5. It usually causes either no symptoms or a mild illness. During adolescence or early adulthood, the virus can lead to infectious mononucleosis, also known as mono or "the kissing disease." EBV belongs to the category of herpes viruses, which cause cold sores, genital herpes, chickenpox and shingles. Most people never feel sick and don't realize they have been infected. The belief is that once infected you harbor the virus forever. People with weakened immune systems are more likely to develop symptoms if EBV reactivates.

EBV infection symptoms:

•    fatigue

•    fever

•    inflamed throat

•    swollen lymph nodes in the neck

•    enlarged spleen

•    swollen liver

•    rash

Phillip R. “Cloudpiler” Landis, DD, ND, NAP, PDC., is a Naturopathic Doctor and a leader in the restoration of the ancient Nemenhah religion. He began his journey into Natural Medicine with his own battle with chronic illness in his early years, culminating in terminal cancer as a young adult.  It is this battle for survival that led him to obtain a Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine.  For the past twenty years, he has specialized in incurable disease. His experience with sufferers of cancer and AIDS has led him to developed the Nemenhah Reverse, Restore, Renew Program which is a true application of the Sahaptan Healing Way.

Landis’ Reverse / Restore / Renew Program stands for Reverse Disease, Restore Health and Renew the Spirit (R, R, & R).  This program is a practical, daily life implementation of the Nemenhah ITO, Five-fold Mission. The R, R, &R Program has a Five-Pronged Focus:

1.      Internal Terrain Management (methods of real pH Regulation).

2.      Modulation of the Immune System.

3.      Adaptogenic Control of Stress Hormones.

4.      Right Physical Conditioning.

5.      Nemenhah Guided Meditation.

Terrain management--Since most disease is the result of a body and body systems existing in a state of microbial imbalance or maladaptation on or inside the body. This means healthy tissues, blood and proper immune response all rely heavily on a balanced interstitial pH. Dr. Landis' research has documented that when blood pH is managed correctly, most common conditions associated with chronic disease simply resolve.

Dr. Landis’ program presents specific methods that can be used to boost the immune system's overall efficiency and to increase the actual immune cell count. These methods boost the immune system and proactively modulate the immune response (to modulate: is a natural adjustment the immune response to a desired level.) Landis has used these protocols for over twenty years to help individuals fight terminal illness.

The CDC and national medical boards around the world seem to agree that over 65 to 70 percent of chronic illness correlates with the onslaught of stress. Nature is filled with herbal medicines which are effective in combating the constant cortisol (stress hormone) cascade triggered by modern life. Dr. Landis’ program discusses these adaptogenic herbs and how to use them safely and effectively. Adaptogenic herbs are known for their ability increase the body's ability to resist the damaging effects of stress and promote or restore normal body functioning.

Exercise, physical conditioning and fitness play a crucial role in the maintenance of good health. Lymphatic activation, focused deep breathing, and the use of exercise to combat cortisol production all play a role in the restoration of health and the reversal of disease.

The ancient Nemenhah people used prayer, deep muscle relaxation, and trance-like meditation (without the use of psychoactive substances) to explore their own subconscious minds and come to an understanding of their True Self. These practices also help the individual to gain access to the limitless ancestral knowledge that fills all living things. As Nemenhah leader and mentor, Dr. Landis explains how these techniques, and physical/spiritual mechanics of guided meditation have been used for thousands of years to reverse disease.

The Sacred Sahaptan Healing Way is a unified system for bringing desperately ill people back from the brink and to restore them to meaningful, healthful lives. Dr. Landis believes it is “time to bring this healing way to the forefront of the Nemenhah Mission and [to] introduce true health freedom by giving the individual the ability to take control of one’s health, and reverse disease.”

The Reverse / Restore / Renew training event helped me understand that I can take control of my interstitial pH (intercellular fluid) to maintain good health. Research has demonstrated that acidic interstitial fluid creates an environment that causes cell mutation. When the internal terrain (intercellular fluid) pH returns to neutral many cell mutations reverse. Appropriate food choices are essential to maintaining a neutral blood pH environment.

I am currently following the herbal protocol Dr. Landis recommended to eliminate EBV from my body. I am managing my diet to maintain a neutral pH and have seen a real decrease in night time acid reflux. If you are interested in Dr. Landis’ Reverse / Restore / Renew Program, contact information can be found on the Nemenhah website. http://www.uninem.org/events.html

  

http://www.uninem.org/events.html

http://www.cdc.gov/epstein-barr/about-ebv.html

https://www.verywell.com/epstein-barr-virus-715661

http://www.doctoroz.com/article/secret-life-epstein-barr-virus?page=4

Acupuncture for Infertility

A trip to my chiropractor’s office is a joy. Why? The office walls are covered with baby pictures. Dr. Stefanie Sanger, DC, uses chiropractic and acupuncture to help infertile couples. Sanger says many couples have trouble conceiving because the woman has been on birth control pills for many years. Acupuncture treatments can realign the energies waking up and regulating ovary function.

A couple’s fertility issues are an extremely complex problem. They must first be diagnosed and investigated by a physician. The emotional stresses on the couple’s relationship, as well as, the individual partner's fears are great. When you add in the large financial cost the decisions are nearly overwhelming. Before opting for extremely expensive, allopathic hormonal treatments and invasive technologies you might consider a consultation with an acupuncturist specializing in infertility treatment.

Acupuncture is the process of inserting an ultra-thin, sterile needles into specific acupuncture points on the body. These points reside on channels or meridians which are energy pathways in the exterior and interior of the body. When these points are needled, they can influence body functions. Acupuncture helps address infertility by helping to regulate issues like under-active thyroid function (hypothyroidism) or over-active thyroid (hyperthyroidism).

Fertility can be adversely effected by lifestyle habits (which should be addressed) include:

•    Smoking

•    Excessive alcohol consumption

•    Drug use

•    Being overweight or obese

•    Poor diet

•    Over-exercise

•    Stress

Exposure to certain toxins, pesticides or lead may cause male infertility. Cancer treatment (radiation and/or chemotherapy) can be a significant risk to his sperm production. Having had a vasectomy may create anti-sperm antibodies to form and attack sperm.

For centuries acupuncture has been used to treat certain causes of infertility. However, acupuncture will not work for every issue, for example tubal adhesions that are a result of endometriosis, or pelvic inflammatory disease. A benefit of acupuncture is an increase in blood flow to the endometrium, which facilitates a thick, rich lining. A woman can also benefit from acupuncture because of the potential for improved ovary and follicle function.

Traditional, allopathic medicine views acupuncture as potentially helpful. Acupuncture is a process-oriented method of medical intervention in which more is better, meaning a series of treatment is more effective at normalizing energy flow. When used in combination with in vitro fertilization (IVF) or donor egg transfer, patients receive treatment for three to four months before progressing to insemination.

The Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology Fertility Centre, Scandinavia and University of Gothenburg, encourages women to receive acupuncture treatments pre and post embryo transfer. The Berkley Center for Reproductive Wellness has found that effective fertility treatments involve a combination of acupuncture, herbal medicine, and traditional medicine.

Studies have found that conception can occur when acupuncture and herbal medicines are used alone, without traditional allopathic medical interventions. Typically, the risks are minimal when using acupuncture for fertility treatment. However, the risk of miscarriage may increase if incorrect acupuncture points are used during pregnancy. When choosing to include an acupuncturist for fertility treatment, choose an individual who specializes in treating fertility disorders.

Acupuncture can be beneficial for women who experience spasm-ed tubes. Acupuncture can often de-spasm the fallopian tube. Acupuncture combined with herbal remedies has been used to treat elevated follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), repeated miscarriage, unexplained (idiopathic) infertility, luteal phase defect, hyperprolactinemia (when not caused by a prolactinoma), polycystic ovarian syndrome, with annovulatory cycles, and male factor including men affected with sperm-DNA-fragmentation.

Researchers estimate that 10% of men are infertile. Male partner infertility is a factor in up to 50% of infertile couples and often the cause of male infertility is not known. WebMD Health News, Aug. 3, 2005, tells us acupuncture may help some men with infertility issues improve the quality of their sperm. A study of a group of men found the number of sperm structural abnormalities was reduced and the number of normal sperm increased after five weeks of acupuncture treatment.

Acupuncture studies of male infertility suggest that treatment can improve sperm production and motility (a measure of sperm movement). Research results, in the July issue of Fertility and Sterility, found significant improvements in sperm quality in the acupuncture group compared with the other group. Those treated displayed fewer structural sperm defects and an increase in the number of normal sperm in the ejaculate.

An article by Catherine Donaldson-Evans (April 26, 2005 for Foxnews.com) tells the story of Lucy Appert who at the age of 36, had suffered through two miscarriages, a stillbirth at 8 1/2 months and, because of a rare pregnancy-related liver dysfunction, intensive illness and surgery.

“Yet after enduring five painful years of trying to have their own baby, Appert and her husband Edward finally saw their dream come true last month when their son Henry was born — premature, but healthy.” Appert credits acupuncture for the success of her pregnancy after having tried all of the technologies western allopathic medicine had to offer.

Dr. Paul C. Magarelli told author Donaldson-Evans, “Do I believe in [acupuncture]? Absolutely,” he said. Magarelli is an infertility doctor at the Reproductive Medicine & Fertility Center in Colorado Springs, CO.

Magarelli is a co-author of an ongoing study into the use of acupuncture with IVF with his associate Dr. Diane K. Cridennda, a licensed acupuncturist with a master's degree in Oriental medicine from the International Institute of Chinese Medicine. At first skeptical, Magarelli reported after reviewing the data he sees an improvement and is now a convert.

Acupuncture helps women by improved blood circulation to the ovaries and to the uterus. This increased circulation allows for more nourished eggs, as well as, increasing the chances that the lining will be strong enough to hold those eggs to full-term. Acupuncture is also a stress-reliever for women during an emotionally trying time when the body is relaxed all systems function better.

Anyone who has researched infertility treatment is aware of the emotional cost and the large financial price tag. In vitro fertilization generally isn't covered by insurance and can cost anywhere from $10,000 to $20,000 a cycle. Acupuncture treatment ranges from about $30 to over $200 per treatment.

Research has revealed that acupuncture infertility treatment is most beneficial when used in conjunction with herbs and traditional medicines. Some women using only acupuncture treatment were able to get pregnant without other remedies. The acupuncture infertility treatment consists of needling specific points in the body, which connect to the ovarian and follicular regions. These are stimulated boosting reproductive health by increasing blood flow to the uterus lining making for a healthier pregnancy.

Other conditions that may benefit with acupuncture infertility treatment include: Spasm-ed tubes, High follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) levels, Abnormal luteal phase, Polycystic ovarian syndrome, and Recurrent miscarriage and infertility with an unknown cause, Male factor infertility issues. The most common causes of male infertility are sperm-related issues which make it harder for a couple to get pregnant, including: Abnormally shaped sperm, Sperm with poor motility (movement), Poor sperm quality, Sperm that cannot attach to egg, and Sperm that cannot penetrate the egg.

Causes of male infertility include: Hormonal disorders, Chromosomal defects, Deficient testosterone production, Infection (Infection can cause inflammation of the male testicles, urethra, or prostate, harming sperm production or movement), Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), A male birth defect called hypospadias where the urinary opening is located on the underside of the penis, rather than the tip, and Retrograde ejaculation where the sperm enters into the bladder rather than out of the penis after ejaculation. The male’s testicles must be at the proper temperature for sperm production to occur.

http://www.webmd.com/infertility-and-reproduction/news/20050803/acupuncture-may-improve-sperm-quality

http://americanpregnancy.org/infertility/acupuncture/

http://www.foxnews.com/story/2005/04/26/acupuncture-cure-for-infertility.html

http://attainfertility.com/article/acupuncture-infertility-treatment

  

Health Benefits of Reishi Mushrooms

Have you heard of Gano coffee? It is an instant coffee mixed with the powdered extract of the medicinal Reishi mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum). In Chinese Medicine, Reishi is often called Lingzhi. Ganoderma coffee beans are infused with the type of mushroom, or fungus, known as Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi) and is very popular in traditional Chinese medicine.

C. Norman Shealy, MD, PhD, American neurosurgeon, pioneer in pain management and Founder of the National Institute of Holistic Medicine, has recommended Gano coffee to support body health.

Reishi mushroom is a fungus important in China, Japan, Korea and other Asian countries for its health-promoting effects. Reishi is an immune-stimulant that has been used by patients with HIV and cancer. Research on reishi extracts were shown to support the immune system, is a kidney protective, has anti-inflammatory properties, and is also liver protective. Clinical studies demonstrate Reishi’s benefits in lower urinary tract symptoms in men, and mild antidiabetic effects, while improving dyslipidemia.

While it is known that the human body can develop a tolerance pharmaceutical medicines and they lose their effectiveness after a time. Reishi can be taken daily with no build-up of tolerance.

It improves the functioning of the body in many ways. It is a great stress reducer, possessing the ability to help boost energy or help one get to sleep depending on the needs of the body.

Reishi mushroom (Ganoderma Lucidum) can be useful for many different health conditions. It enhances disease immunity. This mushroom is a very valuable health tonic and is known to normalize the organs of the body; as an herb it is classified as an adaptogen. An adaptogen helps improve body functioning.

Reishi is a stress reducer with the ability to respond to the body’s needs. It boosts energy or helps one get to sleep depending on your needs. Reishi restores the body’s natural energy levels, reduces high blood pressure, and lowers triglycerides (a type of fat in the blood). It helps a person suffering from colds and coughs. Reishi is very well known for its ability to help the liver function.

Research shows individuals with liver disease treated with Reishi mushrooms display health improvements. Cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy who received Reishi mushroom extract have reduced treatment side effects, such as hair loss and fatigue. Many individuals have taken Reishi as a preventive and a treatment for cancerous tumors. Some people recovering from transplant surgery have reduced risk of organ rejection. Taking Reishi mushroom lowers your bad cholesterol (LDL) and keeps it from building up on artery walls.

Uses of Reishi Mushroom

•    Enhance the immune system

•    Treat high blood pressure

•    Treat hepatitis

•    Improve blood circulation

•    Treat anxiety

•    Treat bronchitis and asthma

•    Treat insomnia

•    Remove toxic matter from the body

•    Help calm the mind

•    Prevent and treat cancer

•    Treat cardiovascular disease

•    Protect against heart disease

•    Protect against infectious disease

•    Offer relief as a powerful antihistamine

•    Treat arthritis

•    Improve memory, concentration and focus

Chinese and Japanese herbalists have recommended Ganoderma Lucidum for insomnia. Overtime, long-term use effects a significant promotion of slow wave sleep. In China, Reishi is used for a number of psychiatric and neurological afflictions, including diseases especially involving the muscles, anorexia, and the debility due to lengthy illness.

In Japan, Reishi mushrooms have been effectively used to treat mental health issues caused by environmental stress. An eight-month study of Alzheimer's disease patients, Reishi mycelium demonstrated a significant improvement in functioning.  In China, Reishi is used for its muscle relaxing and analgesic (pain-inhibiting) effects. A study of Ganoderma Lucidum (Reishi) alleviated anxiety in 18 of 20 patients after four months' use. It is calmative but is not narcotic or a hypnotic.
 

Cancer research studies of Ganoderma Lucidum have been largely done in Japan, it has been scientifically proven to have an anti-tumor effect. It has an anti-allergy action that is the subject of ongoing research in both China and Japan. Studies showed Reishi extract significantly inhibits different types of allergic reactions against asthma and contact dermatitis. Researchers at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio in 1990, found that Ganoderma Lucidum can be effectively used for treating stiff necks, stiff shoulders, conjunctivitis (inflammation of the fine membrane lining the eye and eyelids), bronchitis, rheumatism, and improving the immune system without significant side-effects.

Reishi helps eliminate various western medication toxins (antibiotic, pain killers and anti-inflammatory medicines) from the body. This strong detoxification effect helps to maintain your body’s balance. The elemental Germanium in Reishi helps to enhance your blood stream ability to take in oxygen by more than 1.5 times, increases metabolism, and slows down aging.

Reishi mushrooms are found growing on decaying tree stumps across East Asia and North America. They come in six colors, however the red variety is used in alternative medicine.

Scientific research is ongoing. These mushrooms fight the oxidation process, which causes cells to die. Eating reishi mushrooms does not interfere with Western cancer treatments.

Reishi is generally considered too bitter for cooking. Typically, in Alternative and Traditional Chinese Medicine, these mushrooms are dried and powdered to make teas. Ganoderma is also readily available commercial mixed with coffee.

http://www.healthline.com/health/reishi-mushroom-key-to-immortality

http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-905-REISHI%20MUSHROOM.aspx?activeIngredientId=905&activeIngredientName=REISHI%20MUSHROOM

http://www.nanobiotechresearch.com/the-benefits-of-ganaderma-lucidum

https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/integrative-medicine/herbs/reishi-mushroom

http://www.herbslist.net/reishi.html