Last week, I was asked to testify in front of congress in support of HB1555, an act creating a personal exemption to routine immunization. I had the opportunity to hear several people testify both in support and opposition to the bill including several infectious disease specialists. I also had the opportunity to share the naturopathic perspective. I thought some of you may like to hear my personal approach to immunization and opinion on the topic.
First of all, I think that this discussion needs to start at the beginning. Immunizations changed the health of Americans dramatically. At the time of their inception, infectious diseases were the number one cause of death in America. The average lifespan was in the 40s. Immunizations offered protection from many of the bacteria and viruses that were plaguing Americans. Some were extremely successful- the smallpox vaccine is no longer administered because the virus was effectively eradicated. They were lifesaving.
Today, many of these illnesses no longer present the same risks, in part to the success of the immunization program. In addition, hygeine, cleaner food and water, and several other factors have also reduced transmission of some of these infectious agents. And we have seen increases in rates of chronic diseases including neurological diseases in children as well as adults. Whether the increases of these devastating illnesses are linked to immunization? We can really have no idea- there are so many other things that have changed over time including changes in our food quality, exposure to pollutants, plastics, and numerous other factors whose sum likely contribute to the chronic diseases leading the race in causes of death for americans today.
In addition, proponants of vaccination who claim that vaccines are "totally safe" are either misinformed or misinforming. As a whole, perhaps they are mostly safe, but there are many instances of side effects ranging from common, mild effects such as redness at the injection site and mild fever or flu like symptoms through severe side effects like seizures, intusussception, and death. These side effects may be excedingly rare, but they are real risks. I also believe that although there is no sweeping connection between autism and vaccination, there are instances where a susceptible child can be pushed over the edge by a trigger such as immunization. There have been cases where causation has been proven although I would agree that data on a whole does not show that vaccination is the sole cause of autism.
When I speak with parents about immunization it is a conversation, not a one-way lecture. We begin by looking over the CDC's recommended schedule and we go through each vaccine one at a time. Different children have different risk factors, and some parents have legitimate medical or personal concerns surrounding immunization. This conversation is a lengthy one, and we revisit the topic at every well child visit.
What do my patients choose? It is a mix- Many patients are fully immunized, some on the CDC schedule and some on a delayed or spread out schedule. Others are completely unimmunized. Many are somewhere in between. I have personally diagnosed cases of mumps, rubella (german measles) and chicken pox. I have also seen a child be flown to Boston for emergency surgery following a serious complication following immunization. I see the risks and benefits to immunization. And I have seen parents wrestle with the consequences of their choices on both sides!
I recently did a well child checkup for a 2 week old new patient. I had treated his mother for years, and we had had a vaccination discussion in the past. I asked her if she had thought about immunization for her son. She replied, "I'd like to do whatever you did for your son". My reply? "So you'd like to get informed and make a decision that feels right to you? Great! I'll help you with that!" She laughed, but understood my point.
So what choice did I make for my own son (now 18 months)? You'll never know. And you don't have to. Because your decision should be the one that you are comfortable with.
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Taking a break from the holiday hustle and bustle
By: Alyson Adams, L.Ac., Dipl. O.M.
As I pulled out of my office driveway this afternoon and tried to make my usual left handed turn across traffic, I was shocked at what I saw. A line of traffic backed up in both directions as far as I could see, full of hopeful holiday shoppers! I thought I would try and sneak in a little Christmas shopping myself during the weekday lunch hour, but was surprised to see that I was not the only one with this bright idea. I observed all the honking horns and stressed out faces of those shopping for their loved ones and felt anxious to be done and get off the roads.
When I got back to my office, I did a little “self acupuncture” to help relieve stress. My favorite point is called yin tang and it is located right in the center of the forehead between the eyebrows. The name itself means hall of impression, and it is known as the ‘third eye’ by many traditional cultures. It is a great stress relieving point and offers a feeling of tranquility. It works best in conjunction with other acupuncture points that can help calm the spirit, known in Chinese medicine as “shen”. Commonly, when people experience stress, it is the liver and heart meridians that are typically affected. Acupuncture acts to calm the central nervous system by increasing the release of brain chemicals including melatonin and endorphins, the “feel good” hormones.
So as you push through the last moments of this holiday season, make sure and take some time for yourself to relax and unwind. A 60 minute acupuncture session may do just the trick!
When I got back to my office, I did a little “self acupuncture” to help relieve stress. My favorite point is called yin tang and it is located right in the center of the forehead between the eyebrows. The name itself means hall of impression, and it is known as the ‘third eye’ by many traditional cultures. It is a great stress relieving point and offers a feeling of tranquility. It works best in conjunction with other acupuncture points that can help calm the spirit, known in Chinese medicine as “shen”. Commonly, when people experience stress, it is the liver and heart meridians that are typically affected. Acupuncture acts to calm the central nervous system by increasing the release of brain chemicals including melatonin and endorphins, the “feel good” hormones.
So as you push through the last moments of this holiday season, make sure and take some time for yourself to relax and unwind. A 60 minute acupuncture session may do just the trick!
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Treating Migraine Headaches with Chinese Medicine
By: Alyson Adams, L.Ac., Dipl. O.M.
There are over 26 million Americans who suffer from chronic migraines. Often, these headaches can be debilitating and can limit people from maintaining activities in their daily schedules. Conventional medicine is often inconclusive as to locating the cause of migraine and is limited in its treatment. Pharmaceutical medicine can sometimes alleviate pain, but it often causes poor side effects and the medication is only masking symptoms temporarily.
Chinese medicine and acupuncture have shown to be very effective at treating migraine headaches, when no other type of treatment offers any relief. In 2006 the largest study to date looking at acupuncture for the treatment of migraines was published in Lancet Neurology. This study examined nearly 1,000 patients over a 6 week period. Researchers found that 47 percent of people who received acupuncture had a reduction in migraine days by 50 percent. Acupuncture and Chinese herbs can be used when a migraine is in an acute phase, or as a preventative medicine.
In my experience, I have seen many different types of triggers and patterns for migraines. Because each patient is unique, I am able to develop a personalized treatment plan for each person to address their particular concerns. Common triggers include hormonal patterns, stress, anxiety and food sensitivities. In Chinese medicine terms, I commonly see what is called Liver Qi stagnation. This is when stress or a blockage in the Qi flow in the body causes the energy to stagnate, and creates an upward counter-flow of qi to the head.
With a regular acupuncture treatment plan, you can expect both a decrease in the amount of headaches and a decrease in severity. Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine can be used safely and effectively to rebalance the flow of energy in the body and prevent reoccurring migraines. The amount of treatments you will need to resolve your migraine headaches will be dependent on how long you have been suffering from them, and how your body responds to the medicine.
There are over 26 million Americans who suffer from chronic migraines. Often, these headaches can be debilitating and can limit people from maintaining activities in their daily schedules. Conventional medicine is often inconclusive as to locating the cause of migraine and is limited in its treatment. Pharmaceutical medicine can sometimes alleviate pain, but it often causes poor side effects and the medication is only masking symptoms temporarily.
Chinese medicine and acupuncture have shown to be very effective at treating migraine headaches, when no other type of treatment offers any relief. In 2006 the largest study to date looking at acupuncture for the treatment of migraines was published in Lancet Neurology. This study examined nearly 1,000 patients over a 6 week period. Researchers found that 47 percent of people who received acupuncture had a reduction in migraine days by 50 percent. Acupuncture and Chinese herbs can be used when a migraine is in an acute phase, or as a preventative medicine.
In my experience, I have seen many different types of triggers and patterns for migraines. Because each patient is unique, I am able to develop a personalized treatment plan for each person to address their particular concerns. Common triggers include hormonal patterns, stress, anxiety and food sensitivities. In Chinese medicine terms, I commonly see what is called Liver Qi stagnation. This is when stress or a blockage in the Qi flow in the body causes the energy to stagnate, and creates an upward counter-flow of qi to the head.
With a regular acupuncture treatment plan, you can expect both a decrease in the amount of headaches and a decrease in severity. Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine can be used safely and effectively to rebalance the flow of energy in the body and prevent reoccurring migraines. The amount of treatments you will need to resolve your migraine headaches will be dependent on how long you have been suffering from them, and how your body responds to the medicine.
Monday, February 25, 2008
Book Review: Animal, Vegetable, Miracle
I know that I should probably wait until I finish a book before I review it, but I've been enjoying this one so much that I just can't wait to encourage you all to check it out of the library!
Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver is the true story of one family who decided to take the plunge and experience one year eating food that they are in relationship with. This required a relocation from Tuscon, AZ to a rural farm in Virginia and a lifestyle change for all members of the family. A husband and wife, Steven and Barbara, and their two girls, college-aged Camille and the youngest daughter Lily, too young to be a contributing author for the book.
All of the family members contribute to the household food supply- from raising chickens for eggs and meat to mushroom hunting, and from seedling starters to the great first harvest of asparagus. This wonderful, whimsical, and educational book describes the sacrifices each family member had to make as well as the discoveries of the joy that comes from eating "close to home".
What they didn't grow, they got from local farmers- from dairy and meats to exotic plants. If it didn't grow locally or if they didn't know the name of the person who grew it, it was out. Filled with wonderful stories, information about our american food culture (or lack of it) and the changes that have happened to our plates over time, this book meets all of my desires in a good book.
I'd highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to eat more consciously. Sometimes it is frightening to think of where your food comes from. If that's the case, I'd encourage you to not eat that. This book brings the idea of a fulfilling, healthy, and affordable local and organic diet into a reality- teaching you how you can do it and what twists and turns you can expect in the process.
I'd recommend this as a "must-read"!!
-Dr. Chasse
Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver is the true story of one family who decided to take the plunge and experience one year eating food that they are in relationship with. This required a relocation from Tuscon, AZ to a rural farm in Virginia and a lifestyle change for all members of the family. A husband and wife, Steven and Barbara, and their two girls, college-aged Camille and the youngest daughter Lily, too young to be a contributing author for the book.
All of the family members contribute to the household food supply- from raising chickens for eggs and meat to mushroom hunting, and from seedling starters to the great first harvest of asparagus. This wonderful, whimsical, and educational book describes the sacrifices each family member had to make as well as the discoveries of the joy that comes from eating "close to home".
What they didn't grow, they got from local farmers- from dairy and meats to exotic plants. If it didn't grow locally or if they didn't know the name of the person who grew it, it was out. Filled with wonderful stories, information about our american food culture (or lack of it) and the changes that have happened to our plates over time, this book meets all of my desires in a good book.
I'd highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to eat more consciously. Sometimes it is frightening to think of where your food comes from. If that's the case, I'd encourage you to not eat that. This book brings the idea of a fulfilling, healthy, and affordable local and organic diet into a reality- teaching you how you can do it and what twists and turns you can expect in the process.
I'd recommend this as a "must-read"!!
-Dr. Chasse
Saturday, February 16, 2008
WZID Women's Expo: A Great Success!
Today, we spent the day with over 2,000 women at the Center of NH in Manchester. We had a wonderful time talking with so many interesting women. Hopefully you were one of them!
Alyson and I spent the entire day educating people about our practice, but also about holistic medicine in general, and what it has to offer. So many people asked about how holistic medicine has been received in NH and in Manchester in particular. I have to say, we have had more interest than I could have ever imagined. Coming from Seattle, where everyone sees a Naturopathic Physician and it is fully covered by insurance, I wasn't sure what to expect practicing in a state that was a little bit more conservative. But everyone I have encountered has been very open-minded, curious, and excited. Our office has become very busy very quickly, and is filling up with patients referred to us by their MDs.
We are so happy to serve in this role. As the leading center for natural women's and children's health, we are so proud to be able to offer the diversity of services that we do. And we are honored to work with you.
Again, if we met you at the expo today, thanks for stopping by. We really enjoyed meeting you and look forward to working together to help you achieve your health goals!
-Dr. Chasse
Alyson and I spent the entire day educating people about our practice, but also about holistic medicine in general, and what it has to offer. So many people asked about how holistic medicine has been received in NH and in Manchester in particular. I have to say, we have had more interest than I could have ever imagined. Coming from Seattle, where everyone sees a Naturopathic Physician and it is fully covered by insurance, I wasn't sure what to expect practicing in a state that was a little bit more conservative. But everyone I have encountered has been very open-minded, curious, and excited. Our office has become very busy very quickly, and is filling up with patients referred to us by their MDs.
We are so happy to serve in this role. As the leading center for natural women's and children's health, we are so proud to be able to offer the diversity of services that we do. And we are honored to work with you.
Again, if we met you at the expo today, thanks for stopping by. We really enjoyed meeting you and look forward to working together to help you achieve your health goals!
-Dr. Chasse
Sunday, January 6, 2008
Dr. Chasse writes for The Cabinet
Dr. Chasse has been invited to write a monthly commentary for The Cabinet and their affiliated newspapers serving southern New Hampshire, including the Bedford Journal. If you live in this area and receive the paper, be sure to be on the lookout for the articles!
Dr. Chasse's first article, 3 Ways to Get Healthy, was published on January 3rd.
If you would like to read about a particular subject, or have an idea for a great article, please email us and let us know!
Thanks for your support, and keep reading!
Dr. Chasse's first article, 3 Ways to Get Healthy, was published on January 3rd.
If you would like to read about a particular subject, or have an idea for a great article, please email us and let us know!
Thanks for your support, and keep reading!
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
People Are Each Other's Medicine
As we begin a new year, let us be reminded that we have the opportunity to be medicine to one another. Another modality in medicine, and one that is particularly important in naturopathic medicine, is the human modality itself. I refer to this as the application of “people and organizations” to the patient. Giving the patient people, or groups of people, contains within itself a healing power. This may seem obvious to us, but we seldom prescribe people as a medicine or modality. In the practice of naturopathic medicine, as I view it, I often refer patients to a yoga class, not only for the exercise, a well recognized modality, but for the interaction of the patient to people who are also seeking wellness. People are each others’ medicine in the ideal world.
- William A. Mitchell, ND (1947 - 2007, one of the three co-founders of Bastyr University, the preeminent natural health sciences institution in the country.)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
