At IMI, we believe it is vital for our patients to develop a sound perspective on health and well-being. For this reason, we include here a summary of the approach used at IMI so that you make determine if this approach makes sense or 'rings true' for you. If that is the case, there is much we may be able to accomplish together. If, however, this seems like only so much gobbeldygook, then perhaps another path awaits you.
The Right Medicine
It is the use of the most appropriate medicine or therapy to address the individual specific issue that is the most effective. It is therefore essential to work with an approach that integrates the many different medicine philosophies and therapies in a scientifically derived framework. To work without such a 'plan' is essentially trial and error medicine, usually very expensive and generally ineffective.
System of Healing
Our system of healing is based on the principles of balance or wholeness. This principle is governed by a universal observation that all life forms tend to organize themselves for optimum functioning and wellness. This is only altered if there is an interference of some sort and then a symptom or illness or pathology develops as a consequence. Physical illness arises from physical imbalances within the body which arise from imbalances at an energetic level, which arise from imbalances at ever higher energetic levels, as we shall see. These imbalances prevent our 'life force' or 'organizing tendency' from flowing optimally and freely. The symptoms of disease are seen as the body’s effort at self-healing adn self-correction.
People are often alerted to focus on their health after uncomfortable symptoms arise. When our physical and emotional symptoms surface, the body is expressing a need for protection. Either it has been abused or traumatized or it is alerting us to an imbalance. Every symptom is expressed for a reason. A body that functions in harmony, (with sufficient nutrition, air and elimination), does not express symptoms.
Health
We view health as a balanced integration of mind, body, spirit and environment. Each person is responsible for his/her own health and his/her own evolution toward a greater level of zest, vitality and well-being.
Wellness
Wellness is a process of moving towards a positive state: a greater sense of awareness of, and satisfaction from, engaging in activities that move us there. This includes: better fitness, good nutrition, positive relationships, stress management, a life purpose, a consistent belief system, commitment to self-care and environmental sensitivity and comfort.
Partners in Healing
The approach of conventional western medicine is that the system of healing involves medications or procedures that are primarily designed to address symptom relief, more so than dealing with the complexity of the root causes of the symptoms. In our society, we have accepted this approach because it addresses our discomfort. Conventional medicine does have an important place in healing, but one must view other 'alternative therapies' as partners in the goal of healing.
At IMI, our approach is to facilitate the healing process by completing a thorough holistic 'Comprehensive Assessment'. We evaluate your health with a variety of methods, from the principles of Chinese, Ayurvedic, Naturopathic medicines and Conventional Medicine along with advanced medical technology created for alternative as well as conventional healing systems.
Healing involves viewing the person as a complex, multi-layered individual, whose experiences, behaviors and internal and external environments have contributed to his/her current state of health. Healing, therefore, occurs at different levels. In basic terminology, healing can happen at physical, energetic, emotional/mental, sub-conscious and spiritual levels.
Healing on a Physical Level
IMI’s approach to healing on the physical level involves a functional assessment of the body from a conventional medical approach, as well as, from a naturopathic, structural and homotoxicology perspective. Assessment tools we use are: extensive health history interviews, Conventional,Naturopathic and Chinese Medicine Assessments, traditional and specialized lab reports and diagnostic imaging, (as indicated), the NutriBody Analysis, Autonomic Reflex Testing, the Biological Terrain Assessment, Bioterrain and Computerized Regulation Thermography and individualized lab testing as indicated or requested.
Goals of healing on a physical level may include improved symptom management and/or resolution, less fatigue, less discomfort, better sleep quality, better nutrition, optimal digestion and elimination, increased fertility, energy levels and vitality, stronger immunity, elimination of toxic loads and balanced endocrine system/hormones.
The Homotoxicology Paradigm
In Germany, in the 1950s, Dr. H.H. Rekeweg termed “homotoxicology” as an approach to disease that explains nearly any physical symptom on the basis of the tissue that has been affected through exposure to toxic substances.
There is a series of phases which reflect the body’s own natural response to exposure to toxins. Depending on which tissue is affected, the symptoms will vary in each phase.
Phase 1: Excretion Phase
The body attempts to eliminate toxins through the stool, urine, saliva, hair, skin or breath. These eliminations are often subtle and not noticeable. If elimination is successful and complete, no further symptoms will occur. An example is the elimination of garlic through the skin for a period of time after ingestion.
Phase 2: Reaction Phase
A normal response to acute exposure to toxins, or to an accumulation of toxins at a “threshold” level, are reactions such as eczema, tonsillitis, bronchitis, polyarthritis, chills, fever, vomiting, diarrhea, prostatitis, etc. This is the stage when a person usually sees a physician. Likely the physician will use techniques that will alleviate symptoms, such as in the case of eczema. Here the body attempts to eliminate toxins through the skin. Conventional medicine may prescribe cortisone or other steroid which suppresses elimination. In alternative approaches, therapies attempt to support the body in its attempt to eliminate. If elimination is not completed at this stage, or if it is suppressed, one will or may move to the next phase of accumulation.
Phase 3: Deposition/Accumulation Phase
If not fully eliminated, toxins will begin to accumulate in the connective tissue of the body. The connective tissue is part of the “matrix” (space between the cells) which makes up 80% of the body, while the cells make up 20%. Nutrients are carried by the blood through the “matrix”, where they are metabolized for energy. Waste products are transported to the lymph vessels for elimination. As toxins accumulate in this area, the natural response to the toxins includes tissue tags, cysts, edema, polyps, etc. Generally, at this phase, the immune system is able to identify toxins and remove them with no adverse effects to surrounding tissue.
From Phases 1 to 3, the tissue changes are believed to be 100% reversible.
If elimination does not keep pace with accumulation, eventually the connective tissue becomes congested. There is now danger of impeding the flow of nutrients to the tissue. As a natural defense mechanism, the body sequesters toxins into specific areas and either attaches them to cells or impregnates the cells, creating Phases 4 to 6.
Phase 4: Impregnation
When toxins are attached to cells, or are within them, the immune system (if not damaged) will behave normally; identifying and destroying the toxins. Unfortunately, the cells themselves may be destroyed as a by-product of our normal defense mechanism. This is one possible explanation for the autoimmune diseases wherein the body appears to ‘attack’ itself or create chronic inflammatory burdens (asthma, BPH, etc.)
Another result of this phase is organ enlargement. Once impregnated by toxins, cells are no longer able to function or produce at an adequate level. (for example goitre where the thyroid enlarges, possibly in an attempt to produce more hormone which is deficient due to the residient toxicity.)
Therefore, the body needs to create more cells for the organ to function. Under a microscope the cells appear “normal”, but what is not assessed by conventional medical testing is their level (measured in European studies as photon (light) emissions)of function (which has decreased) or the toxicity level of the cells (which has increased)( as demonstrated in toxicology studies of tissues at this and later stages. i.e. cancer cells (stage6) are THE most toxic cells in the entire body and the toxicity shows up at this earlier stage 4)
Phase 5: Degeneration Phase
Cells exposed to toxins will undergo physical and enzymatic changes. This manifests as more severe symptoms such as the more aggressive autoimmune diseases (MS, ALS, lupus, etc.).
If cells are chronically exposed to toxins, they will progressively degenerate and can reach a point where our cellular recognition or control mechanism becomes non-functional. If this process continues, cell growth and their ability to store toxins is limited, thus resulting in Phase 6, the final stage.
Phase 6: Neoplastic Phase
The end result of toxic accumulation in the body can be thought of as a by-product of our natural defense mechanism. We sequester poisons in one area in an attempt to keep the rest of our body clear to function properly. These cells ultimately ‘breakdown’ and create this ‘side-effect’ of uncontrolled growth (Cancer, etc.)
The concept of the body’s “terrain” is important at this point. When toxins accumulate, they manifest themselves in the form of either excess acidity or excess alkalinity, thereby affecting the health of the cells.
Obvioulsy physical healing invovles more than just toxin removal, especially if there are obvious structural deficiencies or imbalances such as poor posture, bite, gait or abnormalities. Neural, prolotherapy and strucutral therapies (massage, active release, chiropractic adn physiotherapy) address much of the physiacl and strucutral level while nutrition, dietary changes, supplementation, intravenous therapies, oxygen, ozone, ultraviolet light ,etc. address more the biochemical aspects. Detoxification is a primary objective in the homotoxicologic approach with numerous methods to accomlish this including chelation (oral and IV), homepathic, herbal, dietary, lymphaitc massage, bioresonance (MORA), oxygen, biophoton, IR Sauna, ozone steam or blood ozonation, UVB, etc.
While all therapies will have 'cross-over' between 'levels' there are primary areas at which they function. For the purposes of illustration we will next address the energetic aspect of the body.
ENERGETIC HEALINGHealing on an Energetic Level
IMI’s approach to healing on an energetic level involves using a few methods including a Traditional Chinese Medicine Assessment by a Registered Acupuncturist and computerized technology that is based on EAV; Electroacupuncture According to Voll. Treatment may involve using traditional acupuncture, homeopathy or using technology such as that developed in Europe which involves influencing and re-balancing the energy within the cells. This is known as MORA therapy. Additionally, other energetic therapies such as Reike, Therapuetic touch and the like are utilized when indicated.
Goals for treatment on an energetic level are: improved levels of energy, quantitative changes detected through electroacupuncture or changes in energy, function and balance recognized by regular Traditional Chinese Medicine assessments. Changes in physical or emotional symptoms will also be seen.
The Traditional Chinese Medicine Perspective
Despite being thousands of years old, the practice of acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine continues to be an effective and practical method of treating illness. Chinese theory explains an energy of the body known as Qi (pronounced "chee") which flows throughout the body in distinct pathways or meridians. Each meridian shares its energy with specific organ of the body, thereby creating an energy system. For the body to function efficiently, both Qi and blood must be in sufficient supply and flow evenly through each of these organ systems. If an imbalance occurs, acupuncture provides a means of regulating the flow of Qi and blood, thereby re-establishing a balance of energy.
While initially not clearly understood in the West, there is now mounting scientific evidence of the positive effects acupuncture has on the biochemistry of the body. Studies have demonstrated physical evidence of these energy pathways and a probable biochemical mechanism by which acupuncture works. Acupuncture has been shown to stimulate the release of endorphins (natural morphine-like hormones in the body which help relieve pain), promote relaxation and aid the body in restoring its natural healing abilities.
Acupuncture uses fine, sterile, disposable needles and, when appropriate, the non-invasive techniques of moxibustion and cupping as adjuncts to acupuncture treatment. Moxibustion uses the dried herb, Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris), to apply warmth and heat to the body. Cupping uses small jars or cups which are suctioned to the body for the purpose of moving or reducing an excess of energy.
Due to its ability to balance and regulate body functions, acupuncture is a valuable treatment for a wide variety of conditions. The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes acupuncture as an effective treatment for both acute and chronic medical problems involving the digestive, respiratory, neurological, reproductive and musculoskeletal systems, as well as, for conditions such as headaches, insomnia, and addictions.
Chinese Medicine also addresses energetic balance through nutrition, herbal preparations and practices such as Qi Gong (a non-moving practice whereby one stimulates circulation of blood and energy throughout the body).
Electro-acupuncture according to Voll, (EAV)
In the 1950s, Dr. Reinhold Voll, a medical doctor from Germany, created a methodology of using electrical conductance of acupuncture meridians for diagnostic purposes. The electrical conductance of all acupuncture meridians can be measured and the findings correlated to the physical and energetic status of the particular organ(s) associated with the meridians.
A normal reading will indicate health. A high conductance indicates an inflamed condition (presumably, high conductance due to increased ionic presence which occurs during inflammation).
A low reading indicates increased resistance (possibly due to the presence of more tissue in the form of cysts, tumors or growths).
An unstable reading suggests a degenerative condition as the meridian was not able to sustain conductance due to a “stress” along its course.
Alterations in the acupuncture meridian energy flow precede physical changes in the body. Experiments measuring the electrical currents in women’s bodies were conducted in the 1930’s and 1940’s. It was observed that abnormal energetic readings preceded physical changes.
The researchers claimed to predict cervical cancer several years in advance of its diagnosis. In animal experiments, when the liver meridian was severed, within 3 days there were physical pathological changes in the liver cells. Pathological readings are strongly correlated with later manifestations of physical illness. Similarly, in the case of existing physical illness, there is nearly always an existing aberrant reading in the associated acupuncture meridian.
Technology being evaluated at IMI is based on EAV and autonomic reflex testing principles and permits the discernment of energetic imbalances as well as sensitivities and presence of toxins.
Healing on a Mental/Emotional Level
IMI’s approach to healing on a mental/emotional level involves an assessment through history taking and interviews by our registered nurses, psychiatrist, or other trained therapists. Imbalances at a mental/emotional level will result in imbalances at the meridian energy level. This will ultimately create or manifest in physical symptoms. Treatment is directed at prioritizing self-care, improving coping skills, eliminating sources of stress and/or re-programming our responses to them. Counseling, as needed, is arranged and an experiential collaborative course curriculum parallels this program. Self-improvement, healing audio tapes and videos are also available through our center. Please call or email.
Mental health implies mastery in the areas of life; involving love, work and play. Evidence of good mental health is usually manifested by physical well-being, meaningful work, enjoyment of life, satisfying relationships with others, the ability to make sound judgments and decisions, to accept responsibility for one’s actions, to give and receive, and to appropriately express feelings.
The Emotional Dimension
The various theories of emotion attempt to integrate the following three components: what is expressed, what is felt and what happens in the body.
What is expressed are behaviours, including: posture, facial expressions, tone of voice, gestures, and crying, sweating, and clenched fists.
What is felt are feelings such as: joy, anger, sadness and fear. Feelings assist people to stay in touch with themselves, with what pleases them and with what does not. Adults often attach judgment to their feelings and, consequently, ignore uncomfortable ones.
The Fight or Flight Response
What happens in the body is the “emergency” function of emotions. The physical aspects of fear and anger help people to survive in cases of danger. Physiological changes occur with emotional arousal and include the stress responses of increased heart rate, blood pressure and rate of breathing. These changes make available an increased supply of oxygen for strenuous muscle activity. Changes in blood composition make more sugar available for quick energy and cause clotting in case of injury. Blood is taken from digestive organs and distributed where it is needed most. Pupillary response produces greater acuity. Increased perspiration carries away the waste products of intense muscle action.
Emotional states are significantly determined by our perception of the precipitating situation.
We label, interpret and identify our “stirred-up” state according to the situation. Mild emotions may be constructive in their overall effect by motivating one toward worthwhile goals. As emotions reach the intermediate range of intensity, they may prompt a person to take action, such as leaving an unhealthy situation. Conversely, the intensity may be detrimental to problem solving or task performance.
The way a person expresses or ignores feelings and copes with emotional stress has implications for the whole person. When emotionally aroused, the person undergoes changes that affect every activity. Emotional reactions are altered, thoughts and actions are affected and overall adjustment may be disturbed. Physical manifestations are constantly present. Receptors, muscles, internal organs and nervous mechanisms interact, resulting in changes in brain waves, physiological reactions and behaviours. When not adequately coped with, emotional stress can contribute to physical discomfort and illness, ranging from muscle tension, general fatigue, and mild aches to cardiovascular disorders, cancer, rheumatoid arthritis and migraine headaches.
Traditional Chinese Medicine and Emotions
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, emotions, if not released, can affect specific organs. For example, the liver is affected by anger, the heart by grief, the kidney by trauma and fright, the spleen by anxiety and stress. These negative emotions create energetic imbalances in the acupuncture meridians. A considerable portion of TCM is dedicated to the release of these negative energies and emotions, thereby gaining balance.
If a person is very unhappy in one or more areas of their life, it is unlikely the physical symptoms caused by the mental/emotional issues will be resolved unless the mental/emotional issues are addressed and corrected.
The subconscious is, by definition, not in our conscious awareness. It is, in essence, the programs that are running in the background that create the responses we experience to stimuli, events, etc.
It is stated in NLP (Neurolinguistic therapy) that the subconscious 'programs' are set in motion nealry 70% by the age of 6 and 90% by the age of 12 with completion by age 21. These programs then determine our response to stimulit, thus creating belief systems which determine behaviour patterns which induce behaviour producing an emotion that confrms our belief system, thus it is the perpetual 'repeating pattern'. Behaviour modification is marginally effective at addressing such behaviours as there is still an underlying program operating that we are trying to overpower or correct. (This is approximately 80% of conventional psychological approaches). It is only by addressing the underlying program that permanent change is accomplished and this is only done in concert with the willing participant.
Beliefs
Our beliefs are our most subconscious interpretation of a situation and they create the emotions within us. Why is it that two people, given the same circumstance, will experience different emotions or stress? It is related to our past life experiences and associations made, etc. Through encountering obstacles along our life path, learning through experiences and developing new awareness, we gain appreciation for the ways that spirituality shapes and gives meaning to our unfolding life journey. Therapeutic approaches such as psychotherapy, past life regression, biographical counseling, etc., attempt to re-visit early life in order to gain an understanding of the behaviour and emotional patterns which reflect our beliefs.
Belief systems determine our response to specific circumstances. They create emotions and can induce imbalances at the mental/emotional level. This has a ripple effect downwards to the physical level, ultimately manifesting in physical symptoms.
Spontaneous Healing
Many spontaneous healings have a common thread. In every case of unassisted, spontaneous healing, there was an experience of the event at the outmost, energetic (spiritual) layer, and there was a significant shift in belief systems. Two common end results are a disappearance of the physical tumor or pathology and a tremendous change in their life’s direction. Whereas they were going in one direction before, they are now moving in another direction. This is also the case in near-death experiences. These people experience a re-orienting of their priorities (belief systems) as a consequence of their illness.
Healing on a Spiritual Level
IMI’s approach to healing on a spiritual level involves an assessment of a person’s current beliefs about spirituality, their understanding of the impact of illness on their health journey and finding a person’s motivation or passion towards better health and a more satisfying life.
A Definition of Spirituality
Spirituality permeates life. It shapes our life journey. It is vital to the process of discovering purpose, meaning and inner strength. Although matters of spirit transcend all cultures, a person’s cultural perspective influences their expressions of spirituality. Personal values are rooted in, and flow from, spirituality which may or may not be aligned with a particular religious tradition.
Spirituality helps to ground one’s sense of place and fit in the world. Because it is practical and relevant to daily life, people experience spirituality in the mundane, as well as, in the profound; the secular as well as the sacred.
Spiritual issues are core “life issues” that often draw people to look into the deepest places of their being. These issues are not quantifiable and are more authentically expressed as questions, tentative definitions, or as mysteries that cannot be fully explained. They challenge the individual to experience life at its highest heights and deepest depths. Often when a person is diagnosed with life threatening illness or if they are unable to cope with stress, they experience a myriad of complex, unexplainable symptoms. Exploring one’s spiritual dimension is an important aspect to consider.
Through each of our interactions with clients, we hope to help a patient understand and take action towards a more satisfying life. At IMI we currently have two specific programs directed at greater self awareness—A Workshop in Spirituality, (available on audio tape), and A Workshop in Discoveries, (currently in lecture format, held monthly for six months), as well as, several programs in related areas.
Aspects of Spirituality
Gaining a sense of inner peace—Implying a deep sense of confidence and an ability to stay calm in the midst of a storm; an awareness of life beyond immediate circumstances and unbounded by the past. Inner peace reflects a way of being; a space where one is able to live and be in ways that nurture and heal.
Gaining a Sense of Trust—People have, or are given, the resources needed for dealing with whatever comes their way. These resources include both strength and guidance from within and support from sources beyond themselves.
Feeling Connectedness With the Absolute—The Absolute may be experienced as a person, a presence or as a mystery beyond words. Connecting with the Absolute may involve such things as prayer, ritual, reconciliation, stillness.
Feeling Connectedness With Nature—An appreciation of all life forms on earth and their place within the natural order of things. Being in nature can be a source of strength, inspiration and comfort. Connection with nature for some flows from a sense of finding God in all things. Many people experience a relationship with the earth and all its creatures at an energetic level. Appreciating, respecting and caring for the earth and all its inhabitants, are elements of spirituality.
Feeling Connectedness With Others—An appreciation of a common bond with all humanity and, in particular, their relationships with others. Relationships that need healing are as important to spirituality as those that provide support and comfort. A lack of connections produces a dispiriting sense of aloneness and isolation and often leads to spiritual crisis. Relationships are a source of growth and change.
Feeling Connectedness With Self—Spirituality infuses the ever–unfolding awareness of who one is; of self-becoming. Self-awareness opens people to the experience of living in the moment, present to their own body/mind/spirit. It allows them to receive all aspects of themselves without judgment.
It is this multi-levelled approach to individuals that IMI utilizes as a framework and philosophy (Working Hypothesis of Healing) to INTEGRATE the many different medicines and approaches to enable teh most effective correction of imbalances or disharmonies at all levels.
