Dr. Elizama Montalvo’s Biography August 20, 2008

Dr. Elizama Montalvo brings a wealth of diverse training and a philosophy of patient empowerment to her Puerto Rico based practice. A Board-Certified Family Practitioner and a Classical Homeopathic & Acupuncture Physician, Dr. Montalvo integrates both disciplines to offer thorough, informed diagnosis and treatment. Enrolling patients in the process of recovery and wellness, she equips them with sound nutritional programs and tools to make healthy lifestyle changes.

Born and raised in Puerto Rico, Dr. Montalvo graduated cun laude with a major in Chemistry from the University of Puerto Rico. She became a Doctor of Medicine after four years of study at the Universidad Central del Caribe Medical School and did her post doctorate training in the Family Practice Residency Program at Montefiore Hospital & Medical Center in the Bronx.

Five years of training in Homeopathy prepared Dr.Montalvo to offer patients natural options and complimentary approaches to curing illness and promoting good health. This mission began with Introduction to Homeopathic Medicine, a two-year program at the Atlantic Academy of Homeopathic Studies in New York City. She studied for another two years with the Dynamis School of Advanced Advanced Homeopathic Studies in London, then moved on to the New England School of Homeopathic Studies in Massachusettes. Dr. Montalvo has completed several advanced seminars since that time, including; “Homeopathy and Attention Deficit Disorder” with Dr. Paul Herscu in New York City and Another with Vassilis Ghegas, M.D. in Cape Cod Massachusettes.

A Diplomat of the American Board of Family Practice since 1990, Dr. Montalvo practices Adolescent Medicine at The Door Adolescent Health Center in New York City in addition to maintaining her private practice. Her wide-range of experience enables her to provide caring and expert treatment to patients from all walks of life facing a vast array Leake Watts Children Services, Lincoln Medical Services and the Sidney Hillman Health Center, all in Migrant health Center Western Region Inc. under the auspices of the National Health Services Corp. in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico. Currently, Dr. Montalvo is the assistant professor and medical director of the CUMIC ( Centro Universitario de Medicina Integral y Complementaria ) clinic at the Universidad Central del Caribe in Bayamon, Puerto Rico.

Healing Crisis!? What is it? October 16, 2009

AKA: The Cleansing Reaction, The Detox Reaction, and The Herxheimer Reaction

What is it?
Also known as the “Herxheimer Reaction”, this reaction occurs when the body tries to eliminate toxins at a faster rate than they can be properly disposed of. The more toxic one’s bodily systems are, the more severe the detoxification, or healing crisis. It is characterized by a temporary increase in symptoms during the cleansing or detox process which may be mild or severe. You may feel worse and therefore conclude that the treatment is not working. But these reactions are instead signs that the treatment is working and that your body is going through the process of cleaning itself of impurities, toxins and imbalances.

Such reactions are temporary and can occur immediately — or within several days, or even several weeks, of a detox. Symptoms usually pass within 1-3 days, but on rare occasions can last several weeks. If you are suffering from a major illness, the symptoms you experience during the healing crisis may be identical to the disease itself. Sometimes discomfort during the healing crisis is of greater intensity than when you were developing the chronic disease. This may explain why there may be a brief flare-up in one’s condition. Often the crisis will come after you feel your very best. Most people feel somewhat ill during the first few days of a cleanse because it is at that point that your body dumps toxins into the blood stream for elimination. With a more serious condition there may be many small crises to go through before the final one is possible. In any case, a cleansing & purifying process is underway, and stored wastes are in a free-flowing state. Cause:
The healing crisis is the result of every body-system, in concert, working to eliminate waste products through all elimination channels and set the stage for regeneration. The end result: old tissues are replaced with new. When any treatment or cleansing program causes a large scale die-off of bacteria, a significant amount of endotoxins (toxins within the bacteria itself) are released into the body. The more bacteria present, and the stronger their endotoxins, the stronger the cleansing reaction. When any treatment or detox causes the organs of the body (particularly the liver, which is a storehouse of drug and poison residues) to release their stored poisons and toxins, a cleansing reaction may occur. Any program, such as fasting, which causes a rapid breakdown of fat cells (which are a storehouse for toxins), can cause a healing crisis as toxins previously lodged in the fat cells are released into the blood stream.

Symptoms:
The healing crisis will usually bring about past conditions in whatever order the body is capable of handling at that time. People often forget the diseases or injuries they have had in the past, but are usually reminded during the crisis. There are a wide variety of reactions that may manifest during a healing crisis, the most common are:

Increased joint or muscle pain

Diarrhea
Extreme fatigue and/or its opposite, restlessness
Cramps
Headache (believed to be caused by buildup of toxins in the blood)
Aches, Pains
Arthritic flair up
Insomnia
Nausea
Sinus congestion
Fever (usually low grade) and/or chills
Frequent urination and/or urinary tract discharges
Drop in blood pressure
Skin eruptions, including: boils, hives, and rashes.
Cold or flu-like symptoms
Strong emotions: anger, despair, sadness, fear, etc.
Suppressed memories arise
Anxiety
Mood swings
New phobias develop

Easing Your Way Through the Healing Crisis:
Drink plenty of fresh water (especially water), juices, and herbal teas to flush the body of toxins. Some professionals recommend distilled water as the best. Drink from 2 to 4 quarts(liters) per day. This will help flush the toxins out of your system and speed along the detoxification.

• If you are feeling fatigued, or sleepy, your body is talking to you, and telling you to rest. Be kind to yourself, and get the rest that you need.
• Symptoms frequently disappear immediately after a good bowel movement, use an enema to provide relief.
• For other symptoms, meditation, EFT, acupuncture or a good massage might be helpful to speed up the healing process, and reduce the discomfort.
• And, on rare occasions, a reduction of the dosage or temporary cessation may be required.

Important: Always ensure your health by having a thorough medical check up: don’t assume that if you have any of the above symptoms that you are in a healing crisis: you may not be in a healing process, you may have a medical health problem.

Homeopathic Remedies for Kids June 27, 2009

Top 10 HOMEOPATHIC REMEDIES every Parent should have in the Home

To search for homeopathic remedies: www.abchomeopathy.com

1. Aconium:  ( Aco.)

2. Apis: ( Ap. )

3. Arnica: ( Arn. )

4. Belladonna: ( Bell. )

5. Calcarea Carbonica: ( Cal-C. )

6. Carbo Vegetabilis: ( Carb-V. )

7. Chamomilla: ( Cham. )

8. Dioscorea: ( Dios. )

9. Nux Vomica: ( Nux-V. )

10. Tabacum: ( Tab. )

SYMPTOMS

Sore Throat: ( Aco., All-C., Ap., Arg-N., Ars., Bapt., Bar., Puls., Ign., Lach.)

Teething: ( Charm., Aco., Bell., Cal-P., Puls., Mag-M., Cal-C.)

Diarrhoea: ( Ip., Mag-M., Mer-S., Podo., Puls., Sul.)

Flu: (Ars., Bapt., Bry., Dulc., Eup-P., Gels., Ip., Nux-V., Pyr., Rhus-T.)

Cough: ( Aco., All-C., Ant-T., Arn., Bar-C., Bell., Bry., Cal-C., Cham., Cal=P.)

Ear Aches: ( Aco., Ap., Bell., Cal-C., Cham., Cal-S., Hep-S., Kal-B., Nux-V., Puls.)

Bee Sting: ( Ap., Hyp., Lach., Led., Stap., Urt-U.)

Sprain/Injury: ( Arn., Cal-C., Rhus-T., Ruta.)

Toothache: ( Cham., Coff., Stap.)

Travel Sickness: ( Bor., Cocc., Nux-V., Petr., Sep., Stap., Tab.)

Indigestion: ( Ant-C., Arg-N., Ars., Cal-C., Carb-V., Caust., Chin., Ign., Kali-B.)

Conjunctivitis: ( Aco., All-C., Ap., Arg-N., Ars., Bell., Bry., Cal.-C.)

Colic: ( Coloc., Dios., Cupr., Ip., Mag-M., Nat-P., Nux-V., Mag-P.)

Bruises: ( Arn., Bell-P., Led., Sul-Ac.)

Broken Bones: ( Arn., Bry., Cal.-C., Sil., Cal-P., Symph.)

Are You Feeling Stress? June 21, 2009

The term ” stress” refers to any reaction to a physical, mental, social, or emotional stimulus that requires a response or alteration to the way we perform, think, or feel. Change is stressful-whether the change is good or bad. Worry produces stress. Indeed, stress is an unavoidable part of life. It can result from many things, both physical and psychological. Pressures and deadlines at work, problems with loved ones, the need to pay the bills, and getting ready for the holidays are obvious source of stress for many people. Less obvious source include everyday encounters with crowds, noise, traffic, pain, extremes of temperature, and even welcome events such as starting a new job or the birth or adoption of a child. Overwork, lack of sleep, and physical illness put stress on the body. Excessive alcohol consumption and smoking are usually increase as a reaction to stress and yet create more stress for the body. Some people create their own stress; whether there is anything objectively wrong in their lives or not, they find things to worry about. For such people, stress becomes almost addiction.Anxiety, panic attacks, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), dissociative disorders, and phobic disorders are among the more serious emotional manifestations of stress. They are often a result of an event that the individual was unable to deal with at the time. Many people attribute their stress-related symptoms to ” nerves”, and in fact stress usually does affect the parts of the body that are related to the nervous system first, especially through the digestive organs. Symptoms of stress related digestive disorders may be a flare-up an ulcer or irritable bowel syndrome. If stress that produces such symptoms is not handled properly, more serious illness may result. To test your stress level, go to:

http://stress.about.com/od/selfknowledgeselftests/SelfKnowledge_SelfTests_Personality_Tests.htm

(or)

www.healthcentral.com/sleep-disorders/stress-test-3454-143.html

(or)

http://stress.about.com/library/health-test/bl_stress_and_health_test.htm

Yauco Office January 5, 2009

Elizama Montalvo MD and Bartus Allen L.Ac. have begun to see patients in the lovely town of Yauco, Puerto Rico. For appointments, please call 787-672-0041 (Dr.Montalvo) or 787-672-0095 (Bartus). For directions for our Ponce office, scroll down to: Green is Zen Driving Direction.

Driving Directions:

On Carr. 2 exit on 200 ( Yauco/Camcalache) from the west turn left ( from the east turn right) until you reach a sign which states ” Bienvenida Yauco”. Turn left on carr. 127 (west), drive about 200 feet, you’ll drive across a small bridge and soon you’ll stop at a street crossing ( on the left there’s a pink building and Texaco gas station). Turn left, and you’ll on carr.335 or calle Santo Domingo, drive about 200 feet and the office is on the left side of the street.

Address: Calle Santo Domingon#46. Yauco, Puerto Rico

Which of the 5 Elements are you? August 29, 2008

The Chinese believe that the 5 Elements ( Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water) govern the physical, emotional, and spiritual existence of human beings just as they cycles of growth and change in the external world. An excess or deficiency in any one of these basic forces immediately and powerfully affects your physical health and emotional well-being. Once you learn how to balance these energies, regulate their flow, and adjust any excess or deficiencies, you can create health and harmony in your life. Each of the 5 Elements has a unique nature and spirit, and every human being has a constitutional affinity to one or more of them.

The aggressive, forceful energy of WOOD ( The Commander) is most obvious in the season of spring, when the buds swell to bursting and the seed sprout into tender shoots that, against all odds, push their way through the earth to burst into vigorous life. If Wood is your predominant energy, you are like the greening stem of spring, driven by the need to stay in motion and reach to new heights, yet firmly grounded by a sense of self and “home”- the place where you fit and belong. Your roots are driven deep; your potential is unlimited. Wood people excel or have trouble in planning, decisions, and actions. The future and their ability to see it can be their strength. When out of balance they may procrastinate or have a sense of no hope.

Famous Wood Types:

John Wayne, Jane Fonda, Hillary Clinton, Bob Dole, Joan Rivers, Geraldo Rivera, Michael Jordan, Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz, and Rabbit from The House at Pooh Corner.

The radiant energy of the sun, which is the power of FIRE ( The Lover), is felt most intensely during the season of summer. Fire is the force that generates passion, compassion, and creativity. If you are energized by Fire, you are filled with enthusiasm and a blazing love of life. You draw others to you as the flame draws the moth, and you thrive on drama and excitement. Your intense craving for affection and close physical relationships will prove to be either your greatest strength or your most notable weakness. Fire people love to reach out and be in relationship with all people. They enjoy to laugh and sometimes they carry a sadness or lack of joy deeper in themselves.

Famous Fire Types:

Robin Williams, Diane Keaton, Lucille Ball, Marilyn Monroe, Billy Graham, Elizabeth Taylor, Rosie O’Donnell, Santa Claus, Tigger from The House at Pooh Corner, and Goofy, from the Disney cartoon.

The power of EARTH ( The Peacemaker) is captured in the image of a garden: fertile, nourishing, solid, yet forgiving, the power of Earth is strongest in the late summer and early fall-harvest time. If you are energized by the power of Earth, you are a natural mediator who thrives on harmonious relationships; discord and dissension throw you off balance. A sense of kinship and connectedness to others is essential to your health and happiness. Earth energy helps you find a center between opposing forces, teaching you how to resolve your differences and find sensible solutions to even the most difficult problems. Earth people have the ability to nourish like a mother can nourish a child. Thus food and understanding are important. Sometimes an Earth person can feel a sense of emptiness or neediness in their own life.

Famous Earth Types:

Eleanor Roosevelt, Albert Schweitzer, Julia Child, Dr. Joyce Brothers, John Candy, Oprah Winfrey, Gautama the Buddha, George from the TV show Seinfeld, Winnie the Pooh and Woody Woodpecker.

The power of METAL ( The Artist) is symbolized by a majestic, snow-capped mountain. Reaching toward the heavens, yet firmly grounded in the earth, the mountain stands as a symbol of inner strength, endurance, and tranquility. If you are energized by Metal, you are disciplined and precise, strong-willed yet willing and able to adapt to changing circumstances. Drawn to the core issues of life and the higher truths of art and philosophy, you seek to develop your character by devoting your attention to ethics, morality, and the acquisition of knowledge. Your season is autumn, the time of year when you begin to compress and contract your energy, pruning back and pulling inward in preparation for winter. Metal people search for what is pure and spiritual. They set the highest standards for themselves and others, respect is important. Sometimes they live in a sense of what could have been.

Famous Metal Types:

Abraham Lincoln, Prince Charles, Mother Teresa, Mahatma Gandhi, Owl from The House at Pooh Corner, The Tin Man from The Wizard of Oz, Bing Crosby and Barbra Streisand.

The power of WATER ( The Philosopher), which is most evident in winter, can be seen in the raindrops that freeze overnight into icicles and melt in the morning, falling softly to the ground to dissolve into mist when warmed by the sun. Water changes shape effortlessly and yet never loses its essential character. If Water energizes you, you are dependable, infinitely resourceful, and single-minded in pursuit of your goals. Difficult or demanding situations do not cause you to hesitate or retreat, for you have a firm, unshakable sense of self, and you follow the path before you with strength, purpose, and determination. Water people have a persistence and determination and will often excel in situations that others find too scary. Sometimes they may hide a deep sense of being frozen or washed away by their own fear.

Famous Water Types:

Ricard M. Nixon, Anne Frank, Woody Allen, Susan Sarandon, Bette Davis, Joan of Arc, Napoleon Bonaparte, and Jimmy Carter.

How do you diagnosis a illness? August 29, 2008

Identifying the causes of disease is not easy and therefore not always possible, but to try to do so is important as it is only by finding the causes of disease that we can help the patient to eliminate or minimize them if at all possible. Even if the patient can do nothing about a particular cause that is rooted in the past ( such as an earlier accident), its identification is still important in order that we may channel our advice to the patient along the right lines. For example, there is no point in delving deeply into a past accident; vice versa, there is no point in tinkering with a patient’s diet or suggesting strict dietary prohibitions if the cause of the problem is clearly emotional.

Pulse diagnosis is the most difficult of the Chinese diagnostic arts: it is a very complex subject which must involve a deep level of understanding and a great deal of skill. An essential diagnosis is truly an “art”: it has more right to that title than any other of the Chinese diagnostic skills. To acquire the skills of good pulse diagnosis requires great patience and to become proficient takes years of practice. It is a study that has no end: one will continue to develop one’s skills and understanding of pulse diagnosis throughout a lifetime of practice.

What is one feeling when taking the pulse? Basically, we are feeling the pulsation of Qi through the pulsation of Blood. Qi is a subtle energy and cannot be” felt” or ” measured”: we therefore use the radial artery to feel the pulsation of the blood to give us an idea of the state of the Qi. Pulse diagnosis is important for two reason: it helps to identify the internal organ affected or the prevailing pattern and it reflects the whole complex of Qi and Blood.

Another method of diagnosing illness, is the Hara. The Hara is the area of the torso between the solar plexus and the pubic bone. It is more or less a horizontal oval shape, with the rib cage above and the hip bones below. From a Japanese point of view, the Hara expresses a person’s life energy, dignity, spiritual being, and personality. Since the Hara is also a person’s center of gravity, it is considered the fulcrum about which any expressive movement must revolve.

Emergency Homeopathic Remedy Kit August 28, 2008

1. Aconitum Napelis

Treats the following symptoms associated with chill: high temperature, dry skin, anxiety, intense, thirst, agitation, ear infection with physical and mental restlessness, ailments due to fright, palpitations, and shock.

DIRECTIONS: Take five pellets under the tongue every one to two hours reduce frequency with improvement.

2. Apis Mellifica

For strings and bites which usually feel better with cold applications. Also for any irritated skin or tissue which is: pinkish and puffy, but looks whitish when pressed; feels like it has been stung; very tender and intolerant of heat, especially around the eyes (sties); ankles; hands; hands ( sunburn, minor allergic reactions). Also for some sore throats where the tissues seems full of water.

DIRECTIONS: For strings an bites: Remove stinger, wash well and take five pellets every half hour. Take up to six doses. For sore throats: Take five pellets three times a day. If sore throat does not get better within a day, consult a doctor.

3. Arnica Montana

Helps relieve discomfort of mild trauma ( accidental sprains, etc.). Also helps with bruising muscular aches and discomfort due to prolonged physical efforts.

DIRECTIONS: Take five pellets immediately, them every half hour. Decrease frequency with improvement.

If you are involved in a severe accident and in a state of shock, take five pellets and wait until you are well enough to go home.

Do not repeat this potency unless you talk to a homeopathic practitioner.

4. Arsenicum Album

Gastric disturbances, diarrhea, indigestion, nausea and vomiting, where you believe you may have eaten bad food. Usually patient feels anxious restless, weak and cold, and has a strong desire for small amounts of drinks but not for cold water. Provides relief in hayfever, where there is a thin watery, burning discharge.

DIRECTIONS: Take five pellets 2 – 3 times a day.

5. Belladona

Inflammatory conditions which appear violently and symptoms progress rapidly. Patient is usually flushed ( face and head) with a red discoloration, not thirsty, cannot tolerate bright light and noise, has headaches, toothaches, fever, boils, a dry sore throat ( cherry red) with painful swallowing and ear infections where the eardrum is congested and bright red with bulges, throbbing or beating pain.

DIRECTIONS: Take five pellets every two hours and reduce frequency with improvement.

6. Bryonia Alba

Flu-like symptoms with bodyaches made worse by MOVEMENT. The patient complaints of constipation and intense fatigue.

DIRECTIONS: Take five pellets three times a day.

7. Cantharis

Minor burns associated with blisters or itching vesicles on skin.

DIRECTIONS: Take five pellets two to four times a day.

8. Carbo Vegetabilis

Conditions which develop slowly and a general lack of vitality is present. Patient wants fresh air or to be fanned. Especially effective for digestive disturbance associated with belching, fullness, colicky pains, and stomach gas. Patients cannot tolerate even small amount of milk, meat or fatty foods.

DIRECTIONS: Take five pellets three times a day or with symptoms.

9. Chamomilla

For relief or gum irritation, pain, mild fever and diarrhea in teething children. Also for colic and irritability in children which gets better by motion or rocking.

DIRECTIONS: Take five pellets three times a day.

10. Cocculus Indica

Motion or travel sickness associated with feeling of nausea or dizziness. Distress is aggravated by food odors and lack of sleep. The suggestion to eat is rejected. Also good for stress induced insomnia.

DIRECTIONS: For travel sickness: Take 5 pellets one hour before the trip and every hour as needed. GENERAL MALAISE FROM TRAVEL ( JET LAG); Take 5 pellets in the evening.

11. Colocynthis

Cramps-like abdominal pains from menstruation diarrhea, indigestion, nausea, and vomiting which are relieved by applying pressure or bending over. Patient is often irritable and may feel as is there are stones in the abdomen.

DIRECTIONS: 5 pellets at time of discomfort.

12. Gelsemium

1. Flu-like symptoms, characterized by weakness, shivering, heavy limbs, aching around eyes, no thirst. 2. Nervousness or restlessness, before a scheduled event, performance ( stage fright) or examination. 3. Tension headache with feeling of a band across forehead and eyes. 4. In any instance when the patient feels better in open air and is thirstless.

DIRECTIONS: Take five pellets the night before an event, and five pellets one hour before the event. OR Take five pellets three times a day; decrease frequency with improvement.

13. Hepar Sulphur Calcareum

Unresolved abscesses (skin eruptions/boils), ear problems, sore throat and early stages of croupy cough. In most instances there is evidence of infection by development of pus. Swelling of glands.

DIRECTIONS: Take 5 pellets at the time you have symptoms, then every two hours after. Decrease frequency with improvement.

14. Hypericum

To give relief of pain caused by irritation or injury to a nerve, especially bruised fingers or toes. Injured part usually feels worse if moved. Also helped for pain cause by an expose nerve in a TOOTH that might need a ” root canal”.

DIRECTIONS: Take 5 pellets every hour, decrease with frequency.

15. Ipecacuanha

Persistent nausea or vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, or indigestion, usually caused by dietary indiscretions and not relieved by vomiting.

DIRECTIONS: Take five pellets every fifteen minutes; decrease frequency with improvement.

16. Ledum Palustre

To give relief from pain caused by minor puncture wounds from sharp pointed instruments. Excellent following surgery or insect bites. The affected parts are generally cold to touch and feel better after cold applications. Also useful to improve the appearance of bruises.

DIRECTIONS: Take five pellets every fifteen minutes, decrease frequency with improvement.

17. Nux Vomica

Intestinal discomfort, abdominal pain, diarrhea, indigestion, travel sickness, associated with much belching caused by over-indulgence from eating, alcohol, tobacco or coffee. Also useful in treatment of hemorrhoids. Remedy of businessmen, or overworked people.

DIRECTIONS: Five pellets every hour; decrease frequency with improvement.

18. Pulsatilla

Earache, flatulence, thick nasal discharge, menstrual disorders, toothache generally associated with thirstlessness. Better with cool air, cold drinks or cold food ( ie: Toothache is better when holding cold water in mouth).

DIRECTIONS: Take 5 pellets 3 times a day.

19. Rhus Toxicodenron

Pains from strains and over exertion, rheumatism, neuritis and achy flu-lie symptoms which are worse when patient is inactive and much better when active. Cold applications make symptoms worse and heat or warm compresses make them better. Also for skin eruption looking a vesicle eczema.

DIRECTIONS: Take five pellets three times a day.

20. Ruta Graveolens

Injury characterized by over exertion. Sore area is located where tendon is attached to the bone. Ruta Graveolens works excellently following the use of Arnica for muscles. Also dental problems ( dry socket); eyestrain following by headaches. Most of the symptoms are worse when lying down.

DIRECTIONS: Five pellets 3 times a day.

21. TABACUM

Travel sickness ( car, boat, plane), faint feeling with nausea and patient has a pale face. Symptoms improve by closing the eyes and with fresh air. Sinking nausea with faint and weak feeling.

DIRECTIONS: ( Preventive) : Take 5 pellets one hour before departure. ( Curative) Take 5 pellets after each incident of vomiting or nausea.

22. Veratrum Album

Vomiting associated with painful diarrhea and cramps, alternating with extreme exhaustion and cold sweats. Chills extend from head to feet. Limbs are cold. Patient craves cold water, which is then vomited.

DIRECTIONS: Take 5 pellets 3 times a day.

23. Calendula Ointment

Mild burns, insects bites, and superficial skin irritations ( abrasions and lacerations).

DIRECTIONS: Apply 3 times a day.

A

Abdominal Distension associated with gas…. Carbo Vegetablilis

Abdominal spasms and cramps….Colocynthis

Anxiety (high pulse, fear, and shock)….Aconitum Napellus

B

Bee Sting….Apis Mellifica

Boils….Hepar Sulphur Calcareum

Bruising ( accident or dental procedure)….Arnica Montana (or) Ledum Paliestre

Burns (mild blistering)….Cantharis

Burns (mild and dry)….Calendula Gel

C

Colds (sudden onset, high temperature, dry skin and strong thirst)….Aconitum Napellus

Colds (sudden onset, red face and sweating)….Belladona

Cold sores….Rhus Toxicondendron

Colic….Chamomilla

Conjunctivitis….Hepar Sulphur Calcareum

Cough (croupy-early stages)….Aconite / Arsenicum Album/ Belladonna / Pulsatilla

D

Diarrhea (dietary indiscretion)….Ipecacuanha

Diarrhea (exotic, strange foods)….Arsenicum Album

Diarrhea (cramp-like abdominal pains)….Colocynthis

Digestive problems (colicky pains, gas)….Carbo Vegetabilis

E

Eyestrain (followed by headache)….Ruta Graveolens

Ear (infection)….Aconite (or) Belladona

F

Fever (quick onset with red sweaty face)….Belladona

Flatulence (eating greasy foods)….Carbo Vegetabilis

Flu-like Symptoms (worse with movement)….Pulsatilla

Flu-like Symptoms (better with movement)….Rhus Toxicodendrum

Flu-like Symptoms (overall weakness, shivering, thirstlessness)….Gelsemium

G

Gas….Carbo Vegetabilis

Gastric upset….Pulsatilla

H

Headaches (tension)….Carbo Vegetabilis

Hives….Apis Mellifica (or) Belladona

I

Indigestion (wanting to vomit, but cannot)….Nux Vomica

Indigestion (Belching gas)….Carbo Vegetabilis

Injury (overexertion, tendinitis)….Ruta Graveolens

Insect bite….Ledum Palustre

Insomnia (stress induced)….Cocculus Indica

M

Menstrual Discomfort (abdominal cramps)….Colocynthis

Menstrual Disorders….Pulsatilla

N

Nausea….Ipecacuanha

Neuritis (inflammation of nerves)….Rhus Toxicodendrum

Nervousness (before events)….Gelsemium

P

Physical Efforts (prolonged)….Arnica Montana

Puncture Wounds (superficial)….Ledum Palustre

R

Rash (skin)….Arsenicum Album

Rheumatism (joints)….Bryonia

S

Sprain….Arnica Montana

Stomach cramps (relieved by over and/or pressure)….Colocynthis

Strain (overexertion)….Arnica Montana (or) Rhus Toxicodendrum

Sty….Hepar Sulphur (or) Pulsatilla

Sunburn….Cantharis (or) Belladona

Sunstroke….Belladona

Surgery (pain relief after surgery)….Ledum Palustre

T

Teething….Chamonilla

Throat (sore)….Apis / Belladona / Aconite / Hepar Sulphur

Toothache (thirstlessness)…Pulsatilla / Chamomilla (for great pain and irritability)

Tooth Extraction….Hypericum

Trauma (general)….Arnica

Travel sickness (nausea)….Cocculus Indicus (or) Tabacum

V

Vomiting (nausea / indigestion)….Ipecacuanha (or) Nux Vomica

Vomiting (diarrhea or cramps/ alternating with extreme cold sweats)….Veratrum Album

How to Take your Homeopathic Remedy August 26, 2008

When taking prescribed homeopathic dose(s):

Always use the bottle cap to administer the remedy. Tap out the prescribed dosage ( ie: 1/4 capful or 5-7 pellets) into the cap. Toss the pellets under your tongue and let them dissolve. NEVER- touch the pellets with your hands.

1. Remedy should be taken one half hour away from eating, drinking or brushing your teeth.

2. Remedy should be taken away from strong odors and aromas that permeate the room.

3. Avoid coffee, chocolate and all caffeinated beverages ( including decaffeinated coffee) for as long as possible.

4. Avoid raw onions, garlic and mint products for the first 3 days.

5. Continue to take prescription drugs unless instructed otherwise.

6. Inform Dr. Montalvo if dental work is planned. Novocaine injections can have an antidoting.

Purpose for Restrictions:

Caffeine and drugs that individuals are particularly sensitive to may disrupt the process set in motion by the homeopathic remedy. If you feel that something has disrupted the action of a remedy that seemed to be benefiting you please contact Dr. Montalvo.

WARNING:

If you are pregnant or nursing a baby seek the advice of a physician before using a homeopathic remedy. If symptoms worsens or persists for more than 3 days, seek medical advice.

Driving Directions to Green is Zen August 26, 2008

You are driving south on Highway 52 ( from San Juan), near Ponce, you’ll see and drive on Highway 10 (North). On Highway 10 ( remain on the right lane), very soon you’ll exit on Juana Diaz/Ponce Centro. Remain in the middle lane, you’ll pass a traffic light and quickly move to the right lane. Slow down and very very soon you’ll see Carr. 505 & 139( This area is the Glenview community). Drive on 505 and we live on KM 9.4, near KM 9.3 ( on the left side) you’ll see a purple house. Green is Zen is across the street on the right side ( you won’t see the house on the road), but you’ll see an 8 feet tall white light house and a purple cannon. Go down the driveway, and visit Green is Zen. Thanks

The 10 Most-Asked Questions about Acupunture. August 25, 2008

1. What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a therapy that was developed by the ancient Chinese, but was practiced in one form or another, by all indigenous cultures. It consists of stimulating designated points on the skin by the insertion of “special”needles, the application of heat (moxibustion), massage (finger pressure or shiatsu), the use of herbs and/or herbal preparations, or a combination of these.

2. How Does it Work?

The main idea is that everyone is born with a fixed amount of energy (Chi) at birth, and that energy is spent in the work of living and replenished by food, air, water and sunshine. Energy imbalances that arise from external or internal causes, are thought to be the root of dis-ease. By “treating”certain points, the acupuncturist can treat dis-ease by balancing body energy. These points may be located far from the site of the symptoms. This balancing, in turn, adjusts blood flow, nerve tone and functioning, hormone levels and the functioning of the organs.

Chinese Medicine is based on the discovery that certain areas “Points” on the skin are related to internal body organs and to specific bodily functions. By studying different disease states, the Chinese were able to develop a map of the relationship between the skin “Points” and the internal organs as they related to normal bodily functions. The “Points”, connected by function form the “Meridians” and acts as the pathways for energy in the body.

3. How Does Chinese Medicine differ from Western Medicine?

Western Medicine focuses on the diagnosis of the disease(s) that causes the patient’s physical complaint. Specific treatment, usually the prescribing of medication, is given to correct that specific problem. Chinese medicine concentrates on changes in the body energy, regardless of the organ involvement. Treatment consists of balancing the body energy by stimulating active points. This treatment is generalized to the whole body and may improve other conditions as well.

4. Can Western & Chinese Medicine be combined?

Chinese Medicine is often helpful to treat conditions generally unresponsive to western drug-oriented treatments; such as treatment of “Nerves” with sedatives and “Low Pain” with pain killers. It is reported that these medications interfere with effectiveness of acupuncture treatment by decreasing the sensitivity and the responsiveness of the body. Conversely, some conditions, most notably infections and conditions of structural changes, such as fractures and tumors, respond more rapidly to western techniques. Frequently the two can combine to the patient’s benefit. The treatment of high blood pressure is an example where the use of acupuncture points with dietary therapies go hand in hand.

5. What types of conditions are responsive?

Most conditions can be treated. Among the most responsive are: musculo/skeletal problems (sciatica, low back pain and arthritis); circulatory problems ( high and low blood pressure, cold hands and feet); nervous system imbalance (esp. anxiety, nervousness, sleeplessness or depression). It is highly effective for detoxification. Acupuncture helps the body eliminate the toxins of addicting drugs (heroin, methadone, alcohol, pills such as valium and placidyls) and facilitates the detoxification process, while minimizing the withdrawal symptoms. This is in sharp contrast to the usual treatment of detoxification by substitution with other harmful drugs.

6. What about Healthy People?

Acupuncture can be helpful in the prevention of dis-ease by improving the patients’ state of well being through energy balance. In this way, the stress of everyday life are more easily handled.

7. Does it Hurt?

Acupuncture is done with extremely thin flexible needles made of silver alloy. There is nothing in the needle, the needle are designed not to penetrate internal structures. They are tools to balance the body energy. There is often brief pain as the needle passes through the skin. As the body energy begins to change, there may be numbness, dull aching, heat, tingling, itching.

8. Is it Safe?

Acupuncture has been used for at least 5,000 years. It is still the treatment of choice for 1/4 of the world’s population, despite 30 years of comparison to Western medicine. Most side effects are minor and include: occasional dizziness, especially during the first treatment, occasional slight bleeding after the needles have been withdrawn. Infection at needle site and any other side effects are rare. Its’ use is restricted to certain points in pregnant women, it is also used on children.

9. How Long does Treatment Take?

Usually treatment last 20-60 minutes, depending upon the problem being treated. Some conditions are improved with one visit’ other treatments will involve multiple visits. We will tailor a treatment plan to your individual progress. Patients undergoing detoxification should have daily treatments.

10. How Do You Feel after the Treatment?

That depends on the problem being treated and the prior condition of the patient. the treatment acts to “NORMALIZE” energy, therefore, some patients will experience a burst of energy, while others may feel relaxed or even tired. These states last for varying lengths of time. On occasions a patient will feel euphoric or lightheaded, especially on the first treatment. This is a temporary condition; should it happen to you remain seated until the feeling passes and notify the acupuncturist.