Ardmore – MyWellness Network

What is Ayurveda?

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“Ayurveda” (the “science of life”) is the most ancient complete system of natural medicine in the world. It was developed in ancient India and refined over the ages. It combines physical, psychological and spiritual therapies in an approach to health that is as relevant to the modern world as it was to the ancient. Utilizing herbs and minerals, proper nutrition and purification and, above all, affirmative ways of living, Ayurveda treats not just the ailment but the whole person and emphasizes prevention of disease to avoid the need for a cure.

One of the principles in Ayurveda is that each person is made up of their own
particular mix of the three fundamental elemental energies, or ‘doshas’. Although we can’t see them, the three doshas are responsible for all processes of the mind and body. They affect our physical makeup and our mental and emotional qualities. These underlying forces determine who we are, what we like to eat, how thirsty we get, how much sleep we need, etc. They influence our reactions to stress and our predisposition to various illnesses. The doshas even affect how compassionate, relaxed, or talkative we are. Knowing a person’s dosha is very valuable in determining which foods, herbs and lifestyle changes will be most beneficial for their healing and overall balance. An example of this is a person who is skinny and runs around extra busy
and worrying about everything. In this person the ‘vata’ dosha is dominant.
Balance can be brought with warm and soothing activities and foods. Gentle yoga and relaxation massage are perfect. For an intense, high pressure, athletic person the ‘pitta’ dosha is dominating. Balance can be brought with cooling and calming activities and foods. This person should avoid things like eating spicy food everyday and going running in the middle of hot summer days.

Different doshas predominate in the different seasons as well. Therefore
it is helpful to have a basic understanding of them so you can self regulate your
diet and lifestyle. For example, in autumn the vata dosha increases. During
these months it is best to reduce foods that increase vata such as raw vegetables, beans, cold foods and foods that are dry and rough like crackers and pretzels, It is more balancing to increase richer foods and warm, cooked foods like soups and casseroles. In spring and summer the reverse is true for the most part.

There also exists within Ayurveda a whole science of longevity. This has
to do with purification, healthy balancing routines and mind and body exercises. Various cleanses are recommended seasonally. Yoga and meditation are important not only for mind and body health, but to connect with your spiritual source as well. These add up to peace, health and life extension.

Principles from ayurveda can be easily incorporated into one’s life to
bring further health and balance. It has been very helpful in treating and
advising my patients for many years.

About the Author: Dr. Martin Orimenko is a Chiropractor, Naturopath and Nutritionist who practices a unique blend of different holistic modalities in treating patients of all ages for a wide range of health conditions. Dr. Orimenko is currently available for treatments at his MainLine natural health center, the Live Well Holistic Health Center in Ardmore, PA Acupressure and Auricular Therapy are just a few of the modalities that he employs to support health and wellness in his natural healing practice. Other modalities include kinesiology, nutrition and cleansing, neuro-emotional technique, ayurveda, and natural supplement prescriptions.

Acupressure

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by Dr. Martin Orimenko – Live Well Holistic Health Center, Ardmore PA

Acupressure and acupuncture are ancient natural healing methods that have been around for more than two thousand years. These natural modalities are based on the idea that stimulation of specific points on the surface of the body stimulates the flow of vital energy which moves through our bodies along pathways known as ‘meridians’, separate from the nerve pathways. This vital energy keeps us healthy and balanced. The acupuncture points occur along these meridian pathways which course through our bodies from head to toe, dipping in and back out of the vital organs, and affecting every physiological function.

Acupressure and acupuncture have been effective treatment modalities for thousands of people seeking an alternative and natural treatment, especially when the modalities they were trying previously were either not working or were to invasive or dangerous, such as surgery. The way acupressure and acupuncture works according to traditional Chinese doctors is that the stimulation of select pressure points on the body “moves stagnant chi” or life force energy. According to TCM (traditional Chinese medicine), any lesion or problem area in the body will have stagnation of the flow of chi, and stimulation of certain points will clear this stagnation, bringing life force energy to the area, facilitating the body’s natural healing mechanisms. According to western science acupressure/acupuncture increases the flow of blood through the area, again facilitating the body’s healing mechanisms. It also relaxes muscles and reduces pain and inflammation.

Stimulating acupressure/acupuncture points by various means can facilitate hundreds of different positive effects in the body. In ancient times the points were stimulated with simple finger pressure. Later the Chinese used bamboo slivers. Then, when the industrial age unfolded, stainless steel needles were created and have been used ever since. With the new technological age came the development of refined electrical instruments and lasers and use of these devices for treating acupuncture points has proven to be very effective. Dr. Martin Orimenko uses both lasers and refined electrical instruments in his treatments as well as the original finger pressure or ‘acupressure’. This approach is gentle, harmless and highly effective. Kids love it!

There also exists a wonderful system of acupuncture known as ‘auricular therapy’ or ear acupuncture. There is a very detailed map of the entire body in the ear, three times more detailed than in foot reflexology, than can be extremely effective for treating many health issues. Not only are the body parts represented, but there are also specific points for a wide variety of conditions such as allergies, depression, hypertension, skin conditions, constipation and addictions, to name a few. Needles are often used, but I prefer a special instrument that not only detects imbalanced, low-energy points, but also treats them with an adjustable micro-amp electrical stimulation.

Acupuncture / acupressure is a wonderful healing modality that has withstood the test of time and is a great alternative to more invasive or drug related medical treatments. Acupressure and acupuncture can be used as alternative healing methods for treating sports injuries, carpal tunnel syndrome, headaches, migraines, allergies and asthma, hormonal imbalances, PMS/Menstrual Imbalances, High Blood Pressure, Digestive Issues, Arthritis, Fibromyalgia, Depression, Anxiety, Stress, Insomnia, TMJ, Children’s Health, ADD/ADHD and Fertility.

Skin Conditions: A Natural Approach

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by Dr. Martin Orimenko, http://www.livewellholistichealth.com

In my experience, most skin conditions are either caused by or made worse by heat and a toxic bowel. This is true for eczema, acne and even psoriasis.

From a natural medicine perspective, skin conditions are usually related to some issue with your food, nutrition or internal balance. I know from personal experience that diet and cleansing is key. You can soothe an itchy rash somewhat with topical treatments, but the real cure is internal. You can reduce pimples with various ointments, but for lasting relief you must address the inner physiology. The outer skin is a reflection of the ‘inner skin’ which is the lining of the alimentary canal (digestive tract). If there is inflammation and irritation in the digestive tract, then it perpetuates the same on the outer surface of the body.

Testing for food allergies and sensitivities, intestinal yeast overgrowth and toxicity, as well as for deficiencies of certain nutrients such as zinc and essential fatty acids are the starting points from an alternative health care perspective – using muscle response testing, also known as Kinesiology. This approach is quick, simple, non-invasive and provides highly valuable information about your specific body chemistry and imbalances. It might be necessary to address emotional factors and chemical sensitivities as well when treating skin conditions.

Finding a practitioner who does similar muscle response testing so together you can come up with a treatment plan that will work best for you and your body’s needs. In the absence of that, another approach is medical tests (blood, stool and allergy testing), or doing an elimination diet and ‘candida cleanse’ and see what happens. But the medical tests, elimination diet and cleanse can miss the mark at times. The muscle-testing is quite accurate. Patients can achieve excellent results by successfully clearing up frustrating and uncomfortable skin conditions by working with a holistic health care doctor to address the internal imbalances.

If you are experiencing nagging health issues, please consider making an appointment with an Alternative Health Care Practitioner who can examine any food sensitivities, allergies and/or other underlying issues to help bring your body back into balance.

For those seeking Alternative Medicine near Philadelphia or Natural Medicine near Philadelphia, the blog at http://www.livewellholistichealth.com is a good source of holistic health care advice.

Dr. Martin is a licensed Chiropractor, Nutritionist and Naturopath. In order to gain a broad perspective on healing holistically, Dr. Martin has studied more than a dozen healing arts, including Ayurvedic Medicine, Acupuncture & Acupressure, Reiki and Breathwork with some of the top healers in this country and abroad. He is both technically skilled and highly intuitive. He has been in practice since 1990, and has treated over 5000 patients with a wide range of health conditions. Dr. Martin is at Live Well Holistic Health Care Center on the Main Line, PA in Ardmore.

New Holistic Health Center Thriving in Ardmore

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There are many reasons why people seek out holistic methods of healing. Some turn to these alternative therapies because they do not have medical insurance. Some believe in the healing power of the body and mind. Still others find it as a last resort to relieve chronic pain has persisted more traditional forms of treatment.

Whatever the reasons that bring you to the Live Well Holistic Center in Ardmore, Dr. Martin Orimenko will likely greet you, as he did for me. Patients there fondly call him “Doctor Martin.”

This story came about after several Main Line residents—unknown to each other, with various backgrounds and incomes, and under independent circumstances—spoke about their positive outcomes from treatment at Live Well.

Keeping in mind that there are some vocal, rather rigidly traditional physicians who take a dim view, in general, of holistic medicine and healing methods, we decided to focus simply on the experience, and report on it.

The atmosphere in the office is calm and comforting, and the open-air courtyard leading into the office sets the tone even before you enter the office. Once inside, Dr. Martin’s wife and co-founder of the center, Traci (who is also a holistic health counselor), welcomes you as if entering her home.

Four Tips for Staying Healthy this Autumn

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From Live Well Holistic Health Center

Autumn, with its crisp, cold weather, is ‘Vata’ season, according to Ayurvedic medicine. Ayurveda describes three ‘doshas’ or qualities ascribed to all things. The Vata dosha is often compared to the wind, being erratic and changeable, quick, cooling and drying.

Autumn is a time of high energy, unpredictable weather, and increased activity. To counter the unbalancing qualities of this season, try to follow the general guidelines below. You will likely catch fewer colds, have less dry skin and chapped lips, and feel better overall.

First and foremost, protect your neck from the cold and wind. According to traditional Chinese medicine, the neck is the most vulnerable to those elements and the number one way we catch colds. So never go out without a scarf.

Second, begin shifting away from cold, raw foods like salads and cold cereal and toward warm, unctuous (more oily), nurturing, cooked foods such as oatmeal, soups and casseroles.

Third, get a little extra rest by adding another half hour (and full hour by Winter) to your night’s sleep.

Lastly, a technique from Ayurveda to further protect yourself from the drying effect of the cold and wind is to take a little ghee, cooking oil, nose oil (we have some for sale at Live Well) or even butter on your pinky fingers and lubricate inside your nostrils and ears. Trust me, its great, and it really helps kids.

So stay warm, get your rest, keep lubricated, and hopefully you’ll enjoy a cold-free Autumn! If that’s not the case, we’re here to support you, so please don’t hesitate to call us.

Live Well Holistic Health Center
Dr. Martin Orimenko, DC, ND, FIACA
16 East Lancaster Avenue, Plaza 16 Building – Suite 104
Ardmore, PA 19003
610.896.1554