Health is more than the absence of disease. This is the principle that embodies the essence of Functional Diagnostic Medicine (FDM), a field of medicine that minimizes your risk of developing life-threatening illnesses. This approach offers a significant breakthrough in assessing, treating, and preventing numerous health problems—by looking beyond your symptoms to focus on the underlying causes of your health conditions.

FDM is built upon a progressive wellness model, with optimal health at the positive end and mortality at the negative end.

By identifying your risk factors for health problems, FDM practitioners empower you to take preventative and restorative measures that keep you at or near the positive end of this progression.

As you age, here is what happens:

Your body experiences metabolic changes, even without symptoms, that lead you away from optimal health and toward illness. During the early stages of this decline, conventional testing results will make you seem “normal,” even though detrimental changes are evolving just below the surface in your endocrine, GI, immune, detoxification, and neurological systems. FDM not only reveals these changes, but it also gives you the building blocks to restore and retain your healthy body systems and return to peak health.

Why It Is Needed:

Problems exist before symptoms appear. This is a way of looking at the physiological processes of each individual person to discover weaknesses, deficiencies, and infections before they develop into a pathological process. Those problems can be detected, nutritional support can be given to assist the body, and re-testing can be done to monitor how well the treatment is working.

Short and Sweet…

• Looking at you as an individual not a reference range.
• Removing interference that weakens the body.
• Keeping the body strong through targeted nutrition.

What to expect:

Typically, 3-5 tests are run to look for problems with digestion and absorption, the immune system, ability to handle stress, ability to rest and repair, parasitic or mold infection, and overall nutritional deficiencies. Specific supplementation programs are given to address the needs of each individual.

An Adrenal Stress test is the anchor test that determines how run down the body is and assesses the overall urgency for the need of immediate treatment. Several hormone markers are measured that tell us how well your body is handling stress, how well it rests and repairs and what nutritional protocols would work for you.

A Gluten-Sensitivity test is used to assess your body’s ability to handle this offensive portion of wheat. Intolerance to gluten is often a major source of gastrointestinal inflammation and destruction of the tiny villi that are responsible for absorbing nutrients from the food we eat.

An Iodine loading test may be done to assess iodine levels in the body. This once commonly encountered and medically used mineral is now severely depleted from our diet. Some is present in salt as potassium iodide but its level is far from sufficient for sustaining and running the thyroid gland, breast, and other tissue. Due to some false representation it has been neglected in medical treatment, but now due to extensive research efforts its use and need is finally being recognized again.

A Metabolic Assessment is used to assess levels of protein digestion, free radicals (cellular waste products), and liver function. This information is used to see if supplementation is needed and to see if your body can handle some of the medical treatments that may be recommended.

Levels of Intestinal Immune Defense and a GI Pathogen Screen are used to see how well you can breakdown food, absorb it for use, and recognize harmful foods and pathogens. This looks at the normal bacteria growth (the good) and also assesses for many chronic pathogens (the bad). These often have initial symptoms; however, due to the inflammatory nature of our foods these infections are quickly covered up and masked. These are the most common cause of chronic problems elsewhere in the body because they are a constant source of inflammation that damages our ability to digest and utilize nutrients we need to heal and repair.

“In terms of numbers there are more parasitic infections acquired in this country than in all of Africa.”

Dr. Frank Nova, Chief of the Laboratory for Parasitic Diseases of the National Institute of Health

About the Services:

We provide health care solutions for chronic unresolved health disorders by addressing the root cause of your health concerns not just calming your symptoms.

• Scientific Laboratory Tests to determine the strength of your 4 primary systems of health and to identify chronic underlying infections.
• Nutritional Supplement Programs using safe and effective pharmaceutical grade products to support your body’s healing mechanisms and to restore normal functioning.
• Dietary Counseling to reverse organic stress related to personal dietary habits, nutritional deficiencies such as poor blood sugar control, food allergies or intolerances, and to promote sound dietary choices.
• Lifestyle Coaching to maximize the health benefits associated with stress reduction, individual exercise programs, optimized sleep patterns and other lifestyle patterns.
• Comprehensive Health Analysis to establish a baseline of good health for preventative as well as to provide a systematic process to monitor overall health progress.

Scientific Laboratory Assessments utilize blood, saliva, urine, and stool samples to accurately measure biochemical markers, hormone levels, underlying infections, digestive problems, immune strength, and nutrient deficiencies. These non-invasive tests are self-administered in your home or office that you send to the lab for processing. The doctor uses these test results to assess and diagnose your chronic health conditions and to design specific therapeutic protocols for you.

Nutritional Supplement Programs using quality supplements are recommended based on lab results. This takes out all the guess work when it comes to what will and will not work. Only certified pure grade nutrients are used as they are more potent and have higher therapeutic effectiveness than those sold over the counter. Companies that are GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) certified can be relied upon to have the dosage described on the label still effective from the time they are manufactured all the way through the time they are consumed. Be assured that each supplement prescribed has proven consistently effective in producing the desired therapeutic effect and can be relied on for safety. There are no guidelines or quality controls on generic supplements and as such it is hard to know what you are getting and how effective it will be.

Dietary Counseling based on your detailed 7-day diet diary an effective way for the doctor to evaluate your current state and to help you change your eating habits to reduce hormonal, immune, or digestive stress due to a poor diet for your body chemistry. No two people need exactly the same nutrients, yet simple dietary principles of glycemic control (good blood sugar) and avoidance of specific foods that disrupt digestion such as lactose, gluten, or other food allergens commonly improve most people with chronic health problems.

Lifestyle Coaching is looking at a patient’s environment and their daily habits to see where stress on the body can be reduced or health benefits can be improved. Most people who have chronic health problems have poor sleep habits and many people who have trouble losing weight are actually over exercising. Lifestyle factors such as this are typically covered in just one appointment and health improvements can be dramatic.

Comprehensive Health Analysis is done for people who would like to ascertain their health status in the absence of any symptoms. Since the lack of obvious symptoms is a poor indicator of health, a comprehensive look at the four primary systems that sustain health provides both an early indicator of problems while they can still be corrected and a benchmark for future comparison when health problems inevitably arise.

A Comprehensive Analysis provides an assessment of the following:

Why a Doctor of Chiropractic?

There are 2 reasons.

First, we receive an education that is geared toward function. The function of the spine, joints, organs, nerves, brain, etc. are learned. We are also trained to recognize when the body starts to lose this ability before obvious symptoms are present. So this approach to nutrition and wellness fits perfectly with our education and philosophy. During our schooling we receive in depth training in pathology, organ and cellular physiology, and anatomy just as do traditional doctors of medicine.

Secondly, it is the only thing that fixed my family. It was the turning point in bringing resolution to chronic problems of several close family members. This is the ultimate motivation behind bringing this approach to the area to help others who are not getting answers to chronic unresolved problems.

Q. How did acupuncture originate?

A. Acupuncture originated in China more than 2,000 years ago, making it one of the oldest and most commonly used medical procedures in the world. The practice of acupuncture was rare in America until Richard M. Nixon visited China in 1972. Since that time, there has been an explosion of interest in the Unites States and Europe in the application of the technique of acupuncture to Western medicine.

Q. What is acupuncture?

A. Acupuncture is the method of encouraging the body to promote natural healing and to improve functioning. This is done by inserting thin, solid, metallic needles at very precise acupuncture points. Acupuncture provides pain relief, improves function and serves as an effective compliment to standard care.

Q. How does it work?

A. The general theory of acupuncture is based on the premise that there are patterns of energy flow (Qi) through the body that are essential to health. Disruptions of this flow are believed to be responsible for disease. Acupuncture has been shown to stimulate the immune system. It also has affects on the circulation, blood pressure, and rhythm of the heart, secretion of gastric acid, and production of red and white cells. It also stimulates the release of a variety of hormones that help the body to respond to injury and stress.

The modern scientific explanation is that acupuncture stimulates the nervous system to release chemicals in the muscles, spinal cord and brain. These chemicals will either change the experience of pain, or they will trigger the release of other chemicals and hormones which influence the body’s internal regulating system.

This improves energy and biochemical balance produced by acupuncture resulting in stimulating the body’s natural healing abilities, and in promoting physical and emotional well being.

Q. Does it hurt?

A. People experience acupuncture differently. Most patients feel only minimal pain as the needles are inserted; some feel no pain at all. Once the needles are in place, there is no pain.

Because your doctor uses disposable needles, there is no risk of infection from the treatments.

Q. How many treatments will I need?

A. The number of treatments needed differs from person to person. For complex, or long standing conditions, one or two times a week for several months may be recommended. For acute problems, usually fewer visits are required.

Q. Are there any side effects to treatment?

A. Usually not. As energy is redirected in the body, internal chemicals and hormones are stimulated and healing begins to take place. Occasionally the original symptoms worsen for a few days, or other general changes in appetite, sleep, bowel or urination patterns, or emotional state may be triggered. These should not cause concern, as they are simply indications that the acupuncture is starting to work. It is quite common with the first one or two treatments to have a sensation of deep relaxation or even mild disorientation immediately following treatment. These pass within a short time, and never require more than a bit of rest to overcome.

Q. Are there any “do’s and don’ts” for me on the day of a treatment?

A. Yes. To enhance the value of a treatment, the following guidelines are important:

• Do not eat an unusually large meal immediately before or after treatment.
• Do not over exercise or consume alcoholic beverages 6 hours before or after treatment.
• Plan your activities so that after the treatment you can get some rest, or at least not have to be working at top performance. This is especially important for the first few visits.
• Continue with any prescription medication as directed by your doctor.
• Substance abuse (drugs and alcohol) will seriously interfere with the effectiveness of the acupuncture treatments.
• Remember to keep good mental or written notes of your response to the treatment. This is important for your doctor to know so that follow up treatments are more effective.

Q. Will it be covered by my insurance?

A. Acupuncture is one alternative therapy that is more commonly covered by insurance, however, you should check with your insurance company before starting treatment. Make sure acupuncture is covered for your particular condition and if so, to what extent. Some companies also require preauthorization for acupuncture treatment. If you have any other questions, please contact our billing department.

Most Common Conditions Treated By Acupuncture:

Benningfield & Associates
Dr. Qiang Zhang
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There are 5 pairs of nerves that exit the spine in the lower back. These nerves make up what we know as the sciatic nerves. If the vertebrae or bones in the lower back are misaligned or out of place; or the disc between the vertebrae are swollen, bulged or herniated, the result is pressure on those nearby nerves. This can cause tremendous pain and normal daily activities become almost impossible.

Chiropractic care works on correcting misaligned or out of place vertebrae and can remove the pressure placed on the sciatic nerve, reducing pain and improving flexibility and function. Let us know if Gage Chiropractic Center can help you.

Symptoms

• SENSATION CHANGES ON THE BACK OF THE CALF OR THE SOLE OF THE FOOT
• NUMBNESS, TINGLING, BURNING, PAIN IN BACK OF CALF OR THE SOLE OF THE FOOT
• WEAKNESS OF THE KNEE OR FOOT
• DIFFICULTY WALKING
• INABILITY TO MOVE THE FOOT (in severe cases)
• INABILITY TO BEND THE KNEE (in severe cases)

This condition of side-to-side spinal curves is called scoliosis. On an X-ray, the spine of an individual with scoliosis looks more like an “S” or a “C” than a straight line. Some of the bones in a scoliotic spine also may have rotated slightly, making the person’s waist or shoulders appear uneven.

Who gets scoliosis?

Scoliosis affects a small percentage of the population, approximately 2 percent. However, scoliosis runs in families. If someone in a family has scoliosis, the likelihood of an incidence is much higher - approximately 20 percent. If anyone in your family has curvature of the spine, you should be examined for scoliosis.

* Children - The vast majority of scoliosis is “idiopathic,” meaning its cause is unknown. It usually develops in middle or late childhood, before puberty, and is seen more often in girls than boys. Though scoliosis can occur in children with cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, spinal bifida and other miscellaneous conditions, most scoliosis is found in otherwise healthy youngsters.

* Adults - Scoliosis usually develops during childhood, but it also can occur in adults. Adult scoliosis may represent the progression of a condition that actually began in childhood, and was not diagnosed or treated while the person was still growing. What might have started out as a slight or moderate curve has progressed in the absence of treatment.

In other instances, adult scoliosis can be caused by the degenerative changes of the spine. Other spinal deformities such as kyphosis or round back are associated with the common problem of osteoporosis (bone softening) involving the elderly. As more and more people reach old age in the U.S., the incidence of scoliosis and kyphosis is expected to increase.