Arnica Salve for back and joint pain

So, as many of you that know me know, I do LOTS of other projects.  From rebuilding a Volkswagen to making herbal teas.  Well, here is the latest one.  I am making a balm/salve for muscles and joints.
The idea is to make something stronger and better than Tiger Balm and others like it.  I have been tinkering with it for a while.  Here is the first steps.  I had to make the base...
The most common base has either bees wax or petroleum.  I didn't want to use any animal products or petroleum (basically a by product of crude oil)... bleech!
I did some research and really tried many different things including almond oil, coconut oil, vegetable glycerin, different alcohols, and even trying to get some bees wax.  I felt badly that I was taking from bees needlessly and so looked all over for alternatives.
Here is what I found.  A really good wax called Candelila (which comes from a shrub) can be used in place of petroleum.  It is a very hard wax though and has to be cut with something to give it a better feel and smoother texture.  Also has to be somewhat easy to absorb into the skin without being irritating in any way.   I got a hold of some Shea Butter which has great properties, is very stable and quite nice for and on the skin.

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I had to experiment on what to do in regards to the amounts of each in the formula.  I was looking for a similar texture to Tiger Balm or Siddhalepa (one I found in Sri Lanka).
Here was the process:   I had to melt the candelila wax in a double boiler as to not burn the wax.  I used a hot plate and an old pot I had for herb preparations I made.
The first picture of the table has all the ingredients I was working with.  (I will post them in detail later) .  I have the oil/wax mixture in the small Plexiglas ramekins I got at the local 'chef' store.  I just had to keep mindful of which one was which.  Once they all melted together I set them aside to cool and set.  I had not added any of the active ingredients yet.
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As I was able to melt everything together I had to keep really good notes.  I was able to find a great ratio of wax to Shea Butter and have it all set for the next step.  Adding the chemicals and oils for the therapeutic effect.
So I had to come up with the labeling.  What a chore that was.  I was trying to get too much information on the little round 1.5" labels.  I ended up using Microsoft's Paint application and was able to design the logo (The Blue Faced Bear) and the vital information.   I found a printer that would get me the labels rather cheaply.  I will post them in the next installment.  But here is the new logo as well as a sample label.

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The ingredient ratios:  (this is from notes of 2/25/2019)

All are Essential Processed oils:  Mostly from CCS, LLC * (Consolidated Chemical and Solvents

Arnica 4 parts, 4 ounces or 8 tablespoons

Mentholatum* (Methyl Salicylate) 2 parts, 2 ounces or 4 tablespoons

Camphor 2 parts, 2 ounces or 4 tablespoons

Pinene* 1 part; 1 ounce or 2 tablespoons

clove oil 1 part... 1 ounce or 2 tablespoons

 (total of 10 parts for easy measuring) 

Wax (Candelita) 1 parts= 5 oz. (10 tablespoons)

Oil (Shea Butter) 3 parts =15 oz.  (30 tablespoons)

The first set was 30 finished items:

Tins, labels, tape to close each one, printed directions and small bag to hold it.  

Label details:  This is from Sellercentral.amazon.com 

1. Drugs must be labeled in English with the following information:
   
   1. The title of the drug
   2. The “Drug Facts” panel
   3. The active ingredient(s)
   4. The purpose(s) of the drug
   5. The use(s) of the drug
   6. Any required warning(s)
   7. The directions for using the drug
   8. Any other information, as required for the specific product
   9. The inactive ingredients
2. Drug must use the claim “FDA approved” appropriately
3. Drug labels must not use the FDA logo

I will be altering some of the info and also putting in a piece of paper explaining more about the product.   Later I will be adding a couple different formulas to the mix.  The end plan is to have three.
I will make an initial batch of about 30 and give them away for people to try and to rate.
So there you go.
Another project.  Catch me for more later this month.

Dr. Sean

OK< New ideas: 

Blue Bear Salve:  (This is the Arnica) 4 parts arnica, 2 parts menthol, 2 parts camphor, 1 part pinene, 1 part clove oil.  

Red Rhino penetrating medicated oil (see Red Flower) 6 parts methyl salicylate, 3 parts cinnamon, Draco resin 1 part, (in Safflower oil)

Yellow Elephant?? (See Siddhalepa) (3 parts eucalyptus, 2 part citronella, 1 part cinnamon, 1 part pinene, 1 part camphor, 1 part menthol) 

Green Dragon, or Shark???  (Tiger Balm) (7 part Eucalyptus, 5 Part Cinnamon, 5 Part Clove, 10 Parts Camphor, 9 parts Menthol) 

Individual CHEMICALS Needed: 

Methyl Salicylate (Have about 900 ml)

Arnica Oil (Have about 100 ml) PRAAN

Camphor Oil (FROM A POWDER CCS)

Pinene (have about 900 ml) CCS

Clove oil (PRAAN)

Draco (Dragons Blood Resin)

Eucalyptus

Citronella (PRAAN)

Cinnamon (PRAAN

(almost all are available at Praan Naturals (https://www.praannaturals.com/downloads/default.asp)

Chemicals are available at (https://www.consolidated-chemical.com/)

BASES

Safflower Oil

Candelilla wax

Shea Butter

Dr. Sean at Natural BodyWorks in Parker Colorado is a holistic healer, chiropractor, acupuncturist and dry needle practitioner.    He produces these videos to help patients and friends live better more comfortable lives.  A little levity and education go a long way in his opinion.  All information is original, and opinion of Dr. Sean Thompson for educational purposes only.  Any background music or visuals are incidental and not copyrighted.  Please notify us at the email below with any copyright issues so they can be remedied forthwith.  Comments and questions are welcomed and will be responded to as soon as possible.  Dr. Sean runs The Natural BodyWorks in Parker Colorado, has been practicing for over 20 years and is available daily at his office.  Thanks!

All ‘scripts’ can be found on our blog:  https://thenaturalbodyworks.blogspot.com

Website:  https://www.thenaturalbodyworks.com

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Discus:  https://discus.com/by/rev_sean

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Email:  frontdesk@thenaturalbodyworks.com

Phone: 720- 325 9886

Address:  12539 N. Highway 83, Unit B

                Parker Colorado 80134

Here is the text for the Gall Bladder cleanse, you can also see it on my blog https://drseanthompson.wordpress.com/...

The information in these videos are for education only, there is no intent to diagnose, treat or render an opinion.  Any incidental diagrams, drawings, music, video, or other recording are used under the copyright fair use for education and or satire.  Use your own brain, go see a qualified provider if there is any question…

Not responsible for you, you are.

Rib pain, is it costochondritis? (With video)

Taking a deep breath and get a sharp pain?  It really could be a rib out of place.  First we should consider other possibilities though, would hate to mis-diagnose a really bad thing.

The most obvious one is the heart, the most troubling at least.   Sometimes a condition known as angina pectoris can be the culprit.  This word actually means chest pain, but it could be a 'heart cramp'.  The best treatment is to get the heart checked out first and get medicine if indicated. 
Here is the key though.  A rib will not hurt in certain positions or when you hold your breath, as in just not breathe.  Not to take in a big breath, that will hurt, I will tell you why....
The heart is a strong pump that is continually moving blood through your circulatory system.  When the heart gets a cramp it is called angina.  That is basically, chest pain related t

o the heart.  The heart can have an  attack which may be a clot or other failure which can cause chest pain, but it is also going to refer pain.  Referral of pain means that the organ or place of injury may share nerves or other tissues with an area of the body not near

that organ.  Most people know the left arm and neck pain can be a referral from the heart.  Did you know that the right shoulder pain can be a referral from the gall bladder?
Back to the ribs.
The ribs attach at two places on the spine, the body of the vertebrae.  This is rather deep and difficult to even imagine if you have never had any anatomy classes, and the transverse process of the vertebrae.  We can feel these under the muscle of the back about an inch to the sides of each of the bumps on the back.  Those are called spinouses.
This is where a lot of movement naturally occurs, each twist of the body, bend  and stretch each breath they move just a little.  They all work in unison, all a little bit at a time so that we can breathe smoothly and move with finesse.   When one tilts or turns and sticks or gets into a place it can 'catch' it will cause a spasm around the joint and then the muscles between the ribs can spasm giving the characteristic pain that goes from the back to the front or visa versa.
I have outlined some of it in my video (here) Costochondritis and rib pain

Cupping for detoxification, some facts to think about.

Cupping for detoxification and healing.
Cupping is an amazing and very old technique to help the body detoxify and heal.  It has its origins in Asia as long as a thousand years ago and is still used today because it is so safe and effective.   You can also find this and similar techniques being used in Poland, Russia and Finland.

When toxins and cell waste cannot be removed through the natural processes of lymph drainage and blood flow the body becomes fatigued and can become ill.  Some people will only feel tired or sluggish when they have an overabundance of waste fluid stuck in the skin and underlying muscles and tissues.

We call this stagnation; the holding of those fluids that must be removed and cleared out for the cells to work correctly.  This can happen because of an old injury, an old muscle tear, car accident, fall, or any form of chronic disease. 

With the cupping we lift the skin and force the fluids into different areas, this does two things.  First,  it sets into motion a cascade of healing that jumpstarts the body to clean the area, and two, it helps release those toxins to get back into the correct circulation where they can be cleared and clean.
What Cupping is good for…
-Chronic issues of pain, fatigue, or disability
- History of prescription or recreational drug use
-Too much protein in the diet
-Parasite or candida infection
-Exposure to environmental toxins, mold, pollen, chemicals etc.
-Past traumatic events that tend to rear up now and again.
-That feeling of being stagnant or ‘stuck’ in life, relationships, career etc…

When the kidneys, liver and lungs cannot process these issues and become over worked, the body will naturally put the toxins ‘in storage’ so they can get to them later.  This usually will be in the underlying fat of the skin, or in muscles.   The cupping action is that of a vacuum.  It pulls the tissue and therefore the fluids through the different compartments and, over time will stimulate the body to clear it out.
Cupping is quicker than acupuncture, massage or even chiropractic at getting toxins to release and be processed.
Cupping can also help you determine the extent of an issue…
-Demonstrates the severity of the congestion (see below)
-Demonstrates the location of the most congestion and stagnation.
- Can stimulate the liver, kidney, lungs and skin to work more efficiently.
Cupping details.
Does it hurt?  It can feel uncomfortable, especially if the tissue is over congested and tight or you are dehydrated.  So drinkplenty of good water before and after a session.
How long will those marks last?  That depends on how deep the stagnation and how ‘healthy’ your system really is.  Usually the marks last a couple days.  Sometimes, with deep set stagnation that is chronic, a yellowish mark may remain for a couple weeks.  This is an indication that much more work needs to be done.
What should I do about the marks?  Nothing, they are a natural and very expected result of good cupping.  Keep them covered and warm, as the ‘opening’ of that area will release a lot of energy and heat.  You can be more susceptible to chills and further trouble if they are left uncovered, especially for the first day or so.  Also, the marks are more ‘open’ than the rest of the skin, be mindful of what you put on your skin.  Natural and medicated oils will be more potent.
When you make an appointment simply plan to be in the office about 40 minutes.  This gives us time to evaluate, do the treatment, re-evaluate and suggest home/self-care.   Drink water or eat before coming for the treatment, you will relax even more and avoid uncomfortable nausea and dizziness which occasionally occur.
Who should NOT have cupping?
-Open skin, lesions, rashes, inflamed skin
-Sun burned skin… that just hurts…
- Dehydration
-Bleeding disorders, hemophilia, thrombocytopenia (platelet issues)
-Certain medications:  Coumadin, Warfarin, blood thinners etc..
After cupping it is common to feel coolness or a light feeling.  Your energy will go up or down depending on how your body reacts to the cupping treatment.  Best plan is to schedule 4 or 5 treatments over a month period to cleanse the entire area and facilitate healing in the most efficient way for you.
See you soon!!

Dr. Sean at Natural BodyWorks in Parker Colorado is a holistic healer, chiropractor, acupuncturist and dry needle practitioner.    He produces these videos to help patients and friends live better more comfortable lives.  A little levity and education go a long way in his opinion.  All information is original, and opinion of Dr. Sean Thompson for educational purposes only.  Any background music or visuals are incidental and not copyrighted.  Comments and questions are welcomed, and will be responded to as soon as possible.  Dr. Sean runs The Natural BodyWorks in Parker Colorado, has been practicing for over 20 years and is available daily at his office.  Thanks!

Website:  https://www.thenaturalbodyworks.com

YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/c/thenaturalbodyworks

Facebook:  https://facebook.com/Naturalbodyworksparker

Google+: https://www.plus.google.com/+seanthompsonnaturalbodyworks

LinkedIn: Https://www.linkedin.com/in/drsesanthompson

Pinterest; https://www.pinterest.com/thenaturalbodyworks

Twitter:  https://www.twitter.com/naturalbodyworks

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenaturalbodyworks

Discus:  https://discus.com/by/rev_sean

Tumblr:  https://www.tumblr.com/blog/thenaturalbodyworks

Email:  frontdesk@thenaturalbodyworks.com

Phone: 720- 325 9886

Address:  12539 N. Highway 83, Unit B

                Parker Colorado 80134

Here is the text for the Gall Bladder cleanse, you can also see it on my blog https://drseanthompson.wordpress.com/...

The information in these videos are for education only, there is no intent to diagnose, treat or render an opinion.  Any incidental diagrams, drawings, music, video, or other recording are used under the copyright fair use for education and or satire.  Use your own brain, go see a qualified provider if there is any question…

Not responsible for you, you are.

#chiropractor

#chiropractic

#acupuncture

#acupuncturist

#health

#backpain

#migraine

#holistic

#naturalbodyworks

#instachiropractor

#subluxation

Enzymes for inflammation

Enzymes for inflammation

Many people know and understand that enzymes are useful in weight loss as well as for digestion.  However, there is a little known super benefit of some enzymes.  They can help with inflammation including arthritis, sinusitis, and ...

First of all we have to understand what we are talking about.  Enzymes are actually proteins made by certain cell organs called organelles.  More specifically they are made by a little cell organ called the rough endoplasmic reticulum.  The Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum merely means it appears rough under a microscope and that it is inside the plasma or gel that makes the cell matrix.  The 'reticulum' part means the same as a reticulated python, you know those big snakes?  They do not commonly coil but instead just fold up, reticulated.   Anyway, that little organelle (little organ) makes proteins for a living depending on what the nucleus of the cell determines based on the DNA of the cell.  It could be a hormone, a neurotransmitter, a lipid fat, a carbohydrate or even an enzyme.

Enzymes are proteins. Well, most of them are, the enzymes we are talking about here are.   There are at least 50,000 kinds of enzymes that make all your metabolic actions run smoothly.  In fact, you cannot live without enzymes.  Most are what are called catalysts.  Catalysts are things that speed up a reaction.  Think of gasoline as a catalyst to a fire.  It speeds ups a reaction that is already occurring. 

Most of us know enzymes are used to help digest food.  It is pretty well accepted that your enzymes for digestion start to decrease in quality and quantity after about age 35.  This is why some foods will bother you more after 35, especially foods eaten late.  I used to have an 'iron stomach' could eat a hearty meal at ten at night then sleep like a baby.  Now, if I eat heavy red meats after 7:00 p.m. I will be up half the night with some sort of gastric distress. 

Interesting fact.  Pepsi, derived in part from the word pepsin which is an enzyme your pancreas makes to help you digest proteins once was a digestive elixir.  Enzymes have been known for a long time to help digestion.  Pepsi has been on the market since 1898!  To help a condition called dyspepsia.  (basically indigestion, or not digesting well).

Basically, enzymes are proteins, they may help you in many chemical functions of your body including digestion.  Here I will show you how they can help with inflammation.

Now that we understand a little more about enzymes, we can now look at inflammation.
Inflammation is a natural process your body goes through constantly.  Whenever there is an injury to the body the infammatory process begins.  It is controlled by certain white blood cells that help you maintain a good chemical balance in your body. 

Inflammation on a bigger scale has four main signs we can see.  If you get poked by a thorn there is a reaction... actually there are four reactions going on.   In Latin we learned them as Rubor, Calor, Dolor and Edema.  In plain English that is Redness, Heat, Pain and Swelling, respectively.

When there is an injury like a poke from a thorn, white blood cells called Mast Cells, they make and release heparin which reduces blood clotting so things can get to where they need to and histamine which attracts other cells called Macrophages (big eaters) to help in the clean up of an injury and damage. 

Enzymes help this process along and help in the cleanup and repair of the tissues that were damaged.   Some enzymes help those macrophages eat faster or more so they can do more work, some help with repair and others can slow down other process we want to hold for a bit.  These are generally the proteolytic enzymes. 

I had been prescribing patients enzymes for digestion for years before I really looked into the inflammation process and how enzymes can help.  In the 1990's it was still kind of considered a bunch of hooey that nutritional supplements can do much.  There are still some that think that way, but now with more studies and experience (empirical evidence) we are starting to see more acceptance of what works and why.   I was speaking with some friends about their dog which was having problems with some food allergies and fur and skin troubles.  This dog was a big guy and was pretty old so he was showing some slowing down because of arthritis.  They had started giving him enzymes for digestion originally and then noticed that he was doing better on all fronts in just a couple weeks.  They were giving the enzymes as treats, because they were chew-able.  I too was giving my dogs some enzymes commonly for digestion mostly because they liked the smell and taste.  When ever I was taking them they begged me for them.   

Here is a list of some of the most useful enzymes for inflammation.
Protease (breaks up proteins), Papain (from Papaya, good for proteins), Bromelain (from pineapple, a big anti inflammation helper),  Amylase (for carbohydrates and sugars), Amylogucosidase ( ), Celluase (helps with cellulose, the cell walls of plants), Invertase (Changes sucrose to a more usable sugar for cells), Pectinase (helps break down pectin that is in apples and most fruits ), Lactinase (works on Lactose which is a sugar common in dairy ), and Lipase (for lipids and fats).  These main ones not only help you with basic digestion of what you eat, but also help with many processes that can help individual cells.   Some help with reducing the swelling (edema) or maybe increasing blood flow (remember heparin and histamine from the Mast cells?) 

Ok, so now we know more about enzymes and what they can do as well as what inflammation is.  Now what?  Well, I have worked with a company called Xymogen to produce a product just for inflammation AND digestion.  I call it 'Inflamma-Zyme'  It has all the enzymes I mentioned and more! 

I have been getting patients that have had surgeries on it, improving their healing times.  I have prescribed it for people that have chronic muscle tension and even fibromyalgia with really good success.  I don't push supplements at my office.  I do offer them and so far, almost everybody comes back and buys more.  Because it works for them. 

You don't have to buy my supplement, but I would appreciate it.  You could also simply clean up your diet and add foods that naturally have those enzymes or the building blocks of the enzymes. 

So think of these questions if you are considering starting enzymes-
Are you over 35 and have noticed digestion just 'aint' what it used to be?
Do you feel bloated? (That is a sign of inflammation)
Do you have arthritis?  Sinusitis? Fibromyalgia?
Even Ileitis, colitis, gastritis, hepatitis... (Notice the pattern?  Pretty much any word that ends in 'itis' is an inflammation process.
Do you have chronic muscle pains in the back or shoulders?  or pretty much anywhere.
Do you get dyspepsia?

Now, if you answered yes to at least two of those I think your are a great candidate, but don't think it is a panacea (a medicine that cures everything) because it is not.  The body and each condition is very unique and needs a real good look to really be understood.  Enzymes like these can help, but they may only be a small part of a much bigger set of supplements and even medicines you may need to get your body back to its best functioning.

If you want the enzymes that I have from my office you can come on in and pick up a bottle, or contact me via email and we can make sure you get a bottle or two my mail.  They are $23.00 + Shipping and handling which will depend on where you live.    You will get a bottle of 60 vegetarian caps from my very own label:  Dr. Sean's Formulas!

Dr. Sean H. Thompson at Natural BodyWorks in Parker Colorado is a holistic healer, chiropractor, acupuncturist and dry needle practitioner.    He produces these videos to help patients and friends live better more comfortable lives.  A little levity and education go a long way in his opinion.  All information is original, and opinion of Dr. Sean Thompson for educational purposes only.  Any background music or visuals are incidental and not copyrighted.  Comments and questions are welcomed, and will be responded to as soon as possible.  Dr. Sean runs The Natural BodyWorks in Parker Colorado, has been practicing for over 20 years and is available daily at his office.  Thanks!

Website:  https://www.thenaturalbodyworks.com

YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/c/thenaturalbodyworks

Facebook:  https://facebook.com/Naturalbodyworksparker

Google+: https://www.plus.google.com/+seanthompsonnaturalbodyworks

LinkedIn: Https://www.linkedin.com/in/drsesanthompson

Pinterest; https://www.pinterest.com/thenaturalbodyworks

Twitter:  https://www.twitter.com/naturalbodyworks

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenaturalbodyworks

Discus:  https://discus.com/by/rev_sean

Tumblr:  https://www.tumblr.com/blog/thenaturalbodyworks

Email:  frontdesk@thenaturalbodyworks.com

Phone: 720- 325 9886

Address:  12539 N. Highway 83, Unit B

               Parker Colorado 80134

Here is the text for the Gall Bladder cleanse, you can also see it on my blog https://drseanthompson.wordpress.com/...

The information in these videos are for education only, there is no intent to diagnose, treat or render an opinion.  Any incidental diagrams, drawings, music, video, or other recording are used under the copyright fair use for education and or satire.  Use your own brain, go see a qualified provider if there is any question…

Not responsible for you, you are.

#chiropractor

#chiropractic

#acupuncture

#acupuncturist

#health

#backpain

#migraine

#holistic

#naturalbodyworks

#instachiropractor

#subluxation