Find a D.O. (Doctor of Osteopathy)
IN THE UNITED STATES
The Osteopathic Cranial Academy (OCA) Physician Finder
The Osteopathic Cranial Academy (OCA) provides an international online search utility that will locate DOs, MDs, and Dentists who are members of The Cranial Academy and include the cranial concept in their practice. It is a comprehensive but incomplete listing.
American Academy of Osteopathy (AAO) Physician Finder
The American Academy of Osteopathy (AAO) is the organization that oversees osteopaths who do traditional manual manipulation. The site provides an online “Find a physician” locator service for physicians who do osteopathic manipulation in the United States.
American Osteopathic Association (AOA) Physician Finder
Today, one third of graduating physicians in the United States are osteopaths. However, most osteopathic physicians (DOs) go into traditional medical or surgical specialties. If you would like to find an osteopathic physician familiar with osteopathic concepts in a more conventional medical specialty such as internal medicine or surgery, you can find one on the website of the American Osteopathic Association (AOA). The AOA is the osteopathic equivalent of the American Medical Association (AMA).
While some DOs do include at least some basic osteopathic manipulation in their practice, there are only a small number who specialize in OMM/NMM (Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine/Neuromuscular Medicine).
Important questions to ask when looking for an American trained osteopathic physician who practices “hands-on” manipulation (OMM/NMM):
-Do you practice osteopathic manipulation?
-What percentage of your practice involves manual manipulation? (I recommend finding someone who does 60%-100% manual manipulation)
-What style of manipulation do you practice?
-What percentage of your practice is cranial manipulation?
Ideally, it’s preferable to find an osteopathic physician who practices at least 80% OMM/NMM (Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine/Neuromuscular Medicine). In the US, consider finding a practitioner who uses Cranial Manipulation and who has participated in either the Osteopathic Cranial Academy (OCA) or the Sutherland Cranial Teaching Foundation (SCTF). Styles of manipulation can range from very subtle to thrust techniques common in the chiropractic world.
Medical/Health Research Internet Sites
US National Library of Medicine (with listing of reputable research databases)
WebMD
American Academy of Family Physicians Consumer Website
The NNT (Quick summaries of evidence-based medicine put together by a patient-centered group of physicians)
Environmental Working Group (Info on health/toxics, farming, natural resources, energy choices, chemical index, water and filters, consumer products, pet health, etc)
Dr Weil, MD (Good information on Nutrition, Aging, and Optimum Health)
Functional Medicine Journal
TEDMed
Health Unlocked: The largest health care moderated online support network for patients and caregivers.
Smart Patients: An interactive forum of information sharing for patients and caregivers.
Functional Medicine
FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE seeks to identify and address the root causes of disease, and views the body as one integrated system, not a collection of independent organs divided up by medical specialties. It treats the whole system, not just the symptoms.
Functional medicine can be practiced by those with the following degrees: MD, DO, DC, ND, DDS, DPM, OD, RPh, PharmD, DPT, PA, LAc., RD, LNPs, a BS in nursing, Health/Wellness/Life Coach, and Nutritional Therapists, among others.
The Institute for Functional Medicine
Functional Medicine Journal
Silicon Valley Health Institute (SVHI): Monthly meeting in Palo Alto with both local and nationally known speakers on various topics of health. All lectures are video-recorded and posted on youtube. The website lists speakers with talk links and transcriptions.
Dr. Laura's Favorite Products
Yoga Tune-up Therapy Balls (Uses balls and other props to roll out tension)
Bheka Tadpole Versatile Mini-Bolster
MELT Method (Uses balls and other props to roll out tension)
Foot Rubz (Get the
Green
ball, not the brand that’s a red ball and made of harder plastic). These are easily found online and at many running stores.
Correct Toes: Helps to align toes to reduce the risk of bunions
Calf Stretching:
Professional Wooden Adjustable Slant Board
($75-$150 depending on source. Don’t get the rocking calf stretch stretcher as it can CAUSE plantar fasciitis. Wood is sturdier than plastic.) I’ve found the best pricing on Amazon and Ebay. Just do an online search and you’ll find various sources…
Yoga Mats: My favorite is Hugger Mugger 1/8 inch. It isn’t too heavy and doesn’t have a strong rubber-like smell like some mats I’ve encountered. Good grip.
Caldera Releaf Neck Brace: My favorite portable neck brace for sleeping upright on trips
Chi Machine - Good for stimulating lymphatic drainage
The Back Bubble - Home lower back traction device
Om Gym (Yoga sling inversion system)
Allman Products Medical Supply - Foam Leg Wedge
Style #0917 (8"x20"x25") - this is the one I use in my office
Ikstar Memory Foam Lumbar Support Back Cushion
Retail and Online Stores:
Ball Dynamics: Equipment for Exercise, Movement, and Play (balls, bands, mats)
Yoga Props (SF)
Relax the Back (National Chain with health and ergonomic related supplies)
Medical Supplies including Back, Knee and Ankle Braces:
Don Joy: Braces and rehab equipment
Don Joy Lumbo-Sacral Brace
Core Products: Braces and rehab equipment
Core Products Lumbo-Sacral Brace
Cold/Hot Gel Pack Company:
Col Pac (Available at "Relax the Back" and medical supply stores as well as online)
EMFs
Current research and findings now show significant health impacts of EMF radiation on the human body. Biological impact of such technologies are especially concerning regarding children, who are more susceptible given their developing bodies and thinner skulls.
Of note:
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California Dept. of Public Health Director, Dr. Karen Smith, concedes the health risks and recommending we minimize exposure.
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International Association of Firefighters (IAFF) have fought to keep such technology away from their firehouses where strong men spend many days a week, claiming “digital cellular antennas can have serious health effects on cell cultures, animals, and people.” Imagine what such exposure would do to children.
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Children are more at risk due to their thinner skulls and developmental stages.
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Thousands of studies showing biogenic harm to animals while the FCC has only offered thermal impact studies. The FCC has not performed its due diligence in performing the safety studies and hence we do not want our children exposed to hazardous environments until they can determine with absolute certainty there is no potential for harm.
For in depth analysis of the available data on the dangers of very low exposure levels (non-thermal levels) to electromagnetic fields and radiofrequency radiation see:
The Bioinitiative Report 2012 at
http://www.bioinitiative.org/
The report of the International Association of Fire Fighters
Jeromy Johnson: International expert on EMF.
The above link to his website contains EMF info, research, links, as well as his informative 16 minute Berkeley TEDx Talk "Wireless Wake-Up Call".
Paul Dart, MD (Eugene, OR), a brilliant senior level physician, colleague, and speaker, is also very concerned about EMF exposure and smart meters. Below are links to one of his talks (the first 1-2 min intro to his talk is difficult to hear...hang in there until Dr. Dart starts speaking at 1min 40sec).
Smart Meter Health Hazard Dr Paul Dart Unpaid Expert Part 1
Smart Meter Health Hazard Dr Paul Dart Unpaid Expert Part 2
"The truth about mobile phone and wireless radiation" -- Dr Devra Davis (University of Melbourne): Another informative (and concerning) lecture on the effects of cell phone radiation on our brains, children's brains, and reproductive organs. If you carry your cell phone in your pocket, bra, or hold your cell phone to your ear to talk, I highly recommend watching this.
For those of you wondering about EMF exposure in your homes, there are numerous experts who make a living by coming into your home, measuring EMF levels, and helping you problem solve how to minimize exposure. For example, helping you strategize the location of your wifi modem to minimize impact on your sleep. Wifi is one of the variables implicated in insomnia.
Continuum
CONTINUUM (A gentle type of therapeutic movement)
Find a Continuum Movement Teacher (US or Abroad)
Continuum classes and workshops worldwide
Intrinsic Movement video - Emilie Conrad and Susan Harper - Inspiring demo of the flexibility, adaptability, and dexterity of bone as living tissue
Bonnie Gintis, DO - Osteopath, continuum teacher, author (VT based)
Audio interview with Bonnie Gintis
Continuum Montage (Susan Harper)
1653 18th Street #3A
Santa Monica, CA 90404
P: (310) 449-6653
Barbara Karlsen (Marin): Continuum Teacher, Somatic teacher, transformational coach, and eco-philosopher
Ajaya Sommers (SF Area, Maui): Continuum teacher, Wisdom teacher, and Cranial Sacral Therapist
Elimination Diet
An
Elimination Diet may be of benefit to those suffering from chronic ailments related to digestion, the immune system and inflammation, joint pain, allergies and skin conditions, fatigue, and chronic headaches. Infants suffering from chronic ear infections or skin conditions may also benefit (in which case, the mother would alter her diet or the infant’s formula). There is an ever-growing body of evidence that our gut, brain, endocrine system, and immune system are intricately linked.
Many labs exist to test for possible sensitivity to certain foods and allergens. These tests are often not run by traditional allergy clinics or classically trained GI specialists. However, even with testing, there is always the risk of false positives (when the test falsely shows you DO have a reaction to a substance when you DON’T) and false negatives (when a test falsely shows that you DON’T have a reaction to a substance when you actually DO). Therefore, the most reliable and cost effective way to test whether your body is negatively reacting to something you are eating is by doing an Elimination Diet.
An Elimination Diet is generally done over 2-4 weeks, in which the major categories of triggering foods are eliminated from one's diet. Then, each food category (gluten, dairy, soy, etc) are slowly reintroduced one by one, to determine whether there is an offending food category.
Food allergies are generally obvious and result in symptoms such as rashes, hives, and stomach cramping. However, food sensitivities can be subtle and result in such vague symptoms that a person can eat the offending food for years and not realize it’s the cause of their malaise.
There are many types of elimination diets out there with some variance in information. I have listed a few below:
Elimination Diet per Dr. Alan Gaby, MD
FODMAPS diet (A type of elimination diet)
Elimination diet by the Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM)
- Recommended
Elimination Diet Comprehensive Guide
Elimination Diet Food Plan
Elimination Diet Weekly Planner & Recipes
Anti-Inflammation Diet (Note, some foods that are ok in the anti-inflammation diet are NOT ok in the elimination diet)
Anti-Inflammatory Foods
IF YOU ARE WONDERING WHAT YOU CAN EAT, here are some helpful websites with articles, guidance, and recipes. One also has a week by week guide about how to go about doing the elimination diet, what to eat, what to introduce when, etc.
http://www.nourishingmeals.com/2010/01/elimination-and-detoxification-diet-its.html
http://wholelifenutrition.net/elimination-diet
Dr Hyman,
Dr. Axe, and
Chris Kresser (Berkeley) also have great resources on their websites.
Mattresses, Pillows, and Linens
Choosing a mattress can be overwhelming and many ask “What’s the best mattress?” Alas, the perfect bed is the one you sleep well on and is as individual an experience as buying shoes. Some sleep better on firm mattresses and some on softer mattresses. You just have to try them out to really know.
My main concern relates to the chemicals used in bedding, furniture, carpeting, and upholstery industries - infamous for soaking their products in chemicals that research has shown cause:
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Endocrine and thyroid disruption
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Impacts to the immune system
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Adverse effects on fetal and child development
These chemicals are often masked by benign sounding names such as “flame retardants” and have a significantly greater impact on children.
Exposure to these chemicals not only occur in our homes, but also cars, airplanes, offices, stores, and even playgrounds.
The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences article on flame retardants
Center for Environmental Health article on flame retardants
Environmental Working Group: How to Select a Healthier Mattress
One Indoor quality specialist objectively shows you how many VOCs are released from a Casper mattress (VOCs = Volatile Organic Compounds). A level of 200 is a normal outdoor air level. This video shows you that VOC levels go up 15,000 with this particular mattress sample.
Indoor air quality specialist: How long does it take for mattress VOCs to off-gas?
Dr. Laura’s favorite mattress (and pillow) stores:
European Sleepworks (Berkeley) – Natural Mattress Systems
McRoskey (Palo Alto, SF)
Saavy Rest (Berkeley, CA, + Online store)
Earthsake Natural Bedding (Berkeley, CA)
Nest Bedding (Palo Alto, Berkeley, CA, Los Angeles, Chicago, and NY)
Naturepedic (Campbell, CA; Los Angeles, and Denver)
Coyuchi
Cannabis
Society of Cannabis Clinicians
RadicleHealth (Walnut Creek, CA) - Nurse practitioner run clinic with excellent information and counsel. In person and computer/remote consult options.
www.radiclehealthcare.com
Synergy Wellness (West Marin, CA)
Medical Cannabis CBD specialists. Organic, small batch products.
Phone consults available
www.synergycbd.com
Natural Healing MD (Berkeley)
Dr Laurie Vollen, MD, MPH
Providing evaluations, recommendations, house calls, and support.
www.naturallyhealingmd.com
Frank Lucido, MD and Maria Mangini, NP (Berkeley, CA)
Practicing evidence based cannabis support over 35 years. Serving adults and children. Legal counsel also available.
www.drfranklucido.com
Law offices of Omar Figueroa
To acquire a doctor’s recommendation online:
NuggMD.com
Pelvic Physical Therapy (Pelvic PT)
A little known and invaluable resource for those suffering from conditions such as incontinence, benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH), and painful intercourse.
Comprehensive Pelvic Health Care Professional Directory (USA and International)
Leslie Howard Yoga: Providing private instruction and workshops for men and women suffering from pelvic floor related challenges (SF Bay Area Based International Yoga Teacher): Highly recommended! See her book as well.
Arvigo Techniques of Mayan Abdominal Therapy: A Mayan rooted tradition of working with the abdominal and reproductive organs.
Running
Chi Running (Ergonomically sound approach to running to minimize injury and maximize performance.)
Medical Issues
CONCUSSION
Healing Pain and Injury by Maud Nerman, D.O.
This book (and accompanying DVD) is a wonderful resource for both health care providers and those suffering from concussion. It’s written by an osteopathic colleague who is nationally known for her work with concussions and traumatic brain injury. It is very comprehensive and yet easy to read.
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DENTAL AND ORTHODONTICS
https://alftherapy.com/
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IBS
Here are some IBS related resources that you may find informative:
Medscape/emedicine online information
Rome Criteria for IBS Syndrome Diagnosis
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PETER GIBSON, Head of Gastroenterology and IBS expert
Beating the Bloat: The FODMAP diet and IBS: 2013 Central School Public Lecture (good one) - 1 hour 20 min lecture by Peter Gibson. (Excellent!!!)
Professor Peter Gibson is Head of Gastroenterology at Monash University and an internationally renowned expert in the field. On October 30, 2013, he presented on the problem of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and gut symptoms in general and about the world-wide fascination with dietary cures. He describes the controversy surrounding wheat intolerance, the most current research, and outlines the new dietary approach, the low FODMAP diet, that is changing the way doctors and dietitians help people with IBS to manage their problem. The lecture was part of 2013 Melbourne Knowledge Week.
See more:
http://www.med.monash.edu/cecs/gastro...
Inquiries: Email the Monash FODMAP team directly at
fodmap.feedback@monash.edu.
Animation:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z_1Hz...
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MARK HYMAN, MD
Mark Hyman, MD. 5 Simple Steps to Cure IBS without Drugs (8 min)
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DR DANI, MD
Dr Dani's MD - 7 Steps to Cure IBS Without Drugs: (5 min)
Dr Dani's MD - How to Treat IBS Using the Brain Gut Connection: (5 min)
Dr. Dani's MD - IBS Diet Part 1 - Foods to Avoid with IBS (5 min)
Dr. Dani's MD - IBS Diet Part 2 - IBS Foods to Avoid (3 min)
Dr. Dani's MD - IBS Diet Part 3 - Eating for IBS (5 min)
(Note: Soft drinks and artificial sweeteners are highly suspect)
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Diagnosis of IBS. Youtube 20min video by William Chey, MD (medical lecture)
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IBS BOOKS:
IBS: Free at Last! Change your life, change your carbs with the FODMAP Elimination Diet, 2nd edition
The Complete Low FODMAP Diet
Eating for IBS:
IBS, the First Year. An essential guide for the newly diagnosed
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SCOLIOSIS
National Scoliosis Foundation
Elise Browning Miller (Peninsula)
Schroth Method: Exercises for scoliosis
Julie Altschuler, PT: Schroth Method practitioner at PT works in Los Altos, CA
Scoliosis
National Scoliosis Foundation
Elise Browning Miller (Peninsula)
Schroth Method: Exercises for scoliosis
Julie Altschuler, PT: Schroth Method practitioner at PT works in Los Altos, CA
Dental
HOLISTIC (AKA BIOLOGIC) DENTISTRY:
International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology:
https://iaomt.org
North American Association of Facial Orthotropics:
https://orthotropics-na.org
Holistic Dental Association:
http://holisticdental.org/about-us
Mercury Free Dentists:
https://www.mercuryfreedentists.com
Mercury Free Now:
https://www.mercuryfreenow.com
Marcela: Why a Mercury-Free Dentist Matters:
https://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2018/01/23/mercury-safe-dentist.aspx
Oloph Granath, DDS (Sonoma County):
http://www.stunningsmiles.com
Sook Hong, DDS (Sunnyvale): Functional mouth appliances, ozone therapy, mercury detox.
http://sookhongdds.com
ALF THERAPY
(A gentler and arguably more physiologic/functional appliance than the Crozat device)
Information and Referral info:
https://alftherapy.com
Randy Miller, DDS (San Jose): TMJD, ALF for kids/teens
Mona Moy, DDS (Oakland): TMJD, ALF for all ages
James Bronson DDS (Santa Cruz & Virginia): ALF for all ages
OTHER FUNCTIONAL DENTISTRY:
American Academy of Gnathologic Orthopedics (Crozat device):
https://www.aago.com
Brian Hockel DDS (Walnut Creek)
Mark Abramson, DDS (Redwood City): Sleep apnea and TMJ specialist
TONGUE-TIE RELEASE:
Shervin Yazdi, DDS (Castro Valley): Pediatric tongue tie release
Soroush Zaghi, MD (LA and Walnut Creek): ENT, sleep surgeon, tongue tie release, snoring, sleep apnea, airway development:
https://www.zaghimd.com
Note: There are a number of Facebook groups on Tongue Tie w/lots of information from "out there" to helpful.
ORAL MYOFUNCTIONAL THERAPY
(Think "PT for the mouth")
Academy of Orofascial Myofunctional Therapy:
https://aomtinfo.org/myofunctional-therapy/
Kathy Winslow (Peninsula, Half Moon Bay, Berkeley):
http://kathywinslow.com
Carly Schneider (Marin):
https://www.carlyschneiderorofacialmyology.com/about.html
Virginia Downing (East Bay):
http://orofacialintegrity.com
Note, orofacial myofunctional challenges (such as TMJD, altered facial bone development, and sleep apnea and other airway challenges) are often best addressed by a team of providers which commonly includes a dentist familiar with osteopathic concepts, a traditional "hands-on" osteopath who is familiar with concepts of orofacial myofunctional development and airway issues (there are courses on these topics for providers), and an orofacial myofunctional therapist (think "PT for the mouth"). Each of these providers offers a unique and important role in maximizing the speed and efficacy of the corrective process.
A dentist familiar with osteopathic concepts understands the importance of proper facial bone development, and how to work with gentle and relatively non-invasive appliances such as the ALF which work WITH the body's physiology (AKA functional appliances).
Thanks,
Laura
