All posts by Dr Bill Dean

About Dr Bill Dean

Dr Bill Dean began practicing urology in 1979 and retired from practice in 2011 to begin a complementary medicine fellowship at the Ayurvedic Institute in Albuquerque, New Mexico He has chosen the use of social media to reach out to the many who are interested in exploring an effective systematic approach to IC that is different to what is presently offered by traditional urology practices This can lead to helping people implement the practical applications of this knowledge either with one on one interaction or with support groups New information that can be used to improve health requires changes in habits which are not supportive to change “When the current allopathic healing approach doesn’t have an answer Ayurveda can certainly shed light and help with difficult clinical problems This is because of how the 2 models do their healing” Early in his budding urology career as a resident he researched a condition called chronic urethritis in women Now in retrospect this was his beginning study of IC since it is labeled so many different ways Dr Bill became interested in the complementary medical discipline of Ayurveda with the Chopra organization in 1995 This introduction showed him the science behind the discipline that was grounded in modern physics In 2000 having his own medical problems he sought help at the Ayurvedic Institute and over the years has watched his health dramatically improve Chronic edema from varicose veins cleared, longstanding bowel issues gradually resolved with resultant improved decreased bone density, clearance of longstanding skin lesions, and an improved healthy understanding of relationships He realized tools and techniques that could be used to reverse the disease process But what was startling was that he began seeing healing in a more complete way This improvement in his health brought enthusiasm to use some simple therapies in his urology practice for IC since there were no consistently good results with standard therapies in urology In 2005 he wrote a paper on the results of a study showing the improvement of men women and children using an Ayurvedic nutrition and aloe The results are reported at icdiet.com [http://icdiet.com/] In 6 weeks 91% of the patients had a 50% reduction in symptoms This was indeed exciting and energized Dr Bill to continue expanding on this approach to healing In the ensuing years of practice he continued to help his patient’s pain with what he now calls an energy science of healing This led to the 2010 publication of Foods Heal: Why Certain Foods Help You Feel Your Best [http://bit.ly/cIk3nZ] which uses the nutritional model to show the differences between the current matter science medical discipline and the Ayurvedic or what he terms the energy science medical discipline Says Dr Bill “Many debilitating diseases in the West are not adequately managed since in the matter science medical model the origins of disease are not well understood The energy science medical model has room for how diseases in the body begin This is the key to helping with these debilitating conditions that we have today” So Dr Bill wants to show people who come to him how this energy science of Ayurveda can heal IC “That’s a tall order” he says, “but with my past experience and what I have learned during my fellowship it is definitely possible if IC sufferers want to take on the challenge” Dr Bill is married and has 3 children and 5 grandchildren

Cumin Coriander Fennel Tea: An Antiinflammatory Drink

bladder, bladder pain, chronic prostatitis, fibromyalgia, GERD, IBS, IC, Interstiial cystitis, vulvodynia

indian spices collection on white backgroundFrom an energy science view painful IC flares and bladder pain are a result of inflammation in the urinary channel(UT)  since too much of hot produces inflammation.  Interesting isn’t it that the words burning and flare are used to describe what is physically going on?  I wrote a while ago about the use of the antiinflammatory cocktail using pomegranite juice and aloe vera gel and several of you have contacted me to tell me how helpful this has been.

So here’s another antiinflammatory drink!   This time a tea made from cumin coriander and fennel(CCF) seeds   Due to the cold energy of these herbs they also can be benefiicial in dealing with excess hot in the UT   Create a stash of seeds by placing equal amounts of cumin, coriander and fennel into a ziploc bag and shake it so it’s well mixed   From your stash you can draw one teaspoon and steep in cup of hot water   Or if making a thermos to carry with you during the day placing enough in the thermos for the amount of hot water that will be placed   The tea may need diluting if it gets too strong at the end of the day

Spices = Herbs = Medicinal Effects

Your kitchen’s spice drawer is a medicine cabinet and using spices skillfully over time can produce positive medicinal and physiologic effects  But the converse is also true   If you are using spices randomly and for flavor alone there can be adverse consequences   For example, most spices are heating so they can be provoking if you have IC   Or another example is the use of salt – too much leads to water retention

In general the value of spices is that they buck up our digestive fire or enzyme system responsible for digestion, absorption, and elimination  This is why for us in the northern hemisphere at this time of year the use of spices is important because our digestive strength gets diminished

Cumin coriander and fennel uniquely have an energetically cold effect to the physiology when using them and so are particularly useful in dis-eases with lots of inflammation with poor or impaired digestive strength   Cumin(not to be confused with curcumin from tumeric) is a unique digestant in that it bucks up digestive strength but brings balance to the GI tract   Coriander seeds come from the plant we get cilantro   The use of the fennel bulbs in the fresh vegetable section can give you a double whammy if you cook with it as a vegetable

Another interesting aspect of CCF is that all 3 herbs resonate with the UT   They are specific to the UT channel and therefore bring their cold quality to the UT mucosa

What’s Hot and What’s Not?

Of course not all spices are created equally   For the easiest way to find which spices are safe to use go to icdiet.com   There are grades or shades of hot within each herb so within the Favor list there are those asterisked    These are spices that should be used in moderation

Notice the positioning of fresh basil and fresh ginger   These are both beautiful spices to use on a consistent basis to bring about balance in the GI tract and improve digestion

Lifestyle Behaviors to Reduce Inflammation

bladder, bladder pain, chronic prostatitis, fibromyalgia, GERD, IBS, IC, Interstiial cystitis

Fire the hot qualityFrom an energy science view the symptoms of interstitial cystitis(IC) are related to the hot quality among others   The burning on urination that feels like razor blades, the suprapubic or vaginal pain, the perineal pain of prostatitis are all related to this energetic quality that is in excess

At this blog I have discussed extensively how the nutritional format is fundamental in clearing symptoms   From my research 91% of patients doing aloe and a nutritional format that reduces this hot quality get 50% relief of symptoms in 6 weeks

But what else can you do from an energy science view to reduce symptoms?  This is one of many unique contributions of Ayurveda in helping us not only understand disease but also how to ameliorate symptoms

The Lifestyle of Over the Top and Inflammation

Let’s feel ourselves next to the stove and feeling the hot quality from the stove top   The hot quality is intense and you can’t stand it for very long without having to pull away  What would it look like if you live an intense lifestyle, that is, the energy pattern of Pitta is in excess and has localized somewhere in your body, let’s say the bladder?   You would be focused, driven and have a tendency for overworking, overeating, overexercising, and overachieving   And have a painful bladder that flares every so often or the bladder is always painful

There is no rest for the weary when Pitta is in excess   And this also becomes stressful for the body maintaining the symptoms of IC

Now for some this driven lifestyle doesn’t fit    Your Pitta excess as seen in the hot quality may have come in other legitimate ways such as types of foods eaten but one thing I can say is that if you have IC with burning on urination then the you have found some way to accumulate this quality

It is now known that DNA is very malleable and changes with our choice making   Inflammation is a phenomenon of DNA and so you can change inflammation and hence your IC by changing your behavior patterns that produce inflammation

Some Observations About Over

A friend once said to me, “The work will always be there tomorrow”   So avoiding burning the midnight oils for deadlines is an important step in helping control overwork   But this business of overworking is at times difficult in the corporate world   Setting times for bed is helpful:  Vata needs the most rest so in bed by 10p and up 630-7a; Pitta 1030p and up 6a; Kapha in bed by 11p and up 5 to 530a   If you don’t know your energy pattern you can do a questionnaire here

There is a  tendency for Pitta to overeat due to hot quality and what it does to the appetite   If you don’t eat your biggest meal of the day at noon you risk having an appetite that can get out of control due to the hot quality

Exercising in the hot midday sun is very provoking to Pitta   Not only are you not taking advantage of the metabolic fire ready to digest your foods but you’re overheating the body in the hottest part of the day

Finally you’re familiar with the hot mental patterns of behavior such as anger, hostility, judgement, criticism, and impatience   Interestingly if you do the nutritional work and pay attention to the behavioral guidelines these mental patterns will subside   That is, if you find yourself being critical and judgmental it will lessen with time

7 Guidelines To Curb the OVER and Resultant Inflammation

1  Get proper rest as noted above according to the time schedules  It’s common for the Pitta energy pattern to demand too much of the Vata pattern which is delicate like a flower and needs rest

2 Eat the biggest meal between 11a and 2p and make this a important part of the day for yourself

3  Eat a alkalinizing nutritional format(google misra and green composite recipe)

4 Use churans in your cooking to improve digestion(see foodsheal.com)

5  lf overheating in your environment, stop and figure out how to cool off

6  A  harried lifestyle of Vata with the above makes the hot quality worse since the movement fans the intensity and heat of Pitta so slowing down by doing contemplative practices such as yoga for exercise or meditation can be helpful

7   Use the evening to wind down but try reducing the alcohol because this provokes the hot quality

In summary it’s not just one thing that you do that will bring your IC symptoms under control but it’s building on top of things  It’s a cumulative effect that pays dividends in reducing symptoms over time   The key is to be aware of the things that can provoke the hot quality to lifestyle behavior choices

Four Ways to Alkalinize Acidity of Pitta

bladder, bladder pain, chronic pelvic pain syndrome, chronic prostatitis, fibromyalgia, GERD, IBS, IC, Interstiial cystitis, vulvodynia

bigstock_Sour_Grimace_1671221The chronic pain from the IC bladder pain syndrome(interstitial cystitis, vulvodynia, chronic prostatitis, IBS, GERD, and fibromyalgia)  seeks a solution but you are told that the “dis-ease is treatable  not curable”

But what would it be like if there was a solution?  Is it possible?  We are led to believe a lie, when we give up hope  And obviously there is no quick fix or IC wouldn’t be a problem  But what would it be like to have your life back?  Too hard to believe?  Well read on

The experience amongst IC patients is that the diet promoted by ICA or ICN may work for some, not for others  Sometimes works for awhile then seems to not work  What gives?  Anecdotal experience at best would be the first thing that comes to mind from such diet recommendations

The Quality of Hot and the Acidity of IC

The energy science views foods as qualities not molecules  This is a complete divergence from mainstream medical thinking  And it stems from how we view the human biology  If we see the mindbody as a group of molecules as well as the food we consume then are limiting ourselves  We know from E=mc2 that matter and energy are interchangeable at a constant  So what is matter is energy and what is energy is matter  We are simultaneously both a particle and a wave form  The current medical model sees only the human biology as  a matter field

And so the dietary recommendations that you follow are molecular based   So the matter science states that it’s the molecule of acid in the urine brings about the symptoms of IC  Eliminate acid provoking foods and the IC is cleared  Ah, if it were that simple!

From an energy perspective the IC pain comes from too much of the hot quality and the frequency of urination comes from too much of the mobile quality  When we eat foods that contain these qualities in abundance you get out of balance and dis-ease occurs

Four Steps to Energy Science Nutrition

The first thing to do is to find out who you are from an energy science point of view  Although not perfect this quiz will help you determine who you are from an energy science view  This is very important because for some a particular food may be balancing for some and completely imbalancing for someone else  A good example of this is the tomato  For PV completely unacceptable and for PK  ok in moderation

The second thing to do is to follow the nutritional format based on the results of the quiz  There are clear instructions as to how to do that at the site foodsheal.com

The third is to begin CCF tea(cumin coriander and fennel seeds in equal proportions together in a plastic bag) by taking a bunch and steeping it in hot water and then sipping on this tea all day  CCF is energetically medicinal to the urinary tract and you guessed it, they all are overall cooling to the urinary channel!

The fourth thing is an alkalinizing diet using green composite protein intake  This clearly will alkalinize the GIT and reduce symptoms

Oil Pulling and IC

bladder, bladder pain, chronic prostatitis, fibromyalgia, GERD, IBS, IC, Interstiial cystitis, Uncategorized, vulvodynia, ,
bigstock-cartoon-wolf-gargling-mouthwas-45111310As I’ve talked about in the past the pelvic bladder pain of the IC bladder pain syndrome(interstitial cystitis, vulvodynia, chronic prostatitis, IBS, GERD, and fibromyalgia) is related to the hot and mobile qualities being stuck in the pelvis  But why do some 60% of IC patients not go on to severe chronic symptoms?  The answer in short form is toxic load in the urinary system that prevents the qualities from naturally being released
Kevala is an ancient energy science technique of swishing sesame oil in the oral cavity for a period of time  It is mentioned in Ayurvedic texts written 1000’s of years ago
Recently this sesame oil swish technique has become known as oil pulling and become a new popular health topic popularized by a Ukranian physician, F Karach MD who in 1992 produced testamonials showing the effectiveness of the technique,  stating that it cculd affect the clinical course of many chronic diseases  And Bruce Fife ND has had clinical experience with the technique and validates its effectiveness using coconut oil
But weighs in Andrew Weil, MD  “Oil pulling won’t hurt you, but I wouldn’t depend on it to help you improve your overall health or treat a significant medical problem”

Matter Science Skepticism

Since the current matter science medical model has no place for the understanding of how such a technique might work, the method is discounted but not necessarily dismissed  Comments such as those by the matter science natural healer Weil go on record being cautious
And there are no studies to date showing its efficacy in disease management  You see the medical model works from a cause effect molecular relationship with disease  Since there can be no cause effect here then the method is seen as a curiosity at best
But there are countless anecdotal experiences of kevala as being health promoting  Others such as those having no repercussions to taste after oral radiation therapy or the improvement in periodontal disease

An Energy Science Explanation

The use of unrefined sesame  oil in the oral cavity creates a medicinal effect to the lining of the mouth with the penetrating effects of the oil reaching the skin  Over time(ears)  this reduces facial wrinkling around the oral cavity
There are reports of improved gum health improving periodontal disease that has clearly been shown to be a risk factor for coronary vessel disease and thus heart attacks
But to anyone who has used this technique for a period of time there is an unmistakeable benefit  Kevala has a distinct effect on the tongue after the oil has been in the mouth and then spit out   The tongue has a characteristic whitish cast to it indicating toxic congestive release from the tissues
The tongue from an energy science perspective is a representation of many organs in the body such as the liver, colon, and kidneys, all of which carry toxic load  This toxic load is in the lymphatics and each taste bud on the tongue has a small lymphatic channel  Toxic load shows up on the tongue as a whitish to brownish cast
When kevala is done it is a invitation for the body to release toxic accumulation from organs in the body  This is why Dr Karach refers to the technique as oil pulling, as toxic load is being pulled from the body
 Energetically what happens during kevala is a negative pressure is set up in the oral cavity which draws the Kapha energy pattern qualities in for elimination 

Many Ways to Detoxify

In the energy science it’s taught that:
1) We should avoid toxifying the body  There are many ways to prevent this from happening  Appropriate nutrition for your body’s energy makeup, avoiding incompatible food combinations, proper rest, proper exercise, etc, etc
2) But as important release those toxins that have accumulated  This can be done in a myriad of different ways and kavala is one of them
Using a mixture of  ¼ teaspoon of rock sea salt with ½ cup of warm water and swish and gargle with after kavala brings heat to the load that has been brought to the tongue
The matter science doesn’t even attempt to talk about toxic accumulation is daily living but the energy science says that if you’re not mindful of what choices you’re making it’s a given that you’ll be creating toxic load
So as to paraphrase Dr Weil, “It can’t hurt”  And I would add can be beneficial in many different ways
It is a good idea to clean the mouth with warm
salt water after kavala (chewing or swishing
oil)  The tongue is connected to all the organs,
which allows this process to pull toxins from
the entire body. The liver, colon and kidneys
tend to carry large amounts of toxins. Before
you clean your mouth next time, take a
minute to notice your tongue and any areas of
prominent yellow or white coating. Referring
to the tongue/organ chart shows which area of
the tongue correlates with the organs.
Notice the areas that are affected for you.
Since the oil is carrying these toxins, take care
not to accidentally swallow any of the oil.
It could lead to headache, nausea, and even
fever. Keeping all this toxic business in mind,
it is best not to leave any toxins or residue in
the mouth.

IC and Rejuvenative Herbs

bladder, bladder pain, chronic prostatitis, fibromyalgia, GERD, IBS, Interstiial cystitis, Uncategorized, vulvodynia

Large medicinal herb and spice selection also used in magical poI think it’s pretty much consensus that pharmaceuticals are not the panacea for IC and bladder pain.  At least that was my experience with the IC patients who I worked with.  Herbs offer an alternative to pharmaceuticals and we have discussed a number of them for use such as CCF tea, the use of turmeric in cooking, as well as aloe vera gel.

Herbs fall into 3 categories when looking at their functional effects.  Unlike pharmaceucals one herb category enhances digestive strength in all its various aspects of function, for example turmeric. A second category is composed of therapeutic herbs that solve very specific problems, such as aloe vera gel. Taken alone they are not as effective, but done with nutritional work they can be highly effiective. Aloe vera when combined with a Pitta-reducing nutritional format can have an almost immediate (one to two weeks) impact on flares.

The third category is a special group of herbs that are rejuvenative. These herbs restore youthful vigor and vitality and are the topic of this post.

Herbs can offer immediate relief in some situations and support the nutrition and metabolic lifestyle behaviors in the long term. But herbs, unlike pharmaceuticals, are not primary but secondary in management. This is a clear departure from current thinking about disease management, but is tantamount to success in dealing with chronic disease. Having said that herbs can help jumpstart a system that is under stress as in cases of patients who have long standing IC and are debilitated.

Rejuvenative Science

Herbs that are rejuvenative in nature are useful because they have the capability of strengthening the fatigued low energy body that has been under the stress of chronic disease such as IC,  while at the same time dealing with the imbalance that is going on.

The interesting thing about rejuvenative herbs is that they have an impact on mind. This can be very helpful for those who are depressed and feeling helpless. It is this particular aspect of rejuvenative therapy that can be quite helpful in creating more space for lifestyle changes.

So the special place that rejuvenatives have is that they impact or shift our DNA which in turn affect our choices in selection of various alternatives presented to us so that you make better choices with respect to the management of IC.  They also help to modify our lifestyle behavioral choices so that old habits that are not supportive of healing IC are easier to get out of.

5 Rejuvenative Herbs

 Aloe vera      I have mentioned this herb numerous times in the past because not only does it offer cooling to the hot urinary tract system but on top of this it is a rejuvenative.  That is, it has the capability of helping you morph lifestyle changes in choice of all kinds.  So for example when making choices about foods that may be not such good choices and choice about foods that are better choices, eg coffee habits. Also choice around lifestyle behaviors that are not conducive to healing and those that are.

Gokshura   Also known as Caltrops this herb targets the water or urinary tract channel and is effective in reducing inflammation but is also good at reducing the incidence of stone formation. It is this latter effect that suggests that gokshura is an important herb in facilitating glycosoaminoglycan (GAG) layer formation. Its best use is in formula, but it could be used in basti (below) due to the GAG-formation enhancement.

Purnarnava    Translated as “that which renews us” this herb also like gokshura has affinity to the urinary channel.  It strengthens the kidneys and in doing so aids in our overall health and vitality.  Its action is more tonifying to the kidney than to the urinary bladder and therefore would be a second line herb in dealing with straightforward IC.

Guduchi   An important rejuvenative for Pitta and nutritive herb to take during recovery periods.  It is a potent detoxifier, buring ama without aggravating Pitta.  It is a great tonic for the immune system .  Taken with ghee it reduces Vata, with sugar reduces Pitta, and with honey it reduces Kapha.

Shatavari  This is one of the more important herbs in reducing Pitta and used for women’s Pitta imbalances around menstruation but in the IC condition is unique in its application, particularly around tea decoctions for bladder therapy below.  It is a rejuvenative as well.  It is useful in treating dry and inflamed mucous membranes.  In addition to its Pitta pacifying use, it also soothes calms Vata.

The basis of selection of which herb to use is based on the individual not on the disease.  So the evaluation of the individual to use targeted therapy is based on who needs it.

Sir William Osler, said to be the father of Modern Medicine wrote, “A good physician treats the disease, the great physician treats the patient who has the disease.”

PS  The forum is UP!!!  Go to ic-solutions.tv and be the first to enter a post or begin a new thread   The effort is to help get your questions answered and share your energy science experiences  

PPS  Please leave a comment about your thoughts about this topic  and like our FB page in the box to the right 

IC and Healing Time

bladder, bladder pain, chronic prostatitis, fibromyalgia, GERD, IBS, IC, Interstiial cystitis, vulvodynia

river coolingHow long does it take to heal IC using an energy science approach?  Obviously this is a common question posed by those doing energy science work for clearance of their IC bladder pain syndrome(interstitial cystitis, vulvodynia, chronic prostatitis, IBS, GERD and fibromyalgia)

As a child you may have asked, “Are we there yet?” and “Now are we there yet?”  So when will this IC be over?   The short answer is, “It’s over when it’s over.”  But to be more specific, in general it takes 2 months of release for every year of imbalance   So if you have had symptoms of IC for 10 years it will take 20 months of work to clear the energy qualities that have accumulated

This would make sense wouldn’t it?  The longer the imbalance the more work is required to get resolution   This doesn’t mean that there will not be improvement of symptoms   The flare intensity get less as the months go by and then the frequency lessens   But real healing takes time!

Are You Particle(Molecule) or Wave?

The body is simultaneously a matter field and an energy field.  The former expresses itself as molecules or particles and the latter as waves of energy   So this is how the energy field expresses dis-ease    In waves

Sound familiar?  The waves are flares that occur in the body.  And they continue to express themselves until you do something about it.  Until you decide to intervene   Otherwise the expression of the excess qualities will continue to occur

Because the matter field is a gross expression of the more subtle energy field, you now can see why dis-ease begins with qualities that then eventually become manifest as particles or molecules in the matter field   This is why I can say with certainty that the matter science will never be able to heal IC with its molecular approach to dis-ease

The Concept of Release

Once the urinary tract is involved with the energy patterns of Vata and Pitta, the symptoms of Vata presence begin episodic expression of light, cold, rough, dry, and mobile which lead to urgency, frequency and a feeling of incomplete emptying of the bladder   Pitta’s presence of inflammation lead to burning on urination, burning pain in the pelvis, vagina, and even rectum due to the sharp, hot, liquid and spreading qualities

These qualities lodge in the urinary tract and express as energy or wave   So the intermittent flares that occur in the body are waves of energetic expression

But what happens when you decide to do things to differently?  You begin paying attention to your day and how you live it   Energy science nutrition becomes important and you start seeing food as medicine   You choose certain herbs that can help with IC and use them regularly

When you no longer support the overexpression of these qualities in the body by the foods that you eat, the body naturally begins letting go of these excess qualities of light, cold, rough, dry, mobile, sharp, hot, liquid and spreading   This takes time but by and by there is lessening of the symptoms that the qualities brought and healing begins to occur

What you see is gradual regression of the symptoms   They do not stop all at once   There is a receding of the complex of symptoms much like the outgoing tide on the beach

IBS and Detoxification

bladder, bladder pain, chronic pelvic pain syndrome, chronic prostatitis, fibromyalgia, GERD, IBS, Interstiial cystitis, vulvodynia

Toilet and IBSThe IC bladder pain syndrome(interstitial cystitis, vulvodynia, chronic prostatitis, GERD, IBS, and fibromyalgia) and the pain of IBS(irritable bowel syndrome) are interrelated on an energy level because gut problems begin the imbalance that leads to IC symptoms   What happens in the gut in IBS eventually leads to problems in the urinary tract because the GIT’s(gastrointestinal tract) digestive power is compromised leading to imbalances in other systems

To be aware of this is to begin the healing of painful IC flares  Why?  Because when you begin to understand the origins of your dis-ease then you can be  empowered to take on the challenges to live the life you once had

And we have seen that there are often psychological similarities between those with IC and those with IBS

The Biological Energy Prototypes and IC/IBS

From an energy science medical view Nature is described in terms of the VPK(Vata Pitta Kapha) frame of reference   Everything in Nature can be seen as these energy patterns and they’re composed of primary vibrational frequencies or qualities that contribute to their expression in the mindbody

As we have talked about in the past from an energy science view they represent who we are in the world and we’re varying proportions of these energy patterns of  Vata, Pitta, and Kapha   They are mindbody energy expressions or combined mental and physical characteristics   And the pain of IC and IBS come as expressions of imbalances of the energy patterns of Vata and Pitta

When there is imbalance of the qualities of hot and mobile the Vata and Pitta energy patterns are provoked and may be expressed as IC and IBS first at the gut level then at the bladder   This is the relationship between these two apparent dissimilar dis-eases

When you are in balance there is no excess of these qualities

When we are out of balance or unbalanced, using our example above there’s an excess of the qualities of mobile or hot  In this way we would see more mobility of thought, movement, and the GI tract as in diarrhea; excessive hot in the GI tract suggesting acid indigestion or heartburn, headache, or the painful flares of IC

Ama and Disease

When the GIT ability to process food is compromised ama is formed  Energetically ama is defined as undigested unprocessed food that leaves the GIT to lodge in various parts of the body  Sometimes this lands in the urinary tract to produce IC in association with the qualities that deliver the symptoms that I just discussed  When the tissues become clogged with this ama over time an inflammatory plugging of the energetic channels occurs and needs to be removed if healing is to take place

What Three Things Can You Do Right Now With This Information?

1  Eat a green protein diet that will support detoxification as you correct the IBS

2 Use a transdermal cream to support the clearing of toxins from the nervous system

3 Use a transmucosal nectar to help with clearing of toxins

IC and Interstim

bladder, bladder pain, chronic prostatitis, fibromyalgia, GERD, IBS, IC, Interstiial cystitis, vulvodynia,

Medical ProfessionalsWhen confronted with a chronic disease two questions usually come up   1  Why is this happening to me?  2  How can I get relief from these miserable symptoms that are plaguing me day in and day out?   The first question will be difficult to answer based on the current model of healing and is based on theory

And the second question is more to the point of “allow me to get comfortable so I can at least function”   This question also has loads of responses doing online searches because you are empathetic to the other’s suffering and want to alleviate it if you can  What would life be like without this chronic pain?  What would I be able to do that I can’t do now?

The Surgical Option and the Overactive Bladder(OAB)

The FDA approval for the surgical use of Medtronic’s InterStim is for the OAB syndrome not IC   And the urinary frequency/ urgency and urge incontinence is improved by the device in about 50-70% of cases as reported in 2009 but  usually doesn’t eliminate completely the voiding difficulty so as to give normal bladder function   The use of the device has carried over into the IC patient group because of the desperate needs of the IC patient to at least control the voiding problem aside from the associated pain

This is to say, the IC pain complex will not be taken care of by the device   As always there are anecdotal reports of pain cessation but this is not what the device is designed for

There will always be a surgical or mechanical alternative to chronic pain or for that matter any problem   Weight loss surgery, pancreatic islet cell transplant for diabetes, and for the OAB  InterStim has become a surgical option in the management of IC   If you pass a 2 week trial period then a permanent stimulating neuromodulator can be placed in a subcutaneous pocket overlying the right gluteal region

The bladder is innervated  by the sacral nerve roots S2-3  By placing needles that emit a low grade electrical current to the nerves going to the bladder, the nerves sending signals from the bladder that urination needs to occur(resulting in frequency, nocturia, and urgency) get overridden by the nerve stimulator   The result is a reduction in the bothersome voiding pattern of OAB but not the pain complex

Complications range from 10-25% and related to the mechanical aspects of the procedure such as infection and dislodgement of the wires due to falling or jarring can occur particularly if the needles are not well seated    At times such stimulation can bring on chronic pain from the placement compounding the problem rather than making it better

The Energy Science Perspective

Surgery is a part of the energy science of Ayurveda discipline   It clearly recognizes that surgery can be the best option in certain patients   But it also brings to the table a rich understanding of the origin of disease and therefore uses the surgical option in a more refined way   When adding the matter science technological approach to disease this can lead to a very effective holistic medical system

With this being said the use of a mechanical device should not be offered unless there has been an adequate trial of nutrition using energy science guidelines  Over the last 10 years I have personally witnessed OAB symptoms resolve using this kind of nutritional approach

As discussed in my book, IC Bladder Pain Syndrome, the OAB separates itself from the disease label of IC due to the pain component   You see the OAB problem is a Vata disturbance of bladder function whereas the IC disease label is a Vata AND Pitta disturbance of the bladder leading to not only the OAB symptoms(Vata)  but the Pitta energy pattern presence leading to the sharp shearing pain of IC that can be episodic and recognized as the flare

Patience is the KEY  Don’t Jump Too Fast

Using a surgical approach is an option  Using a nutritional approach is an option  But if the latter has not been given an adequate trial then that leaves the former as the only viable option

So my suggestion is to not act too hastily and give the energy science approach a really good trial before you open yourself up to the potential problems associated with surgery    And if you elect to have the implant know that the pain may not be affected

IC and Hyperacidity

bladder, bladder pain, chronic prostatitis, fibromyalgia, GERD, IBS, IC, Interstiial cystitis, Uncategorized, vulvodynia,

bigstock_Sour_Grimace_1671221You would do anything to deal with the pain of the IC bladder pain syndrome(interstitial cystitis, vulvodynia, chronic prostatitis, GERD, IBS, and fibromyalgia) especially when flares occur so it would stand to reason that using an antacid of some form would be appropriate since for some it gives them relief of their heartburn but has also been anecdotally reported by some to help with their IC symptoms

Interestingly acid indigestion(heartburn) and GERD are strongly associated with IC  In an online survey done by the ICA:

559 respondents to the diet survey 

84% found diet helped reduced symptoms

59% used Prelief (OTC antacid)             ICA Update  April/May 2004  p 15-16

Perhaps because this was an online survey the results are not available for search at the ICA site any longer but the survey obviously underscores the importance of nutrition and shows the interesting correlation with acid indigestion and IC   From our previous blog discussion this correlation would be expected as the hot quality in the gut moves to affect the urinary system

Two Bowls of Ice Cream and Pharma

My father in law didn’t have IC pain and lived a relatively comfortable life except for anxiety now and then  He had an interesting habit that I think is germane to our discussion today

As a matter of evening routine he would sneak into the kitchen late at night to have his two bowls of Hagen Daz ice cream after which he would take his cholesterol lowering pills(maybe two for good measure!)  Comfortable that he had done his ounce of prevention he would then trundle off to bed

I think most would feel that taking two Lipitor after eating ice cream is …. well not preventative  But isn’t that the same thing we are doing with antacids?  Prelief  is an antacid like many OTC antacids to help with the stomach symptoms of heartburn GERD  Even Tagamet has been used off label for IC    But isn’t that the same thing?

Freedom: But At What Price?

We all want our freedom of choice and the energy science of Ayurveda does not say “Never”  It says that we all have free choice but we don’t have a choice about the consequences of our choices

Drugs and nutraceuticals are not meant to cover over poor food choices that cause the pain of IC which can be managed more successfully without the use of pharma

Of course there is the sentiment “My life is over  All of my favs taken away from me!”  These energy science nutritional formats are not an “all or none” proposition but the more closely you adhere to the format the better you will feel  And after a while you’ll get tired of taking in foods that make you feel sick

In the end the energy discipline can help us with a qualitative scientific assessment of what foods are best for our mindbody energy makeup

Three Ways to Manage Acid Indigestion

Go to foodsheal.com right now and take the quiz    Then choose the appropriate nutritional format and print the pdf format off so you have it to follow

Read the incompatable food combination list and print off that file as well and post both on your refrigerator so you can reference them regularly

Use aloe vera gel(not the juice) on a regular basis (2T three times per day)   Take it to work, travel with it, and make a ritual out of its use

IC and an Ayurvedic Cookbook

bladder, bladder pain, chronic prostatitis, fibromyalgia, GERD, IBS, IC, Interstiial cystitis, vulvodynia

Recently there’s been a release of the best Ayurvedic cookbook thus far written for a Western audience  Cookbook

What makes the book so good is that it’s written by a Westerner under the guidance and direction of an Ayurvedic physician so all the key Ayurvedic principles are there with the help of understanding why you are eating the way that is suggested

This book starts you on the path to healing the IC bladder pain syndrome(interstitial cystitis, vulvodynia, chronic prostatitis, fibromyalgia, GERD, and IBS) because anyone with these problems has toxicity that I have shared with you in the past that is called ama from an Ayurvedic perspective

If you want to heal your gut and get rid of IC you have to detox and this book is a major helping start in that direction

Here’s a link  goo.gl/KUj1wP