People often ask me, "Do all illnesses stem from allergies?" when they read the long list of symptoms lessened by Nambudripad Allergy Elimination Therapy (NAET). Patients have reported relief from such diverse disorders as asthma, arthritis, gastro-intestinal problems, headaches and chronic fatigue syndrome.  Devi S. Nambudripad, D.C., the physician who developed this natural approach to wellness, would say that all or most illnesses do stem from allergic reactions. I prefer the word sensitivities to describe patients' vulnerabilities to many ordinary foods and environmental substances.

            The NAET approach is based on the idea of Qi (pronounced chee) or subtle energy that moves through the body along established routes, or meridians. NAET therapy identifies interruptions in the healthful flow of Qi using a diagnostic process similar to biofeedback. These disruptions are caused when the body secretes toxins as it fights the effects of contact with environmental irritants. Electro-Dermal screening calculates the disruptions to Qi using a complex computer program and a complex piece of hardware. The whole process is fascinating. I had been practicing acupuncture, nutritional therapy, Chinese herbalism, and homeopathy for a number of years before I became certified in NAET. I integrate all these technologies to provide a treatment for the body, mind, and spirit.

            NAET offers a completely non-invasive procedure for accomplishing much the same thing as acupuncture. It resets the biochemical fuses of the body. In Chinese medicine, we would say that NAET restores the flow of Qi. In Western medicine, we would speak of restoring balance to biochemical processes. This is not an exact equation, but it provides a modern explanation for ancient concepts.

CHILDREN WITH AD(H)D -AUTISM

I'm especially encouraged by the improvements I've seen in children with AD(H)D. The younger a child is when brought for treatment, the more effective NAET seems to be in reducing symptoms. Recently, I treated a boy who was not yet 4. He was fidgeting and could hardly keep still for the screening. For this procedure, the client sits in a chair holding a vial filled with a fluid mix that replicates the compounds that commonly cause sensitivities. These include eggs, calcium, Vitamin B, grains, soy, and other nutritional substances that we usually think of as good for us. The patient also is tested for sensitivities to less benign irritants, such as sugars and sweeteners, salts, and Candida. While we waited for the computer printout, the boy bothered his mother. His attention was off in all directions. After the screening, the patient holds a vial for about 15 minutes. It is filled with a natural solution to balance a specific sensitivity. We start with the sensitivity of greatest concern and treat them over the course of several visits. When I went back to the treatment room, the child was sitting on a small sofa next to his mother. They were quietly reading a book together. What a difference in behavior! I like seeing that kind of change without the use of pills, invasive procedures, diet or lifestyle change. So many parents are concerned about the use of medications to controlAD(H)D. This is a safe alternative that works. The earlier the child's hyperactivity can be lessened, the less chance the child will experience behavioral problems and lack of focus.

Wonderful improvements were also noted in a girl I treated with autism whose parents reported great alleviation of her symptoms. Her story was told by Univision news. Some children with autism benefit more than others. AD(H)D is where I've noticed the greatest benefit for children.I outfitted a playroom for children where we redecorated using feng shui. There's a Dutch door so there's no chance of them running out of the room and getting hurt. The top is kept open so that they feel connected to everyone, and we can look in to make sure they are safe. Some children like to hold onto to the vial. If a child won't do that, we may place in the side of their sock .

I've observed equally beneficial results in my adult patients.  A female school teacher, 42, on disability for fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome was able to return to her third-grade students.  A 50-year-old man who'd suffered his whole life from air-born allergies and asthma gave up a medicine cabinet full of medications and went on a camping trip.Adjustments in nutrition, vitamin and herbal supplements provide non-invasive and safe alternatives to traditional medicine for people who are interested in trying new ways of living a life that is healthy in body, mind, and spirit.  David  Sontag, D.O.M.  -  office  is  located  at  18110  NE  19th  Ave., North  Miami  Beach. . If you have any questions about holistic health approaches, alternative therapies, acupuncture, homeopathy, nutrition or Chinese herbs, please feel free to contact him at 305-949-2990 or email him at acudoc@bellsouth.net