Modern Life, Modern Disease

Some of the most widespread diseases found in the minds and bodies of Americans have not been around that long. Fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, autism, interstitial cystitis and certain types of cancer are just a few. Some of these diseases became more prevalent around the time of the Industrial Revolution, a short 200 years ago, when we as a human race sped up innovation, manufacturing, and international trade. The pace of life quickened, incomes and responsibilities began escalating, and exposure to new chemicals and toxins became a norm. That time in our history really was another renaissance. There have been some drawbacks to all that change, however. Hospital admittances due to food allergies are increasing thanks in part to synthetic food additives. People are getting less exercise, less sleep and less sun exposure due to long hours working and commuting. Anxiety and depression are very common in part due to a reduction in communal experiences, while battling these many new diseases and toxins, thus overloading the immune system and exhausting our nerves and hormones.

It is good to challenge our companies and our governments to act in favor of progress that incorporates the health of our bodies and our planet. As we know, this takes considerable time and money. In the meantime, it is up to each and every one of us to take responsibility for ourselves. Take control of your own health so you can reverse these diseases or, better yet, prevent them altogether before they become a problem.

Control what goes in your body. Choose local, organic foods. Drink purified water. Choose natural products for clothing, bedding, furniture, and building materials.

Control what leaves your body. Get acupuncture and herbal medicine to aid in your elimination of toxins through your sweat, urine, and bowels. Better yet, embark on a personalized program of detoxification for a more effective, comprehensive cleanse.

Pace yourself. Work is important but so are you. Prioritize time for exercise and make sure you have fun while doing it. Spend time with joyous people engaging in joyous activities. Get regular sleep. Go outside.

For more guidance on preventing or treating disease, or about the things to include or to avoid in your diet, home, relationships, and your life, consult your Tao of Wellness practitioner.

Patient Testimonial

A year ago my primary care physician referred me to Jason Moskovitz as a last resort to deal with my interstitial cystitis, a chronic inflammatory condition of the bladder. I was a fit and active middle-aged man, in otherwise perfect health, who was used to running every day and hiking on weekends. I could no longer do any of these things. I couldn’t work. I suffered from chronic pain, lack of energy and sleep deprivation from frequent urination every 30 minutes throughout the night. It came out of nowhere, and according to Western medicine there was little I could do. I was admittedly skeptical about acupuncture when I first came to see Jason, though I was suffering greatly and needed help. Jason gave me a treatment plan and a timeline as to when I could expect improvement. Six weeks later, as forecast, my symptoms began to lessen. Now a year later I am largely symptom-free.

The chronic pain is gone. I run regularly and hike again, and can work again. I’m incredibly productive and optimistic, as both my head and body are in a far better place. Jason went beyond treating just my symptoms and sought to care for my whole being. Jason gave me my life back and I’m eternally grateful.

With Gratitude, Daniel Winograd