IRIE NATURAL CENTER FOR HEALTH
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
IV Therapy
What is IV Therapy? What can I expect in an IV therapy session?
There is very little pain involved in introducing concentrated nutrients directly into the vein. The pain is less than that of a blood draw. A local, mild warming sensation may be felt. As the patient rests in comfortable accommodations sensations of energy boosting , relaxation , tendency to sleep, or calmness may be experienced.
IV therapy is preferable to taking pills to achieve the same result. In the case of vitamin C, for example, IV nutrients delivery can achieve blood concentrations far superior to oral (pills or liquid), or intramuscular delivery. An IV of vitamin C can deliver 50 - 100 times the concentration to the blood stream as can be achieved orally, and in a much shorter time. Stomach discomfort from massive pill taking is avoided.
The length of treatment would typically be 30 - 60 minutes. In some cases, depending on the mix of nutrients, the drips could take as many as 2 hours.
Are there any side effects to IV nutrient delivery?
Most people have no discomfort with IV therapy. Diabetics should monitor their insulin and consider eating (or bringing snacks) before treatment as the infusion could affect blood sugar level.
Allergy to a nutrient would prevent infusions containing that nutrient. A patient should inform the doctor of all allergies. Kidney or heart disease or high blood pressure may preclude the use of some of the nutrient IV's. Rarely, some patients, particularly of Middle Eastern descent, may have G6PD deficiencies and cannot receive IV Vitamin C.
What are the benefits of Intravenous Vitamin C therapy?
Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) is an essential nutrient and a powerful antioxidant. IV Vitamin C can provide significant benefit in a number of cancers, such as liver cancer, melanoma, and pancreatic cancer.
High-dose vitamin C has proven to be extremely toxic to a wide variety of cancer cell lines, while leaving normal, healthy cells undamaged. IV vitamin C boosts the effectiveness of several common chemotherapy drugs.
IV Vitamin C is also used to treat colds and flus, chronic fatigue, allergies, wound healing, and inflammation. Some neurologic conditions respond positively to vitamin C infusions. IV vitamin C can raise neurotransmitter levels, and thus can help depression.
What are the IV Vitamin C side effects?
IV applications of Vitamin C have demonstrated few adverse effects. A small group of people, mainly those of Middle Eastern descent, may have a disorder called G6PD (Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase) deficiency, which precludes IV Vitamin C treatment. A simple blood test can be used to rule out this.
Why choose IV vitamin C over taking a pill?
High dose oral vitamin C is notorious for causing gastrointestinal discomfort and diarrhea. In addition, very little of the oral dose is absorbed and most is excreted. IV vitamin C results in much higher plasma and intracellular levels.
Prolotherapy
What is prolotherapy?
Prolotherapy is a nonsurgical treatment which stimulates healing. Short for "proliferation therapy," Prolotherapy is also known as nonsurgical ligament and tendon reconstruction, or regenerative injection therapy.
What conditions benefit from prolotherapy?
Many conditions respond well to prolotherapy, such as chronic tendonitis, tennis elbow, frozen shoulder, whiplash, joint pains, backache, sprains, degenerative disc disease, cervical osteoarthritis and more.
How does Prolotherapy work?
Prolotherapy stimulates the body to heal itself by repairing damaged tissue. A solution of concentrated dextrose and local anesthetic (steroids are not used) is injected into the affected ligaments, tendons, or joint capsules. This solution encourages growth of new ligament or tendon fibers to help repair the damaged tissue. It has the ability to provide immediate temporary relief but treatment is usually delivered at regular intervals over a period of time based on the doctor's assessment of the nature of the pain or injury.
Hydrotherapy
Hydrotherapy, or water therapy, is the use of water (hot, cold, steam, or ice) to relieve discomfort and promote physical well-being. Naturopathic treatment using water has been practiced in many ancient cultures for centuries. Our modern amenities allow us to use hydrotherapy in more precise and innovative ways to alleviate pain and help the body to heal.
Botox
What is Botox Therapy?
Botox is a purified Botulinum toxin and is used to soften facial lines and wrinkles. Botox is injected into the muscle in these areas and works by weakening the muscle, which in turn lessens the lines of facial expression. Botox relaxed muscles do not contract fully. Botox blocks impulses from the nerve to the tiny facial muscles that are related to expression lines.
Are Botox Treatments safe?
Botox injections have been used safely and effectively for several years to treat many non-cosmetic disorders. Thousands of patients receive Botox treatments yearly for a variety of conditions, with reversing the visible signs of aging the motivator. Botox treatments for wrinkles and signs of aging have not specifically been approved by the FDA. Physicians have taken advantage of its properties to perform cosmetics.
What are the side effects of Botox?
Side effects are possible: headaches, bruising, pain at the site of injection, and, in fewer than 1% of cases, drooping eyelids or eyebrows that return to their natural position within a few months.
Botox for migraines?
Botox is used to treat chronic headaches such as NDPH or migraines. Botox is injected into specific areas in the head and neck with very fine needles.
What is the treatment like?
Cosmetic balancing with Botox is a simple and relatively safe procedure. Using a tiny needle, a very small amount of Botox is injected into several locations on the face. Because the needle is so fine and only a small amount of liquid is used, the pain associated with the injections is minimal. You can drive yourself home. Some patients experience a slight bruising at the injection site. This can be covered with make-up. The treated areas will take 5 to 14 days to soften and last 3 to 4 months.
Precautions to be followed: You should not receive Botox injections:- if you have myasthenia gravis - if you have neuromuscular disease such as muscular sclerosis - if you have an allergy to human albumin (eggs ) or to botulinum toxin - if you are pregnant or breast feeding - if you have taken aspirin, Advil or anti-inflammatory medication in the last two weeks.
What to do after Botox injections: Do not lie down for 4 hours after the treatment. Do not massage the treated muscles for 4 hours, this could possibly cause the Botox to spread to the muscles around the eyes.
How long does it last and how often can I receive Botox?
The facial muscle activity varies on both sides of the face causing an imbalance of the facial features and uneven lines and folds of the upper face. The muscles between the brows are very strong and are the first to return after the treatments. In order to maintain a balance to these muscles, it is recommended that Botox sculpting is done every 3-4 months for the first year. This will allow the facial muscles that pull on the skin to weaken, resulting in fewer lines and wrinkles. During the year that the muscles are not as strong, the body gets used to not frowning or pulling on the skin. This learning period then allows the muscles to be less active after approximately 1 year. The Botox may wear off at the same interval of 3-4 months, but the muscle action may be less. With time, some patients will require less frequent treatments as they break the habit of contracting frown lines and other muscles of facial expression. The muscles themselves may weaken from lack of use. Botox usually starts to work at 24-36 hours but the full effect may take up to 7-14 days.
Why repeat Botox Injections?
Injections can be repeated every 3 to 4 months. With time some patients will require less frequent treatments as they break the habit of contracting frown lines and other muscles of facial expression. The muscles themselves may weaken from lack of use. Sometimes an injection does not have sufficient effect and a touch-up is necessary. The Botox effect may take 5 to 14 days (or sooner). Repeat injections are necessary every 3-4 months or sooner in some individuals.
Sometimes the Botox injection is not effective due to the production of antibodies or individual resistance to Botox. Botox effect may also decrease in its effectiveness over time.
Are there any side effects?
Temporary bruising is the most common side effect. Sometimes an injection does not have a sufficient effect and a touch-up is necessary. Occasionally, individuals may be resistant to the Botox injection. Rarely, drooping of the eyebrow or eyelid can occur. Lasting for up to six months, this drooping may be reversible with an eye drop medication. A few patients have reported headaches or flu-like syndrome.
Although extremely rare, double vision has been reported. In some cases, Botox can migrate and cause a temporary weakness of nearby muscles and asymmetry of the face. The risk of any side effect depends on the muscles injected.
Bio-identical Hormone Replacement Therapy
Bio-identical hormone preparations are medications that contain hormones that are an exact chemical match to those made naturally by humans.
Bio-identical hormones produce the same physiologic responses as those of endogenous (body's natural) hormones. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) considers bio-identical hormones to be natural regardless of their source, and as a result they cannot be patented.
Who should use BHRT?
Women who are experiencing pre-menopause or post-menopause symptoms could be candidates for hormone replacement therapy.
Symptoms that might suggest hormone imbalance:
Estrogen Deficiency
Hot Flashes Night Sweats
Dry Skin Vaginal Dryness
Foggy Thinking Headaches
Heart Palpitations
Memory Lapses
Painful Intercourse
Yeast Infections
Low Libido
Bone Loss
Estrogen Excess
Water Retention
Nervousness/Anxiety/Irritability
Breast Swelling and Tenderness
Fatigue
Craving For Sweets
Weight Gain
Fibrocystic Breast
Mood Swings
Uterine Fibroids
Low Thyroid Symptoms
Heavy, irregular menses
Progesterone Deficiency
Swollen Breasts
Mood Swings
Irregular Menses
Depression
Cramping PMS
Acne
Fuzzy Thinking
Joint Pain
Progesterone Excess
Somnolence
Gastrointestinal Bloating
Mild Depression
Breast Swelling
Testosterone Deficiency
Fatigue
Prolonged Mental Fuzziness
Memory Problems
Depression
Decreased Libido
Blunted Motivation
Heart Palpitations
Diminished Feeling Of Well Being
Bone Loss
Vaginal Dryness
Incontinence
General Aches/Pains
Fibromyalgia
Testosterone Excess
Acne
Male Pattern Hair Growth
Deepening Of Voice
Clitoral Enlargement
Irritability/ Moodiness
Insomnia
Loss of Scalp Hair
Fatigue Allergies
Craving For Sweets Irritability
Chemical Sensitivity
Symptoms of Hypothyroidism
Symptoms of Low Progesterone
Bone Loss
Anxiety
Sleep Disturbance
Hair Loss
Elevated Triglycerides
Low Thyroid Function
Fatigue (especially evening)
Low Stamina
Cold Extremities
Low Body Temperature
Dry Skin
Intolerance To Cold
General Aches and Pains
Swollen, Puffy Eyes
Brittle Nails
Low Pulse/Blood Pressure
Poor Concentration
Memory Lapses
High Cholesterol
Heart Palpitations
Infertility
Constipation
Medical Marijuana
Q. What you need to know about Recreational marijuana vs Medical marijuana in Arizona
Marijuana possession and consumption will be legal for adults 21 and older in Arizona sometime in March 2021 (but could be earlier).
Q. Who can legally purchase and consume marijuana in Arizona?
Residents of Arizona 21 and older may possess up to 1 ounce of usable marijuana or 5 grams of concentrate. Patients with a medical marijuana card can possess up to 2.5 ounces every two weeks (14 days) and grow up to 12 plants.
Q. Will recreational marijuana be more expensive than medical marijuana?
Yes, a 16% excise tax (similar to alcohol and cigarettes) will be imposed on recreational cannabis sold at state-licensed dispensaries.
Q. How much can marijuana can I purchase?
Patients 18 and older with a medical marijuana card can possess up to 2.5 ounces every two weeks (14 days), 5 ounces a month. Residents of Arizona 21 and older may possess up to 1 ounce of usable marijuana or 5 grams of concentrate.
Q. Who can cultivate marijuana?
Patients 18 years and older with a medical marijuana card can grow up to 12 plants. Individuals 21 years and older can grow no more than six marijuana plants in their residences, as long as the plants are within a lockable enclosed area and beyond public view.
Q. Why Should I have a Medical Marijuana Card?
The Act prohibits certain discriminatory practices, including:
A school or landlord can't refuse to enroll or lease to a qualifying patient unless failing to do so would cause
the school or landlord to lose benefits under federal law;
An employer can't discriminate against a qualifying patient in hiring, terminating, or imposing employment
conditions unless failing to do so would cause the employer to lose benefits under federal law; and
An employer can't penalize a qualifying patient for a positive drug test for marijuana, unless the patient
used, possessed, or was impaired by marijuana on the employment premises or during hours of employment.
Are there benefits to keeping my Medical Marijuana Card?
Yes, for recreational users: Driving, flying or boating impaired to even the slightest degree by marijuana
would remain illegal. Driving under the influence (DUI) is a misdemeanor (first offense) punishable
by fines, a license suspension, probation and even jail time
For a person who is registered as a qualifying medical marijuana use patient won't be found guilty of driving
under the influence solely because marijuana metabolites were found in his/her system.
1. Q. How much Medicine am I allowed to possess?
A. "Allowable amount of marijuana" With respect to a qualifying patient, it means:
two-and-one-half ounces of usable marijuana.
2. Q. What if I have a designated caregiver?
A. With respect to a designated caregiver, the "allowable amount of marijuana"
for each patient assisted by the designated caregiver:
(i) Two-and-one-half ounces of usable marijuana; and
(ii) If the designated caregiver's registry identification card provides that the designated caregiver is authorized to cultivate marijuana,
twelve marijuana plants contained in an enclosed, locked facility except that the plants are not required to be in an enclosed, locked
facility if the plants are being transported because the designated caregiver is moving.
3. Q. What are the qualifying conditions for medical marijuana?
A. "Debilitating medical condition" means one or more of the following:
(a) Cancer, glaucoma, positive status for human immunodeficiency virus,
Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, hepatitis C, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis,
Crohn's disease, agitation of Alzheimer's disease or the treatment of these conditions.
(b) A chronic or debilitating disease or medical condition or its treatment that
produces one or more of the following: cachexia or wasting syndrome; severe and
chronic pain; severe nausea; seizures, including those characteristic of epilepsy; or
severe and persistent muscle spasms including those characteristic of multiple sclerosis.
5. Q. What is a Caregiver.
A: "Designated caregiver" means a person who:
(a) Is at least twenty-one years of age.
(b) Has agreed to assist with a patient's medical use of marijuana.
(c) Has not been convicted of an excluded felony offense.
(d) Assists no more than five qualifying patients with the medical use of marijuana.
(e) May receive reimbursement for actual costs incurred in assisting a registered
qualifying patient's medical use of marijuana if the registered designated caregiver is
connected to the registered qualifying patient through the department's registration
process. The designated caregiver may not be paid any fee or compensation for his
service as a caregiver.
6. Q. How does the Arizona Health dept define Marijuana?
A: "Marijuana" means all
parts of any plant of the genus cannabis whether growing or not, and the seeds of
such plant.
7. Q. What constitutes Medical use?
A: "Medical use" means the acquisition,
possession, cultivation, manufacture, use, administration, delivery, transfer or
transportation of marijuana or paraphernalia relating to the administration of
marijuana to treat or alleviate a registered qualifying patient's debilitating medical
condition or symptoms associated with the patient's debilitating medical condition.
8. Q. Can a chiropractor or PA sign my certification form?
A: No, only a Physician can. "Physician" means a doctor of medicine who holds a valid
and existing license to practice medicine pursuant to title 32, chapter 13 or its successor,
a doctor of osteopathic medicine who holds a valid and existing license to practice
osteopathic medicine pursuant to title 32, chapter 17 or its successor, a naturopathic physician
who holds a valid and existing license to practice naturopathic medicine pursuant to
title 32, chapter 14 or its successor or a homeopathic physician who holds a valid and
existing license to practice homeopathic medicine pursuant to title 32, chapter 29 or
its successor.
9 Q. Who is considered a qualifying patient?
A: "Qualifying patient" means a person who has been diagnosed by a physician as having a
debilitating medical condition.
10. Q. What is Usable Marijuana?
A: "Usable marijuana" means the dried flowers of the marijuana plant, and any
mixture or preparation thereof, but does not include the seeds, stalks and roots
of the plant and does notinclude the weight of any non-marijuana ingredients combined
with marijuana and prepared for consumption as food or drink.
11. Q. Does the Physician give me a prescription for medical marijuana?
A: No, the Physician does not prescribe medical marijuana but provides a written certification
form. A "Written certification" means a document dated and signed by a physician,
stating that in the physician's professional opinion the patient is likely to receive
therapeutic or palliative benefit from the medical use of marijuana to treat or
alleviate the patient's debilitating medical condition or symptoms associated with the
debilitating medical condition.
12. Q. What is CBD or Cannabidiol?
A. Nonpsychoactive cannabinoid; potent anti-inflammatory.
CBD indications or uses:
Seizures, including epilepsy characteristic
Persistent muscle spasms, including those of multiple sclerosis
Osteoarthritis Pain
Rheumatoid Arthritis Pain
Fibromyalgia
Digestive Disorders such as Crohn's disease, Colitis or Severe Nausea
Diabetes - (blocks development of diabetes type I)
Anxiety
PTSD
Schizophrenia
insomnia- modulated sleep
New Daily Persistent Headache (NDPH)
13. Q. What are Cannabinoids?
A: Cannabinoids are the active molecules in Cannabis (marijuana). THC, is the most famous Cannabinoid.
It is pscyhoactive (i.e. gets you high). Other Cannabinoids contained in Cannabis include CBD,
CBN, CBC, THCA, THCV, CBG.