PRACTICE DESCRIPTION Dr. Wilcher's practice is unique in that he is one of only two practitioners in the west who holds three licenses, Chiropractic, Naturopathic, and Acupuncture. He incorperates acupuncture (needles, electrical, cold laser, cupping (suction over an acupuncture point), and Tei Shein{a non-piercing ball tipped probe}), Chiropractic (including cranial, extremities, physiotherapy, soft tissue, spinal adjusting, kinesiology (muscle strength testing), and orthotics, counseling, homeopathy (classical and combinations), naturopathy (phytotherapy {herbs}, massage, nutrition, protomorphogens (DNA like blue-prints for rebuilding tissues and organs), hormones), bio terrain, hair, standard labratory tests, and Spectra Vision which measures stressresponses through non-cognitive biofeedback. ACUPUNCTURE Acupuncture simply stated, to most Westerners, is a health science which is used to successfully treat pain. But, far more importantly it normalizes bodily, mental and emotional functions. Historians have stated, "More people have benefited from Acupuncture over the course of fifty centuries than the combined total of all other healing sciences, both ancient and modern". Needles obviously still have their place in clinical practice, however, many physicians certified in Acupuncture are now also employing non-piercing electronic and laser stimulation to acupuncture points with equal effectiveness as the needle. BIO-ENERGETIC MEDICINE (SPECTRAVISION EXAMINATION) A SpectraVision examination allows the doctor to obtain large amounts of information, about how well your body is functioning, that is not available by traditional medical testing. This is because standard diagnostic tests usually are looking for an indication, or substance, that is present after the damage is done. On the other hand the SpectraVision examination is primarily designed to determine imbalances or disharmonies before the damage is done; when it is generally much easier and less expensive to correct. The SpectraVision exam is commonly referred to by layman as a "computer tune-up". In reality it is an advanced research devise that measures stress responses through non-cognitive (you will experience no sensations while the test is being performed) biofeedback.A SpectraVision examination functions via skin resistance pathways (acupuncture meridians, but requires no needles), with tens of thousands of micro-frequencies, measuring and comparing numerous electrical components and combinations within your body. < BIO-TERRAIN TESTING Bio-Terrain testing is a state-of-the-art laboratory system which provides an objective analysis of an individual's nutritional and biochemical status in a number of key areas. With this technology nutritional supplements and dietary prescriptions can be objectively targeted for faster and more effective results, saving both time and expense. The progress of a patient can also be accurately monitored by periodic retesting. Bio-Terrain testing is based upon the ancient Chinese law of "root vs. branch". This means, "Treating the (major) symptom and the minor symptoms will also respond" Every farmer knows, "You can't grow healthy plants in poor soil (terrain). CHIROPRACTIC Chiropractic is based on the scientific fact that the living individual is a self-regulating, self-healing being. Regarding safety the New Zealand government's extensive study of chiropractic care, by a licensed practitioners, states that it is 'remarkably safe" for all ages of individuals. While many people equate chiropractic care with a "pinched nerve" that phenomenon is actually rare. Research shows that only 10% to 15% of neuro-musculo-skeletal problems relate to direct pressure on a nerve. More frequently, nerves are irritated, inflamed, swollen and/or stretched causing indirect nerve pressure. The chiropractic adjustment is the science and art of applying a minimal but specific and controlled force to restore normal motion to a joint that is fixated or "locked up" and preventing normal nerve transmission. COUNSELING AND STRESS MANAGEMENT This approach dealing with mental attitudes, various forms of stress and the need for life style changes that are often necessary in order to eliminate the underlying cause of health problems. In addition to counseling and stress management we also employ hypnosis, biofeedback, and other methods can also used to help the patient increase their ability to deal with life's challenges. HOMEOPATHY Homeopathy is a safe, natural and highly specific system of medicine which utilizes extremely small amounts of therapeutic remedies. It has been utilized, in some form, for thousands of years to provide relief from suffering and the healing of hundreds of millions of people worldwide. Homeopathic medicines are completely harmless, in the hands of a competently trained physician, with no unwanted side effects and they are non-addictive. They have been safely prescribed for many years for the hyper-sensitive patient, children, the elderly and even pregnant women. LABORATORY TESTS All standard laboratory tests are available in-house, through local hospitals or from local or national diagnostic laboratories. NATUROPATHY Naturopathic medicine blends centuries-old natural, non-toxic therapies with current advances in the health sciences. Naturopathy health care covers all aspects of family health from prenatal to geriatrics. The Naturopathic Physician is the practitioner who is the expert in natural medicine. The naturopathic physician concentrates on the whole patient and emphasizes prevention and self- care. Naturopathic medicine concentrates on finding the underlying cause of the patient's condition rather than focusing solely on symptomatic treatment. Frequently phytotherapy (herbs) can successfully treat the same diseases that drugs are prescribed for with a much lower risk of side effects, interactions and/or adverse reactions. Hormone imbalances are another major area that Naturopathic medicine routinely deals with much less adverse effects than HTR (hormone replacement therapy). NUTRITION Nutrition refers to both the practice of using foods, vitamins, minerals, etc. to maintain health and their therapeutic use in the treatment of diseases. Scientific research has shown that many conditions can be treated as efficiently with complete, natural food and nutritional supplements as they can with drug, with far fewer complications and side effects. Studies have also documented that hair tests are an excellent means of determining mineral imbalances in the body and how they are stressing the various body systems. NATURAL HORMONE BALANCING Hormones are biochemical messengers that work harmoniously with each other much like the various instruments in a symphony orchestra, and produce profound and highly specific responses in the body. When hormones are out of balance it is like the orchestra is out of tune, or the timing is off. One problem with synthetic hormones is in order to obtain a patent a pharmaceutical company must produce a molecule which has never existed in nature. In other words, it is not the same molecule as your body produces therefore it does not function in exactly the same way. This is one of the reasons why synthetic hormones cause adverse reactions and interactions that your own hormones do not cause. Therefore, we strive to repair the gland and allow it to make your own hormones. ORTHOTICS Orthotics are a prescription flexible, custom-made corrective devise which are worn is shoes. Orthotics assist your feet to maintain their structural and functional balance as you stand, walk, or run. Your feet are the foundation of your body, and they serve you in three important ways; they support your entire body weight, they assist you in moving from one place to another; and they protect your spine, bones, joints, ligaments and tendons from shock stress impact) as you move. Any weakness or instability in your feet can contribute to postural problems, fatigue and pain in the rest of your body. Orthotics keeping your feet in a stable, minimal stress position throughout the day. PHYSIOTHERAPY Physiotherapy incorporates the use of natural forces such as; light, heat, cold, air, water, massage, mild electrical stimulation, magnets, cold lasers, color, sound and music, exercise, and other therapies in the treatment of human disease.s TRACE MINERAL ANALYSIS Trace mineral levels and balance effect health and longevity. The minerals are involved in every function in the living being. Trace mineral analysis is not used to diagnose classic diseases such as diabetes, but as a means of finding the causes of the diseases. Finding the problem and correcting it is far better than just treating the symptoms of a disease. This is because treating symptoms never cures the disease.