by Setareh Moafi, Ph.D., L.Ac. & Salvador Cefalu, M.S., L.Ac.
Once you’ve listened, let us know in the comments below — what do you think of this alternative tool to empower your health?
Our guest today is Dr. Therese Walsh-Van Keuren, a licensed acupuncturist who received her Ph.D. from the American University of Complementary Medicine and studied extensively with 88th generation Daoist Priest Dr. Jeffrey Yuen. Dr. Therese Walsh-Van Keuren is an accomplished researcher, author and teacher. She currently practices natural medicine in Los Gatos, California.
What is Thermography?
Thermography is used as an early detection tool that uses heat sensors to image blood flow in body tissues. Originally used by biologists to detect life forms under land or sea, the technology was later modified for clinical settings.
Though thermography can be used to scan the entire body, its usefulness is often attributed to monitoring breast tissue irregularities and possibly detecting early signs of breast cancer. Among other things, thermography has also been shown to detect early signs of osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. In essence, thermography detects anomalies in the body that shouldn’t be present.
Although thermography is a great tool, it’s not a replacement for mammograms. As a less invasive alternative, thermography offers a safer option to monitor and track irregularities in breast tissues over time. If for instance, thermography results are showing irregularities a mammogram may become necessary to corroborate thermography findings.
Chinese Medicine & inflammation
Since thermography essentially detects inflammation, it can also serve as a powerful tool from the Chinese medicine perspective.
According to Chinese Medicine, inflammation or heat often stem from the Stomach & Liver organ systems, both of which run through the breasts. Since the Stomach is part of the gastrointestinal system, it’s important to be conscious to cultivate a low inflammatory diet.
Thermography can offer guidance as a preventative tool in detecting inflammation in these regions. This is especially true for the liver since inflammation on the breast can also be a warning signal that the liver is congested.
Although thermography can help detect inflammation in the body, naturally healing the inflammation requires patience and understanding of the underlying causes. As a next step, it’s important to find the tools and resources necessary in order to address the inflammation. Dr. Walsh-Van Keuren works with her patients to develop herbal formulas and dietary changes known to help reduce inflammation and help the body heal.
As a holistic medicine practitioner, Dr. Walsh-Van Keuren emphasizes on the importance of treating the human body as an extension of nature. For this reason, it’s very important to address the entire human being and their emotional and physiological stressors in order to bring about healing and harmony in the body.
Tips to reduce inflammation
Lymphatic massage occasionally in order to increase blood flow in your breast tissues.
Increase movement — shake, move or jump in order to increase circulation.
See an acupuncture practitioner in order to address underlying causes of inflammation.
References
Dr. Therese Walsh-Van Keuren’s website: truechi.com (thermography offered once per quarter)
Once you’ve listened, let us know in the comments below — what do you think of this alternative tool to empower your health?
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