ALETRIS Center of Integrative Medicine

Why choose naturopathic medicine for your child?
Today's world is increasingly toxic and deficient. Our children are exposed to more pollutants in the environment and more nutritionally deficient food than ever before. Children are also experiencing higher stress levels than in the past. All of these modern day issues set the scene for chronic conditions like repeated infections, behavioral problems, asthma, allergies, eczema, learning disabilities, obesity, and attention deficit.

Alternative pediatric care can address issues at their onset, correct them, and prevent further development of more serious and chronic problems.

What should I expect?
If your child is here for a well child or well baby exam, you can expect a physical exam which includes an eyes, ears, heart, throat, lung, and skin exam; height and weight; musculoskeletal assessment; head circumference; and neurological exam. Developmental milestones will also be assessed and any specific needs you may have will also be discussed. Your naturopathic physician is also likely to discuss specifics regarding nutrition and physical activity.

If your child is nursing, naturopathic medicine will address any breastfeeding issues you may have. Breastfeeding is an important time in establishing a child's immune system for life.

Specialty testing such as food allergy testing or neurotransmitter testing may be recommended if there are specific health concerns that need to be investigated in further detail.

At ALETRIS Kids, we carry pharmaceutical grade pediatric supplements which are of the highest quality and free of dyes, allergens, and other additives that can be detrimental to a child's health.

Some of the health issues pediatric naturopathic physicians treat:

ADHD&ADD;
Allergies
Asthma
Autism
Colic
Constipation
Diabetes
Diaper Rash
Ear Infections
Eczema
Epilepsy
Failure to Thrive
Immunizations
Insomnia
Obesity
Pylorospasm
Strep Throat
Teething
Tonsillitis
Torticollis
Upper Respiratory Infections
Viral Infections

Other issues pediatric naturopathic physicians will address:

Alternatives to antibiotics
Can I teach my baby to read?
Should my child take an antidepressant?
Should we eliminate all fevers in our children?
Does my child need ear tubes?
Soy milk, cow's milk, rice milk: What's best for my child?
Should I give my child sugar free products?

Please contact us with any questions at info@aletriskids.com or call 480-998-2020.

At ALETRIS in Scottsdale, AZ, naturopathy is a distinct approach to health and healing that recognizes the integrity of the individual. Naturopathic medicine emphasizes the treatment of disease through the stimulation, enhancement, and support of the inherent healing capacity of the person. Methods of treatment include diet, nutritional supplements, exercise science, botanical medicine, homeopathy, counseling, and primary care and preventative medicine.

Clinical Nutrition and Diet Therapy
Naturopathic philosophy is rooted in the belief that food is medicine. For us, food allergy and sensitivity, digestive support, immune support and weight-related dietary change are particular areas of expertise. Many types of diets are prescribed, but an emphasis on a whole foods diet is the common denominator. We also use specific nutrients (vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, fats, amino acids, and injectible vitamins) to control inflammation and brain chemistry, to support the body's response to stress, and to enhance detoxification.

Botanical Medicine
Plants have been used as medicine since antiquity. In fact, 25% of all pharmaceutical medications are based on the active constituents in plants. Many pharmaceuticals attempt to imitate plant actions in a chemically altered (therefore patentable) form. For example, aspirin comes from chemically altering the compound salicin found in Willow bark. Many plant substances are powerful medicines that are safe and effective when used properly. Botanical medicines are not benign and should be administered by trained professionals such as naturopathic physicians, educated on the potential side effects of botanical medicines combined with pharmaceutical prescriptions. At Aletris, we use a variety of botanical medicines such as whole plants and extracts from plants in single or combination formulations.

Lifestyle Counseling
Mental attitudes and emotions are important factors in overall health and should be considered when treating illness and disease. Naturopathic physicians are trained in various counseling techniques and offers support for those dealing with work-related stress, relationship issues, life transitions, and health problems, particularly chronic health problems. Whether making a life transition or dealing with the everyday stress of the modern world, we believe in the power of counseling and support to encourage emotional growth and balance.

Physical Medicine
Hydrotherapy (various hot and cold therapies), gentle electrical impulses, ultrasound, soft tissue manipulation, or therapeutic exercise prescription are tools we may employ to treat a range of musculoskeletal issues and to support the body's inherent ability to heal itself.

Colon Hydrotherapy
Colon hydrotherapy , also known as colonic irrigation, is an alternative medical procedure, focused on cleansing the bowel. Similar to an enema, it involves the introduction of discrete amounts of purified wate, sometimes infused with minerals or other materials, such as probiotics, into the colon using medically approved class II colon hydrotherapy devices with sanitary, disposable speculums. The fluid is released after a short period, and the process will often be repeated multiple times during the course of a treatment.

Environmental Medicine and Detoxification
Numerous studies indicate that we are regularly exposed to toxic substances through our foods, homes, and business environments. These chemicals enter the body and are often broken down and eliminated without any repercussion. However, life stressors, poor diet, lack of exercise, and other health problems can cause the body to store these chemicals rather than break them down. Over time this can overwhelm the body's detoxification pathways and lead to illness. Aletris offers environmental assessments to identify toxins and detoxification services to purify the body and improve health.

Exercise Prescriptions
At Aletris, we believe in the power of movement to facilitate cure in all people. We work with a handpicked group of personal trainers whom we have educated about preventative medicine from a naturopathic perspective. Many of our patients are delighted to work with trainers that are in communication with their family doctors and find that their motivation and results are enhanced by the experience.

Colon hydrotherapy, also known as colonic irrigation, is an alternative medical procedure focused on cleansing the bowel. With action similar to that of an enema, colon hydrotherapy involves the introduction of discrete amounts of purified water into the colon using medically approved, class II colon hydrotherapy devices with sanitary, disposable speculums. Customized treatments may also include infusions of minerals or other materials, such as probiotics. After a short period of time the fluid is released, taking with it the undesired material that has accumulated in the colon. This process may be repeated several times during the course of a treatment.

The practice of detoxification and bowel cleansing through colon hydrotherapy has been known since ancient times for treating sluggish bowels - which was correctly believed to have been the root of many diseases and illnesses. The first recorded reference to colon hydrotherapy dates back more than 3000 years to the Ebers papyrus, an Egyptian medical document. This document outlines bowel and colon cleansing procedures using various herbal preparation and water.

At ALETRIS, we belive that the health of the colon is a direct reflection of the overall wellness of the individual.  We are pleased that this procedure is performed under the supervision of a physician at our Center, as there are contraindications. Our team understands that colonics are just a part of an overall treatment plan addressed at the cause of illness.

Frequently Asked Questions are listed below:

What is the procedure for the colonic session?
Filtered, temperature-regulated water is introduced into the colon through a small disposable speculum that is inserted just a few inches into the rectum. After the waste material of the colon is softened and loosened, it is evacuated through a flexible plastic hose that connects the speculum to the colon hydrotherapy device. On a closed system, like the one we use at Aletris, fecal matter is contained within the system so there is no mess or odor. The treatment usually lasts 45 minutes, and your modesty is protected throughout the treatment. We use disposable speculum kits only.

What are the benefits of colonics?
Colon hydrotherapy removes accumulated waste, fungus, parasites and toxins from the colon, helps prevent constipation and encourages regular bowel movements, facilitates the absorbtion of water and nutrients, prevents the growth of bacteria and yeast, and improves overall health and wellness.

How many colonic sessions does one need?
The number of colonic sessions desired will depend on the individual needs of the client. Age, previous dietary and exercise patterns, activities, medical complaints, current colon health, and emotional state are all factors.

Who should get colonics?
Most individuals benefit from colon cleansing and detoxification. Specifically, those suffering from chronic constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, parasites, candida, headaches, insomnia, chronic fatigue, gas, bloating, bad breath, body odor, and acne will all benefit from the therapeutic effects of colon hydrotherapy.

Is there anyone who should NOT get a colonic?
Individuals with diverticulitis, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, severe hemorrhoids, heart disease, severe anemia, abdominal hernia, gastrointestinal cancer, and intestinal tumors, and those who have had recent surgery, should not undergo colon hydrotherapy without the consent of a physician. Additionally, women who are in the first and third trimester of a pregnancy should not have a colonic as it may stimulate uterine contractions.

Is colon hydrotherapy painful?
No. Most patients describe the procedure as painless; however, minimal abdominal discomfort may occur with the introduction of the water.

What are the side effects of colon hydrotherapy?
Although the ultimate side effect is a healthier colon paired with increased energy and wellness, an individual may experience headaches and flu-like symptoms as the body releases the toxins held in the bowel. Some individuals may also feel a slight weakness or lightheadedness following a colonic session. It is important to remember to drink plenty of water both before and after your colonic to encourage detoxification, keep the body hydrated and prevent headache.

I'm constipated. Can't I just take laxatives?
Laxatives cause dehydration by purging the body of water, ultimately leading to more constipation. Additionally, laxatives weaken the colon and may lead to dependence, ultimately resulting in long-term irregularity and a host of gastrointestinal problems. In contrast, colonics actually help to strengthen the colon by encouraging peristalsis, loosening hardened waste while and eliminating parasites and toxins. 

The ancient art of hair removal called sugaring is performed using a thick paste consisting of sugar, lemon and water. The ball of paste is applied by hand and molded against the natural direction of hair growth. Then, with a quick flick of the wrist, the sugar is removed in the direction of growth, taking the entire hair and root with it. The same ball of sugar paste is used over and over again until the undesired hair has been removed.

Though not painless, sugaring tends to be considerably less painful than waxing because the paste does not adhere to live skin and is removed in the direction of growth to reduce the occurrence of ingrown hairs. Removing the hair in the direction of growth has another advantage: there is little to no hair breakage resulting in longer-lasting results.

Why choose sugaring over waxing?
Unlike waxing, sugaring is 100% free of resins and chemicals, never burns, never adheres to live skin cells, and acts as a natural healer for your skin.

Does sugaring hurt?
Similarly to waxing, sugaring involves the removal of hair by the root. However, sugaring gives superior results to waxing with less discomfort because the sugar pasted does not adhere to live skin cells—skin is left feeling soft and clean, not irritated and sticky.

Who can get sugared?
Anyone wishing to remove unwanted body and facial hair can benefit from sugaring. Sugaring is safe to use on areas with spider veins, varicose veins and dry-itch eczema, and is also safe for individuals with diabetes.

Will I get ingrown hairs?
Unlike waxing, which can actually worsen ingrown problems, sugaring actually assists in the diminishment of ingrown hairs.

I've been burned by wax in the past…Will that happen with sugaring?
It's never necessary to heat the sugar above body temperature, so burns do not occur. Sugar is applied at a slightly warm, very comfortable temperature.

Will I get discoloring on my lip if I sugar?
Sugaring will not damage delicate facial skin tissue over long-term use.

At Aletris, we understand that skincare and aesthetic maintenance is an important factor in the overall wellness of the individual. Conversely, we also know that the more healthy you are on the inside, the better your skin will look.

We understand, for example, that some acne may be best treated with a combination of aesthetic treatments, natural skincare products, colonic therapy and nutritional supplements. We believe that treating the symptoms AND the causes leads to long-term success.

At Aletris, we have carefully selected the best practitioners, products and procedures available. Only healing and natural products are used, and all are SLS and paraben-free. We encourage you to bring your current skincare products in with you to your appointment so that we can educate you on the actions of their ingredients.

Colon health is a passion at Aletris Center of Integrative Medicine. Our center provides the safest, most educational experience available in the valley under the supervision of naturopathic physicians. 

“A lot of patients don’t really understand the training of their local colon hydrotherapist,” states Amy Terlisner, NMD, and director of colon hydrotherapy at Aletris. “Colon hydrotherapy is not regulated by the state or the federal government. To receive training, most therapists are only put through a weekend course here in Arizona. I just don’t find that to be adequate in order to diagnose and treat the underlying causes of issues like constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, ulcerative colitis, diverticulitis, and Crohn’s disease. It’s vital that colon hydrotherapy be provided in conjunction with full medical care. At Aletris, we are at an advantage because we can simultaneously provide the best treatment while having the ability to order bloodwork, imaging, do physical exam, and any other pertinent diagnosis to understand the cause of an issue.”

So many women have issues with constipation, never understanding that having one to three bowel movements a day is normal and vital for their health. Our goal at Aletris is to treat the entire person, including addressing colon health.

To learn more visit us at www.aletriscenter.com or call us at 480-443-7168.