Author Archive
Zerona Laser Results and Hopping on a Bed
Today I want to give you some tips as to how to stimulate the lymphatic system.
Remember that system? It’s the system that is responsible for carrying the emulsified fat out of the interstitial space and carrying it to the digestive system. If your lymphatic system is not working properly then the emulsified fat can re-enter the fat cell.
So lets get to it… here are 3 things you can do to help your lymphatic system.
#1 – 30 minute walk
If you go for a 30 minute walk every day you’ll not only have good exercise but you’ll stimulate your lymphatic system (and digestive system). The oscillation of the body up and down and the contraction of your muscles while walking will “pump” your lymph and thereby get they liquefied fat out of the interstitial space. Plus the walking will burn a few extra calories. Plus it’s a nice relaxing activity.
You need not walk hard or fast. A simple causal walk will do the trick.
#2 – A small trampoline
Do you remember those small exercise trampoline where some would do aerobics on them?
Those little trampolines were, and are, great for simply and gently bouncing up and down for. Do this for 5 minutes and it will do the trick. Do it longer and you’ll give your calves a nice little burn.
#3 – Bouncing on the bed
Ok, so you don’t have 30 minutes to walk and you don’t have a small trampoline… now what?
Well, if you have a spring mattress then you can get the same benefit by sitting down on the corner of your mattress and just bounce up and down. Do this 5 minutes.
Try these 3 things and you’ll see that just a few minutes could make all the difference in your results!
Blessings,
Dr. Don
Breathe While Under The Zerona Laser For 40 Minutes…
If you were in the gym for 40 minutes you would probably do what I did – read a book, read journals, listen to some music, watch whatever is on the TV screens, wait for gym equipment to open up, talk to your neighbor, or whatever. As much as I want to use my time efficiently in the gym by working out, sometimes my 60 minutes in the gym is only 30 minutes of actual working out. It helps to be there at 5:30 in the morning.
Certainly I cannot have a business meeting, check email, make my “to do” list, or other productive things.
I can, however, do those things while under the Zerona laser. In fact, it is common that a patient will be on the phone talking business or checking email. While I suggest they just sit back and relax, nap, meditate even; most use their time to do other things.
Now, if I was under the laser and I wanted to get the best results possible here is what I would do…
While on my back all I’d do is BREATH.
(reminds me of a blonde joke… for another time)
What do I mean by breathing?
Let me explain…
I’d practice my deep diaphragmatic breathing – or stomach/abdominal breathing. This is very common with tai chi or other Eastern practices.
This type of breathing is excellent at stimulating the body’s systems – digestive, lymphatic, immune and respiratory.
If you have been reading my blogs, you already know the importance of the digestive and lymphatic systems in obtaining results on the Zerona laser.
So how do you do this type of breathing?
Well think of a baby. If you watch a baby sleep you’ll see the stomach rise with inhalation and lower with exhalation. Most people, while awake, breathe with their chest (a very inefficient way to breath).
There is a ton of information online regarding Deep Breathing Exercises – find and do what you like. Below is what works well for me.
So here is what you do:
- Take a deep breath in for 4 second, through the nose, giving attention to you stomach rising.
- Hold the breath in for 7 seconds,
- Slowly and with control let the breath out for 8 seconds, through your mouth (it helps to keep the tip of your tongue on the roof of your mouth), giving attention to your stomach lowering. You may even feel that you must contract your abdominal muscles to get all the air out over the full 8 seconds.
- Repeat this for the full 20 minutes. All the while trying to relax every part of my body.
I promise you that you’ll feel extremely, energized even, refreshed as this will greatly oxygenate your system! Oh, and you may feel the urge to get to the bathroom.
Indirect affect of this breathing technique on your shape…
So this breathing technique is fantastic for the reasons mentioned above. It is also a POWERFUL relaxation and stress reduction technique. THIS aspect of breathing has an indirect affect on your shape.
Let me explain…
Most of us are over stressed. This stress has an impact on our cortisol levels. Cortisol is an adrenal hormone. Imbalance of the hormone in our system will cause us to gain weight and impede our ability get rid of our unwanted fat. I’m sure you’ve heard about this hormone. Much more stuff on this hormone… but that’s another conversation.
So that’s what I’d do while under Zerona on my back.
Then while lying on my stomach I’d probably review my list of things to do and then plan the rest of my day and the next few days – planning if you will.
I have my staff offer massages to patients while under the laser. I’d probably have a massage on my upper back, legs, head, or arms and hands. 20 minutes is plenty of time to have a massage on any one of those areas.
Heck, even if you are not under the laser this breathing exercise is very effective and offers fantastic health benefit.
Blessings,
Dr. Don
THIS Simple Do-It Yourself Procedure Can Be THE Thing To Help Your Zerona Results To The Next Level
The last blog on digestive health struck a nerve with you guys and gals out there. Apparently many of you are having issues with digestion and the lack of bowel movements.
Because you wanted some more information on how to get things moving, I thought you’d like this little nugget of information. I doubt that your doctor is doing this with you. And doctors, start giving this to your patients and they will thank you.
So what is THIS simple do-it yourself procedure that can help take your Zerona results to the next level?
Stimulation and massage of your ileocecal valve.
Your probably thinking, “Stimulation of my what?!”
You ileocecal valve is the valve/sphincter muscle that allows your digested food to move from the small intestines to the large intestines (colon).
Stimulation of this structure can help get things moving PLUS massage of your intestines will also aid in getting things moving. If you do it daily it will strengthen your intestine walls and also loosen all the built-up “crap” that is lining the walls of your intestine. This is a great trick to break you from constipation.
So, here is what you need to do every day for just a few minutes a day to improve your digestive health and therefore your overall health and of course – your Zerona laser results.
Here’s how you do it:
- Lie down on your back.
- Put your over lapped hands/fingers on the right lower right side of your abdomen (just above the boney bump of your pelvis or Anterior Superior Iliac Spine or ASIS). It’s a good idea to use massage oil for this.
- With small circular (2-3 inch diameter) motions and good pressure (you will increase your pressure over days of doing this) – stay in this spot for 1 minute.
- Then slowly start moving up your abdomen to your rib cage. You are going to be following the course of your large intestines – you just massaged your ascending colon.
- Now for the Transverse colon; from your low right rib cage, go to your left lower rib cage. Be sure to keep the same pressure that you started with and maintain thoughs small circles.
- Now for the descending colon; from your left rib cage now move down to your left front boney pelvis bump (or ASIS).
- Now for the Sigmoid colon; from you left ASIS massage diagonally down to your pubic bone.
- This should take about 3 minutes of so.
This may be a little sore in some spots. These spot tend to decrease in pain as you loosen this material and get moving again.
This in combination with more fiber and being well hydrated could make your life much happier.
Let me know how this works for you.
Blessings,
Dr. Don
Zerona Laser Results and Digestion – Again
It’s so important… it’s worth repeating…
People fail to realize the importance of a properly working digestive system. If you eat three meals a day you should have 3 bowel movements a day.
Why am I talking about bowel movements when you are reading this for Zerona results? Well, let’s recap…
The Zerona laser liquefies the fat and it seeps out to the cell and remains in the extracellular space for the lymphatic system to pick up and transport to the digestive system for elimination.
So… if your digestive system is backed up with stuff and you are only having one bowel movement a day (or less)… your lymphatic system will not work as effectively…
This will leave the liquefied fat in the extracellular space… just waiting to be reabsorbed by the fat cell. That’ll produce poorer results!
You now can see how important it is that you have properly working digestive system.
It’s so important that I will not accept a patient for my Zerona laser program until they get things moving properly. Once they do… then we can start working.
If you are not having at least 2 bowel movements a day you are constipated. What goes in… must come out.
If you are constipated, by my definition I will send you home to get things moving. Here are some things that I recommend:
- a cleanse with many servings of raw fruits and vegetables; more fiber
- hydration
- massages
- Exercise such as walking
- no caffeine or other diuretics (careful, you may be on med’s for your health conditions)
If those things don’t work, you might want to be evaluated for under active thyroid issues or underlying digestive infections (dysbiosis, parasites, tapeworms, etc. – you’d be surprised!)
If you are considering the Zerona laser program for yourself – address this issue first. You’ll thank me later.
If you are a doctor, you may want to maintain a standard such that you wont accept a patient unless they address this problem first – it will bring your patients much better results!
Like I said… this is so important, its worth repeating…
Blessings,
Dr. Don
Zerona And Eye Bags
Many people have asked me about the Zerona Laser and eye bags. Let me address this briefly.
Yes, the Zerona laser can help with these eye bags… however, it is not your typical protocol… let me explain…
The typical protocol is 6 40-minute session over 2 weeks with the goal of reducing inches of fat to the targeted area – stomach/hips/thighs then the average inches lost is 3.5 inches, based on the research.
With the eye bags as the target you should expect this… The laser is placed about 1-2 inches from each eye bag for a shorter duration. Not 20 minutes like the rest of the body, but for only 6 minutes… The other thing is that we use a special cream that has niacin in it rather than the tablet.
But here is the real frustrating thing…
Don’t expect results in 2 weeks with this treatment! Try 30 days!!!
I know! It’s crazy… if you are as impatient as I am, I want results for my patients yesterday. Well, it is what it is….
While treating the eye bags I will put the other 3 lasers on the chin to help sculpt the fat from that area… that’s a nice little bonus…
Oh and the cost – this is my cheapest Zerona laser program – $2,200.
Obviously, you will NOT be using a compression garment with this these protocols. Could you imagine a compression garment for the eyes and chin – you’d look like a mummy or like you just had plastic surgery.
And yes you will be wearing the special protective glasses while under the laser.
And yes you’ll be being hydrated as well.
I hope that answer all the questions.
Blessings,
Dr. Don
Stretches for Dr. Don’s Zerona Laser Program
Many patients are unable to exercise due to injury – bad knees, bad backs, etc. Remember, exercise offers benefit in 3 areas related to results on Zerona Laser – calories burned increased, digestive stimulation, and lymphatic stimulation.
If you are unable to exercise, you may be able to perform these stretches that will stimulate your lymphatic system.
I was directed to these stretches by the Medical Director at Erchonia. The information is from Brian Dorfman. Thank you both for your contribution. Brian Dorfman holds a BS in kinesiology from UCLA and has 25 years of experience helping world-class athletes and others reach their goals. His proven techniques keep athletes performing at their peak. You may order his DVD by calling 866-787-3348.
While Mr. Dorfman focus is athletic recovery in this article, the strategy holds true for you and your goals with Zerona Laser.
Read it, but more importantly…. Do these – it will help!
“There’s an art to athletic recovery. At some point, you have to stop and wait for your legs to recover, and for your body to feel sharp and responsive. Recovery balances the immune and hormonal systems, aids digestion and facilitates the removal of cellular debris.
In order to perform at your best, it’s important to develop a sound strategy for recovery. No athlete can achieve peak fitness all the time, so an effective recovery plan is just as important as a proper training plan.
Stretching and improving circulation through the lymphatic system, located in the inner leg and groin area, will help accelerate the recovery process. Although there are powerful muscles in the inner legs, the focus of these stretches is on the lymphatic system.
The lymph system needs movement, stretching and gravity in order to circulate properly. An imbalance in the lymph drainage will cause swelling due to fluid accumulation, which will prevent the return of proteins and vitamins to the cells. In addition, lymph nodes are an important part of the immune system.
Lymph stretches
This series of stretches improve overall lymphatic functioning and focuses on:
• Releasing the powerful leg muscles to access the lymph duct.
• Decongesting the lymph nodes by opening the inner legs — this position facilitates the process.
• Relaxing and lengthening the inner-leg muscles and using gravity to flush out accumulated fluid.
Perform the stretches in order to gain the greatest benefits.
#1 Passive lunge (Dr. Don Note: You can do this very well on the Power Plate in our office for added benefit)

Passive lunge
Relieving tension from the front (quads) and the inner-leg (adductors) muscles helps lymph circulation. The passive lunge accesses a number of powerful leg muscles. It should always feel good and shouldn’t require extra energy.
• Step forward with your right foot, the left foot remains behind.
• The ball or top of the back foot can be on the ground.
• Lower your left knee, padding it with a towel or cushion. Allow your left hip to drop toward the floor.
• Place your hands on the ground on the inside of your front foot.
• Remain in this position for seven to 10 breaths. Focus on relaxing your left hip towards the ground.
Slightly rotate the back leg in or out and stretch different areas of the inner leg, find the tight areas.
Next, lean your weight forward as if you’re sliding the left knee on the floor. This will stretch or pull the skin of the thigh. Then relax the hip and breathe easy. For a stronger effect, put your elbows on the floor. Another option is to do this stretch with your front leg on a chair; your back knee will be off the ground.
Repeat this series on the other side with your left foot forward, right knee on the floor behind.
#2 Open hips on wall
This stretch promotes relaxation and recovery. Lying on your back automatically relaxes you, and by directly stretching the lymph nodes, you’ll accelerate recovery. In this move, the inner legs stretch without supporting the weight of the torso.

Open hips on wall
The most common stretching injury occurs when the inner leg is isolated, lengthened and required to support weight.
• Lie on your back while resting the weight of your legs on the wall (if done without a wall, hold your shins).
• Let your heels slide down the wall toward each other until the bottom of your feet touch.
• Move your knees away from each other.
• Place the palms of your hands on the inside of your knees.
• Hold for seven to 10 breaths.
If you’re tight, start with your hips farther from the wall. Let the heels move away from the hips/pelvic girdle. You should feel relaxed — if you don’t, change your position. This stretch helps promote recovery of the lymph nodes at the upper leg/lower pelvic area. Never push this stretch — simply spending time in this position will give you the benefits.
#3 Inner-leg lengthener
This stretch may be challenging for some athletes, so if it’s difficult for you, go slowly. Begin by separating your legs until you feel a light stretch. Wait and allow gravity to aid circulation. Weight on the sacrum will decrease nerve tension in the lower legs and invigorate circulation of the cerebral spinal fluid.

Inner-leg lengthener
• Lie on the floor while resting the weight of your legs on the wall (if done without a wall, hold onto the inner legs).
• Place the outside edges of your feet on the wall. Keep your knees bent and your ankles straight above the knees, perpendicular to the floor.
• Support the inside of the knees with your hands.
• Focus on moving your toes toward the shins and your heels away from your hips.
• Bring your chin towards the chest and elongate the neck.
• Hold this position for seven to 10 breaths.
This position should feel good — relax. Bring your legs closer together to feel more comfortable — find a position that doesn’t challenge you. Implement steps 4, 5 and 6. As you inhale, expand your chest; when you exhale, move the lower abdomen toward the floor. This will elongate the over-worked lower-back muscles.
Your legs will become more flexible as you use these stretches. The power of movement is dependent upon recovery, and slow recovery can prevent you from reaching your goals. Relax, recover and race and train forever.” – Brian Dorfman For Active.com
Thank you again Mr. Dorfman… if you do these 3 exercises… AND walk 30 minutes 6 times a week for the 2 weeks you are working with me… you’ll be thrilled with how you feel and the inches you shed.
Blessings,
Dr. Don
Choosing a Zerona Laser Doctor
How do you find the right doctor – for any condition? Most people like referrals; self included. I know that if a friend or family member refer me to a doctor then my trust increases.
I get inquires from around the world as to who I recommend in their particular area – so I know that they also are look for me to refer them to. On many instances I’m able to speak with the doctor before referring the potential patient to that doctor. Though I get nothing in return by doing that – its just how I’d like some doctor to treat my mother. Know what I mean?
Some times I cant speak to the doctor, but I let you know a head of time.
So this blog is about how to choose the right Zerona doctor for your treatment. Remember, the Zerona Laser is a tool. Just like a scalpel – it’s a tool. In the right hands I can perform amazing things. In the wrong hand, less than favorable. You with me?
Here are a few pointers…
First, it should feel right. When you visit the office you pretty much know if you are in the right place. Right? Women have a blessed ability – a sixth sense if you will – to know if something feels right, or wrong.
Second, even before you go to the office do your homework on that doctor. Nowadays you can “Google” a person and find out all you know.
Third, the success of their patients. It should be evident to you that they have raving fans.
Forth, credibility. Your doctor should be credible. And I’m not talking about their degree on the wall – that’s a bare minimum. In fact, you have to be a licensed doctor to even own a Zerona Laser.
And this actually leads to another topic/question I’m asked.
I was recently asked by a visitor to my website if I could address the issue of chiropractors versus plastic surgeons in using the Zerona Laser.
Let me simply post my reply to her because it’s worth mentioning.
Hey Dr. Troy,
I looked him up and notice that he is a chiropractor. From my research, it seems that they are recommending it be done by a plastic surgeon. Can you comment on this?
Hi MaryAnn,
I would love to comment on this.
Yes, he is a chiropractor. As am I.
I don’t know what reference you found that said it should be done by a plastic surgeon – as that is incorrect.
Chiropractors have been using “cold” laser technology for many years. So it’s nothing new to chiropractors. “Cold” laser therapy is new to the plastic surgeons in that they have used “burning” “hot” “cutting” lasers as their tools for many years. The predecessor to the ZERONA laser is a LipoLaser that was used DURING surgical liposuction and that helped patients get better safer results from the surgical liposuction. That surgical Lipolaser was used by a cosmetic laser anesthesiologist. Now, the surgical aspect is not longer needed.
Having talked to Erchonia and the Medical Director there he reports to me that the Chiropractors using the ZERONA laser are getting significantly better results. He attributes it to the Chiropractors’ knowledge, understanding, and training in nutrition and supplementation to aid the Zerona Laser via lymphatic and digestive stimulation. While I cannot say that it’s true that we are getting better results than the plastic surgeons – I will say that he is correct in that our training and schooling gives us much more training in this department.
I commend your researching.
If you look at other blogs out there, you’ll find a Dr. Alan Bauman, MD from Boca Roton, Fl. He actually comments on the idea of Chiropractors using cold laser – his statement was something to the effect of what I mentioned: Chiropractors have been using cold laser for years. He goes on to say that when he went to a Cold Laser post graduate seminar he was the only MD there… the rest of the attendees were chiropractors. Interesting, huh?
I hope you find this helpful.
I’d love for this to be a post on my blog – if you are ok with it.
Thank you for your comments. Keep me posted.
Look… I know the public has a poor opinion of chiropractors. Though I can only control a patient experience in my office and make a change for the better – I totally understand where most people are coming from. Heck, I’ve been to chiropractor’s offices AND medical doctor’s offices and I think to myself – “THIS is a health care office?… gross!”
I’d be a bit concerned if I walked into a doctor’s office and felt that Zerona was something that that they just did to make money as opposed to specializing in that. You want a doctor that understands the fine details to managing your case – whether that’s a chiropractor, a plastic surgeon, or any medical doctor.
Follow the recommendations above and I’m sure you’ll find the right place.
By the way… I know I’m going to get a bunch of emails from chiropractor and medical doctors on this blog.
But – this stuff had to be shared.
MaryAnn – thanks again for asking…
Blessings,
Dr. Don (btw… my first name is Troy and my last name is Don
)
The Worst Thing About My Zerona Laser Program…
Everything has a catch…. Everything.
I don’t know how many patients I’ve interviewed after there treatment… but I make it a point to do so… and I always ask them this question:
“What was the worst thing about my Zerona treatment?”
What would you think the answer is?
It was NOT the cost.
It was NOT the massages.
It was NOT the time it takes – six 40-minute sessions over 2 weeks.
It was NOT the supplements I gave them.
It was NOT that they didn’t do as well as other people – everyone wants to lose the most, 8 inches.
Well… their answer was the SAME as MY answer.
Part of my program is the compression garment – that was the winner!
Apparently the worse part of my Zerona Laser Program is the use of compression garments.
What are compression garments?
They are like panty hose. But tighter and don’t pass the knees.
Some doctors use biking shorts; not my recommendation.
Some doctors use medically manufactured compression garments; which are nice, but nothing special. Over priced in my mind.
Some doctors suggest you use store bought items that are comparable to Spanx. You know the “contouring” underwear that smoothes everything out. Sears has a brand, Target, Walmart, J.C. Penney’s, etc. They are every where.
While this is the worst part of my Zerona Laser program, once you get into the garment you get used to it in a couple of days. Women get used to them much faster than guys. Most of are not used to wearing pantyhose.
If you can handle that… and I’m sure you can… you’ll answer one of the questions at the end of your end interview just like everyone else.
THAT question is this: “How easy was my Zerona program compared to other things you’ve done in the past to get into shape?”
Everyone answers the same, including myself, “This was the EASIEST!”
Blessings,
Dr. Don
Thank you, and I encourage you to leave comments or questions below. And Please fill out the form on the right to receive our monthly e-Newsletter and Weekly Health Report.
Article by Dr. Troy Don, DC QME ,Your Zerona Laser Professional in Southern California
Zerona Vs. Velashape
Last week an interested patient submitted a question.
The question was this, “Zerona or Velashape, which is better?”
First of all, I have a bias opinion. Right? After all… the name of THIS website is www.SoCalZeronaLaser.com.
Well, rather than give you my biased opinion, let me simply present a comparison.
But before I do, I wish I knew how the person submitting the question defines “better”.
For those of you who don’t know what either are, this will be a simple overview of each.
First Zerona…
The Zerona Laser is a low level energy laser that produces no heat to the tissues. In fact, patient cant even feel the laser on them. The Zerona laser has been shown to produce a reduction of the circumference of the waist, hips, thighs of on average (with the laser alone) of 3.5 inches after 2 weeks. Oh, and that’s without the patient changing their eating or exercise habits. It is FDA cleared. It’s the non-surgical option to SmartLipo or Lipo-suction. There are no side effects.
Second Velashape…
From the company website: VelaShape is a non-invasive medical device based on elōs™ technology – a combination of heat, light, suction and massage – and is specifically designed to improve skin texture, reduce the appearance of cellulite and target localized fat deposits. It’s FDA approved.
Velashape did a study on women post-baby… the results are these: after 5 weekly treatments, the average circumferences (combined for waist, hips, thighs) was a reduction of 5.93 cm (that’s 2.38 inches).
The comparison…
Again, without knowing what the person submitting the question meant by “better” let me give some scenarios.
If you want results, Zerona is over twice as affective. In my office, 6.5 inches is average lose.
If you want speed, Zerona is done in 2 weeks, half of the time as Velashape.
If you want comfort, Zerona is painless and completely comfortable – you can’t even feel it. Velashape is a device that will suck and massage your tissue as the technician rolls it over the target area. Having not experienced it, I can only imagine that its like when you apply a vacuum cleaner to your skin, it kind of latches on. The machine looks like a vacuum cleaner. You can see it for yourself on the company website.
If you want fast, effective, and comfortable results, then Zerona is the way to go… but then again… I have a biased opinion.
If you compare cost, the prices are comparable based on a survey found on RealSelf.com. Velashape had an average cost of $3,692. Zerona in my office starts at $3,300.
I’d love to hear from people who have had Velashape. Looking at survey of 15 reviews – 20% said they’d do it again… leaving the rest saying never again. Many complaints was that it was very uncomfortable and most important not effective.
Thank you to the person who submitted the question…. I expect this was helpful for you.
Blessings,
Dr. Don
Thank you, and I encourage you to leave comments or questions below. And Please fill out the form on the right to receive our monthly e-Newsletter and Weekly Health Report.
Article by Dr. Troy Don, DC QME ,Your Zerona Laser Professional in Southern California
MY Zerona Program… What is it?
People often ask me what is my Zerona program. How is it different from other Zerona doctors.
First of all… currently there are very few of us out there. And I imagine, all of us get great results.
After all, the Zerona laser is the key ingredient. I think more doctors use the laser and that’s it – getting the average results 3.5 inches (which is still good!).
My Zerona laser program is a whole assessment of your situation. I take into consideration all of your circumstances – your activity level, your current diet, your health history, your risk factors for less than excellent success, and your goals.
My Zerona program is getting 6.5 inches of reduction on average. That’s like 2 times the average of the Zerona laser alone.
I don’t accept everyone… And everyone doesn’t just get the same procedure/program.
I look at you as a person and help you reach your goals.
I also use personalized nutrition recommendations in my Zerona Laser programs.
My Zerona laser program gets advanced results – and I stand by those results. While I cannot guarantee results, I do guarantee satisfaction. To learn more about that you’d have to come in for a consultation.
If a doctor feels strongly about their product or service then the should be willing to reduce your fear and suspicion. Stand by their work. I do. It is my reputation after all.
That’s why my patients refer their friends and family. That’s why my patients share their story with others.
I’m sure your doctor is the same way.
Without going into details… that’s my Zerona program.
Blessings,
Dr. Don
Thank you, and I encourage you to leave comments or questions below. And Please fill out the form on the right to receive our monthly e-Newsletter and Weekly Health Report.
Article by Dr. Troy Don, DC QME ,Your Zerona Laser Professional in Southern California



