When I sit down with a person who is interested in getting Zerona laser done, BUT I discover a significant potential challenge from their digestive system I have a conversation similar to what I’ll be sharing with you in this article.

The laser is great at doing two things – breaking up the fat particle into its smaller component parts (liquefying it) and opening natural channels that exist in the fat cell wall.  This allows the fat to seep out into the interstitial tissue.  That’s where the work of the Zerona laser stops.  It is then up to your body to do the rest – specifically the lymphatic system.  Your lymphatic system will gather that “debris” and carry it to the liver to be processed then you eliminate it through a bowel movement.

So, if you are backed up in your digestive system – that can present itself as a bottle-neck.  In other words, the lymphatic system wont want to carry something to an area that already has a traffic jam.

That’s why I am such an advocate for a good moving system.

So if you have a digestive problem, this article is for you – EVEN if you are not considering Zerona!

Lets define digestive problem.

Your food takes about 4 hours to be broken down and digested and to move though your digestive track.  Which makes sense, as we should be eating about every 4 hours.  In fact, the process of eating stimulates your nervous system to have a bowel movement.

So yes, I am saying you should have 3 full bowel movements a day.

Now get this… if you eat 3 meals a day… but have a bowel movement only once every two days… this is a problem!  Essentially you are like 5 to 6 meals behind! Right?

Unfortunately most people eat poorly.  And those that eat “healthy”, determine that “healthy” label by comparing themselves to others and by going off their GENERAL knowledge of “healthy” eating.

While that is a good start, it is not adequate for people who have a problem.  If you have a problem, then we need to move past the “general” and get “specific”.  So for you, you need to determine your food sensitivities – there are many.

Most people may do a cleanse by just taking some capsules to “cleanse” the body, while making not changes to their eating habits.  In other words, they are hoping to clean themselves but not giving any attention to removing the toxins that they have in their daily diet.

Simply – you’ve got to get the dog out of the mud before you try to wash the dog.

The best program that I have experienced and witnessed is a doctor supported program. You wont find this on the shelf at your drug store or at you vitamin shop.

This program I recommend is also a food elimination diet.  In other words, I want you to find out what foods you are sensitive too – there are many!

This program at first does not appear easy.  Rather, it requires a lifestyle change for 21-days.

Did I mention it requires a lifestyle change?

If not… guess what… it requires a lifestyle change!

If you’d like to learn more about this cleanse, I recorded a video of the last “class” presentation.  I call it a Discovery Day.  In my Rancho Cucamonga office, 3 weeks ago, I had 43 people finish (out of 44 that started) a cleanse with fantastic feedback and results.  Weight loss, energy, bowel habits, sleep improvements, etc.  There was such a demand from those graduates for their friends and family that they wanted me to do it again with another group.  So if you’d like to learn more… watch this…

Discovery Part A from Troy Don on Vimeo.

If you are interested and if you out of the area, contact my office so we can let you know what to do.

That’s it for now.

Blessings,

Dr. Troy Don, DC QME

With the New Year come… resolutions.

Raise your hand if you have a New Year’s resolution to get in better shape, to eat better, to exercise more, to be healthier, or simply to shed some inches from your waist!

Like New Years resolutions, or not… when the New Year come subconsciously we think of the coming year as a clean slate.  What happened last year is behind you, time for a new fresh start!

So if you are like most, you are looking to at the very least – do better with your health.  If you are really motivated and you are sick and tired of putting on a pair of pants that are getting tighter and tighter… or you don’t want to put away those clothes that don’t fit any more because you know deep down that you can get back into them… or you are NOW ready to get into the best shape you’ve been in for a long time…. THEN you are motivated enough to put some action behind your motivation.

Perhaps you’ve started with a new gym membership. Or new exercise equipment. Or a new program you saw on TV.  Or a new diet program.

Whatever you have DECIDED to do – Awesome job! You took the first step.

And it is people like you that do the best while under Zerona.

Why is that?

Well, it has to do with our brain… let me explain.

If you started an exercise program and worked at it for weeks but saw no result (even though its very good for you) you will get frustrated.  You think to yourself, “Geez, here I am working my butt in the gym for a hours a week, I’m eating better, but still I’m not seeing my waist getting thinner. My breasts are getting smaller, but not my waist!”   (Side note: keep with the exercising and eating right – it will pay off, just keep with it)

Sound familiar?

Well, when you doing an exercise program while under Zerona the Zerona is able to give you a change to your waist in the beginning of your exercise program.  THIS give you extra motivation to keep with the exercising.  THIS mind trick helps you to stick with it until your body’s metabolism is able to kick in to help the fat come off.

Some people stay under the laser for more treatments giving them added boost over that months… other come back to it when they hit a barrier.

If you are interested in getting better results while starting your new exercise or diet program – then you should seriously think about adding this to your action list to get the results.

Whether you use Zerona or not…. Good luck with your New Year’s resolution.

Blessings,

Dr. Troy Don, DC QME

Zerona Laser treatment is the “new kid on the block” and it is growing in popularity thanks to the Doctors TV show and the all the Network News TV segments.

I want to take a moment and discuss these two very different procedures because I get many questions during my consultations.  Let me share this information in a question/answer format as these are some of the questions I get during my initial meeting with clients.

Patient says, “I’m told that if I undergo liposuction that if I gain weight again, that the fat will be in a different area. Does that happen with Zerona?”

I can’t speak for liposuction or the validity of the comment that the fat returns in different areas, so I’ll limit my response to Zerona.

Zerona does not harm the fat cells.  The laser liquefies the fat within the cell. The laser allows the cell membrane to become temporarily porous and the liquefied fat seeps out into interstitial space.  The cell membrane closes again in 48 hours. There is no scaring and no connective tissue you growth as there is in surgical procedures.

If you were to go to an unhealthy life style, then you run the risk of your body storing fat again. That’s what fat is – stored energy.  So because with Zerona you have not damaged the cells, you’ll gain it in the area your body stored it last time.

I’d suggest that rather than planning on fat returning, how about we find the right solution for you so that you don’t gain any of that unwanted fat that you lost from Zerona or liposuction or whatever.  So be sure to work with a doctor that will aid you in finding out the best program for you – not just sucking out the fat or pointing a laser at your target area.

Patient says, “If I have liposuction I’m told that I’ll have a lot of loose skin… with that happen with Zerona?”

No.  I have had a patient lose up to 15 inches and the skin is as toned as ever.  This happens for a couple of reasons: 1) it’s a process and change that does not occur in an hour… it takes weeks (which in my mind is still fast). 2) The Zerona laser is a cold laser.  Cold lasers have been used for skin issues and skin conditions for longer than they have been used for body contouring fat.  Often a persons rash or scar looks better after treatment… I know, its another benefit that’s too good to be true. Its hard to believe.

Patient says, “If I have liposuction I’ll be put under anesthesia.  That’s scares me because I know that’s one of the most dangerous parts of surgery.  Does Zerona have that?”

No. Zerona is a NON-SURGICAL procedure.  People have it done and go back to work.  If you read my prior blog posts, you can even get work done while under the laser!  With Zerona you don’t even feel it – it is entirely painless!

INTERESTING SIDE NOTE:

Cold laser has been used to help patients eliminate pain due to musculoskeletal conditions such as injuries.  The predecessor to the Zerona was a laser that was used DURING liposuction – called LASER ASSISTED Liposuction.  FDA approved for safety and effectiveness.  During liposuction the Laser Anesthesiologist would use the laser over the area to be treated with liposuction.  The results were better – there was less blood loss, improved recovery time, less bruising, and smoother treated area.

Patient says, “I’m going to have liposuction, what can you do for me in conjunction with the liposuction?”

Great question.  If a person is heart set on liposuction, I won’t stop them… heck, I couldn’t even if I wanted to.  Because the laser has a window of effectiveness 48 hours and the fat cells close there is benefit in treating with the Zerona surrounding the Liposuction procedure for the benefits listed in the INTERESTING SIDE NOTE section.  Its called PRE/POST-OP Zerona treatment.  With this people get results with the liposuction and recover extremely fast with smoother results.  It’s not a common procedure, but it’s done. If I were going to have liposuction done, I’d be sure to have Zerona PRE/POST-OP Procedure done.

I find people hate the idea of surgery. Heck, I’m fearful of surgery.  In my mind, there is no such thing as a “Routine Surgical Procedure” (my father almost died from removal of his tonsils… I’m sure you have heard a story where routine was not so “routine”.)

That’s it for now…

Blessings,

Dr. Troy Don

The Zerona Laser and my program is really really easy…

But don’t take my word for it!  Seriously!

I know how skeptical you are… we all are to some degree. I was skeptical when I first heard about the Zerona laser and the results from the laser alone.  That’s why I tried it on myself.

After all, you want me to believe that shining a laser over my trouble fat areas… a laser that I cant even feel be the way… is going to get ride of that 4 inches of circumference to my waist/hips/thighs in only 2 weeks?

Ya right!

Look, I hear it all the time.   Even after I show them the credible research and FDA approvals… After I share with them the physiology and photochemistry…  After I share with them before and after pictures of patients.  Even then… to some degree they don’t believe how easy and real this is.

I even get requests from doctors to allow a potential patient talk to some of my patients to see if it’s the real deal.

Here’s what tends to work best to satisfy our innate and conditioned skepticism… I let my patients speak for me.

So if you are a person wanting to take the next step, that being a consultation, watch this and see if it satisfies your desire.

If you still have questions about the Zerona laser feel free to submit them here.  Though I am very busy between my office in Pasadena, CA and Rancho Cucamonga, CA I do the best I can to reply to your blogs.

And if you are interested in a consultation with me… just call the office.

Blessings,

Dr. Don

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

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:

1. Take a deep breath in for 4 second, through the nose, giving attention to you stomach rising.
2. Hold the breath in for 7 seconds,
3. 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.
4. 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

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

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

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

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