The Family Chiropractor

I would like to address the article "Management of Abdominal Colic Due to Flatus" by R. Vincent Davis, D.C., that appeared in the July 4, 1990 issue of Dynamic Chiropractic.

Dr. Davis refers to a set of symptoms that can have a myriad of underlying causes. I would like to suggest some additional considerations that I feel an article of this importance should consider.

Flatus, or the production of methane and other gasses from ingested but undigested food, is a pathological process and while common, is often a prelude to serious manifestations. There are a large number of etiological factors for flatus which demand adequate investigation and intelligent resolution.

Some of the underlying etiological factors may be:

1. An acid/alkaline imbalance
2. And/or hypo-clorhydria
3. Inadequate HCO3
4. Depletion of any or all digestive enzymes
5. Stress
6. Candida
7. Giardia
8. Worms
9. Anaerobic conditions
10. Dysaerobic conditions
11. Poor mastication
12. Excess food
13. Junk food, fast food, processed food
14. Environmental toxins
15. Amalgam fillings
16. Drug side-effects
17. Absence of normal lactobacilli
18. Bowel distention
19. Diverticuli
20. Vitamin/Mineral deficiencies
21. Ileo-cecal valve dysfunction
22. Cancer
23. Spinal-neurological impedance

It may be difficult to assess the pertinent etiology and prescribe the correct remedy or procedures in a three to five minute session. However, with a clinic mission to meet the needs of the community, it naturally becomes imperative to adequately determine the underlying causes of our patient's symptomology. If we are to assume the role of the long-deceased family doctor, who better than a chiropractor, a family chiropractor?

The diagnostic screening methods we might consider to assess the malfunction include:

1. Iris/sclera analysis
2. Urine testing a la:
   a) Howard Loomis, D.C.
   b) Nutri-Spec, Guy R. Schenker, D.C.
   c) Biological ionization, Alexander F. Beddoe, D.D.S.
3. Muscle testing
4. Electroacupuncture
5. Radiesthetic or radionic
6. A careful case history
7. Palpation and auscultation
8. Current drug/supplement assessment
9. A simple urine/saliva pH
10. Structural assessment
11. Encourage input from the patient
12. Pregnancy test
13. Blood test

While determining the underlying cause of flatus, we have discovered in our clinic an effective method for relieving the discomforting symptoms. We have the patient chew three to six activated charcoal tablets, followed in a few minutes by two to four concentrated plant enzyme capsules. Correction of atlas/axis (if appropriate) and mid-dorsals, specifically D-6, and abdominal massage, generally clockwise, frequently end the episode. Diathermy may be indicated as well.

After determination of the underlying factors, consideration may be given to a number of therapeutic possibilities:

1. A course of activated charcoal
2. A lengthy course of plant digestive enzyme
3. Better food combining
4. Better mastication of food
5. Elimination of junk food, fast foods, overprocessed foods, stored or re-heated animal, fish, or legume dishes
6. Allergy determination
7. Candida therapy
8. Giardia and/or worm medication
9. Stress reduction
10. Herbal or homeopathic remedies
11. Acupuncture
12. Electroacupuncture
13. Acupressure
14. Ten minutes of the doctor's time to listen to a valued patient
15. Vitamin or mineral supplements
16. Perhaps a fast for a few days to give a physiological rest
17. Colon therapy
18. Psyllium hulls
19. Ileo-cecal valve herbs and kinesiological procedures
20. Nutritional guidance
21. Exercise routines
22. Lactobacillus re-implantation

At our clinic, we've discovered that the most effective procedures for solving the majority of gastro-intestinal problems, especially flatus, consists of:

1. Spinal corrections
2. Biogenic nutritional counseling
3. Psyllium hulls for dissolving intestinal debris
4. Activated charcoal to absorb toxins
5. Plant enzymes to digest food
6. Acidophilus yogurt to begin re-implantation of correct bacteria
7. Re-implantation orally with L. acidophilus, L. bifidus, streptomyces faecium
8. Vitamin/mineral/amino acid supplements for reconstruction

In passing it might be reminded that proteolytic enzymes have the capacity to digest viruses, bacteria, fungi, and foreign cells that don't belong there.

Within the realm of holistic natural healing, we have the potential for fulfilling our obligation to heal the sick and to meet the health needs of our community as a dedicated, family chiropractor.

I welcome criticisms, corrections, suggestions, and specific protocols by any acupuncturists or kinesiologists, or any colleague with specific experience with this condition.