What Is Osteopathy and How Can It Help You?What is osteopathy and how can it help your overall health and well-being? Here's everything you need to know about osteopathic medicine and how it works.
Keyword(s): what is osteopathy

Chronic physical and mental health conditions account for 90 percent of the $3.5 trillion spent on health care in the United States each year. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 20 percent of American adults live with chronic pain.
Do you have a health condition, suffer from pain or hope to avoid future medical problems? You may want to consider osteopathy.
What is osteopathy? It's a growing branch of medicine that is grabbing the attention of both patients and health practitioners.
Here's everything you need to know about osteopathy. We'll cover what it is, how it works, why patients prefer it and what to expect at your first appointment.
What Is Osteopathy?Osteopathy is its own branch of medicine in the United States. It's different from more traditional branches because it's holistic. Osteopaths understand the body's systems work together to make a unified, healthy whole. Their diagnostic and treatment approaches reflect this special value.
A Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine is known as a DO, which is a fully-licensed designation. Just like a traditional MD, or Medical Doctor, becoming a DO requires:

• Extensive graduate-level education
• Training (residency, fellowship)
• Tens of thousands of hours caring for patients

One in four American medical students are attending osteopathic medical school, according to the American Osteopathic Association. The association estimates DOs will make up more than 20 percent of the practicing physician population by 2030.
How Does Osteopathy Work?Osteopathy operates on the holistic principle that each part of the body is connected to form a whole. Everything must work well for you to feel healthy.
One of osteopathy's top tools is called Osteopathic Manual Medicine. This is a type of manual therapy. Doctors use hands-on techniques to diagnose and treat patients.
DOs prioritize manual medicine because they see the body's function and structure as working together. If the structure is out of line, body functions will also be off. Hands-on techniques focus on muscles, soft tissue, connective tissue, the head, the lymphatic system and more.
Because of this hands-on aspect, some people confuse DOs with chiropractors. Although chiropractors use their hands to adjust spines, they do not have nearly the same amount of training as DOs. Chiropractic care also focuses more on the spine rather than the entire body.
What Happens With Osteopathic Primary CareIf you have a DO or other osteopathic provider, you have a guardian of wellness on your side. Your doctor is helping you manage problems from a broad approach. He or she is also preventing issues from surfacing in your future.
Your provider understands how your lifestyle and environment impact your overall health. This is important because these are things that you can usually control. 
When you use osteopathic primary care, you can expect your practitioner to listen to you. He or she will do what it takes to get to the root of your health problems or concerns.
How Osteopathy Approaches Special Situations: Pain and Opioid Addiction TreatmentOsteopathic practitioners work in many specialties and have holistic approaches for many problems. Here are just a couple of examples.
Osteopathy's effectiveness in treating all sorts of pain is well established. Studies support its use for carpal tunnel, migraines and low back pain, to name a few. If you have any kind of pain, including headaches, a sports injury or irritable bowel, you may want to consider osteopathy.
Some osteopaths also have special approaches to dealing with addiction. This is a critical medical contribution. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services says the opioid epidemic is a public health emergency.
If you're addicted to opioids or opiates, consider the benefits of osteopathic buprenorphine (suboxone) assisted treatment. Buprenorphine is an FDA-approved treatment that prevents withdrawal, treats pain and stops opioid and opiate cravings. You won't get a high or feel sedated. 
Why Choose Osteopathic Care?Your body's parts and systems do not operate as silos. Instead, every part of your body works as an integral aspect of your overall health. Osteopathy understands this and looks at the body as a whole. Neck pain is never just about the neck, and heart disease isn't a concern isolated to the heart.
Osteopathy's holistic view helps balance all systems to treat and prevent injury and disease. This approach emphasizes self-healing, not drugs or surgery. The treatments are not invasive and complement any traditional medical treatments you receive.
When you're looking for a DO, consider a clinic that offers complementary services, such as medical massage. Many patients find that massage helps their bodies prepare for Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine. Massage also can reduce muscle tension and regulate emotions, including anxiety. You'll be supporting your overall healing process.
What to Expect at Your First AppointmentOsteopathy is centered around the patient's needs. This means your provider will want to meet you before deciding on any treatments. Wear comfortable clothes that make it easy to move around.
Your provider will ask you to demonstrate some stretches and other movements. He or she will gently touch your joints, ligaments and tissues to see how they move. This will reveal any restrictions, tightness or tension that your treatments should target.
After your assessment, your provider will sit down with you to discuss your current concerns and future goals. Based on this assessment, you will receive a comprehensive proposed treatment plan. This will include the number of anticipated sessions.
Your treatment may include changes to make at home. These can include making adjustments to your diet, exercise routine, posture and habits. You may also receive advice on what you should do before and after future appointments. Be sure to follow through — that's how you will come to see the best results.
Try Osteopathy to Holistically Treat and Prevent ProblemsWhat is osteopathy? It may be the answer you're looking for. It can help you better manage an injury or health problem. It can also help prevent future issues and improve your general health.
To schedule an appointment in the Indianapolis area or learn more about what osteopathy can do for you, contact us today.

How Does Suboxone Work for Opioid Addiction?How does Suboxone work for opioid addiction? Find out how the medicine helps many people overcome their battle with opiate abuse.
Keyword(s): how does suboxone work

Quitting opioids isn't as simple as deciding to stop. Opioid withdrawal isn't just psychological.
It's physical and the process tears your body apart. What's worse, there's only one thing that can stop the suffering caused by withdrawal - more opioids.
If you meet someone who has stopped abusing opioids, then there's a good chance they did it with the help of medication like Suboxone.
How does Suboxone work for treating opioid addiction? Keep reading to learn more that may help you.
What Opioid Withdrawal Does to You BodyEven short-term opioid abuse has damaging effects on your body. It alters the circuits in your brain that control your mood as well as those that reward good behavior.
Long-term use alters all your body's systems, including the entirety of your nervous system.
So, when you go through opioid withdrawal, you don't just crave the high. You may also experience symptoms like:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Large pupils
• Chills
• Abdominal pain
• Joint and muscle pain
• Agitation
• Mood swings
• Suicidal ideation

People who go through it often describe it as the worst flu you could possibly have. Unlike the flu, hydration and an IV with nutrients won't take the pain away. Moreover, although the intense initial symptoms dissipate after a few days, some linger for weeks.
That's why so many people turn to prescriptions to help them through opioid withdrawal.
What is Suboxone?Suboxone is the brand name for a type of buprenorphine, which is an opioid similar to methadone but lasts over a shorter period of time.
It targets the same receptors that opioids or methadone might, but it comes with less risk of overdose or addiction.
You can take Suboxone in pill form or as a film, and you can use it to start your detox and manage withdrawal. You may also use it in conjunction with other treatments as you continue into the recovery phase.
How Does Suboxone Work?Suboxone works by making withdrawal bearable, which prevents you from relapsing and overdosing. It offers things like:

• Pain relief
• Calmness
• Reduced stress
• Elimination of cravings

By eliminating the worst of the withdrawal, it keeps your mind and body stable so that you can look forward and focus on other areas of treatment.
Are There Any Side Effects?You must take Suboxone according to your doctor's instructions. If you don't, you can experience symptoms of opioid withdrawal, like the ones noted above.
If you do start experiencing symptoms of withdrawal, you should talk to your doctor immediately.
Additionally, there are some rare but adverse side effects associated with Suboxone. You should also see your doctor if you experience:

• Flu-like symptoms
• Sweating
• Stomach ache
• Headache
• Vomiting 
• Lethargy

Your doctor may also warn you about the potential interactions that Suboxone can have with other over-the-counter and prescription drugs. The known interactions include:

• Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
• Cholesterol medications
• Fluoxetine
• HIV treatments (PrEP and other drugs)
• Oral contraceptives
• Niacin
• Verapamil

You may also find they interact with supplements or herbal remedies.
Be sure you give your healthcare provider a list of everything you take before they prescribe Suboxone. Don't start any new supplements or medications after you begin Suboxone treatment without first talking to your doctor. 
Can You Become Addicted to Suboxone?There's a myth that suggests that you aren't actually in recovery if you take Suboxone. This isn't true. Abstinence-based therapies have a low success rate, and they come with serious risks, including a high rate of relapse and overdose.
Taking Suboxone is the first step to recovery if your doctor believes it's the right choice for you. However, it is important to remember that Suboxone is still an opiate and it can be abused.
Yes, you can become addicted to Suboxone. But you have a low chance of this if you follow your doctor's instructions to the letter. You're also less likely to become addicted when you use Suboxone with other therapies, like talk therapy, support groups, and other types of support.
Can You Overdose on Suboxone?It is exceptionally difficult to overdose on Suboxone alone. In fact, overdose prevention is built into the chemical of the drug. There' is a limit to how far Suboxone can go in charging your opioid receptors, so you have a lower risk of slowed breathing compared to methadone, prescription opioids, or heroin.
Overdoses do happen. However, it is usually the result of Suboxone abuse, which involves mixing it with other drugs, like sedatives. 
If you take Suboxone as prescribed, you should have no issues with overdosing.
How Do You Start Suboxone Treatment for Opioid Withdrawal?Suboxone is only available from an approved prescribing physician, so you need to start with an approved doctor first.
Your doctor works with you to develop an appropriate treatment plan.
How long will you be on Suboxone? It depends. Some people might take it for a few months and others may take it over the long-term.  There's no evidence suggesting that Suboxone is only for the first phase of recovery.
Are You Ready to Live a Life Free from Opioids?Opioid abuse is a rampant problem not because people are weak but because the prescriptions that were supposed to help us live better are too strong. Opioids change your entire body, which means quitting requires more than a firm mindset.
Using physician-supervised medication therapy to help withdraw and recover from opioids is becoming more common.
These prescriptions take your body's chemistry into account and help you move forward without the risks of trying to go cold turkey.
Are you ready to live a life free from opioids? Are you still wondering "how does Suboxone work?" and need even more information? Get in touch to learn more about how we help patients begin the road towards sobriety with the help of Suboxone.

Shirodhara is an amazing, unique body therapy from the ancient natural medical system Ayurveda.  We now offer it at Starsiak Osteopathic Clinic.  Please read this article from https://www.theayurvedaexperience.com/blog/shirodhara/ to learn more about it.  If you would like to schedule for Shirodhara here in Indianapolis at the Starsiak Osteopathic Clinic call us by clicking here or dialing 317-410-9978, or email at @info@drstarsiak.com
Shirodhara has a profound impact on the nervous system. That means, the treatment directly and immediately calms, relaxes and has a cleansing effect on the mind and nerves.
In the western alternative medicine world, there may not be another body therapy that has a similar impact on the nervous system, apart from an established meditation practice.
Because information on shirodhara is a bit scattered, we’ve compiled everything you need to know about shirodhara therapy into this one article.
Here’s what you’ll learn.

• What Is Shirodhara?
• What Does ‘Shirodhara‘ Mean?
• 3 Types Of Shirodhara
• Why Shirodhara?
• Who Benefits From Shirodhara?
• Who Should NOT Have Shirodhara
• How Does Shirodhara Work?
• Duration Of Shirodhara
• Shirodhara And Other Ayurvedic Body Therapies
• How To Get A Great Shirodhara
• How To Prepare For A Shirodhara Appointment
• Post-Shirodhara Tips
• What To Avoid After Shirodhara
• 3 Tips For Continuous Self-Care

Have you had this treatment and what was your experience like? Please share your thoughts in the comments below. Join us in the discussion.
What Is Shirodhara?Shirodhara is an ancient Ayurvedic therapy.
Warm oil (or other liquid) pours in a continuous stream over the forehead or ‘ajna marma‘, an area where nerves are highly concentrated.
The pressure of the oil onto the forehead creates a vibration. The oil saturates the forehead and scalp and penetrates into the nervous system.


The gentle pressure and soothing warmth of the oil allow the body, mind and nervous system to experience a deep state of rest, similar to meditation.
Shirodhara is traditionally done as part of the panchakarma cleansing process using specially prepared shirodhara oil. It is also safe and effective as a stand-alone therapy.
NOTE: In Ayurveda, there are numerous benefits to applying oil to the head, body, feet and scalp.
What Does ‘Shirodhara’ Mean?The term shirodhara is a union of two words. ‘Shir‘ means head and ‘dhara‘ means pouring in a stream or sprinkling.
Shirodhara means the pouring of liquid medicine in a continuous stream over the head of a client for a stipulated amount of time.
This treatment is a type of ‘murdha taila’ procedure. This refers to the application of oil on the head or murdha.
Application of oil can be done in various ways.
Shiro Abhyanga – Massaging the head with herbal oils for a fixed duration of time, usually 30-40 minutes.
Shiro Seka / Shiro dhara – A procedure in which herbal oils or medicated liquids like milk or buttermilk are poured in a stream over the receiver’s head for a fixed duration of time, usually 35-45 minutes or 60 minutes.
Shiro Pichu – The application of a cotton pad dipped in oil over the head.
Shiro Basti (Vasti) – This procedure involves a dam constructed over the head of a seated client. A cap is sealed to the head with wet, black gram flour. It is filled with herbal oils and held there for a stipulated time.
(NOTE: If you’re a Licensed Massage Therapist or even just interested in Ayurvedic therapies, shirodhara is a fantastic treatment you should add to your inventory. Shirodhara is a delightfully soothing experience, beneficial for insomnia, anxiety, stress, and fatigue. If you have a loved one that would benefit from this treatment, you can learn online, practice at home, and offer this treatment to friends and family. Click below.)


3 Types Of Shirodhara

1. Sneha dhara uses herbal oil called tela or ghee.
2. Ksheer dhara uses milk infused with herbs.
3. Takra dhara uses buttermilk infused with suitable herbs.

Sneha Dhara: Oil Shirodhara


An Ayurvedic practitioner can make use of different herbal oils and ghee based on his or her wisdom and experience.
Different oils can be mixed and used depending on the practical experience and judgment of the practitioner. Lakshadi oil may be used in pitta disorders and Dhanwantram oil or Mahanarayana oil may be used in Vata disorders.
In a predominance of Vata, Kapha or Vata Kapha imbalances, warm oil is generally used.
In the case of Pitta predominance or Pitta imbalances, cool (room temperature) oils and other liquids are used.
In Pitta disorders, lukewarm oil like Chandan Bala Lakshadi oil can be used. If the Pitta is also accompanied by Vata vitiation, then lukewarm herbal ghee like brahmi ghee or saraswat ghee can be used for the shirodhara.
Ksheer-dhara (Pronounced Shee-r-dhara): Milk Shirodhara
This is another type of shirodhara in which medicated milk or milk infused with herbs is used for the treatment. It’s rhythmically poured onto the forehead from a specific height and for a specific time period allowing the milk to run through the scalp and into the hair.
Takra-dhara: Buttermilk Shirodhara
Takra-dhara is a type of shirodhara in which herb-infused takra or buttermilk is poured from a specific height and for a specific time period continuously and rhythmically. The takra runs through the scalp and into the hair.
Why Shirodhara?

Consider the human body as an inverted tree. The roots are at the top and the branches point downwards.
The head of the human body will be the root of this tree. The central portion of the body, the thorax, and abdomen, will be the trunk of this tree. The limbs, both upper and lower, will be the branches of this tree.
Just as the roots of a tree nurture and control all the activities and well being of the tree, the head is the operational center of the entire body.
It controls the function of the brain and spinal cord. It has many marmas or vital points and is the house of the master endocrine gland, the pituitary. It is one of the seats of Vata dosha (Prana Vata in particular) and also houses subtypes of Kapha dosha (tarpak kapha) and Pitta dosha (sadhak pitta).
The seat of sadhak Pitta, a subtype of Pitta dosha, is considered the hridaya which means ‘heart’.
In Ayurveda, hridaya encompasses both the heart and brain. So the head, which houses the brain, also becomes a seat of sadhak Pitta.
Through the respective nerve centers in the brain, the head also controls the sense of hearing, smell, taste, and sight.
Since the three doshas are represented in the head region, any vitiation in the dosha can cause respective disorders with widespread repercussions in the whole body.
Here shirodhara, through the use of various mediums like oils, ghee, and buttermilk, pacifies these doshas and works on the entire body indirectly. Shirodhara will make the head region strong so that the entire body works smoothly.
Shirodhara will make the head region strong so that the entire body works smoothly.
Who Benefits From Shirodhara?Shirodhara is a great treatment for a compromised nervous system.
Shirodhara can help relieve symptoms of anxiety, stress, fatigue, and hypertension. It relieves tension, worry, fear, and headache as well as depression. It regulates mood and gives feelings of pleasure and relaxation.
Shirodhara treatment is advised for the prevention of many psychosomatic disorders. In a healthy individual, the prevention of diseases pertaining to the body, mind and sense organs is the foremost indication.
Shirodhara can also assist with the following conditions.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Shirodhara reduces excess Vata dosha which is a primary factor in PTSD. According to Alakananda Ma of the Alandi Ayurveda Gurukulam in Boulder, CO, shirodhara done with an appropriate shirodhara oil containing nervine herbs will deeply soothe the nervous system and help ease the symptoms of PTSD.
Insomnia and Shift Work Sleep Disorder (SWSD)
Shirodhara is traditionally known for its ability to assist with sleep problems.
Research proves the treatment is effective alone and also when coupled with herbal support.1 Shirodhara with milk has also proven effective in treating insomnia.2 The process stimulates the pineal gland which produces melatonin, the regulator of the wake-sleep cycle.
It calms an unquiet mind and induces rest. If your insomnia stems from working the night shift and your wake-sleep cycle is out of sync with the natural rhythms of the sun, shirodhara can assist in removing fatigue, restoring energy and re-establishing harmony in the doshas or constitution.
Jet Lag
If you’re a frequent flyer and your daily sleep rhythm is often out of sync and you suffer jet lag, shirodhara can help reset your daily pattern of waking and sleeping as well as remove built-up fatigue.
Travel with a Vata soothing oil or Bhringaraj oil and apply to the head before bed or find a local practitioner to receive the treatment.
Hypertension
Raktagata Vata is an imbalance of Vata dosha that may be correlated with hypertension. Shirodhara has proven effective in lowering blood pressure.3  
Healthy Individuals
Shirodhara is also a great treatment for the healthy individual looking to maintain health and enhance well being, clarity, calm and immunity.
Shirodhara promotes deep relaxation, relieves fatigue and renews and reinvigorates the body and mind.
It also balances one’s energy level. If you are in need of rest and relaxation, the process will provide you that. If you are well rested the process will enhance your clarity and perception.
Shirodhara increases immunity by relieving stress and worry, and balancing the Ayurveda mind-body types or doshas so that your constitution remains strong.
Shirodhara gives deep rest and renewed energy producing an ageless and youthful countenance. Shirodhara relieves stress, worry, and excessive thought. It gives total relaxation as if from meditation. This naturally relaxes and rejuvenates the face and softens worry lines.
(NOTE: If you’re a Licensed Massage Therapist or even just interested in Ayurvedic therapies, shirodhara is a fantastic treatment you should add to your inventory. Shirodhara is a delightfully soothing experience, beneficial for insomnia, anxiety, stress, and fatigue. If you have a loved one that would benefit from this treatment, you can learn online, practice at home, and offer this treatment to friends and family. Click below for more information.)


More Indications Of ShirodharaVarious ancient texts of Ayurveda have advised the use of oil on the head for the following indications.

• Headaches of various types like cluster headaches, migraines, tension headaches, headache originating at the temples, using herbal oils or milk infused with herbs
• Burning sensation in the head
• Consequences of head injuries
• Hemiplegia or paralysis
• To control vitiated Vata dosha
• Diseases of Vata origin, mainly degenerative diseases
• Diseases of Pitta origin, mainly inflammatory diseases
• Dryness of the head region
• For healthy and long hair
• For itching of the scalp
• For premature greying of the hair
• Low level of vitality or ojas
• Cracked lips
• Heart disease
• Agni mandhya or sluggish metabolism
• Certain diseases of the ears
• Certain diseases of the eyes
• Psoriasis-like skin lesions
• Loss of memory and Alzheimer’s disease
• Diabetic neuropathy (as an adjunct with other treatments)
• For proper neuro-muscular coordination
• To delay aging4

Specific Indications Of Takra Dhara

• Graying of the hair
• Headache
• Indigestion
• Burning of the hands and feet
• Disorders of the eyes, ears, and nose, related to Pitta and Kapha aggravation
• Skin diseases of psychosomatic origin, as in psoriasis

Specific Indications Of Ksheer Dhara

• Hair loss
• Pitta imbalance
• For rejuvenation in summer and hot climates
• Insanity of Pitta origin (as a supplemental therapy)
• Dizziness
• Sleeplessness due to aggravated Pitta
• Fever of Pitta origin

Who Should NOT Have ShirodharaShirodhara is suitable for any dosha or constitution however there are some contraindications.
Shirodhara should NOT be given to women in their third trimester of pregnancy. It is very difficult to lay on the back for 40-60 minutes at a time without feeling discomfort. Pregnancy is contraindicated in dhara where warm oil is poured all over the body.
Other contraindications include brain tumor, recent neck injury, abrasions or cuts on the head, fever or chills, acute illness, nausea, vomiting, severe weakness, exhaustion, dizziness, fainting or spontaneous sweating.
Shirodhara should not be given to those with a rash or sunburn on the forehead or scalp.
If you have an aversion to oil then it is also not recommended for you.
(NOTE: If you’re a Licensed Massage Therapist or even just interested in Ayurvedic therapies, shirodhara is a fantastic treatment you should add to your inventory. Shirodhara is a delightfully soothing experience, beneficial for insomnia, anxiety, stress, and fatigue. If you have a loved one that would benefit from this treatment, you can learn online, practice at home, and offer this treatment to friends and family. Click below for more information.)


Other Contraindications

• Fever in ama stage, i.e. fever of recent origin.
• Excess Kapha.
• Excess ama.
• Morbid obesity.
• Indigestion.
• Ascites.
• Edema.
• Generalized toxic conditions like septicemia.
• Any acute illness.
• Exhaustion.
• Dehydration or thirst.
• Non-cooperative individuals like children and those with Alzheimer’s. In these people shiro-pichu or the placing of cotton dipped in a suitable oil and placed on the bregma is more suitable or practical.

How Does Shirodhara Work?There are a few ways to look at how shirodhara works.
According to Ayurveda, shirodhara is beneficial for Vata and Pitta dosha. When accumulated, Vata dosha exhibits fear, insecurity, worry, racing thoughts. When Pitta dosha is in excess, it is exhibited as anger, irritability, frustration, judgment.
The action and qualities of the liquid used in shirodhara counter the qualities of the increased doshas. It soothes, nourishes and pacifies the doshas through the application of the liquid to the forehead, scalp and nervous system.


In the Spring 1995 issue of the journal of The Ayurvedic Institute ‘Ayurveda Today’, Ayurvedic practitioner Ed Danaher explains how shirodhara affects stress.
Stress, according to Ayurveda, is a state of imbalance of prana vayu, sadaka pitta, and tarpaka kapha. Shirodhara reestablishes the functional integrity between these three doshic subtypes and thus helps alleviate stress.
The gentle pressure of the oil falling onto the forehead may also play a role in inducing rest.
In the procedure of shirodhara, particular pressure and the vibration is created over the forehead. The vibration is amplified by the hollow sinus present in the frontal bone. The vibration is then transmitted inwards through the fluid medium of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). This vibration along with little temperature may activate the functions of thalamus and the basal forebrain which then brings the amount of serotonin and catecholamine to the normal stage inducing the sleep.
Again, it is explained in modern textbooks of physiology that pressure has an effect on impulse conduction through tactile and thermoreceptors. If prolonged pressure is applied to a nerve, impulse conduction is interrupted and part of the body may go to rest. In Dhara therapy, prolonged and continuous pressure due to pouring of the medicated liquid may cause tranquility of mind and induce natural sleep.5
Duration Of ShirodharaShirodhara can be done for a period of 45 to 60 minutes depending on the nature and severity of the dosha imbalance or depending on the individual’s constitution or Prakruti.
Shirodhara is usually done for a period of 7 to 14 days or as recommended by the practitioner. The relief of complaints is taken as a parameter for the number of days of treatment to be done in one stretch.
Shirodhara can also be done for 7, 14, 21 or 28 days or longer in chronic and stubborn cases. Generally, a small-time gap is provided between two treatments and often is not continued beyond three weeks’ time.
Shirodhara is usually done in the early hours of the morning, preferably between 6 am and 10 am. In high Pitta conditions, it can also be done in the afternoon.
Shirodhara And Other Ayurvedic Body TherapiesShirodhara can be combined with the following Ayurvedic treatments for added benefits.

• Sarvanga dhara – A stream of medicinal fluids poured all over the body
• Kaya Seka or Pizhichil – A stream of herbal oils poured all over the body
• Sarvanga Abhyanga – A full body massage with herbal oils
• Patra Pinda Sweda – A leaf bolus fomentation
• Abhyanga and Patra Pinda Sweda – A combination of full-body herbal oil massage and leaf bolus fomentation massage along with shirodhara
• Shashtika Shali Pinda Sweda or Navarakizhi – A rice bolus fomentation
• Padabhyanga and Sarvabhyanga– Foot massage and full body herbal oil massage
• Vasti or Basti – Therapeutic self-administered enemas utilizing oil, milk and/or an herbal decoction.

How To Get A Great ShirodharaIf you’re new to shirodhara and would like to receive a treatment ask your therapist to observe these three key points. Take this free Dosha Quiz to determine your prakruti or constitution.
1. Observe Silence
No music should be playing during shirodhara. Cell phones should be turned off and there should be no interruptions and no conversations taking place. Any noise will disrupt the experience of disengaging from outside stimuli and experiencing mental rest.
2. Be Mindful Of The Room’s Temperature
In cooler climates and during the cooler seasons of the year the room should be ‘toasty’ warm throughout the treatment. A space heater can be used to make sure the room is warm enough.
The head will be wet with oil during the treatment so it is very important that the client does not get cold during the process. If so, the experience could become unpleasant.
Vata body types can be additionally soothed with a few layers of blankets.
In the warmer months of the year, blankets can also be beneficial. If someone is susceptible to drafts, strong air conditioning or poor circulation, a blanket may help. Make sure the temperature of the room is comfortable and avoid cold air-conditioned rooms for shirodhara when possible.
3. Choose The Proper Liquid
Shirodhara oil should be carefully chosen for one’s constitution and the climate. Consult a qualified Ayurveda practitioner or trained therapist for a proper shirodhara.
Sesame and sunflower oil can also be used. Sesame has heating effects and is good for Vata dosha. Sunflower oil has cooling effects and benefits Pitta dosha. The two are often blended together.
Use caution when choosing coconut oil.
Coconut oil has a cooling action on the body and can actually make the body cold. It should not be used on someone that has a Vata imbalance or on the Vata dominant person. It may be used during the hot summer months for someone with a Pitta imbalance, or it may be blended with oils that have a heating action on the body to negate its cold effects.
(NOTE: If you’re a Licensed Massage Therapist or even just interested in Ayurvedic therapies, shirodhara is a fantastic treatment you should add to your inventory. Shirodhara is a delightfully soothing experience, beneficial for insomnia, anxiety, stress, and fatigue. If you have a loved one that would benefit from this treatment, you can learn online, practice at home, and offer this treatment to friends and family. Click below for more information.)




How To Prepare For A Shirodhara AppointmentWhen scheduling an appointment for shirodhara, keep in mind that you may need additional rest following the treatment.
Shirodhara cleanses the mind and senses.
Make use of this time and avoid unnecessary stimulation after your treatment. Avoid large crowds like concerts, restaurants, bars and large gatherings. Instead make the remainder of your day peaceful. This is your time for mental rest.
Eat lightly before your appointment.
Shirodhara has an effect on the digestive system and a full stomach is not advised.
Your hair will be saturated with oil.
Dress appropriately and comfortably. Wear an old shirt or something you don’t mind getting oil on.
It is advised to leave the oil in your hair for at least a few hours following the treatment. It’s best to leave the oil in your hair overnight if you can.
Prepare to cover your head following the treatment.
If the weather is cool, windy or cold, bring an old warm hat, again something you don’t mind getting oil on. An old scarf works well to cover the head and hair in warmer weather. A plastic shower cap also works well.
Post-Shirodhara TipsGet Up Slowly
If you’ve received Sarvanga dhara or whole-body oil dhara, relax for about half an hour, 10 minutes on the table and then preferably on a recliner for the next 20 minutes.
Get up only after resting in a lateral position and do so slowly.
The body should not be exposed to cold air. Doing so might induce a cold, muscle cramps or headache.
Light Massage
A light massage should be done after shirodhara on the head, neck and whole body and the oil wiped off with a soft cotton towel.


Bath
Following shirodhara a warm water bath should be taken. Alternatively, water boiled with nirgundi (Vitex negundo), nimba (neem) or dashamula (‘ten roots’) can be cooled and used for bathing. The client is advised to take a refreshing warm water bath after going home or after a few hours.
Use warm water for bathing and drinking purposes.
How To Wash Your Hair 
If your shirodara was done with oil and you have a lot of hair, the easiest way to remove the oil is to add the shampoo to your hair before adding water.
The shampoo will grab hold of the oil so it can be easily rinsed out. Wash 2-3 times to remove all oil residue.
Avoid Caffeine For A Few Days
Caffeine creates disharmony in the body. It deranges all of the doshas and will have an immediate negative effect on your nervous system, especially after a soothing shirodhara treatment.
If you are in need of a pick-me-up, try juice or a piece of fresh fruit. Drink hot water instead of cold water or cold beverages.
Mind Your Colon And Enjoy Some Kitchari
After shirodhara it’s important to keep the colon clean. Oil-based laxatives may be given to flush out undigested food and doshas from the gut. External procedures like massage and shirodhara cause doshas and waste to accumulate in the colon.
If constipation develops after shirodhara, the individual will suffer from flatulence, distention of the abdomen sounds in the gut, sluggish metabolism, indigestion, tastelessness and an increase in dosha aggravation.
Kitchari is a light and delicious stew that is highly nutritious and also easy to digest. Enjoying kitchari post-shirodhara will assist in the digestive process and help maintain the balance of the doshas.
Eating And Drinking
Keep a reasonably light diet and do not eat unnecessarily or in excess.
What To Avoid After ShirodharaThe person who has received shirodhara should abstain from the following for at least the same number of days as the duration of the treatment. If the treatment has been done for seven days, the restrictions should be followed strictly for at least the next seven days.

• Indulgence in sex
• Getting sexually stimulated
• Strenuous physical exercise
• Excessive exposure to sunlight (use an umbrella or a hat)
• Forcibly withholding natural urges or reflexes like defecation, urination, hunger, thirst, sleep, and sneezing
• Exposure to cold or intake of cold foods
• Smoking
• Excessive sleeping
• Very high or low-level pillows
• Exposure to strong winds or dust
• Emotions like grief or anger
• Late nights
• Walking for long distances
• Speaking or shouting in excess
• Speaking loudly
• Excessive and prolonged use of electronic gadgets
• Driving for the next 24 hours

Possible Side Effects Of ShirodharaShirodhara has been researched to be a safe procedure if it is used for appropriate conditions and the appropriate materials and methodology is used.

• Shivering is observed in some due to excess feeling of coldness. In such a case, the procedure is stopped immediately and the person is covered with warm blankets and the heat in the room is turned up. This generally can be managed without any complication.
• A feeling of heaviness in the head can occur in some people. They are rested and are given a Vata pacifying tea which generally takes care of the problem. They should have warm food and water for the next few days.
• Dizziness can be felt in a small number of people. If dizziness occurs they should rest in a left lateral position and the back of the neck and shoulders should be massaged gently. They may take warm saffron milk to drink after half an hour. Giving a gentle massage to everyone after shirodhara and resting for at least a half-hour minimizes this side effect.
• According to many experienced Ayurvedic practitioners, if eyes are kept open during shirodhara chances of dizziness increases. Eyelids should be comfortably closed and padded with cotton to avoid this complication.

(NOTE: If you’re a Licensed Massage Therapist or even just interested in Ayurvedic therapies, shirodhara is a fantastic treatment you should add to your inventory. Shirodhara is a delightfully soothing experience, beneficial for insomnia, anxiety, stress, and fatigue. If you have a loved one that would benefit from this treatment, you can learn online, practice at home, and offer this treatment to friends and family. Click below for more information.)


3 Tips For Continuous Self-CareIt is possible that for some people the effects of your shirodhara may not be immediately known. Continue to care for yourself and over time you will notice a change.
Follow the below three tips to maintain the peaceful qualities you experienced.


Meditate
Meditation is the ultimate cleanser for the body and mind and provides the same mental benefits of shirodhara – relaxation, separation from thought, rest and renewal.
Keep A Proper Diet And Lifestyle
Eat well. A diet high in sugar, caffeine and refined products will eventually take its toll on the body and mind.
Choose whole grains like rice, oats and whole wheat. Enjoy fresh fruit for a snack and eat vegetables daily. Choose a high-quality protein and dairy products.
Avoid caffeine.
Keep A Regular Schedule For Eating And Sleeping
A regular daily routine maintains the health of the doshas. Wake and sleep with the rise and setting of the sun.
Please consult a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner before undergoing shirodhara. 
References
1 Pokharel, Sanjay, and Ajay Kumar Sharma. “Evaluation of Insomrid Tablet and Shirodhara in the Management of Anidra (Insomnia).” Ayu, Medknow Publications Pvt Ltd, 2010, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3215320.
2 http://www.ijrap.net/admin/php/uploads/1058_pdf.pdf
3 Kundu, C, et al. “The Role of Psychic Factors in Pathogenesis of Essential Hypertension and Its Management by Shirodhara and Sarpagandha Vati.” Ayu., U.S. National Library of Medicine, Oct. 2010, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22048535.
4 Charaka Samhita, Sutra sthan, chapter 5
5 Pokharel, Sanjay, and Ajay Kumar Sharma. “Evaluation of Insomrid Tablet and Shirodhara in the Management of Anidra (Insomnia).” Ayu, Medknow Publications Pvt Ltd, 2010, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3215320/.

6 Warning Signs of Opiate Addiction6 Warning Signs of Opiate AddictionOpioids have become a big problem but there are solutions, especially if you catch it soon. Learn about the warning signs of opiate addiction.
Keyword(s): signs of opiate addiction

How common is drug abuse? More common than you think.
According to government statistics, more than 24 million people have used some sort of illicit drug in the past 30 days.
Some of the most common ones include marijuana, cocaine, hallucinogens, heroin, and methamphetamine.
Misuse of prescription drugs is also an issue. Take opiates, for instance--over 2 million Americans are addicted to them each year.
The longer you take them, the greater the risk of health problems. That’s why it's so important to recognize the symptoms early.
Want to know the signs of opiate addiction? If so, you’re on the right page. We’ll be going over everything that you need to know below.
Keep reading to learn more!
What Are Opiates?Opiates are a group of drugs that are commonly used to relieve pain. Derived from the opium poppy plant, they come in various forms. For example, you can take it as a pill or get it injected as an IV.
Man-made versions of these drugs are called opioids. Generally speaking, they work in the same way. If anything, the risk of addiction is just as high as their natural counterparts. 
What is Opioid Addiction?Opiate addiction is a chronic disease that can cause serious health problems. Put it simply, it makes an individual want and need opiate drugs.
Without it, they’ll likely suffer withdrawal symptoms that’ll affect them physically and psychologically. For instance, they might experience muscle cramping, insomnia, agitation, anxiety, and diarrhea.
The only way for them to prevent these withdrawal symptoms is by taking more opiates. As you can imagine, that only makes the problem worse in the long run.
Opioid Addiction Risk FactorsVarious factors can increase the risk of addiction. For example, the longer you take opioids, the higher the chance that you’ll become addicted.
Individuals with a history of substance abuse, criminal activity, risk-taking behavior are also at a higher risk. In addition to that, women are more likely than men to have an opioid addiction.
Why? The chance of them receiving opioids for pain is higher. There are also biological factors that make them dependent on drugs more quickly.
Side Effects of Opioids Opioid painkillers are associated with a number of side effects. While it depends on the exact drug, most will occur within 30 minutes.
Some of the most common side effects include nausea, vomiting, blurred vision, impaired judgment, shallow breathing, and feelings of calmness.
Rarely, it can lead to an overdose, which can be fatal if not treated promptly. 
Treatment For Opioid Addiction There are various ways to treat opioid addiction. Counseling, for example, can help individuals stay clean. It allows them to escape cravings and teaches them how to manage life without drugs.
There are also medications that you can take. They act on the same targets in the brain as other opioids but do not give you a high.
Not only will they decrease cravings but they'll also reduce withdrawal symptoms. This will give your brain a chance to recover from the addiction.
6 Signs of Opiate Addiction The earlier an addiction is caught, the easier it will be to treat. Here are a few warning signs to watch out for:
1. Doctor Shopping Some people become addicted to opioids after being prescribed them for a legitimate reason. Once they run out, they’ll want to get more.
To hide their addiction, many will resort to seeing multiple doctors aka they will be "shopping for doctors." Keep in mind, however, that it's not always obvious. In fact, many will get away with it before getting caught.
2. Physical Changes There's a high chance that an addiction will cause physical signs, most of which are easily noticeable. For example, an individual might seem confused or drowsy. In some cases, they might appear elated.
Another thing to pay attention to is their breathing. Those who are addicted will likely be breathing more slowly—this is due to the slowing down of the central nervous system. 
3. Financial Problems Opioid addiction can cause financial hardship. After all, these drugs cost money. According to one survey, 48% of respondents (individuals with drug addiction) admitted to having depleted their savings.
Others may attempt to borrow money, sell their assets, or take out a high-interest loan for funds.
4. Social Challenges Individuals with an opioid addiction may withdraw from social interaction. Instead of spending time with others, they’ll seek out solitude.
For example, it’s not uncommon for individuals to drop hobbies and activities that they once used to enjoy.
Being alone gives them more opportunities to use the drug in secret. In some cases, however, it can worsen psychological problems such as anxiety and depression.
5. Denial Many people with drug addictions are not aware that they have a problem. They might be aware that they’re dependent on a drug but they won't be willing to accept help and treatment.
Instead, they'll have the mindset that they can quit anytime they want to.
6. Legal Issues Those who abuse drugs are much more likely to get into trouble with the law. This might be due to impaired judgment (due to the opioids) or an increase in thrill-seeking behavior.
There’s also a chance that they’re breaking the law to get the drug in the first place. 
Recovering From Opioid Addiction And there we have it—six signs of opiate addiction. As you can see, it can cause a variety of physical and psychological changes. 
Looking for opioid treatment in the Indianapolis area? Feel free to contact us to set up an appointment!

What Is a Deep Tissue Massage and How Can It Help You?What Is a Deep Tissue Massage and How Can It Help You?A deep tissue massage can bring you many health benefits. Read our article and learn what it is, signs you need it and how it can help you.
Keyword(s): deep tissue massage

If you suffer from persistent aches and pains that just won't let up, no matter how many chiropractors or acupuncturists you've seen, deep tissue massage could be the answer.
This type of therapeutic massage is used to treat a myriad of musculoskeletal issues that no amount of clicking and pricking is able to solve. 
Essentially, deep tissue massage breaks down scar tissue through sustained pressure. If you're considering this treatment, here's what you should know:
What Exactly is Deep Tissue Massage?Deep tissue massage is unlike any other type of massage therapy on the market today. The truth is- deep tissue massage is not meant to be super relaxing. It's a form of musculoskeletal therapy which involves the application of sustained pressure, in long, deep, slow strokes.
This sustained application of pressure targets the inner layers of the muscles, tendons and connective tissue. This helps to break up scar tissue that has formed over time, reducing muscle tension and inflammation.
Deep tissue massage is also ideal for promoting increased blood flow. This helps to reduce swelling in the tissue and surrounding areas. Overall, this can also help to reduce pain levels. 
Pain Levels: What to Expect As previously mentioned, deep tissue massage is not meant to be relaxing. At some point throughout the massage, you can expect to feel some level of pain and discomfort, particularly in very tight or tense areas of muscle.
However, if you experience pain that is completely out of your comfort zone, tell your therapist right away. They will then ease up on the applied pressure that is in-line with what you can tolerate.
Post-massage, you can expect to feel a little tenderness or stiffness in certain areas. This is completely normal and will fade within a day or two. 
Who is Deep Tissue Massage Best For? Deep tissue massage therapy is ideal for people you have sustained some form of musculoskeletal injury. Whether it's in the back, shoulder, or legs, this type of massage works to break down and relax injured or scarred muscles. 
Chronic muscle tension or injury leads to adhesions in muscles, tendons, and ligaments. These adhesions then block the circulation of blood. Over time, this can cause immense pain, limited mobility, and inflammation.
In order to reach deep into the musculature portion of the affected area, deep tissue massage is perfect for this. 
People who suffer from structural abnormalities in the muscles and spine can also greatly benefit from this type of massage. Ideally, deep tissue massage promotes muscle relaxation and the correct function of the muscle. 
What to Expect During Your MassageWhen your massage first begins, your therapist will use a light amount of pressure to warm up the targeted area of tension or injury. After this, specific massage techniques are applied to reach deep down into the muscle. 
The two primary techniques used in deep tissue massage include friction and stripping. Friction is defined as the pressure that is applied across the grain of your muscle to relax adhesions.
Stripping is defined as deep, gliding pressure that runs along the length of your muscle fiber. Typically, the thumbs, forearm, elbow, and knuckles are used for this technique.
Generally, your massage therapist will also use the ball of the hand and fingertips during your session. In especially tense areas, your therapist will ask you to breathe deeply through any pain or discomfort.  
What Are the Benefits of Deep Tissue Massage?Deep tissue massage is specific to any type of musculoskeletal problem you may be suffering from. It helps to alleviate chronic tension, pain, inflammation, and discomfort. This helps you to live a more comfortable lifestyle, not limited by pain or mobility issues. 
Deep tissue massage is also beneficial for the following conditions: 

• Poor posture which causes muscular pain and discomfort 
• Muscle spasms 
• Limited mobility and stiff limbs 
• Chronic lower back pain 
• Pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis 
• Pain associated with tennis elbow
• Chronic sciatic pain caused by injury  
• Fibromyalgia 
• Repetitive strain injuries
• Exercise or sports-related muscle stiffness or injury 

Aside from the pain and tension relief, deep tissue massage is also great for lowering your blood pressure. This is due to the stimulation of fresh, new blood flow after each massage. It's also beneficial for your quality of sleep. By easing muscle tension and stiffness this allows you to enjoy a peaceful night's rest, rather than tossing and turning in discomfort. 
What Are the Side Effects? It's worth noting that you will most likely experience some level of pain or tenderness after your first deep tissue massage. This pain or tenderness should dissipate after a couple of days though. And each time you return for a massage, your discomfort levels should decrease, as does your muscle tension.
Deep tissue massage is a completely safe treatment, but it may not be suitable for everyone. You may need to chat with your doctor beforehand if you have a history of: 

• Blood clotting disorder 
• Take certain medications such as blood thinners 
• Suffer from a bleeding disorder such as hemophilia A or B
• Undergoing chemotherapy or radiation treatment 
• Suffer from osteoporosis and have particularly fragile bones  

If you are pregnant, you may want to hold off on deep tissue massage too. Heat packs or ice packs are great for easing post-massage tenderness. 
Looking For Holistic Care For Your Aches and Pains?At Starsiak Osteopathic Clinic we specialize in deep tissue massage, also known as medical massage, as part of our holistic approach to reducing your chronic pain. 
Aside from this, we offer services in osteopathic medicine, primary care, prolotherapy, nutritional counseling, and more.
Learn more about our massage therapy by browsing our massage menu to get an idea of how we can help!

    For many people the idea of a medical practice that doesn't take insurance is unfamiliar and some think that it's not worth it to pay for office visits on top of paying for  insurance. So I want to explain my thinking and create some context for you. Here's why I think it's a good idea. In order to work with insurance a practice needs to see more people in the same amount of time, which generates more paperwork. The increased number of people and the increased paperwork requires a practice to hire someone for billing and someone for scheduling.  This is very difficult for newly graduated Physicians to do because they already have medical school loans to pay off at the same time they are starting a family. Consequently, most Physicians join practices that are owned by hospitals or other large organizations. Then, all of the other people in those organisations need to get a piece of the pie, so prices increase. Patients don't see these prices because insurance pays for them, but they experience the friction created by being cared for by a practice owned by a very large organization  in the form of long wait times, a very slow response rate to phone calls or emails, rushed office visits, and impersonalized service. After everything is factored in people end up spending more through the costs of wasted time, increased stress, and avoidable visits to urgent care or the ER due to slow office response times.  
    In our practice you will not wait more than 20 minutes without being compensated for your time, you have direct cell access to your provider and will receive a return call, text, or email within 48 hrs, visit times are never rushed, and we will know and actually care about you.  Since we are a small physician owned practice our overhead is low, so we can offer these services at affordable prices. The new patient visit is about the cost of a nice dinner for two people, $100 - $150. Follow-up visits are about the cost it takes to fill up a SUV with a full tank of gas, $50 - $75.   These charges are based upon the amount of time needed for the visit. insurance will still take care of any labs or Imaging we order, and we draw labs in office for your convenience. For your average person who only needs to come and see the doctor two to four times a year (price range for 2-4 vists $150-$375), the cost is quite low for what you get.

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As part of the move to our new space this Novemeber 4th we will begin providing primary care to patients.  This does not mean patients have to do their primary care with us if they want to recieve only Osteopathic manipulation and keep their current primary care provider.  The same is true if you want to come to the clinic for  Primary Care, you are not required to receive Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine.  Our goals in providing Primary Care are to create a healing environment where you feel at home.  One where the provider-patient relationship is taken care of.  In service to this goal we will not be working with insurance because of the constraints that are placed on that relationship if we do.  The main reason that working with insurance constrains the patient-doctor relationship is that it provides no incentive to take care of that relationship. It only incentivizes the physician to go as quickly as possible, to see the most patients in order to bill the most.  Then the physician is left with a mountain of paperwork that they frequently stay after work to complete. If the provider is not happy and ease, he or she will not be fully available to take care of their patients. If they're not fully available, they may miss something.  By taking Insurance out of the picture we can take our time and decrease the typical stresses associated with seeking Medical Care.This does not mean that our prices will be unattainable. in fact, we plan for a simple follow-up (15-30 minutes) visit cost somewhere from $50 - $100 And a new patient visit (about 45 min - 1 hr) to cost between $125 - $175.  We know that the relationship with the patient is a piece that has been undervalued in recent years. This is because it's not reimbursed by Insurance, so it tends to fall by the wayside. The trend has been for Physicians to spend less and less time with their patients, and this rush has decreased their job satisfaction, the quality of the relationship with the patient, and led them to focus too much on what medication can they prescribe. This approach makes it difficult to be holistic.   The top five causes of death in the United States are lifestyle-related, that means they're created by daily choices. Thus, preventative medicine is a crucial component for Physicians to focus on in our society today. The current Insurance system makes it difficult to do that well. We take the time to consider the context in which you live. Inquiring about diet, exercise, relationships, vices, and fulfillment with life in general. All of these aspects of your life influence health and well-being. of course we are also able to take care of all of those other typical Primary Care things such as prescriptions, Laboratories, Imaging, Etc.  In fact, we have a relationship with a laboratory so we will do in office collection for all of our labs, which means you won't have to run over to another place to get it done. Additionally, we have a relationship with a pharmacy that can deliver medicines directly to your home. Our goal is to minimize the stress of Medical Care as completely as possible, and hopefully make an enjoyable experience were you know that you are important and you feel taken care of.  This is our commitment to you.

Most people have some sort of addiction.  No matter the substance that the addiction is associated with the pattern is basically the same.  We have a feeling in our body, me subconsiously conclude that that feeling is bad and we need to change it, we erroneously conclude that the way to fix this bad feeling is to take the substance.  Let's look at sugar to start as an example.  For people who are addicted to sugar they use it as an escape, a way to alter their mood temporarily and avoid confronting a feeling.  Of course there is a way to have a healthy relationship with sugar, but when the relationship is being abused it can be an addiction like anything else.  When it is overused over time we feel worse and worse.  Maybe because sugar causes us to put on more fat and we don't look the way we want to, or because of the physiologic changes from diabetes.  Either way this bad feeling becomes a reason to use more sugar to try and alter our state.  In addition, the bad feeling itself can simply be withdrawl from the substance.  If we eat too much sugar, too regularly over a long period of time we will become tolerant to it (meaning we need more to get the same mood altering effect) and if we take it away we will experience withdrawl.  I know of people who went through headaches, nausea, irritability, difficultly sleeping all from sugar withdrawl.  Now, we can replace sugar with any other addictive substance and the process will be the same.  Bad feeling, subconsious mental conclusion that leads us to use substance, altered mood, experience negative effects of altered mood, experience withdrawl from substance, repeat cycle.  So, addiction is a common human strategy to deal with suffering.  The problem is that it creates more suffering.  It is better to notice the feeling that starts the whole process, look it right in the face, accept, and feel it.  Typically we need counseling to help us be successful in this approach.  
    For someone who is already addicted to something, it can be quite difficult to break the cycle.  Today we see more people dying from Opiod overdoses than any other form of accidental death.  Cigarette smoking has been a leading cause of cancer for years.  There are ways though to untangle even these very strong addictions.  I, Dr. Starsiak, recently completed additional training to be able to prescribe buprenorphine.  This is a medication that helps with stabalizing opiod/opiate addictions.  Most people who try to quit opiods/opiates on their own return to usage within a year, >90% of people in fact.  Buprenorphine is a medication that will stabalize the addiction.  It does not create a high like the opioids that people typically abuse recreationally.   Instead, it will prevent withdrawal symptoms and eliminate cravings for other opioids. This allows a person to get their life in order, to develop a support system, to go through counseling, basically to experience stability, so when they're ready they can be more successful at completely quitting opioids. In fact, buprenorphine itself is an opioid but the way it interacts with the opiate receptors is different than commonly abused opioids and opiates. It does not fully activate the receptors, so it doesn't create the same high. It does however prevent withdrawal and cravings so a person can go on living their life.  Typically a patient needs to be sustained on buprenorphine for at least a year before attempting to  taper it down. Studies show better success rates  with long term abstinence with sustaned mantainence on buprenorphine compared to using buprenorphine to detox quickly from another opiate and then stopping the buprenorphine. Success rates of long-term abstinence go up the longer a patient is on this medication. A patient takes this medication at home and only needs to come into the office once a month to be reassessed, so it is quite convenient and will not interfere with daily life. The phase where we switch over from whatever the abused opiate or opioid are to buprenorphine is called induction. Induction can be done at home or in my office depending on a few medical variables along with the patient's preference. the risk of death from opiate / opioid overdose is quartered when someone is on buprenorphine. So, it really is a matter of life and death for many.  If you are struggling with opioid or opiate addiction please give me a call. I will help.