jmatsu's Full Review: Robert S. Ivker - Sinus Survival: The Holistic Med...
Sinus Survival: The Holistic Medical Treatment for Allergies, Colds and Sinusitis by Robert S. Ivker, D.O., offers hope for those who suffer unbearably from respiratory allergies and chronic sinus irritations by showing them how to implement Ivker's "Sinus Survival Program."
Ivker is a medical doctor, but not an MD. He has a doctorate in osteopathic medicine, which places a greater emphasis on the relationship between the organs, muscles, nerves, tissues, and the skeletal structure than conventional medical (allopathic) training does. Over the years he's further shifted his emphasis to natural, holistic medicine. According to the book, Ivker grew up with chronic allergies and sinus infections and initially developed his treatment plan through efforts to cure himself. He later further refined his treatment plan through working with his patients. His approach involves looking at the overall physical, mental and spiritual health of the patient--not just the sinuses.
Ivker believes that many people who think they are suffering from a lingering cold are actually suffering from a sinus infection. And that a sinus infection, unless it's addressed properly, rather than being a simple, quick illness can develop into a chronic condition that can flare up and never truly go away.
Ivker's view is that conventional medicine--though wonderful for treating specific, acute illnesses--has too narrow a focus to help those suffering from chronic diseases, such as chronic sinusitis. He further believes that some conventional treatments given can unintentionally make things worse. For example, he points out that many decongestants and antihistamines can dry out the sinuses and prevent infected mucous from draining, which can possibly help a cold to turn into a lingering sinus infection.
Ivker states in his introduction that his book isn't aimed at those interested in a "quick fix." He feels that it took time to get sick and that it will take time to get well. He recommends staying with the complete program for at least two months to give it a fair chance to work. Ivker feels that self awareness and an overall commitment to a healthier lifestyle are essential to achieving sinus health. He really encourages readers to take a holistic view of their sinus problems and make a commitment to improving their overall health in order to live allergy free. However, some of his techniques/advice can be applied piecemeal and provide a little relief to those who are suffering from sinus problems. (Ivker's hope is that those who experience a little improvement after trying a few techniques will feel encouraged to go more wholeheartedly into the program and end up not just allergy free, but thriving in mind and body.)
An Introduction to the Program
Chapter One is a quickie introduction to the program (it is presented in more detail later in the book). The chapter has a table that shows a list of things that should be done to maintain health and prevent sinus infections/colds/allergies. For those wishing to ease into the program, Ivker has indicated which to start with and which to add after the reader has mastered the basic items. Ivker also has a table of suggestions that can be implemented to treat sinusitis, along with other listings of treatments for allergies and colds.
Treatment options range from something as simple as drinking water and getting regular exercise, to taking vitamins or prescription drugs, to using an air purifier and applying accupressure. I was pleased to see that the author is also careful to make note of items that shouldn't be taken by people with high blood pressure. Plus, he has separate recommendations for pregnant women. Throughout the book, he also tries to distinguish between what has been proven (has some evidence behind it) and what is just his unsubstantiated opinion.
One reassuring thing is that you don't have to do EVERYTHING on the lists and tables in order to make your sinuses healthy. Ivker expects people to customize the program. He has provided a list of things that can help, but he acknowledges that each person's body reacts in a slightly different way. Ivker encourages the reader to experiment and adapt the program into something that suits his/her lifestyle and allows him/her to thrive. He also seems to be willing to be contacted by readers who are having trouble with the program.
The Book
CHAPTER 1 introduces the program.
CHAPTER 2 encourages the reader to seek "optimal health," which is more than just the absence of obvious disease.
CHAPTER 3 describes what/where the sinuses are and how they should work, including the importance of a healthy mucous membrane and how colds and environmental conditions like air pollution can contribute to sinus problems.
CHAPTER 4 helps the reader to diagnose sinus infections, allergies and colds.
CHAPTER 5 talks about how conventional medicine treats sinus/ear infections and allergies. It also explains how common prescription and OTC drugs work. It includes a good explanation of the difference between aspirin, ibuprofen and acetaminophen.
CHAPTER 6 is the main chapter on implementing the program. It starts out by talking about air quality and things that can be done to improve and control it, along with specific treatments that can be done to rinse/humidify sinuses. The chapter then progresses into diet (foods to avoid, vitamins and herbs that will help), exercise, professional treatment options, accupressure, reflexology, recipes and candida.
CHAPTERS 7 and 8 address the mental and spiritual aspects of the program and how to implement them.
CHAPTER 9 talks about the sinus success stories of Ivker's patients.
CHAPTER 10 wraps it all up with FAQs.
In addition, there are some helpful questionnaires throughout the book and the back of the book has addresses and contact information for several natural-medicine organizations.
Candida
Ivker says that if you diligently follow his regimen, you should see improvement in 4 weeks--unless the problem is caused by candida. Candida Albicans is a yeast found in the intestines that aids digestion. According to Ivker, an overabundance of candida (candidiasis) can cause many problems, one of which is sinus infections. The body keeps candida in balance with good bacteria, but the good bacteria can be wiped out by antibiotics. A whole list of other items--especially Progesterone--can also lead to problems with candida.
Ivker notes that many MDs don't believe in candida as a cause of sinus and other problems. This can make it hard to get treated for it, as his first recommendation would be to take a prescription anti-fungal medication.
My Thoughts
This book is the first that I've heard of candida, so I'm also a little skeptical of it, especially since it's hard for anyone to take the Candida Questionnaire (in the book) and not come up with candidiasis as a possible cause. The list of possible symptoms is equally broad. Still, that doesn't mean that candida isn't the cause--it just means that I'm not about to rush out and tell my friends to be wary of it.
I borrowed the book from the library recently out of general interest, but after skimming through it I ordered a copy for myself. It just seemed a good resource to have. Although I'm a little hesitant to take some of the herbs and vitamins he recommends, much of his advice seems consistent with what I've learned over the years and some of it is undisputedly good health advice. When I was much younger, I used to have a lot of sinus infections and allergies, but I've been okay until this year, when I and a lot of other people here seem to be having a hard time with hay fever.
If my sinuses were driving me crazy I might be willing to commit to the Sinus Survival Program, but at the moment I'm not suffering enough to be willing to change my diet or resort to daily nasal rinsing. I sometimes follow a few of the book's suggestions and it seems to help. I've been meaning to try the accupressure. This year I had my first cold in almost 3-1/2 years and the book was very helpful in reminding me of how to clear up my congestion faster.
Other Information
It is best to get the 4th edition (published in 2000), because it reflects more of the knowledge that Ivker has gained since he first published the book in 1987. I've found it on Amazon, under "Sinus Survival: A Self-help Guide" (ISBN 1-58542-058-1) for $11.16 plus tax and shipping.
For more information on osteopathy, go to:
http://www.medfriendly.com/doctorofosteopathy.html
http://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=4684
http://www.stronghealth.com/services/primarycare/domd.cfm
The Holistic Medical Treatment for Allergies, Colds, and Sinusitis--By Robert S. Ivker, D.O.--Fourth Edition, Revised and Updated. Forty million Ameri...More at VitaCost.com
The bestselling classic that has rescued countless readers from sinus suffering has now been revised and updated with new holistic medical treatments ...More at Buy.com Marketplaces
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