Perceptions
Treating the Whole Patient
A mind-body approach works wonders in this practice.
BY NATHAN L. LIPTON, M.D., RICHARDSON, TEXAS

Several years ago I was becoming increasingly frustrated with trying to help patients with conditions such as macular degeneration and recurrent attacks of iritis, for which we have no definitive treatments. I began to study nutrition and other alternative healing systems. I also wanted to learn about stress-reduction techniques. Stress adversely affects so many people today, and I believe reducing it should be a physician's priority.

I attended seminars and workshops on mind-body -- or alternative -- medicine, gaining insight into various healing programs. At a 1999 workshop, I spotted a demonstration of an unusual machine. Intrigued, I tried it.

I was invited to lie on a mat and place my feet into the device, which was called the Chi Machine. When it was turned on, the machine moved my legs laterally. After 5 minutes it was turned off and I felt simultaneously relaxed and energized.

Once I discovered the benefits of this alternative treatment, I wanted to share it with everyone, including my patients. I use the machine in a variety of ways in my practice.

Before patients undergo LASIK and other surgeries, we put them on the machine for about 10 minutes. We combine this with another therapy called the Hot House, a far infrared device. The combination helps our patients relax and enhances their LASIK experience. Our patients are enthusiastic about these therapies. They leave my office rejuvenated.

In the office we also have a "Relaxation Room," where we play relaxing music and have the Chi Machine on a massage table. When patients have had to wait too long to be seen, we instill their eyedrops and then put them on the machine. After 15 minutes they become different people, often asking if they can stay on it longer. This reduces stress and any ill will they're feeling for the long wait.

We've introduced this treatment to patients with various conditions with outstanding results. For example, Jennifer is a 31-year-old cystic fibrosis patient on a waiting list for a lung transplant. When her husband came to me for LASIK, she saw him on the machine and asked if she could have a turn. After 15 minutes, Jennifer said her breathing had significantly improved. She phoned 4 days later to report her physicians found her oxygen levels had also improved. We've also had outstanding success treating patients with fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, arthritis, multiple sclerosis, depression and neck and back pain.

I'm excited to present my patients with solutions to chronic complaints. I'm not aware of any double-blind studies with the Chi Chair, but it's an interesting area for research.

I've discussed this treatment with other ophthalmologists, who are incorporating it into their practices. Because I'm an ophthalmologist, patients come to me to treat their eyes, but as a physician I want to treat their whole mind and body.

Dr. Lipton can be reached at (972) 699-0049 or harmony95@aol.com.