Post-Surgical Recovery

Postoperative Recovery with East-West Functional Medicine means state of the art treatments that take advantage of both Western Scientific Advances and the Safe, Effective, Natural, and Self-Sustaining, Functional Approach of Eastern Medicine. Eastern Functional Medicine includes Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine and is the only medicine in the world backed by 2,000 years of Written, Empirical Clinical Evidence to treat Tinnitus. Recent clinical trials demonstrate the approach to be 90% effective in eliminating postoperative pain vs. 57% for medication.

In essence, surgery is the same as an injury. By cutting tissue, surgery interrupts blood flow, lymphatic drainage and nerve conduction. Blood nourishes tissue while lymphatic drainage eliminates toxicity that can lead to infection and inflammation. Both are vital in healing postoperative wounds. Nerves play a key role in muscle strength and function and need good circulation and lymphatic drainage to recooperate.

Good circulation, lymphatic drainage and nerve function promote the formation of elastin and collagen (which are soft and flexible) and minimize fibrosis or scar tissue. The sooner all three variables can be re-established post-surgery, the more successful the procedure will be. Too many times, these variables are overlooked leaving scar tissue, adhesions, numbness, pain and lack of original mobility. It does not have to be that way.

Dr. Barrett trained for 8 years in the office of plastic surgeon Brian Kinney, MD of Beverly Hills. With a Master’s Degree from MIT in Biochemical Engineering, Dr. Kinney was more than eager to formulate innovative recovery protocols by applying the wisdom of East-West Medicine. In fact, Dr. Kinney recommended recovery treatments start within days of surgery. The results were remarkable.

East-West medicine makes use of Acupuncture, Electro-acupuncture, Traditional Chinese Herbs, Traditional Diet and Nutrition using food as medicine, Traditional Physical Therapy called Tuina, and Therapeutic Exercises to:

1. Eliminate Postoperative Pain, Swelling and Inflammation
2. Promote Postoperative Circulation, Lymphatic Drainage and Nerve Function
3. Promote Postoperative Elastin and Collagen Formation to promote original soft, smooth, and flexible tissue recovery
4. Eliminates Postoperative Fibrosis and related Scar Tissue that can cause pain, adhesions, loss of muscle strength, mobility, loss of functional use, numbness, and be esthetically unappealing.

The Comprehensive Functional Approach of East-West Medicine and its wisdom of 2000 years of written clinical evidence stems from healing wounds. As mentioned above, blood circulation, lymphatic drainage and nerve regeneration are the underlying factors directly related to postoperative success. The Comprehensive Functional Medicine Approach of East-West Medicine will optimize each process by addressing underlying core functions and processes such as diet, digestion, stress, and more. For example, current lifestyle and workstyle habits may lead to poor digestion, causing fatigue and malnourishment which can all lead to poor circulation, poor lymphatic drainage and impede the healing process. Each patient is different. See more information below under Dr. Barrett’s Comprehensive Approach.

With 2000 years of wisdom applied with Traditional Chinese Medicine, treatments are natural, safe, effective, and self-sustaining. Remember, the sooner you start your treatments, the greater success can be achieved. Don’t leave healing to chance. Call for your appointment as soon as you can.

Why Wait? Call and Make Your Appointment Today!

310-277-7179

Given that my adult relationship with my father and his quality of life was destroyed at age 64 due to Postoperative Cognitive Dysfunction (POCD) after gall bladder surgery, this condition is near and dear to my heart.  After researching the scientific evidence clinical trials demonstrating the efficacy of the comprehensive approach of Acupuncture and Functional East-West Medicine in treating POCD, it only seems fitting that I am at the forefront of treating and preventing this condition in the United States.  POCD affects mostly the elderly and can be a huge factor in deciding whether or not to live with other life altering conditions when surgery is required to treat it.  As a result many people spend their lives in wheel chairs or with other disabilities in order to eliminate the risk of POCD.  It does not necessarily have to be that way.

Vast research and clinical trials clearly demostrate how Acupuncture and Functional East-West Medicine prevent and treat Postoperative Cognitive Dysfucntion by:

1. Reducing Systemic Inflamamation and Neuroinflammation
2. Reducing Oxidative Stress Levels
3. Improving Synaptic Plasticity
4. Reducing Neurol Injury
5. Reducing Levels of Anesthetic Agents Needed for Surgery
6. Reducing Pain and Postoperative Nausea and Trauma

The Comprehensive Functional Approach of Acupuncture and East-West Medicine should not be overlooked in deciding when weighing the risk of surgery to improve one’s quality of in the latter years.  Certainly time should not be wasted if you or a loved one has experienced POCD in order to reclaim your life.

Remember, the sooner you start your treatments, the greater success can be achieved. Don’t leave healing to chance. Call for your appointment as soon as you can.

Why Wait? Call and Make Your Appointment Today!

310-277-7179

Lauren:  “John is my second acupuncturist. After a horse-riding accident which left my face drooping, partially paralyzed and fractured in nine places, I had to be rushed for immediate reconstructive surgery. After a miraculous surgery, I still suffered from paralysis, numbness and lack of muscle tone on the left side of my face. Luckily my surgeon Dr. Brian Kinney, shares office space with John and referred me for acupuncture and herbal treatments. John carefully took the time to review the complexity of my surgery with Dr. Kinney as to completely understand the physical problems from a neuromuscular standpoint. He then quickly combined this with his amazing knowledge of the energetics of Traditional Oriental Medicine. He had me taking Chinese herbal formulas orally and applying them topically to minimize scar tissue and promote circulation. He also applied acupuncture directly to my face and other parts of my body. As John explained, he was not just healing my face, but enhancing wellness of my body, mind and spirit to promote the best healing process. It worked!!!! Through John’s skillful care, I was able to avoid two further surgeries and completely restore feeling and muscle tone to my face. Most people are amazed as you cannot tell anything ever happened. I feel I have experienced a miracle in the healing process subsequent to such a traumatic injury. I highly recommend John as anyone’s healthcare provider.”

Gladys W.:  “Dr. Barrett, is the only Doctor that actually has listen to what I had to say. He took the time on my first visit to ask many question about me! He was able to relive my post surgery shoulder pain.  Dr. Barrett guided me to a better way of living through exercise and eating the best foods for me. I will be going to Dr. Barrett for any other issues I have in the future.”

Susanne B.: “After having reconstructive surgery done on my nose, I began to experience severe sinus pain. Being referred to Dr. Barrett by my primary care physician, I was willing to try acupuncture. To my surprise after three treatments with Dr. Barrett my pain was reduced to nothing. Being a skeptic, I was greatly pleased with the results of acupuncture.”

Why Wait? Call and Make Your Appointment Today!

310-277-7179

Acupuncture Plus Herbs 90% Effective Rate Treating Postoperative Pain vs. 56.7% for Medication

References: Song Y, Xu TS, Qian HH. Effect of Postoperative Complications of Mixed Hemorrhoids Treated with Electroacupuncture at Chengshan (BL57), Dachangshu (BL25), and Erbai (EX-UE2) [J]. Acupuncture Research, 2017, 42(6):533-536.
Zhu XL, Bai WZ, Wu FD, Jiang J, Jing XH. Neuroanatomical characteristics of acupoint Chengshan (BL 57) in the rat: a cholera toxin subunit B conjugated with Alexa Fluor 488 method study [J]. Zhen Ci Yan Jiu. 2010 Dec;35(6):433-7.
Wang YF. Deep Acupuncture of Dachangshu (BL25) with Electric Stimuation for the Treatment of Femoral Neuralgia in Lumbar Disc Herniation Patients: A study of 40 Cases [J]. Chinese Medicine Modern Distance Education of China, 2013, 11(13):43-44.
Cai YM, Lu J, Zheng JF, Wu Y. Clinical Study of Analgesic Effect of Acupuncture plus Auricular Point Plaster Therapy After Mixed Hemorrhoid Surgery [J]. Shanghai Journal of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, 2010, 29(2):107-108.

Electro-Acupuncture 80% Effective Rate Regenerating Nerve Function
References: Gh, He, Ruan Jw, Zeng Ys, X. Zhou, Y. Ding, and Zhou Gh. “Improvement in acupoint selection for acupuncture of nerves surrounding the injury site: electro-acupuncture with Governor vessel with local meridian acupoints.” Neural Regeneration Research 10, no. 1 (2015): 128.

Electro-Acupuncture Significantly Inhibits Scar Formation and Adhesions While Increasing Blood Circulation
Electro-Acupuncture decreases generation of fibrous tissues, discourages adhesions, and increases blood circulation to prevent scars. Also, it is effective in softening tissue and lightening scars, decreasing scar sizes and thickness.
References:  Shi Hui, Yin Rongchao, Dong Ying. The effect of different waveform electric acupuncture on inhibiting hyperplastic scar on the the rabbit ear, Journal of Binzhou Medical University, 2015 (3).

Why Wait? Call and Make Your Appointment Today!

310-277-7179

Being a Primary Care Physician with over 20 years clinical experience, having trained in China and the U.S., and over 15 years on staff at Cedars Sinai, Dr. Barrett specializes in complex medical conditions.  With his Comprehensive Functional Approach to East-West Medicine that is supported by over 2,000 years of empirical, clinical evidence in writing and the advantages of modern scientific research, he is prepared to provide you with state-of-the-art treatments that are safe, natural, and self-sustaining.  Dr. Barrett will dedicate as much time as necessary to review with you, face to face, your complete medical history, all current medical concerns, a comprehensive treatment plan in terms of both Eastern and Western Medicine, and a self-sustainable Wellness Track™.

Dr Barrett’s Comprehensive Functional Approach to East-West Medicine treats your condition and the factors that caused your condition.  One advantage to Dr. Barrett’s approach is his skill developed in Traditional Diagnostic Methods based on Observation, Inquiry, and Palpation that many times can provide more clinical data than weeks of lab testing.  This allows same day diagnosis and treatments that can at times provide cures before lab data can be obtained.  Dr. Barrett offers comprehensive Acupuncture treatments with a functional medical approach for increased effectiveness. Dr. Barrett may offer you a custom herbal formula based on the wisdom and 2,000 years of written clinical evidence of Traditional Chinese Medicine.  Dr. Barrett will discuss Diet & Nutrition and how to use food as medicine.  Based on his recently published book, Caveman Bodies in a Corporate Jungle, he will mentor you on managing the demands of your career, family life, lifestyle, workstyle, and how to maintain a positive attitude.  If necessary, he will discuss the benefits of genome medicine and Western forms of functional medicine.

Dr. Barrett performs annual physicals, orders blood tests, lab tests, DNA profiles, ultrasounds, x-rays, and MRIs.  With his office in the Century City Medical Plaza and being on staff at Cedars Sinai, his referral network includes some of the best physicians in Los Angeles.  Dr. Barrett understands western pharmaceuticals and their compatibility with herbal medicines. He can explain the nature of your disease through the eyes of both Western Medicine and Eastern Medicine. Whether you suffer from a serious disease, pain, or are simply trying to become pregnant, he can help. Seeing Dr. John Barrett means state of the art treatments and a most comprehensive functional approach to East-West Medicine.

Why Wait? Call and Make Your Appointment Today!

310-277-7179

Even the best and the brightest can use guidance in achieving and maintaining new levels of wellness.  After treating your high priority health issues, Dr. Barrett recommends staying well with a personalized Wellness Track™ to address other health conditions.  This could mean improving digestion, sleep, relaxation, skin, vision, weight-loss, etc.

A Wellness Track™ carves out time for self-nourishment and time management to address your health and wellness.  A Wellness Track™ with Dr. Barrett will tap into the wisdom of his 35 years of global corporate and medical experience for mentoring. coaching, and motivating for lifestyle and work-style improvements.  Given Dr. Barrett’s unique background, you can be sure his words of advice are from real life experiences and not a training manual or theoretical concepts.

A Wellness Track™ means a better quality life with longevity.  A Wellness Track can be as simple as one office visit a month for a health check, wellness goal setting, bench marking achievements, self-care instructions to achieve goals, and an optional wellness treatment or wellness herb formula.  A Wellness Track™ means staying on top of your game and achieving the most in life.

PostDr. Barrett specializes in difficult cases.  If you have any questions regarding your specific condition, use the links below to take advantage of Dr. Barrett’s FREE telephone consultaion.  He will be happy to answer any questions and help guide you to the best care possible.

Why Wait? Call Today!

310-277-7179