Thermography has been subjected to nearly 40 years of rigorous research and has been reviewed in as many as 600 published studies. That’s part of what makes it such a trusted and highly regarded procedure. In fact, it is 90% effective at detecting potential problem areas in breast tissue up to 10 years prior to detection by mammograms or sonograms.

In addition to being a valuable aid in the fight against breast cancer, thermography has proven effective at diagnosing a host of illnesses and conditions, including arthritis, diabetes, orthopedic problems, risk of stroke, vascular disorders and much more.

Thermology (the established science behind modern thermography) is arguably as old as medicine itself. The ancient Greek physician Hippocrates believed that excessive heat or cold in the body indicated the presence of disease. That early scientific foundation led to the development of modern medical thermography about 30 years ago. Today’s thermograms are heat-sensitive photographs taken with sophisticated infrared cameras. As our bodies age and evolve, so do our cells. Regular thermograms can track our cellular evolution and reveal any number of potential health issues well in advance of their diagnosis. For this reason, many doctors have come to think of thermograms as a cellular roadmap of the human body.

It’s important to know that, unlike mammograms, thermograms do not impart any radiation to the body. Instead, a thermogram is a measurement of the natural radiation that is emitted through the skin. Another benefit of thermography is that it does not require compression of the breast as mammograms do. In fact, a thermogram doesn’t involve any contact with the body. That’s what makes thermography so safe and non-invasive.

In a thermal image of the breast, potential problem areas are indicated by abnormal temperature readings. Thermograms are not intended to replace traditional screening methods such as mammograms and ultrasound. Rather, thermology is a helpful complement to these traditional diagnostic tools. On its own, a thermogram cannot locate a tumor. Its effectiveness lies in its ability to indicate likelihood of future cancerous growth. For this reason, women in their teens and twenties can integrate thermology into their breast health programs as an early detection strategy. Thermology is of particular benefit for women who have conditions that interfere with mammography readings: i.e., pregnant or lactating women, non-menopausal women, women who have used hormone replacement therapy, have a history of fibroids, prior biopsies, or who have exceptionally small or large breasts.

Consult your doctor for a complete breast exam;

• Ask what you can do to monitor and ensure your own breast health. This should include a tutorial on regular self-examination, healthy foods and nutritional consultation with your doctor;
   
• Schedule a thermogram now to determine your own potential for breast cancer and, if necessary, appropriate treatment;
   
• Learn more about the advantages of naturopathy, such as non-invasive therapies, natural remedies, and a holistic, balanced approach to healthcare.

Dr. K. Pramila Vishvanath, LCEH, PA, ND is Director of Integrated Health Center, located at 2324 Post Road, Fairfield. To schedule a thermography screening call 203.259.2700. IntegratedHealthCenterOnline.com.