If you’re dealing with a strange illness with no identifiable cause or treatment, this page is for you.
The root cause for these illnesses likely lies in your genes. And there is a scientifically-proven method that will help you regain your health.
Below, we go through the details of what working together to overcome a complex illness looks like, step-by-step.
The VCS eye test
If you haven’t already, make sure you’ve taken the VCS eye test. If you have a positive VCS eye test and a collection of symptoms similar to the ones found on the VCS form, there’s a 95% likelihood that you’re dealing with Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS).
CIRS is a genetically linked illness that occurs when your body is unable to expel toxins. As a result, your immune system becomes chronically stimulated, which manifests as mysterious symptoms throughout your body.
Just under 25% of people have the gene mutation that leads to CIRS.
How is CIRS treated?
The only scientifically validated treatment for this condition was created by Dr. Ritchie Shoemaker, MD. He has also led the fight for CIRS to be a recognized medical condition. CIRS treatment is known as the Shoemaker Protocol.
Flourish Clinic’s Mark Volmer, FMP, R.Ac. did his CIRS training with Dr. Shoemaker and Dr. Heyman through the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine (A4M). He is listed on the Surviving Mold website, and consults regularly with Dr. Shoemaker. He is certified to guide you through each step of the Shoemaker Protocol so that you can regain your health.
Although we are located in Canada, we are able to work with long distance patients virtually.
How does the Shoemaker Protocol work?
Before beginning the Shoemaker Protocol, we need to determine exactly what is occurring inside your mitochondria. (Flash back to middle school science and you may remember your mitochondria are the powerhouses of your cells.)
We need to look at your mitochondria because they are the cause of the majority of illnesses that cause fatigue. And the reason why all your lab tests have come back normal is that none of them analyze your mitochondria.
That’s why we use the GENIE test.
The GENIE test
The GENIE test is a genetic test. But it doesn’t test the genes you’re thinking of. The genes you’re familiar with are the ones that come from mom and dad. These genes are found in the nucleus of your cell.
GENIE tests for genes inside of your mitochondria. This is the only test in the world able to look at mitochondrial genes.
Mitochondria create energy for your body. If you’re dealing with fatigue, your mitochondria are affected. In order to precisely identify where your fatigue is coming from, we need to put your mitochondria under the microscope – the GENIE test does just that!
The GENIE test tells us:
- If you are suffering from CIRS
- How CIRS is affecting your body
- What is causing your illness
- The best path forward for treatment
After we have the results back from the GENIE test, we are able to begin the Shoemaker Protocol.
The Twelve Steps of the Shoemaker Protocol
Step One: We test all environments that you regularly spend time for mold. If you aren’t able to leave the environment, Mark will advise you on the best form of remediation according to the results of the GENIE test.
Step Two: You begin treatment with a supplement known as a binder. It adheres to mold toxins within your cells and helps your body excrete them. This step may take several months.
Step Three: A common side effect of CIRS is MARCoNS, a nasal cavity infection. You will get rid of it during this step.
Step Four: Your body will be incredibly sensitive to gluten. Mark will help you eliminate it from your diet, and look for cross-reactivity with other similar foods.
Step Five: We dive into your hormones and work to correct blood sugar imbalances.
Steps Six through Twelve: Using your hormonal diagnosis, Mark will help you correct your imbalances through targeted supplementation.
Treating CIRS at Flourish Clinic
While groundbreaking, the Shoemaker Protocol is not a quick cure. The first three steps alone may take months to work through.
Unfortunately, there aren’t any health plans that cover diagnostic testing and treatment. There are often unexpected costs each month, and supplements can run into the hundreds, if not thousands of dollars.
Past patients have found the protocol to be incredibly confusing and complex to follow. They require regular contact with Mark to answer the many questions that arise as they work through the steps.
This is why Mark has developed an all-inclusive program so he can work closely with you as you complete the steps. For a monthly fee, you will receive:
- A monthly appointment with Mark so he can track your progress.
- The ability to contact him directly for answers to the many questions you will have
- All testing and supplements (including the GENIE test)
- Access to a custom app containing in-depth information about CIRS, broken down into easy-to-understand articles.
Mark has found the Flourish CIRS Program to be the best way for his CIRS patients to find success with the Shoemaker Protocol.
It is not a contract program. We end payment when you finish treatment, or when you want to stop.
FAQs
Is CIRS a real condition? Why hasn’t my doctor heard about it?
Yes, CIRS is a very real condition. It has many studies behind it in published, peer-reviewed journals.
Why should I follow the Shoemaker Protocol when there are so many other methods of treating mold illness?
The Shoemaker Protocol is complicated. And to become a certified Shoemaker practitioner is not easy. Thus, the internet is full of many different diagnostic and treatment options for mold. Most of which are both ineffective and expensive.
I don’t remember being exposed to mold – do I still have CIRS?
Mold can grow anywhere there is water – it only takes 48 hours. This includes newly built homes and offices. Also, an estimated 50% of all buildings have experienced water damage. CIRS can also develop through exposure to blue-green algae blooms, food poisoning from tropical fish, a bite from a brown recluse spider and tick bites.
You do not have to be living in a water-damaged building to develop CIRS. The majority of patients do not know when or where their initial exposure occurred. A genetically susceptible individual can develop CIRS after a one-time exposure.
Do I have to live near the clinic to follow the protocol?
No! We can hold ALL appointments, testing and check-ins virtually.
How much does the CIRS treatment program cost?
$1000CAD per month.
What does the monthly fee include?
- The GENIE test (value of $1000CAD).
- Shipping and handling of the GENIE test.
- All lab tests and supplements related to the Shoemaker Protocol.
- Blood draws for the GENIE and any other lab tests.
- Contact with Mark via private messaging.
- A monthly appointment with Mark.
- Access to a private app where you learn all about CIRS.
- Access to a private CIRS group.
- Bi-weekly CIRS group coaching with Sheena Huculak, Health Coach
What isn’t included in the monthly fee?
- Shipping costs for supplements (for out-of-town patients)
- Shipping is charged at the courier’s rate
- Supplements that are outside of the Shoemaker Protocol*.
- Lab testing outside of the Shoemaker Protocol*.
*Please note that additional supplements and testing are rare, and occur in less than 5% of cases.
Is any of this covered by insurance?
If you have a health spending account, you will be able to put it through your insurance. Insurance companies will not allow you to put this through extended healthcare benefits for acupuncture/massage/chiropractic etc. Our American patients are able to use their Flex Spending credit cards.
How can I cancel the monthly charge?
Just let us know. We’ll cancel your monthly fee within 24hrs.
How long does treatment take?
On average, fully treating CIRS takes 12-18 months.
How successful is the treatment?
The combined CIRS success rate when following the Shoemaker Protocol is 88%. This is based on all Shoemaker-trained practitioners.
Is there a pay-as-you-go service available?
We are no longer offering a pay-as-you-go/fee-for-service in treating CIRS. Managing CIRS cases is incredibly time-consuming and requires consistent monitoring by a trained practitioner. We were unable to provide expert care while following the fee-for-service model.
Can I pause my treatment?
Yes, of course. We understand that life happens and there are times when you’re unable to dedicate yourself to treatment. You can pause your payments and treatment for up to 10 months.
Will I have to go through this treatment protocol if I get re-exposed?
No. This is a one-time treatment. The Shoemaker Protocol turns off the genes that cause CIRS – for good.