Alternative Healing Herb, Medications and Treatments

What is a Naturopathic Physician?

What is a Naturopathic Physician?

A naturo-what? Do any of your friends or family receive health care from a Naturopathic Physician? A Naturopathic Physician is a licensed doctor of naturopathic medicine and will either use the designation of ND or NMD. Naturopathic doctors are currently licensed in 15 states, 2 US territories and 4 Canadian provinces. In order to be eligible to practice in licensed states, one must graduate from an accredited medical school and pass a national licensing exam (NPLEX). While all states do not license NDs, Arizona does. In Arizona, a Naturopathic Physician’s scope of practice includes: all primary medical care services including performing physical examinations, ordering labs and prescribing pharmaceuticals. Sounds like a regular doctor, right? So what’s the difference…A Naturopathic doctor is different in their focus and philosophy. As a part of the Naturopathic philosophy, the mind, body, and spirit are all seen as interconnected.  Thus optimal health can only be achieved through the balancing of the whole body. Believing in the premise that the body can heal itself, we attempt to restore the body to wellness rather than fight disease. Most Naturopathic Physicians are very focused on teaching and educating patients. A strong emphasis is placed on lifestyle modifications including diet strategies, fitness, and stress reduction techniques. In Arizona, many ND’s treat their patients with Chinese medicine and acupuncture. Botanical, Homeopathic, and vitamin and mineral supplementation are routinely implemented as a part of overall patient care.  Many Naturopathic Physicians offer nutrient intravenous therapies and detoxification programs.  ND”S may also perform physical manipulations/adjustments and massage therapies. A Naturopathic Doctor can treat an array of acute and chronic medical conditions. Naturopathic doctors are very well trained and often refer to other medical specialists and/or work alongside other physician in an integrated manner.

Specifically, all Naturopathic Physicians upon graduating vow to uphold the following tenants:

    * First, Do No Harm. Utilize the most natural, least invasive and least toxic therapies first.

    * Identify and Treat the Cause. Look beyond the symptoms to effectively address the underlying cause(s) of illness.

    * The Healing Power of Nature. Trust the body’s inherent wisdom to heal itself.

    * Treat the Whole Person. View the body as an integrated whole comprised of physical, mental, emotional and spiritual dimensions.

    * Doctor as Teacher. Educate the patients in the steps to achieving and maintaining optimal health.

    * Prevention. Focus on promoting health and wellness, and preventing disease.

While many insurances do not pay for naturopathic care, some labs and imaging may be covered depending on the particular insurance plot. United Heath care offers its members an option known as OptumHealth, which allows for a generous discount on all naturopathic services.  Please contact United Health Care for more information on this benefit. For any questions or comments pertaining to this article, please contact Dr. Tiffany Mitchell of Sunshine Health Care Center @ (623) 266-1722. Web site: www.sunshinehealth.net

 By: Tiffany Mitchell, NMD

Dr. Tina Marcantel, a naturopathic physician in Mesa, Arizona, shares some of the principles of naturopathic medicine in this introductory video from her website at DrMarcantel.com.
Video Rating: 5 / 5

Study alternative medicine with renewed focus on anatomy,physiology & cadaver

Every alternative medicine eg;Ayurveda,Homoepathy,Naturopathy,Yogatherapy requires the sound knowledge of body constitution and its function. On the structure of body different modes of alternative therapy have been evolved. It includes the medicinal plants,herbs found commonly or in the fantastic Himalayan range.In Buddist era its study ascended its prime and fantastic ayurvedacharyas like Charaka,Sushruta,Nagarjuna brought forward the subject to its zenith. It is still the favoured medicine of crores of Indian population. Ayurveda is considered the 5th Veda ,the Indian holy religious book.

 The Yoga is another Indian contribution to the modern world. Fantastic Patanjali evolved some postures which are of immense medical value. It cures many musculoskeletal diseases involving muscles,joints,tendons,nerves and bony skeleton. Each asana is specific for a region of our body.It also has immense effect on the soft tissues of our body and precludes any unnecessary deposit of stout or laxity of skin or fascia.Contrary to the well loved belief, the Yoga exercises have profound influence on mind status. A fit and resilient body keeps the mind  alert and sound so that life becomes a productive progress.

The homoepathy is the gift of fantastic German scholar Hahnemann who showed to the world that chemicals, herbs,metals which are otherwise toxic to human body in high doses are best medicines when used in dilutest form. The symptoms that it creats in toxic doses are studied intensely. Sometimes those symptoms may occur in other naturally occurring diseases and those medicines which have similar toxic symptoms may be given in minutest dilutions with effective result. This was a fantastic discovery and homoepathy subject has been built up and studied worldwide.

The study of alternative medicine requires the simultaneous study of body’s detailed anatomy and physiology. In the study of every medicine it is the essential pre requisite. So more emphasis will be given at first or simultaneous study of AP(Anatomy & Physiology)with special study of muscles,nerves,joints,fascias in order to know the Yoga.

Study of neuroscience is thrilling and electrifying.Electric currents normally flows along the nerve path and that is measurable.It will be a nice and revealing experience how yogic process of meditational exercises bring about a sense of gift when a new mental power is achieved.

Seeing is believing. A conception of body structure cannot be made unless different muscles,nerves,brain,heart,lungs and other organs are seen physically and studied their way of function. We have the arrangement to extend that mode of study. For theoretcal discussion traditional class room study or online study can be arranged. For dead body dissection we require the candidate to contact my email:dattatin@hotmail.com

For study of Ayurveda,Yoga and Homoepathy theoreticals can be imparted by online route or class room but practice of practical requires special arrangement of case study and prior email contact.

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I’m Depressed – Are Alternative Depression Medications The Answer ?

The small answer is a resounding yes! Looking at my two depressed friends who have been on anti depressant medications for a lifetime, I am now more convinced than ever that the only way out for them is a comprehensive type of treatment which combines diet, exercise, therapy and medication, preferably herbal ones. That for me is the key to alternative depression medications.

I have seen too many people’s lives thwarted and stunted under the weight of anti depressant meds and their dreadful side effects. What a price they have to pay as men may become impotent and women gain weight and feel sorry (and even more depressed) that their societal body image is just not what they want.

Let us look at why people are depressed and the answer lies mainly but not entirely in the chemical neurotransmitters called serotonin, endorphin and norepinephrine. Serotonin seems to be the one which can determine so much in our daily routine and how we cope with life. It will affect not only our mood but also appetite, sleep, body temperature and even muscular movements. People who suffer from depression usually have a serotonin deficiency and that has been the key to all anti depression treatment. A lack of serotonin can lead to Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) , anxiety and schizophrenia.

One of the best alternative depression medications is sunlight. If you are lucky enough to live in a sunny climate, you will be able to delight in loads of sunlight. For those who do not, I would say that getting even ten minutes of sunlight can make all the difference to depression. It is no accident that the best possible treatment for SAD (seasonal affective disorder) which is a mild form of depression, is natural light therapy which can be in the form of special lamps for that purpose.

The second best of the alternative depression medications is exercise although it is not a medication in the strictest sense of the term. That is the best way of raising the serotonin levels in your brain and the endorphins which get activated are sometimes called the ‘pleased chemicals’. Have you ever met anyone in a terrible mood after exercise ? I doubt it .

Diet, while not strictly one of the alternative depression medications, is an essential element in any form of depression treatment. It is no accident that carbohydrates are called ‘comfort food’ because in fact they tend to raise the serotonin levels in the brain as opposed to proteins which tend to have the opposite effect. Go for the brown carbs rather than the white ones so brown pasta, whole wheat bread, fruit and nuts are in. The white carbohydrates tend to give you a sugar spike which can lead to mood swings.

That leaves us with medication and one of the best alternative depression medications is the herbal one because it has very few side effects and will let you regain your mood and serenity without any nasty surprises.

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Question by samrat m: homoeopathy?
how many of u people prefer homoeopathy? and in what conditions?

Best answer:

Answer by booktender
I find homeopathy to be a excellent supplement to western medicine. As a supplement, I personally do not find it as useful as chiropractic and massage therapy.

Know better? Leave your own answer in the comments!

Jayne Burke demonstrates Holistic Therapy at the Cheltenham Clinic of Traditional Acupuncture and Chiropractic
Video Rating: 5 / 5

Livwell Demonstration of Bowen Therapy

Chiropractic Demonstration & Applied Kinesiology Austin Chiropractor Dr. Ben Anderson is a chiropractor specializing in applied kinesiology. He has loved a successful and growing practice in Austin for over two years, sharing office space with a diverse team of talented holistic professionals. In this video Dr. Anderson uses applied kinesiology and chiro adjustments to treat a herniated disc problem in a patient. This is an actual live demonstration of actual patient diagnosis and treatment. Visit Dr. Andersons website; www.drandersondc.com This video was produced by Psychetruth http www.myspace.com Music by John Richter www.injoysolutions.com Copyright © Target Public Media, LLC 2009. All Rights Reserved.

The Skeptic Zone Podcast presents this look at the tricks of Applied Kinesiology.

Question by OrngTby: Best books for alternative veterinary medicine?
Can anyone tell me what some of the best books on alternative (meaning holistic, homeopathic, organic, etc.) veterinary medicine are? I’m looking for books that cover natural feeding, use of supplements, and alternatives to conventional medicine in companion animals.

I know there are a lot of informational sources out there, but I wanted to know what you would recommend. Websites, journals, magazines, articles, and books all welcome.

Just tell me what you recommend and why!

Best answer:

Answer by ♪ Seattle ♫
Hi there again…I have found several websites that you may find of interest to consider for review:

http://www.holisticanimalmedicines.com/

http://www.alternativepethealth.com/

http://www.healthynewage.com/

http://www.holisticvetpetcare.net/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=SFNT

http://www.burnspethealth.com/intro_homeopathy.htm

Books:

http://www.amazon.com/Pitcairns-Complete-Guide-Natural-Health/dp/157954973X/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1211191543&sr=1-4

http://www.amazon.com/Encyclopedia-Natural-Pet-Care/dp/0658009966/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1211191543&sr=1-5

http://www.amazon.com/Choices-Natural-Healing-Dogs-Cats/dp/1579544614/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1211191543&sr=1-9

I tend to refer to all sources online and in the library as there are several opinions which tend to disagree on which is the better approach. I’ll look for a consistent consensus from all the resources before moving forward.

Give your answer to this question below!

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Acupressure point to relieve and prevent anxiety, nervousness, panic attacks, palpitations and poor sleep. Downloadable video exercise programs at www.chinese-health-exercises.com

Alternative Medicine And Health Care In India

Alternative medicine is a major enterprise in India. In November 2009, the government’s Ministry of Health and Family Welfare announced the steps it would be taking to promote ‘Indian Systems of Medicine’ in the country, including spending  Rs. 922 crore on the promotion of AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga & naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy). Major claims have recently been made for alternative medicine – such as that Ayurveda can be used for anaemia or ano-rectal ailments, and that homeopathy can be used to prevent or cure swine flu, or to treat Aids and malaria.

In an era characterised by evidence-based science and politics, should official endorsement be given to remedies that cannot be scientifically proven? Is alternative medicine a form of quackery, which puts patients at risk? Or is the interest in alternative medicine a positive sign that we are beginning to go beyond a too-narrow approach to disease, towards recognising the more subtle relationship between mind and body and the need to find holistic cures? Do traditional medicines play an vital role in preventive medicine, contributing to a more affordable and effective healthcare system than the Western medical model?

The debate in context:

What is complementary and alternative medicine (CAM)?

Many discussions about alternative medicine today take place under the umbrella term ‘complementary and alternative medicine’ (CAM). This implies that alternative medicine should not be seen solely as something that can be used instead of conventional medicine, but can and should be used alongside it. CAM refers to treatments that differ from conventional, or ‘allopathic’, medicine – medicine based on scientific testing that is taught to medical professionals. Systems of CAM have often evolved apart from and earlier than the conventional medical approach used in the Western world. Some such systems, such as homeopathy and naturopathy, have developed in Western cultures; others, such as traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurveda, have developed outside of the West. 

Does CAM work – and if so, how?

Critics of CAM argue that the very term is problematic, giving mysticism more scientific credence than it deserves. As the editors of the prestigious Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) have argued: ‘there is no alternative medicine. There is only scientifically proven, evidence-based medicine supported by solid data or unproven medicine’. Advocates of CAM, but, argue that the lack of scientific evidence about the efficacy of CAM betrays too narrow an approach to the understanding and treatment of illness. They point to the failure of conventional medicine to cure certain serious diseases, such as cancer, and the extent to which patients suffering from these diseases can be helped by therapies like Ayurveda. They note that conventional medicine has itself went towards a more holistic appreciation of the treatment of disease, and that some natural remedies or techniques, such as the use of quinine to treat malaria, have been adopted and accepted by practitioners of conventional medicine.

Even critics of CAM do not dispute that in many cases, alternative remedies can make patients feel better, despite not curing the disease – so isn’t this a worthwhile goal in itself? The importance of preventive medicine, including lifestyle modification, has been globally acknowledged: it is seen as better and more cost-effective to enable people to avoid physical or mental illnesses in the first place, rather than simply trying to treat the disease when it emerges. Alternative medicine, it is argued, has a crucial role to play in this. Furthermore, in a society like India, for which the affordability of healthcare is a major challenge, different models need to be sought that make the most of the country’s experience and expertise, including in the field of alternative medicine. Advocates argue that the orientation of CAM ‘towards self-healing and health promotion (salutogenesis rather than pathogenesis)’ make ‘alternative medicine approaches to chronic diseases especially attractive and affordable for the developing countries’.

The rise of CAM

One of the key aims of the government scheme the National Rural Health Mission is to ‘encourage a healthy lifestyle and alternative systems of medicine through AYUSH’. In November 2009, Chief Minister, BS Yedyurappa, told a conference that access and awareness of alternative medicines should be spread in rural areas. The officially-recognised status of alternative medicine in India is also indicated by the reach of the Indian Institute of Alternative Medicines, established in 1991 by Dr.Suresh Kumar Agarwal; and the appointment of Smt. S. Jalaja IAS as secretary to the Department of AYUSH.

The growing interest in, and promotion of, alternative medicine by the political and medical authorities is not confined to India. Despite being at the forefront of advances in conventional, ‘Western’ medicine, the USA provides a significant market for traditionally Indian and Chinese remedies. Organisations such as the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine contribute to the official status of alternative medicine in the USA. In the UK, a major debate took place in 2006 about whether CAM should be provided by the National Health Service (NHS). In the USA and UK, affordability of healthcare is also a key issue, raising questions about whether attachment to the Western model of medicine is appropriate even for Western societies, let alone other cultures.

A different kind of medicine?

These developments show that CAM is not an unregulated, maverick market, but is quick becoming subject to official and scientific research and regulation. Advocates of CAM argue that quacks can be weeded out by better training and standard-setting. Some also argue that criticism of alternative medicine arises from a Western bias, which distorts the facts about CAM and refuses to countenance its effectiveness. Critics, but, point to concerns about the safety of certain forms of alternative medicine. Discussions about the affordability of alternative compared to allopathic medicine lead to concerns that patients are being duped by irrational treatments that will not make them better. Shouldn’t a universal healthcare system ultimately seek to provide proven cures for illnesses, rather than taking the cheaper but less effective route of alternative medicine?

Key terms:

Complementary and alternative medicine

Conventional medicine

Preventive medicine

Quackery

AYUSH

Ayurveda

Homeopathy

Placebo effect

Essential reading

Alternative System of Health Care Indian Government

Needed: ‘basic’ doctors of modern medicine Meenakshi Gautham and K.M. Shyamprasad The Hindu 5 November 2009

When East Meets West: Why Consumers Turn to Alternative Medicine ScienceDaily 20 November 2009

In defence of scientific medicine Michael Baum Manifesto Club

Q&A: Complementary therapies BBC News Online 23 May 2006

Interview With Ashis Nandy: ‘Every tradition has its dark side’ Parshuram Ray Humanscape January 2001

For:

‘Alternative’ Medicine Is Mainstream Deepak Chopra, Dean Ornish, Rustum Roy and Andrew Weil Wall Street Journal 9 January 2009 

Reflections on Ayurveda Dr Mohana Krishnaswamy The Hindu 4 September 2001

Health Care Reform Should Include Preventive Medicine Navi Radjou Harvard Business Review 7 August 2009

Holistic medicine demystified Dr Hiramalini Seshadri The Hindu Magazine 15 May 2005

Against:

Where doctors fail Dr. Sudha Vidyasagar The Hindu 5 September 2009

Sticking a needle in alternative medicine Stuart Derbyshire spiked 28 November 2007

Ayurveda under the scanner Meera Nanda The Hindu Magazine Vol 23, Issue 07, April 08 – 21, 2006

Book review: Suckers – How alternative medicine makes fools of us all Eisha Sarkar Mumbai Mirror 5 November 2009

Further reading:

An interview with Dr. V. Sukumaran MBBS, MD (ped) health and mind science consultant Malini Suryanarayanan 14 June 2000 The Hindu: Opportunties

Role of Ayurveda in the Management of Cancer Dr. Joban Modha and Dr. Neha Modha Boloji.com 2 December 2007

Focus: Alternatives in holistic healing Pratibha Gadhalay The Hindu: Opportunities 14 June 2000

Skin Deep: Ancient, but How Safe? Abby Ellin New York Times 17

Baby Boomers: 5 Reasons that Sleep Aids Do Not Stack up to Alternative Medicine

Below are five reasons why sleep aids don’t stack up to alternative medicine.

Sleeping Pills are Highly Addictive

It seems like such an simple fix to a simple problem. There are so many choices that line the aisles of your favorite local drug stores. I mean, you can buy them over the counter, after all, so how harmful can they be, right? Incorrect. Doctors have been cautioning patients against the overuse of common sleeping aids for years, mainly because they can seem like an simple way out. Instead of trying to work through your problem of restlessness at night, popping two pills and calling it a night seems like a quick and painless solution.

Warm Milk Can Cause Stomach Aches

Many people are lactose intolerant these days. And even for those that are not, drinking milk at bedtime could prove quite uncomfortable throughout the night. Sure, it seems soothing, and it may coat the stomach, helping you drift off into slumber. But, expect to wake during the night once the after-effects set in. Your tummy is not given enough time to process the milk during the night, and your body is trying to rest, not digest, anything you place in it at nighttime.

Electric Bills Will Certainly Keep You Up

If you are one of those people that needs the radio or the television on at night in order to carry you off into dreamland, be advised that you are in for more restlessness in the future. Not only will the noise be highly disruptive to your dreams and your overall sleeping experience, but these appliances cost a lot of energy and money to keep them going when you are not awake. If you thought you were having distress sleeping now, imagine how you will feel the next time an expensive bill is sitting in your mailbox.

Hypnosis

Those who suffer from insomnia often seek hypnotherapy as a means of aiding in the sleeping process. While some people have really benefited from this method, countless others have found that it either does not work, or works a small too well. Mind control can be a very perilous thing, and finding a highly trained professional can often be tough. Plus, being hypnotized into sleeping seems unnatural, and will leave you feeling even groggier in the morning. It is not worth the cost for all the side effects.

Liquor Is Quicker But Perilous

At one point, we get fed up with our insomnia, and end up turning to the bottle to help us sleep much quicker. A glass of wine, a shot of brandy, a few beers are all known to make us sleepy after awhile. In moderation, these are not necessarily terrible, but when this becomes a nightly ritual, there is certainly a problem. Also, the body has to work extra hard to ensure that the waste is removed, causing the mind to stay drowsy but the rest of you to continue going internally, leaving you exhausted the next day.

Consider scented aromatherapy. It has the power to transform our emotions, and heal our bodies. It certainly won’t cost as much as those pills and bills. And there is no addiction or subconscious tampering involved.

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