Homeopathy Natural
January 23, 2012 by AndrewTraub
Filed under Alternative Medical Treatments, Art, Homeopathy, Natural
Homeopathy natural medicines are an alternative approach to conventional medicine based on the belief that natural medicines, called “remedies” stimulate the body and give a natural boost for healing. Remedies are made of natural substances of plant, mineral and animal origin and are administered in highly diluted doses.
Conventional medicine attempts to restore health by invading organisms, replacing hormones or enzymes and suppressing symptoms without the body healing. The harmful side effects of the prescription medication can become a concern to the patient and to the doctor.
Homeopathy natural remedies stimulate and give a natural boost to the body for rejuvenation and healing. Homeopathy natural remedies enhance the body’s own defenses to correct illness and disease and allow symptoms to dissipate. The minute dose of a remedy does not cause any of the side effects that have become such a problem for patients, physicians, and pharmacists.
Many homeopathic practitioners practice classic homeopathy. This means the whole well being of the patient is studied, not just the symptoms. The Homeopathic practitioner understands that the cause of diseases is not just simply germs but also considers the factors that compromise the person’s immune and defense systems, including the person’s family history, nutrition, stress and psychological state. The practitioner then focuses on a total cure for the patient and not just a “quick fix” of the symptoms.
The goal in homeopathy is to find one single homeopathy natural medicine that treats the whole person. The specific disease conditions then dissipate as the remedy supports healing in the body. For any given disease, there are hundreds of remedies that might be used. However, for a patient only one or two of these homeopathy natural remedies will bring a good response.
Many patients choose a homeopathic approach for natural healing although the practitioner will occasionally recommend conventional medicines, vitamins or other therapy.
Some parts of the Natural Law of Cure have been expressed by different physicians since ancient times. However, only in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, were the complete laws and principles governing health and disease formulated for the first time in the history of medicine. That work was done by German physician Samuel Hahnemann (1755-1843). Distressed by the barbaric medical methods of his day like bleeding, purging, and the use of leeches and toxins, he chose to leave the practice of medicine. Later he developed a new, less threatening approach to treating illness known as Homeopathy. He spent the rest of his years developing and cataloging the relationship between disease and conditions (symptoms) and the toxic effects of natural, medically active substances. Clinically, the substance that produces the same symptom the patient is currently exhibiting in their illness is the homeopathy natural remedy prescribed by the physician.
What is Homeopathy
November 17, 2011 by AndrewTraub
Filed under Alternative Medical Treatments, Art, Homeopathy, Natural
What is Homeopathy? It is an alternative approach to medicine based on the belief that natural substances, prepared in a special way and used most often in very small amounts, restores health. It is a sophisticated method of individualizing small doses of medicines to start the healing response. Homeopathic remedies seem especially effective for people with chronic diseases.
Homeopathy focuses on the individual and their symptoms to bring long lasting benefits, wellness and happiness. Therapy is based on the “Law of Similarity” known as treating “like with like”. The remedies are highly diluted natural substances and have been used throughout the world for more than 200 years. Homeopathy remedies can be safely used along with most conventional medicines.
Homeopathic remedies are derived from the plant, mineral and animal origins. They stimulate the body, giving it a gentle boost of natural energy for healing. There is no danger of addiction or toxicity and the remedies are considered very safe, even for pregnant and sensitive patients.
Homeopathic remedies work on all systems of the body with mental, physical and emotional guiding symptoms listed in the order of importance:
• Emotional
• Mental
• Physical
Homeopathic remedies can treat a wide range of symptoms:
• sore throats, toothaches, acute fevers
• chronic illnesses such as arthritis, eczema, asthma
• anxiety, mild depression, chronic fatigue syndrome
What is homeopathy repertory? Homeopathic practitioners use a repertory, an index of symptoms that explores the remedies for a particular symptom and lists the remedy for each symptom. Repertories are often extensive and may include data from clinical experience and “provings”.
What is homeopathy materia medica? A compilation of reports of many homeopathic “provings” is known as a homeopathy materia medica. This listing contains commonly used homeopathic single remedies and lists symptoms that fit each remedy. The catalog assists the homeopath in finding just the right remedy for each individual patient.
What is homeopathy practitioner’s part in the patient’s healing? A homeopath takes time to listen to a patient’s emotional and physical symptoms and chooses a remedy closest to the individual symptom picture. The remedy stimulates the body’s own natural healing process and strengthens the immune system, without danger of side effects.
Homeopathic remedies and conventional medicine may work together. Remedies do not interact with other medicines and do not have side effects. However, it is advised to have a health care provider closely monitor the situation.
What is the Homeopathy industry standard in the United States? The Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia Convention of the United States establishes good industry standards and manufacturing procedures in cooperation with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Due to the overwhelming safety record of the homeopathic approach and extreme dilutions, the FDA does not use the same standards for approval of homeopathic medicines as it does for conventional drugs.
Eczema Homeopathy
October 24, 2011 by AndrewTraub
Filed under Alternative Medical Treatments, Art, Homeopathy, Natural
Homeopathy, an alternative approach to medicine, is a sophisticated method of individualizing small doses of medicine to stimulate the body’s natural healing process. Eczema homeopathy remedies seem to be especially effective for treatment of the chronic disease.
Eczema is the common term for atopic dermatitis, a chronic skin irritation. The scalp, cheeks, eyelids, wrists, upper arms, elbows and knees may break out with a flaking, itchy rash. Suppressing skin eruptions (with cortisone or other drugs), from a homeopathic point of view, can lead to deeper health problems. To bring lasting relief, a constitutional eczema homeopathy remedy should be selected by an experienced practitioner, and bring the body back into its natural balance.
The following eczema homeopathy remedies are some of those recommended by homeopathic practitioners:
Antimoniom crudum: The patient is prone to indigestion and has eczema with thick, cracked skin. Sensitive and sentimental, they love to eat and may be over weight. They crave pickles, vinegar and other sour things. Children can by shy and irritable, insisting they not be looked at or touched. Antimonion crudum is often prescribed for calluses, plantar warts and impetigo, as well as eczema.
Arsenicum album: People who need this remedy have dry, itchy skin that burns intensely. They are usually restless, anxious, and compulsively neat and orderly. Indigestion and chills are often the symptoms.
Calcarea carbonica: This eczema homeopathy remedy is suited to people who are chilly with clammy hands and feet. They tend to develop eczema and cracking skin worse in the wintertime. They are easily fatigued by exertion, and feel anxious and overwhelmed if ill or overworked. They may have cravings for sweets and eggs, a sluggish metabolism and tendency toward weight problems.
Mezereum: The patient who needs this remedy often has strong anxiety, felt physically in the stomach. Scratching can lead to thickened skin when intense, itching eruptions start as blisters, then ooze and form thick crusts. They may have a craving for fat, are chilly most of the time and generally feel better in the open air.
Petroleum: This eczema homeopathy remedy is indicated for individuals whose skin is extremely dry and tends to crack, especially on the fingertips and palms. Eczema is worse in the winter, with deep sore cracks that often bleed. Itching is worse at night, the skin is easily infected and may get tough and leathery from chronic irritation.
Sulphur: This remedy is recommended for patients with intensely burning, itching, and inflamed eruptions that are worse from warmth or from bathing. Affected areas may be red, with scaling or crusted skin. Eruptions can be dry or moist. This eczema homeopathy remedy is sometimes helpful to patients who have repeatedly used medications and ointments on their eczema without success.
The Natural Center for Homeopathy
October 3, 2011 by AndrewTraub
Filed under Alternative Medical Treatments, Art, Homeopathy
Located in Alexandria, Virginia, the National Center for Homeopathy’s (NCH) was formed in 1974. The National Center for Homeopathy promotes health through homeopathy. It makes homeopathy available throughout the United States by providing general education to the public and specific education to homeopaths. The principal function of the National Center for Homeopathy is to put accurate, quality, realistic information into the hands of anyone interested in an alternative to chemical drug treatments. People can then make an informed decision about the available alternatives in medical care. The National Center for Homeopathy also provides assistance in the development of local chapters of lay persons interested in homeopathy.
This open-membership organization has provided instruction for over 70 years. Each summer the NCH conducts the National Center for Instruction in Homeopathy and Homeotherapeutic, highly specialized classes for health care practitioners and consumers. In 2006 the National Center for Homeopathy began offering weekend seminars around the country. It helps its practitioners continue treating patients who prefer not to be involved in modern medicine.
Members receive six issues per year of Homeopathy Today, an informative and educational publication. Filled with helpful hints, book reviews, a calendar of events and short articles, it alternates with the popular e-Newsletter. Members also have access to many online amenities such as Homeopathy Today Online, the NCH Chat Room, the Remedies & Symptoms materia medica database and discounts from green and organic vendors.
Members also receive the Homeopathic Resource Guide, invaluable information which provides information to practitioners, pharmacies, and study groups. Members may also use the National Center reference library, which houses one of the largest collections of texts, journals, and monographs on homeopathy in the United States. This library is open only to NCH members.
Through The Natural Center for Homeopathy website, the work with the media and the open to the public annual meeting, the National Center for Homeopathy provides accurate, up-to-date information. A press package is available once a year and the staff answers more than 10,000 inquiries a year.
The NCH store is supplied with homeopathic books and products that have provided thousand of people with their first glimpse of self care through homeopathy. These resources are available at a special member discount by phone or online.
While the Natural Center for Homeopathy cannot endorse the credentials of a homeopathic practitioner, a database is available on the NCH website to assist patients in finding the perfect equation for their health care needs.
Inner Health Through Homeopathy, a new web radio show, made its debut on Voice America on April 11, 2007. It airs at 1 p.m. on Wednesdays on Homeopathy Radio.
Why You Should Purchase the Complete Encyclopedia of Natural Healing?
September 8, 2011 by AndrewTraub
Filed under Acupuncture, Alternative Medical Treatments, Herbal, Homeopathy, Natural
There are many reasons why you should get yourself a copy of The Complete Encyclopedia of Natural Healing, and one of the reasons is to learn about natural healing. By learning from The Complete Encyclopedia of Natural Healing, you will gain a lot of information that may prove invaluable to you and your family in time of need. This book, which is written by a medical doctor, will show you that healing does not necessarily have to involve hospital visits, synthetic chemicals for medication, or other expensive therapeutic treatments.
The Complete Encyclopedia of Natural Healing is a book that provides information about many different kinds of cures for different illnesses, and these are often remedied with natural substances and techniques. This book reveals how the many different herbs and herbal combinations can help a person heal naturally and how an ailing body will react to such herbal medications. The Complete Encyclopedia of Natural Healing also explains how a person can strengthen his immune system with the use of natural methods that include exercise, acupuncture, homeopathy and diet, among others.
While The Complete Encyclopedia of Natural Healing may be a well meaning compilation of information on alternative medicine, there are people who say that not everything in the book is actually reliable enough, since the author does not cite references or sources for his information and that some of the entries can be pretty misleading. There are also complaints that there are no real remedies or techniques on how to get well in the book since there are no dosages, measurements of herbal ingredients, or clear explanations as to what some remedies can do for a person. However, there are also people who laud The Complete Encyclopedia of Natural Healing as the ultimate natural health guide in the market. These people say that the book is a must have for every household as it can provide good advice when anybody in the family falls ill.
These different opinions on The Complete Encyclopedia of Natural Healing may prove to be a bit confusing to those who wish to learn more about the alternatives to modern medicine. Before you buy this book, it is advisable that you read it first, and then compare the information with some of the more established opinions on the subject of natural healing. If you find that the information is reliable enough, and that the tips given in the book are effective in helping you overcome your ailments, you should very well purchase it. The information provided by the book can either be the answer to all your questions about natural healing or it may leave you wanting for more information on the subject, and the decision to get the book or not is truly dependent on your own judgment.
Homeopathy Sepia
June 26, 2011 by AndrewTraub
Filed under Homeopathy
Sepia, a cuttlefish found mainly in the Mediterranean Sea, is soft-bodied with eight arms, and closely related to the squid and octopus. Predominantly female, it pushes itself forward by squirting jets of water from special organs in its body. If threatened, it gushes dark ink called sepia, which clouds the water and camouflages its retreat.
The cuttlefish ink is used for homeopathy Sepia preparations and diluted with large quantities of milk sugar for final use.
Homeopathic physicians prescribe homeopathy Sepia for symptoms such as apathy, moodiness and weakness.
People who feel irritable, weary, indifferent to family members, and exhausted by the demands of everyday life may respond to this remedy. Sepia is used for gynecological complaints and acts on the uterus, ovaries and vagina. It is effect for PMS pain, heavy menstruation, hot flashes during menopause, candidiasis, sagging or prolapsed uterus and physical and emotional systems during pregnancy. An excellent remedy, it helps women who experience pain during sexual intercourse and feel fatigued afterward. Women who dislike being touched during menopause, premenstrual, or during emotional problems are also helped by this remedy.
Homeopathy Sepia is also effective for aching backs, accompanied by exhaustion, muscle weakness, depression, migraines, constipation, psoriasis, yeast infections, rashes and urinary tract infections.
Miagraines: Patients suffering from left sided migraines accompanied by nausea and vertigo, hair loss, grow worse from missing meals, and during menopause or menstrual periods may respond to this remedy. The person feels worse indoors and from lying on the painful side.
Constipation: A heavy sensation remaining after a bowel movement, and stools that are hard and difficult to pass may be helped with homeopathy Sepia. Other symptoms include colds hands and feet, irritability and fatigue. Exercise may elevate some symptoms.
Psoriasis: A Homeopathy Sepia remedy may be helpful in the treatment of psoriasis. Patients feel dragged out and irritable and often have little interest in family life or work. Psoriasis may appear in many places on the body and the skin may look stiff and dry. In either sex, hormonal imbalance is often seen and problems with circulation are common. Exercise may help the person’s mood and energy.
Yeast Infections: For women who suffer from yeast infections, Homeopathy Sepia may bring relief. Yeast infections cause a vaginal discharge that is yellow and itchy, or white and curd like. The patient often experiences cold extremities, a weak or sagging feeling in the pelvic area and a feeling of fatigue and irritability.
Urinary tract infections: Symptoms include frequent and sometime painful, urination, small amounts of involuntary urinary loss, and a sense that urine will leak if urination is delayed. Pressure may be felt above the pubic bone and the person may feel a bearing down feeling in the pelvic area. The patient often feels worn out and irritable, has cold extremities and a sagging feeling in the pelvic area. Homeopathy Sepia may be helpful to patients with these symptoms.
Alternative Medicine Magazine – A Learning Experience for the Holistic Minded
May 8, 2011 by AndrewTraub
Filed under Acupuncture, Alternative Medical Treatments, Aromatherapy, Art, Herbal, Homeopathy, Natural, Yoga
Alternative Medicine Magazine has been around for many years, and has legions of fans who eagerly look forward to each month’s issue. One of the few publications on the market that covers the subject of natural healing, the magazine features articles on both timely and timeless subjects which enables its readers to learn about both alternative and complementary medicine in an interesting and fun manner.
Some of the subjects in Alternative Medicine Magazine include the requisite vitamin and herbal supplements and how to choose them, holistic care, and the basics of aromatherapy, homeopathy, acupuncture, yoga, Chinese medicine. The mind and body connection and how important it is to stay emotionally as well as physically balanced are featured frequently, along with spiritual healing, self care, ecology, natural pet care, food and healing, and more.
Also, Alternative Medicine Magazine has a very interesting web site. The most compelling section of the site is the “Condition Center”. Here, all sorts of health matters are discussed. The entire lifespan of the magazine has been spent in building a collection of research and opinion articles that discuss most health conditions and how to approach them from an alternative medicine standpoint.
Enhanced by a journalistic staff of excellence, Alternative Medicine Magazine appeals to a broad range of people, not all of them necessarily of the natural healing persuasion. Its layout and photography compliment the many features which discuss all aspects of balanced, healthy living. The information between the slick covers of the magazine has been a trusted source for many who seek a balanced lifestyle. The editorial staff has worked very hard to bring this type of information to the public who has become hungry for it.
Over the years, natural health solutions became more than just a fad. They became a way of life for millions of people, with more added to the ranks as it became common knowledge that the holistic lifestyle was a viable option. People enjoyed educating themselves with the thought provoking articles included in Alternative Medicine Magazine. The recipes shine! It is not often that you can find recipes that are actually for fertility, or a diet plan that tackles inflammation, but this magazine has them.
If you are a pet lover and want the best for your pet, you’ll adore this magazine. Articles abound on all subjects pet, and you can even send questions in to a knowledgeable natural vet for inclusion in the next month’s issue.
Alternative Medicine Magazine recently changed its name to a title that more accurately reflected the image that the magazine wanted to portray to the world. There are no plans to change the fantastic content, though. The name seems to suit the magazine better. If you thought you could never improve upon perfection, take a good look at the newly-renamed magazine that keeps America up to date on the natural side of things!
Natural Emotional Healing Remedies
February 25, 2011 by AndrewTraub
Filed under Alternative Medical Treatments, Art, Herbal, Homeopathy, Natural
There are everyday stresses in our life that build and make living seem impossible. There are dark corners in our mind that may cause extreme difficulties that make waking up do hard of a chore to do. Some of these problems may be due to an extremely negative experience that occurred earlier in life. There are other issues that arise due to a chemical imbalance in the body and brain. So, what are the possible solutions to these issues? Where does someone turn?
You could consult your doctor, get a prescription and start a medicinal regimen of chemically induced drugs. This option is available and may seem like a quick fix, but what if you were offered an option that would not pump chemicals into your body and you could feel great all over? Well, then perhaps you should investigate the option of natural healing.
Natural healing is also known as alternative healing; in widest terms it includes anything outside the realm of modern scientific healing. It is not a new practice but an old one that seems to be enjoying a rebirth. There are a variety of therapies that are listed under this thinking. A few you may have heard of and others may be new to you. The more prominent examples follow.
In herbal medicine herbs are used to make healing ointments and oral treatments. Herbal medicine also utilizes cooking with herbs and supplements and teas.
The theory behind Naturopathic Medicine accepts that health is a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being; health is not just about fending off disease; it is also about treating the whole being for optimal health and wellness.
Massage Therapy is an increasingly common alternative and complementary health practice. Stimulation via touch is the basis for massage. This improves circulation and also induces relaxation while lowering stress and anxiety for a whole-body effect.
The theory backing Holistic Medicine subscribes to the belief that the body and all its parts work together. By working to heal and attend to the parts of the whole body and mind healing is achieved.
Meditation strives to take the practitioner beyond the conditioned thinking mind (the mind we live and work in consciously on a daily basis) on to a deeper state of relaxation. It can be used to accomplish one or many goals, including enhanced focus, improved creativity, and/or increased self-awareness.
Chiropractic medicine is a form that has sat at the verge of the mainstream for generations now. It focuses attention on the musculoskeletal system of the body. It is accepted that by adjusting and manipulating the body not only can realignment of bones, joints, and body systems be appreciated, but the manipulation can also result in a release of positive energy to promote healing.
Within these therapies are other elements that comprise a whole healthcare system that people are starting to embrace. Why? For starters it is a fact that a build up of chemicals can toxify one’s body and cause another set of issues. So, people are looking for other ways to help them feel complete wellness.
What About Emotional Help?
You have read of all the physical help that alternative medicine can achieve, but what about mental wellness? There are several options that one can explore and one option may be homeopathic medicine. Homeopathy is based on the philosophy that the mind and body are integrated as one and should be treated as such. Based on this theory, a homeopathy designs a treatment plan that incorporates the needs on a physical and a psychological level. A well trained homeopathy knows that some of the patient’s symptoms are complex, so they are able to differentiate them and take special note so they can choose a remedy on the individual’s needs.
What Can Homeopathic Medicine Treat?
Homeopathy can be used to treat several psychological disorders. Some of these are: anxiety, insecurity, depression and withdrawal, immaturity, psychosexual problems, fears and phobias, schizophrenia, and obsessional states. The doctor will not just diagnose and try treating the disorder itself, but will treat the whole person. The homeopathic doctor will interview the patient to get the full story; physical and mental. They will ask questions regarding the patient’s history so they can correctly design a therapy. This is the essence of homeopathy. The understanding of the whole person will give the homeopathic doctor the full reason of the imbalance and the imbalance is the root of the mental disorder.
Alternative medicine is comprised of a variety of theories that all have their own spin on the cause and cure of certain disorders; however they have a common thread of wholeness. Alternative health therapies strive to make the patient feel whole. Complete wellness is physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual harmony.
Homeopathic Mental Health Options And Treatments
February 23, 2011 by AndrewTraub
Filed under Alternative Medical Treatments, Art, Herbal, Homeopathy, Meditation, Natural
Emotional stress is a part of every person’s life. However, some people are more sensitive to the effects of psychological anxiety than others are. This could be the direct result of a specific incident in life, the cumulative impact of several traumas or experiences, or the result of chemical imbalance in the body and brain.
There is no shortage of mainstream chemical interventions from modern science. The safety and efficacy of these is regularly called into question, though. For a growing population the risk versus reward of using chemical medicines and invasive treatments is too negligible. And still others know inherently that there is a better, more natural way to deal with psychological imbalance. Homeopathic medicine offers a number of solutions and treatment options for dealing with emotional and psychological health concerns. And better still the promise is an attention and solution for the whole person, not just a singular fix for a symptom of larger affliction.
Natural healing is an all-inclusive term that refers to more than just homeopathy, although the different practices of alternative healing and natural medicine are often thought by the uninformed to be the same. Really, though, homeopathy is just one facet—one practice that falls into this larger category (a category that serves as an umbrella for any healing practice that is outside the scientific norm of mainstream medicine—practices which include herbal medicine, massage therapy, holistic medicine, and meditation, among many others).
Homeopathy more specifically refers to treating like problems with like compounds—small dilutions of ingredients that cause similar afflictions and neutralize the illness or disease. The practice is used for many different physical and emotional conditions.
What About Emotional Help?
For mental illness or mental health difficulties there are several treatment options to be explored. One of those options is homeopathic medicine. Homeopathy is based on the philosophy that the mind and body are integrated as one and should be treated as such. Based on this theory, a homeopathy designs a treatment plan that incorporates the needs on a physical and a psychological level. A well trained homeopathy knows that some of the patient’s symptoms are complex, so they are able to differentiate them and take special note so they can choose a remedy on the individual’s needs.
What Can Homeopathic Medicine Treat?
Homeopathy can used to treat several psychological disorders. Some of these are:
• Anxiety
• Insecurity
• Depression
• Withdrawal
• Psychosexual problems
• Fears and phobias
• Schizophrenia
• Obsessional states
The doctor will not just diagnosis and treat the disorder itself, but will treat the whole person. The homeopathic doctor will interview the patient to get the full story – physical and mental. They will ask questions regarding the patient’s history so they can correctly design a therapy. This is the essence of homeopathy. The understanding of the whole person will give the homeopathic doctor the full reason of the imbalance and the imbalance is the root of the mental disorder.
When mental or emotional issues go untreated they can be the cause of physical ailments that include heart strain, stroke, stomach upset, chronic headaches and more. The same theory can be reversed for the understanding of mental disorders. If a patient ignores their physical ailments then it can be the cause of certain mental disorders. Illness can result in anxiety or emotional uneasiness.
A homeopath will look at this angle and use it when design the therapies. For example, a woman is taking the prescribed drugs to help her with anxiety but still feels the uneasiness. She seeks the help of a homeopathic physician who has her stop all that medication and drink up to 64 ounces of water over the next few days to help detoxify her body of the chemicals in the drugs. When she comes back to the homeopath, the doctor conducts an extensive interview that gives him the complete story of her physical, mental, emotional, and social history. This allows him to pinpoint the imbalance and design a natural therapy just for her.
Traditional medicine primarily treats symptoms, and not whole-body illnesses. Homeopathic medicine, on the other hand, takes nothing as independent and attacks the problem by treating the whole body and all associated illnesses to clear the individual of all pains, both physical and psychological, understanding that in so many cases the one manifests the other.
Talking With Your Doctor About Alternative Health Solutions
February 20, 2011 by AndrewTraub
Filed under Alternative Medical Treatments, Art, Homeopathy, Natural
You have read endless articles in your favorite magazine, you heard about it on television, your friends are talking about it, and you have even thought about an extensive online search. Is it a new movie? Perhaps a new recipe? Actually, it is alternative health solutions. It seems that it is a subject that has people buzzing but you are unsure if it is just a fad, like the all chocolate diet that proved not to be such a good idea. Even if you have decided to hop on the alternative health bandwagon, what would your regular doctor say? Do you even dare discuss such matters with them? It is always best to be an educated decision maker and this requires that same concept.
Alternative Health Terms And Terminology
Alternative medicine or natural healing means that a person relies on no conventional forms of medicine for healing and wellness; or leastwise that they incorporate non-scientifically based healing practices into modern healthcare.
There are different forms of alternative medicine that encompass this way of life. Before talking with your doctor it is very helpful to familiarize yourself with them so that you both understand what you intend to pursue (and so the safety for you personally can be evaluated).
This list of definitions will help.
• Herbal medicine –using herbs to heal, maintain wellness, and prevent disease. Herbal remedies can take the form of cooked herbs, supplements, teas, and ointments.
• Naturopathic Medicine – This involves the theory that health is a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being; this is a whole-person approach that recognizes that health is not just the abstinence of disease or illness, it also encompasses other aspects of well-being.
• Massage Therapy – The use of as a way to stimulate, relax, distress, and heal. There are many forms massage therapy can take, including Reiki.
• Holistic Medicine – This practice is founded in the theory that the whole person is more than, as Aristotle stated, “the sum of its parts”. What this means effectively is that the body and all its parts work together, and so they should be utilized in tandem and healed together.
• Meditation – Refers to the practice of concentrating and working to move beyond the thinking mind that we are conditioned to and on into a deeper state of relaxation. Different forms focus on different goals; those goals may be a greater focus, creativity, or self-awareness.
• Chiropractic medicine – This focuses on the musculoskeletal system of the body and the belief that positive energy can be released by manipulating and adjusting various parts of the body. This release results in healing.
• Yoga – A form of alternative therapy that involves the exercise of the body and mind through breathing and stretching techniques.
• Homeopathic Medicine – Practitioners of homeopathy contend that an ill person can be treated using a substance that can produce, in a healthy person, symptoms similar to those of the illness. This is achieved by serial dilution. Shaking each dilution removes the toxic effects of the remedy. The beneficial qualities of the substance are retained by the carrier it is mixed with–water, sugar, or alcohol. Treatments are selected after consultation with the patient and all aspects are investigated, both mental and physical.
Now What?
You have done some research and found an area of alternative medicine that interests you. You have even found a licensed practitioner and gone for an informational visit, so now what do you do? The decision to tell your present practitioner is hard, but it is always best to have complete communication with your physician and your newfound practitioner.
Many modern day practices acknowledge these forms of alternative medicine and even accept their benefits. This can help keep you safe from possible dangerous interactions. For example, if you are on certain medications and do not inform your alternative health practitioner then they may suggest you take something and it would not be a good mix and the potential of harm could be great.
Remember, it is your life and you are the one in control of it. Talk openly with your physician about your concerns and your desires to incorporate alternative natural medicine with your present day regimen. It goes the other way, too; talk openly with your alternative health practitioner about your concerns. You are the one who has to live with the end result and after all, aren’t you striving for complete wellness and all that it encompasses?
