DISCOVERING ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE
More and more people are turning to alternative medicine for problems which conventional medicine has no satisfying answers, and also as an alternative to unnecessary drugs and surgery.
Philosophy of Alternatives
Naturopathy
This is a broad term, referring to a whole range of natural therapies. A naturopathic doctor has four years post graduate training in all branches of
natural medicine including nutrition, herbal medicine, acupuncture, homeopathy, hydrotherapy, manipulation,
counseling and life-style
modification. Some specialize in one area, most use a combination.
Homeopathy
This is a system of of natural medicine discovered at the end of the eighteenth century by Dr. Samuel Hahnemann. It uses very dilute preparations
from the plant, mineral, and animal world to stimulate a sick person's natural
defences, to correct the cause of underlying symptoms, and bring the body back into balance.
Chiropractic
This is the largest drugless healing profession in the world, and it focuses on the musculoskeletal system. Chiropractors receive four year post
graduate training, including 4,500 hours in basic and clinical sciences. Chiropractic is based on the belief that misaligned spinal vertebrae impinge
on nerves exiting from the spine to various body parts, causing discomfort and disease. This problem is corrected through spinal manipulation, a series
of quick, painless thrusts that mobilize fixed or immobile joints.
Herbology
This is the art of science using whole plant remedies to relieve symptoms, to stimulate the bodyšs innate healing powers, and to cleanse and tone
organs. Plant medicines are also powerful allies to prevent illness, to balance body functions, and to restore health. Used since ancient times,
plants are the source for many modern medicines. Plants have low toxicity if used correctly.
Acupuncture
This is a 5,000 year old Chinese medical system in which health is determined by the flow of chi or vital life energy in 12 major pathways
called meridians. The meridians are linked to specific organs and organ systems. Small sterile needles are inserted into the 365 main acupuncture
points to help correct and rebalance the flow of energy, thus relieving pain and/or restoring health.
It is usually combined with individually determined Chinese herbal medicines.
Body Work
Pioneers like Dr. Milton Trager, Dr. Moshe Feldenkrais, and F.M. Alexander found that through a system of exercises and posture changes, the connection
between the brain and the muscles could be retrained. Ida Rolf invented a system of deep massage to release emotional patterns held deep in the
muscles. All of these therapies are performed by practitioners after extensive training and apprenticeship.
Ayurvedic Medicine
This is a 5,000 year old medical science from Indian, which examines the patient in terms of the five elements of fire, earth, air, water and ether.
There are three possible body mind types. Imbalances and illness are treated with diet, herbs, minerals, animal products, exercise, yoga and meditation.
Shamanic Healing
Native healers look for the spiritual cause of illness and use ritual, prayer, dreams and herbs to bring the person back into balance.
Environmental Medicine
Sometimes known as clinical ecology, environmental medicine seeks to identify and treat the underlying dietary and environmental causes of
physical and mental symptoms. Various testing procedures are used, and treatments include avoidance, desensitization shots, oral and intravenous
nutritional supplements, and other therapies to boost the immune system.
Aromatherapy
The branch of herbal medicine that uses the medicinal properties of plant essential oils. Essential oils are the subtle volatile liquids of plants
extracted by steam distillation or cold pressing i.e. the essence of the plant. The oils have a whole range of therapeutic properties depending on
their chemical make-up including anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory,
immuno-stimulant, anti-depressant, sedative and stimulating.
Reprinted with permission from Dr. Carolyn DeMarco's latest book "Answers and Questions". To order Dr. DeMarcošs books call 1-877-871-9361 or on the web at www.demarcomd.com.