alternative and complementary medicine
TRANSCRIPT
By The Foundation for Alternative and Integrative Medicine
WESTERN MEDICINE
Alternative and Complementary Methods
Acupuncture
Traditional Chinese Medicine Dietary therapy Acupuncture - insertion of sterile needles into
specific points on the body in order to control the flow of chi, or life energy
Moxibustion – burning an herb, called moxa, over acupuncture and other points
Herbal medicine Qigong
ACUPUNCTURE Goal:
Restore balance and harmony within the individual
And between the individual and the environment
Balancing the energies of the meridians and the body
What will TCM do for you? Used to treat any physical condition or emotional
problem. Historically been effective for chronic conditions that
Western medicine is unable to reverse, such as:
Heart disease Arthritis Menopausal and Menstrual problems Sinusitis Allergies
Known to treat chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia.
Massage
MASSAGE Types:
Swedish
Clinical
Deep tissue massage
Neuromuscular Therapy
Trigger point Therapy
Myotherapy
MASSAGEMuscles and soft tissues are pressed, rubbed and
manipulated.
Massage breaks the cycle in which the nervous system stimulates muscles to contract causing pain.
Muscles relax and lengthen Pain relieving oxygen and blood floods the muscles The process of “touch” also is relaxing and therapeutic
HYDROTHERAPY Water is applied to the body to stimulate and redirect
the flow of blood and lymph. This nourishes cells and promotes regeneration of the tissues. Heat causes the arteries and veins to expand and bring
in blood and lymph. Cold make the arteries and veins constrict, pushing
blood and lymph away. This in-and-out movement of blood and lymph brings
fresh oxygen and nutrients and helps removes toxins and waste.
HYDROTHERAPY Techniques:
Showers Baths Water-soaked towels Water-soaked sheets
Ie: Shower- alternate the hot and cold water along the spine to stimulate the nervous system and improve circulation to the abdomen, lungs and heart.
Vet applicationwww.glendorahydrotherapy.com.uk
JUICE THERAPY Juice Fasting
Detoxifier Helps identify food sensitivities Increases the nutrient density of our diets Not for everyone
Dangerous for diabetics and hypoglycemics Lacks fiber
Juice Fasting can be beneficial, but it is still best to eat the fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
JUICE THERAPYUsed for 5000 years in Ayurvedic Medicine Stimulate digestion
Bolster the immune system
Eliminate toxins
Heal infections
Create a nutritional foundation to heal the body
Champion Juicer
AYURVEDIC MEDICINE Originated in India Combines many modalities:
Diet Herbs Massage Purification Exercise Music Therapy Aromatherapy Color Therapy Meditation Yoga Astrology
How does Ayurvedic Medicine work? Everything in nature is composed of 5 elements in
3 doshas:
Dosha Element Vata Space and AirPitta Fire and WaterKapha Earth and Water
How does Ayurvedic Medicine work?Disease is caused by an excess in one of the elements Treatment restores balance by decreasing excessive
elements and increasing deficient elements.Illnesses are based on stress and unhappiness Treatment such as meditation aims to relieve stress
and restore clarity of purpose.Historical uses: Diabetes, arthritis, anemia, allergies, immune issues
Music Therapy
SOUND AND MUSIC THERAPY Used in Traditional Cultures for thousands of years.
Music Therapy: Prescribed by board-certified music therapists Western European Classical music Effecting positive changes:
Psychological Physical Cognitive Social
Sound Therapy Rhythmic drumming and chanting
Higher level of balance and self-healing
SOUND AND MUSIC THERAPY Used in cases of:
Stress related health issues Muscle pain Tension Headaches High Blood Pressure Insomnia Depression Anxiety Fatigue
Relaxation and Meditation
RELAXATION/MEDITATION Goal:
Induce a calm, rested state of body and mind that relieves stress and tension.
Methods: Deep breathing Chanting Mantras- harmonizing the electrical activity
of the brain Progressive Relaxation Yoga and Tai chi
RELAXATION/MEDITATION
Yoga
Vitamin and Mineral Therapy
VITAMIN AND MINERAL THERAPY Environmental: Soils are depleted so foods are
depleted Stress: Drains the body of nutrients
Each nutrient is the key to a biochemical door
In small doses- essential reactions are maintained
In larger doses- act as natural medications optimizing the body’s ability to heal.
VITAMIN AND MINERAL THERAPY As an example Vitamin E has been known to address:
Angina Diabetes Menopause Premenstrual syndrome Prostate problems Shingles Varicose Veins
AROMATHERAPY Use of aromas for physical, mental and emotional
healing Sources are essential oils distilled from herbs and
flowers Applied to skin entering the blood stream Inhaled and linked to the limbic system and
hypothalamus in the brain
Olfactory connection
Uses for Aromatherapy Digestive complaints Skin problems- including burns Infections Stress and emotional upset Hormone Imbalance Respiratory complaints Air freshener Cleansers
Word of Warning: Essential oils are extremely potent and most cannot
be applied directly to the skin undiluted.
Dilute with massage oil
Women should not use essential oils during the first three months of pregnancy. (thujone)
Imagery
IMAGERY “Using the power of the mind to influence the body” Images can be sounds, tastes, smells or a combination of
sensations. It is the biological connection between the mind and body.
The average person has 10,000 thoughts and images in their minds everyday. At least half of these are negative - like worry This alters your physiology and makes you susceptible to dis-ease. Learn to direct and control your mind images to be positive
and it will have a tremendous impact on your heath.
IMAGERY It is a healing tool in virtually all the world’s cultures.
It began with the Ancient Egyptians and Greeks.
Only Western Medicine has discarded it as a healing tool.
HERBAL REMEDIES Use of Medicinal Plants for health and healing
HERBAL REMEDIES Typical imbalances addressed with herbs:
Cardiovascular disease Diabetes Memory Problems Arthritis Acute illnesses Skin issues
Use with the guidance of a qualified herbalist
Some herbs are more medicinal than others……Dandelion is beneficial to the liver.
Dark Field Microscopy Using the microscope with a dark field light source
Assesses the immune system
If there is illness there typically will be a unique cycle of substances in the blood
Dark Field Microscope
Dark Field images
Cycle: Somatid to thallus
NATUROPATHIC MEDICINEEmphasis is disease prevention and wellness Techniques include:
Nutritional therapy Herbal Medicine Homeopathy Traditional Chinese Medicine Other physical therapies
Theory: Body is self-regulating with the natural ability to maintain balance. A body in balance resists disease Naturopaths believe that Western Medical drugs or surgery can
suppress symptoms in the short run, but over time they actually weaken the body
NATUROPATHIC MEDICINE Western Medicine is helpful for acute and emergency
situations
Naturopathy is beneficial for long-term protection and wellness
Use a Naturopath who has been trained at one of the three main naturopathic medical schools: Bastyr (Seattle), Southwest (Phoenix),National(Portland)
Chakra and energy healing
ENERGY HEALING Directing and intensifying life energy (chi) to make
the body stronger.
Practitioners use their hands to set up a high-vibrational energy field. The person receiving the therapy begins to resonate and respond to the energy.
The body is provided with additional life-energy and naturally heals itself.
ENERGY HEALINGHistorically addresses:
Pain relief –back and neck
Internal problems – glands and organs
Psychological and spiritual problems
Reiki
REFLEXOLOGY Touch technique to stimulate the “reflex points” on
the feet, hands and ears. Each point corresponds to a specific part of the body How does it work?
Stimulates pathways of sensory nerves Sends message to the brain Brain send message to the specific body part Improves blood flow Reduces stress within (organs) and without(neck)
Be prepared for some pain and drink plenty of water
Reflexology
MOVEMENT EDUCATION There are many techniques:
Alexander Technique
Aston-Patterning
Feldendrais Method
Hellerwork
Educational Kinesiology
Educational Kinesiology Works with brain patterns addressing multiple issues Learning disabilities Emotional issues Addictions
There are 24 movements that help the nerve connections in the brain be more effective. 4 examples are: Brain Buttons Cross Crawl Cook’s hookup Water www.braingym.com
Brain Gym MovementsBrain buttons Cross-crawl
Brain Gym MovementsCook’s Hookup Drink water
Handwriting: an example of a shift after using brain gym.
Before After
Bach Flower Remedies
FLOWER ESSENCES Liquid Extracts prepared from wildflowers Developed by Dr. Edward Bach in the 1930’s
How does it work? Each essence has a specific energy pattern that affects the
recipient. They calm and balance the mind and emotions. Bring awareness for creativity, emotional, mental and
physical growth. Help create positive emotional states. A person who feels
cynical around holidays might feel more loving after using a flower essence.
Homeopathic Remedy
HOMEOPATHY Developed in the 1800s by Samuel Hahnemann, a
German doctor. Based on the Law of Similars:
Any substance that can produce symptoms of disease in a healthy person can help someone who is sick with the same symptoms.
The more dilute the remedy the more powerful it is. The “energy pattern” of the remedy stimulates the
body’s self-healing energy.
HOMEOPATHY Historically addresses:
Virtually any condition
Back pain, colds, digestive problems, minor injuries, insect bites, burns, sprains, bruises, heart disease, arthritis, diabetes, allergies, depression, and other serious diseases.
Consult a professional homeopath.
Iridology
Iridology First practiced in ancient India, Egypt and China
Reveals body constitution and inherent weakness
Reflects conditions and predispositions Inflammation Toxicity Congested lymph Acidity
Strong constitution: filaments in the eye are close together and fairly straight.www.drnudelman.ca
Frequency HealingThe practice of restoring balance to the body with the use of frequencies
The study of frequency medicine by Dr.
James Oschman
Electro Interstitial Scan- an example of a device used
Muscle Testing: Applied Kinesiology
Learning to Muscle Test First: Water, cross-crawls, brain buttons, Cook’s hookup Always be in an “I wonder” attitude Rest your hand on the client’s shoulder Muscle test with the other hand by gently putting pressure
just above the wrist and asking them to “resist” If the muscle is weak this typically represents “imbalance” If the muscle is strong this typically represents “balance”
Nutrition Made Simple
HIGH QUALITY ANIMAL PRODUCTS Free Range Organic Eggs Organic grass fed animals Organic butter Oils:
GRAINS Beware of cereals Eat a variety of organic grains including:
Wild Rice Brown Rice Quinoa Couscous Bulgur
BROTH Make a bone broth once a week:
Whole organic chicken Organic Vegetables Vinegar Water
Simmer for 2-24 hours and skim off the top
FRUITS AND VEGETABLES Eat a variety of organic fruits and vegetables
Best: raw
Second best: lightly steamed or baked
SALAD DRESSING Make your own:
Mustard Vinegar Olive Oil Flax or fish oil
Option : add parmesan cheese and herbs and blend
LACTO-FERMENTED FOODS Organic goat cheeses
Pickled foods
Lacto-fermented beverages – kefir from coconuts
WheyALL HELP KEEP THE FLORA IN THE GUT HEALTHY
REFINED SWEETENERS Eliminate all sucralose, sorbitol, splenda, NutraSweet and
aspartame Keep sugars to a minimum
Replace with: Dehydrated cane juice Maple syrup Molasses Stevia Raw honey Xylitol
TOXIC METALS AND ADDITIVES Eliminate:
Microwave foods Aluminum cookware MSG Artificial Sweeteners Chemical additives and food colorings
Choose: Heat food in a toaster oven Cook with Stainless Steel or Glass cookware
STRESS
The key to health and happiness:
Keep diet simple– whole foods
Drink purified water
Practice forgiveness
To great health…….