Medicine Health

Although I appreciate the value that traditional medicine brings to health care, I am passionate about a life-changing philosophy that speaks to the core of man and has been proven through the ages. This philosophy differentiates the kind of medicine I practice from that which most physicians practice.

The body is a self-healing organism. It needs the nutrients and building blocks in order to perform its designed functions. There are many interferences with this process. When toxic substances are removed, then your body can use the nutrients to perform its maximal function. Allopathic medicine looks at your body as a mechanical machine that breaks down, so the physician must "fix it." 

Here are some more challenging philosophical comments to ponder.

What I've done is take the conventional (also called allopathic) medicine philosophies and compare them side by side with alternative medicine (also called integrative, complementary, or preventive medicine).

Actually, no name is fully descriptive for either of the disciplines. Conventional could just as easily refer to medicine that was practiced in the past, now called complementary or alternative medicine. And alternative medicine could just as easily refer to the surgical/drug alternatives that you resort to when your homemade remedies do not help.

Alternative Medicine

The body is self-healing - but only if nutrients and building blocks are present and toxic substances are removed.

Treat cause.

Work with the physiology of the body.

Build the terrain (cells) and strengthen the natural defenses of the body.

Based on the science of biochemistry and physiology.

The body has an energy force, chi, spirit, soul that is separate from the physical body, from the physical body, responding to Einsteinian physics.

Use whole, organic products or bioidentical products.

Emphasize safer herbs, minerals, vitamins.

Different view of same disease.

Use safer procedure for same disease.

Use non-invasive testing whenever possible.

Treat "untreatable" diseases.

Conventional Medicine

The body is a mechanical machine that breaks down, so the physician must "fix" it.

Treat symptoms.

Control the physiology of the body.

Kill the enemy.

Heavily influenced by pharmaceuticals, driven by consensus, tradition, policy, insurance, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies.

The body is a biochemical, physical entity with pulleys, organs, and vessels that follow Newton's laws of physics.

Use synthetically changed, patentable products.

Emphasize medications.

It's not too hard to determine my bias, is it? However, it's important to note that I practiced conventional, allopathic medicine for more than 20 years before realizing that there were some significant factors in alternative medicine that I was overlooking, all in the name of staying "within the box." Current research tends to show that alternative medical approaches work. From my clinical experience, I see that to be true on a daily basis.

For example, if you come into a conventional medical doctor's practice, complaining of migraines headaches, conventional medicine would send you on your way with a prescription, or maybe several prescriptions. Try one, see if it works, get back with me in a few weeks. As an alternative, integrative, or complementary physician, my first questions are: "What factors trigger the migraine? What is your current emotional situation? What stresses are you dealing with right now, or what have you dealt with in the past?" I get a solid history, and then we just crank out the reasons and causes for migraines. I base my treatment on the triggering causes, thus making my treatment one that deals with the core issues rather than the end organ symptoms.

Let's insert one more thing onto the alternative side of the chart: balance. I'm not putting it in the chart, because it's something I want you to think about and rediscover for yourself. It's good to take good things into your body, but too much of a good thing can be very harmful. Too little of a good thing is also harmful. Too much of one thing may cause an imbalance that may be just as harmful as an excess or deficiency. For instance, all the vitamins are very helpful, but to take one in isolation, especially at high doses, may cause an imbalance in your body and be detrimental to it. Others have used the term "moderation" to describe keeping a balance.

Balance applies to everyone, whether you embrace alternative medicine or conventional medicine. Balance will lead you ultimately to discovering what your body is telling you it needs to be dynamically healthy. Balance will put you in the position where you are able to hear your body, understand it, apply what you learn, and feel the difference.

To your dynamic health and energy! (And keep your balance!) Warm Regards, Dr. Stan Gardner

© Copyright 2008 Stan M. Gardner, M.D. All rights reserved. http://www.stangardnermd.com

As we progress into the twenty-first century, we have made many inroads and advances in medicine due to new discoveries in chemistry, biology, and physics. Conventional medicine, our generally accepted system of medical knowledge, is practiced almost exclusively in the United States and abroad. Using this system, medical doctors and other health professionals treat diseases using drugs, radiation, or surgery. Conventional medicine is also known as allopathic, mainstream, modern or Western medicine.

As a technically advanced society, we have become proud of our achievements in science but modern medicine has yet to solve our health problems. There are several diseases such as cancer, muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis, and a wide variety of serious as well as chronic diseases where a cure has been pending for many, many years. Those who are suffering with incurable illnesses, are questioning the true advancement of modern medicine, and wondering, considering the modern innovations in science, if it has really made so much progress at all. We do have everyday experience of the wonders of medical science in the areas of nuclear and emergency medicine, immunology, surgery and medical testing, and certainly these systems are extremely important, but actual disease prevention and treatment for many chronic diseases is still eluding the modern medical establishment.

There has existed a driving force behind alternative medicine for centuries, and the motivation has been to heal others. Although practitioners of alternative medicine and their patients are reporting effective results, there are some persons who propose that such medicine is fraudulent, and is being practiced by insufficient or under/uneducated persons. This certainly could be true is some cases, but has also been true regarding conventional medical doctors who have had their licenses revoked for negligence or incompetence.

If doctors were not sexists, then there would be no need to offer seminars on how to sensitively handle a woman's pelvic exam in a "non-sexist manner." This type of mentality is one of many reasons women especially, and men also, are turning away from their medical doctors and enlisting the help of alternative practitioners. Michael P. Annavi, Ph.D., in his essay on allopathic authority, entitled Scraps from the Table of Allopathic Power, states that "the allopathic medical industry has created a process of invalidation that promotes the ideology that knowledge is real only if it is established within this tautological framework of European thought".

The difficulty in establishing the practices and rights of non-traditional health professionals has been thwarted for the past two centuries from those who advocate the practice of scientifically validated medicine, from the traditional medical societies, and, of course, from the medical doctors themselves. This is nothing more than systematic prejudice and racism, especially in regard to the Chinese and E. Indian medical practitioners of acupuncture and Ayurvedic medicine.

Larry Altshuler, M.D., in his book Balanced Healing, states that many alternative healing methods are simply more effective than conventional treatments are for certain conditions, and many treatments have fewer side effects and potential dangerss. Throughout his book, Dr. Altshuler discusses natural treatments he has used effectively on patients for many years. A proponent of preventative and natural medicine, Dr. Altshuler explains, for example, that there is a strong correlation between diabetes and obesity. As a truly alternative medical treatment, firstly he mentions that patients should completely avoid alcohol, which is very high in sugar content. Secondly he says to eat a balanced diet, low in refined sugars, fat, and animal products, and high in plant fiber. Thirdly he recommends the vitamins, nutrients and herbs necessary for supplementation. Lastly he recommends getting acupuncture treatments.

In the documentary film, The True Story of The Bridge on the River Kwai, Otto C. Schwarth, an American P.O.W., forced to work on the railway between Burma and Thailand during World War II, described how hundreds of thousands of prisoners of war, British and American, sick and dying of various diseases, were treated by a handful of physicians. In his interview, Mr. Schwarth, then in his eighties, recalled: "The Americans were forever grateful to Dutch medical doctor Henry Hecking. Dr. Hecking was born and raised in Indonesia by his grandmother who was an herbalist. He was our savior, actually, because he knew all the local herbs. Our group ended up having the lowest death rate on the line.

Michael Wayne, Ph.D., author of Quantum Integral Medicine, explains in his interview with Acupuncture Today: This biomedicine (conventional medicine) has been based on a model on linear determination and reductionism - approaches that see the world in very black and white terms. This approach has gotten our selves into a lot of trouble, not only with its approach to the human body, but also with its approach to solving world problems. It is very cause-and-effect oriented and is always looking to find the one ultimate cause that created the dilemma (par. 3). Modern medical science has denied the larger picture of health and healing, being induced by corporate influence and profiteering. We are presently seeing the outcomes of such corruption and greed - like war in the Mid East in an attempt to monopolize oil reserves, global warming along with the melting of the polar ice caps, and worldwide economic collapse.

It has also become an amusement of some medical doctors to criticize natural medicine and its practitioners. In an interview with an Orthopedic Surgeon in Fresno, CA (who preferred to keep his name anonymous), revealed that chiropractors are referred to, in the conservative medical world, as "pseudo-doctors." In the early twentieth century the medical establishment fought against the profession of Chiropractic, saying that due to public welfare and protection, these types of alternative medical practitioners should not be licensed. We find that it was actually due to economic self-interest and not public welfare, or as Chiropractors state "the ermine gloves of altruism frequently conceal the brass knuckles of greed" (Whorton 138). Plainly speaking, the medical profession does not want to share its economic benefits with other medicine men. Hippocrates was also considered a heretic or "quack" of his time because the medical thinking of his day was that disease and recovery were caused or influenced by gods and demons.. Hippocrates (born 460 BC) is considered the father of Western allopathic medicine. He is credited with greatly advancing the systematic study of clinical medicine, summing up the medical knowledge of previous schools, and prescribing practices for physicians.

Twentieth-century medicine has made incredible inroads of discovery including nuclear technology for diagnosis and treatment. Although conventional medicine has made a great deal of scientific advancement, many people are still suffering from chronic debilitating diseases and incurable diseases. Allopathic medicine has hundred years of research and discovery, but does not seem to be making valuable and affordable solutions as we progress into the twenty-first century. The cost of medical treatment is staggeringly high, especially for diagnostic testing and hospitals visits. Medical practitioners are concerned not only with there own economic progress, but keeping at bay those who are not deemed worthy of the title Medical Doctor or M.D. In ancient China, the doctor was not paid for their services if a person became ill. They were only compensated for keeping patrons healthy via advice on diet, nutrition and exercise. They prescribed herbal medicines, not only for illness but for preventative health as well, so it was the healthy that supported the Chinese practitioner and not the sick. Unfortunately, in our modern society, it is the sick that provide the practitioner with a healthy income.

A new model of understanding in medicine needs to be incorporated into the existing allopathic model. Because of the growing popularity and effectiveness of Alternative Medicine, practitioners may eventually be given their deserved place in medical society. The incorporation of alternative medical practices into the existing model of conventional Western medicine, including the training of new medical doctors, is now called Complimentary Medicine. In order to solve our health problems, this modern paradigm for treatment in medicine must be promoted. This can only truly emerge when bias, self-interest, greed and discrimination is discarded and diverse medical knowledge is promoted and shared, not only between university trained scientists and medical doctors, but amongst alternative practitioners, philosophers, metaphysicians, and other intelligentsia of society as well. With the integration of alternative medicine with conventional medicine, we hope to see a model that focuses on health and healing, instead of illness and economic benefit. As more states license N.D.'s (naturopathic physicians), seeing them should be as commonplace as visiting your allopathic medical doctor. This could become the new ideal for medicine and health in the twenty-first century and beyond. We also look forward to the day when labels such as quack or pseudo-doctor will disappear along with other biased subjective judgments.

Up to a century ago, the common person thought it was impossible to fly, but after discovering the natural laws of aerodynamics, we can routinely fly into outer space. In his film, Galileo, Bertolt Brecht's historically depicts the life of Galileo Galilei. In the seventeenth century, Galileo, at the risk of persecution and death, proved through the study of cosmology and by using the foundation of mathematics, that the sun was the center of the heavens, and not the earth. In the same way, by using the natural ideals and foundations of medical knowledge, we will begin to make new and future discoveries in health and healing.

In the present United States, if you need care or treatment for a sickness or disease you still have one of two options to pursue and that is conventional or alternative treatment. The first important factor to weigh is to understand the differences between the two.

Conventional medicine has some pros and cons. It offers the best medicine in surgeries or trauma care but in the treatment of immune related conditions it relies heavily on prescribing drugs and recommending invasive medical procedures. Conventional tends to target treating symptoms, not the underlying causes (repeat drug sales). It treats the human body in parts, not as a whole. The shaped thinking of conventional medical doctors is based upon using "rescue medicine," not finding treatment and prevention alternatives for illnesses and disease and included in all of this, Medical schools are set up by organ specific departments that don't share any kind of relationship with one another.

On the other hand, alternative medicine is not only prevention-based but also approaches medical treatment by focusing primarily on proactive measures, basically it treats the condition, not the symptoms. In doing so, its goal is to target the whole body which is really more cost effective.

The growing number of people turning to alternative therapies is rapidly growing and is becoming more and more the chosen form of medical treatment among Americans. This is a good thing considering where health care in the United States could be heading. If healthcare becomes nationalized we all we a value placed on us as to where we stand in the line.

Did you know that one out of every three Americans uses some kind of alternative medicine?
Between 1990 and 1997 there was almost a 50 percent increase in visits to alternative practitioners. Who wants a drug that treats a symptom that not only comes with a list of possible side effects that you do not want any part of, but there is a good chance you can't take the drug because your on some other prescribed drug(s) that are not compatible.

People are starting to choose alternative therapies as a form of treatment, and you may be asking yourself the big question, "Why don't more conventional doctors recommend alternative medicine?"

Due to pharmaceutical associations, with all the money that is involved there is no looking back. Don't be surprised about this because the driving force behind the continuing growth of conventional medicine has been the pharmaceutical industry, embraced by both doctors and pharmacists, who calculate their worth through treating disease by prescribing medications.

Schools of medicine are hugely funded by pharmaceutical companies so this industry has a hugely vested interest in the marketing of their medicines. A company that is the leading producer of prescription drugs offers scholarships and grants to medical schools so these two entities are joined at the hip.

Ever notice how many drug commercials consumers are exposed to? The mass media is about making money just like the pharmaceutical industry and those ads must be making profit for the media and visa-versa. Over the past few years mass media commercials for drugs have exploded. Multi-billions are spent on advertisements for prescription drugs and consumers do listen and inquire with their doctor on specific drugs they saw or heard in an ad.

As you might guess, funding conventional medicine towers the funding allotted alternative medicine to the tune of $12 billion to the National Institutes of Health to only about $5.5 million to the Office of Alternative Medicine to investigate claims of various therapies.

The consequences for almost the blatant disregard of alternative medicine research results in preventing relevant research projects, it has negative effects the research infrastructure and it does not attract the highly-skilled scientists to enter the field for various reasons, ironically one being the complaint that alternative medicine lacks the scientific research to support their practices.

Conventional has come a long way and people still come to the United States due to the medical technology is second to none, but it has it's flaws and it does not discount that it is profit driven by big pharma and its influence. People are becoming more and more aware of this so we a growth in the public turning to alternative methods for treatment.

Don't look for the drug industry controlled mainstream medical industry to show much empathy any time soon. There is too much money involved. Considering the state of affairs on healthcare in America with the present administration, now more than ever it is up to us to be proactive in taking care of ourselves and check out was is available alternatively in the areas of prevention and treatment of illness and disease.

Are you considering a change to your current health status? Do you need a new and different way to learn about your health alternatives? There are many exciting ways awaiting you to help you to achieve your goals and improve your health.

Herbs, yogurt and even spices from your kitchen can help improve your health. Walking, Biking, hiking, exercise, minerals, vitamins even drinking water are all helpful. But what about the aches and pains that arrive from exercise. Pain killers are not the only solution, there are a lot of alternatives out there to help relieve the pain.

Alternative help is available - illnesses, weight loss, quit smoking, depression, plantar fasiciitis, high blood pressure high cholesterol, diabetic, urinary track infections, headaches and many more.

Alternative suggestions - Acupuncture, Herbalist, Naturopathic, Natural health remedies, Alternative healthcare, Alternative treatment, Holistic therapy, Nature cures, Herbal remedies, Chiropractors, Alternative Therapy and many more.

YOUR HEALTH is what is important. Using an alternative method may help improve you life. What could be more important to you then enjoying your life that way it should be. Check out all of the options to help you improve how you are feeling. ENJOY living and enjoy your life with a healthier you. DO it for you, DO it for your family.

Family life is great. You need to be healthy, in order to keep you family healthy. Your family needs you to be in the best of health, for you to keep them in the best of their health. Research you options for good health.

People choose alternative medicine and natural health over conventional health practices for a number of reasons. Perhaps you are at a point in your life where you are experiencing minor health problems and are seeking alternative methods to conventional health practices that often don't work. Or, perhaps you feel healthy and want to maintain this health by supplementing your current diet and lifestyle with natural health practices.

Types of Alternative Medicine

Since there are varying types of alternative medicine each offering their own philosophy and discipline, you will have to decide what form of alternative medicine is best able to help you heal any particular health problems that you have. Following are types of alternative medicine:

• Herbal medicine. Herbal medicine uses certain properties of herbs and other plants in the form of dietary supplements as a means to promote health and to heal specific health problems. Plant parts used can include the leaves, flowers, stems, or a combination of all. Examples of some commonly used herbal medicines include green tea which may have an anti-cancer effect, valerian root used to treat insomnia, peppermint tea for digestive issues, and Echinacea extracts to limit the length of colds.
• Chinese herbal medicine. Also known as "herbology," Chinese herbal medicine involves combining medicinal herbs to heal the body. The focus is on preventing disease before it has a chance to manifest itself, as well as treating existing health problems. A key to the success of Chinese herbal medicine is the treatment of each patient as an individual with herbs mixed specifically for each patient.
• Acupuncture. Acupuncture is a technique of inserting and manipulating needles into acupuncture points on the body to stimulate nerve impulses and restore health and well-being. It is believed that your life energy, or "qi," travels along your body on what are known as "meridians". When this flow of energy is broken and damaged, your body is weak and results in health issues.
• Acupressure. Acupressure involves placing physical pressure by hand or elbow on acupuncture points on the surface of the body. Shiatsu is a form of acupressure that promotes the prevention and recovery of illnesses by stimulating the immune system and natural healing power the people already possess.
• Massage. The goal of massage is to apply pressure, tension and motion to the soft tissues of the body to assist with healing injury, relieving psychological stress, manage pain and improve circulation.
• Reflexology. Also known as "zone therapy," reflexology is the practice of stimulating nerves on the feet, hands and ears to encourage a beneficial effect on other parts of the body, or to improve your general well-being. It stimulates the blood flow to particular parts of your body while relieving the tension in your body and mind.
• Homeopathy. Homeopathy is the principle of "treating like with like." Homeopathic remedies are substances derived from plants and minerals that are diluted in a precise way as to cause toxic behavior and cure the symptoms.
• Yoga. Yoga uses specific body "postures" to reduce stress, slow breathing and heart rate, lower blood pressure, and promote relaxation that is necessary for a healthy mind and body.
• Aromatherapy. Aromatherapy uses the extracts of plants, known as essential oils, and other scented compounds to relax and balance the body. An example of aromatherapy is eucalyptus oil and mint which is used to provide relief for the airways during a cold or the flu.
• Ayurveda. Ayurveda operates on the precept that various materials of vegetable, animal, and mineral origin have some medicinal value for curing illness and/or for maintaining good health. Ayurveda originated in India and is based on the philosophy that disease occurs when you are not living harmoniously within your environment.
• Meditation. Meditation is a relaxation technique used to reduce and alleviate symptoms of ill health including headaches, back pain and high blood pressure.

These are examples of alternative medicine. Since there are many variations, it is important to research alternative medicine as it relates to your health issues and your lifestyle.

Health and medicine are common topics in the news every day. Prescription medications cost too much for many of us to afford in a good year, but with the economy having so many problems right now things are much worse than normal. Because of these problems, many people have been looking for alternative medicine options, and luckily for them there are plenty.

Alternative medicine is a phrase that covers a broad range of topics. There are specific herbal remedies, as well as alternative treatments such as acupuncture, hypnosis, and massage. Even in the realm of herbal remedies, there are Chinese herbs and customs, as well as Western herbs and customs. These tend to be different in some ways.

Using natural herbs and plants as medicine is a practice which has been around for thousands of years. There is actually plenty of evidence which has shown herbal remedies and plants being used as medicine as far back into the past as 60,000 years ago. Cave paintings have even been found which indicate herbs were used for medicine, and these cave paintings are believed to have been made sometime between 13,000 and 25,000 B.C. In fact, many of our modern day man-made prescription drugs have been based on the natural healing substances found in herbs and plants.

There are many people around the world, and particularly in the United States, who do not feel that using plants and herbs as an alternative to prescription medicine should be an option. The argument is that there is not enough scientific proof and there have not been enough actual studies to confirm what works and what doesn't. The opposite school of thought comes from people who actually specialize in using herbal remedies to treat a variety of ailments and conditions. They know from experience how well certain herbs and alternative treatments actually work.

There are arguments which say the reason few studies have actually been done on herbal remedies is because there's no money to be had. Drug companies and large pharmaceuticals cannot patent natural plants and herbs. And if they cannot put a patent on something, they cannot charge so much money for it.

There is also a problem due to lack of knowledge and information in mainstream society. Many people do not understand how to use plants and herbs to take care of a variety of simple health conditions. They also don't understand what may be good or bad, or exactly how different herbs and medications can interact with each other. Some people even believe that if something is natural it must be safe no matter what you do with it. This of course is not how the world works, even with natural herbs and plants. There are many plants and other natural items found throughout the world which are extremely dangerous and even poisonous.

One example of this is a simple rhubarb plant. Rhubarb is a healthy vegetable that we can eat in a variety of ways, but if you try to eat the leaves from that plant or use them in some sort of medicine, you could go into convulsions and you might even die from it.

Just like prescription drugs, there are certain herbs and medicinal plants which have the potential to create problems for certain people. An herb known as goldenseal for example, can cause problems for diabetics and people who have hypoglycemia because it is a natural form of insulin. This herb is also excellent to use as a natural infection fighting antibiotic, but if someone with low blood sugar takes it, there could be severe side effects if their blood sugar levels drop too low.

Most people are aware that prescription drugs, or even over-the-counter medications, can interact with each other badly. What they don't know however, is that the same thing can happen with herbal remedies, and medicinal plants. These herbs can also conflict with prescription medications too. For example, one herb which is popular to use for boosting your energy is ginseng. Many people don't realize, that if they take ginseng and drink large amounts of caffeine at the same time, they run the risk of having heart out the patience or even more severe emergencies such as a heart attack. The same types of risks can apply if you're taking certain prescription drugs along with ginseng too.

These examples are just a few, but they should stress the importance of how powerful herbal medicine can be. Whether you want to start using herbal medicine as an inexpensive alternative to modern drugs, or you simply want to start taking better care of yourself, you need to become fully educated on exactly what herbs you choose to use. Just as you need to be careful with prescription drugs or over-the-counter medications, you also need to be informed and aware of what herbal medications can and cannot do.

Herbal remedies can be an extremely powerful way to take care of many common health problems and ailments. They're very inexpensive to use, and there are generally many less side effects than you might see from prescription drugs. These are all excellent reasons to start learning about herbal remedies and possibly find ways to reduce your own health care expenses naturally, and safely.

Statements in this article may not be approved by the FDA.

Those of us who work with cancer patients, we wish cancer was not so common - not so daunting, not so overwhelming and scary. But the reality is that there is a desperate need for accurate information, trustworthy information, and even more urgent desire for a cure and, ultimately, an ironclad prevention plan. In this article my aim is to deliver informed hope, not false hope. The goal is to present information on integrative cancer prevention and treatment in a practical and useful manner so you will be able to make informed decisions based on your specific circumstances and comfort level. You have choices. Many researchers believe that the best way to treat cancer is using a multidimensional approach, many of which are mentioned in this article. Do not underestimate the power of lifestyle changes and proper diet they have been proven to be key factors in treating cancer and many other illnesses.

Accurate information is power.
There is a lot to be gained from accurate and trusted information. Research shows that, "informed patients reported significantly higher levels of hope than those who were not informed." Unfortunately trying to get the right information can be difficult and frustrating. Integrative oncology, which is the term now used to describe complementary and alternative medicine to treat cancer - it can be described as the responsible blending of applicable traditional, supplemental and alternative healing methods with appropriate conventional medical tools. Integrative oncology takes advantage of the body's own capacity for self-healing. An integrative approach will bolster the patients' own internal defenses and help ease the side effects of conventional cancer treatments.
Healing from cancer requires a mind-body-spirit approach.

There is clear and abundant scientific evidence and information on the safety and effectiveness of diet lifestyle, nutrients and herbs for use in the cancer prevention and treatment. People heal each other in very simple ways by listening, accepting, caring and, understanding.

Some cancer survivors have defined cancer treatment success as:

• Accepting and embracing positive and negative emotions with love and non-judgement so that we can enjoy the journey no matter where we are on the path.

• Enhancing quality of life - physically, mentally, and spiritually - by connecting the mind, body and spirit in order to grow and gain peace. We all have been giving a set amount of time on this earth, our goal should be to love in peace, love and harmony with those around us.

• Cancer success comes in the form of realization, personalization, contentment, and grace which cannot be measured by any human tool. Regardless of physical outcome, these measures of success are embedded in one's heart and soul.

Cancer patients and their loved ones are fighting a multidimensional battle against a mammoth opponent. We understand the overwhelming issues that accompany a cancer diagnosis. The key to cancer success is to get as much information as possible from as many sources as possible.

Conventional treatments of cancer.
Every person diagnosed with cancer deserves to have all possible treatments available to them - conventional and complimentary alike. The most successful approach to cancer control is the prevention of cancer.

There are five major classes of chemotherapy drugs.

• Alkylating agents. They bind to DNA in cancerous cells, preventing the DNA from dividing.
• Antimetabolites. They replace nutrients needed for DNA synthesis with inactive substances, thus preventing cellular division.
• Antitumor antibiotics. They generate activated oxygen free radicals, which prevent DNA from uncoiling and can cause DNA breaks and eventual cell death.
• Hormonal drugs. Block hormone activity within cells to stop cancer growth signalling pathways.
• Plant alkaloids. Interfere with the architecture within the cell, thus preventing the cell from dividing.

Chemotherapy drugs are so toxic that other drugs are used to offset their side effects. Keep in mind that chemotherapy agents do their work on cancer cells as well as on healthy cells. Chemotherapy drugs may be combined with one or more other drugs for a synergistic effect or to create a different profile of side effects. These chemotherapy cocktails may be well tolerated with minimal side effects, or they can be difficult to endure and produce considerable side effects. Patients receiving chemotherapy can feel much worse during treatment than they did with the cancer alone.

It is becoming more common for cancer patients to receive targeted drugs with their chemotherapy regimen. Unlike older chemotherapy drugs, the actions of targeted drugs focus on specific structures or activities that are more prominent in cancer cells. The goal of targeted drugs is to promote tumor cell death with fewer effects on healthy cells. Some patients feel better while on chemotherapy because their tumor burden is decrease, which then decreases some of the symptoms caused by the cancer, such as fatigue, loss of appetite, and weight loss. Chemotherapy deliver in smaller doses over a longer period of time is just as effective and easier - relatively speaking - on the patient than one massive dose. However, adverse side effects are always expected.

Screening and detection

Not knowing does not make something go away; rather the more knowledge we have about something, the more options and, ultimately, control you have to shape the outcome. In most cases, cancer takes years or even decades to develop into a tumor that is detectable by conventional diagnostic tests. Early detection enhances survival and addresses quality of life issues. If you have a family history of cancer screening can be a crucial tool to enhance your chances of success. If you are a smoker quitting smoking can be the most important thing you can do prevent some forms of cancer and also prevent coronary artery disease. If you drink alcohol reducing your alcohol consumption can significantly reduce your chances of getting some types of cancers such as cancer of the liver.

Top ten ways to prevent cancer and enhance your health.

• Eat more fruits and fresh vegetables, at least five servings daily.
• Exercise for a minimum of thirty minutes four times per week and then increase the amount as you are able to.
• Obtain adequate sleep, for most people at least eight hours nightly.
• Practice some form of stress reduction such as yoga, meditation.
• Eat organic whenever possible. An organic supplement is highly recommended.
• Drink more water (preferably purified), and green tea. Green tea has been found to contain chemicals that help to fight off cancer.
• Avoid or reduce your consumption of alcohol, sodium, and excess fat. Quit smoking.
• Avoid or reduce your exposure to toxins.
• Love yourself and those around you.
• Communicate clearly, openly, and honestly.

The power of food.

The kind of food eaten has nearly as big an impact on health as the amount - and sometimes more. In fact, much of the malnutrition in the world can be attributed to unhealthy food or consumption of "empty calories." Though it may seem surprising, many obese individuals are actually significantly malnourished. Foods have both the power to harm and the power to heal. Some foods contain significant nutrients that help keep your body healthy and operating at peak capacity. Eating a healthy diet will give you the fuel you need to maintain and active pace and prevent illnesses, including cancer.

Cancer fighting foods include:

• Tomatoes - contain the powerful antioxidant lycopene, which supports a strong immune system.
• Whole grains contain ligans that positively influence hormonal activity.
• Citrus fruits contain flavanoids that enhance immunity.
• Soy contains certain sterols that can reduce the development of some cancer cells.
• Broccoli contains sulforaphane and other compounds that help stimulate detoxification and immunity.
• Cruciferous vegetables, such as cabbage, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts, contain indole-3-carbinol, which has been shown to have anticancer properties.
• The peel of an apple contains phenolic compounds that help prevent unhealthy cells from dividing and spreading. The old saying "an apple a day keeps the doctor away," has some real truth in it.
• Kale is high in vitamin A and C, as well as fiber, which are all perfect nutrients to help prevent cancer.
• Garlic contains several key components that inhibit the activity of cancer cells and help with detoxification.

Alternative treatment options for cancer.

The alternative treatments are already in widespread use and the public believes in them. Studies have demonstrated that 36% of the U.S. population uses some form of alternative therapy to stay healthy or treat illness. People believe in these treatments because they are getting results. In terms on cancer patients, people using alternative therapies such as using organic products, and natural supplements reported an improved sense of wellbeing. A recent survey of female cancer patients found that they often use alternative therapies to reduce psychological distress, physical symptoms of cancer, and side effects of conventional therapies. A survey performed by researchers of the University of Manchester in England, found that the use of herbal medicines among cancer patients tripled after diagnosis.

The domains or categories of therapies are as follows:

• Biologically based practices - which focus on use of herbs, supplements, and foods.
• Mind-body medicine which includes support groups, prayer, and meditation.
• Manipulative and body-based approaches such as massage, chiropractic, and the like.
• Energy medicine such as Qigong, Reiki, and use of magnets.
• Alternative medical systems which are complete systems of theory and practice.

A look at selected alternative therapies to treat cancer.

Some believe that the only way to truly heal cancer is to use a comprehensive, multidimensional approach. Cancer is a complex illness, and treatment success is enhanced by supporting all aspects of the patient's health and wellbeing. Never discontinue any medications or treatments without first discussing your options with your doctor.

Acupuncture: This is a form of traditional medicine that originated in China more that 5,000 years ago. The premise of acupuncture is that health is determined by the balance of vital energy called qi (pronounced "Chi"), which flows along 12 major pathways in the body, called meridians, and that those pathways are linked to major organs. Studies have demonstrated that acupuncture can relieve pain and help restore overall health.

Biofeedback: Using electronic devices, biofeedback monitors certain bodily processes such as breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure and conveys this information to the person to help them learn to consciously influence those systems. Biofeedback can help ease headaches, control asthma attacks, and recondition injured muscles. In regard to cancer, biofeedback can help reduce stress and anxiety and relieve pain associated with the cancer or conventional cancer treatment.

Constitutional medicine: These healing systems begin by determining the person's constitution - their strengths, susceptibilities, metabolic status, or predisposition toward certain conditions. Examples of constitutional medicine include Ayuverda, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and Tibetan Medicine. The focus of constitutional medicine is on helping the person achieve and maintain balance in accordance with their constitutional type. In these systems, internal harmony results in physical, emotional, and spiritual good health.

Creativity: Many innovative researchers are confirming that creative endeavors enhance a positive connection between mind and body. In addition, creativity is believed to stimulate immune activity and help reduce the damaging effects of stress. Creative activities that can promote physical and emotional health include art, music, and writing (especially journaling). I have heard of some cancer patients who have written journals with messages for their children and grandchildren to be read on special occasions such as graduation, weddings, anniversaries, and so on.

Detoxification: The body has systems in place to break down and eliminate harmful substances, a process known as detoxification. Detoxification therapies assist the body in eliminating or neutralizing toxins. Some practitioners believe that detoxification has significant impact on health and disease. "The process of detoxification through special cleansing diets as well as water and juice fast, is the missing link of rejuvenating the body and preventing such chronic diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, arthritis, diabetes, and obesity," says Elson Haas, MD, director of Preventative Medical Center of Marin. Detoxification methods include special diets, fasting, colon therapy, liver flushing, chelation, high-dose Vitamin C, and hyperthermia.

Diet and Nutrition: Utilizing diet and nutrition to prevent and treat illness should be the cornerstone of any health-promoting plan. The healing power of foods has been borne out numerous scientific studies, and there is no question that some foods can heal and some can harm. Tipping the scales in favor of healing foods and health promoting nutrition plan is the goal of diet and nutrition therapy.
Heat therapy: Also known as hyperthermia, heat therapy artificially rises the body's temperature to help alleviate infection, inflammation, or other health conditions. Raising the body's temperature above 98.6 F stimulates the release of pyrogens (from bacteria), which in turn, mobilize immune cells. In addition, localized hyperthermia treatment may be used to increase circulation of blood and lymph fluid in specific areas, without inducing a change in core temperature.

Herbal remedies. Also referred to as Botanical Medicine or Phytotherapy, herbal medicine has been used throughout history to promote health and prevent or cure illness. Many pharmaceutical drugs originate from medicinal herbs, and those drugs are often used in ways that correspond with their use in Native cultures where they originated. Plants can have a mild effect or pronounced activity depending on the herbs used, whether they are used alone or in combination, and the form in which they are used. Because botanical medicine can have far reaching effects, research in this field is expanding rapidly. Nutrients and herbs can compliment conventional cancer therapies, alleviate side effects of treatment, and even assist in directly treating the cancer. Research into these substances is increasing, and it seems that every week the media offer us promising new information about how different nutrients and herbs can help prevent or treat cancer. Buyer be aware that not everything that is on TV or the internet is necessarily true. Inform yourself well before making any decisions about any products and always consult with your doctor particularly if you are already receiving treatment.

Hydrotherapy: The therapeutic use of water in all forms dates back to the beginnings of civilization. Hydrotherapy can be defined as "the use of water, ice, steam, and hot and cold temperatures to maintain and restore health." It is believed that hot water can stimulate the immune system and help detoxify the body by releasing heat and cold water-soluble toxins via sweat. Cold water is used therapeutically to relieve inflammation. Contrasting the two therapies is believed to reduce inflammation and pain and help with digestion.

Meditation: This mind-body technique is designed to produce a calm, relaxed, nonreactive state of mind. Many mind-body experts believe that meditation allows for greater awareness and clarity by the anchoring the person in the present moment. It can also help alleviate symptoms of stress, anger, fear, anxiety, and depression. There are a variety of ways to meditate, but most methods fall in two categories: concentrative meditation and mindfulness meditation. Concentrative meditation focuses on breath, an image, or a mantra in order to still the mind. Mindfulness meditation involves turning off the mind's internal dialogue and simply receiving whatever exist in the environment without judgement. When distracting thoughts, memories, worries, or images arise, the person simply witnesses them without reacting to them or becoming involved with them.

Movement: Aerobic and anaerobic exercise, yoga, Tai Chi, and dance are all considered movement therapies. Decades of research have confirmed that exercise is a powerful health intervention. The health-promoting and illness-preventing benefits of exercise are endorsed by the National Institute of Health, The American Medical Association, and the Surgeon General. Medical experts say that exercise "has the documented effect of reducing all forms of illness," including high blood pressure, diabetes, osteoporosis, some cancers, insomnia, and chronic pain to name a few. Aerobic exercise consists of activities that raise the heart rate and respiration rate, whereas anaerobic exercise focuses on muscle strengthening. Scientific documentation of the health benefits of yoga, which combines both movement and meditation, is also increasing dramatically.

Naturopathic medicine: Naturopathic physicians are doctors trained to provide family health care and to emphasize the use of natural therapies to prevent and treat acute and chronic illness. Naturopathic medicine is used by people both as their primary health care and as complimentary health care. In addition to the basic medical sciences and conventional diagnostics, naturopathic education includes therapeutic nutrition, botanical medicine, homeopathy, natural child birth, Classical Chinese Medicine Theory, hydrotherapy, Naturopathic manipulative therapy, pharmacology and minor office procedures.

Self-talk and visualization. Can we talk ourselves into being healthy? Experts in self-talk and visualization believe these activities can influence health. Preliminary research indicates that you can positively impact your health and possibly change the course of the disease by giving yourself positive self-images or practicing techniques such as guiding visualization. Blue Cross Blue Shield of California found that patients who used guided image tapes prior to surgery healed faster following a procedure. As we learn more about the connection between mind and body, self-talk and visualization techniques will likely become even more important to our healing process.

Supplements: Intended to augment the diet and compensate for any deficiencies or to stimulate certain naturally occurring bodily processes, dietary supplements consist of vitamins, minerals, herbs, herbal extracts, or other nutrients. They may contain either a single nutrient or a combination and are sold over the counter and regulated as food items. Supplement programs can be design to promote overall wellbeing or support specific physiological systems, such as the cardiovascular system, or the immune system. In general, manufacturers are not allowed to make claims that their products can aid in the treatment of specific diseases.

Following a cancer diagnosis, many people feel compelled to go with conventional treatment over alternative therapies or vice versa. If they are not getting the results they expected, they may switch treatment modalities. Ideally, a person may get the most ideal results if they use an integrative approach from the start. Integrative medicine begins with prevention and continues into treatment and then restoration of health. An integrative approach to cancer management pulls all the tools from the toolbox - conventional and complimentary. If you choose conventional medicine, it is highly recommended you augment the treatment with a variety of complimentary strategies, including dietary changes, lifestyle modifications, and appropriate supplements. These strategies can help reduce or alleviate harmful and painful side effects from conventional treatments and enhance your quality of life - and they may help extend it.

Changing our thinking regarding cancer diagnosis and treatment requires us to let go of preconceived notions, including giving too much power to the prognosis. When we shift our focus from cure to quality of life, we are more likely to embrace a broad range of ways to manage the illness. Swinging the pendulum toward quality of life through comprehensive care can help create the cure we ultimately hope for. It is an integrative view that encompasses mind, body, and spirit. Always remember that you have choices. When you use a multidimensional approach to treat cancer you are giving yourself the best chance of recovery. I wish you the best in your journey wherever you may be, live each day with passion not regret, fill your days with love not remorse or guilt. The best days of your life may yet be ahead of you.