Medicine Health

Alternative Medicine is redefining the boundaries of individual health and well being and is beginning to change the definition of what it means to be healthy in today's fast-paced, stress-filled environment and offers a whole new realm of options for today's consumer to choose from in the process of determining their healthcare needs.

You may be surprised to discover that Alternative Medicine may be covered in your healthcare policy, which offers a broader scope of coverage than managed care alone, and may well reduce your overall cost of healthcare in general and even improve the future quality of life that you and your family will enjoy in the years to come.

The realization that the definition of health should be, and can be, far better than simply, free from injury or disease, represents a gradual shift in the way of thinking for both the consumer as well as the healthcare provider. It is this realization that is allowing Alternative Medicine to not only enter mainstream modern medicine, but also to partner with Conventional Medicine in a new and profound way as one of many successful avenues of treatment available to today's consumer of health.

Fifteen to Twenty years ago, there were few recognized, alternatives to conventional medicine, at least not in the West. This is not to say that alternatives did not exist, quite the contrary, they were simply not considered a serious option in improving ones health. This is no longer the case.
Dissatisfaction with the managed care system of the past decade, coupled with one important event and a slight shift in thinking created the perfect conditions for Alternative Medicine to flourish.

First, the cost of healthcare skyrocketed. Rising costs for diagnostic and treatment of injury and disease fueled an inevitable shift in focus, primarily from treatment to prevention, and this created the perfect niche that would soon be filled by the proactive stance that Alternative Medicine prevention provides. Simply put, when costs rise people begin asking questions and seeking alternatives.

Second, with the Information Age in full swing, access to quality information from a variety of sources translated into patients being better informed of healthcare issues and therefore more involved in their treatment options, if for no other reason than as a means to reduce their overall healthcare costs.

Alternative Medicine and Conventional Medicine approach healthcare issues in very different ways.
Conventional Medicine hinges on "the diagnosis of a patient's condition. This means that conventional medicine enters the healthcare process after the patient has been injured or after an ailment or disease has progressed to the level where an accurate diagnosis can be made. Once made, the diagnosis dictates both the treatment, accomplished via drug therapy and/or surgery, and the cost. Conventional Medicine exits the healthcare process once the malady has been identified, cured, or removed and is normally a temporary fix.

Contrast this to Alternative Medicine, which is focused on "preventing a problem, meaning that Alternative Medicine by its very nature attempts, and prefers, to enter the healthcare process before the patient is injured or becomes ill. Prevention is the first line of defense. When this frontline is penetrated by injury or disease, Alternative Medicine makes every attempt to "assist the body in healing itself, via natural means, whenever and wherever possible.

Alternative Medicine is thus non-invasive, even passive and more long-term, meaning that it becomes part of a consumer's healthcare regime and does not so quickly exit the health process, if at all. This will translate into lower costs for wellness over the lifespan of an individual. "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and at no other time has this statement been more true, especially if the cure requires an expensive antibiotic, surgery and/or an extended, or even brief, hospital stay.

Nutrition and lifestyle changes alone can easily reduce the incidence of costly injury and disease, decrease the need for costly maintenance medications and increase the likelihood of a better quality of life.

The healthcare consumer of today is expected to be both well informed and totally involved in the decisions surrounding their personal health and well being. Not limited to local or even national healthcare options, the patient of this next century will enjoy global access to both information and treatment options.

Healthcare policies are already positioning themselves for this global marketplace and are embracing Alternative Medicine as a means of lowering their own liability and costs as well as expanding their consumer pool. Consumers should make sure their healthcare policies reflect these changing attitudes and include a much broader spectrum of healthcare options.

What is the quality of your health worth? Today's "non-traditional healthcare programs are the cornerstone of holistic health and the mainstay of the future quality of life that you and your family will enjoy in the years to come. Make sure your policy answers this question to the greatest satisfaction for you and your family.

Our health is often surrounded by a number of things, and superstition could be one of them.

Decision making of any kind becomes a daunting situation. Making any decision about health is the most responsible and crucial one we may have to face in our lifetime.

Controversy and knowing the truth in question over the debate about any health issue - do we seek prescription drug medicine or alternative therapy? This would be a difficult decision to make for most people unless we have a certain amount of knowledge and the controversy on either side sorted.

There is a considerable amount of superstition by some when it comes to alternative natural remedies. We easily can become victims of this superstition, holding us back from other health possibilities.

There are many who only believe in conventional medicine. One side of all this being substantiated in a positive way. There is no better than conventional medicine when it comes to emergency, surgery and trauma as such. For anything else alternative or natural medicine is by far more effective.

Drugs are only a band-aid solution; they never fix the core problem where the sickness originated from.

Between conventional or prescription medicines and natural alternative medicines are a lot of differences. One particular issue with conventional therapy is a strong barrage of side effects. Such side effects often go to the extreme of being worse than the original illness.

Drugs may get immediate temporary relief. You will feel and know that the disease is becoming more and more serious. It will always be there, and won't go away.

What is this superstition? Can health be achieved and maintained, sickness and diseases cured by alternative, natural medicine and remedies? Shouldn't we investigate every possibility in an unprejudiced way and not just believe anything that they fulfil all the promises, regardless of which side of the fence we're on?

When we become ill, does all this happen over night?

No, you may feel like that when first awakening in the morning. You did not get in to that condition overnight.

Whatever illness it is, it has developed gradually over years. Experiencing the very same thing: it was here in the morning without any pre-warning days before. Therefor you will not get in to a state of health overnight.

No drug will fix it, it will only relieve the symptom. Your body will fix the problem not just the symptom.

This is not only about gloom and doom; there is also some good news: On a positive side natural alternative medicine being tested and proven over time and age already and is save for your body.

Give your body what it needs: minerals, vitamins, enzymes, exercise, drink pure water "not water out of plastic bottles". Have a close look at the diet you are on, and choose a good natural supplement.

Dismiss any negative thoughts you may have, think only positive. Let your immune system do the job, give it what it needs and you will have your health back. Mother Nature's original super food is more powerful than manmade pills. Planet earth is having it all, only we ignore it most of the time.

There are many choices when looking for alternative medicines. Today, more people are turning to these alternatives for their treatments than ever before. These types of medicines provide a different approach than conventional medicine in health care systems and practices.

What is Alternative Medicine?

Some examples of alternative medicine are chiropractic, massage, acupuncture, homeopathy, osteopathy, and naturopathy. Although you may be unfamiliar with these treatments, there are people all over the world successfully using them.

In several ways, alternative medicine offers a different outlook on healthcare than conventional medicine. The usual treatments are surgery, chemotherapy, antibiotics and other types of drugs; however, there is growing evidence and awareness that alternative treatments can be less costly, less invasive, and sometimes safer than well-known conventional treatments.

A Higher Stand of Health

The goal of alternative medicine is a higher standard of health, not just the absence of disease. For many years, individuals were given a clean bill of health without considering their emotional, spiritual or social needs. Alternative medicine considers the health and well being of the person by evaluating the physical, emotional and psychological makeup and needs. The patient is examined as a person and not just a number or case. Patients are encouraged to participate in decisions instead of being a passive subject.

Healing the Body

Conventional medicine has typically treated and removed symptoms as quickly as possible. Sometimes the results are dramatic and immediate with traditional surgeries and medicines. Sometimes, however, this creates other physical problems. The alternative is to help the body heal itself.

By using less dramatic treatment, the body is given a chance to work through its own healing therapy. Instead of synthetic medicines, the use of whole foods, herbs, homeopathic and nutritional supplements are utilized. The results may take longer but in the end the body will be healthier. True healing can occur in this way, increasing the chances that the symptoms will not return.

Finding an Alternative Professional

If you are planning to consult an alternative professional for a specific need, it is recommended that you consult with a medical doctor or osteopathic physician to get a diagnosis. They go through extensive training in diagnosing illnesses and diseases. This step could lead you to the correct treatment and avoid confusion. After you have had your exam and diagnosis, ask for the recommended treatment. Then look for an alternative treatment that may be easier on your body and possibly more effective.

There are different ways to find a practitioner. One of the most helpful is to get referrals from family and friends, your doctor, or other health care providers. Also use the resources at the library, the Internet, and medical information organizations. When you have a list of referrals, begin to gather information on the professionals. Ask for literature, find out how long they have been practicing, and what practices they use. Check to see if your insurance policy will cover their fees and what will be expected from you.

Having a Consultation

Be prepared when you consult with the professional. Describe your symptoms or condition clearly. Be sure to include a complete medical history. Explain what you have learned about alternative treatments.

Listen carefully to the suggested treatment and ask questions to make sure you understand. Ask what the benefits will be from this therapy. Find out how long the treatment will take and if you should expect side effects.

Making a Choice

Did he answer your questions and make you comfortable? Is the treatment acceptable to you? Now you can decide if this practitioner is right for you.

Before you choose alternative medicines, take the steps necessary to ensure you are treating the problem, not just the symptoms. You'll soon discover the long-term benefits of alternative medicines.

Perhaps you've heard the term Holistic Medicine and wondered just what it means. Is it some sort of mystical healing art or far out alternative method of medicine? Well, it's not either of those. In fact, it's not far out or strange in any way. Holistic medicine is really just a "whole" approach to treatment as opposed to a narrow approach. So, if you're interested in an overall approach to both your health and well being then you should definitely take a look at holistic health.

Standard medical practice tends to focus on specific maladies and treatments. You have medical condition and the doctor takes care of that condition with a specific treatment. Many times the root cause of the condition may be ignored and the focus is upon the symptoms. As an example, if you have high blood pressure your doctor will most likely prescribe a drug to lower it. But, the root cause of your high blood pressure may remain requiring that you stay on the drug for an indeterminate period of time. Unfortunately that is generally how standard medicine works. It tends to ignore your overall state of health and well being and focuses on particular ailment or condition. This approach is not necessarily bad but it does not always create a better level of health for its patients.

Holistic medicine approaches health from a more generalized perspective. It looks at the physical, mental, emotional, nutritional, environmental, social and spiritual aspects of the patients well being. It also considers all aspects of diagnosis and treatment. Holistic medicine views treatment from a natural perspective first but does not rule out drugs or surgery if they are needed. While conventional medicine tends to immediately rely upon drugs, holistic medicine explores all other opportunities before going down the drug path. Personal responsibility for one's health and well being are also an important aspect of holistic medicine. After all, if your own personal health is a low priority for yourself then you really can't pass the responsibility on to someone else. Holistic practitioners want to help their patients in any way they can but the patient himself must take some responsibility for their well being.

The holistic approach looks at each person as a unique individual and disease as the result of an imbalance in the physical, emotional, spiritual, social or environmental aspects of a persons life. It is believed that by re-introducing balance between these components healing will occur naturally. The holistic practitioner explores all aspects of their patients livelihood and tries to guide them toward a more balanced equilibrium. The patient, however, is the one that must make the effort to change things such as habits, beliefs, lifestyle etc.

Holistic medicine is an umbrella term that covers many different alternative and mainstream approaches. Acupuncture, acupressure, aromatherapy, homeopathy, meditation, reflexology, yoga, qigong and massage are just a few of the techniques used in holistic medicine. Obviously these techniques can result in better health even when no disease is present. Unlike traditional medicine where you usually visit your doctor only when something is wrong, the practice of holistic medicine can result in much better health and well being long before any illness or disease occurs. And, hopefully the practitioner can avoid disease all together.

So, if you're considering a holistic approach to your health there are many options available to you and you should carefully consider each of them. Find what works best for you as an individual and make the move toward better health. As the holistic approach becomes more popular more practitioners, and conventional doctors for that matter, will be available to help you better understand your options. In the future an effective blend of alternative, complementary, and traditional medicine, which is the goal of the holistic approach, will hopefully result in better health and longevity for everyone.

Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture are first and foremost a preventive type of medicine. But in our Western culture we don't go to see our doctor until we are sick. I am yet to meet anyone that says to me, "I don't feel well, I am going to see my acupuncturist". What we usually get at our clinic are people that have tried everything else and nothing has helped. And now they are willing to try anything, even Acupuncture. I am not complaining, I get to prove how well Acupuncture and Chinese medicine work when I treat someone with a complicated condition, that even Western medicine has not been able to help. But a common comment I hear from my patients is, " I wish I had known that Acupuncture and Chinese medicine could have helped my condition, before it got so bad...."

It is lack of information that makes people wait until it is to late to prevent disease. We are not in tune with our own bodies, and we pay dearly for it. I believe that the way Chinese medicine looks at health can help give us a better hold on the prevention aspects of Medicine.

In Chinese Medicine health is described as the free, harmonious movement of Qi (pronounced Chee). This system of describing health is one of the first things a Chinese Doctor learns. And it can help you determine if there is a need for medical treatment with acupuncture, herbs, massage or conventional medicine.

For thousands of years, doctors of Chinese medicine have diagnosed health problems without the use of Western medical technology by simply watching and listening for the signs of Qi imbalance. Regardless of what your condition is called, in Chinese Medicine we concentrate in the overall condition your vital energy. We call that energy Qi. The Qi energy in a healthy individual is ample, strong and harmonious. When qi energy is stagnated and/or deficient the individual is more prone to disease. There are of course many symptoms that are not mentioned here, but the purpose of this short list is to make the reader aware of the warning signs. If you respond quickly, you can resolve minor health challenges before they became major illnesses.

Signs of Harmonious Qi

- Little or no pain

- Normal body temperature

- Normal pulse rate and volume

- Pink tongue

- Feeling rested

- Good stamina

- Productive

- Creative

- Energetic

- Humorous

- Happy/peaceful

- Imaginative, curious

If you have six or seven of these qualities you have ample Qi. Ample Qi can help improve the imbalances found on the next list:

Signs of Deficiency or Stagnation of Qi

- Fatigue

- Stress

- Pain----joints, head, neck, back

- Digestive and bowel problems

- Anger, fear, worry, panic

- Sickness and disease

- Frequent colds and flu

- Sexual or menstrual difficulties

- Lung disorders

- Allergies

- Overly emotional states

- Forgetfulness

- Depression, lethargy

- Anxiety, restlessness

- Frustration, violence

- Laziness, procrastination

- Difficulty regulating body temperature

- Sleeplessness

- Red, pale, or coated tongue

- Slow, fast, weak, or erratic pulse

Almost everyone exhibits one or two signs of Qi deficiency and stagnation even relatively healthy people, but in those cases a good nights sleep, a change in ones diet, or an occasional acupuncture treatment is enough to bring balance back into the persons energy.

If you express three or four of these symptoms a minor change is not sufficient any longer, you are a good candidate for Chinese herbal supplements and acupuncture. If you have five or more of the signs on the second list you need to be evaluated by a health care professional, and you definitely need acupuncture and Chinese herbs supplements.

If you have six or seven signs of harmonious Qi and three or four signs of deficiency and stagnation, you are fortunate. Most people with that many signs of deficiency and stagnation don't have many signs of harmonious Qi. The time to improve is now while your vital energy is strong.

The foundation of Chinese medicine is health improvement rather than disease curing. In Chinese culture the concept of utilizing medicine for longevity and personal optimization has held equal weight with the use of medicine for the treatment of disease. Because they enhance inner harmony and balance, such practices as acupuncture and herbal medicine can be used equally for preventive health care as well as for disease treatment. If you are suffering form a disease acupuncture and Chinese herb can help with your condition by strengthening your body. But if you are interested in prevention these are signs are invaluable for keeping yourself healthy and strong.

We are in the midst of a paradigm shift. Our understanding of health and medicine is broadening, and both practitioners and patients are embracing a holistic, integrated approach. Patients are becoming more informed via the internet, word of mouth, and diligent research that there is something significantly missing from medicine in the current standard of care in the American healthcare system. What they are finding, and flocking to, is a group of physicians that have likewise embraced this broadened approach to medicine. Some of these practitioners adopted a more holistic approach after realizing that there was something missing from their medical training, and sought out post-graduate trainings to complement their understanding of holistic medicine. Other practitioners discovered their passion before entering medical school, and pursued the study of naturopathic medicine.

So this begets the questions, What is Naturopathic Medicine, and where does Naturopathic Medicine fit in the paradigm shift?

What is This field of medicine

Naturopathic doctors (ND) are specialists in integrative medicine, combining extensive education and training in both natural and conventional medicine, emphasizing the use of the safest, least invasive methods to treat disease by restoring health. The education entails a 4-year graduate level program, national board examinations in basic and clinical sciences, and curriculum including basic sciences, clinical sciences, diagnostic techniques and tests, pharmacology, minor surgery, and range of natural therapies including botanical medicine, nutrition and nutritional biochemistry, physical medicine, homeopathy, eastern and Chinese medicine and mind/body medicine.

Integral to this medicine is a unifying philosophical approach to health summed up in The Principals of Naturopathic Medicine, which recognizes the body's innate wisdom and healing capacity (Vis Medicatrix Naturae) and the physician's role to treat disease by restoring the body to its natural and balanced state (Tolle Causum). Treatment programs integrate multiple modalities, which may include nutrition and lifestyle modification, homeopathy, botanical medicine, nutraceuticals, IV nutrient therapy, and when warranted, pharmaceutical intervention. ND's begin with the least invasive therapies and proceed to higher levels of intervention only as necessary. This approach is outlined in what is called "The Therapeutic Order"

The Principles Of Naturopathic Medicine:

1. First Do No Harm, Primum Non Nocere - this principle is at the basis of any medical professional. ND's follow a therapeutic order which emphasizes the use of least force necessary to restore health, using the least toxic and minimally invasive interventions and only proceeding to more toxic and invasive interventions when necessary

2. The Healing Power of Nature, Vis Medicatrix Naturae - First described by Hippocrates as the healing power of nature. It is a person's vital force within that allows an individual to overcome disease. Naturopathic Medicine recognizes an inherent ordered and intelligent self-healing process in each person. ND's act to identify and remove obstacles to healing and recovery, and to facilitate and augment this inherent self-healing process.

3. Identify and Treat the Cause, Tolle Causam - The physician seeks to identify and remove the underlying causes of illness rather than to merely eliminate or suppress symptoms the patient is experiencing.

4. Doctor As Teacher, Docere -ND's educate their patients and encourage self-responsibility for health. They also recognize and employ the therapeutic potential of the doctor/patient relationship.

5. Treat the Whole Person - ND's treat each patient by taking into account an individual's physical, mental, emotional, genetic, environmental, social, spiritual, and other factors that contribute to one's health.

6. Prevention - ND's emphasize the prevention of disease-assessing factors, heredity, and susceptibility to disease, and work towards making the appropriate decisions in partnership with their patients to prevent illness.

Naturopathic Therapeutic Order

1. Establish the conditions for health - Identify and remove disturbing factors - Institute a more healthful regimen

2. Stimulate the healing power of nature (vis medicatrix naturae): the self-healing processes, through low force methods such as constitutional hydrotherapy, homeopathy, acupuncture

3. Address weakened or damaged systems or organs (via botanical medicine, homeopathy, orthomolecular nutrients, glandulars, homeopathy, and other minimally invasive, safe, natural therapies)

• Strengthen the immune system
• Decrease toxicity
• Normalize inflammatory function
• Optimize metabolic function
• Balance regulatory systems
• Enhance regeneration
• Harmonize life force

4. Correct structural integrity

5. Address pathology:

a. use specific natural substances, modalities, or interventions

b. use specific pharmacologic or synthetic substances

6. Suppress or surgically remove pathology

Why Naturopathy?

As Gandhi said, we must "be the change you wish to see in the world."ND's practice the change they want to see in medicine. Despite the fact that it has not gained universal acceptance within the United States healthcare system, These doctors have taken a 'leap of faith', knowing that integrative medicine is the best medicine and will eventually gain not only parity, but prominence. Naturopathy extends beyond just integrating multiple therapies and modalities in treatment. It incorporates an integrative approach to all aspects of health and wellness. Starting from day one of an ND's medical education and continuing throughout practice, every body system, function, disease, and treatment is viewed from a holistic perspective. It is very likely that almost every integrative medical practitioner shares at least some of these philosophical tenants, regardless of whether it is called "naturopathic" or "holistic" or "alternative". It is also likely that many integrative practitioners differ on some philosophies, treatments and approaches. Having an underlying shared philosophical approach combined with different styles, opinions, ideas and discoveries fuel evolution, progress and change. As such, the philosophy and practice of Naturopathic Medicine is a part of the evolving consciousness and paradigm shift towards a more holistic and integrative approach to healthcare that will soon become the new standard for conventional medicine.

- Dr. Stacey Kupperman, ND