Medicine Health

The idea of a private doctor is one which instantly associates the well-to-do with private medical care. Having a doctor on call to serve their needs, as and when they require care or providing a very personal and exclusive service. This obviously costs a great deal of money, but private medicine delivers private doctor care which is now within the budget of many middle class patients and their families.

A typical medical practice will be primarily funded by insurance company payments for medical procedures, subsidized by patient co-pays and federal and state health subsidies.

Private medicine removes the insurance company from the equation. The reason for doing this is simple: insurance company administration is cumbersome and very expensive, accounting for large chunks of the total cost of providing health care and eating into the time available for medical staff and doctors to actually deliver care to patients.

In order to make their practice pay, insurance company funded practices must employ a large administrative staff to handle the paperwork and ensure approvals are received for delivering treatment. In addition, there are plenty of restrictions on what a doctor can actually prescribe or recommend as a course of treatment due to insurance company policies and limitations.

From a commercial point of view, this means that such medical practices must have large numbers of patients on their books in order to make the practice a viable business.

Private medicine removes a large cost element from the overall bill, which means patients pay less overall. In addition, concierge medicine practices are able to devote a far greater proportion of their time to the care of their patients.

In essence, the removal of insurance companies from the scene results in two immediate patient advantages: reduced cost and medical bills for patients and improved care and attention from the doctor delivering care, unrestricted by external restrictions.

There is also a further advantage which derives from the private doctor business model: the numbers of patients in the portfolio of a concierge medical practice is much less than a traditional medical practice.

The main question which prospective patients ask is just how much will concierge doctor services cost?

The answer to this question is that they typically see a reduction in their medical bills, because they are paying a retainer to the concierge practice for doctor care rather than paying full premiums to an insurer who then divides the cake while retaining a profit element. Concierge medicine removes the middle man (the insurance company) from the cost of delivering care, and instead payment is made direct to the health care provider.

The benefits of engaging a concierge physician practitioner are clear. You pay for the services you receive, rather than paying for the insurance companies' profit margin and subsidizing other patient's care. You receive greater and more dedicated attention from your doctor, because they typically have far fewer patients to care for compared to a traditional doctor practice. Perhaps the greatest benefit is that concierge physician practitioners are not restricted or influenced by external considerations or insurance company restrictions - they are free to recommend whatever medical treatment they believe is appropriate for their patients.

Having patients live a life full of health and vitality is the goal of practitioners of natural medicine. In a day when going to the doctor seems to be more about treating symptoms and getting a prescription than promoting health, experts in natural medicine work diligently to change this paradigm. These healers understand the intimate relationship between the body, mind, and spirit. They take time to get to know their patients, they treat the whole person, and they empower their patients to implement healthy lifestyle changes.

But who can you trust? Who is qualified and knowledgeable? Having a qualified expert in natural medicine is a great way stay healthy and strong, but it is important to work with the best. The following are a few of the many amazing types of natural medicine available today.

* Chiropractic- Doctors of Chiropractic, or DC's, work closely with the alignment of the vertebrae. By correcting subluxations (misalignments) of the vertebrae, Chiropractors rebalance the flow of energy through the spine and nerves and thereby improve the health of the internal organs and the body as a whole. Chiropractic was founded by DD Palmer in 1895 and has grown steadily since. Nutrition, supplements, exercise, and physical rehabilitation are other areas of focus for chiropractors as they seek to bring optimal health to their patients.

* Naturopathic Medicine - Naturopathic medicine is based on six guiding principles. These principles are: First do no harm, Honor the healing power of nature, The doctor is a teacher, Identify and treat the cause of a disease, Treat the whole person, and Prevention is the best cure. Guided by these principles, Naturopathic doctors are well-trained experts in the field of natural medicine. Naturopathic doctors have many tools to use including, herbal medicine, homeopathic remedies, nutritional supplements, physical exams, blood and lab work, and stress management. Their approach is holistic and empowering for anyone who wants to take charge of their own health. Qualified Naturopathic doctors, have graduated from accredited four-year post-graduate programs.

* Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) - An ancient, but extremely relevant system of healing is Traditional Chinese Medicine or TCM. For thousands of years the Chinese have recognized the power of nature and the complex interwoven relationship of the amazing human body. By recognizing the interaction between nature and the individual, TCM practitioners employ treatments that seek balance. Specifically they work with the flow of Qi (pronounced Chee) through the body. Qi flows through pathways called meridians and is vital for life. Using acupuncture, herbal remedies, nutrition, and meditation, TCM practitioners balance the flow of Qi and treat a myriad of health concerns.

* Homeopathy - Homeopathy has been widely used in Europe, India, and the US for over 150 years. Based on the idea that "like cures like", homeopathy stimulates the body's innate healing ability with extremely dilute remedies. Practitioners of homeopathy take detailed case histories for each patient and match a remedy to each unique individual. It is a deep and powerful method of healing with beautiful results.

Natural medicine is on the rise and there are many amazing practitioners available. These forms of medicine are about patient empowerment and recognizing the beauty that is all around us. No longer are doctor's visits just about disease and pharmaceutical medication. Instead they can be about evolving, growing, and enjoying optimal wellness. It is an exciting new paradigm for health.

Natural, no side effect, effective, cost efficient, and safe-these words often describe herbs whether as herbal medicine or herbal spice. But what are really the benefits of these simple helpful plants to your health? Research proves there are a lot that nature can offer you. And the great thing about these plants is the herbal health benefits you can gain. You can get these herbal health benefits whether you use herbs as added spices to your food or as processed commercial medicines for your illness.

Better Herbal Health with Herbal Spices

Gone were the days when Western people were so eager to find the most incredible spices to create different delicious delicacy. With a smaller world we have today, people around the world are now able to use different spices from all over the world. Here are some of the common herbs that can provide you better herbal health:

Ginger
This herb can take off fishy smell from sea foods but it also speeds up the metabolism. You may also use this if you experience nausea, vomiting, or morning sickness.

Peppermint
Do you have digestive disorders or gastric problems? Maybe insomnia and tension bothers you. This herb can help you feel a lot better.

Horseradish
Stimulate your digestion through using this herb.

Mustard
Relieve your respiratory problems with this useful herb.

Garlic
This is not only your common kitchen buddy. Garlic also helps in decreasing your blood pressure as well as your cholesterol level. Diabetic people and those with digestion problems can also experience great aid with garlic.

Allspice
Enjoy the aroma of this spice while helping you relieve gas and indigestion problems.

Turmeric
Neutralize your free radicals with this antioxidant, which was also found helpful against cancer.

Cinnamon
This herb is not just a good spice but a special remedy for stomach upset and diarrhea. It also helps in faster metabolism.

With these herbal spices, you won't only enjoy your meal. You will also have a healthier body through eating the right spices for your health concerns.

Herbal Medicines and Herbal Health

There is no other more direct way to gain herbal health benefits than to take herbal medicines. Nowadays, you will find many products in drugstores and even groceries with these herbal medicines. The following are some herbs used as commercial herbal medicines:

St. John's Wort or Hypericum Perforatum
This is a great herb to aid depression. In fact, there are at least 27 studies claiming that it is effective in treating mild and moderate depression.

Ginkgo or Ginkgo Biloba
Awareness, social function, and judgment are all improved by taking Ginkgo. That is why this herb also serves best for those with dementia and Alzheimer's disease.

Valerian or Valeriana Officinalis
This has long been used to induce sleeping and aid in hangover.

Kava Kava and Piper Methysticum
This is a popular herbal medicine for anxiety. However, some reports claim that Kava Kava increases liver damage when used excessively.

Echinacea Preparations
This herbal medicine is best in boosting the immunity.

Herbal health benefits are not only limited to what the herbal medicines can give you. Your daily food full of herb spices can also give you some herbal health benefits. Just explore and try these herbs and you'll notice a change in your health in no time.

My wife and I are often asked to recommend books on various health topics, probably because we're both Naturopathic Physicians. We're good people to ask. We are both addicted readers, and a few moments ago, I roughly calculated that we have close to 100 square feet of shelf space dedicated to mind/body/spirit-related books. The ten books that follow are among the best books in their fields. Naturally, each health-savvy person will have their own list, with perhaps no overlap between lists at all. We have tried to include only books that have a lasting, long-term relevance and have avoided including books that reflect current health fads.

1. Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine, by Joseph Pizzorno, N.D. and Michael Murray, N.D.

If you only had space on your shelf for one book on natural medicine, this might be it. Scientifically well researched and documented, Drs. Pizzorno and Murray present easy-to-read discussions on and natural approaches to over 70 common conditions. Perhaps just as important as the conditions discussed are the introductory chapters on natural medicine and the section on the four cornerstones of good health, which guide the reader to a deeper understanding of naturopathic and holistic medical approaches to health care.

2. What About Immunizations? Exposing the Vaccine Philosophy, by Cynthia Cournoyer
The most important decision parents will have to make concerning their newborn's health is whether or not and when to vaccinate. Continuing research in the field of immunology has raised serious questions about both the viability and safety of vaccinations. It is the responsibility of each parent to open-mindedly analyze the issues before buying into the present conventional wisdom. The thought-provoking, beautifully-researched, common-sense discussion in this book was written by a mother who was not getting clear and convincing answers to questions she was asking her pediatrician about vaccinations.

3. Ritalin Free Kids, by Judyth Reichenberg-Ullman, N.D. and Robert Ullman, N.D.

ADD and ADHD are trendy diagnoses that are currently being (mis)applied to almost every behavior or learning challenge that children encounter. This book should be read by any parent, friend or concerned relative before a decision is made to treat a child with conventional medication for behavior problems. Ritalin Free Kids offers safe, effective and lasting alternatives to ADD and ADHD.

4. The Homeopathic Emergency Guide, by Thomas Kruzel, N.D.

Although there are a number of basic guides to homeopathy, this book ranks right near the top of the list in terms of ease of use and quality of information provided. The Homeopathic Emergency Guide is organized by diseases and symptoms to provide ease in selecting the correct remedy.

5. Breast Cancer: What You Should Know (But May Not Be Told) About Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment by Steve Austin, N.D. and Cathy Hitchcock, M.S.W.

Dr. Austin and his partner, Cathy Hitchcock write from the personal, first-hand experience of living through Cathy's breast cancer. More than anything, this book teaches how to ask the right questions and evaluate the risks and benefits of diagnostic procedures and treatments. This book is an indispensable resource for anyone seeking guidance in making difficult treatment decisions. We often recommend this book for persons suffering from non-breast cancers, as well.

6. Flower Essence Repertory, by Patricia Kaminski and Richard Katz

Lore has it that plants offer all that is necessary for the healing of humankind, on every level of being. Flower essences operate on the level of the energy body, and aid in mental, emotional and spiritual transformation. The Repertory categorizes the essences both by name and by condition, cross referencing for easy access. You'll find sections on sadness, sexuality, change of life, eating disorders, and pages and pages of other states of imbalance. Flower essences are non toxic, easy to use, and profoundly impactful. This book guides you in their use.

7. Vibrational Medicine: The #1 Handbook of Subtle-Energy Therapies, by Richard Gerber, M.D.

It is often said that energy is the medicine of the future, and that the more subtle the modality, the more powerfully transformative the potential of the medicine. Dr. Gerber marries ancient wisdom with space age science in his commentary on the many modalities of energy healing: acupuncture, homeopathy, flower essences, radionics, crystal healing, psychic healing, and many more. This book is the classic exposition of these cutting edge therapies and thought forms.

8. The Natural Pharmacy, by Skye Lininger, D.C., ed, with Jonathan Wright, M.D., Steve Austin, N.D., Donald Brown, N.D., and Alan Gaby, M.D.

For those of you who don't recognize the names here, the authors are four of the foremost medical nutritionists in the United States. They offer dietary, lifestyle, nutritional and botanical suggestions for treatment of common conditions, with information on side effects and interactions. Part One is indexed by condition, Part Two by nutritional supplement. This is a very handy reference guide.

9. Divine Will Healing, from the Original Teachings of Paramhansa Yogananda
Compiled by Mary Kretzmann (director of the Ananda Healing Prayer Ministry)

A compilation of original articles on yogic healing by Paramhansa Yogananda, this book includes profound, yet simply stated sections on right diet, right thinking, the sending of Life Force, and healing through breath and "energization" exercises. It also offers unique techniques such as "heliotropic healing", the simultaneous use of sunlight and Life Force to bring one's body into balance. We were awed by the coincidence of yogic philosophy with naturopathic thought, and by the depth of the teachings. (This is my wife's #1 pick).

10. Kahuna La'au Lapa'au: The Practice of Hawaiian Herbal Medicine, by June Gutmanis

Drawing from interviews of the living and journals and collections of the departed, Ms. Gutmanis weaves a magical picture of life when the mana of medical kahunas prayers soothed Hawaiian people's fear and suffering. More than just herbal prescriptions, the information is presented in cultural and historical contexts and is punctuated by 35 full color plates of Hawaiian medicinal plants and a variety of appendixes and glossaries.

It is easiest to prevent disease or to catch something right with it happens or is beginning to solidify in your body. It is easiest to clear up that vibration right there.

So, what should you do if you already have a health condition you'd rather not have?

Really, you should do the same things you do to create great health. (Keeping positive and focusing on your appreciation for the wonderful magic of your body.)

But, once you have a condition, it might be harder to keep positive.

Once you have a condition it might be a little more difficult to remember how magical your body truly is.

Sometimes you need a little distraction AWAY FROM your body and its wonderfulness (and current aggravation).

So, LAUGH.

What makes you laugh?

Get joke books.

Watch comedy routines. There are entire television channels dedicated to comedy.

Watch funny movies.

Get one of those little laughter- making sound machines.

Try practicing laughter yoga.

Search online for funniest videos. There are some GREAT ONES out there.

Hilarity is one of the best-feeling, highest-vibrations places that exists. It is right up there with love and joy and appreciation in the Power Zone of the Law of Attraction where you easily attract and manifest the things you desire - like perfect health.

There are many, many stories of people with "dread" diseases who, while awaiting treatment, distracted themselves with funny movies and discovered when they went in for treatment that their condition had disappeared. Wouldn't that be nice.

Here's the trick to this - just do it for the FUN. Don't add the burden of thinking while you are trying to laugh anything like, "this must heal me."

Try to relax into thinking things more like "isn't this fun." And: "I sure do love to laugh." And: "isn't this guy/gal hilarious."

As the classic comedian, Milton Berle once said: "Laughter is an instant vacation." Amen!

And, if you want to learn more about how laughter has helped others just Google "laughter and health" or "laughter and healing."

Meanwhile, here's my favorite joke:

Rene Descartes was sitting in a bar sipping a beer. When he finished it, the bartender came over and said, "Hey Pal, would you like another?" Descartes thought for a moment and then responded, "I think not."

And with that: POOF! He disappeared!

(Find what tickles YOUR funny bone.)

Love and good health to you!

Alternative medicine health can be a valuable tool for achieving better overall health through both conventional and non conventional means. Many would argue that we are asking too much of conventional prescription medications. Some people tend to think of them as standalone treatments for common conditions such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and diabetes, when perhaps a combination of conventional medicines combined with lifestyle modification, exercise, or dietary changes would produce more predictable and longer lasting results.

If you are thinking about implementing alternative medicine health you are not alone. By the latest estimates slightly over half of all Americans use some form of natural alternative therapy or supplementation whether it be acupuncture for pain relief, meditation to help with the anxiety of everyday life, or over the counter natural health remedies or supplements such as fish oil to stay well.

Most methods of alternative health rely on changes in lifestyle along with supplementation to achieve the desired results. This is known as a broad spectrum approach, or whole person plan. While there are many different approaches to alternative medicine health (natural healing, complementary medicine, lifestyle modification) at the end of the day they all subscribe to the importance of restoring inner balance and harmony to the whole person as an essential part of any successful therapy. Examples of alternative medicine health therapies include yoga, chiropractic care, massage, meditation, herbal remedies, and homeopathic medicines.

One primary goal of alternative medicine health is for people to take personal responsibility for their own balance and well being, rather than using prescription drugs as crutch for unhealthy habits. Sometimes this is an unpopular idea, believing that it is simply too much trouble, or they can't find the time. To drive home this point let's use cholesterol lowering drugs as an example. We all have friends that eat high saturated fat foods, are likely overweight, don't exercise, and despite not doing anything to help themselves are on cholesterol lowering medications. There overall health is likely not so great, and they wonder why their doctor can't do more to help them. Honestly, it is not the doctors fault! While we think of doctors as miracle workers, and often times this reputation is deserved, they likely can't provide their patients with good health through drug therapy alone.

In the end, alternative medicine health can be a powerful tool in improving a person's chances of leading a healthful, disease free life and should be taken seriously. By working with your doctor to implement a more natural approach you will be taking a giant step in preventing future illnesses and avoiding many of the side effects than come with a treatment plan that includes a long list of prescription drugs.

Naturopathic health is often neglected as merely being a part of the alternative medicine terminology. Many people stray from alternative medicine because they fear that it is somehow not as reputable as conventional medicine. With many people discovering alternative medicine for the first time, and to great results, it may be time for a change in that paradigm.

Naturopathic medicine is a medical philosophy that is also known as naturopathy. Essentially, those interested in naturopathic health practices utilize the improvement of health through the treatment of the body as a whole unit.

This approaches the body's own capacity to heal itself and, through alternative medicine, creates a medical philosophy that would move the body to act in light of difficulties. The body would move to act and fight a cold, for example, because of naturopathic medicine.

American homeopathic medicine is often confused with naturopathic health. While they are related, it does differ somewhat from its health aspect. Homeopathic medicine is a method of treatment that introduces like substances to like substances.

In other words, homeopathy is a form of alternative medicine that would treat a cold with a lesser form of the cold virus, for example. This, in theory, helps the body's own treatment sensors spring to life and treats the cold from within.

Typically, naturopathy is related to homeopathy because the principles are very similar. Naturopathy prefers not to use invasive surgery and homeopathy would call on the body to utilize its own form of internal "surgery" to repair problem areas.

American naturopathic med principles suggest that the problem areas can be repaired by using natural aspects of health, such as acupuncture or the use of herbs, as opposed to surgery or drug treatments. Many people fear that its American principles because they appear to "go too far" in terms of treatment.

Acne homeopathic doctor prescriptions are another example of the belief of naturopathy and homeopathy to encourage self-healing. In essence, acne homeopathic doctor advice would infer that skin works from the inside out.

The prescription of topical treatments would be rare and, if prescribed, would be strictly herbal treatments. This type of treatment, in terms of acne medication, is significantly easier on the skin but may not be suitable for all acne cases.

As illustrated in terms of acne skin care or in terms of treating a cold with homeopathy or naturopathy, naturopathic health can be a complicated aspect of the industry. It is, however, gaining significant support in many areas and gathering steam throughout the health field.

Many people prefer the non-invasive approach of its health principles to that of traditional surgery or drug treatments. Others, however, are still very wary of its health aspect in light of a lack of evidential support.

It is essentially a foregone conclusion to infer that the debate involving homeopathy and naturopathic health will continue to heat up. As doctors learn more about medicine, the aspects of this discussion will become broader and more evidence will be shared as to the results of some alternative treatments. Regardless of any debate, naturopathic health has a proven track record of healthy results in patients, enabling healing in a variety of forms.

Traditional Chinese health beliefs adopt a holistic view emphasizing the importance of environmental factors in increasing risk of disease. According to Quah (1985), these factors influence the balance of body's harmony, yin and yang. These are two opposite but complementary forces and, together with qi (vital energy), they control the universe and explain the relationship between people and their surroundings. Imbalance in these two forces, or in the qi, results in illness.

In order to restore the balance, traditional remedial practices may be needed. For example, excess `hot' energy can be counterbalanced by cooling herbal teas, and vice versa. These beliefs are deeply ingrained among the Chinese, and have been found to be unchanged following migration to Singapore.

Lee, et. al. (2004), found that patients with specific chronic diseases, namely arthritis, musculoskeletal diseases and stroke, were more likely to use Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). This was strongly determined by the 'chronic disease triad', perceived satisfaction with care and cultural health beliefs.

Hence the use of TCM is not associated with the quality of doctor-patient interaction. Astin (1998) also agreed that it was seen as being more compatible with the patients' values, spiritual and religious philosophy, or beliefs regarding the nature and meaning of health and illness.

In traditional Chinese culture, taking medication is thought to be aversive, hence medications tend to be taken only until symptoms are relieved and then discontinued; if symptoms are not obvious, medications will probably never be taken.

Apart from parental cultural beliefs, minor side effects of certain antibiotics such as stomach upset may contribute to the poor adherence of medication. The use of "leftover", "shared" antibiotics and over-the-counter purchase of antibiotics by parents are common situations in the community.

They think that their children suffer from the same illnesses judging by the similar symptoms, so they would give the "leftover" or "shared" antibiotics to their children and only bring them to their doctors if there is no improvement (Chang & Tang, 2006). This may cause their conditions to deteriorate and may necessitate aggressive treatments later which may have unnecessary side effects.

However, there are small groups of Chinese who also blamed ill-health or misfortunes on supernatural forces, or on divine retribution, or on the malevolence of a 'witch' or 'sorcerer' (Helman, 1994). Such groups will usually seek cures from their religions.

In Singapore, the Ministry of Health has drawn up the TCM Practitioners' Ethical Code and Ethical Guidelines to prevent any unscrupulous practitioners from preying on their patients and taking advantage of their beliefs, for example, molesting ignorant patients.

The degree of acculturation has been evidenced in the following case. An old man was brought into our hospital with a week-long history of malaise, nausea and vomiting, and sudden jaundice. He was diagnosed to have an obstructive mass in the liver.

A biopsy revealed hepatocellular carcinoma. The serological test suggested chronic active hepatitis B. When the news broke to his son that his father had cancer, he requested not to disclose that to his father.

When we discussed end of life issues such as hospice care and "do-not-resuscitate" (DNR) orders, the son tried to divert the discussion to other issues such as when his father could go home.

Cultural Issues that may be involved in this case are:

The Chinese tend to protect the elderly from bad news.

Believing in karma - the older folk believe that discussing illnesses or death/dying is bad luck. They think that talking about something bad will cause it to come true.

There is an increased incidence of liver cancer resulting from Hepatitis B due to delayed treatment in the elderly, as it may take a long time for them to accept the initial diagnosis.

Reference:

Astin JA. (1998). Why patients use alternative medicine. J Am Med Assoc 1998; 279: 1548-1553.

Chan, G. C. & Tang, S. F. (2006) Parental knowledge, attitudes and antibiotic use for acute upper respiratory tract infection in children attending a primary healthcare clinic in Malaysia. Singapore Medical Journal, 47(4):266

Helman, C. G. (1990) Culture, Health and Illness. Wright, London.

Quah, S. R. (1985) The Health Belief Model and preventive health behaviour in Singapore. Social Science and Medicine, 21, 351-363.

Lee GBW, Charn TC, Chew ZH and Ng TP. (2004). Complementary and alternative medicine use in patients with chronic diseases in primary care is associated with perceived quality of care and cultural beliefs. Family Practice, 21(6): 654-660.

Herbal products manufactured and distributed by many medical companies today are a big hit as an alternative healing method for health-problems experienced by modern societies today. In fact, the use of herbal products being sold today have a wide range of uses, like dietary supplements for weight loss, cosmetics, or as maintenance for major diseases, such as cancer, diabetes, and so on.

Safety First

We can never deny the fact that herbal medicine poses less risk than using synthetic products being distributed in pharmacies and health shops today. In fact, herbal medicines are known to provide cure to those people that have an allergic reaction or suffers negative effect from using it.

In truth, herbal medicines can also become a health hazard when it is not properly used. Some people today suffer from side-effects in using herbal products without consulting an expert first. Even during ancient times, our ancestors will always consult with an herbalist or a doctor before using herbal medicine to properly determine their health problem and given the right herbal medicine to cure it.

Consultation Before Use

It is advisable by many health experts today that you should consult with a health expert before using herbal medicines for your health-related problems. You can visit your own personal doctor, physician, or even a licensed herbalist to find out the accurate cause of your problem, and being given the right herbal product, as well as the proper instructions in using it.

During consultation, you will be first asked to take a physical examination to determine your current health. In fact, your medical expert will determine you problem by analyzing the figures found on your physical examination results.

Next, your health expert will be asking you certain question regarding your health history, such as your medical history, ailments that you suffered in the past, family health history, medical treatment and medicines that you've previously used, and so on. It is advisable that you answer their questions truthfully so that they can arrive at the right diagnosis of your health problem, as well as giving you the right medicine for it that will maximize treatment and getting rid of the risks.

Herbal medicine is a proven alternative cure for many health-related problems today. But in truth, you need to make sure that you get the right product for it, as well as following closely the instructions provided by your health expert to avoid any problems from cropping up later on.

http://primeherbal.com -- Herbal Medicines

Going to the doctor is not like it used to be. In olden times doctors visits were more personalized and in depth. Now traditional medicine is very impersonal and doctors send you home with up to 5 prescriptions that you need to start taking right away. The only problem is you will return next week because of all the side affects that you have from all the medicine the doctor prescribed you in the first place and your original problem still won't be solved. Unfortunately, the reason behind all the new prescriptions is because of all the kickbacks that doctors get for prescribing them. Although, these medications don't help the patients and will undoubtedly cause more symptoms. So many Americans have started looking towards complementary and alternative medicine.

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is a group of diverse medical practices that are not generally accepted by conventional medicine, conventional medicine being medicine practiced by an M.D., D.O., psychologist, registered nurse, or physical therapist. This group of medicine is continually changing and types of medicine are very broad, however the ultimate goal of this type of medicine is find whole body health and wellness. The principals and guidelines for each individual type of CAM although diverse are based on holistic properties, whereby treating the body as a whole and resolving the underlying problems are far more important in the long run rather than just reducing the symptoms.

CAM involves the connection between the mind and body and not only relieves symptoms but works to resolve the underlying problems as well. Although, used in conjunction with one another, complementary and alternative medicines are two completely different groups of medicine. Complementary medicine unlike its cohort is used in conjunction with traditional medicine. Therefore the treatment or medicine complements conventional means of resolving pain, disease or illness. Where as alternative medicine, is used in place of conventional medicine to promote self-healing, and preventative medicine.

In the past, CAM was not accepted due to its lack of scientific basis and evidence. However, because many CAM practices are deeply rooted in Eastern history and are based upon traditional medicine, folk knowledge, and spiritual beliefs people are now turning to this type of medicine. Not to mention that patients are seeing and feeling results from CAM. There is no greater influence than someone else's testimonial, which is causing the rise in CAM. Western medicine, although still hesitant, is just beginning to use some alternative medicines as complements to their conventional methods. Additionally insurances have turned the corner and started allowing several alternative medicines as part of their covered benefits. That's not to say that CAM is completely accepted by the medical community, it is a long way off. However it has opened the door for new approaches to healing some of which are old ideas with new methods.

Due to the diversity of available CAM's, it is easier to group them together to understand what type of medicine and treatment is rendered. The categories include natural products, mind-body medicine, and manipulative and body-based practices. Natural products include a variety of herbal medicines, vitamins, minerals and other "natural products". Products considered natural can include dietary supplementation, herbal or botanical, and probiotics. Mind-body medicine focuses on the connection between the mind and the body to heal and promote health. These practices include meditation, yoga, acupuncture, deep-breathing, guided imagery, hypnotherapy, and tai chi. Lastly manipulative and body-based practices focus on the body systems and their structures. Spinal manipulation from chiropractic care and massage therapy are two commonly used body-based practices.

Before you choose a CAM it is best to research and ask your friends and coworkers for suggestions. It is normal to be nervous or apprehensive because it is not mainstream, however with the popularity and growth that it continues to receive, CAM's are the next group of conventional medicine.

Students can expect to find a wide definition on preventive medicine. This is ultimately the case because the field is made up of three specialties that work together but differ from each other. As a result degree instruction in preventive medicine can be completed in numerous areas of study allowing students to work towards a specific outlined goal. There are a number of preventive medicine schools and colleges offering these specialties.

Students need to look at what is studied inside a degree program to ensure that preventive medicine is right for them. To begin the process of deciding what type of degree to enter students should look at the three primary specialties within preventive medicine. These include occupational medicine, aerospace medicine, general preventive medicine and public health. The work conduced in aerospace medicine centers on the health concerns of air and space flight, which has many professionals working in military careers. Inside occupational medicine study focuses on work-related sickness and disease. This typically includes toxic compounds and health management. When working predominantly in public health and general preventive medicine students work to promote community health. Work done covers issues like immunizations, food safety, and water safety. Degree instruction can center on any of these areas.

Students can enter degree programs in a variety of related fields from an associate's degree to a PhD degree. Many medical professional programs work to provide students with knowledge in clinical and non-clinical procedure. Clinical instruction teaches students how to work with patients daily by offering services like health screening and health counseling. Non-clinical study focuses on areas like:

• health policy
• social behavior
• disease
• epidemiology
• biostatistics

Many students work through degree instruction until they reach the master's degree level. Many options are available in preventive medicine and students can choose to take a broad approach or work on a concentrated area like epidemiology. Throughout a typical general program learning emphasizes:

• the applications of epidemiology
• statistical reasoning
• preventive medicine for clinical use

Most programs prepare students to fulfill the requirements of their medical residency and internship, which gives students the needed knowledge to pass The American Board of Medical Specialties certificate exam.

Inside a master's degree program students can expect to enter courses that focus on a public heath issues through in depth study of the concentration. A principles of health promotion course looks at the voluntary behavioral change to improve health. The course teaches students about health education to enable students to promote health issues and prevent disease. A biostatistics course explores the methods of medical, health, and epidemiological research. Students train to work with descriptive statistics, basic probability theories, sampling distributions, data analysis problems, two-tables, and more. A fundamentals course in epidemiology examines the methods to develop a question and work with data to study its results. These courses are followed by advanced concepts and procedures that make up the field of preventive medicine.

Students can gain a specialized degree when they enter the study of preventive medicine. Working to generate a change in health concerns and diseases leaves students with a wide degree selection. Completing an accredited program is the first step to an innovative career. The Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (http://www.abhes.org/) fully accredits programs that offer quality career training and meet all requirements.

DISCLAIMER: Above is a GENERIC OUTLINE and may or may not depict precise methods, courses and/or focuses related to ANY ONE specific school(s) that may or may not be advertised at PETAP.org.

Copyright 2010 - All rights reserved by PETAP.org.

It is important to know what you're getting yourself into when you decide to purchase any form of medicine. Whether it is produced by a giant pharmaceutical manufacturer such as Merck or Pfizer, or obtained from your local Chinese herb shop, being in the know is what is best for you. In this day and age of the internet, lack of information is not an acceptable attitude.

If you take any medicine too often or for the wrong ailment, you could be putting your health in jeopardy; however, there are some medicines that are considerably less risky. It is a well known fact that a person should visit their doctor on a bi-yearly basis if they are taking a number of prescription medicines. The reason for this is that the normal doctor, busy as they are, does not generally take the time to review each medication you arte taking at your timer of regular visit. Perhaps you are going in for treatment of the complaint of gout, for example, and your doctor treats you for this ailment at that time. But the doctor, usually distracted and in a hurry, does not review your current list of meds to determine that what he prescribes you for gout may interact with the medication that he has you on arthritis or rheumatism. It is the patient's responsibility to discuss these concerns with the doctor at time of visit.

Natural health medicine has been documented to have less or no side effects when compared to its chemical counterparts. That is because natural health medicine is generally made with products taken out of nature without being refined. They have generally been used for decades by different cultures, with little or no side effect. The medicine is made out of natural ingredients that will work in conjunction with the body, whereas their refined counterparts might have an adverse affect. One must also consider too that the compounds and inert substances used to bind prescription drugs may cause an interaction in the system. At the very least, the body cannot process naturally these agents.

These natural ingredients are normally plant and root extract, which have been used for centuries by countries such as China, which is known for its herbal medicines. That is why it is evidently clear that natural health medicine is good for the body, particularly when it comes to strengthening your immune system.

When you use natural health medicine, you know that you are getting the best of both worlds. You are getting help from Mother Nature as well as man through the extraction and compilation of these products. And you get the benefit of a medication that has been tried and tested sometimes for centuries. (Think Vioxx) The American culture has a bad habit of treating the symptoms, not the underlying cause. Hopefully, this will be addressed in the future, as more and more people become aware of what they are introducing into their bodies.

Any attempt to improve your health should always include natural health medicines. If you have an illness, then the effects of natural health medicine will work faster, as it will provide your body with all the vital ingredients it needs to combat the illness without seriously damaging or impairing it in the process.

You feel better faster and can resume your way of life without being held down by your illness. That is indeed the best way to tackle and handle the winter cold and flu.

In addition to all of the other benefits, natural health medicine will also boost your immune system, which will make you less prone to contracting any illnesses in the future. As always, one should carefully research any medication, and make every attempt to determine if there are side effects, adverse reactions to other drugs, or complications from allergic reaction. A search of the internet will reveal over 2,660,000 websites utilizing the keyword "natural herbal remedies." The information is out there...

Be sure to visit our website, [http://www.naturesherbalremediesonline.com] for timely and relevant information on natural herbs, teas, and remedies.

Medicinal herbs are one of the oldest and most common forms of treatment. There are hundreds of medicinal herbs in the market - in fact, almost any herb has some degree of medicinal value. Some of the most commonly used medicinal herbs are aloe vera, chamomile, garlic, St. John's wort, and tea tree.

Today, herbs are commonly used as health supplements and alternative treatments. However, not all herbal supplements are safe because there is limited government regulation on such products. Customers should read labels carefully to make sure their herbal supplements are reliable. Here are some basic facts and tips on choosing the right medicinal herbs.

Pros and cons

Herbal medicines are made from plant extracts or whole foods, which makes them easier to absorb than synthetic nutrients. They are also less likely to have side effects or cause adverse reactions. Medicinal herbs are ideal for patients with high-risk medical conditions such as hypertension and heart disease.

Herbs contain antioxidants, which stimulate the immune system and help fight disease. This process takes time, however, so some herbs act slower than conventional drugs. Herbal supplements must be taken regularly or according to prescription to give them time to take effect.

Side effects

Medicinal herbs have minimal side effects, but they can cause adverse reactions in some patients. Aloe vera can cause cramps and abdominal pain, and chamomile can cause vomiting and rashes. Toxic effects have also been reported, but these are rare and usually happen in patients with preexisting conditions. To minimize side effects, always take herbal medicines at the right dosage and time of day. Most herbs are best taken in the morning.

Consult your doctor

Although most herbal medicines are non-prescription, it is still best to consult your doctor before taking any supplements. Your doctor can help you choose the right type and brand for your age, lifestyle, and overall health, or at least tell you what to look for. Be sure to mention any medications you are currently taking, as some herbs react negatively to some chemicals.

IMPORTANT: The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not impose strict regulations on medicinal herbs because they do not qualify as drugs. Some supplements contain additives that can be harmful to your health, such as glutted, sugar, starch, and silica. To stay safe, make sure your herbal supplements comply with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) standards. Also, make sure they do not contain any artificial colors or flavors.

For centuries the term revolution meant a forcible overthrow of a government or social order, in favor of a new system. It also means a dramatic and far-reaching change. We have seen revolutions become great milestones for great systems. Take our own Revolutionary War. Now we are seeing another revolution being carried out in our health care system.

The pharmaceutical companies are inundating the airwaves with commercials extolling the benefits and the side affects of their form of health care. Most Americans seem to succumb to these advertisements. We have become a nation of pilloholics. The pursuit of health and happiness has become taking the most recent drug to give you brief relief from your symptoms. These pills can also stop your natural ability to ward off disease. Most of these medications stop your body from reacting to a pathogen, stimulus or even emotions. By stopping your body from reacting they can keep you from dealing with the cause of your disease.

Western medicine has gone down the path of treating symptoms and not the whole person. Which means as long as the cause of your symptom is not addressed you will continue to have symptoms. How many people are taking multiple medications chasing one symptom after another? Western medicine offers medications for almost any symptom. These medications often have side affects which are worse than the original symptom. Some of these medicines mask the underlying problem. The problem then continues to fester underneath the anesthesia of the drug.

We hear volumes about western medicine but only short stories about healing alternatives. There are many factors which explain why we hear less about Oriental Medicine, but the one that stands out is the fact, that this medicine refrains from advertising on such a large scale. Oriental medicine information is disseminated mostly by word of mouth.

Oriental philosophy believes you need to take an active role in your health. This means it is often not a quick fix. You are treated as a complete person so it can take time. Some things can be dealt with quickly but more complex issues can take a long time.

Acupuncture as a modality has been gaining in recognition here in the states over the past 40 years. Quietly but surely the medicine has been gaining acceptance because of the changes it has made for millions of people. Healthy changes. These healthy changes can take time. It requires a natural healing time which depends on your state of health.

You can heal if given the right stimulation and nurturing. This stimulation and nurturing can be created using many techniques. However, all of these techniques require that you change some lifestyle pattern.

The key here is that you change something in your life. The pharmaceutical companies recognize that most americans are not seeking health but looking for a quick fix or a quick relief of pain. The fact is that you get better by changing whatever it is that is making you ill.

Oriental Medicine practitioners offer an alternative to most prescription medications. We also have a different approach to you the patient. You are important. Your health is important to us. Teaching you methods and nutrition planning help you to become more aware of how to take care of yourself. We are not interested in simply treating your symptoms so you can become dependent on our services. We are not interested in you becoming dependent on our herbs so you have to take them for the remainder of your life. We are interested in teaching you how to have a better life by learning how you can do things to stay healthy.

The question is, what is healthy? We are complex in our nature. Our minds govern our body. Our body allows us to move through our environment. We have needs to understand why we are. This leads us to a spiritual consciousness. So we are spirit, mind and body.

This means in order to achieve maximum health. We have to address all three of these areas. We can pray but it is not enough. We can exercise but it is not enough. We can eat healthy but it is not enough. We can even have mental therapy but it is not enough.

Look around. How many of the people you know are trying to escape from their lives? How do they escape? People look for pain relief in many forms. Drinking alcohol, working all the time, investing all of their time in their children, taking care of others all the time, watching tv all the time, playing video games all the time or anything that takes them away from dealing with their life issues.

Holistic healing is about being aware of what is making you ill. This means your emotional state, your physical state and how you cope with your life. Western medicine has developed fantastic techniques for saving lives. Western medicine can do so many wonderful things but they do not have the time it takes to help you solve your issues. Oriental medicine takes time to do just that.

The Quiet Revolution is the revolution which can change our health care system. The combination of the two approaches to healing would springboard our humanity forward.

The loud thunder of the pharmaceutical companies and the fortunes that they have made overwhelms the quiet voice of passion raised by those of us who are not interested in profits at any cost. We alternative practitioners still want to relate to you as an individual. The desire is too create a healthier population, not only physically but mentally as well. We all benefit from healing our wounds. Masking over them is not the answer. Avoiding looking at them is not the answer. Healing them is.

The terms alternative medicine and complementary medicine
are often wrongly used as synonyms. Actually, the term
alternative medicine refers to medicine systems like
Ayurveda or Acupuncture that are used in place of
conventional medicine, while complementary medicine refers
to those therapies like massage that are used in
conjunction with conventional medicine.

However, both end up performing the same role in several
western countries. That is why in popular parlance
alternative medicine has come to be known as complementary
medicine, giving birth to the term alternative and
complementary medicine.

Most practitioners recognize acupuncture, osteopathy,
chiropractic, Ayurveda, Homeopathy and herbal medicine as
the most important forms of alternative and complementary
medicine.

These may be the major alternative therapies but the list
of alternative and complementary medicine does not end
here. The other medicinal systems that can be included in
this grouping are naturopathy, nutritional medicine,
aromatherapy, massage, crystal healing and different types
of energy medicine. Barring Homeopathy, most of the
alternative and complementary medicine systems evolved in
ancient times in countries like India, China, Egypt, Tibet
and Persia.

An important aspect of alternative and complementary
medicine is that it focuses on the person as a whole. The
medicine is therefore based not only on the patient's
physical symptoms but also on the individual's lifestyle,
environment, diet, mental and emotional health; sometimes
even the spiritual health. That is why alternative
medicine is called holistic medicine.

Interestingly, alternative and complementary medicine is
no longer limited to the mystic Orient. But the western
world to is recognizing these medicinal therapies as an
important component of healing.

Countries like India and China are using their knowledge
of alternative and complementary medicine to promote what
has come to be known as medical tourism. A large number of
westerners are flying to these Asian countries to look for
holistic cures.

In the West too, a large number of women are using
aromatherapy and massage while men are turning to
alternative and complementary medicine to recover from
sports injuries or back pain.

The other medical problems for which practitioners are
turning to alternative and complementary medicine are
chronic ailments like arthritis, cystitis, asthma or
chronic fatigue. Even the World Health Organization (WHO)
has recognized the value of holistic treatments. Among the
diseases that WHO believes can be cured with these
approaches are asthma, eczema, digestive disorders and
headaches.

This growing acceptance of alternative and complementary
medicine is a healthy sign for the world, because the
synergies that have been so created are helping to tackle
many incurable diseases. In the ultimate analysis, we
should not forget that alternative and complementary
medicine systems originated thousands of years ago, and
have been successful in treating millions of people across
the ages.