The term naturopathic treatment covers a broad range of modalities that come under the umbrella of alternative medicines. All natural therapies aim to work with the body in treating the cause of illness, not just the symptoms. Naturopaths treat people holistically, taking into account not only their physiology, but also psychology and lifestyle.

Some examples of healing methods that come under this umbrella would be acupuncture, both Chinese and western herbal medicine, Indian ayurvedic medicine, chiropractic and massage, macrobiotics and energy work such as reiki and thought field therapies. Some are more accepted by doctors as having something to offer patients in assisting with maintaining their health, while others are frowned upon as being useless scams.

Naturopathy as a label has only been around for about one hundred years, but most alternative healing methods it covers are tradition-based medicines that have been used for much longer than we can prove. Ancient Egyptians, Native American Indians and Aborigines, to name a few, have used what they find in nature to heal their people and some of their recipes are successfully used today.

It is important to remember that all potent and potentially harmful medicines that are pharmaceutically produced have some plant derived ingredients. They are simply concentrated to the point where they are very powerful and sometimes damaging. Naturopaths have a motto that has been used since the 1800’s and that is to “do no harm”. Where prescription medications can have long-term side effects and even cause short-term discomfort, Naturopathic medicines are subtle in assisting. They work with the body, not against it and positive results can be felt quickly.

A Naturopathic medicine for a common cold for example will be ingredients to enhance the immune system, to help the body decongest and reduce inflammation, and probably something that is antiviral and antibacterial to eradicate germs more quickly. The medicines they use only encourage the bodies own ability to do all these things itself. If you buy an over the counter pharmaceutical treatment, it may cover your symptoms, but can deplete the immune system, dehydrate you and give you a false impression of health so you don’t allow your body the rest it needs to recover.

If your immune system is able to beat any illness on it’s own, it will be more robust and capable next time it is faced with similar circumstances. Seeing a Naturopath when you are in good health can also be a great idea. You can discuss things like Naturopathic medicines for energy levels, sleeping patterns, moods and even homeopathic mixtures to prevent generic diseases which may run in your family.

There are many different ways they can help with general health, and the less stressed you are and the stronger your immune systems, the less likely you will be to get sick in the first place. Visits to the Naturopathic center are usually covered by health insurance, so you can get similar insurance benefits as you would going to any other doctor.

Disclaimer - The information presented here should not be interpreted as or substituted for medical advice. Please talk to a qualified professional for more information about naturopathic treatment.

Author: Heather Colman
About the author: [Copyright © 2007, Heather Colman. Find more of Heather’s articles at eBook Palace. Her articles are available for syndication. Reprinting individual articles is permissible provided no changes are made.

Image: Vancouver Acupuncture on Flickr.com

By: Oliver Turner

Acupuncture is an ancient practice of wellness and healthcare that originated in China over 5,000 years ago. It is a holistic practice that is based on the belief of releasing blocked energy or “chi” in living beings. These energy lines circulate through twelve invisible energy lines known as meridians of the body. Each meridian is associated with a different organ system in your body so the needle insertions in each of these meridians reduce the respective disease associated with that meridian point.

How Does Acupuncture Work?
Acupuncturists believe that people suffer from diseases when energy gets blocked in the meridians. When the needles are inserted into the specific points along the meridian lines, the balanced flow of energy is restored. Acupuncture works effectively because the needles stimulate the release of pain-relieving endorphins into the body, influences the release of neurotransmitters and also enhances the working of autonomic nervous systems. By influencing the electrical currents in the body, acupuncture also improves blood circulation throughout the body.

“The earliest written account of acupuncture is found in the Nei Jing (The Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Internal Medicine). This document is believed to be from around 200 BC and is one of the oldest comprehensive medical text book. Pien Chueh, a famous physician of the fourth century BC, used stone acupuncture needles, moxibustion and herbs to bring a prince out of a coma. The Chinese still celebrate his birthday every year on April 28th.” Holisticonline.com

Acupuncture training
Acupuncture schools provides acupuncture-training courses to all potential practitioners. These courses help them to perform various acupuncture treatments to reduce diseases in human beings. The acupuncture therapy school teaches the acupuncturists to perform a number of treatments like acupuncture both with and without needles.

Acupuncture with needles include curing disorders like head and neck pains, migraines, cervical spondylitis, Azoospermia, genitor-urinary systems like bed-wetting in children, laryngitis, earache, depression, arthritis, deafness, schizophrenia and skin disorders like acne, psoriasis, and hair loss. Sometimes the needles are electrified to produce better results. This also helps in curing smoking, alcoholism and drug addictions.

Needle-free acupuncture treatments
Needle-less acupuncture includes techniques like Moxibustion, Soft Laser Therapy, Cupping Therapy, and Ultrasonopuncture.

1. Sujok Acupuncture – the acupuncture schools offers this unique technique where the expert uses only his hands and legs. He inserts microscopic needles into the points or even a sesame seed and small magnets that relieve the patients instantly.

2. Acutron Mentor Acupuncture – this is one of the most advanced techniques that use electro curative apparatus that offers micro current therapies and interferential current through the needles. It is advantageous because it can be used for pain management and treating all types of diseases.

Special training methods of acupuncture NYC

Other significant acupuncture treatments are offered by acupuncture centers. The main advantage of these techniques is confirmed remedy and with no side effects. They heal severe cases of menstrual disorders, PMS, endometriosis, cysts and fibroids, hot flashes, arthritis, infertility problems in men and women, pregnancy problems, circulation problems, digestive disorders, ulcerative colitis, diarrhea and constipation. The ancient method of acupuncture truly helps in stress management strategies and rebalances the body’s energetic forces to achieve harmony and sense of well being.

“Acupuncture may not be safe if you have a bleeding disorder or if you’re taking blood thinners. The most common side effects of acupuncture are soreness, bleeding or bruising at the needle sites. Rarely, a needle may break or an internal organ might be injured. If needles are reused, infectious diseases may be accidentally transmitted. However, these risks are low in the hands of a competent, certified acupuncture practitioner.” Mayoclinic.com

Buy the DVD: Alternative Medicine, An Introduction to Holistic and Integrative Therapies

We have made the most comprehensive research on acupuncture. Find it only on acupuncture for sinus headache migrains and more. All about acupuncture on LeanderNet - http://www.leandernet.com

Article Source: http://www.uberarticles.com/articles

Author: Spence Pentland

Qigong is most often referred to as any set of breathing and Qi circulation techniques that are capable of improving health, preventing illness, and strengthening the body. Qigong is slow meditative exercise for the body, the breath, and the mind.

‘Qi’ is the vital force behind everything, everything is ‘Qi’ at differing densities; quoting Einstein, “matter = energy times the speed of light squared”. ‘Gong’ is cultivation, effect, attainment. Qigong can be translated as ‘cultivation of vital force’. It regulates the balance of Yin Yang energy returning the body to a balanced, normal physiological state.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the human body is treated as an integral system of interrelated networks with different physiological functions. This integral system uses the energy pathways to link the organs and other human systems into a unified whole, making the communication and interaction between parts of the body possible. The energy that flows in the energy pathways is called Qi. It extends internally to the organs and externally throughout the body, completing and interrelated system of networks.

Traditional Chinese Medical Qigong is a compilation of effective preventative, healing, and strengthening exercises derived from a long history of the Chinese people’s experience with nature and living in harmony with it.

Qigong is studied not merely for the health and strength of the body, but as an attempt to understand human nature and its interactions with the environment and the universe as a whole. Realizing that humans are part of nature, any attempt to understand human physiology inevitably involves the study of wholism.

From commoners to scientists, martial artists to government officials. Qigong studies span the masses of the Chinese population.

“Qigong practices can be classified as martial, medical, or spiritual. All styles have three things in common: they all involve a posture, (whether moving or stationary), breathing techniques, and mental focus. Some practices increase the Qi; others circulate it, use it to cleanse and heal the body, store it, or emit Qi to help heal others. Practices vary from the soft internal styles such as Tai Chi; to the external, vigorous styles such as Kung Fu.” - National QiGong Association

Supporting Research into the Health Benefits of Qigong
Qi Gong is a practice which combines relaxing movement, breathing and visualization. It is a tool to make Qi circulate in order to preserve one’s health, cure diseases and prolong life. The consistent practice has been shown to foster development of a profound inner calmness and non-reactivity of the mind, allowing individuals to face, and even embrace, all aspects of daily life, regardless of circumstances.

Science has proven the complementary healing effects of Qigong in medical science. Qigong can relieve chronic pain (including low back (6)), reduce tension, increase activities of our immune system (even at the genetic level (2)), improve heart health, mediates neuroendocrine responses (10), improve eyesight, and influence blood flow & biochemistry (1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 10).
There is also proof of its positive effects on depression (4), and stabilization of the autonomic nervous system and the emotional state (5). It induces a state of relaxation via the induction of alpha brain waves and the release of serotonin (8). Jang & Lee randomized study put forth Qigong as an effective complementary therapy for managing the symptoms of PMS (9). It has also been concluded that visualization was an effective intervention for long-term smoking cessation and abstinence in adult smokers (3). The Division for Research and Education in Complementary and Integrative Medical Therapies, Harvard Medical School, study of the ‘Use of mind-body medical therapies’ stated that ‘much opportunity exists to increase use of mind-body therapies for indications with demonstrated efficacy’ (11).

The cultivation or preservation of ones health through the complimentary practice of Qigong plays an integral part in any persons path to wellness and the accomplishment of their goals. Join a class, read a book, buy a video.

Buy: The Essential Qigong Training Course: 100 Days to Increase Energy, Physical Health & Spiritual Well-Being

Qigong is catching on in the United States but is still relatively new to most people. If you are interested in pursuing Qigong you can search for a teacher at the National QiGong Association or start out with a Tai Chi class which you can find at many health clubs. There are many Qigong books and videos available if you want to see how great it makes you feel in the privacy of your own living room.

References:

1. The application of qi-gong therapy to health care, Li TY, Yeh ML, Tri-Service General Hospital.

2. Genomic profiling of neutrophil transcripts in Asian Qigong practitioners: a pilot study in gene regulation by mind-body interaction. Li QZ, Li P, Garcia GE, Johnson RJ, Feng L, Microarray Core, Center for Immunology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.

3. Guided health imagery for smoking cessation and long-term abstinence, Wynd CA, Nursing Program, University of Akron College of Nursing, Akron, OH 44325-3701, USA.

4. Qigong exercise for the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease: A randomized, controlled pilot study, Schmitz-Hubsch T, Pyfer D, Kielwein K, Fimmers R, Klockgether T, Wullner U, Department of Neurology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany.

5. Nonlinear analysis of heart rate variability during Qigong, Lee MS, Rim YH, Jeong DM, Kim MK, Joo MC, Shin SH, Center for Integrative Medicine, Institute of Medical Science, College of Oriental Medicine, Wonkwang University, Korea.

6. Randomized, controlled trial of breath therapy for patients with chronic low-back pain, Mehling WE, Hamel KA, Acree M, Byl N, Hecht FM, Osher Center for Integrative Medicine, Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, USA.

7. Qi-training (qigong) enhanced immune functions: what is the underlying mechanism? Lee MS, Kim MK, Ryu H, Center for Integrative Medicine, Institute of Medical Science, Wonkwang University, Iksan, Republic of Korea

8. Appearance of high-frequency alpha band with disappearance of low-frequency alpha band in EEG is produced during voluntary abdominal breathing in an eyes-closed condition, Fumoto M, Sato-Suzuki I, Seki Y, Mohri Y, Arita H, Department of Physiology, Toho University School of Medicine, 5-21-16, Omori-nishi, Ota-ku, Tokyo 143-8540, Japan. 9. Effects of qigong on premenstrual syndrome: a randomized placebo-controlled study, Jang HS, Lee MS, Department of Nursing, Wonkwang Health Science College, Iksan, Korea.

10. Endocrine and immune effects of Qi-training, Lee MS, Kang CW, Ryu H, Moon SR, Professional Graduate School of Oriental Medicine and Center for Integrative Medicine, Institute of Medical Science, Wonkwang University, Iksan, Republic of Korea.

11. Use of mind-body medical therapies, Wolsko PM, Eisenberg DM, Davis RB, Phillips RS, Division for Research and Education in Complementary and Integrative Medical Therapies, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.

Spence Pentland of Vancouver BC Canada received his five year Doctor of TCM education from the International College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Vancouver. To complete his studies he spent 500 hours at Anhui Hospital of TCM Hefei City, in the Peoples Republic of China. He is a licensed and registered member of the Canadian Traditional Chinese Medicine Association, and practices at Acubalance Wellness Centre (Acubalance Wellness Centre Vancouver BC) where he treats only Men’s reproductive health (Mens Reproductive Health Information) and Women’s fertility issues (Infertility Information).

Article Source: http://www.uberarticles.com/articles

Depression is a common condition, affecting millions of Americans across all walks of life. Many are seeking relief through natural remedies for mild to moderate depressive states; healing from, or transforming through, these states can be effectively supported with ‘alternative’ medicine, especially when precisely applied. Pure essential oils have been studied in clinical arenas for their efficacy in lifting mild to moderate depressive states, with promising results.

Clinical research has shown that natural, pure essential oils stimulate multiple regions in the brain, including those controlling endocrine, immune, and limbic (emotional center) functions. Essential oils have a direct and profound effect on the deepest levels of the body, emotions, and psyche. Through inhalation, essential oils have a strong and immediate influence. Passing through the capillary beds of the sinuses and activating the olfactory nerves, the oils’ vapor, produces direct and powerful effects - the most immediate being on the emotions. Our emotions and our sense of smell have very strong ties - perhaps more than with any other of the other four senses. It is said that your body will react to a smell on a physiological level (excitement, sedation, etc.) before you can even think about it!

In both Naturopathy and Ayurvedic Medicine, essential oils are considered to enhance the flow of essential life force (the’Chi’) and brighten mental clarity and luminosity. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, essential oils in general are medicines for the Shen, the spiritual essence that resides in the heart. Used consciously, essential oils positively enhance mental and emotional states. Further, the medicinal properties of essential oils, through their ability to support healing of the physical body, can also be of great benefit to the heart and mind. A study on the effect of aromatherapy on pain in patients with arthritis found that receiving massage with essential oils significantly decreased both the pain AND depression levels.

Following are some oils that have a reputation for positively affecting Chi and Shen, directly influencing the state of the psyche and emotions. The oils may be used in aromatherapy massage blends (a particularly effective method incorporating the support of a caregivers’s touch), and diffused into any space for activation of the brain’s limbic centers.

Bergamot (pressed from the peels of bitter oranges) has a strong reputation for its ability to uplift the mind and emotions. In Chinese medicine, this is a result of balancing the liver energy or Chi; this organ being considered the center of the eternal soul. Bergamot has the ability to both relax the nerves and invigorate the spirit; with these actions, this important oil can be helpful for a variety of depressive condtions. Sweet orange, a close relative, works in a similar fashion, with a slightly sweeter aroma.

Neroli, distilled from the flowers of the tree producing the Bergamot fruit, also regulates the Chi - and like Jasmine oil, inspires a feeling of comfort. Neroli is called for where the depression is a result of nervous and emotional exhaustion. The aroma of Neroli may help access and release repressed emotions. Neroli is additionally indicated for individuals who, in order to escape from emotional pain and suffering, cut themselves off from their feelings and senses.

Chamomile is wonderful to use when the depression manifests in a moody, irritable, dissatisfied outward expression - generally ‘cranky’ - associated with stagnant liver-chi. This flower oil is earthy, rich, and grounding with subtle uplifting qualities. Chamomile can be most effective as a small component of other blends, creating a synergy of anti-depressant action.

When depression is of a Fire (overly aggressive) nature, it often involves an imbalance of (or distinct lack of) joy and love - the root emotions of the heart and mind. Joy is an extension of spiritual essence’s innate sense of harmony and perfection, an experience of emotional and spiritual well-being. Rose oil may have a profound effect on this state, and is thought the premier heart opening aromatic, bringing joy, uplifting and restoring balance.

The evergreen oils are freqently very pleasing to men. Black and Hemlock Spruce, Balsam Fir, Juniper and Pine essential oils are centering and inspiring to the mind and emotions. Diffusing these oils alone or in combination creates a welcoming, relaxing atmosphere, and many find these aromas help motivate them in completing otherwise arduous tasks at home or in the office.

What follows are a few recipes for uplifting and releasing depressed emotional states - use your intuition to find the right one. Most often in the therapeutic use of essential oils, the oil or blend you find most attractive will be the one that serves you best. Don’t be afraid to try new things, have fun, and enjoy yourself!. These blends may be used in a diffuser or in a massage base at 5% concentration (unless where a carrier oil is indicated) - blends with carriers are intended specifically for aromatherapy massage.

• For opening the heart:
  1 part Rose 3 parts Sandalwood 1 part Sweet Orange or Bergamot; also 3 parts Jasmine, 1 part Ylang Ylang, 1 part Sandalwood.
• For invigorating and inspiring:
  3parts Bergamot, 1 part Ylang Ylang, 1 part Grapefruit; also 2 parts Bergamot, 2 parts Clary Sage, 1 part Frankincense; also 3 parts Bergamot or Sweet Orange, 2 parts Clary Sage 2 parts
  Frankincense; also 1 part Lemon 1 part either Jasmine or Neroli.
• For nourishing or ‘comforting’:
  1 part (Roman) Chamomile 1 part Vanilla 10 parts in the carrier oil of choice.
• For uplifting and softening with a floral and earthy aroma:
  1 part Neroli 1 part Vanilla 1 part Orange 1 part Sandalwood; also 1 part Chamomile 1 part Bergamot 1 part Helichrysum.
• For depression with negativity, try Bergamot, Chamomile, Helichrysum, Neroli, Orange, or Spikenard.
• If there is a marked lack of joy, try Rose, Jasmine, Melissa, Patchouli, Rosemary or Ylang Ylang.
• If over-thinking and worry are causing blockage, try Cardamom, Frankincense, Lemon, Marjoram, Myrrh or Vetiver.
• For overwhelming regret and remorse, try: Clary Sage, Cypress, or Pine.
• For inability to cope with overwhelming situations, try: Rose Geranium, Ginger, Juniper or Thyme.

While aromatherapy can provide support in many cases, it may not be the answer for everyone. Seek professional assistance in any case where one is losing the will to live, or any other seemingly impossible situation. Aromatherapy has few contraindications, and can be used effectively as an adjunct to other treatments; one should consult their care giver to ensure there are no contraindications with any prescribed medication.

About the author:
More information on a great variety of aromatherapy applications is available at the author’s website: http://www.anandaapothecary.com/essential-oils.html

Image Source: http://flickr.com/photos/cuorhome/6331840/