Gaia: Naturopathic Medicine-- Your "Natural" Choice for Healing

treating itp through diet

http://csaighman.gaia.com — Sat, 15 Dec 2007 05:32:17 GMT

I have a blood disorder called idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, and it seems to be made better by modifying my diet to the point of almost veganism. The other challenge I have is that I am gluten and corn intollerant. I am wondering if anyone has any input on a way to continue eating healthy, and also on other ways that I could treat this disorder. The conventional treatment for this includes steroid therapy, and possibly having my spleen removed. I am not willing to go either of those routes. I feel that my spleen is important to my body.
Thanks for any input in advance.

Tsinnie

Dark Chocolate - Healthy? Yes It Is.

http://indigosage.gaia.com — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 09:01:34 GMT

Many medical journals are touting the benefits of dark chocolate and superfruits. There is a product available now that has both 70% unprocessed cacao and the Acai berry from the Amazon that is cold pressed (not heated to destroy the enzymes and nutrients that are so beneficial). The medical journals support that it aids: brain function, diabetics, heart disease, hypertension, triglycerides, mood, skin health, oral health, libido, and lung function (it has theobromine). It is a natural anti-inflammatory, natural appetite suppressant, and it tastes great. The product is Xocai. Please Google dark chocolate antioxidant and research this for yourself. When you have satiated your search and want to experience this decadent Healthy chocolate, contact me at www.mxi.myvoffice.com/indigosage or see yahoo group: xocolate_spirit.

This I Believe, by Dr. Paul Mittman

http://kayka.gaia.com — Tue, 13 Feb 2007 16:55:16 GMT

I believe in the healing power of nature.

Some months back, I instinctively reached for a chopping knife as it fell from the kitchen counter. Good reflexes, bad judgment; it lacerated three fingers - badly enough to bleed profusely, but thankfully not to cut any tendons or require stitches. Pressure stopped the bleeding and I applied some anti-bacterial ointment (once) and band-aids daily, and kept my hand clean. Within a week it healed on its own, without any medicines, conventional or alternative. Something inside me coordinated the healing and repair, without me even thinking about it, completely involuntarily.

Hippocrates, the father of western medicine, described that "something" as the vis medicatrix naturae - the healing power of nature. It is that same force that helped my wife's broken leg mend and grow straight when she was a teenager, and my father heal from coronary by-pass surgery last year. Nearly every culture has a name for it - the Chinese call it Chi, Indians refer to it as Prana, the Japanese call it Ki. Present when we are born and gone when we die, this animating force exists in every living plant and animal, including humans.

Its surprising how, 3,000 years after Hippocrates, medicine has few insights into how to harness this powerful, healing force in people. When was the last time you read or heard about a breakthrough in how this energy of life can help us stay healthy and even cure disease?

Ironically, we have no problem recognizing this equilibrating phenomenon in nature. The cleanup of large sections of the Hudson river was accomplished, not by adding detergents or other cleansing agents, but by ceasing or limiting the toxic intrusions into the ecosystem. We correctly assume that given time, the natural environment will heal itself. When an animal is listed on the endangered species list, we don't give it steroids, vitamins or medicines to strengthen individuals, nor give fertility drugs to increase their offspring. We protect their habitat and let nature take its course.

Unfortunately, we apply a different understanding of health and illness when thinking about humans as individuals. When treating disease we do things to our patients-killing bacteria and viruses, destroying cancerous cells, suppressing inflammation-with an array of medicines that begin with "anti-" - antibiotics, anti-hypertensives, anti-inflammatories, antidepressants. In many cases, these medicines are necessary, sometimes life-saving; yet, we already have the tools to help channel and assist a patient's intrinsic drive towards health and wellness.

At least 3 of the 4 leading causes of death, Heart Disease, Stroke and Diabetes, are largely caused by environmental factors - poor diet, sedentary lifestyle and, for some, smoking. While pioneering new drugs will prolong and improve quality of life for thousands of people suffering from these conditions, millions more can be spared the pain and misery by simply cleaning up our personal and collective ecosystems. These simple to prescribe, yet admittedly challenging, therapeutic lifestyle changes remove obstacles to cure, permitting the vis medicatrix naturae, the healing power of nature to flow freely and help us regain that equilibrium we call health.

Ask your doctor if the Healing Power of Nature is right for you. (in an undertone ... "Side effects may include improved sleep, greater energy, loss of weight, lower blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol).

Re: Finding an ND/ Omega 3s

http://nonimom.gaia.com — Thu, 26 Oct 2006 12:30:02 GMT

Sorry I missed this the last few times I've been on zaads - I have been busy if that is any excuse. Anyway - To reduce acids, eliminate all sodas, white potatoes, white flours, and sugars. breathe deeply from the diaphragm, drink lots of water - not distilled, but definately filtered. Another thing is to purchase alkalized water, or a water alkalizer, or coral calcium teabags that alkalize the water by the serving.
There are a lot of "yucky" green products out there and I've found with my South Central PA clientele that If I can't get it past the nose and tongue that it won't get taken - so I have to find things that are effective and taste good. A few of the direct sales companies have come out with things just like that and I'm researching a few more, but a few that have passed the taste test are Market America's Complete Greens, one from Life Force International, and Oasis International's Green product . Again - I have tried many and continue to try them, so please let me know if there are others that do taste good - here in South Central PA , folks like to spend very little on their health as well - so tastes good and the cheaper the better are what they want - but they don't want to sacrifice quality - go figure. It's the Wal Mart mentality I guess.

Re: Finding an ND/ Omega 3s

http://DrMulia.gaia.com — Wed, 18 Oct 2006 02:56:04 GMT

There is good research on PubMed about Omega 3 usuage in psychiatric disorders. To research alternative and complementary treatements for depression and other disorders, go to: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?DB=pubmed.

Some things for your brother to ask his doctor is to test for thyroid dysfunction. If thyroid hormones are imbalanced, symptoms can mimic mental illnesses and can be easily treated by a qualified physician. His doctor will probably also mention that B12 is a necessary cofactor in the production of serotonin, a "happy" neurotransmitter. A good protocol also recognizes that dopamine, norepinephrine, and other neurotransmitters should be balanced. Some doctors choose tests that can evaluate which transmitters need supplementation with amino acids, certain B Vitamins, Gaba, 5-HTP, etc.

Naturopathic physicians generally emphasize solid nutrition, with supplementation to bring a person back to feeling their "best." Board Certified Naturopathic Physicians can be found at: www.naturopathic.org. States that recognize Naturopathic Physicians also have Boards, for example, Arizona's board is called NPBOMEX, that regulate their practice and issue licences.

I'm so glad this post was created!

Robyn Mulia, NMD
Specializing in Women's Wellness and Psychiatric Disorders

Re: Finding an ND/ Omega 3s

http://kayka.gaia.com — Mon, 25 Sep 2006 05:09:28 GMT

Hi Emma.

How can we better remove acid from our diet? I'd love to hear more about that.
Also, what Greens product do you like best?

Kayka

Re: New Member:)

http://kayka.gaia.com — Mon, 25 Sep 2006 05:07:05 GMT

Such wonderful news Emma. Thanks for sharing your path-- a dedicated healer. Everyone in Shippensburg is lucky you are there.

Kayka

Re: New Member:)

http://nonimom.gaia.com — Sun, 24 Sep 2006 19:36:03 GMT

Hi all - I'm taking the opportunity to finally introduce myself. I am a massage therapist, herbologist and homeopath - studying to be a naturopath, my program allows me to be certified with each concentration so that I can still work as I learn - and I study at home due to having 3 small children and my biz as well. I can't move out west to go to school at this point in my life. We live in Shippensburg, PA. I have been studying Natural Health - starting on my own 15 years ago. It's been a long haul. I'm glad to be here and look forward to talking more.

Re: Finding an ND/ Omega 3s

http://nonimom.gaia.com — Sun, 24 Sep 2006 19:25:12 GMT

I have found 5 HTP to be very valuable in treating depression as well as increasing greens and reducing acids. There are some great green products out there that don't taste horrible.

Re: New Member:)

http://kayka.gaia.com — Wed, 20 Sep 2006 02:16:32 GMT

Hi Henna,

I need to check all the threads on this pod more regularly! I am almost envious that you have coverage for alternative care in Japan. I don't mind paying here. I get 50% covered after my deductible, but wow.

I am trying to listen to my body today.

There is a rhinovirous (sp) going around that creates about a week's downtime for friends. I am fighting it right now. I've taken my Vitamin C today and tomorrow I'm getting a homeopathic flu shot (I get weekly B-12 shots to help stabilize my mood and to ward off migraines). I nee to crawl in bed and sleep but since I'm a single gal I have to be mindful of my dog's needs. He'll need one more walk before the night is over and I don't want it to be too early. The joy of "children."

Peace,
Kayka

PS-- what kind of dancing? Its sounds so wonderful to use your body....since my mind is my primary tool all day.

Re: Naturopathic Medicine Works!

http://kayka.gaia.com — Tue, 19 Sep 2006 12:46:46 GMT

Hi Jo,

I looked at the site in Hawaii. I love its opening "reel".....such beautiful and haunting singing. Do you know anyone on staff there? I'd love to see them get an ND on staff and we always have alumni looking for new positions....especially in Hawaii. Let me know if you have contacts there so I can tell our Career Center director....or share with the many NDs I know.

I laughed too when I read your e-mail about being scolded for taking alternative remedies. For so many years I had the same experience. Doctors were not just scolding me for doing things like using Castor Oil packs or using massage or chiropractic....but simply for taking vitamins. I was always told that taking more than a "One-A-Day" multiple was a waste of time. I am amazed at their ignorance and my own body's wisdom.

Just as I typed those words-- my body's wisdom-- I realized that NM is really about this in so many ways. Listening to our bodies. NDs usually want us to be able to express what we "hear" in order to facilitate their work. That's sacred and unique!!

Kayka

Re: Naturopathic Medicine Works!

Sun, 17 Sep 2006 20:56:23 GMT

Hi Kayka,

During the past two decades, I've seen a definite improvement in the way physicians view natural and alternative healing modalities. There was a time when MD's used to scold me for medicating myself with herbs, homeopathic and other kinds of remedies. Soon enough though and after the huge popularity of echinacea, goldenseal, and elderberry extract, they were calling to ask if they could borrow my sources on complimentary treatments. At the time, I said no ~ go buy your own because otherwise, I'll never get them back. LOL I did recommend several resources though.

Now, I've noticed integrated practices in which physicians practice alongside naturopaths. My veterinarian recommends acupuncture for my dogs. On the west side of Oahu, there's an incredible place called the Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center that serves the community through Western medical practices and traditional Hawaiian physical and spiritual healing. What a long way we've come!

But I agree that there's still so much more integrating to do in more places throughout the U.S. It seems like other countries are more amicable to integration that we are...

~Jo~

Re: New Member:)

http://henna.gaia.com — Sat, 16 Sep 2006 02:30:30 GMT

Hi Kayka, Yeah, I know what you mean. I live overseas and I don't get to see my doctor often, but if I ever have a question, she's quick to help. I find that diet, yoga, and awareness of your body is the key to staying healthy. I used to think I could "push through" an illness, but now I know that my body is crying out for help if I'm getting sick. And that I should drink less coffee, more tea, and take a nap. Before, I would have denied that I was getting sick, taken a lot of vitamin C, and kept at my usual too-fast pace of life. The plus side to living in Japan, however, is that many natural remedies are covered on the national health insurance. Acupuncture and massage are both covered (sometimes I feign leg cramps so I can get a calf and foot massage - hey, I'm a dancer). Peace and good health!

Finding an ND/ Omega 3s

http://kayka.gaia.com — Wed, 13 Sep 2006 03:56:11 GMT

Hi everyone,

If you have not seen an ND before, you can visit http://www.scnm.edu/physician_referral/index.phpand click on the state you live in to see if there is an ND by you. You may also want to know that many NDs also use N.M.D. following their name. Both mean that the person is a naturopathic physician.

Anyone have any information about Omega 3s and depression? I'd like to find some good web links to data about it. My brother is suffering greatly right now. I sent him Thorne's Omega Plus and told him to take one gram in the morning and one at night (as well as see a doctor). However, I'd like to be able to send him some good information about the link between Omega 3s and depression.

Thanks,
Kayka

Re: New Member:)

Sun, 10 Sep 2006 02:30:53 GMT

Hi Everyone!

I'm very glad for the formation of this pod! Thanks, Kayka. I'd been seeing a naturopath since my early 20's. He was a very old, very gifted man, and he helped me in ways no other doctor had been able. Since his retirement about 10 years ago, I haven't really thought much about naturopathy. Then recently, a dog that I "inherited" began showing signs of stress. Long story short, I gave him Ignacia (in a remedy made for doggies), and the little guy is much better now.

Hi Michelle ~ may I ask what orthomolecular medicines are and what do they do? I've never heard of them.

Henna, hi ~ I'm in Hawaii, and my husband and I consider Portland, OR our second home; we're there every year, and we consider the people who live there among the coolest we've ever met :)

Kayka ~ I'm almost positive that the ND who took over for my original naturopath went to Bastyr as well. At one point, I had considered applying there for school... until I found out how long the program was. Then it all started coming back to me how much I really don't like to study... LOL

It's so great meeting all of you!

~Jo~

Re: New Member:)

http://kayka.gaia.com — Sat, 09 Sep 2006 18:23:35 GMT

Hi Henna,

I just was in Portland for an annual conference for NDs. They have an awesome College there for NM.

My ND went to Bastyr in Seattle.

What are some of the things you find NM works best for for you? The focus on food, nutrition and lifestyle really helped me physically. Plus homeopathy is awesome. I have a constitutional remedy I take and I'm amazed at the way that modality or type of therapy works.

You know what I like best about my ND though? I feel like she's my friend. I can e-mail her with any little thing and she's there for me.

K

Re: New Member:)

http://henna.gaia.com — Sat, 09 Sep 2006 15:49:44 GMT

Hi! I'm also a new member. This pod is cool - I'm a huge believer in Naturopathy. I'm lucky to be from Portland, Oregon where there are quite a few Naturopaths around. Living holistically, consciously, and gently has always been my "way". Despite feeling that Naturopathy makes sense, I was still surprised at the care I was given by my Naturopath when I first met her. She was so thorough, asked questions in a caring way, and just really took the time to get to know me, my diet, and my lifestyle. She even asked if I had any recurring dreams. I actually look forward to my annual exams these days. If I lived in the U.S., I'd probably get bi-annual exams. Just talking to her makes me feel healthier.

The Principles of Naturopathic Medicine

http://kayka.gaia.com — Fri, 08 Sep 2006 17:11:28 GMT

The six principles that guide the therapeutic methods and modalities of naturopathic medicine include:

First Do No Harm - primum non nocere
Naturopathic medicine uses therapies that are safe and effective.

The Healing Power of Nature - vis medicatrix naturae
The human body possesses the inherent ability to restore health. The physician's role is to facilitate this process with the aid of natural, nontoxic therapies.

Discover and Treat the Cause, Not Just the Effect - tolle causam
Physicians seek and treat the underlying cause of a disease. Symptoms are viewed as expressions of the body's natural attempt to heal. The origin of disease is removed or treated so the patient can recover.

Treat the Whole Person - tolle totum
The multiple factors in health and disease are considered while treating the whole person. Physicians provide flexible treatment programs to meet individual health care needs.

The Physician is a Teacher - docere
The physician's major role is to educate, empower, and motivate patients to take responsibility for their own health. Creating a healthy cooperative relationship with the patient has a strong therapeutic value.

Prevention is the best "cure"
Naturopathic physicians are preventive medicine specialists. Physicians assess patient risk factors and heredity susceptibility and intervene appropriately to reduce risk and prevent illness. Prevention of disease is best accomplished through education and a lifestyle that supports health.

New Member:)

http://egogettheebehindme.gaia.com — Fri, 08 Sep 2006 14:28:50 GMT

Hi all!

I've been into Natural Health most of my adult life, and I'm happy to be a part of this Pod!:)

I am Michelle and live in Wichita, KS. Age 39, married for almost 12 yrs. I have two teens from my 1st marriage. My son just turned 18, my daughter is 16 (and thinks she's 30,lol).

I got interested in Natural health when I worked at an herbal store that promoted and used the remedies of Dr. Richard Schulze. (www.herbdoc.com). I used his body cleansing formulas and got incredible results and was hooked from then on...(well was studying to be a Midwife for years before that, but became a deeper student of Naturopathy).

Now I work here: http://www.brightspot.org and I LOVE it:) (I do Data Entry of the charts). They use Naturopthic/Herbal/Orthomolecular medicines in their practice. People have come here from ALL over the world and have left better! (To learn more about Orthomolecular medicine and what it is see here: http://www.orthomolecular.org).

I look forward to meeting all of you and learning even more about my health and to possibly help others learn more with theirs.

Michelle

Information to Explore

http://kayka.gaia.com — Fri, 08 Sep 2006 02:15:01 GMT

Visit www.scnm.edu to learn more about Naturopathic Medicine....other than what you'll find here.

Kayka