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People are choosing a doctor of alternative medicine and enjoying the benefits of alternative medicine over traditional allopathic medicine. This is brought upon by the many cases of side effects that might as well do more harm than good. People are rediscovering the goodness of what is natural and chemical-free.

Knowing that these natural alternative medicines were used for centuries upon centuries already makes them more reliable than prescription drugs for many people. Doctor of alternative medicine can navigate for you what works for you and what does not work for you. Also, the fact that the list of benefits hugely overrates the harm, which rarely happens, gives a great reason to give it at least a try. Nothing is lost and everything is to be gained when we access the benefits of alternative medicine.

But who’s to say which is really best for us, regular or natural alternative medicines? Many or most of us generally rely on doctors to tell us what to do and which medicine to use. Well, this is the best choice, but seeking a second opinion may also be very recommendable especially if your doctor couldn’t or is having a hard time helping you. Doctor of alternative medicine can advise you on supplements, various natural health modalities, as well as various nutrients that can help you access the benefits of alternative medicine.

There are a lot of differences between regular prescription medicines and natural benefits of alternative medicines. But the main factor that drives people away is not only their price difference but also their effectiveness and the barrage of side effects. Natural alternative medicine has been proven and tested with age and time already.

Read Also: Learning to Soothe Mind, Body, and Spirit with Health and Wellness Tools

A doctor of alternative medicine is highly trained in the benefits of alternative medicine and can advise you on the various herbs, homeopaths, nutrients, etc that can help you with natural healthcare. Alternative medicine looks at the alternatives available for a specific medication. However, many people can use complementary medicine which is natural substances that can complement what they are currently doing. It is important to have a holistic view of the case and then are recommended

Aside from the herbs and spices and teas, natural alternative medicine can be coupled with massages, mental exercises such as meditation, aromatherapies and so much more. Many regular medicines have come and gone but natural alternative medicines have lived on. The main reason for this is because we know that they work. If you are looking for a Doctor of Alternative Medicine to help support you in the benefits of alternative medicine consider booking a consultation with our practice.

Summary:

People are seeking out a lot of doctor of alternative medicine as they ar feeling discouraged about side effects of many medications. This is brought upon by the many cases of side effects that might as well do more harm than good.  People are rediscovering the goodness of what is natural and chemical-free and the benefits of alternative medicine.

Though no records of such cases exist (this could be due to any number of reasons), it is possible that mankind has suffered from the problem that is depression for as long as there has been civilization to depress people. There have been herbal treatments and natural antidepressants for almost every condition known to man, with some of them actually being found to have a decent scientific basis for the lore. While recognizing depression as a problem and not merely sadness is a relatively modern phenomenon, that does not mean that the herbal lore of the ancients  or all natural antidepressant supplement does not exist or should be disregarded. As amazing as it might sound, it is possible to find an all natural antidepressant supplement in today’s market.

The most commonly suggested natural antidepressants would be St. John’s Wort, which has also been suggested as an herbal remedy for everything from constipation to muscle pain. According to medical science, the leaves contain a number of natural antidepressants or chemicals that often appear as base ingredients in a wide range of common depression medication. 

Typically, using this can have noticeable positive effects on mild depression in about two weeks. However, for more severe cases, the usual time frame is closer to around six months of regular use. St. John’s Wort should be taken with food, but taking it with alcohol should be avoided to minimize the chances of developing side effects. Note that this has been known to interact with other medications, so a pharmacist might also be consulted for more information.

Gingko-biloba has also been cited as a potential all natural antidepressant supplement, though there hasn’t been too much testing on this possibility. This particular substance has a number of components that boost the blood circulation to the brain. Since the symptom of depression can be caused by a lack of proper blood flow to the brain, the use of gingko-biloba as an all natural antidepressant supplement can be helpful in this regard. 

Read Also: Tips for Healing Yourself with Holistic Medicine

However, it should be noted that not all cases of depression are caused by a lack of proper blood circulation to the brain. In other words, this may not be the best treatment for every depressed individual, depending solely on what caused the depression in the first place. 

Gingko-biloba, according to some recent findings, can be successful in treating depression in 

cases where standard medication fails. This is an all natural antidepressant supplement. 

Valerian, which has long been known as an herb that can combat anxiety attacks, has also been linked to depression. Valerian is also an anti depressant supplement. Since anxiety and depression tend to be encountered in the same patients, Valerian has sometimes been used as a means of treating both conditions with just one herb. Valerian has also been used to treat insomnia, which is similar to anxiety in that both are medical conditions that are often closely linked to depression. Valerian works by releasing a number of compounds into the body that boost production of gamma-aminobutyric acid, which is an inhibitory chemical used by the central nervous system.

Gotu kola, an ayurvedic herb, has also been used as natural antidepressants. Among practitioners of ayurvedic medicine, in is known as brahmi. The dried stems, flowers, and leaves of this particular plant contain a host of components that can be useful for treating depression and anxiety, including asiatic acid and madecassic acid. It has also been known to help people 

improve their moods, as well as having benefits for memory and concentration.

These all natural antidepressants supplements may not be appropriate for you. It is important to speak with your doctor about current medications, as well as indications as to whether these supplements are appropriate for your case. This information is intended for educational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for medical or healthcare advice. 

Summary:

People have likely been fighting depression for as long as civilization has been around, though only recently has there been pharmaceutical ways to fight it. However, there are also a number of herbs and plants that can be used to help fight depression. Ginkgo-biloba, Valerian, and St.John’s Wort can all be used as a natural antidepressants, in lieu of modern medication.

If you’ve been listening to the healthcare community intermittently recently, you may have heard the word holistic dropped every so often. A holistic care approach is a very distinct practice that allopathic providers are not trained in specifically. You might have heard it, but you may not have much of an idea of what it means and simply dismissed it as  jargon. The term is used to describe an approach of medicine that does not focus on diagnosing and treating a problem, but spreads out to encompass all aspects of the patient. Essentially, the holistic approach hopes not only to improve physical health, but also to bring a balance between the body, mind, and spirit to improve health in the long-term. As such, the holistic care approach also touches upon aspects such as lifestyle and social interactions. This healthcare philosophy can be applied to everything from pain relief to muscle training, from physical training to social skills.

The philosophy itself is neither new, nor Western in origin. Traditional Chinese Medicine, along with the offshoot systems in Japan and Korea, as well as the Indian Ayur Veda system are both holistic care approach. Essentially, both systems focus on correcting the physical and mental imbalances that cause problems in both the body and mind. This stands in contrast to Western medicine, where problems are taken as separate considerations from the general state of the body. For example, while a Western doctor who abides by Western medical philosophy might recommend mild doses of Tramadol for pain relief, a TCM practitioner or someone who believes in the holistic approach might be more inclined to ask the patient about things like his emotions or personal problems. This is done because it is believed that the body’s negative responses can be reflective of imbalances of the mind or spirit.

The main focus of most holistic care approach in healthcare systems, regardless of their country of origin, is to return the body to a state of balance. The body is generally viewed as a combination of different parts and elements, which come together harmoniously when a person is in imperfect health. An imbalance occurs when one of those aspects becomes greater than the others, which in turn is attributed to the physical ailment that a patient suffers. For example, if part A and part B are in equal amounts, then they counter each other and are in balance. However, if there is too much part B, then it may cause pain in the joints or limbs. In such a case, the best way to bring about pain relief would be to restore the balance between part A and B, either by reducing part B to part A’s level, or making part A equal part B.

Read Also: Trauma Response, Childhood Trauma, and Your Doctors Check Ups

The term holistic care approach  has been used to describe a number of alternative systems of medicine and health, such as the aforementioned TCM and Ayur Veda. On occasion, it has also been used to describe more modern systems that focus on natural cures and treatments. In more recent times, some doctors with Western training are employing the holistic approach in their diagnostic and treatment procedures, which is an approach that is welcomed among Western medicine practitioners in the Far East. This combination of two philosophies once seen as conflicting is not quite common, but is reportedly starting to catch on in Korea, China, Taiwan, and Japan.

With a holistic care approach in the western world, we use the laboratory and scientific approaches of biochemistry, physiology, and assessing symptoms however we treat in a vary holistic manner. We look at all aspects of the person and then treat from various perspectives. We look at the environment the person is in, we look at the mental components of the person, emotional reactions, as well as physical impacts of the various components of the person. Everything is a clue and every clue relates to the why- the why we are looking to answer is how the person got to where they are in their health. In the holistic approach we look at the relationship that one aspect of the person has to another aspect.

Summary:

Fairly recently, the holistic approach to healthcare has been thrown around by the medical community, but only a few laymen have any understanding of what it is. The holistic approach can be found in ancient medical systems in the East, where medicine focuses more on the patient and is less concerned with the symptoms. The approach can be applied to a number of things, such as pain relief, sexual health, and muscle fitness.

Self improvement (or self help) wellness tools come in many shapes and sizes; sometimes it’s physical in nature (a self help book, having a massage, painting with water colors), or spiritual in nature (flower essences, Reiki, meditation which is both physical and spiritual, etc). This article will review some of the health and wellness tools for self help to self soothe.

Five of the best health and wellness tools for self help options that I’ve used successfully to help soothe my own mind, body and spirit, are:

1. Meditation techniques – a fabulous self help wellness tool which greatly benefits overall health and wellbeing.  There are many techniques to choose from such as:

• Visually guided meditations;
• Candle meditation;
• Breathing meditation;
• Crystal meditation;
• Writing meditation (alternating using dominant and non-dominant hand);
• Walking meditation; 
• Body scanning; and 
• A self healing meditation using either color; breathe work; aromatherapy; etc.

2. Painting with water colors, pastels or oil paints – express your uniqueness through art.  This is a wonderful self help health and wellness tools to employ for inner healing, letting go and for creating something new (a masterpiece for your lounge room wall).
3. Vibrational essences.  Part of ancient wisdom, vibrational essences are used in healing to assist with the removal of emotional blocks and patterns, as well as resolving issues from past lives. 

Essences are generally in liquid form and can also be used in creams, ointments and oils (I sometimes combine mine with an aromatherapy oil blend).  

Vibrational substances are derived from light (sun, moon etc), healing energy (universal or spiritual energy, prana, Reiki etc), plants (flowers, stems, leaf etc), mineral (crystals, gold etc), environmental (sacred places), or animal. 

Some examples of essences available (there are many) to explore further as health and wellness tools are:

Flower, Gem, Angel, Shell, Coral, Sea, Goddess, and Chakra essences

4. Journal writing is a fabulous self help health and wellness tools for healing connecting you with your true essence, your spiritual self.

Read Also: Tips for Healing Yourself with Holistic Medicine

Find yourself a special journal/diary to write in; something special to write with (can be brightly colored inks or the more traditional black, blue or reds) and make a date with yourself to do some journal writing every morning at the same time (before rising out of bed).

I’ve practiced journal writing as one of my health and wellness tools for many years and still find it, to this day, one of the greatest self help and self improvement tools around – and it costs nothing!  

Write out your worries, sadness, loneliness, or whatever is playing on your mind.  When you’ve done that write in your journal the excitement, enthusiasm and passion you intend to experience for the day ahead, the projects you’re working on, friends you’ll catch up with, food you’ll eat, possible miracles that might happen, shopping to be done, your work day etc. 

5. Have a massage.  Treat yourself to some bodywork like a Swedish massage.  Swedish is a more traditional or western soft tissue type of massage, however if you’re after something a little more unique for healing mind, body, and spirit you could choose:

Aromatherapy massage – there’s nothing quite like this one using essential oils for body, mind and spirit.

Ka Huna, LomiLomi – gentle, relaxing, soothing and stretching massage (even watching this massage is relaxing);

Reflexology – therapeutic hand and foot massage;

Reiki – hands on energy healing (aligns Chakras etc) 

Vichy Shower – warm water is directed over your body, gently massaging it (this is heavenly, especially after a salt scrub).

Acupressure – form of bodywork based on Chinese Meridian theory

Ayurvedic – part of a traditional detoxification and rejuvenation program of India called Panchakarma – vigorious massage with warm oils and herbs to remove toxins, is calming and balancing, and facilitates profound inner peace.

Hot stone massage – warm smooth stones are applied to the body and employed by the therapist’s hands.

A massage not listed that I experienced while ago was a form of Swedish massage.  I was given small smooth rocks to hold in either hand, at the end of the massage the therapist held my feet and ‘tuned’ me, which sounded like a clarinet going up and down the scales.  To say I felt relaxed and energised at the same time is an understatement.  It was amazing.  

I’ve road tested many health and wellness tools over the years; it’s been an amazing journey with the most profound assistance coming from spirit.  Sometimes good comes from being blinded by the light.

Summary:

Sometimes good comes from being blinded by the light

Self improvement (or self help) tools come in many shapes and sizes; sometimes it’s physical in nature (a self help book, having a massage, painting with water colors), or spiritual in nature (flower essences, Reiki, meditation which is both physical and spiritual, etc).

Do you know how to heal holistically at a center for holistic medicine? Or the purpose of doctors of natural medicine?  If you did, do you realize that you would be able to achieve the balance that nearly everyone wishes they had in their lives?  Do you know what you need to do for yourself in order to bring about this balance? Doctors of natural medicine teach people in a center for holistic medicine how to heal naturally. But they also teach people how to find their passion. 

Part of healing a person holistically is knowing what makes that person passionate.  Knowing what makes you, the person seeking care, is passionate will help you get in touch with your soul, to feel creative energy, to feel truly alive.  Spiritual or creative passion can help you to achieve those feelings.  Whether it’s through faith, music, or some other type of artistic expression, you must find what will awaken your soul in order to strike balance in your life.  

If you know what you are passionate about then you are more motivated to do other things i your life. Do not get me wrong passion is not everything. A person still must eat healthy, set boundaries, with people, and detox to be able to balance their health. 

Some ideas to keep in mind when looking at discovering purpose, passion, and awareness of their ability to heal is to journal. Our Doctors of natural medicine often provide people with journaling exercises to connect with themself. At our center for holistic medicine, we provide journal prompts such as the ones below. Here are some examples of journal prompts. 

• What are your goals for the future?  What would you like to ultimately achieve in your life?  Is it spiritual enlightenment?  Is it social status?  Or is it merely to be the best person you can be, and make a contribution to society?  What is important, though, is the process by which you attain your ultimate goal.  That is what will generate your passion and help you to determine. These are often questions that doctors of natural medicine ask their patience to determine your passion. 

• Try to focus on the positive, and do not dwell on the negative.  Recall your accomplishments and good deeds.  Doing this will help keep you positive, and keep your spirit up.  If you constantly remind yourself of your mistakes, you will find it harder to succeed down the road, and your mind, body, and soul will work against you. Learning to forgive self is often what can be done at a center for holistic medicine. 

• You’ve heard of finding your “happy place” right?  This form of meditation helps you take your mind and spirit to a comfortable place that fills you with happiness.  This is an ideal thing to do when you are in the middle of a stressful day at work or with the kids; it provides the perfect opportunity to regroup. Doctors of Natural Medicine teach the person many mental or emotional coping mechanisms that are designed to help people during stress.

• Spark a change.  Plan a vacation, even if it is just for a weekend.  Nothing does the body, mind, and soul better than a little change of scenery.  Go where you will be happy, and be able to let loose and have some fun.  Try it on your own.  It might sound scary, but you will be surprised at how relaxed and refreshed you will be after a weekend all to yourself! Sometimes people from out of town will visit our center for holistic medicine to enjoy some of our holistic modalities that help relax the stress mentally, as well as emotionally with biofeedback, brain training, vibroacoustics as an example. 

Read Also: Chronic Pain Causes May Have a Psychological Origin

• Try some daily affirmations.  Pick three things that you can say out loud in the mirror that will help you stay centered, positive, and focused.  Saying something often enough has the power to make it true for you.  Remember not to dwell on the negative, focus on the positive.  Three basic affirmations that you can work from include:

o “I am safe and secure.”

o “The Universe gives me everything that I need.”

o “My income will continue to increase.”

These affirmations are provided to our patients after biofeedback, to help people holistically. Holistic medicine looks at all aspects of the person. Physically, Environmentally, Mentally, Emotionally, Spiritually, as well as Ancestrally components of the person. Doctors of natural medicine are trained in nutrition, homeopathy, herbology, and various natural healthcare modalities. We find this is the best way to approach people that are looking for whole health healing. 

Summary:

Do you know what it takes to heal your body, mind, and soul?  If you did, do you realize that you would be able to achieve the balance that nearly everyone wishes they had in their lives?  Do you know what you need to do for yourself in order to bring about this balance?