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Manage Symptoms, or Facilitate Cures?

When we are ill, a number of treatment options are available to us. The purpose of this section is to help you understand the differences between the two primary medical philosophies being practiced in the United States today: allopathic (conventional) medicine, and preventive/holistic medicine (also known as natural medicine, or complementary and alternative medicine (CAM)). The conventional Western allopathic system focuses on disease management, whereas the older, more established natural system focuses on treating the root cause(s) of disease in order to reestablish health. 

This chapter contains an in-depth explanation of several branches of holistic medicine, including acupuncture, Ayurveda, naturopathy, homeopathy, chiropractic, network spinal analysis and massage. I also discuss the very real facts about the ways in which various branches and practitioners of holistic medicine have been suppressed and harassed by the conventional medical establishment and our government, and then ignored by the media. This persecution helps to keep the mainstream public ignorant and skeptical of the very real benefits that holistic medicine has to offer.  

Please keep in mind that the information contained in this chapter concerns the prevention and/or treatment of chronic conditions (heart disease, cancer, hypoglycemia, acne, the flu, etc.), not acute injuries (e.g. car accidents, burns, heat exhaustion, frostbite, etc.). Broad generalizations are made throughout this chapter to emphasize points, so please remember that there are always exceptions to my statements. Although I present challenging viewpoints in this chapter, I believe it is in our best interest to wisely use the best of both systems for optimum diagnosis, treatment and healing. And though I’m tough on the modern medical model, implicating its underlying financial motives, I’d like to acknowledge the many dedicated doctors, nurses, technicians and emergency personnel who are true healers working within an established system that is entrenched in a not altogether healthy “feedback loop.”

Allopathic Medicine—Symptom/Disease Management

The allopathic medical philosophy taught at most medical schools, and practiced by the majority of medical doctors, relies on the concept of identifying diseases or symptoms, and then prescribing drugs to manage or combat those conditions. It is a system that considers the disease or symptom to be the actual problem, as opposed to addressing the underlying causes that produced the disease or symptom in the first place. A wide variety of tests, procedures and equipment specially designed to identify diseases and symptoms have been developed, which on one level is great, because these tests could be used to help figure out underlying causes. Yet, on another level they are very limiting, since they are rarely used for such purposes. Typically, once a diagnosis is determined, the tests are plunked into the patient’s file as conclusive evidence of his or her condition.

This model considers bacteria, viruses, fungi, molds and other foreign invaders to be some of the main causes of our illnesses; therefore, antibiotics, and/or drugs are prescribed to fight them. In fact, the standard treatment procedure is often the use of drugs to “manage” or “fight,” or in many cases to resort to surgery to cut out the problem. Unfortunately, drugs often harm the body with what we term side effects. Words and names are powerful concepts in our consciousness. The language of modern allopathic medicine is filled with images of war: the war on cancer, for example. Verbs like control, combat, fight and irradiate connote strife. Invaders must be conquered. Yet when it comes to drugs, language is more euphemistic. If we said that the drugs are poisoning us rather than giving us side effects, we might not be so apt to use them on a long-term basis. For example, look through any mainstream magazine, find an ad for a popular drug, and then flip the page to read the extensive list of side effects—that’s what happens when the body is poisoned over time with drugs.

Since the allopathic medical model (notice I said “model,” and not “doctor”) isn’t concerned with getting to the root causes of symptoms and diseases (e.g. the cause of the symptom), it is a highly profitable venture due to repeat clients. The long-term use of drugs ensures that people never quite get better, and slowly deteriorate due to poor immune function and the side effects of the drugs. As time goes by, more problems are “discovered,” so more drugs are prescribed. At some point the conditions can become so severe that the only option available is surgery, which provides more financial windfall. This well-tuned, multi-billion dollar industry is comprised of medical doctors, technicians, hospitals, pharmaceutical empires, government agencies like the FDA, and private organizations such as The American Medical Association, American Dental Association, American Cancer Society, etc. This entire interlocking disease management system is designed to provide repeat customers for a very long time—the longer and the more sick we are, the more money to make—a perfect business model! 

Medical doctors are trained to believe that the system of medicine they are taught is the only valid one (developed by the AMA and its universities), and that natural medicine is more or less just quackery. The Federal Drug Administration (FDA) supports this disease/symptom management industry and works to legally banish, suppress, slander or harass those who use successful natural treatments (particularly cancer cures). They imprison doctors who perform them (see the next section), because such treatments and cures undermine the finances of the allopathic medical conglomerate. Prevention is barely in their vocabulary.

To review, the allopathic medical model of diagnosing and treating most chronic conditions relies on procedures and techniques that usually don’t address the core issues of why the disease or symptom appeared in the first place. It uses synthetic drugs and surgery to conquer and control the situation—this is called disease/symptom management. For acute care, where trauma is involved (such as with a car accident), temporary management of bodily systems is helpful and can even be required for the body to be stabilized (although using natural remedies would also be beneficial). However, long-term use of drugs for chronic diseases (heart disease, cancer, high blood pressure, asthma, etc.) only manages symptoms, doesn’t address the root cause(s) and usually toxifies the body. The toxic effects of medical drugs kill over 100,000 people a year.^[1] Natural therapies are very safe in comparison, are often more effective, and can even help cure the underlying problem.

Natural Medicine Leads to Real Cures 

In contrast, the philosophy of natural medicine holds that a weakened immune system (and/or along with other weakened bodily systems) is the reason foreign invaders can thrive, producing symptoms and diseases. 

Most of us are taught that we need to go to medical doctors when we get sick. What we aren’t taught is that the real doctor is already within us as the innate wisdom of the body. This is the difference between conventional allopathic systems and natural holistic medicine systems. The philosophy of natural medicine is that, given the right conditions, the body will heal itself. Whereas the allopathic model tries to control defective body systems through drug intervention, or kill foreign invaders with antibiotics, natural medicine rarely includes toxic agents. Instead, herbs, homeopathic remedies and other non-invasive therapies are used. These techniques harmoniously help facilitate the repair and strengthening of bodily systems (especially the immune system, which can then properly fight foreign invaders), or help to destroy offending pathogens without toxic side effects. The goal of natural medicine is to figure out why systems have weakened and then repair them, which results in healing. 

In natural medicine, prevention is always considered the first priority. Therefore, much attention is placed on educating the patient about proper diet and other lifestyle choices that affect health, such as discussed in this book. An ounce of prevention is truly worth a pound of cure, and more. Speaking of cures, only the body cures. Not drugs, not diet, not herbs, or anything else. It is the innate wisdom of the body and the unblocked flow of life force energy that moves through the body that produces healing (cure). However, that doesn’t mean we can’t help the body heal, which is the focus of this book.

Since our bodies do have the innate wisdom to heal themselves, the task of the natural doctor is to figure out how, why and where the body’s ecology/energy is out of harmony, and then offer ways to bring it back into harmony through non-toxic means. Healing will almost always occur when bodily systems are brought back into harmony with each other and pathogens are dealt with properly (via toxic-free methods). 

For example, consider an ear infection, which is very common in children. The allopathic model recommends treatment with antibiotics. That’s treating the symptom. The infection may go away, but the underlying cause of the infection—a weakened immune system and the reason behind the weak immune system—is still there. Furthermore, antibiotics not only kill offending bacteria in the ear, but often kill immune building bacteria in the gut, creating a downward spiral of reoccurring ear infections and antibiotic treatment. This can ultimately lead to the invasive procedure of intubation (which can and often does lead to ADD/ADHD by seriously compromising the vestibular system housed in the inner ear—see www.handle.org for more information). 

On the other hand, natural medical philosophy will question why the immune system has dropped to such a degree that an ear infection took hold in the first place. The underlying cause of the weakened immune system could be a milk allergy (or any allergy, for that matter), poor nutrition, or any number of things, which the natural doctor seeks to discover and then correct—strengthening the immune system as she treats the symptoms of the infection. Treatment of the ear infection itself may include the use of non-toxic herbal formulas, such as garlic and mullein (also found at natural food stores), to destroy harmful bacteria. This helps to stop the current ear infection and the other treatment helps to strengthen the immune system so future occurrences of ear infections become very unlikely—in effect, “curing” the infection. 

As you can see, natural healing philosophy embraces quite a number of concepts, which is why you find the word holistic used so frequently. This is because the root cause of a symptom or disease is often a combination of factors and optimum health is regained when multiple treatment protocols are followed. By following the natural living lifestyle as outlined in this book, you are also following natural healing philosophy because they are inter-linked. First and foremost, holistic/natural ideology is about prevention. If disease does occur, then using remedies that work in harmony with nature—and therefore the body—to rebuild and strengthen weak systems (again, particularly the immune system) and organs is wise. 

As a business model, this philosophy offers the natural physician modest financial reward, the satisfaction that clients have regained their health and, often, long-term relationships with clients. From the allopathic perspective, natural medicine represents an intrusion on their business of making money off perpetually sick people, so there is often suppression of natural medicine through the established allopathic medical profession. Of course, that’s not all. When people adopt the natural living lifestyle, they stop eating the majority of products found in conventional grocery stores, causing even more business woes for multi-national corporations. Thus, it’s in the best interest of big business, hospitals, medical doctors, pharmaceutical empires, the media and allopathic medical organizations to suppress, discredit and even outlaw or severely regulate natural medicine as much as possible.

Suppression of Natural Healing

From 1257 to 1812 the Inquisition in Europe tortured, burned and murdered over nine million women because they were considered to be witches. Their real crime? They were healers—midwives and herbalists—who knew how to work with nature to produce healing. The Church had decided that sickness was an act of God as punishment for sin, and therefore discouraged the use of medicine. In the 13^th century the Church finally accepted medicine, but only when practiced by men, and only by men with a diploma from a university (the word college, synonymous with ‘university,’ comes from the Latin College of Cardinals, an intrinsic part of the Church’s patriarchal hierarchy). The men gained great power, while the populace and predominantly female healers suffered terribly, and only the ruling elite benefited. The persecution of women, and of true healers, has never quite stopped.^[2]

During the 19^th century, homeopathy (a discipline of natural medicine) flourished, and death rates from cholera, typhoid, and scarlet fever in homeopathic hospitals were between 1/2 and 1/8 of those in conventional (allopathic) hospitals. Yet, when the American Medical Association was founded in 1847, a clause was placed in its code of ethics stating that any member who consulted with a homeopath would be kicked out of the membership. Doctors who did were indeed banished from the newly formed, powerful organization.

Until 1910, holistic therapies were taught in most medical schools, while the extensive use of drugs as therapy was taught in just a few. That changed when John D. Rockefeller and the AMA hired Abraham Flexner, a high school teacher, to “evaluate” the effectiveness of therapies taught in medical schools around the country. His findings were published in the Flexner Report, which basically denounced natural/holistic therapies and embraced drug-based medicine. Congress followed the recommendations of the report and empowered the American Medical Association (AMA) to certify or de-certify any medical school in the country on the grounds of whether or not that school met the AMA’s standards of “approved” medicine. Thus, the natural/holistic healing schools and communities were decimated, and the number of medical schools dropped from 600 to 50 within 15 years (by 1925).^[3]The AMA gained a new foothold of power to decide what is and isn’t medicine, and has worked ever since to discredit, persecute and outlaw natural therapies. In 1977 the Declaration of Alma Ata gave the World Health Organization (controlled by the United Nations) the means to extend the Flexner Reportnot only in North America, but throughout the entire world!^[4]

The Attack on Chiropractic

During the 1950s, sixties and seventies, chiropractic care became increasingly popular and available because of widespread therapeutic success. This raised the ire of the AMA, and in the early sixties they began a vicious attack on chiropractors specifically, and other holistic/natural healers indirectly, with the intent to shut down the professions entirely.^[5] Agents of the AMA contacted hundreds of medical groups and societies and urged them to deem it unethical for physicians to refer patients to chiropractors. The AMA began printing malicious, unsubstantiated claims about chiropractors in their consumer publications, using words like “fraud,” “hoax” and “cult.”

In 1976, three chiropractors had had enough of the harassment. They filed a lawsuit against the AMA and 11 other related medical institutions, alleging that they had all taken part, in various ways, in an illegal conspiracy to destroy the chiropractic profession. During the ensuing 10 years plus trial, the AMA and other defendants claimed that chiropractic care was invalid, but time after time their claims were successfully refuted by chiropractic’s obvious successes and the science behind those successes. On August 24, 1987, U.S. District Judge Susan Getzendanner ruled that the AMA and its officials were guilty of attempting to eliminate the chiropractic profession. In November, 1990 the U.S. Supreme Court upheld that decision, and the AMA agreed to pay 3.5 million dollars for the chiropractors’ legal fees and to revise its position.^[6]

Midwives Persecuted

Midwives—professionally trained women who help other women give birth naturally (within or outside a hospital environment)—gained popularity during the sixties and seventies. Unfortunately, they were also (and continue to be) attacked by the medical profession on a regular basis (witch-hunts all over again!), which included raids on their homes, arrests and the shutting down of their businesses. For example, when physicians from a local hospital in Santa Cruz, California discovered that midwives were taking business away from them, they organized and declared that midwifery was a public menace. The doctors refused to help in any way with blood tests or other treatments. The midwives found other means to acquire the necessary services, which really infuriated the doctors. [And in 1975, Yale University Hospital told their physicians that they wouldn’t be allowed to practice there if they assisted midwives. Other hospitals quickly followed suit.]

The Santa Cruz women faced trumped up charges brought against them by undercover agents sent in at the behest of the physicians. The midwives involved had helped birth more than 300 babies with no deaths and no complaints; yet the local hospital had a mortality rate of three out of 300. At the trial, supporters of the midwives flooded the courtroom. Three years after the arrest (which had used 13 people and eight squad cars to arrest two women on a misdemeanor) the prosecuting attorney dropped the charges. Unfortunately, it took quite a toll on the women involved, financially and emotionally, and they shut down their business. This story is typical throughout the country.  Hundreds of midwives all across the nation have been or are still harassed, shut down or thrown in jail for helping other women give birth naturally (pregnancy is considered a disease by the AMA)! 

John Robbin’s excellent book, Reclaiming Our Health, cites numerous examples of present-day midwife persecution, along with sobering evidence of how natural cures for cancer and other diseases are banned by the allopathic medical conglomerate.

Cancer Cures Condemned

Did you know it’s illegal to cure cancer? Successful alternative treatments for cancer really upsets the FDA, AMA, American Cancer Society, National Cancer Institute, hospital administrators, technicians, pharmaceutical empires and medical doctors. Conventional cancer treatment is a huge industry that stands to lose billions of dollars when holistic cures work. So when people come up with successful cures, they are hounded by the authorities until they are shut down or thrown in jail.

Cancer is not that difficult to understand: it is the result of an overly toxic body, weakened bodily systems and a weakened immune system. Malfunction of the pancreas is believed by some to be one of the leading causes of the development of cancer. Cancer is the result of years or decades of eating polluted food and improper nutrition. When the body can no longer defend itself against the toxins or store them safely in fat cells, the area is overwhelmed and cancer develops. Many holistic physicians believe that cancer is completely reversible through non-toxic treatment. Western allopathic treatments use radiation, chemotherapy (drugs that pull in billions of dollars a year worldwide) and surgery to kill or cut out the pathogens/cancer cells. The result? An immune system seriously compromised or wiped out, as well as other bodily systems severely compromised or wiped out. Next result? Rare recovery or shortened lifespan and probable cancer recurrence, since the root problem is not addressed. The payoff? Western medical systems make billions off disease management while patients trapped in the system continue to spiral downward both physically and financially. 

The natural approach to cancer is to help the body rebuild its immunity and other bodily systems, so that we can naturally overcome the cancerous situation. Most alternative treatments also use techniques to kill offending cancer cells and viruses (ozone therapy, herbs, oxygen therapy, etc.) that enhance rather than destroy the immune system. The result? People regain their lives because they learn how to properly care for their health while keeping their immune system intact to prevent a recurrence. The payoff to natural doctors? Knowledge that they are helping people get well. The payoff to the allopathic system of disease management? None. 

In the 1950s Harry Hoxsey operated 17 alternative health clinics in 17 states. He was using an herbal formula that thousands of his patients claimed had cured them of cancer. The AMA launched a vicious attack against him and he was subsequently arrested over 100 times! Yet, no cancer patient of his evertestified against him, and in fact, every time he was thrown in jail, hundreds of his patients would surround the jail and sing and pray until he was released! Many reporters and other professionals went to him to expose him as a hoax, but wound up vigorously defending him once they learned of his character and treatments. 

The attacks on him by the AMA and the police department continued. Finally, he sued the AMA for slander and libel. He became the first person to win a judgement against the AMA. In 1953, Benedict Fitzgerald, Jr., special counsel to the U.S. Senate Commerce Committee, conducted an in-depth investigation and concluded that the FDA, AMA and the National Cancer Institute conspired to suppress a fair investigation of Hoxsey’s treatments. By 1953 his clinics were flourishing and he had successfully treated over 12,000 people. Unfortunately, in 1960 the FDA found a way to shut down all 17 clinics: they stated that there is no known cure for cancer and therefore that what he was doing was illegal! 

Hoxsey’s chief nurse moved to Tijuana, Mexico and opened the clinic there, where it continues to thrive and successfully treat people with cancer. Their clinic can be found at: www.cancure.org/hoxsey_clinic.htm.^[7] Cancer treatments that work (and there are many) continue to be suppressed to this day, and people who practice them are persecuted and hounded with a vengeance. 

Natural Treatment Suppression and the Media

I could go on and on with stories about how the AMA, FDA and other medical institutions/government agencies deliberately suppress bona fide natural treatments (and you can read dozens of such stories of overt suppression of legitimate cures in John Robbin’s Reclaiming Our Health), but the point I want to make is that you probably haven’t heard about these methods because the mainstream media is tied to the allopathic medical model. If the allopathic group says it’s quackery, then the media will give lip service to the natural treatment, but will always conclude its report in favor of the Establishment, which condemns such therapies with words like unscientific, anecdotal, false, new–age, or simply untrue. So, you can’t look to the mainstream media and expect to hear about truly innovative and effective natural therapies—the same groups of people who own the media also own and intersect with the allopathic medical establishment. And, I must point out that there ARE bogus (so-called) “natural” treatments that don’t work, which is why I’m going to give you a quick overview of research based natural medicine remedies and philosophies so you know how to find and use the legitimate ones.

Natural Healing Systems

As I mentioned earlier, holistic doctors use methods and techniques that help the body balance, rebuild and strengthen systems to bring about healing. There are dozens of natural healing models to choose from and, although I respect most of the modalities available, there are a few I believe deserve special mention because of the extensive education involved, as well as the proven success rate. 

In my opinion, naturopathic doctors, traditional Chinese medical doctors and acupuncturists are at the top of the list. This is because they have the most education, the widest knowledge base and also have access to diagnostic tests that are not available to other natural practitioners. Next are chiropractors and/or network spinal analysis practitioners (a form of gentle chiropractic), because their type of care helps to ensure the proper nerve signal flow that is so essential to a healthy body. If I had a medical condition, I would seek the counsel of a member of one or more of the “top tier” above; then, as money and time permitted, I would seek additional natural therapies (such as massage, herbal remedies, nutritional counseling, energetic healing, etc.).

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and acupuncture are based on an “energetic” model of healthcare. A practitioner of this discipline is interested in how well energy (called chi or qi) is flowing through your body. Energetic flow is a precursor to biochemical activity. Naturopathy (as a philosophy), on the other hand, is more concerned about the biochemical imbalances that may be occurring in the body. Chiropractic seeks to correctly align the spine by mechanical adjustment, so that nerve signals flow properly—pinched nerves don’t transmit information very well, and that can lead to health challenges or disease. All three healing systems are valid and very useful for overcoming ailments. If you can afford it, I suggest using all three disciplines, and letting your caregivers know that you are in counsel with other practitioners.

Here is an overview of some of the most popular and important therapies available. My ideal clinic would offer traditional Chinese medicine, naturopathy and chiropractic. The advantage of this is the “cross-knowledge” that the practitioners share by working closely with colleagues in different fields.

Traditional Chinese Medicine/Acupuncture

Nearly five thousand years ago the ancient Chinese recognized a vital energy behind all life forms and processes—this animating force controls the functioning of every organ and system in the body. The Chinese called this energy qi (pronounced chee). The Chinese word and character was originally “latinized” as “chi.” Chi is known as the “life force” by shamans, as “prana” by yogis, as “bioelectric energy” by modern scientists, and the “vis medicatrix naturae” (“healing power of nature”) by modern naturopathic physicians. This term, apparently coined by Hippocrates (a physician who lived 2400 years ago), shows that naturopathic medicine is deeply rooted in the origins of traditional Western medicine. 

This life force energy must flow freely and in the correct strength and quality for the body to function correctly. In all illness, the flow of vital energy has been impaired, and the goal of traditional Chinese medicine/acupuncture is to help restore the proper flow of energy (chi) throughout the body. Correcting an imbalance in energy flow is like fixing a template or blueprint—often preventing an impending illness before it can manifest physically. It’s said that in ancient China people paid a doctor as long as they stayed healthy; if they became ill, payment was suspended until health was regained! 

Healing practitioners discovered that chi flows along specific pathways, or channels, called “meridians.” Each pathway is associated with a particular physiological system and internal organ. Disease arises due to a deficiency or imbalance of energy in the meridians and their associated physiological systems. TCM uses an intricate system of pulse and tongue diagnosis, stimulation or sedation of key points and meridians, a thorough medical history and detailed observation of symptoms to create a composite diagnosis. Two people with the same illness may have very different constitutions and causes for the condition. Therefore, an individualized treatment plan is formulated to assist each person in regaining a balanced state of health.

Chinese herbs are either ingested (often as a tea) or applied externally to balance body energy and revitalize cells and tissues. Acupuncture is the process of inserting very fine needles into precisely located points along the meridians with the intent to decrease, increase or shift the flow of chi. Modern science has measured the electrical charge at these points, corroborating the locations of meridians. Each point has a predictable effect upon the vital energy passing through it. According to the manipulation of the needles, energy can be drawn to a deficient organ, excess energy dispersed, blockages removed, and so on, according to the individual need of the patient. Acupuncture needles usually produce a slight stinging sensation, but rarely cause overt pain. 

Sometimes points are treated with a special, heated herb—artemesia vulgaris latiflora (called “moxa”)—which resembles a brown colored wool. Usually a small cone of moxa is placed on the skin over an acupuncture point, ignited, and removed when the heat is felt. Like needles, moxa revitalizes, reinforces, invigorates and restores balance and harmony to the vital energy. 

As the balance and harmony of the vital energy is restored, symptoms of illness disappear. If all organs and functions of the body are working properly and harmoniously, there cannot be sickness within the body or mind.

Ayurveda

Known as “The Science of Life,” Ayurveda is a Sanskrit word that literally means “life wisdom.”Practiced in India at least 5,000 years ago (and still as effective as when it was created by ancient sages known as Rishis), Ayurveda is a natural system of medicine that employs diet, herbs, cleansing and purification practices as well as yoga to effect healing. The Rishis—masters of meditation and observation—developed a system of healing based on the five basic elements: ether, air, fire, water and earth. Combinations of these elements are known as the doshas. Your dosha is your constitutional makeup. There are three main types, called Vata (predominately air) Pitta (predominately fire) and Kapha (predominately earth and water), and four combination types. By knowing your type, you have immediate access to useful information on what to eat, how to exercise, how to cleanse and purify your body and how to prevent disease. Many natural food stores carry specific products, such as teas, which have been developed for the various doshas. Generally, you visit an Ayvuredic physician to have a complete profile and healing system created.

Naturopathy / Naturopathic Medicine

Naturopathic medicine is a system of natural healing deeply rooted in Western culture. It is based on a philosophy that health and disease are on a continuum, and that the body has a profound ability to heal itself when given the proper conditions. Therefore, naturopathic patients are taught how to access the body’s innate wisdom, promote vibrant health and prevent disease. Preventive care results in financial benefits, as health is maintained, disease avoided, and costly procedures averted. 

Naturopathic physicians (NDs) treat ‘the whole person,’ taking into account the body-mind-spirit interconnection and the individual needs of the patient. Spending up to 90 minutes for an initial visit and an average of 45 minutes for follow-up exams, the naturopath asks numerous questions, performs a detailed physical exam, thoroughly investigates symptoms and complaints, explains treatment options and includes the patient in choosing a treatment plan.

Naturopathic physicians are primary care providers (family physicians) and, like a conventional doctor, an ND will often use a number of laboratory procedures as well as the physical exam to make a diagnosis. Additionally, nutritional status, metabolic function, and toxic load are frequently considered to aid in diagnosis and treatment decisions. Non-invasive therapies such as lifestyle or behavior modification and relaxation techniques may be “prescribed.” 

Spinal manipulation, massage therapy, therapeutic nutrition, botanical medicine, detoxification, physiotherapy, exercise therapy, homeopathy, acupuncture and psychological counseling may also be included in treatment. In some states where naturopathic physicians are licensed, naturopaths may also perform minor outpatient surgery and prescribe medication. When prudent, an ND will refer patients to a specialist for a definitive diagnosis and advice. 

Though naturopathy came to the United States just over 100 years ago, the natural therapies and the philosophy on which it is based have been effectively used to treat diseases for thousands of years. In fact, the word physician comes from the Greek root meaning nature. Hippocrates coined the phrase, “nature is the healer of all diseases.” This concept underlies the principles outlined in the “Hippocratic Oath,” as stated below:

• First, do no harm.
• Act in cooperation with the Healing Power of Nature (the ‘vis medicatrix naturae’ in Latin).
• Address the fundamental causes of disease.
• Heal the whole person through individualized treatment.
• Teach the principles of healthy living and preventive medicine. 

The first two years of naturopathic school are very similar to conventional medical school, requiring anatomy, physiology, pathology, biochemistry, neurology, radiology, minor surgery, microbiology, obstetrics, immunology, gynecology, pharmacology, pediatrics, dermatology, clinical laboratory and physical diagnosis, among other courses. The second two years focus on clinical skills: NDs receive training in a wide range of natural therapeutics such as botanical medicine, homeopathy, natural childbirth, acupuncture, physiotherapy, and clinical nutrition. Because coursework in natural therapeutics is added to a standard medical curriculum, naturopathic doctors receive significantly more hours of classroom education in these areas than do graduates of many leading medical schools. Students also complete a clinical internship consisting of 1,500 hours treating patients under the supervision of licensed naturopathic and conventional medical physicians in an outpatient setting. 

Currently, naturopathic physicians are licensed as primary care providers in 13 states and several territories, including the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. Several provinces of Canada have licensed naturopathic physicians. England, Australia, and New Zealand also have provisions for appropriately trained naturopaths to practice. 

It is important to recognize that in jurisdictions that do not license naturopathic physicians, anyone can refer to themselves as a naturopath or naturopathic doctor. While these practitioners, some of whom have been educated by distance learning, may have good information about natural healing, they may not have the training to recognize when to refer, nor have the knowledge to work in a complementary fashion with conventional health care providers. To find a qualified naturopath, visit the American Association of Naturopathic Physician’s Web site at www.naturopathic.org and chose a naturopath from their database.

Homeopathy

[Note: Naturopaths are trained in homeopathy, but not all Homeopathic practitioners are Naturopaths.]

Homeopathy was developed by German physician and chemist Dr. Samuel Hahnemann in the early 1800s. Through numerous experiments, he furthered the theory of “The Law of Similars,” that a substance in small doses can alleviate symptoms similar to those it causes at higher doses. He believed that the microdose of a substance would stimulate the body’s immune system to heal whatever pattern of symptoms would be found in a large dose of the same substance. This principle is also known as “likes cure likes,” one of the two cornerstones of homeopathy. 

Homeopathic remedies are prepared by a detailed process of repeated dilution and shaking, which makes them capable of stimulating the body’s own defense system. The shaking, or “succussion,” is the second cornerstone of homeopathy. Hahnemann believed that dilution and succussion released a power that affected the life force energy at the subtle (spiritual or energetic) level. For example, we are all familiar with formerly invisible, immeasurable, unknowable energy forms, such as electromagnetic radiation and subatomic particles. Magnets exerted their force long before science could explain the mechanism. Physicists are still trying to explain gravity and the nature of matter, still discovering phenomena such as the strong force and the weak force. Similarly, homeopathic medicine works at a level not entirely recognized by some in modern allopathic medical science. 

Homeopaths believe that although the physical molecules of the original substance may be gone, dilution and succussion leaves something behind—an imprint of its essence, or its energy pattern—that gives it a kind of healing charge. Scientists who accept the potential benefits of homeopathy suggest several theories to explain how the highly diluted remedies may act. Using recent developments in quantum physics, they have proposed that electromagnetic energy in the medicines may interact with the body on some level. 

Homeopathy is not yet well known in the United States, but is gaining popularity because of its high success rate in helping people, especially those who cannot be helped by conventional medicine. Homeopathy is very well-established and respected in England, France, Switzerland, Germany, India and many other countries.

In most cases, homeopaths consider everything that is going on in the patient’s life rather than looking at isolated symptoms. The patient complaining of headaches may also suffer from depression, insecurity, low energy and a long list of other problems. All of these problems may stem from the same root cause; if so, then by dealing with the root cause, all of the problems will fade away. During a lengthy initial appointment (usually about 90 minutes) all of the complaints will be explored. Then the appropriate remedies, made from plants, minerals and other natural substances, are prescribed. Sometimes the remedy is given in a single dose and allowed to work over a period of time. In other instances, an initial dose is given, followed by repeated doses over a period of hours, days or weeks. 

Homeopathy is often effective with people who have chronic diseases, long-term physical or emotional problems or recurring illnesses. After taking the correct homeopathic remedy, patients feel greater well-being and happiness, since homeopathic care goes much deeper than most other treatments. Whether or not conventional medicine considers the condition curable is not the major factor in determining whether homeopathy can help. Homeopaths recognize the importance of intervening as little as possible. They know the body is intelligent and produces symptoms for a reason. 

Use of homeopathic remedies can never harm the body. Even if they don’t work, they will not hurt. An experienced practitioner can help you use them in a way that won’t spoil the curative action of the potencies.

Chiropractic & Network Spinal Analysis

Classic Chiropractic

Chiropractic care began with D.D. Palmer in 1895 when a janitor, who had been deaf in one ear, was able to hear again once Palmer pushed one of his vertebra back into place. The janitor had a vertebral subluxation in his neck, meaning the vertebra was stuck in an abnormal position. Palmer moved the vertebra back into position, and when he did, nerves in that region were able to function again, restoring the janitor’s hearing.

Palmer realized that when misaligned vertebrae are physically adjusted into proper alignment, nerves supplying the afflicted region then operate at greater efficiency, allowing the body to more fully heal itself. Conversely, when vertebrae remain misaligned, the nervous system is compromised, and many parts of the body are not able to function optimally, which can lead to functional problems or disease. Chiropractic care is the process of physically aligning vertebrae back into appropriate positions so that nerve signal flow is restored to full function.

Network Spinal Analysis

A number of years ago, Dr. Donald Epstein, a chiropractor in New York, noticed that many chiropractors used techniques that encouraged the spine and nervous system to realign on its own via gentle stimulation, as opposed to traditional physical adjustments. Some techniques worked around the neck area, others near the tailbone, and still others at specific vertebrae. Each method was aimed at getting the spine and nervous system to realign without physical manipulations. He discovered that these methods achieved excellent results and, after a great deal of research and testing on his own clients, developed network spinal analysis, a synthesis of effective low-force adjustments. Network spinal analysis uses gentle touches to the spine and meninges (tissue around the spinal cord) to stimulate the nervous system and spine to properly align. 

Of particular interest is the “respiratory wave,” which, when it flows through the spinal system, indicates that the system is realigning itself to optimal functioning. When the nervous system is operating without interference—whether from a subluxated vertebra or tension on the nervous system from the spine in another form—then the body can achieve a higher level of healing. Many people report that symptoms of headaches or other complaints disappear after a series of Network adjustments. I personally benefited greatly after receiving numerous treatments from two caregivers.

Massage

Therapeutic massage, also known as bodywork, is one of the most pleasant preventive care methods you can use. Its various forms have been used for thousands of years because it increases circulation, relieves tension and muscle spasms, and stretches connective tissue. It can break down or prevent the formation of adhesions, reducing the risk of fibrosis, and can actually increase the number of red blood cells, especially in cases of anemia. Massage improves muscle tone and can prevent or delay atrophy resulting from forced inactivity. It also stimulates lymph circulation and assists the elimination of wastes, lactic acid and other toxins.

There are many kinds of massage available, from direct intervention techniques like Rolfing (connective tissue restructuring named after founder Ida Rolf) and Swedish massage, to modalities like Shiatsu, acupuncture and reflexology, which act by releasing energy through the connective tissue. There are also “full on” energetic modalities such as craniosacral, Reiki and Jin Shin Juytsu that require little or no pressure. On the other hand, neuro-muscular therapy (NMT) and myofascial release are techniques that utilize a significant amount of pressure and can be somewhat uncomfortable (that “good hurt” feeling) during treatment, but provide pain relief after the session. Still other types of bodywork, such as Rosen, Rubenfeld and Hellerwork (all named after their founders) focus on emotional release. There are dozens of other choices, from Watsu (sessions conducted in the water) to the patented “BodyTalk,” as well as sports, Russian and Thai medical massage. Still others offer what’s known as somatic education. These modalities offer postural awareness and movement reeducation along with “tablework.” They include Trager, Feldenkrais and Hanna Somatics (again, the disciplines bear their founders’ names).

Thomas ­­­Claire’s book, Bodywork^[8] is an excellent reference that provides an overview of many kinds of touch therapies and takes you through the author’s experience of each one. It also gives contraindications (conditions you may have which should not be addressed by massage therapy), explains the training regimen and gives reference phone numbers for each discipline, so you can call for recommended practitioners in your area. 

Once you know the kind of work you’re looking for, check the Yellow Pages and pick up some business cards from local bulletin boards. Call a few therapists and ask whether she is nationally certified and how long she has been in practice. Much of your experience will depend on the connection you feel with the therapist. Bodywork/massage is a burgeoning field and there are some people in it just for the money (even though it is hard work)! Look for someone you sense has a true dedication to facilitating healing through touch, and a commitment to excellence and continuing education. Glance at the certificates that should be displayed in the office and notice whether professional ethics are posted. 

By the way, while an office in a clinic or sports facility may feel more professional, it’s also very common and legitimate for a therapist to work from a home office, or even to give you a massage in your own home! Regardless of where your session occurs, you should feel comfortable at all times. Sheets and towels should appear clean and freshly changed. 

While massage therapy isn’t cheap (session rates vary across the country, but usually range between $45 and $85 an hour), it’s less than most other medical professionals charge for a much shorter visit. And you’ll save money in the long run. 

Natural Medicine Conclusion

I hope you’ve gotten a sense of the exciting possibility of participating in your wellness. As Dr. Candace Pert, former head of the National Institutes of Health states: “We have far more control over our bodies and our health (or disease processes and their outcomes) than we realize.” It’s true. We need to re-empower ourselves by learning to listen to the wisdom of our bodies, and use healthcare professionals as partners rather than looking to them to provide all of our answers. 

Natural Remedies

There are many natural remedies, found in natural food stores, that you can use. In addition to homeopathic remedies, which are discussed in detail earlier in this chapter, the three primary natural healing remedies you’ll find in natural foods stores are: 1) flower remedies, 2) essential oils (aromatherapy), and 3) herbs/herbal combinations. Of course there are others, but these are the main categories (as opposed to “supplements,” which are discussed in Chapter 6). For emotional issues, trauma and personality challenges, look into homeopathy, flower essences and aromatherapy. For overall well being, consider herbs and aromatherapy. For ailments, try homeopathy and herbs, then flower essences and aromatherapy. To assist in your choice, talk with natural food store employees, visit a natural doctor and/or read one of the books listed at the end of this chapter.

Flower Remedies

Flower remedies are carefully prepared diluted essences of plants and flowers that work on what’s known as the subtle energy body as well as on the emotional body. This means they work with the body on an energetic and emotional level rather than a directly physical level. Dr. Edward Bach (1897-1936) developed the first system of flower remedies, called the Bach Flower Remedies. He believed that physical problems were manifestations of emotional problems, and that if the emotional problems could be healed, that the physical problems would also be healed. Bach discovered that certain flowers and plants stimulated the body’s natural healing systems and helped to stabilize emotional problems. Whereas Homeopathic remedies stimulate a polar opposite response in the subtle energies, Flower Essences do the reverse and “pull” the subtle energies into the direction of healing (wholeness).

In an interview with Better Nutrition, David Vennells, author of Bach Flower Remedies for Beginners, Vennells  explains that flower remedies are a safe and gentle practice. “Flower essences can be used by anyone,” he writes. “They are generally prescribed according to our personality type or the prevailing state of mind during a particular illness.” 

“Dr. Bach found a way to harness the healing energy contained within certain plants and trees,” said Vermeils. He explains how flower essences work: “All living things possess life force energy. In the East this is sometimes called chi or prana. It is a subtle type of life-giving energy. Some plants and trees carry a particular type of life force energy which can have a healing effect on the body and mind. Flower essences capture and hold this healing life force energy until it is needed.” To help treat an illness, the appropriate flower remedy is prescribed by considering mental and emotional symptoms, rather than physical ones.

According to Vennells, flower essences help patients regain good health or manage difficulties with a more positive attitude. He stressed, however, that you don’t need to be sick to reap the benefits of flower essences. “You don’t have to be ill,” he said. “They can just make life a lot more meaningful. Although we may generally feel physically and mentally okay, we might also occasionally feel something is missing from our life, some meaning or purpose. This subtle feeling is a gentle wake-up call.”

Essential Oil Aromatherapy

Ever smell a flower and feel better? You just experienced Aromatherapy! “Aroma,” of course, means “smell or fragrance” and “therapy” means “treatment.” Unlike the senses of sight, hearing and taste, our olfactory (sense of smell) nerves are connected directly to the brain. The sense of smell registers in the hypothalamus gland, which regulates many important activities, including those of the endocrine system, which controls hormones that affect growth and autonomic processes such as heart rate, breathing, digestion and body temperature. Aromatherapy uses pure, non-synthetic essential oils extracted from many parts of a plant (flower, leaf, resin, bark, root, seed, berry, etc.) to relax, balance and rejuvenate the body, mind and spirit. 

In Aromatherapy, the essential oil is often diffused into the air or placed directly onto the body in a diluted base of oil or water. Most natural food and herb stores carry essential oils. Organic oils are the best. This safe and effective natural remedy helps to stimulate emotional balance in a delightful way!

Herbs

The use of healing herbs dates back tens of thousands of years. When used properly and with care, they are generally quite safe, while side effects, if any, are mild. (Specifically, I’m referring to pre-packaged medicinal herbs that include directions for their use; I’m not referring to the use of un-packaged bulk herbs used by the novice.) Medicinal herbs have the ability to work on specific systems of the body. Dozens of herbs and herbal combinations (called formulas) are available today to help facilitate healing in almost any area of the body. Choosing organically grown, wild-crafted herbs is always preferred. Purists believe that using the whole herb—not just a standardized extract from an herb—will give the best results.

Some herbs are considered tonics: nourishing specific cells, tissues and organs, and are often used for long periods of time. Tonics are very gentle, slow stimulants, and they provide nutrients that the body can use, such as vitamins, minerals, and many other properties, like plant pigments such as anthocyanins or flavonoids.  

Other herbs are called specifics, because they have a specific job to do for a limited time (up to three 10-day cycles is common). They fine-tune biochemical processes, enhance the flow of chi and regulate energy in the bioenergetic channels (removing stagnancy and redistributing excess energy). They generally work by stimulating a process; one of the best examples is Echinacea, which stimulates immune cell function, heightening resistance to infections.

Still other herbs are called “heroics” (forcing remedies), as they blast through energy blocks and dramatically move or inhibit energy in the bioenergetic channels. They can be helpful when someone with a generally sound constitution suffers from severely imbalanced energies, and they should be used only by professional practitioners with knowledge of the herb’s action and its contraindications. 

Herbs are sometimes manufactured into tinctures, teas or capsules. Tinctures are either alcohol- based or glycerin (sugar) based. Tinctures are especially useful because they separate the active ingredients of the herb for easy assimilation and can be stored for long periods of time. Tinctures are stronger than teas and are frequently diluted in water. Teas work because when the herbs are heated, the active ingredients are released into the tea water. Some herbs work better as a tincture, others as a tea; still others are best raw (capsules). I suggest you always buy organic herbs, because in addition to being free of herbicides and irradiation, they will be more potent. 

Vitamins & Minerals

Although vitamins and minerals can be considered  natural remedies, I consider them to be supplements, since these nutrients ought to be part of your regular diet. If a deficiency is suspected, I suggest avoiding synthetic vitamins and minerals that are packaged as isolated units. Instead, take whole food supplements such as wheat grass juice or some of the other supplements I suggested earlier (see Chapter 6). Some herbs are high in specific minerals or vitamins, and that would be a good choice as well. Be as natural and as close to a living plant as possible. Isolated vitamins and minerals, even if found in a natural foods store, have been manufactured in a lab and should be used only if a better choice is unavailable. 

Reference Books for Natural Remedies

If you desire to learn which natural remedies can help overcome specific ailments, I highly recommend the following books:

1. Prescription for Nutritional Healing by James F. Balch, M.D. & Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C. Well-researched and very detailed, this best-selling book is an excellent resource which gives numerous natural treatment protocols for ailments from A to Z and is available in most natural food stores.
2. Encyclopedia of Nutritional Supplements by Michael Murray, N.D. Mr. Murray does a superb job of describing the various nutrients we require and why, and what happens when we don’t get adequate amounts. He provides information on a number of natural remedies, as well as treatment plans for ailments. His work is very detailed and well researched. 

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^[1] The Medical Mafia, Guylaine Lanctot, M.D., p. 35.

^[2] Ibid., p. 33.

^[3] Ibid.; Additional information on Flexner can be found here: www.unmc.edu/Community/ruralmeded/flexner.htm.

^[4] The Medical Mafia, Guylaine Lanctot, M.D., p. 37.

^[5] Reclaiming Our Health, John Robbins, p. 188.

^[6] Ibid., p. 193.

^[7] Ibid. pages 273-278

^[8] William Morrow and Co., Inc. 1995