Hom-Nat-Hol.  Not a chant!

 What is homeopathic medicine?

National Institute of Health/National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health stated that homeopathy, also known as homeopathic medicine, was developed in Germany over 200 years ago and is based on two unconventional theories:

• “Like cures like”—the notion that a disease can be cured by a substance that produces similar symptoms in healthy people
• “Law of minimum dose”—the notion that the lowerthe dose of the medication, the greater its effectiveness. Many homeopathic products are so diluted that no molecules of the original substance remain.

Homeopathic products are developed from plants (such as red onion, arnica [mountain herb], poison ivy, belladonna [deadly nightshade], and stinging nettle), minerals (such as white arsenic), or animals (such as crushed whole bees). Most are made as sugar pellets to be placed under the tongue (sublingual). They may also be in other forms, such as ointments, gels, drops, creams, and tablets. These treatments are personalized or developed for each person’s condition.

Holistic medicine, homeopaths or naturopathic doctors (NDs) acknowledge the body’s natural healing abilities, respect the patient’s role within the healing process and take extensive emotional, physical and psychological histories. NDs treat a variety of issues using homeopathic medicines and are also concerned with preventative medicine and wellness. Naturopaths may treat allergies, high blood pressure, depression, fatigue, fibromyalgia, insomnia, menstrual issues and weight control. The medicines they prescribe, which are manufactured by homeopathic pharmaceutical companies, are referred to as remedies and contain a mild form of bacteria that triggers an immune response.

In addition to working as primary care physicians, NDs may also work as consultants, natural pharmacists, research scientists and wellness educators. Some may choose to work within a multi-disciplinary practice that includes other health care providers, such as acupuncturists and licensed massage therapists.

Homeopathic practitioners can have different educational, licensure and certification options. However, they should all have some key skills, including problem-solving skills, the ability to be empathetic and personable, strong listening skills, strong critical-thinking skills and the ability to document and keep accurate records.

Fair warning in departments that regulate safety: According to the 2012 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), an estimated 5 million American adults and 1 million children used homeopathy in 2011. Most adults use homeopathic products for colds and musculoskeletal pain. The Australian government’s National Health and Medical Research Council in 2015, concluded that there is no reliable evidence that homeopathy is effective for any health condition. In 2016, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced it will hold efficacy and safety claims for over-the-counter homeopathic drugs to the same standard as those for other products making similar claims. In December 2017, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) proposed a new risk-based enforcement approach to homeopathic products. The scientific community is still trying to reach a conclusion on how a product with little or no active properties can be effective. Although we see healing in the health field with these remedies, it may be a placebo effect.  Homeopathic treatments are not a “one pill treats all”. There are hundreds of possible remedies for thousands of symptoms.

Sources: The American Association of Naturopathic Physicians; The Council for Homeopathic Certification; Association of Accredited Naturopathic Medical Colleges; U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics; PayScale.com

What is Naturopathic?

American Association of Naturopathic Physician states that is the “naturopathic physician’s role to identify and remove barriers to good health by helping to create a healing internal and external environment. Naturopathic physicians work in private practices, hospitals, clinics and community health centers”. Naturopathy or naturopathic medicine is a form of alternative medicine that employs an array of pseudoscientific practices branded as “natural”, “non-invasive”, and as promoting “self-healing”.

What is a holistic practitioner?

A holistic practitioner is concerned with the whole person, mind-body-soul. These three elements need to be addressed in order to be healed. Injury and illness are received as a message that the mind-body-spirit is not in harmony. The holistic practitioner incorporates homeopathic medicine to address the whole person.  The initial conversation is very detailed to be able to understand the whole person including, emotions, dreams, stressors, personal interactions, work life, and home life.

Along with a natural way of healing, is traditional Chinese medicine with the uses of herbs. People seek out a way to heal by not using conventional medicines and its side effects. Herbs most researched from the National Center of Complementary and Alternative Medicines website in 2012 were St John’s wort, fenugreek, echinacea, aloe vera, and evening primrose. I am constantly looking for the next combination of herbs to help with aging, hormones imbalance, and type 2 diabetes. I have found some worked and some didn’t. Do investigation on your illness or injury.

Other therapies that can be alternative or complementary are chiropractic, massage, and acupuncture. Chiropractic treatments are known as spinal manipulative therapy. Most people go to a chiropractor for muscle/skeletal pain in the back or neck. This has helped me after a car wreck, to regain health and balance. Little slips and falls add up creating imbalance of the skeletal system. Massage is a great additive to chiropractic. Massage is great at relaxation, increase blood flow, and relieving general muscle pain. Massage has been used for multiple sclerosis, cancer, HIV/AIDS, neurological trauma, sciatica, depression, anxiety disorders, and other mind/body complaints. I have been a massage therapist for years and have helped with all kinds of body/mind problems. Acupuncture has been around for thousands of years in the East.  Mostly used for pain, has also been used in all types of illnesses. The use of hair-fine needles is inserted into the body along the meridian lines and act as a signal or conduit to send a message to that organ to heal. I have tried acupuncture to heal and found that it did help.

If you are looking for a holistic way to heal, you may be very surprised from the results. Yes, you can chant Hom-Nat-Hol  (LOL) and add Om. Om is the highest vibration, repeat 108 times to remove blocks and bring in peace.

You may also want to try essential oils, massage, tai chi, and meditation. Anything that calms the mind and nervous system will improve health.

Dr. Axe recommends cinnamon, thyme, oregano, and tea tree as the best antibacterial oils. Dr. Axe also mentions patchouli, geranium, lavender, tea tree, and grapefruit seed extract for staph infections. I agree with his choices and like me, he does his research. I use Tea tree and Lemon in my liquid shower soap. Over the years as a flight attendant, I needed to find something simple and natural to help with germs and allergies. I developed a special formula of eight essential oils that supports the immune system and helps kill germs. 

Immune 8 can protect with its blend of 8 essential oils, you can check out those benefits here  https://immune8.com/immune-8-blend-and-beneficial-actions/

Essential oils are an easy way to boost your immune system and can help defend against virus and other germs, check out the products here  Immune8.com

To Your Health & Happiness, 

Margie

Immune 8