Understanding Holistic Health
Posted by on Sep 3, 2010
Many people are looking for a more holistic health approach to meet their health care needs these days, but don’t quite understand what it means or how it will benefit them. More and more consumers are becoming aware that our current health care system is failing us in more ways than one and some kind of action is required, but get frightened or diverted by other’s negative perceptions and skepticism of natural health which is really based on misinformation and lack of understanding.
Most skepticism of alternative health modalities is fueled by the unfortunate fact that modern medicine tries to discredit alternative means of healing because it is much more profitable for them to use surgery and pharmaceuticals, not on any real grounds for concern. The topic of alternative health always brings out the doubting Thomas’s who scream quackery and voodoo. You may hear that they tried a holistic method without any success or that they had some weird side effect or even felt worse.
Here’s a couple important points to keep in mind. Their experience may be true but that does not mean it is true for everyone and there could be other reasons that contributed to their experience. We can very easily find another group of people who had great success and no side effects with the exact same treatment method they used.
This is because not everyone’s body responds to a particular treatment or healing approach in the exact same way. Even though you may share the same health condition with someone else, each of you has a unique body chemistry and genetics and the same disease can have a different process or impact from person to person. Each of these factors influences the results that will be achieved. In addition to that, someone with a liver, lymph system, endocrine system or other organ or system that doesn’t function optimally may have a very different response than someone who has healthier organs and systems.
Just because one treatment approach is ineffective for one person, does not meant it will be ineffective for you or others and that doesn’t mean that “all” holistic health care is ineffective. Results can be completely different from individual to individual. A lot of times it requires some trial and error to find what works best with your biochemistry and specific circumstances.
Additionally, this is true whether we are talking about a holistic health method or traditional pharmaceuticals. Regardless of whether we’re talking about natural remedies or prescription drugs, what is effective for one may not work at all for another, but overall holistic health is much more effective and a lot safer. We can find hundreds of thousands of people who have severe side effects, get worse, develop more serious health conditions or even die from prescription drugs. On the other hand, these events are rare within the field of natural health.
Holistic health or alternative health has actually been around longer than prescription medication or so called “modern” medicine. Plants and herbs have been used successfully to heal by many civilizations for centuries and most pharmaceutical drugs have their roots in herbal medicine. For example, the common and popular aspirin originated from an herb called white willow bark.
However, a crucial fact that many are not aware of is that just because something is natural does not mean it will automatically be free of side effects, complications or risks. Many people doctor themselves before first doing their homework and having a thorough understanding of the method they are using.
Herbs, plants, vitamins, minerals, or any alternative treatment method can be just as potent as a prescription and requires a great deal of education and research to be sure you achieve the desired results. They should be taken or performed as prescribed by a knowledgeable health care provider. For example: some holistic remedies that are effective for depression can have a negative effect on someone with Parkinson’s.
Too much or too little of a particular herb can be ineffective, while too much of a vitamin or mineral can be just as bad as not enough. There can be complications or interactions even within natural substances, as one herb or even treatment modality such as massage or acupuncture may counteract or rev up another treatment approach and vitamins and minerals work in conjunction with one another
Additionally, herbs and other natural substances can interact with prescription medication and reduce it’s effectiveness and vice versa. Its extremely important that you consult with a holistic health care provider and disclose all medications and conditions prior to medicating yourself.
Another important issue that may impact results of a holistic health remedy is the quality of the product or service you use. It’s vital to do your homework in this area as well and only use products and services from reputable companies. The natural health field is not immune to sales hype and scamming. You must be a diligent and informed consumer regardless of what path you follow.
Breaking free from the old way of thinking that conditions us to believe that drugs and surgery are the superior method of treatment can be frightening and difficult. It may seem foreign, threatening or strange at first, but when you get the facts about holistic health, you realize that it makes a lot of sense.
Holistic health offers us an abundance of wholesome, non-toxic, affordable approaches from herbal remedies and nutritional supplements to massage, acupuncture, yoga, detoxification, changes in lifestyle, environment and diet or colon cleaning, chiropractic manipulations, meditation and many more that attempt to not only restore balance and harmony in the body, but to society and the planet as well.
It’s an empowering approach where the patient works with the health care provider as a team and is encouraged to be an active participant in the health care plan, educate themselves about their condition and engage in a variety of self-care techniques and practices.
Unlike modern medicine, which only attempts to suppress symptoms, holistic medicine attempts to correct the health condition by finding the underlying cause. Instead of stuffing everyone in a cookie cutter treatment plan, holistic health care is a whole body/mind approach that is individualized according to each person’s specific needs.
The ultimate goal is to enable each person to reach their highest sense of well-being, function as optimally as possible and live life as fully as possible regardless of the presence or absence of disease.
Cynthia Perkins, M.Ed. is an author and holistic health counselor providing no hype, straight forward, down to earth, honest talk about holistic health, natural health and green living to improve or protect your mental and physical health. Visit her site for more free holistic health tips or her Holistic Health Talk Blog.
Australia Spa Beauty Therapy – Natural Healing – Holistic Therapies & Treatments – Spa Aromatherapy – Acupuncture Health – Essential Oils ? Currum
Posted by on Aug 18, 2010
Camp Eden Health Resort:
At Camp Eden Health Resort you will find the perfect package to meet your needs. It offers irresistible packages which is the suitable introduction to discover what it’s like to stay at a health resort. Stay with us a little longer and you’ll restore your natural energy, re-discover balance and harmony, enhance your inner beauty and achieve a sense of well being.
We specialize in Personal Development Resort, Weight Management Packages & Weight Loss Retreats
Camp Eden – Weight Management Services Packages:
The Weight Management Packages offered by Camp Eden Health Retreat include:
Weekend Package
Seven Nights Package
Five Nights Package
Twelve Nights Package
Twenty One Nights Package
Our exclusive Weight Management Packages includes proper balanced nutrition, integrating the concept of mindfulness, healthy eating practices, personal development retreats, spa beauty therapy, natural healing, weight loss program, regular physical activity, weight management program packages, detoxification, stress management and creating a balanced daily routine at Currumbin Valley in Australia.
Sub Tropical Rainforest Retreat:
The Rainforest Retreat is comfortable and rich with a natural character complimenting its place in the rainforest. These twin-share rooms are both stylish and functional with many appealing aspects.
Camp Eden Sanctuary:
Somewhere between the Hillside Haven and the Valley View eco lodges, lies your own private Eden Sanctuary. If the luxury of your own spacious bath tub appeals to you, treat yourself to these fully renovated and spacious eco lodges on the mountainside.
Hillside Haven:
Your own private Hillside Haven at the end of another fulfilling day at Camp Eden. Feel the relaxed atmosphere of Camp Eden wash over you in these fully renovated single rooms with new appointments.
Currumbin Valley View Deluxe:
The ultimate Eden escape for either single or twin accommodation. The Valley View Deluxe eco lodges offer you a secluded setting with floor to ceiling glass doors, opening onto your own private balcony where you can just relax and enjoy the natural beauty of the rainforest, or take in the views from your own deep bath as your body remembers what it’s like to relax! For those guests who want to enjoy extra indulgences – a perfect choice!
You can plan accordingly and visit our site link below:
http://www.campeden.com.au/health_resort/healing_spa_therapies.html
The Camp Eden Health Retreat and Health Resort & Fitness Center Company has been in business since 1984, and offers
Asheville Holistic Naturopathic Doctors
Posted by on Aug 6, 2010
Want to feel better naturally? Our professionally trained naturopathic doctors create individualized, holistic health care plans. Specialists in Women’s Medicine, Allergies, Digestive Disorders, and Weight Loss.
Holistic Health Guru Reveals Important Alternative & Natural Diet Secrets!
Posted by on Jul 17, 2010
First I must say that I think it’s funny that a natural, whole foods diet is now deemed to be the “alternative” approach! LOL! Before modern machinery & pesticides came along all foods were whole and organic. Why not eat the natural way like our ancestors? Now days people are starting to learn the importance of eating foods the way they were originally made to be eaten…whole and clean (organic). Of course it’s not smart to eat poisons! Anything that kills the bugs is going to hurt your health as well. Of course it’s not smart to remove part of the food and only eat the addictive part. Sugar for instance is originally full of minerals and then they process it and create this white “cocaine” that is so addictive kids scream and cry when they don’t get thier fix. Did you know that you can buy whole unprocessed sugar from the health food store? The brands are “Sucanat” and “Rapadura”. Look for oils that say “unrefined” on the label. Only certain oils can remain on the shelf (unrefrigerated) in an unrefined state without spoiling. Olive, sesame, coconut, and safflower are a few of the oils I recommend. I believe that everything has a purpose and that everything was put here to be used wisely. Eating foods in their whole form is eating them wisely. When you screw with foods by taking part of the food out and throwing it away you are doing a disservice to yourself and working toward creating problems. Read “Healing With Whole Foods” by Paul Pitchford. Great book but remember that as knowledgeable as Paul and others are, nobody knows everything and there are exceptions to all the rules.
Ok, I’ve made my point…eat whole, organic foods!
I’m Brett Rodgers, massage therapist. If you like my articles please see my web site too! I make the worlds best custom orthotics for the feet, cool and natural sitting cushions and awesome millet hull pillows!
Eat the many different colors of food!
Oh my God, the colors of life are so extraordinary. I have learned that when we eat foods full of color that we then see life as a colorful mystery to be solved, a beautiful place to give all that we can give, a vibrant and special gift from the divine. Think of all the different sounds too. When we eat different colors of foods we start to notice all the different sounds as well. The birds in the trees, a dog barking, the wind blowing. It is these simple things that we must appreciate each and every day! When we eat a full variety of different and colorful foods we give ourselves the opportunity to experience life to the fullest.
Change takes time!
As with everything in life, sometimes we need to make radical changes but most of the time it is best to change gradually. As an example, I’ve made some pretty extreme changes in my diet in the past that created some crazy withdrawal symptoms. When I got rid of processed sugar I had radical dreams of cookies, cakes and candies all night…every night and I would wake up in a puddle of sweat! Withdrawal from addictive/processed foods (foods that you’re allergic to) can be absolute hell! In the past I’ve tried to reduce and/or all but eliminate meat …to the point of total malnutrition. I looked like an Ethiopian! lol- but not funny. It can take a lot of time for many of us to be able to absorb enough nutrients from vegetable foods to meet our daily requirements. (The cleaner our bodies are and the calmer our minds are, the more will be able to achieve vegetarianism) Now, I know that for me, my most important restrictions are wheat, dairy and soy, more so than any other foods. You are one that needs to know about your own body! Listen to your own body and then make gradual changes. Push it…then if you fall off the horse, get right back on there!
Human bodies “reject” (allergies and sensitivities) the following foods the most:
Wheat & other grains, dairy, soy, corn, yeast, peanuts, nightshade vegetables (tomatoes, potatoes, peppers, eggplant), citrus (orange, grapefruit, lemon and lime), meat (beef, chicken, fish), eggs, and other foods that are either too aggressive, too fatty, too acidic, too mucus forming, have certain chemicals that can cause problems, or are foreign to our ancestral heritage. Read books about allergies and food sensitivities! (“Was It Something You Ate” by John Emsley and Peter Fell) Sometimes we need to completely eliminate certain foods that really cause us problems. (I have a gluten and lactose intolerance and need to stay away from wheat and dairy). Other times we can gradually introduce a food into our diet over a period of time. (Someone with a fungal problem may be able to eventually eat peanuts if they reduce their candida count or someone with an overly acidic body can gradually eat more citrus if they alkalize their bodies with diet change and stress reduction). Today we have the option to eat just about anything we want to and people will do just that and in radical combinations too! Just 200 years ago and prior to that time my northern European ancestors never ate oranges. They had never even seen tomatoes either. Prior to 10,000 years ago humans had never eaten grains. Now, I’m not telling you to completely eliminate all these foods! You may or may not have difficulties with them. Go see an allergist or do the tests on your own. (Try going without a particular food for a week. Notice any cravings you may experience or withdrawal symptoms like anxiety, stress, sweating, craving, vomiting, diarrhea, and more). Ancestry is also very important in telling you which foods to eat. My ancestors come from Great Britain on my fathers side and Norway on my mothers side. Where do yours come from? What did they eat? Figure that out and go from there. Read, “Nourishing Traditions” by Sally Fallon. This book is full of information about past cultures from around the world and what they ate. Of course, our world is not the same world and we are not the same people but we do need to learn about the past so that we may survive in the present and future. Take what you like and leave the rest.
Hi there! I’m Brett Rodgers, owner of Vitality Massage in beautiful Asheville, NC.
Holistic Healing: Fact or Fiction
Posted by on Jun 28, 2010
There are many people who think of those interested in holistic healing as out of touch “hippie types” who have abandoned common sense in support of unproven theories inconsistent with mainstream scientific research. The fact that people feel that way is not an accident. Holistic health is under attack from a variety of outside forces with an agenda that may not have much to do with encouraging the well-being of others.
At first glance, the idea of intentionally marginalizing those who are committed to finding better ways to live seems counterintuitive, if not masochistic. If one looks deeper, however, the attack on holistic healing is predictable.
Holistic healing approaches health in a manner quite inconsistent with the reductionist tendencies of mainstream medicine. It looks for larger connections and recognizes the interrelationships between our physical systems and our psychological outlook. Instead of relying on chemical quick fixes, it hopes to inspire health via more natural methods and a whole-person outlook. Emphasizing prevention instead of focusing primarily on treatment and displaying a willingness to consider natural folk remedies and solutions to health problems that do not always comport with “business as usual”, the holistic outlook is a significant deviation from the dominant perspective on health.
That may sound innocent enough, but the perspective does pose a threat to some significant forces who would rather maintain the status quo. As is so often the case, the threatened party has reacted to protect its turf–and its specific interests.
The old expression “follow the money” comes to mind. The medical establishment is a huge element of our economy. People are generating billions of dollars in revenue every year by maintaining our current approach to health. The system may be broken and incapable of providing optimal health for people, but it is profitable. Holistic healing and other threats to the mainstream perspective’s near monopoly on healthcare poses a significant financial risk to those with a vested interest in the maintenance of the status quo.
Medical facilities are not interested in seeing their value decline as their services are used with less frequency. The massive and powerful pharmaceutical industry is banking on a continuation of our reductionist, pill popping ways. Politicians and policy makers are funded by special interest groups whose primary purpose is to protect traditional medicine.
It is not surprising that those who advocate holistic healing are portrayed as laughable fringe figures. Marginalizing the opposition is one of the most effective ways to protect one’s interests, after all. By regularly and loudly dismissing holistic perspectives while trumpeting the alleged virtues of a reductionist perspective marked with numerous obvious failures, these powerful forces are doing their very best to keep a medical revolution at bay.
Here is some information on Alternative Healing and Health Insurance.
The Complete Book of Chinese Medicine: A Holistic Approach to Physical, Emotional and Mental Health
Posted by on Jun 21, 2010
- ISBN13: 9789834087906
- Condition: USED – VERY GOOD
- Notes:
Product Description
The Complete Book of Chinese Medicine is the result of years of research and study by a world renowned Shaolin Grandmaster, Sifu Wong Kiew Kit, who has an excellent track record in curing many so-called “incurable diseas… More >>
The Complete Book of Chinese Medicine: A Holistic Approach to Physical, Emotional and Mental Health
Become a Master Herbalist and Doctor of Holistic Medicine – Natural Healing College
Posted by on Jun 15, 2010
Become a Master Herbalist and Doctor of Holistic Medicine – www.naturalhealingcollege.com Clayton College – Global College of Natural Medicine – gcnm
Foot Massage Lesson by Health-Choices Holistic MassageSchool
Posted by on Jun 7, 2010
www.Health-Choices.com From the Premier International Holistic Massage Therapy School in the North East. An excellent yet simple demonstration of a foot massage by Owner and President of The Health-Choices Holistic Massage Therapy School in Princeton, NJ. This 5 minute demo will show you some very easy but effective foot massage techniques that can help you melt stress away from your family or friends. www.Health-Choices.com Video made by Anna Savoia SavoiaAnna@aol.com
Holistic Health Workshops: Learning About Natural Health
Posted by on May 30, 2010
Find Holistic Health Workshops in the United States and Canada. If you’re interested in learning about vitamins or supplements, or the newest alternative health treatments, then participating in one of several holistic health workshops could be your ticket to valuable knowledge and skills.
Because there are a great number of holistic health workshops that are offered through healing arts schools, community centers and even through local chiropractic offices, there is ample opportunity for one to gain basic concepts of how natural and holistic healing practices can be integrated into everyday life.
For example, if you’d like to acquire a basic understanding on how St. John’s Wart can affect your emotional wellbeing, or you’re interested in learning how green tea can provide essential antioxidants to your body, then one of several holistic health workshops can entertain your brain. Ever wondered what a macrobiotic diet is? Then these beneficial workshops can help you to better understand principles and theories behind holistic health and their essential place in society.
As an interesting course of study, some holistic health workshops afford individuals with introductory subject matter on mind-body-spirit medicine. These natural healing classes may be separate or taught in combination to instruct students about various healing arts such as basic massage techniques, energy healing therapies, spiritual healing, chakra balancing, essential oils and plant medicine, and other related modalities.
Other unique learning opportunities are extended through specialty holistic health workshops; encompassing holistic studies in environmental health, yoga, reflexology, crystal and sound healing, meditation, Tai Chi, and countless more.
Natural healthcare and wholistic remedies are often provided through a variety of holistic health workshops, including short courses in reiki, healing touch, aromatherapy, herbal medicine, hypnotherapy and bioenergetics. What’s more, a number of holistic health workshops extend educational opportunities to individuals who would like to earn continuing education credits in holistic medicine, as well as certificates of completion.
If you (or someone you know) are interested in finding holistic health workshops, let career training within fast-growing industries like massage therapy, cosmetology, acupuncture, oriental medicine, Reiki, and others get you started! Explore career school programs near you.
Holistic Health Workshops: Learning about Natural Health
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Resource Box: CarolAnn Bailey-Lloyd – Freelance Writer and Web Consultant for HolisticJunction.com, in association with CollegeSurfing.com – Educational Resources for Holistic Health Workshops, Holistic Schools, and other Natural Health Schools.
Holistic Health Care Marketing Secrets.
Posted by on May 8, 2010
New Ebook With Marketing Tips, Ideas And Strategies For Growing Your Holistic Health Care Or Body, Mind Spirit Business.
Holistic Health Care Marketing Secrets.