Complimentary and alternative medicine is a broad group of healthcare and medical practices, systems, products and services not generally considered to be a part of conventional medicine.  This glossary of complimentary and alternative medicine terms will assist you in learning more non-traditional medicine.

Understanding complimentary and alternative medicine is important given the nation’s move toward consumer directed health care. Without knowledge of complimentary and alternative medicine terms consumers will not be able to effectively manage their own healthcare. This is especially true since most complimentary and alternative medicine treatments are considerably less expensive than conventional medicine.

To use the Complimentary and Alternative Medicine Glossary of term simply click the first letter of the word for which you would like to find information:

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A

Aboriginal healing

Each culture among the First Nations has a unique healing tradition. Physical and spiritual cleansing are common aspects of many of these practices, as is the use of medicinal herbs. Most Aboriginal healing traditions are holistic processes that include spiritual, physical, mental and emotional healing. Healing ceremonies combining these elements are designed to meet the individual’s needs. They may involve the use of herbs together with chanting, singing, dancing and vision quests. Connections with the community and with the natural and spiritual worlds are integral parts of the healing process.

Acupressure

Acupressure is a form of Chinese massage that is often described as “acupuncture without the needles”. Both practices involve working with the body’s vital energy or qi, in order to release blockages and stimulate the balanced energy flow necessary for good health. Acupressure involves applying firm finger pressure for several minutes to specific spots, called acupoints, on the surface of the body. Acupressure is used to relieve stress, muscle tension and pain. It is thought to improve blood and energy flow, which promotes healing and the elimination of wastes.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a therapeutic technique that originated in China more than five thousand years ago. It is based on the idea that vital energy, or qi, must flow in the correct strength and quality throughout the body in order to maintain health. Illness and disease are related to blockages and stagnation of qi.

To stimulate or balance the flow of energy in a patient’s body, an acupuncturist inserts special, very thin needles just under the skin at specific spots called acupoints. Often the patient does not even feel these needles and they typically do not draw blood.

Depending on the patient’s symptoms and how they respond during the session, the needles may simply be left in place for a few minutes or more stimulation may be applied. This stimulation may include the application of gentle pressure, mild heat or a small amount of electricity to the needle.

Adverse Drug Reaction

An unintended, toxic or unpleasant effect caused by treatment with a drug or a natural health product. Adverse reactions may range from mild effects such as headache or drowsiness, to more severe effects such as neuropathy, a nerve disease that can produce numbness or weakness and even death.

Alexander technique

Alexander technique is a body-based technique that focuses on proper posture, movement and breathing. Facilitated by an instructor, Alexander students are taught to recognize and change habits that interfere with their body’s functioning.

Developed by Australian actor Frederick Alexander, the technique uses physical and verbal cues to help the student to consciously focus on their posture and relearn the natural alignments of the body’s parts both at rest and during movement. Students are taught to visualize and feel the correct postures and practice them in simple, efficient physical movements. Alexander technique is used to improve balance, posture and coordination and to relieve back pain, arthritis, rheumatism and gastrointestinal and breathing problems.

Amino acids

Amino acids are nitrogen-containing organic molecules that are naturally found in plants and animals. In the human body, 20 different amino acids are used to make proteins.

Antioxidants

Antioxidants are substances that prevent changes in other molecules caused by oxidation. They protect cells and prevent tissue damage by soaking up or quenching free radicals. Antioxidants are thought to be particularly important in preventing the oxidation of substances (lipids) that make up cell membranes. Some common antioxidants are vitamins C and E, and the minerals zinc and selenium.

Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy involves the inhalation or topical application of aromatic plant oils to help healing and enhance well-being. It is thought that these scents influence the primitive part of the brain called the limbic system. The limbic system associates odors with past experiences and feelings. Aromatherapy is used to affect moods and relieve stress, headache, digestive upsets and minor aches and pains. Some oils also have anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties and may be absorbed through the skin. r

Note: Most essential oils should be diluted with a carrier oil (such as almond oil) before use - direct application of pure essential oils may cause serious adverse effects. Essential oils should not be taken internally unless advised by a trained health practitioner — many oils are very toxic when ingested.

Art therapy

Art therapy uses art or creative self-expression for therapeutic purposes. It employs simple art materials, drawing and painting as a means to restore, maintain, or improve an individual’s physical and mental health. Assessment and treatment is based on established human developmental and psychological theories. Art Therapists look at the images a client creates, and at the client’s responses to their own creations, and interpret them as reflections of an individual’s development, abilities, personality, interests, concerns and conflicts. Art therapy is used to help resolve emotional conflicts, promote self-awareness, improve social skills, treat behavioral problems, solve problems, reduce stress and increase self-esteem.

Ayurveda (Aryuvedic medicine)

A holistic healing system developed over the past 5,000 years in India, Ayurveda means “science of life.” In Aryuvedic medicine, health is defined as harmony and balance between the body, mind, and spirit. Illness and disease are thought to occur when these factors are out of balance. The therapies and treatments used in Ayurveda depend on the nature of the imbalance in the patient, and their “dosha” or doshic profile - physical traits, emotional temperament, food preferences and mental attributes that suggest a particular set of tendencies, both in health and illness. Treatments may also vary according to the season. Aryuvedic therapies include herbal medicines, changes in the diet, massage, meditation, breathing exercises (pranayama) and/or yoga.

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B

Bioenergy

Similar to the concepts of qi, prana, and vital energy, bioenergy is the term used to describe the aura or subtle energy field in and around the human body. Bioenergy approaches such as magnetic therapy are used to restore, balance and enhance the human energy field.

Biofeedback

Biofeedback is a mind-body therapy that teaches a person how to control their body’s vital functions. Sensors placed on the body are used to monitor functions such as heart rate, blood pressure, skin temperature, and muscle or nerve activity. The patient is made aware of this information by sight (visual) signals, sound (auditory) signals, or body-muscle signals. The patient learns to control body functions they want to change by visualizing or imagining changes in the sensor signals. Biofeedback is commonly used as a complementary therapy for high blood pressure, headache and migraine, chronic pain, stress and asthma. In some cases, relaxation exercises are used along with this treatment.

Body therapies (Bodywork)

The term “body therapies” has traditionally been used to describe practices that involve physical treatments, or manipulations of the body, skeletal system, nerves or muscles. Body therapies are “hands-on” approaches — such as massage that are used to improve the structure and functioning of the human body. Some people include indirect manipulations such as drugs and natural health products in a larger definition of body therapies.

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C

Chelation therapy

Chelation therapy involves a series of injections of a chelating agent — usually the synthetic amino acid EDTA or ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid. An accepted treatment for some types of heavy metal poisoning, Chelation is also claimed to detoxify, or cleanse the body. It has been used to treat cancer and arteriosclerosis (hardening of the arteries). Treating these diseases with chelation is very controversial, because there is little good quality evidence supporting the safety and efficacy of chelation for these purposes.

The name “chelation” comes from the Greek chele, which means claw. This refers to what happens within the body in the process of chelation. The chelating agent (EDTA) grabs, or binds onto a metal ion to form a stable compound. Vitamins, minerals and other supplements are often given along with the chelating agent.

Chinese herbal medicine

Chinese herbal medicine is based on concepts of yin and yang and of qi energy. It is the most common form of treatment used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). The properties of the herbs are described in terms of their taste, and qualities, such as “cooling” (yin) or “stimulating” (yang). They are used to treat or balance patients who have too much, or too little of these qualities.

In Chinese herbal medicine, preparations containing only one herb are very rarely used. Most often, a patient receives a prescription for an herbal formula containing many different herbs. The practitioner determines which formula to prescribe according to diagnostic ideas and methods used in TCM. The formula is selected and customized to suit the patient’s traits and symptoms - not according to what ailment or disease they have. This means that the same formula would not always be given to treat a particular condition.

Chinese medicine

The theories and diagnostic techniques of TCM are quite different from those of conventional medicine. The proper balance and flow of vital energy or qi is the main focus of this 5,000 year old healing system. Ideally, TCM is a preventive practice. The role of the practitioner is to help the patient maintain optimal health.

In TCM, diagnoses are based on the patient’s pulse, an examination of their tongue, and other physical, mental and spiritual characteristics. The diagnoses are described in terms of disturbances, blockages, or imbalances in the energy flow and the organ systems that are affected. Several therapeutic modalities and healing practices are used to help restore and maintain the balanced flow of energy. In addition to the primary approaches of herbal medicine and acupuncture, practitioners may also use massage (tui na), changes in the diet, exercise, qi gong and meditation.

Chiropractic

The main focus of chiropractic is the relationship between the skeleton (particularly the spine) and the nervous system. In chiropractic theory, misalignments of the vertebrae caused by poor posture or trauma are thought to lead to decreased function, pain and illness. Chiropractic diagnosis is primarily based on physical examination and x-ray. In treatment, the chiropractor usually uses his or her hands to adjust or manipulate the spine, and bring it back into alignment. Chiropractic is commonly used to treat back pain, headaches, and injuries, and is also used as a preventive therapy.

Chiropractor

A chiropractor is a practitioner who corrects the misalignments of the spine by physically adjusting, or manipulating the body. Depending upon the provincial regulations, some chiropractors may use only their hands to make adjustments while others may also use devices to facilitate the process.

Color therapy

Color therapy, or color healing, is the use of various forms of color and light to promote physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Highly specialized equipment is used to project different colors to rebalance the body and encourage healing. The color is beamed onto the parts of the body corresponding to the problem for a specific period of time.

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM)

“Complementary and alternative medicine” (CAM) is often used as a catch-all phrase to refer to a wide range of unrelated healing practices. Although many people understand what is meant by “complementary and alternative medicine” or CAM, it is hard to define this term because there is no real agreement about which practices should or should not be included.

Many therapies that used to be considered CAM practices are becoming more accepted in the conventional medical community. This is because scientific evidence (research) is showing some CAM therapies work, and are safe. Many mainstream practitioners are also using more holistic approaches, and putting more emphasis on prevention and health promotion.

For this reason, it is easier to define CAM by stating what it is not - CAM includes any therapy that is not generally accepted or used in mainstream medicine.

There are a number of different ways to describe and categorize CAM practices. In the simplest model, four general types or modalities of CAM practices are recognized:

• body therapies - approaches that involve direct physical contact with the patient’s body
• mind-body therapies - practices such as hypnosis and visualization that use the power of the mind to make positive changes in the body
• body-energy therapies - techniques for manipulating the body’s energy field to positively affect health
• body-spirit therapies - prayer, faith healing and shamanism are examples of techniques used to affect both body and soul with the goal of healing

Many CAM health systems, such as traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurveda, use several of these modalities.

Complementary medicine

The term complementary medicine is used to describe therapies that are used alongside or in addition to mainstream medical treatments, therapies that are used in addition to or as a complement to conventional techniques. Complementary therapies are often used to improve well-being and quality of life.

Complementary and alternative (health) practitioner

This term describes a person who provides or practices a non-conventional therapy or CAM technique such as acupuncture, herbology or naturopathic medicine.

Complementary and Alternative Healthcare (CAHC)

Most complementary and alternative health practices are intended to help maintain health and prevent illness, rather than to treat disease. Since the word medicine generally means the treatment of illness or disease, the term “Complementary and alternative healthcare”  has been proposed as a better way of describing these practices. As with the term CAM, Complimentary and Alternative Healthcare refers to healthcare practices and therapies that are not part of conventional medicine.

Craniosacral (cranial sacral) therapy

Craniosacral therapy is a body therapy for relieving pain and loss of function due to restrictions in the craniosacral system. The craniosacral system includes the:

• brain
• spinal cord
• skull bones
• sacrum (base of the spine) and
• fluid and membranes around these structures.

Practitioners use their hands to apply gentle pressure and make adjustments, primarily to the skull bones. The goal of the treatment is to restore the proper alignment and balance of the craniosacral system, and what is described as the rhythmic movement of the fluid that bathes the brain and spine (cerebrospinal fluid). Craniosacral therapy is used to treat chronic pain, migraine headaches, and many other conditions.

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D

Dance therapy (Movement therapy)

In dance therapy, the patient expresses and explores thoughts and feelings through movement rather than words. Dance therapy helps people become more aware of their feelings and the relationship between the mind and the body. For many people, it also provides a way to express deeply felt and complicated emotions, and a way to work through confused feelings. In addition to providing a physical outlet, dance therapy can help build self-esteem and self-confidence, and increase self-awareness. It is used to support other forms of therapy.

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E

Environmental medicine

Environmental medicine focuses on the relationship between health and factors such as diet, lifestyle, chemicals, stress, water and air quality, and other environmental factors. Practitioners of environmental medicine are doctors.

Practitioners take a complete history from the patient about their nutrition and environment, and also do a physical examination. They pay special attention to possible causes of allergies, such as yeast, moulds, fungus, parasites and pollen as well as chemicals in the patient’s environment, dental work and family illnesses.

Treatments may include:

• avoiding particular substances or environments
• changes in the diet
• nutritional support with supplements, herbal medicines and other natural health products, and
• detoxification support (helping the body “clean” itself, inside and out) with manual therapies, aromatherapy, relaxation and meditation and other approaches.

Enzymes and co-factors

An enzyme is an organic substance (most often a protein) that catalyzes (increases the rate) at which a chemical reaction takes place. There are hundreds of different enzymes. Enzymes are involved in many types of bodily functions including converting and storing energy, and building and breaking down various substances. Most enzymes only catalyze a single reaction or a few very similar types of reactions. Most commercial enzyme products are different types of digestive enzymes from plants and animals.

Co-enzymes or co-factors are substances that play an essential helper role in chemical reactions. Each co-factor has a specific role — for example, acting as a carrier molecule, providing energy or lending an electron to a reaction. There are many different co-factors found in the body. Many of these substances are made from vitamins and/or minerals.

Enzyme therapy

This therapy uses enzymes that come from plants and animals to improve body functions. Enzyme therapy is intended to help strengthen the digestive system, with the goal of enhancing overall health. It is used to relieve problems with digestion, and improve the absorption of nutrients. People who believe in enzyme therapy claim that better digestion may also improve many other acute and chronic conditions.

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F

Flower essences

Flower essences are specially prepared extracts of plants and flowers. Each plant species used is thought to have a different type of healing property. Similar to the preparation of homeopathies, the flowers are extracted in an alcohol solution that is shaken and diluted several times.

Flower essences are used to change a person’s emotional state, with the goal of improving both physical and mental well-being. A few drops of the flower essence are taken under the tongue to restore harmony and balance. The flower essences are thought to help relieve the basic causes of stress.

Bach flower remedies are the best-known flower remedies. The Bach flower remedies include 38 different essences. Each of these essences is supposed to correspond with a particular state of mind.

Free radicals (Reactive oxygen species)

Free radicals are highly reactive atoms that have at least one unpaired electron. They bind with the electrons of other chemicals, often setting off a chain reaction of molecules losing and gaining electrons. Their “stealing” of electrons can disrupt important processes and cause damage to cells. Cell damage caused by free radicals is called oxidative stress. Free radicals are normal by-products of the metabolism that are usually mopped up or “quenched” by antioxidants such as vitamin C. The formation of free radicals may also be promoted by radiation and some toxins.

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G

Gerson therapy

Gerson therapy involves a special diet originally developed by Dr. Max Gerson to treat cancer. Gerson believed that cancer occurs when the liver, pancreas, thyroid and immune system are not balanced and functioning at their best. This therapy focuses on flooding the body with nutrients and avoiding harmful foods. The diet consists of a strictly vegetarian low-salt diet, freshly crushed fruits (mainly apples), and vegetable (mainly carrot) juice. To cleanse the body of toxins and relieve pain, three to four coffee enemas a day are recommended. (A coffee enema involves taking strong coffee into the large intestine through the rectum. The coffee is held as long as possible before voiding. This is a very controversial treatment). Other supplements include vitamins, minerals, digestive enzymes, and thyroid extracts (glandulars).

Glandulars

Glandulars are specially prepared extracts of animal (usually cow) glands and organs that are taken by mouth. The idea behind their use is that “like heals like,” or like cells help like cells. Glandular products are made from different endocrine glands that secrete hormones into the bloodstream, including the following glands: pituitary, pineal, thyroid, parathyroid, adrenals, pancreas, prostate, testes and ovaries. Extracts of other organs such as the heart, spleen, uterus and brain may also be used in glandular therapy, even though they are not glands.

Guided imagery

Guided imagery is a technique that uses the power of the mind to encourage relaxation and healing. The instructor guides the participant by asking them to imagine or visualize a vividly described scene or feeling. Guided imagery is used to reduce stress and pain, stimulate the immune system, and promote healing.

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H

Healing practice

Any therapy or system of treatment used to cure or prevent illness and improve health. This term usually refers to an individual therapy such as acupuncture or reflexology. Some people also use this term to describe a complex healing system such as traditional Chinese medicine which includes many different therapies.

Health promotion

Health promotion means more than just encouraging people to adopt a healthy lifestyle or just trying to prevent disease. The goal of health promotion is the best possible physical, mental and emotional health for all individuals and society in general.

People need the best possible health to achieve their goals and live life to its fullest. Health promotion focuses on providing educational, economic and organizational supports that will help people have more control over their health and the many factors that affect their well-being.

Herbal medicine (Herbalism, Botanical medicine, Phytomedicine or Phytotherapy)

Herbal medicine or the use of plants as therapeutic substances is believed to be the oldest form of medicine. Today, herbal medicine is still a very important part of many different health systems around the world. More than 75% of the world’s population relies on herbal medicines as their primary form of health care. Every cultural group has its own beliefs and cultural traditions involving healing with herbs. For example, herbs are used as medicines in traditional Chinese medicine, Aryuvedic medicine, Tibetan medicine and Aboriginal healing traditions. Each of these health systems is based on different theories or ideas about health and healing. The herbs that are used, and the way they are used may differ.

Herbalist

An herbalist is a practitioner who prescribes herbs to treat illnesses and to maintain health. The herbalist may also prepare the herbal remedies — some grow and harvest their own herbs as well. Herbalists are often described in terms of the region or cultural background in which they were trained, such as Western, Chinese, or Aryuvedic herbalists. These descriptions provide more information about the herbalist’s approach to healing, the species or types of plants they use as medicines and the philosophy behind their practice.

Herbs (Herbal remedies, Herbal medicines or Botanicals)

An herb is a plant or part of a plant used for medicinal purposes. For each specific type or species of herb, particular parts of the plant are used. Depending on the herb, this may be the whole plant, above ground or aerial parts, roots, flowers, fruits, bark or leaves. It may also be a substance extracted from a plant such as a resin, sap, gum or essential oil.

Herbal products that contain plant material from more than one herb species may be referred to as herbal formulas. Herbal medicines may be prepared in many different ways, for internal or external use. They may be used fresh or dried, or made into a tea, tincture, extract, oil, salve, or cream. Herbs differ from pharmaceutical drugs in that they contain many chemical compounds, not just one.

Holistic

Holistic refers to an approach that considers the “whole person” including mental, emotional, spiritual, physical, social and environmental factors. Rather than focusing on a specific disease or disorder, holistic practitioners look at all aspects of the person’s life, and try to help them achieve a healthy balance.

Homeopath

A homeopath is a practitioner who practices homeopathy. Homeopaths use a holistic approach, taking into account physical, mental, emotional, environmental and spiritual aspects of the patient in their diagnoses and treatment approaches.

Homeopathy

Homeopathy attempts to stimulate a person’s natural healing processes with minute (homeopathic) dilutions of specific remedies. Based on the patient’s physical, mental and emotional state, a remedy is chosen to match the pattern of their symptoms or the “profile” of their illness. The remedies selected would cause the same symptoms if they were given in very large doses. Most homeopathic remedies are much diluted extracts of natural substances from plants, minerals, and animals.

Homeopathy is a healing system that was founded in the 18th century by Samuel Hahnemann, a German doctor and chemist. It is based on three principles:

• that “like cures like” (Law of Similars)
• the more diluted the remedy, the stronger, or more potent it is (Law of Infinitesimal Dose), and
• illness is individual and holistic.

Homeopathic medicine (Homeopathics or Homeopathic remedy)

A homeopathic medicine contains a much diluted, non-toxic dose of a specially prepared natural substance — a substance that, at higher doses, would produce the same symptoms the patient is experiencing in a healthy person.

Homeopathics are made from plants, minerals, metals and other natural substances that are dissolved in alcoholic solutions and shaken. This solution is called the mother tincture. One drop of the mother tincture is diluted into a hundred drops of alcohol solution and then vigorously shaken or succussed. It may be diluted in the same way several more times.

Symbols such as 6X and 30X are used to indicate the number of times the mother tincture has been diluted — 6X means it has been serially diluted six times, while 30X means it has been diluted 30 times. In homeopathic practice, the more diluted the solution, the stronger it is thought to be — the exact opposite of the way we usually think about the strength of pharmaceutical drugs.

Homeopathic remedies are may be given directly as drops, or the diluted solution may be sprayed onto inert tablets, granules or powder. Remedies taken in these solid forms are held in the mouth until they dissolve — they are not to be swallowed.

Hypnosis

Hypnosis is a mind-body therapy that taps into the mind’s healing power on a subconscious level. The practitioner guides the patient through visualization, breathing and other relaxation exercises to gradually put the patient into a light trance. While the patient is in this deeply relaxed state, the hypnotist provides the patient with suggestions or cues that will help them overcome habits, mental barriers and emotional traumas.

Hypnosis may also be used to help the patient become aware of gifts and abilities they may not have known about. Hypnosis is often used to help a person change their behavior in areas such as quitting smoking, reducing drug and alcohol dependence and changing eating habits. Some people also find it helps treat stress, sleep disorders, anxiety, phobias, and depression.

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L

Light therapy

In light therapy, natural and artificial light is used to restore normal circadian rhythms. Circadian rhythms are the body’s internal clock that controls sleep cycles, hormone production and other body functions. The types of light that may be used include full spectrum light, bright light, ultraviolet light and laser light. The patient spends specified periods of time in an area lit with these lights. Light therapy is used in the treatment of seasonal affective disorder (SAD), some forms of mild depression, sleeping disorders, skin problems and other problems related to disturbed circadian rhythms.

Lomi Lomi (Hawaiian massage)

Lomi Lomi is an ancient form of massage used by the native Hawaiian people. The techniques have been passed down through many generations of traditional healers as part of their religious and healing practices. It has been described as the loving touch that connects the body, heart and soul with the source of life. Practitioners use their hands, forearms and elbow to perform massage strokes and stimulate pressure points. Treatment often includes a steam bath and shower. Lomi Lomi is used to:

• release muscle tension
• improve blood and lymph circulation
• help facilitate the remove wastes, and
• aid childbirth.

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M

Macrobiotics

Macrobiotics is a special lifestyle diet that was developed by George Oshawa and Mischio Kushi. The macrobiotic diet is made up of whole, natural and organic foods. A macrobiotic menu would include whole grains such as brown rice, barley and millet; a variety of vegetables, beans, and other whole foods. People following this diet avoid foods that are considered hazardous to health. This includes products containing chemical food additives, refined or processed foods, meat and dairy products. The time of day, the season and the environment are also factors that affect food choices.

Magnet therapy (Bio-magnetic or Electromagnetic therapy)

This body-energy therapy involves the application of magnets or magnetic fields to the human body to diagnose illness, and as a treatment. By enhancing the body’s natural energy fields, magnetic therapy is thought to stimulate the metabolism and increase the amount of oxygen delivered to the cells. It is used to relieve headache, stress and pain, promote healing, and slow disease processes such as cancer and infections.

Massage therapy

Massage Therapy is a general term for a number of techniques that involve manipulation of the muscles and connective tissues. Massage is used to relieve muscle tension and stress, improve flexibility and enhance the patient’s sense of well-being. There are many different types of massage, with approaches that range from the very light touches used in lymphatic drainage massage to the deep tissue manipulation involved in rolfing. Other massage techniques include Swedish massage, Aryuvedic massage, Thai massage, Lomi Lomi and Shiatsu.

Manipulation

This is a general term used to describe the movement of a body part or tissue by a practitioner. Manipulations are performed by applying manual force or passive manual movements. They include movements in which therapists use their hands to apply traction, knead, stretch, rub, vibrate or otherwise stimulate the patient’s muscles, bones, and connective tissues. Manipulation techniques are the basis of many body therapies, including massage therapy, chiropractic, and osteopathy.

Medical acupuncture (French acupuncture, Helms-style acupuncture)

The term medical acupuncture is used to describe acupuncture treatments performed by conventional doctors (M.D.s) who also have special training in acupuncture. It is also called Helms-style acupuncture because Dr. James Helms at the UCLA Medical School has been the leading advocate and teacher in this field. Medical acupuncture is used to relieve pain, stimulate the body’s natural healing and enhance the patient’s physical and emotional well-being.

Meditation

Meditation is a practice in which a person tries to still and empty their mind, by:

• focusing on breathing
• visualizing a particular image, or
• chanting a word, phrase or prayer.

This practice provides many people with a sense of inner calm, peacefulness and relaxation. There are many different types of meditation, as well as different reasons for using mediation. Some people use meditation simply as a relaxation technique to calm the mind and body, relieve stress and pain, and improve their sense of well-being. Meditation is also an important part of some personal development programs and some religious practices, where it is used to help achieve greater self-awareness, self-realization and spiritual communion.

Metabolic therapies

Metabolic therapies are most commonly used in the treatment of cancer. They are based on the idea that many different factors contribute to the development of cancer. Most of these therapies use several different treatments including cleansing the body of toxins, whole or raw food diets, herbal medicines and nutritional supplements such as vitamins, minerals and enzymes. Gerson therapy is one example of a metabolic therapy.

Mind-body therapies

There is a growing amount of scientific evidence that a person’s mood, attitudes and beliefs can have a very significant impact their health. Mind-body therapies use this powerful relationship between the mind and body. There are many different techniques that focus on various levels of consciousness, but all involve the patient actively using their mind to positively affect health. Examples of mind-body therapies include meditation, hypnosis and art therapy. Mind-body therapies are commonly used to:

• reduce pain and stress
• promote relaxation and
• stimulate the body’s innate ability to heal.

As the patient is the most important healer in the treatment process, mind-body therapies can help patients re-find their sense of control and improve their sense of well-being and ability to cope. A number of mind-body therapies are no longer considered “alternative.” They have been integrated into conventional medical practice because of strong scientific evidence supports their safety and efficacy.

Minerals

Minerals are inorganic substances that play important roles in many of the body’s biochemical processes. Minerals that are needed in relatively large amounts are called macronutrients. These include calcium, chloride, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium and sulphur. Minerals that are only needed in very small or trace amounts are called micronutrients. These include chromium, cobalt, copper, fluoride, iodide, iron, manganese, molybdenum, selenium and zinc.

Modalities

A modality is the mode, mood or manner of a therapy. This is the way a diagnosis is made or the technique with which the treatment is given. The two most common are manual therapies and mind body therapies. With manual therapies such as massage therapy, the mode or manner of the treatment is the physical manipulation or handling of the body. Mind-body therapies use the power of the patient’s mind as the means of delivering treatment.

Music therapy

Music therapy is used to help patients express their thoughts, moods and emotions. It also helps relieve stress, anxiety and pain. The patient may perform the music, or listen passively, with the goal of helping the patient communicate, overcome personal barriers or blockages, and express their feelings. Music therapy may be used to help lower blood pressure, overcome learning disabilities, or improve movement and balance. Background music, or various types of “non-intrusive” New Age music, is often used in combination with meditation, hypnosis and to guided imagery.

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N

Natural health products (NHPs)

“Natural Health Products” or NHPs is used to refer to the entire spectrum of substances found in nature that may be used to maintain health, prevent illness and treat some disorders. In addition to well-known supplements such as herbs, vitamins and minerals, the NHP category also includes natural substances such as enzymes, glandulars, hormones, animal substances (such as shark cartilage, bear gallbladders and bee venom), and purified chemical compounds, amino acids, glucosamine and co-enzyme Q10. In the United States, the term “dietary supplements” is usually used to describe these products.

Naturopathic medicine (Naturopathy)

Naturopathic medicine is a comprehensive holistic health system that incorporates therapies from traditional Chinese medicine, Aryuvedic, Homeopathy, Western herbalism, as well as nutritional approaches, body therapies and other healing practices.

Naturopathy is based on six governing principles:

• First do no harm (Primum Non Nocere)
• The healing power of nature (Vis Medicatrix Naturae)
• Identify and treat the cause (Tolle Causam)
• Treat the whole person
• Doctor as teacher (Docere)
• Disease prevention and health promotion

The practitioner or naturopathic physician considers the patient’s physical symptoms, diet, lifestyle, work, and personal characteristics when determining a treatment regimen. The goal of naturopathic treatment is physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.

Naturopaths (Naturopathic physicians)

Naturopaths or naturopathic physicians are doctors who practiced Naturopathic medicine. Licensed naturopaths have successfully completed a four-year educational program that includes the conventional biomedical sciences, natural therapies and a supervised clinical practicum.

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O

Osteopathy (Osteopathic medicine)

Osteopathy is based on the idea that the body’s structure is closely related to its function. With proper nutrition and a healthy environment, a body that is in correct structural alignment can fight off disease and other toxic conditions. The role of the practitioner is to help restore structural balance in order to enhance the body’s natural ability to heal.

Although the osteopath’s approach to realigning the structure of the body is similar to chiropractic, osteopaths also focus on improving the blood and lymph circulatory systems. Osteopathy is mostly used to treat musculoskeletal disorders including spinal and joint difficulties, arthritis, traumatic injuries and chronic pain. The practice of osteopathy has changed significantly over the past 100 years. In addition to manipulation and physical therapies, modern American practitioners are also trained in conventional therapies such as surgery, and may also prescribe drugs.

Oxidizing agents (ozone, hydrogen peroxide)

Ozone and hydrogen peroxide are the oxidizing agents most commonly used in oxidative therapy. It is thought that these substances supply additional oxygen to the body’s tissues. Oxidizing agents can also destroy disease-producing bacteria, viruses, and other invading microbial organisms. Oxidizing agents should not be taken internally, unless under close medical supervision - these chemicals are toxic if administered incorrectly or taken in too large a dose.

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P

Placebo

A substance or mock therapy made to look like some form of experimental treatment that has no therapeutic or medicinal qualities. Placebos are given to the control group in placebo-controlled clinical trials. On average, 33% of patients receiving a placebo report they feel better after receiving a mock treatment - this is known as the placebo effect.

Placebo-controlled clinical trial

In this type of clinical trial, the participants are split into two groups. The people in the control group are given an inactive substance or placebo and the therapy under study is given to the other patient group (verum). Otherwise, the two groups are treated exactly the same, and go through the same tests and evaluations.

The use of this placebo control reduces any bias in the results that may result from the participant’s expectations. By comparing the results from the experimental group to those of the placebo group, researchers can determine how much of the therapeutic effect was actually due the therapy being studied and how much was simply due to the patient’s belief that they were receiving a medicine.

Polarity therapy

Polarity therapy is based on the idea that health is determined by the flow of energy in the human energy field. It is thought that specific parts of the body have either positive or negative charges and that these differences in polarity create the electromagnetic currents that form the body’s energy field. Therapists use their hands to redirect the patient’s energy flow but do not physically manipulate the body. Changes in the diet, exercises, breathing techniques and counseling may also be used to help free energy blockages or disturbances and rebalance the body’s energy field.

Prana

In Aryuvedic medicine, the Sanskrit word “prana”, which means life force, is used to describe the vital energy that animates life. Similar to concept of qi in traditional Chinese medicine, prana is power that connects body, mind and spirit to function as one individual. Prana is the essence associated with air and breath. Although prana does not mean air in the physical sense, oxygen is a vehicle through which prana is “seen” in material form. The breathing techniques and exercises practiced in yoga are designed to help focus and enhance this vital life force.

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Q

Qi (Chi or Ki)

The practice of traditional Chinese medicine is founded upon the concept of qi or vital energy. Qi is the energy and potential energy that flows throughout and around the body, animating us and connecting us to all aspects of the world around us. It is manifested as the energy that animates life forms and as potential energy in the physical world, in the earth, water and air. The proper balanced flow of individual qi is essential for optimum health. Disruptions, imbalances or blockages in the flow of qi result in illness. For example, physical pain often results from qi stagnation (qi that is “stuck” or not circulating).

In the human being, qi circulates through 12 main meridians or energy pathways. Each meridian is associated with specific organs and body functions. There are over 1,000 nodes or acupoints along these meridians that focus or amplify the energy. The energy flow can be most effectively manipulated at these acupoints. The flow of qi can be detected and measured as electric currents that flow along the meridians. Qi is perceived as a physical entity that can be measured using electronic devices and influenced using herbs and techniques such as qi gong and acupuncture.

Qi gong (Chi-kung or Energy medicine)

Qi gong is the ancient practice of meditative exercise used in traditional Chinese medicine. Qi gong combines slow, circular and symmetrical movements with meditation and breathing exercises. The practice of qi gong stimulates and balances the flow of qi, or vital energy. It is used to promote inner strength, calm the mind, reduce stress, and restore the body to its natural state of health.

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R

Randomized controlled trial (RCT)

In a randomized clinical trial, participants are randomly assigned to one of the treatment groups, either the experimental treatment group(s) or a control group (placebo or positive control). A lottery, performed by hand or by a computer, is used to determine which patient gets assigned to which therapy group. Randomization is used to reduce any possible treatment bias by the researchers or participants. It also helps ensure that the characteristics of the patients in the treatment groups — known as the “arms” of the trial — are similar. A study is not randomized if the doctor or the participants decide which therapy they will receive.

Raw foods

The raw foods or living foods diet emphasizes eating foods in their natural, raw state to obtain the maximum nutritional benefit and help regulate digestion. The diet consists of organic, raw fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Cooked, processed and refined foods are avoided.

Reflexology

Reflexology is a body therapy that involves the gentle application of pressure to key spots on the feet. Some therapists also work on the hands and ears. Practitioners use their fingers and thumbs to detect small deposits or lumps. They gently apply pressure to these points to release blockages and imbalances so that the flow of energy may be restored. Reflexology is based on the idea that there are reflex areas on the feet that correspond or map to every part of the body. Stimulating a specific area on the foot triggers a reflex reaction in the corresponding organ, gland or part of the body. Reflexology is used to release tension and stress, improve circulation, help cleanse toxins from the body, and to promote healing and general well-being.

Reiki

The word reiki means universal life energy. Reiki is a Japanese qi (or ki)-energy therapy in which the practitioner acts as a conduit for this energy and uses their hands to channel energy to the patient. Reiki is used to help the body heal, relieve emotional and mental distress, and improve spiritual focus and clarity. Stones such as crystals and quartz are sometimes placed on the body to help focus this energy.

Rolfing

Rolfing is a body therapy developed by Dr. Ida Rolf. It is based on the idea that physical and emotional traumas are held or recorded by the body, causing misalignments that are made worse by gravity. Practitioners use their hands, knuckles and elbows to perform a deep tissue massage to loosen the connective tissues and muscles. On the physical level, the objective is to re-align the major segments of the body (head, shoulders, chest, pelvis and legs) in order to improve posture and freedom of movement. Correcting these body memories is also said to provide an emotional release of these stored traumas and restore the flow of vital energy.

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S

Shiatsu (Japanese acupressure or massage therapy)

A Japanese body-energy therapy involving pressure from the fingers, thumbs or palms at specific points on the body. (These are the same acupoints used in acupuncture and acupressure). Shiatsu is used to stimulate the proper flow of energy through the body in order to optimize health.

Swedish massage

In Swedish massage, the manipulations imitate the effects of exercise and are used to help relax muscles, improve circulation and to increase flexibility and range of movement. Five basics kinds of massage strokes are used: kneading, long strokes, friction, vibration and percussion or tapping. Swedish massage is generally performed for relaxation and pleasure. The intent is to energize the body by stimulating circulation.

Supplements (Dietary supplements)

The term supplements initially referred to purified and concentrated forms of essential nutrients taken to supplement a person’s normal intake of food. Many people now use the terms supplement or dietary supplement in a broader sense to refer to any or all natural substances that are taken in order to maintain wellness or treat illnesses.

Some supplements such as vitamins, minerals, amino acids and protein drinks, are used by conventional medical practitioners to treat disease and illnesses caused by lack of nutrients (deficiencies). In addition to vitamins and minerals, a broad range of other natural substances have also become popular as supplements that may help a person attain and maintain optimal health.

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T

Tai chi (Tai qi, Tai chi chuan or Taijiquan)

Tai chi is an ancient Chinese exercise system. It is commonly practiced in China to help people maintain their health and live longer. It is a gentle routine of meditative exercises that involve a set pattern of slow but purposeful circular movements. The movements are designed to contain and balance energy, rather than use it up. The practice of tai chi encourages the development of the mind and the body and their integration through movement.

Tai chi is used to:

• reduce stress
• lower blood pressure, and
• improve breathing, cardiovascular function and general health.

It improves strength, balance and flexibility, and inspires a sense of inner peace and tranquility.

Therapeutic touch

Therapeutic touch is a body-energy therapy that was developed by Dolores Krieger, Ph.D., R.N. and Dora Kunz in the United States during the 1970’s. It is now taught in many medical and nursing schools and is a fairly common practice in many hospitals. Therapeutic touch incorporates several techniques including visualization, aura reading and manipulation of the body’s energy field.

In spite of its name, this therapy usually does not involve physical contact as the practitioner’s hands are usually placed a few inches away from the body. The practitioner uses slow, rhythmic hand motions to first detect energy imbalances, then to release them and restore the flow of energy. Therapeutic touch is used to reduce pain and anxiety, and to promote healing.

Tibetan medicine

This traditional system of medicine is rooted in Buddhist philosophy, but includes ideas from India, China, Persia, and Greece. It is a complex health system with a unique approach to diagnosis and healing. Health is seen as a state of balance between the three humours called “nyes pa” in Tibetan, which means “ills.”

The humours are the three basic systems involved in the functioning of the body. In a healthy person, these three humours work together in harmony. When there is too little or too much of one humour, balance is upset. This is thought to cause illness. The humours may become unbalanced by diet, behavior, season, or spiritual problems.

Treatment is intended to restore balance, and involves four types of antagonists, or opposing therapies. Listed in order of their applications and increasing strength, these four types of treatment are: conduct or behavior, diet, medicines (mostly herbs) and external therapies.

Traditional medicine

According to the World Health Organization, traditional medicine is a broad term used to refer to both traditional medicine (TM) systems such as traditional Chinese medicine, Indian Ayurveda, Arabic Unani Tib, and various forms of native medicine. TM therapies include those that use medicines - such as herbal medicines, animal parts and/or minerals, as well as therapies that do not use medicines — such as acupuncture, manual therapies (using the hands), and spiritual therapies. In countries where the dominant health care system based on conventional, or allopathic medicine, or where TM is not a part of the national health care system, TM is often referred to as “complementary,” “alternative” or “unconventional medicine.”

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM)

The theories and diagnostic techniques of TCM are quite different from those of conventional medicine. The proper balance and flow of vital energy or qi is the main focus of this 5,000 year old healing system. Ideally, TCM is a preventive practice. The role of the practitioner is to help the patient maintain optimal health.

In TCM, diagnoses are based on the patient’s pulse, an examination of their tongue, and other physical, mental and spiritual characteristics. The diagnoses are described in terms of disturbances, blockages, or imbalances in the energy flow and the organ systems that are affected. Several therapeutic modalities and healing practices are used to help restore and maintain the balanced flow of energy. In addition to the primary approaches of herbal medicine and acupuncture, practitioners may also use massage (tui na), changes in the diet, exercise, qi gong and meditation.

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V

Visualization

Visualization is a mind-body technique that is used mainly to promote relaxation and healing. As with guided imagery and hypnosis, the power of the mind is tapped to produce a positive physical effect. The patient mentally pictures a particular scene or image reflective of the change they would like to have take place. For example, a cancer patient might focus on the image of their immune cells as policemen capturing and neutralizing the cancerous cells.

Vital force (Vital energy)

The term vital force or vital energy is used to express the concept of the essence, spiritual force or energy that animates and sustains living organisms. When this energy is unbalanced, disrupted or blocked, illness can occur. When an organism dies, this vital energy dissolves, or disperses.

Vitamins

Vitamins are organic substances that are needed for many body functions including growth, reproduction and immune function. Most vitamins are used by the body as components of co-enzymes or co-factors, which are substances that play an essential helper role in chemical reactions. Vitamins are needed in many of the reactions involved in generating energy for the body and for building, maintaining, and repairing tissues and organs. Most vitamins must be taken as part of the diet although a few, such as Vitamin D, can be produced in the body.

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W

Wellness

The term wellness means more than simply not being sick. Wellness is the state in which people can be at their best, or reach their fullest potential, in the physical sense and also in terms of their emotional and spiritual well-being. Wellness is the state of optimal health that allows a person to experience life to its fullest, to be happy and to lead a satisfying and fulfilling life.

Western herbalism (Phytomedicine or Phytotherapy)

The term western herbalism is used to describe the European tradition of herbal medicine. The written record of the use of herbs extends back over 2,000 years to the time of the ancient Greek healers Dioscorides and Hippocrates. Although most of the herbs used are plants native to Europe, many North American plants have also been adopted into the collection of healing herbs used by western herbalists — the western herbal pharmacopoeia.

The herbs used are described in terms of the effect they have in on an illness. For example, herbs may be to reduce inflammation or pain, or to stimulate the immune system. Over the past two decades, European researchers have confirmed the folk uses of many of these herbs using modern scientific techniques. The terms phytomedicine (plant medicine) and phytotherapy (plant therapy) were coined to describe the rational use of herbal medicines based on this scientific evidence.

Wise Woman

The Wise Woman approach to herbs and healing has been popularized by Susun S. Weed, author of New Menopausal Years the Wise Women Way: Alternative Approaches for Women 30-90. Some describe it as a form of shamanistic herbalism because intuition, ritual, meditation and spiritualism are emphasized. The moon is thought to play an important role in governing a woman’s body. The herbalist’s use of plants to heal body and spirit is described as “spirit work with plants.”

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Y

Yin and yang

In Daoist philosophy, any change can be explained in terms of the interaction between two opposite forces, yin and yang, that make up the whole individual or object. Yin and yang are neutral terms that are used to describe any pair of opposites, such as hot and cold, hard and soft, male and female.

The vital energy, qi, is thought to be generated through the interaction between yin and yang. Changes in the proportion of yin and yang, and the attraction between these forces is said to create motion and energy.

Yin and yang are not absolutes. No thing remains completely yin or yang forever. The correct balance between yin and yang is necessary to maintain health. Illness is thought to occur when these two forces are out of balance.

Conditions caused by excessive yang and deficient yin (for example, too much heat and not enough cooling) are treated with yin or cooling herbs and other therapies such as acupuncture to restore the balance of yin and yang.

Yin is associated with qualities such as cold, wet, rest, responsiveness, passivity, negative, darkness, inwardness, downwardness, and decrease. In Chinese herbal medicines, Yin herbs are said to have cooling, damping and calming properties.

Yang is associated with qualities such as heat, dry, stimulation, movement, activity, positive, excitement, vigor, light, the exterior, upwardness, outwardness, and increase. In Chinese herbal medicine, Yang herbs are said to have warming, drying and stimulating properties.

Yoga

Yoga is an ancient system of meditative exercises developed over the past 2,000 years in India. Most people connect the word yoga with stretching postures and exercises. The practice of yoga also includes breathing techniques, visualization, diet and cleansing regimens. Research has shown yoga increases flexibility, improves blood circulation and reduces stress.

There are many different types of yoga that vary slightly in their approach. Some people practice yoga simply as a form of physical exercise or as a relaxation technique. Others may practice it therapeutically, with the goal of enhancing the flow of vital energy or prana. Yoga is also practiced to increase self-awareness and achieve enlightenment.

Herbs can help in the detoxification process by aiding the organs that help in natural detoxification. These include the liver, urinary system, digestive systems, skin and lungs. The herbs used in various detox treatments can be classified based on the organ they work upon. Herbal remedies can be prepared from these herbs based on specific individual conditions:

Laxatives and diuretics herbs
* Licorice root
* Psyllium seed
* Alfalfa
* Yucca root
* Violet leaf
* Guar gum
* Marshmallow root

Herbs that provide support to the liver
* Cascara sagrada bark
* Milk thistle seed
* Dandelion

Parasite expeller herbs
* Black walnut hull
* Pumpkin seed

Herbs that soothe irritated digestive and urinary tracts
* Irish Moss
* Passionflower leaf

Antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant herbs
* Witch hazel bark, twigs, and leaves
* Capsicum
* Gentian root
* Cranberry

Multipurpose herbs ( Demulcents, blood purifiers, energizers, laxatives and diuretics)
* Horsetail
* Slippery elm bark
* Mullein leaf
* Black cohosh
* Burdock root
* Echinacea
* Fennel seed
* Fenugreek
* Ginger root
* Papaya

There are many herbal detox products that are prepared using a combination of these herbs. These products are developed for various specific needs like balancing sugar levels, breaking down organic wastes in the body, calming tense nerves, neutralizing acidity and loosening hardened phlegm in the lungs.

WASHINGTON - Scientists hope that laser-based processes may help create arterial stents and longer-lasting medical implants 10 times faster, and less expensively.

Yung Shin, a professor of Mechanical Engineering and director of Purdue’s Center for Laser-Based Manufacturing, stresses the need for new technologies to meet the huge global market for artificial hips and knees, insisting that the worldwide population of people younger than 40 who receive hip implants is expected to be 40 million annually by 2010, and double to 80 million by 2030.

Besides speeding production to meet the anticipated demand, Shin says that another goal is to create implants that last longer than the ones that are made presently.

“We have 200,000 total hip replacements in the United States. They last about 10 years on average. That means if you receive an implant at 40, you may need to have it replaced three or four times in your lifetime,” he said.

In one of their techniques, the researchers deposit layers of a powdered mixture of metal and ceramic materials, melting the powder with a laser and then immediately solidifying each layer to form parts.

Shin says that, given that the technique enables parts to be formed one layer at a time, it is ideal for coating titanium implants with ceramic materials that mimic the characteristics of natural bone.

“Titanium and other metals do not match either the stiffness or the nature of bones, so you have to coat it with something that does. However, if you deposit ceramic on metal, you don’t want there to be an abrupt change of materials because that causes differences in thermal expansion and chemical composition, which results in cracks. One way to correct this is to change the composition gradually so you don’t have a sharp boundary,” Shin said.

The gradual layering approach is called a “functionally gradient coating”.

The researchers have revealed that they used their laser deposition processes to create a porous titanium-based surface and a calcium phosphate outer surface, both designed to better match the stiffness of bone than conventional implants.

The laser deposition process enables researchers to make parts with complex shapes that are customized for the patient.

“Medical imaging scans could just be sent to the laboratory, where the laser deposition would create the part from the images. Instead of taking 30 days like it does now because you have to make a mold first, we could do it in three days. You reduce both the cost and production time,” Shin said.

According to the researchers, the laser deposition technique lends itself to the requirement that each implant be designed specifically for each patient.

“These are not like automotive parts. You can’t make a million that are all the same,” Shin said.

He says that the process creates a strong bond between the material being deposited and the underlying titanium, steel or chromium.

The researcher further reveals that tests have shown that the bond is at least seven times as strong as industry standards require.

Using computational modelling, the researchers simulate, study and optimise the processes.

The researchers, however, admit that more studies are required before the techniques are ready for commercialisation.

They have revealed that their future work will involve studying “shape-memory” materials that are similar to bone and also have a self-healing capability for longer-lasting implants.

They are also working on a technique that uses an “ultra short pulse laser” to create arterial stents, which are metal scaffolds inserted into arteries to keep them open after surgeries to treat clogs.

Since the laser pulses last only a matter of picoseconds, or quadrillionths of a second, they do not cause heat damage to the foil-thin stainless steel and titanium material used to make the stents.

The laser removes material in precise patterns in a process called “cold ablation”, which turns solids into a plasma. The patterns enable the stents to expand properly after being inserted into a blood vessel.

BIRMINGHAM - Can bacteria help build bones implants? Well, at least scientists at the University of Birmingham say “Yes”.

Lead researcher Lynne Macaskie suggests that Serratia bacteria that manufacture hydroxyapatite (HA) could be used to make stronger, more durable bone implants.

In a study, the researchers showed that the bacterial cells stuck tightly to surfaces like as titanium alloy, polypropylene, porous glass and polyurethane foam by forming a biofilm layer containing biopolymers that acted as a strong adhesive.

The HA coating then builds up over the surface. For practical use, the HA layer must stick tightly, then the material is dried and heated to destroy the bacteria.

With the help of micro-manipulation technique, the researchers measured the force needed to overcome the bioglue adhesion, and showed that dried biofilm stuck 20-times more tightly than fresh biofilm.

When coated with HA the adhesion was several times more again. Slightly roughening the surface made the bioglue much more effective.

Presently, implant materials are made by spraying-on hydroxyapatite. This does not have good mechanical strength and the spraying only reaches visible areas.

The new biocoating method reaches all the hidden surfaces as the bacteria can “swim” into hidden nooks and crannies.

Macaskie insists that bacterial HA has better properties than HA made chemically as the nanocrystals of HA produced by the bacteria are much smaller than HA crystals produced chemically, giving them a high mechanical strength.

“The bacteria are destroyed by heating, leaving just the HA stuck to the surface with their own glue - rather akin to a burnt milk-saucepan,” said Macaskie.

“We need to do more work actually to turn the materials into materials we can use in biomedicine and the environment,” she added.

The study was presented at Society for General Microbiology’s meeting at Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh.

LONDON - People who get plenty of vitamin D can cut their chance of developing Type 2 diabetes by 55 per cent.

Researchers from the Warwick Medical School reviewed 28 existing studies on almost 100,000 people looking at vitamin D levels among middle-aged and elderly people. They also found high levels of vitamin D reduced the risk of cardiovascular disease by 33 per cent.

Sunshine brings risks too

Around 90 per cent of our vitamin D comes from sunshine and experts warn that people should be sensible about sun exposure - 30 minutes twice a week on the face and arms with no sunscreen is the maximum safe exposure for adults and children.

Clinical research needed to assess long-term benefits

“The study suggests that there is a link between higher levels of vitamin D and lower risk of Type 2 diabetes and heart disease,” said Dr Iain Frame, Director of Research at Diabetes UK.

“However, it does not show that vitamin D levels are a direct cause of these reductions in risk. Diabetes UK would be very interested to see results of clinical research following people over a period of time to establish the long-term beneficial effects of increased levels of vitamin D.

Help reduce your risk of diabetes

“What we do know is that an unhealthy lifestyle, having a large waist or being overweight can cause Type 2 diabetes.

“Diabetes UK recommends that people should eat a healthy, balanced diet low in fat, sugar and salt, and do at least 30 minutes of physical activity a day to reduce their risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.”

The research was published in the journal Maturitas.

Charlene DeGidio never smoked marijuana in the 1960s, or afterward. But a year ago, after medications failed to relieve the pain in her legs and feet, a doctor suggested that the Adna, Wash., retiree try the drug.

Ms. DeGidio, 69 years old, bought candy with marijuana mixed in. It worked in easing her neuropathic pain, for which doctors haven’t been able to pinpoint a cause, she says. Now, Ms. DeGidio, who had previously tried without success other drugs including Neurontin and lidocaine patches, nibbles marijuana-laced peppermint bars before sleep, and keeps a bag in her refrigerator that she’s warned her grandchildren to avoid.

“It’s not like you’re out smoking pot for enjoyment or to get high,” says the former social worker, who won’t take the drug during the day because she doesn’t want to feel disoriented. “It’s a medicine.”

For many patients like Ms. DeGidio, it’s getting easier to access marijuana for medical use. The U.S. Department of Justice has said it will not generally prosecute ill people under doctors’ care whose use of the drug complies with state rules. New Jersey will become the 14th state to allow therapeutic use of marijuana, and the number is likely to grow. Illinois and New York, among others, are considering new laws.

As the legal landscape for patients clears somewhat, the medical one remains confusing, largely because of limited scientific studies. A recent American Medical Association review found fewer than 20 randomized, controlled clinical trials of smoked marijuana for all possible uses. These involved around 300 people in all—well short of the evidence typically required for a pharmaceutical to be marketed in the U.S.

Doctors say the studies that have been done suggest marijuana can benefit patients in the areas of managing neuropathic pain, which is caused by certain types of nerve injury, and in bolstering appetite and treating nausea, for instance in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. “The evidence is mounting” for those uses, says Igor Grant, director of the Center for Medicinal Cannabis Research at the University of California, San Diego.

But in a range of other conditions for which marijuana has been considered, such as epilepsy and immune diseases like lupus, there’s scant and inconclusive research to show the drug’s effectiveness. Marijuana also has been tied to side effects including a racing heart and short-term memory loss and, in at least a few cases, anxiety and psychotic experiences such as hallucinations. The Food and Drug Administration doesn’t regulate marijuana, so the quality and potency of the product available in medical-marijuana dispensaries can vary.

Though states have been legalizing medical use of marijuana since 1996, when California passed a ballot initiative, the idea remains controversial. Opponents say such laws can open a door to wider cultivation and use of the drug by people without serious medical conditions. That concern is heightened, they say, when broadly written statutes, such as California’s, allow wide leeway for doctors to decide when to write marijuana recommendations.

But advocates of medical-marijuana laws say certain seriously ill patients can benefit from the drug and should be able to access it with a doctor’s permission. They argue that some patients may get better results from marijuana than from available prescription drugs.

Glenn Osaki, 51, a technology consultant from Pleasanton, Calif., says he smokes marijuana to counter nausea and pain. Diagnosed in 2005 with advanced colon cancer, he has had his entire colon removed, creating digestive problems, and suffers neuropathic pain in his hands and feet from a chemotherapy drug. He says smoking marijuana was more effective and faster than prescription drugs he tried, including one that is a synthetic version of marijuana’s most active ingredient, known as THC.

The relatively limited research supporting medical marijuana poses practical challenges for doctors and patients who want to consider it as a therapeutic option. It’s often unclear when, or whether, it might work better than traditional drugs for particular people. Unlike prescription drugs it comes with no established dosing regimen.

“I don’t know what to recommend to patients about what to use, how much to use, where to get it,” says Scott Fishman, chief of pain medicine at the University of California, Davis medical school, who says he rarely writes marijuana recommendations, typically only at a patient’s request.

Researchers say it’s difficult to get funding and federal approval for marijuana research. In November, the AMA urged the federal government to review marijuana’s position in the most-restricted category of drugs, so it could be studied more easily.

Gregory T. Carter, a University of Washington professor of rehabilitation medicine, says he’s developed his own procedures for recommending marijuana, which he does for some patients with serious neuromuscular conditions such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or Lou Gehrig’s disease, to treat pain and other symptoms. He typically urges those who haven’t tried it before to start with a few puffs using a vaporizer, which heats the marijuana to release its active chemicals, then wait 10 minutes. He warns them to have family nearby and to avoid driving, and he checks back with them after a few days. Many are “surprised at how mild” the drug’s psychotropic effects are, he says.

States’ rules on growing and dispensing medical marijuana vary. Some states license specialized dispensaries. These can range from small storefronts to bigger operations that feel more like pharmacies. Typically, they have security procedures to limit walk-in visitors.

At least a few dispensaries say they inspect their suppliers and use labs to check the potency of their product, though states don’t generally require such measures. “It’s difficult to understand how we can call it medicine if we don’t know what’s in it,” says Stephen DeAngelo, executive director of the Harborside Health Center, a medical-marijuana dispensary in Oakland, Calif.

Some of the strongest research results support the idea of using marijuana to relieve neuropathic pain. For example, a trial of 50 AIDS patients published in the journal Neurology in 2007 found that 52% of those who smoked marijuana reported a 30% or greater reduction in pain. Just 24% of those who got placebo cigarettes reported the same lessening of pain.

Marijuana has also been shown to affect nausea and appetite. The AMA review said three controlled studies with 43 total participants showed a “modest” anti-nausea effect of smoked marijuana in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Studies of HIV-positive patients have suggested that smoked marijuana can improve appetite and trigger weight gain.

Donald Abrams, a doctor and professor at the University of California, San Francisco who has studied marijuana, says he recommends it to some cancer patients, including those who haven’t found standard anti-nausea drugs effective and some with loss of appetite.

Side effects can be a problem for some people. Thea Sagen, 62, an advanced neuroendocrine cancer patient in Seaside, Calif., says she expected something like a pharmacy when she went to a marijuana dispensary mentioned by her oncologist. She says she was disappointed to find that the staffers couldn’t say which of the products, with names like Pot ‘o Gold and Blockbuster, might boost her flagging appetite or soothe her anxiety. “They said, ‘it’s trial and error,’ “she says. “I was in there flying blind, looking at all this stuff.”

Ms. Sagen says she bought several items and tried one-eighth teaspoon of marijuana-infused honey. After a few hours, she was hallucinating , too dizzy and confused to dress herself for a doctor’s appointment. Then came vomiting far worse than her stomach upset before she took the drug. When she reported the side effects to her oncologist’s nurse and her primary-care physician, she got no guidance. She doesn’t take the drug now. But with advice from a nutritionist, her appetite and food intake have improved, she says.

Other marijuana users may experience the well-known reduction in ability to concentrate. At least a few users suffer troubling short-term psychiatric side effects, which can include anxiety and panic. More controversially, an analysis published in the journal Lancet in 2007 tied marijuana use to a higher rate of psychotic conditions such as schizophrenia. But the analysis noted that such a link doesn’t necessarily show marijuana is a cause of the conditions.

Long-term marijuana use can lead to physical dependence, though it is not as addictive as nicotine or alcohol, says Margaret Haney, a professor at Columbia University’s medical school. Smoked marijuana may also risk lung irritation, but a large 2006 study, published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention, found no tie to lung cancer.

Some studies and reviews examining the possible medical uses, and side effects, of marijuana are being conducted by.

    * Center for Medicinal Cannabis Research, University of California

    * American College of Physicians

    * Institute of Medicine

To read more on Marijuana and its effectiveness, the following periodicals have spent time reviewing certain aspects of medical marijuana.

To treat pain:

    * Neurology

    * Journal of Pain

    * Neuropsychopharmacology

To treat nausea:

    * Annals of Internal Medicine

    * Cancer

    * Pharmacology Biochemistry and Behavior

To restore appetite:

    * Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome

    * Psychopharmacology

To treat spasticity:

    * Neurologist

Overviews of Potential Side Effects:

    * Canadian Medical Association Journal

    * Clinical Toxicology

Mental Effects:

    * Neuropsychology Review

    * Lancet

Withdrawal:

    * Current Psychiatry Reports

    * Current Opinion in Psychiatry

Effects on Lungs

    * Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention

 

 

Here Are Some Terms Used in Homeopathy – Easier to Understand

Terms of homeopathy seem confusing sometimes particularly for them who never know about homeopathy before. Basically, homeopathy is formed from the word “Homeo” and “pathy”. “Homeo” means similar or same, while “pathy” means pain. The base of this alternative medication is concentrates on the use of natural substances to stimulate the mind and the body in order to heal the diseases. For detail knowledge of terms of homeopathy, you might need to read the information below.

Glossary of Terms

In the terms of homeopathy, you’ll find aggravation. It is a name for an obvious enhancement in the symptoms of the disease. Then there’s also an antidote for a material or a remedy that neutralizes the effects of homeopathy medication. Dose that is recommended might be given an antidote to counteract the effect when the patient is not responding well to the homeopathy.

Tissue salts termed as cell salts and biochemic remedies are several of the most important terms of homeopathy. According to homeopaths, use twelve dissimilar salts are significant for the functioning of the body. These cell salts are prepared in low potency and used under homeopathic signs.

Symptoms that are general to a specific sickness or disease like yellow skin in jaundice are known as a common symptom. In terms of homeopathy, symptom of concomitant refers to the symptom that happens at the same time as the main complaint. Those symptoms that refer to location etiology, concomitants sensation and modalities all together give what is known as complete symptom.

Centesimal is one of the three effectiveness scales used in the homeopathy pharmacy. It’s the process of repeated dilutions and successions. In terms of homeopathy and its standards, it’s notated by 10 or 100 scales.

Taking one part of the medicinal substance, tincture or dry blended with alcohol or 99 parts of lactose, and shaken will result 1c potency. In the other hand, taking 1 part of this potency and mixing it with 99 parts of lactose or alcohol and then shaken will yield 2c. A 300c has gone through this process 300 times. A 1M has gone through the process 1000 times.

Furthermore, the decimal scale is the other potency scale in terms of homeopathy. This is a process of taking one part of the medicinal element and blending it with 9 parts of diluents, and shaken well determines a 1X (D) potency.

One part of this potency and 9 parts of diluents, then successes, yields 2X (D) potency. This continuous till the desired potency is reached. The third potency scale is the LM(50 millesimal, Q) conceived by Hahnemann. Effectiveness refers to the strength of homeopathic remedy in terms of homeopathy.

If you’re keen on implementing homeopathy into your life, you are recommended to comprehend the terms of homeopathy. By knowing the terms of homeopathy before implementing homeopathy into life, it will make you easier to gain its advantage.

Anyone living with Parkinson’s disease knows that there are good and bad days. For days when there are challenges, a new treatment, one that is relatively inexpensive, effective, and safe has been discovered.

Not only is this a safe solution for treating Parkinson’s disease, it is also highly effective. This means people with this disease have a fighting chance for normalcy. While it does not cure the disease, IV Glutathione therapy does slow down the progression.

In clinical trials, results show that up to 90% of participants using Glutathione therapy experience significant improvement. In the case of Parkinson’s, the brain’s dopamine receptors lose their sensitivity but with Glutathione, the receptors are restored to normal function.

With this form of treatment, dopamine within the brain is able to function more effectively. This means dopamine sensitivity is improved, as well as the brain’s serotonin levels that can help decrease levels of depression.

In most cases of Glutathione therapy and Parkinson’s, the patient is given 1,400 milligrams on a daily basis with saline. Using an IV drip for ten minutes, three times each week grants the medication to enter the bloodstream so it can get to work swiftly.

 

Although there’s oral Glutathione medication, IV Glutathione therapy is the only way in which Parkinson’s disease should be treated, making it much more effective. Depending on the physician providing the treatment, some will also add various drugs and herbs such as milk thistle and amino acids.

The advances seen over the years pertaining to IV Glutathione therapy are incredible. This allows Parkinson’s patients to get off medications such as Levodopa that have harsh side effects. Anyone interested in this treatment option should remain on any prescribed drugs and then speak to their doctor about eliminating them and switching over to Glutathione therapy.

There are so many wonderful benefits associated with IV Glutathione therapy but the number one is the elimination of side effects, something no patient wants to deal with. Not only do many of the traditional medications have side effects but some also come with serious health risk factors to include stroke and heart attack.

Although the cost of Glutathione therapy is a little higher than other options, it works exceptionally well. The good news is that most insurance companies are now providing partial or full coverage of this substance because it has been approved by the FDA.

Within a short time of a person with Parkinsons Symptoms being put on IV Glutathione therapy, they start to respond to the treatment. This means the patient starts to take back some control over his or her life. As you can imagine, both patients and medical professionals are anxious to get this treatment option out to the public. Although IV Glutathione therapy is used commonly to Parkinson’s, physicians are finding that it also helps with other health problems such as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, and so on.

If you’ve Parkinson’s disease or another illness mentioned and find that current treatment is not providing you with the needed relief, then Glutathione therapy could be the perfect solution. More and more, this treatment option is becoming accepted among medical professionals and it might be the exact treatment you need.

US House Bill 3962 – Will Limit Alternative Health Care

House Bill 3962, in an effort to control costs, creates a new layer of government bureaucracy that inserts itself between the doctor and the patient.

A national health commissioner and task forces will evaluate and decide everything from what medications a physician will be allowed to prescribe for a patient, to what surgery will be approved, to what outcomes will be expected for a particular medical condition.

The ‘universal healthcare Czar’ along with the task forces will also decide whether or not hospitals will be reimbursed for care rendered based on predetermined outcomes. For example, if a patient is re-admitted within a prescribed number of days after discharge, the hospital will not be reimbursed for care given. It does not take into account factors such as how ill a patient may be.

This new layer of government effectively removes the power of the individual physician and patient to decide what is the best course of treatment.

Why should you care?

You should care because the application of evidence-based medicine can potentially limit health choices of both patients and physicians.  In the reformed healthcare system recommended by Congress, alternative treatments will be pressured to end, and physicians who practice alternative medicine in extreme cases will be criminalized. The money in the system will continue to flow to well funded studies underwritten by the pharmaceutical industry, and those companies without deep pockets will continue to be unable to afford the cost of  in depth studies to critically evaluate the efficacy of such treatments.

 Alternative treatments will fail to pass the standard of evidence-based medicine precisely because they lack the funds to enter the game, and thus the cycle will continue. In short, if alternative treatments are not evaluated by the guidelines of evidence based medicine, they will never be accepted as a valued treatment option.

It can also be argued that evidence-based medicine has exponentially increased the cost of health care. In theory, the essence of evidence-based medicine is science. However, in practice it has become more about money. The system has become one where the pharmaceutical industry has been given the edge. For example:

    * Many of the prescription drug trials are not independent

They are often funded by the very drug companies that stand to gain if their drug is found to be effective in trials and is approved

    * The relationship between medical societies and the pharmaceutical industry raises questions.

Over the past 10-15 years there has been a change in the parameters of our most common diseases (hypertension, obesity and high cholesterol ). For example, in the past normal blood pressure was 120/80, and now  it is 115/75.  In fact, those with a blood pressure of 120/80 are now considered to be pre-hypertensive and are eligible for medication.

The body mass index (BMI) number for obesity decreased from 40 to 30 while the parameters for being overweight have expanded from a BMI of 27.8 in 1995 to less than 25 today. High cholesterol (LDL) is now < 200 instead of the old parameter of  < 250.

The change in parameters have meant both a dramatic increase in the number of people who meet criteria for treatment with prescription drugs along with a resultant rise in the cost of healthcare. The question that has yet to be answered - why are we less healthy despite taking ever increasing amounts of prescription medication?

    * There is a tight financial relationship between the pharmaceutical industry and the medical industry.

The AMA, medical education and the underwriting of medical research has given the pharmaceutical industry a great advantage in the shaping of medical opinion and by extension evidence-based medicine.

    * There is a revolving door between those who work for the FDA and those who have worked in the pharmaceutical industry.

This cozy relationship raises the importance of Big Pharma and relegates natural/alternative methods to junk science. Inherently, this should make those of us who are critical thinkers question the statements that summarily denigrate the supplement industry which makes products, that in many cases are in direct competition with the drugs that are manufactured by pharmaceutical companies, but don’t need patents.

A more balanced approach to our healthcare system is necessary. If the same standard is applied to both alternative and conventional treatments, each will be given a level playing field to determine efficacy. This change would go a long way towards accomplishing the task of improving the health of Americans without bankrupting them.

Let’s try something new like  promoting prevention and wellness instead of just talking about it or actually giving  doctors and patients the freedom to choose how they approach health choices. No one can argue with the fact that a healthier population, will lead to a significant decrease in healthcare costs.  The current system clearly is not working.

True free-range eggs are far more nutritious than commercially raised eggs.

Compared to official U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) nutrient data for commercial eggs, eggs from hens raised on pasture may contain:

    * 1/3 less cholesterol

    * 1/4 less saturated fat

    * 2/3 more vitamin A

    * 2 times more omega-3 fatty acids

    * 3 times more vitamin E

    * 7 times more beta carotene

These dramatically differing nutrient levels are most likely the result of the differences in diet between free-range pastured hens, vs. commercially farmed hens.

Without citing any research of their own, most egg industry advocates hold fast to their claim that commercially farmed eggs are no different from pastured eggs, and that hens’ diets do not alter their eggs nutritional value in any significant way.

Eggs are one of the healthiest foods in the world, and at their very best if you eat them raw. But the quality of your eggs is also important.

The REAL Definition of Free-Range Eggs

As this article clearly states, the nutritional difference between true free-range eggs and commercially farmed eggs is not an occasional fluke or misprint, as these findings are being backed up with a mounting body of evidence.    

The fact that the USDA and other organizations (which are often funded or influenced by industry) refuse to acknowledge that there is a direct link between the diet of the bird and the nutritional value of their eggs, is a clear indicator that there are strong financial incentives at work – not nutritional science. Because clearly, “garbage in, garbage out” applies here as well. This general rule will never change – it applies equally to hens, beef cattle, dairy cows, and your own body.

And don’t be fooled by the egg industry’s double-speak definitions of what free-range really is. True free-range eggs are from hens that range freely outdoors on a pasture where they can forage for their natural diet, which includes seeds, green plants, insects, and worms. A hen that is let outside into a barren lot for a few minutes a day but is fed a diet of corn, soy, and cottonseed meals, plus synthetic additives, is NOT a free-range hen, and will not produce the same quality eggs as its foraging counterpart.

An additional issue that is important, but not discussed here, is the fact that the main ingredients of commercially raised hens’ diets are genetically modified (GM). 

The three main GM ingredients in the United States’ food supply are corn, soy, and cottonseed. All the more reason to stay away from commercial eggs, even if they state “free-range” on their label.

Which Eggs to Buy, and Which You Should Avoid

Additionally, I would STRONGLY encourage you to AVOID ALL omega-3 eggs, as they are actually LESS healthy for you. Typically, the animals are fed poor-quality sources of omega-3 fats that are already oxidized. Also, omega-3 eggs do not last anywhere near as long as non-omega-3 eggs. Remember, omega- 3 eggs are highly perishable and should be avoided.

If you have to purchase your eggs from a commercial grocery store, I would advise getting free-range organic. Ideally, if at all possible  it would be far preferable to purchase your eggs directly from your local farmer, because this way you can be certain of the quality. This may not be as hard as you think. In my experience, this is one of the easiest foods to find from local farmers. To find free-range pasture farms you can try you local health food store or  try:

     www.eatwild.com

    www.localharvest.org 

If you cannot find a farmer to sell you eggs directly, and you’re not interested in raising your own, then organic eggs from the store would be your next best option. 

It is also wise to NOT refrigerate your eggs. If you have ever been to Europe or South America and gone into the grocery stores, you will know that this practice of non-refrigeration is common in those countries.

How to Eat Your Eggs for Maximum Health Benefits

Eggs are often one of your most allergenic foods, but I believe this is because they are cooked. If you consume your eggs in their raw state, the incidence of egg allergy virtually disappears. Heating the egg protein actually changes its chemical shape, and the distortion can easily lead to allergies.

It is my belief that eating eggs raw helps preserve many of the highly perishable nutrients such as lutein and zeaxanthin, which are powerful prevention elements of the most common cause of blindness: age-related macular degeneration.

Fresh raw egg yolk tastes like vanilla. It can be eaten “Rocky style,” combined with avocado or in a shake with whey protein powder, raw kefir, or a small amount of berries. However, egg protein is easily damaged on a molecular level, even by mixing/blending. If you choose not to eat your eggs raw, cooking them soft-boiled would be your next best option.

Scrambling your eggs is one of the worst ways to eat eggs as it actually oxidizes the cholesterol in the egg yolk. If you have high cholesterol this may actually be a problem for you as the oxidized cholesterol may cause some damage in your body.

If you are not used to eating fresh raw eggs, you should start by eating just a tiny bit of it on a daily basis, and then gradually increase the portions. 

For example, start by consuming only a few drops of raw egg yolk a day for the first three days. Gradually increase the amount that you consume in three-day increments. Try half a teaspoon for three days, then one teaspoon, then two teaspoons. When you are accustomed to that amount, increase it to one raw egg per day and subsequently to two raw eggs per day or more. 

One should not consume raw egg whites without the yolks as raw egg whites contain avidin, which can bind to biotin. If you cook the egg white the avidin is not an issue.  However if you consume them with raw egg yolk (whole egg) there is more than enough biotin in the yolk to compensate for the avidin binding.

There is a potential problem with using the entire raw egg if you are pregnant. Biotin deficiency is a common concern in pregnancy and it is possible that consuming whole raw eggs would make it worse. If you are pregnant you have two options. The first is to actually measure for a biotin deficiency. This is best done through urinary excretion of 3-hydroxyisovaleric acid (3-HIA), which increases as a result of the decreased activity of the biotin-dependent enzyme methylcrotonyl-CoA carboxylase.

Alternatively, you could take a biotin supplement, or consume only the yolk raw (and cook the whites).

If you choose not to eat your eggs raw, cooking them soft-boiled would be the next best option.

BLOOMINGTON - The Web is filled with products and practices that promise to “detoxify” the body through various means, from extreme diets to spa treatments to sweating.

Though some may be relatively harmless, the desire to detox was brought to a tragic conclusion last fall when three participants died and several were made seriously ill during a pricey sweat lodge ceremony in Arizona. Self-help guru James Arthur Ray was arrested Feb. 3 and charged with three counts of manslaughter in the deaths.

Doctors say the notion that you can — or should — undertake special efforts to cleanse the body of impurities is not only not necessary but potentially dangerous. The body has evolved through time to detoxify itself through its own processes, said Dr. Rachel Vreeman, an assistant professor of pediatrics at the Indiana University School of Medicine and co-author of Don’t Swallow Your Gum! Myths, Half-Truths and Outright Lies About Your Body and Health.

When it comes to removing toxins from the body, several organs are designed to do just that.

    * The liver plays a major role in breaking down and filtering substances from the bloodstream that the body can’t use.

    * The kidneys remove substances such as urea, a byproduct of protein metabolism.

    * The gastrointestinal tract, including the colon, is also designed to get rid of what the body cannot use and to keep what it needs.

“There are myths that toxins clog up or get stuck in these organs,” Vreeman said. “That is just not true.”

And without a doubt, she said, sweating definitely would not be the way to go about it.

The primary reason we sweat is to regulate the body temperature. When moisture produced by the sweat glands evaporates, it cools the body.

Though the main component of sweat is water, sweat does contain small amounts of dissolved minerals and trace elements, including sodium, lactate, urea, potassium, calcium, magnesium, zinc, copper, nickel, iron, chromium — none of which are considered toxic, Vreeman said.

When you sweat, the major thing you lose is water — something your body can’t survive long without.

“The term ‘detoxify’ is used so often that it makes people think that special steps need to be taken so ‘detoxifying’ happens,” Vreeman said. “It leads to people not trusting their bodies. Your body, however, does not need special cleansing efforts. What it does need is for you to get enough fluids and to eat a healthy, balanced diet.”

That’s not to say sweating, or spending time in a sauna, has been proven to have no health benefits.

Some studies have indicated that saunas lower blood pressure, enhance blood flow and improve cardiac functioning in people with congestive heart failure or other cardiovascular disease, Vreeman said. One study found weak evidence that saunas could help with chronic pain, and another showed minor benefits for some with chronic fatigue syndrome. There have been almost no studies done specifically on steam rooms or sweat lodges.

Western medicine has largely ignored sweat lodges, but they continue to play a significant role in Native American culture, said David Delgado Shorter, an associate professor of world arts and cultures at the University of California, Los Angeles.

“Sweats” have been used for many centuries to purify the mind and body among tribes throughout the Americas, Shorter said. Women in Mayan and Aztec culture, for example, used them as a fertility ritual, and men among the Plains tribes used sweats in preparation for hunts, among other reasons.

“The combination of the physical, emotional, psychological and religious is something many tribes find incredibly important and have fought for their right to do that,” Shorter said.

During earlier times, when colonial settlers and government agents were sometimes violently suppressing Native American religion and culture, tribes fought to hold on to the tradition, for both spiritual and practical reasons. Sweat lodges offered a private place to sing, pray and gather.

That’s why many in the Native American community take offense to non-Native Americans co-opting and charging for participation in sweat lodges, Shorter said.

Anyone thinking of participating in a sweat lodge ceremony or something approximating it should exercise caution, experts say. In harsh environments, hot or cold, the body will work hard to balance how much heat it makes and how much it loses. But if you are in conditions that are too hot for too long, the body may not be able to cool you off sufficiently.

In Arizona, in addition to those who died, 18 people were hospitalized with burns, dehydration, respiratory arrest or kidney failure, according to published reports. Participants, who had paid $9,695 for the “Spiritual Warrior” retreat, said that some people were vomiting, lethargic and collapsing after an hour into the session.

“These are all signs of heat illness and are warnings that your body cannot keep itself cool,” Vreeman said. “Vomiting, thirst, dizziness, being uncoordinated or clumsy are all signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Heat illness can kill you and should be treated as an emergency.”

Someone who becomes overheated should get to a cool place, drink fluids and seek medical care, Vreeman said. People with heart conditions should always talk to their doctor before trying a sweat lodge or sauna.

More information

The American Academy of Family Physicians has more on heat illness.

What is CAM?

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is a term used to describe a diverse group of healing systems that are not presently considered to be part of mainstream medicine. The goal of conventional medicine is to locate the physical source of a particular disease and then remove it. For example, if a patient has some sort of infection, a conventional doctor would probably prescribe a specific antibiotic to kill the invading bacteria. CAM practitioners, on the other hand, take a more “holistic” approach to healthcare. They believe that health and disease involve a complex interaction of physical, spiritual, mental, emotional, genetic, environmental, and social factors. In order to treat a disease or simply promote good health, CAM practitioners treat the whole body by taking all of these factors into account.

In the United States, this holistic approach to health has been labeled “alternative” for a variety of scientific, cultural, and political reasons. In many cases it is very difficult to scientifically test alternative practices, such as acupuncture, in the same way that certain conventional practices, such as medications, are tested. Although alternative therapies are often based on hundreds — in some cases thousands — of years of experience, the conventional medical community relies heavily on scientific evidence (rather than clinical experience) when evaluating the safety and effectiveness of a particular therapy. For this reason, many alternative practices that have not been thoroughly tested (or cannot be thoroughly tested) are considered “unscientific” by modern Western standards. In addition, many non-Western healing practices are not taught in United States medical schools, available to patients in U.S. hospitals, or even covered by health insurance in the country.

What does complementary medicine and alternative medicine mean?

The terms “complementary medicine” and “alternative medicine,” although often used to mean the same thing, actually have quite different implications. Complementary medicine refers to medical practices used together with conventional medicine while alternative medicine is used in place of conventional medicine. An example of complementary medicine is the use of hypnotherapy together with pain medications to reduce anxiety and enhance relaxation in people recovering from severe burns. Following a special diet rather than taking medications to treat attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is an example of alternative medicine.

What is integrative medicine?

The term “integrative medicine” is often used interchangeably with CAM, but it has a subtle and very important different meaning. Professionals who practice integrative medicine blend appropriate CAM therapies with mainstream medicine rather than simply adding one complementary therapy (such as herbs, for example) to a standard medical treatment. For example, an integrative treatment for Alzheimer’s disease may include a combination of the following: (1) medications that increase certain brain chemicals, (2) antioxidants (such as vitamin E and ginkgo biloba) that scavenge free radicals, (3) changes in lifestyle (such as walking programs and relaxation training) to reduce anxiety and improve behavior, and (4) music therapy to bolster the immune system. More and more Americans are becoming familiar with the term “integrative medicine,” and studies have found that this blended approach to healthcare is safe and effective for a growing number of medical conditions.

What are the basic principles of CAM?

Although CAM therapies vary widely, several themes can be traced through them all:

The focus is on the whole person — physical, emotional, social, and spiritual.

Prevention of illness is a primary concern.

Treatments are highly individualized.

Treatments are aimed at the causes of illness rather than at its symptoms.

Treatments are designed to support the natural healing processes of the body.

Who is using CAM?

The barriers to integrative medicine are beginning to fall — or, at least are becoming less difficult to overcome. Alternative healing practices are increasingly being tested for effectiveness and safety in well-designed research studies. The intermixing of diverse cultures in the West are bringing once distant healing practices to the forefront and more Americans are turning to integrative medical care than ever before.

The movement toward integrative medicine in the United States has been prompted by a growing consumer demand for CAM services. A landmark study published in 1993 found that more than one-third of Americans had sought CAM therapies, that in 1990 they had made more visits to CAM providers than to their primary care physicians, and that consumers had spent more than 13 billion dollars out-of-pocket for these CAM visits.

Studies suggest that demand for CAM services continues to grow at a startling rate. A 2001 survey found that nearly 70% of Americans have used at least one form of CAM therapy in their lifetime, making this “unconventional” medical approach one of the fastest growing sectors of American healthcare. Although herbs and supplements are not regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), pharmacies across the country are experiencing a tremendous surge in the demand for these alternative remedies. From 1991 to 1996 alone, the demand for over-the-counter natural remedies (including herbs and supplements) doubled. In a 1996 survey by Landmark Healthcare, more than 70% of HMOs reported an increase in requests for CAM by their members. Most patients (56%) requested acupuncture, followed by chiropractic (45%), massage (25%), acupressure and biofeedback (21% each), hypnotherapy (8%), and reflexology (4%).

Studies also suggest that U.S. medical schools may be warming up to CAM. As of 1998, 75 out of 117 (64%) U.S. medical schools offer at least one course in CAM. In a 1994 survey, 60 percent of doctors reported recommending CAM to their patients. Nearly half of the doctors who responded to the survey acknowledged that they used CAM themselves. More and more health insurance plans are also covering CAM, particularly treatments such as acupuncture and chiropractic, whose safety and effectiveness in the treatment of certain health problems has been fairly well researched. A number of health plans now cover the Ornish heart program, which has a basis in yoga and nutrition. All of these changes in American healthcare point to the careful movement—often with a healthy dose of skepticism—toward an integrative medicine system that incorporates the most useful therapies from the world’s many healing traditions.

What are the major types of CAM?

The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) classifies CAM therapies into five major groups:

Alternative Medical Systems: built upon complete systems of theory and practice. Examples include homeopathy, naturopathy, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), and Ayurveda.

Biological Medicine: use of substances found in nature, such as herbs, foods, and vitamins to promote health.

Energy Medicine: involves the use of energy fields to promote health. Some forms of energy medicine (known as biofield therapies) are designed to influence energy fields that are believed to surround and penetrate the human body. Examples of biofield therapies include qi gong, Reiki, and Therapeutic Touch. Other forms of energy medicine (known as bioelectromagnetic-based medicine) involve the use of electromagnetic fields, such as electroacupuncture.

Manual Medicine: based on manipulation and/or movement of one or more parts of the body. Examples include osteopathy, physical therapy, massage, chiropractic, Feldeinkrais, and reflexology.

Mind-Body Medicine: uses a range of techniques that help boost the mind’s ability to influence bodily functions and symptoms. Examples include biofeedback, deep relaxation, guided imagery, hypnotherapy, meditation, prayer, support groups, and yoga.

A Bangladeshi telemedicine company is set to provide healthcare services for more than five million South Asian workers in the Middle East and Malaysia in a couple of months.

Telemedicine Reference Centre Ltd (TRCL) has already signed agreements with around 25 Gulf and Malaysian companies that recruit workers from South Asia.

Telemedicine is a rapidly developing application of clinical medicine where medical information is transferred through the phone or the internet.

TRCL will launch the mobile phone-based service, said Dr Sikder M Zakir, managing director of the company.

“Under the project, we will start providing medical call-centre services to two million Bangladeshi, 1.5 million Indian and two million Nepalese and Pakistani workers,” Zakir added.

Prime Bank and two investors from the US and India are funding the project, he said.

TRCL has also signed deals with seven mobile phone companies in Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, UAE, Qatar and Kuwait.

The company is working to set up multilinguistic medical call centres in India, Pakistan and Nepal, from where dedicated physicians will provide healthcare advice to the expatriate workers.

All the workers under the 25 recruiting companies will be registered with TRCL to get the services free of cost. They will call a particular number and get advice in their own language.

The recruiting firms will pay the service charge to TRCL on behalf of the workers, which is no more than one US dollar a month for a person, Zakir said.

They will also be referred to hospitals if necessary.

Zakir said TRCL is now setting up branch offices in nine countries including Malaysia, UAE and Saudi Arabia to comply with those countries’ regulatory requirements.

“It’s a milestone for telemedicine service. The sector is getting institutional shape,” he added.

Established in 1999, TRCL is operating the first medical call centre or electronic referral centre manned by physicians for the largest cellphone operator in Bangladesh — Grameenphone. More than 10,000 people are using the service by dialling a hotline number (789) from their mobile phones every day.

WASHINGTON - Whether we are awake or asleep, watch TV or close our eyes, waves of spontaneous nerve signals are bombarding our brains. Now, researchers have discovered a unique mechanism that explains how incoming sensory signals make themselves heard amid constant background din so they can be reliably processed and passed on.

“We live with the illusion that our visual system processes all the information that is available in the visual scene in a single glimpse,” says John H. Reynolds, professor at the Salk Institute and senior study author.

“In reality, there is far too much detail in a typical scene for the visual system to take it in all at once. So our perception of the world around us is in a sense pieced together from what we pay attention to,” Reynolds says.

Attention generally increases the firing rate of responsive neurons (nerve cells). The stronger the stimulus, the more impulses are sent per second, which improves the quality of the signal somewhat.

“It’s a little bit like turning up the volume from very low to high on a stereo. You are not hearing it very clearly at low volume because ambient noise is masking the stimulus. As you increase the volume, the signal becomes clearer,” says Reynolds.

Researchers had known for some time that paying attention to visual details increases the firing rate of neurons tuned for attended stimulus.

These findings reveal that the up tick in the firing rate is only a small part of the story. “What we found is that attention also reduces background activity,” says study co-author Jude Mitchell.

“We estimate that this noise reduction increases the fidelity of the neural signal by a factor that is as much as four times as large as the improvement caused by attention-dependent increases in firing rate. This reduction in noise may account for as much as 80 percent of the attention story,” says Mitchell.

These findings were published in the Thursday issue of Neuron.

KUWAIT- The Cabinet has approved the establishment of a new 300-bed capacity hospital for alternative medicine and rehabilitation at a total cost of KD 30 million, announced the

The new hospital will built on the site where the current alternative medicine hospital is situated. A state-of-the art, fully equipped hospital will replace the existing building. It will include a rehabilitation center for the disabled, senior citizens’ care centers among other facilities offered.

The hospital will also be connected to one of the most advanced international centers in the field of alternative medicine, said Al-Abdulhadi. It is expected to be ready within five years, reported Al-Qabas.

On a separate note, Al-Abdulhadi announced that the decision concerning the appointment of new directors for medical, technical divisions will be made soon, especially after the Ministry completes the process of electing the most qualified candidates for the posts in coordination with the regulations of the Civil Service Commission(CSC).

Meanwhile, Al-Abdulhadi addressed the issue of health insurance hospitals, stating that the project to establish these hospitals still await a decision made by the Cabinet before it is set up. These facilities are expected to provide citizens and residents with the best medical care services.