With all the patients that come into my office, there is one fundamental question to ask if I am to serve them with what they are looking for. “Why is this happening?” The basic naturopathic principle of Tolle Causam outlines a need to identify the cause of illness in order to find the cure. After several years of practice and several thousand patients, I have identified 3 primary causes of illness.
With scientific study and medical journals focused on describing illness and basic treatment approaches, I have observed a tendency to outline the body by systems and focus treatment on the system in question. Additionally, with the information age we are a part of coupled with genetic research, everything seems to be looking at a genetic origins of disease. The question that seems to be avoided is “why” are we seeing genetic expressions of disease in a naturopathic health model that has observed that the body constantly strives towards health if given the correct environment? This is where I have observed that if you step back and look at the body as a whole (Tolle Totum), you will find that three interwoven causes for illness can explain all disease, with a basic mechanism involving cellular stress and inflammation.
With genetics being kept in mind, you must understand that genes are basically composed of carbohydrate and protein peptide strands formed through complex biochemical processes. The substrates or source of these strands come from the foods we eat, and therefore food quality plays a role in your health. Additionally, in order for genes to express themselves in disease patterns, we know that the gene must be turned on like a light switch in order to do so and the primary causes of genetic alterations is radiation, chemical stress, and lack of substrate (nutritional building blocks) necessary to accomplish its tasks. Therefore in a simplified way this tells us that food (nutrition) or the lack thereof, and stress from various sources cause the illness we see today. Unfortunately, my observation is that these causes of disease are interwoven in their associations with one another.
If you have not followed with me so far, here it is: The 3 basic causes of illness are environmental toxin stress, microbial (parasite, virus, bacterial, or fungal) imbalance, or nutritional deficiency. Any one of these causes can support and lead to susceptibility to one of the other causes, and therefore most people with chronic disease can display associations with all three. This is why an understanding of what the body needs to accomplish to become healthy as a whole should be the focus of any treatment plan, not a focus of looking and treating only system(s) affected.
As an example, we see many people come in our office with previously diagnosed conditions such as adrenal stress, hypothyroidism, estrogen dominance, mercury toxicity, or even parasites or systemic candida. When you look at these diagnoses, only the mercury toxicity or parasites/candida give you a place to start with a restorative health approach. However when you ask “why” and continue to look deeper at the whole body issues, a trained naturopathic physician may find pesticide or heavy metal toxicity leading to immune dysfunction and susceptibility to the parasites/candida. How about the enzyme pathway effects of the heavy metal toxicity causing micronutrient cellular deficiencies, that if not corrected your cure will be outside of reach? Where do you start with therapy? The answer is in going to a trained naturopathic practitioner with a focus on “why,” who provides a support strategy aimed at improving the whole body’s detoxification efficiency coupled with a restorative approach to correct the cellular environment.
Unfortunately there is confusion in choosing a health practitioner, even in the alternative health field. With the misunderstanding of the various pathways of naturopathic training, and the unethical misguiding of non-licensable practitioners attempting to sell you the “cure” in some pill or package form based on applied kinesiology and/or iridology, it is imperative for you to know your source of information and their training. These techniques may be helpful in gaining information, but should not be the basis of diagnosis and treatment.
Health is found in a lifestyle with an individually planned approach based on identifying causative factors and restoration of cellular function and balance. With each practitioner you find, be sure to ask him/her to explain their focus of therapy and how it relates to what they believe is the cause of your illness. From there, any subsequent visit should be to evaluate the effects of therapy in regards to the presumed cause and to plan accordingly to either look for other causes or add restorative factors not previously addressed.
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Monday, August 18, 2008
Quality of Care – Quality of Products:
I have always taught the principle of quality in equates with quality out. There have been numerous times patients have come to my office for my recommendations then leave without buying any of the supplements, herbs, etc. that I have recommended. Later, upon follow up evaluations I have seen and heard patients say that they bought all the nutrients I recommended at some vitamin shop or website and have not seen the desired changes in their symptoms. So what is the problem?
I'm well aware of companies that sell buy one – get 2 or 3 free, or 50-70% off “specials” as normal promotional marketing plans to attract you to continue your supplement protocol at a lower cost. Please beware!
If I recommend a particular regimen that I formulated to examine for a particular response, I expect to see that response or have to ask myself the question “What I am missing from your health picture.” When different quality supplements are purchased, I'm back at square one asking if the symptom continuation is due to poor product quality or if I need to look for a new reason to explain the symptom cause. Product quality has also been a long standing issue in the supplement industry.
The problem with supplement and herbal quality has been recognized by everyone from the FDA and pharmaceutical industry to practitioners like myself. With a history of articles as found in magazines like Newsweek that discuss and expose quality concerns with companies like GNC and Douglas Labs, along with the fears found in a global “answer” to the problem as with Codex Alimentarius, you must become informed. So here is a simple first step - www.consumerlabs.com.
I have told you that your body is composed of water, protein, fat, carbohydrates and nutrients. Unfortunately, every molecule you consume or absorb through some body orifice must be broken down and either become supportive or a burden to your body. We are bio-accumulators! Your body has and continues to store multiple chemicals and environmental toxins as proven within the article found in October 2006 National Geographic magazine. So why would you want to take supplements that possibly add to your toxin load or don't actually have enough nutrients in them to accomplish what you are taking them for?
Consumer Labs, as found at the above website, is a subscription service that evaluates the quality of nutritional and herbal products from both quality and propaganda nutritional retailers. I encourage you to invest in a subscription and evaluate what you are taking to protect yourself.
We all want a good deal, but is a product with 20% of what it should contain at 60% off a deal? I know what I sell and have done my homework. I know it isn't always seemingly affordable to add a particular product to a budget, but at times the costs of a product is justified by the expected results and long term savings and health benefits. You are worth it!!!
So please consider your health with the understanding that you are a product of your personal environment. Support your cellular environment with nutrients specific to your needs at the guaranteed levels that you need them. Don't let the economy affect your personal health – the long term consequences of your choices today may not be worth the short term financial savings.
I'm well aware of companies that sell buy one – get 2 or 3 free, or 50-70% off “specials” as normal promotional marketing plans to attract you to continue your supplement protocol at a lower cost. Please beware!
If I recommend a particular regimen that I formulated to examine for a particular response, I expect to see that response or have to ask myself the question “What I am missing from your health picture.” When different quality supplements are purchased, I'm back at square one asking if the symptom continuation is due to poor product quality or if I need to look for a new reason to explain the symptom cause. Product quality has also been a long standing issue in the supplement industry.
The problem with supplement and herbal quality has been recognized by everyone from the FDA and pharmaceutical industry to practitioners like myself. With a history of articles as found in magazines like Newsweek that discuss and expose quality concerns with companies like GNC and Douglas Labs, along with the fears found in a global “answer” to the problem as with Codex Alimentarius, you must become informed. So here is a simple first step - www.consumerlabs.com.
I have told you that your body is composed of water, protein, fat, carbohydrates and nutrients. Unfortunately, every molecule you consume or absorb through some body orifice must be broken down and either become supportive or a burden to your body. We are bio-accumulators! Your body has and continues to store multiple chemicals and environmental toxins as proven within the article found in October 2006 National Geographic magazine. So why would you want to take supplements that possibly add to your toxin load or don't actually have enough nutrients in them to accomplish what you are taking them for?
Consumer Labs, as found at the above website, is a subscription service that evaluates the quality of nutritional and herbal products from both quality and propaganda nutritional retailers. I encourage you to invest in a subscription and evaluate what you are taking to protect yourself.
We all want a good deal, but is a product with 20% of what it should contain at 60% off a deal? I know what I sell and have done my homework. I know it isn't always seemingly affordable to add a particular product to a budget, but at times the costs of a product is justified by the expected results and long term savings and health benefits. You are worth it!!!
So please consider your health with the understanding that you are a product of your personal environment. Support your cellular environment with nutrients specific to your needs at the guaranteed levels that you need them. Don't let the economy affect your personal health – the long term consequences of your choices today may not be worth the short term financial savings.
Monday, April 7, 2008
The Ultimate Detox / Cleanse
With the onset of spring and the change of seasons the time for renewal has arrived. I routinely recommend and personally undergo bi-annual fasting and cleansing for general health and well-being on a physical, mental/emotional, and spiritual level. I personally have experienced everything from gross mucoid plaque and parasitic worm expulsion to heightened mental awareness and spiritual epiphanies during these times. The problem is that within a short time post cleansing some physical and/or mental symptoms always seem to return. So what is the answer?
It is a wonderful practice and habit to perform periodic colon cleanses as they prepare the body for the changing seasons and promote general well being. I strongly encourage you to begin this habit and to incorporate a full body and parasitic cleanse either annually or bi-annually. If you pass visible worms during a cleanse, you need to repeat a parasitic cleanse two and four weeks later to ensure elimination of eggs and larvae. Sounds gross, but is a reality in many people who have finally undergone the recommended colon kits through my office.
So what is the ultimate cleanse? To help you understand this concept, I must first explain the basic cell environment. Your body, which is basically composed of multiple living cells, is constantly working to maintain the best working environment for every cell based on the external environment you create for it. The process is called homeostasis.
In essence, you are as healthy as you can possibly be at this very moment based on the environment you have provided, whether by choice or not, for your cells. Each cell is constantly taking in needed nutrients to build new cells and work optimally, while excreting waste material to be sent to the liver, kidneys, gastrointestinal tract, hair, or sweat to be eliminated from the body and internal environment. You are constantly building new cells from what you eat and drink, and unfortunately what you absorb through your skin and inhale as well. The problem is the general toxicity associated with man made products found in our environment, which are typically fat soluble compounds that end up stored in our bodies after being absorbed. Many of these compounds are found in constant trace amounts in our foods, water supply, and air, which over several years of absorption become saturated in our cells spilling out and causing slow insidious illnesses. A good article to help you see this model of bioaccumulation can be found in National Geographic, October 2006, called “The Chemicals Within Us.” I also recommend you go to www.Scorecard.org and put in your zip code to see what toxins are highest in your area.
With this in mind, the ultimate cleanse is a lifestyle where your body’s elimination capacity is supported to exceed the daily body toxic burdens. In other words, you incorporate a life of pure air, pure water, pure food, and electro-magnetic protection to change and decrease your personal environmental load, while functionally supporting through appropriate supplementation and stimulation your body’s ability to eliminate the stored burdens you have accumulated. The net result of this lifestyle is more waste out than in, and a slow but steady detox to restore optimal cell function.
In order to achieve and maintain optimal health throughout your life, you must incorporate air purifiers, whole house water purifiers and preferably additional drinking water alkalinizers, organic/bio-dynamic foods, and electro-magnetic field protectors as a necessary expense. One of my favorite Bible verses is James 1:27, which encourages us “to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.” I personally take this literally with respect to our bodies, which serve as a temple with the potential for anything according to the Word.
So with understanding comes choice and you now are being encouraged to change your lifestyle to promote health on all levels. The ultimate cleanse is a lifelong process of learning, experiencing, and passing on through genetic expression the wisdom contained within our bodies and health in its entirety as available to each person. The path is different for each of you and it appears narrow and difficult in today’s world, but the rewards are great and everlasting. I encourage you to take steps today and make the choice to become healthy. Let me help you along the way.
It is a wonderful practice and habit to perform periodic colon cleanses as they prepare the body for the changing seasons and promote general well being. I strongly encourage you to begin this habit and to incorporate a full body and parasitic cleanse either annually or bi-annually. If you pass visible worms during a cleanse, you need to repeat a parasitic cleanse two and four weeks later to ensure elimination of eggs and larvae. Sounds gross, but is a reality in many people who have finally undergone the recommended colon kits through my office.
So what is the ultimate cleanse? To help you understand this concept, I must first explain the basic cell environment. Your body, which is basically composed of multiple living cells, is constantly working to maintain the best working environment for every cell based on the external environment you create for it. The process is called homeostasis.
In essence, you are as healthy as you can possibly be at this very moment based on the environment you have provided, whether by choice or not, for your cells. Each cell is constantly taking in needed nutrients to build new cells and work optimally, while excreting waste material to be sent to the liver, kidneys, gastrointestinal tract, hair, or sweat to be eliminated from the body and internal environment. You are constantly building new cells from what you eat and drink, and unfortunately what you absorb through your skin and inhale as well. The problem is the general toxicity associated with man made products found in our environment, which are typically fat soluble compounds that end up stored in our bodies after being absorbed. Many of these compounds are found in constant trace amounts in our foods, water supply, and air, which over several years of absorption become saturated in our cells spilling out and causing slow insidious illnesses. A good article to help you see this model of bioaccumulation can be found in National Geographic, October 2006, called “The Chemicals Within Us.” I also recommend you go to www.Scorecard.org and put in your zip code to see what toxins are highest in your area.
With this in mind, the ultimate cleanse is a lifestyle where your body’s elimination capacity is supported to exceed the daily body toxic burdens. In other words, you incorporate a life of pure air, pure water, pure food, and electro-magnetic protection to change and decrease your personal environmental load, while functionally supporting through appropriate supplementation and stimulation your body’s ability to eliminate the stored burdens you have accumulated. The net result of this lifestyle is more waste out than in, and a slow but steady detox to restore optimal cell function.
In order to achieve and maintain optimal health throughout your life, you must incorporate air purifiers, whole house water purifiers and preferably additional drinking water alkalinizers, organic/bio-dynamic foods, and electro-magnetic field protectors as a necessary expense. One of my favorite Bible verses is James 1:27, which encourages us “to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.” I personally take this literally with respect to our bodies, which serve as a temple with the potential for anything according to the Word.
So with understanding comes choice and you now are being encouraged to change your lifestyle to promote health on all levels. The ultimate cleanse is a lifelong process of learning, experiencing, and passing on through genetic expression the wisdom contained within our bodies and health in its entirety as available to each person. The path is different for each of you and it appears narrow and difficult in today’s world, but the rewards are great and everlasting. I encourage you to take steps today and make the choice to become healthy. Let me help you along the way.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
NATURAL MEDICINE MAN - NATURAL HEALTH SUBSTITUTE OR PRIMARY CARE???
Natural Medicine Substitute or Primary Care?
In this day of medical controversy over the use of “natural” or alternative supplements, you must ask yourself (and your doctor) if there is a theoretical and physiological basis for natural medicine. Better yet, you should ponder your own beliefs on how the body heals and decide what type of practitioner is best to assist your therapies.
A cursory examination of Classical Chinese Medicine, Ayurvedic Medicine, Native American Medicine, and even the Monastic Medicine of old Europe will demonstrate an emphasis spiritual meditation, diet, digestion and lifestyle as the fundamental preservers of health. The evolved state of Naturopathic Medicine in the late 1800’s incorporated the eclectic use of diet, botanical medicine, homeopathy, hydrotherapy, spinal manipulation, acupuncture, and spiritual development as the mainstays of therapeutic intervention, which have not changed to this day. Upon analysis, one can see a common understanding of the causes of illness and the restoration of health; this understanding developed from the observation of nature, and particularly from observing the natural progress of illness and recovery.
The foundation of what historically has been referred to as “nature cure” is based upon the observation that it is the nature of things to heal themselves. With human beings this is reflected as some disturbing factor, or a number of factors disrupt the stable ecology of the body and illness occurs as a response or reaction. The illness goes through a more-or-less predictable process, the intention of which is the reestablishment of the normal functioning of the body as a whole. If these disturbing factors persist, we will see a chronic response by the body. The basic assumption is that nature is benign, ordered, intelligent, wise, and can be trusted.
The objective to stop disease progression is to identify and remove the causative or disturbing factors, while supporting and stimulating the body to restore function. To do this effectively, a physician must come to understand the nature of health, and both that which establishes health and that which disturbs it. This simple understanding creates a set of instructions or guidance for the physician.
The principles of Naturopathic Medicine are self-explanatory and can be found at the web site for the American Association of Naturopathic Medicine (www.naturopathic.org). These principles are: 1) Vis Medicatrix Naturae – The Healing Power of Nature, 2) Tolle Causam – Remove the Cause, 3) Primum Non Nocere – First, Do No Harm, 4) Docere – The Doctor as a Teacher, 5) Tolle Totum -Treat the Whole Person, and 6) Prevention.
This can be contrasted with the standard medical approach, which is not based upon the study of health, but upon the study of disease. If nature cure is based upon the restoration of health, standard medicine is based upon the diagnosis and treatment of disease. The standard physician determines the specific nature and name of the disease process, and then brings to bear the various tools that science and experience have provided to eliminate the disease or symptoms from the body. A term to sum up the basis of modern medicine, with all of its miracles, is suppression. From a Naturopathic viewpoint, the suppression of acute reactive states not only weakens the body's capacity to mount healing reactions, but also allow the disturbing factors and toxic substances to further accumulate. This occurs until we exist in chronic reactive states, which we call chronic disease. Ask you doctor to name one medicine that is “curative” in its action, instead of taking care of the symptoms. They all use antibiotics as the answer, but have you identified and eliminated the cause of why you were susceptible to a particular infection?
How does all this fit into what is happening today? Most of you reading this article have tried some form of nutritional supplement or herb in an attempt to find a better state of health, or eliminate or reduce the need for medication. What I’m here to tell you is that the philosophy of natural medicine suggest that more is involved than a nutritional or herbal replacement for your prescribed medicines. The art of Naturopathic Medicine is based on a set of principles and practice that involves individualized therapy with identification of the causative factors for illness. In addition, in today’s health management one must be able to integrate traditional and alternative therapies being aware of interactions, while working towards a drug free “holistic” state of health whenever possible.
To examine some of the things that disturb health, the top of my list would be inappropriate diet, weakened digestion, and lack of sufficient rest. In addition, you will find an excess of devitalizing nourishment, coffee, alcohol, various drugs (prescription/over-the counter/"recreational"), lack of sufficient and appropriate exercise, unhappiness, and poor mental/emotional coping mechanisms to daily stress with the difficulties of modern day life.
There is no perfect system of healing, but what we have in this method is a set of instructions based upon the observation of how healing occurs in nature. It is a comprehensive system, which honors the wisdom of the body and how it interacts with the universe in which we live. Quantum physics suggest that all things are possible, just not probable. Naturopathic medicine recognizes the possibilities that lie within each individual, and a good physician helps each individual along their health path to reach for the possibilities that lie within their reach. So the place for you to start on your path is to meditate and respond to what you believe is your primary method of health.
In this day of medical controversy over the use of “natural” or alternative supplements, you must ask yourself (and your doctor) if there is a theoretical and physiological basis for natural medicine. Better yet, you should ponder your own beliefs on how the body heals and decide what type of practitioner is best to assist your therapies.
A cursory examination of Classical Chinese Medicine, Ayurvedic Medicine, Native American Medicine, and even the Monastic Medicine of old Europe will demonstrate an emphasis spiritual meditation, diet, digestion and lifestyle as the fundamental preservers of health. The evolved state of Naturopathic Medicine in the late 1800’s incorporated the eclectic use of diet, botanical medicine, homeopathy, hydrotherapy, spinal manipulation, acupuncture, and spiritual development as the mainstays of therapeutic intervention, which have not changed to this day. Upon analysis, one can see a common understanding of the causes of illness and the restoration of health; this understanding developed from the observation of nature, and particularly from observing the natural progress of illness and recovery.
The foundation of what historically has been referred to as “nature cure” is based upon the observation that it is the nature of things to heal themselves. With human beings this is reflected as some disturbing factor, or a number of factors disrupt the stable ecology of the body and illness occurs as a response or reaction. The illness goes through a more-or-less predictable process, the intention of which is the reestablishment of the normal functioning of the body as a whole. If these disturbing factors persist, we will see a chronic response by the body. The basic assumption is that nature is benign, ordered, intelligent, wise, and can be trusted.
The objective to stop disease progression is to identify and remove the causative or disturbing factors, while supporting and stimulating the body to restore function. To do this effectively, a physician must come to understand the nature of health, and both that which establishes health and that which disturbs it. This simple understanding creates a set of instructions or guidance for the physician.
The principles of Naturopathic Medicine are self-explanatory and can be found at the web site for the American Association of Naturopathic Medicine (www.naturopathic.org). These principles are: 1) Vis Medicatrix Naturae – The Healing Power of Nature, 2) Tolle Causam – Remove the Cause, 3) Primum Non Nocere – First, Do No Harm, 4) Docere – The Doctor as a Teacher, 5) Tolle Totum -Treat the Whole Person, and 6) Prevention.
This can be contrasted with the standard medical approach, which is not based upon the study of health, but upon the study of disease. If nature cure is based upon the restoration of health, standard medicine is based upon the diagnosis and treatment of disease. The standard physician determines the specific nature and name of the disease process, and then brings to bear the various tools that science and experience have provided to eliminate the disease or symptoms from the body. A term to sum up the basis of modern medicine, with all of its miracles, is suppression. From a Naturopathic viewpoint, the suppression of acute reactive states not only weakens the body's capacity to mount healing reactions, but also allow the disturbing factors and toxic substances to further accumulate. This occurs until we exist in chronic reactive states, which we call chronic disease. Ask you doctor to name one medicine that is “curative” in its action, instead of taking care of the symptoms. They all use antibiotics as the answer, but have you identified and eliminated the cause of why you were susceptible to a particular infection?
How does all this fit into what is happening today? Most of you reading this article have tried some form of nutritional supplement or herb in an attempt to find a better state of health, or eliminate or reduce the need for medication. What I’m here to tell you is that the philosophy of natural medicine suggest that more is involved than a nutritional or herbal replacement for your prescribed medicines. The art of Naturopathic Medicine is based on a set of principles and practice that involves individualized therapy with identification of the causative factors for illness. In addition, in today’s health management one must be able to integrate traditional and alternative therapies being aware of interactions, while working towards a drug free “holistic” state of health whenever possible.
To examine some of the things that disturb health, the top of my list would be inappropriate diet, weakened digestion, and lack of sufficient rest. In addition, you will find an excess of devitalizing nourishment, coffee, alcohol, various drugs (prescription/over-the counter/"recreational"), lack of sufficient and appropriate exercise, unhappiness, and poor mental/emotional coping mechanisms to daily stress with the difficulties of modern day life.
There is no perfect system of healing, but what we have in this method is a set of instructions based upon the observation of how healing occurs in nature. It is a comprehensive system, which honors the wisdom of the body and how it interacts with the universe in which we live. Quantum physics suggest that all things are possible, just not probable. Naturopathic medicine recognizes the possibilities that lie within each individual, and a good physician helps each individual along their health path to reach for the possibilities that lie within their reach. So the place for you to start on your path is to meditate and respond to what you believe is your primary method of health.
Monday, January 14, 2008
Natural Medicine Man - Green Allopathy vs Traditional Naturopathic Medicine
Green Allopathy vs. Traditional Naturopathic Medicine
Green allopathy is an ethical challenge among naturopathic physicians that questions the direct beliefs of the practitioner on how the body heals. Today’s society encourages a “green” effort to promote the preservation of our world by using natural methods that avoid polluting our bodies and the environment.
To better understand this concept, we must first define the term allopathic medicine. Allopathic medicine is the traditional medical model of today with a focus on drugs and surgery as the basis of “treatment” for a presumed “diagnosis” of some disease. So, green allopathy is the use of natural substances in an effort to support the body as “treatment” for a presumed disease or diagnosis. In other words, treat your symptoms with nutrients, herbs, etc., instead of using drugs or surgery. Unfortunately, this mindset has had a direct influence on the care provided within the naturopathic community and the training of today’s health care practitioners, naturopathic or alternatively trained physicians.
The indoctrination through social beliefs that “there is a pill for every ill”
affects how your practitioner supports you and what you expect when seeking “alternative” health care. If you expect a drug, nutrient, or herb for your fatigue, low thyroid, or high blood pressure, and your alternative health provider only talks about diet and lifestyle change, you most likely will not follow through due to the difficulty of change and look elsewhere for something to help your symptoms. Therefore most naturopathic physicians, which have a desire to meet you where you are, fall right into this pattern of care. In today’s economic based system, why should a practitioner require you to change verses offer some “fix” to your concern where you will come back for more and spend more money.
So how does true traditional naturopathic medicine differ? The answer lies in the principles and laws of healing along with a physician who fully understands and believes in the endless possibilities that lie within your body and what nature can offer. The true physician has the key of observation and the ability to recognize healing movements of physical change towards a state of physical balance and health restoration. If the basic belief is that the body heals itself, than the physician’s job is to identify obstacles to healing and support and/or stimulate the body to move in the appropriate direction. Yes, the physician will use the arts of homeopathy, herbalism, clinical nutrition, and therapies to restore health, but the focus is on the whole person – not the disease. However, within this process lies one problem – time…
The traditionally trained naturopathic physician understands that all disease has a cause. The cause of each person’s illness is a combination of that individual’s personal environmental exposure history over time and their body’s inflammation response to that burden as determined by their genetic make up and weaknesses. The problem with time, as mentioned above, is that many illnesses are due to years of accumulated environmental toxins reaching a cellular saturation point followed by insidious chronic symptoms. In order to clear these symptoms you must reduce the chronic cellular burden through detoxification techniques. This is not an overnight or even 2 week process - it may take years in some cases. The focus must be on a persistent commitment to a lifestyle where the daily toxic burdens are less than the supported body’s ability to eliminate them and the stored burdens as described above. The 5 Phase Optimal Health Program™ as outline at our website (www.PittsburghAlternativeHealth.com) respects the laws observed in nature and follows this holistic approach to a quality long and healthy life.
The final question is what do you believe? Quantum physics suggest any possibility on a physical level exists, just differing probabilities exists. I personally believe this as mentioned in God’s Word that all things are possible, yet you must only believe and a way will present itself. Start your health today by believing and speaking out loud each morning “I have the potential for optimal health in me, and I know that today every cell in my body is working towards my health desires.” As you do this consistently, you will begin to see choices present themselves like a path towards the health you desire.
Green allopathy is an ethical challenge among naturopathic physicians that questions the direct beliefs of the practitioner on how the body heals. Today’s society encourages a “green” effort to promote the preservation of our world by using natural methods that avoid polluting our bodies and the environment.
To better understand this concept, we must first define the term allopathic medicine. Allopathic medicine is the traditional medical model of today with a focus on drugs and surgery as the basis of “treatment” for a presumed “diagnosis” of some disease. So, green allopathy is the use of natural substances in an effort to support the body as “treatment” for a presumed disease or diagnosis. In other words, treat your symptoms with nutrients, herbs, etc., instead of using drugs or surgery. Unfortunately, this mindset has had a direct influence on the care provided within the naturopathic community and the training of today’s health care practitioners, naturopathic or alternatively trained physicians.
The indoctrination through social beliefs that “there is a pill for every ill”
affects how your practitioner supports you and what you expect when seeking “alternative” health care. If you expect a drug, nutrient, or herb for your fatigue, low thyroid, or high blood pressure, and your alternative health provider only talks about diet and lifestyle change, you most likely will not follow through due to the difficulty of change and look elsewhere for something to help your symptoms. Therefore most naturopathic physicians, which have a desire to meet you where you are, fall right into this pattern of care. In today’s economic based system, why should a practitioner require you to change verses offer some “fix” to your concern where you will come back for more and spend more money.
So how does true traditional naturopathic medicine differ? The answer lies in the principles and laws of healing along with a physician who fully understands and believes in the endless possibilities that lie within your body and what nature can offer. The true physician has the key of observation and the ability to recognize healing movements of physical change towards a state of physical balance and health restoration. If the basic belief is that the body heals itself, than the physician’s job is to identify obstacles to healing and support and/or stimulate the body to move in the appropriate direction. Yes, the physician will use the arts of homeopathy, herbalism, clinical nutrition, and therapies to restore health, but the focus is on the whole person – not the disease. However, within this process lies one problem – time…
The traditionally trained naturopathic physician understands that all disease has a cause. The cause of each person’s illness is a combination of that individual’s personal environmental exposure history over time and their body’s inflammation response to that burden as determined by their genetic make up and weaknesses. The problem with time, as mentioned above, is that many illnesses are due to years of accumulated environmental toxins reaching a cellular saturation point followed by insidious chronic symptoms. In order to clear these symptoms you must reduce the chronic cellular burden through detoxification techniques. This is not an overnight or even 2 week process - it may take years in some cases. The focus must be on a persistent commitment to a lifestyle where the daily toxic burdens are less than the supported body’s ability to eliminate them and the stored burdens as described above. The 5 Phase Optimal Health Program™ as outline at our website (www.PittsburghAlternativeHealth.com) respects the laws observed in nature and follows this holistic approach to a quality long and healthy life.
The final question is what do you believe? Quantum physics suggest any possibility on a physical level exists, just differing probabilities exists. I personally believe this as mentioned in God’s Word that all things are possible, yet you must only believe and a way will present itself. Start your health today by believing and speaking out loud each morning “I have the potential for optimal health in me, and I know that today every cell in my body is working towards my health desires.” As you do this consistently, you will begin to see choices present themselves like a path towards the health you desire.
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