Homeopathy: Like Cures Like
Monday, 01 March 2010 09:49
By Jane Schantz, FNP
It is common to hear the word “homeopathic” as a general term meaning “natural” or “herbal,” but this is incorrect. “Homeopathy” refers to a specific practice of holistic health care with its own philosophy and methodology. The word comes from the Greek roots “homoios” and “pathos,” meaning “similar suffering.” This is a reference to the most basic tenet of homeopathy: like cures like. The symptoms caused by a substance will be cured by a homeopathic preparation of that substance. For example, homeopathically-prepared coffee is used to treat some kinds of insomnia. Homeopathic ipecac (formerly used in first aid kits to induce vomiting in cases of accidental poisoning) is used to stop vomiting.
Homeopathic medicines, commonly referred to as remedies, are made in homeopathic pharmacies according to precise methods. The result is an extremely dilute but potentized preparation of the original substance. (In fact, it is so dilute there may be no molecules of the original substance left, yet the essence of the substance is transmitted — but that’s a whole topic in itself!) There are thousands of remedies available, most made from plant, animal and mineral sources.
Integrative Medicine: The Good News and 'Bad' News
Monday, 01 February 2010 09:03
By Jane Schantz, FNP
Integrative Medicine (IM) is a term that is becoming more familiar in American culture, but what does it mean? Simply put, it is the combination of mainstream (aka Western or allopathic) medicine with so-called “alternative therapies,” but the IM movement has a deeper, more comprehensive commitment than that. It seeks to provide holistic, individualized health care using the most appropriate of a wide variety of healing modalities, in collaboration with the patient. IM considers not only the physical and mental health, but also the emotional, spiritual, social and environmental health of the patient.
The IM movement is in its infancy. It has grown out of both consumer demand for more holistic therapies, and medical practitioners’ desire to move away from the 15-minute visit and an over-reliance on pharmaceutical therapies, to restore the healing in health care. The now-outdated term “Alternative Medicine” implicitly suggests treatments that are outside of the realm of Western Medicine (WM), a rejection of medical treatment, as well as WM’s rejection of alternative approaches to health care. This was appropriate at one time, as that was largely what was happening – patients hid their alternative practices from their medical providers for fear of being scolded or otherwise disrespected. This term was followed by “Complementary Medicine,” which reflected the effort to redefine the use of natural and other therapies as being compatible with WM, rather than exclusive of it. The current feeling in the IM movement is that we want a seamless integration of WM with practices such as acupuncture/Traditional Chinese Medicine, aromatherapy, flower essences, herbalism, homeopathy, massage therapy, naturopathy, nutritional medicine, reiki, etc.
Read more: Integrative Medicine: The Good News and 'Bad' News
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| Raw Power |
By Lisa Marsella, Wellness Manager
There's a growing demand for plant-based protein powders without soy. When demand rises, so does supply. Many companies will jump on the protein bandwagon, and I'm sure we'll see protein added to everything from cereal to bottled drinks. But all protein powders are not created equal. Garden of Life offers a very unique product that's raw, vegan, gluten-free, non-GMO verified, and certified organic. You may find all those labels on other good-quality protein powders, but you won't find another made from all sprouted grains. Sprouting the grains first makes them more digestible and renders the nutrients more bioavailable. Grains, like other seeds, contain enzyme inhibitors that prevent digestion — nature's way of ensuring the distribution and sowing of seeds by critters. Garden of Life RAW Protein comes in four flavors: natural, vanilla, chocolate, and vanilla chai. It's on sale through the month of May at $24.99, and we're giving away a free shaker cup with each purchase, while supplies last! |
Garden of Life offers raw, vegan, and soy-free protein powder, on sale during the month of May.-
By Jaime Hazard,Read more...
Tompkins Community ActionAre you noticing drafts in your home? Wondering whether your heating system is safe or efficient? Are you looking for ways to save on your energy costs? With winter coming on fast, Tompkins Community Action wants to help keep your home warm. Every day, TCAction hears from homeowners, landlords and renters looking for information about our energy efficiency programs. With so many energy efficiency loans, rebates, grants and tax incentives available, it can be hard to fi...
