Blog

Summary

Nearly 80% of all doctor visits are due to health conditions caused by stress. To medical professionals this isn’t surprising because according to researchers such as Dr. Bruce Lipton of Stanford University, stress is the single cause of nearly 95% of all disease. However, it is more accurate to say that it is not stress itself that triggers illness but stress leads to the factors that cause illness. You could say stress, is the trigger before the official trigger.

In its broadest sense, stress refers to any kind of stimulus—external or even internal—that produces pressure. Not every stress is actually detrimental. In some instances, stress can be positive, like the stress created during weight training that develops muscle, or even the stress inherent to the creative process that leads to greater amounts of productivity and innovative discoveries. Such healthy types of stress enable all of us to thrive and feel more invigorated. Unhealthy stress, by contrast, can lead to impaired immune function, emotional distress, and eventually, illness of a physical as well as/or psychological nature.

Any type of stimulus that disturbs the normal functioning of the body or disturbs one’s mood, can be considered unhealthy. Such tension can occur as a result of one’s diet plan or environment, or arise from various daily life encounters, such as conflict with loved ones or co-workers, money problems, or the passing away of someone in your life. Positive life experiences can also trigger unhealthy tension. In fact, stress researchers have identified marriage, the birth of a child, monetary achievement, as well as career advancements as being among the top encounters that can lead to a negative impact on health. Once again, however, it must be pointed out that it is not the experience, per se, that causes stress, but how a person responds to the encounter. For example, some people can face stress with equanimity and quickly heal and move on; whereas many people, in the face of normally positive life experiences, such as getting married or being hired for a desired job, may become overly worried about the future, thus creating unhealthy stress.

When stress becomes prolonged or even chronic, it creates biochemical imbalances in the body that may compromise immune function and metabolism, trigger headaches, produce or exacerbate pain, cause sleep disorders or digestive problems, affect brain biochemistry and mind wave designs, and lead to hypertension and heart problems, including heart attack and stroke. Learning to manage and properly react to stress remains a central tenet of natural, holistic approaches to healing and is very important to your overall health.

Types and Causes of Unhealthy Stress

There are four primary categories of unhealthy stress—physical, mental, psychosocial, and psychospiritual, which can all be brought on by numerous factors.

Physical Tension: Physical stress affects the body and a person’s immediate home and work environment. It can be caused by infection, injuries, overwork, extreme or insufficient exercise, toxins in the environment, dietary issues, environmental allergens, noise, poor lighting, electromagnetic areas, geo-pathic stress, chronic fatigue, poor diet, nutritional deficiencies, biochemical and/or hormone imbalances, persistent dehydration, musculoskeletal disorders, tooth problems, poor oxygen supply, smoking or exposure to smoke, and blood sugar imbalances such as hypoglycemia.

Psychological Stress: Psychological tension refers to tension of a psychological nature. Unresolved or intense feelings such as frustration, fear, grief, guilt, shame, sorrow, and mental conditions such as anxiety, information overload, jealousy, loss of control, perfectionism, self-criticism, and excessive behavior are all common triggers of mental stress. Harmful or restricting beliefs and personal disposition (psychological worldview) are other substantial causes of psychological stress.

Psychosocial Stress: Psychosocial stress is primarily brought on by relationship problems with family members, colleagues, employers, neighbors, and a person’s spouse or children. Lonely people who reside in isolation and lack the support of family or other loved ones are very likely to suffer from mental stress.

Psychospiritual Stress: Psychospiritual stress is caused by a lack of life purpose or well-being. Individuals prone to suffer from stress in this category often feel as if their life has little or no meaning and/or often find themselves in jobs or other situations they do not like rather than involved in joyful, meaningful work. Living dishonestly, which means in a way that doesn’t honor a person’s core personal beliefs or sense of ethics, may also cause significant psychospiritual stress and feelings of emptiness and disappointment.

How Chronic Stress Can Negatively Impact Your Health

What follows are some of the ways that chronic stress can create health problems:

Reduced immune function.

Increased susceptibility to various illnesses’ and infection.

Exacerbation of pre-existing health conditions by additional stress on the immune system.

Elevated susceptibility to hormonal imbalances and reduced function of the adrenal, pituitary, thyroid, and endocrine glands.

Increased need for oxygen and glucose, which can result in biochemical and metabolic disturbances.

Increased susceptibility to anxiety.

Increased likelihood to experience depressive disorders and mood swings.

Elevated blood pressure (high blood pressure).

Increased danger of cardiac arrest, stroke, and other cardiovascular problems.

Increased susceptibility to allergies.

Increased susceptibility to asthma and other respiratory conditions.

Natural Cures

Aromatherapy: These essential oils can help to relieve stress and anxiety through their natural physical and psychological calming effects: Bergamot, camphor, cedarwood, chamomile, clary sage, cypress, frankincense, geranium, hyssop, jasmine, juniper, rose, lemon, marjoram, melissa, neroli, rose, sandalwood, and ylang ylang.

Ayurvedic Medicine: Ayurvedic physicians tackle stress by focusing on their patients’ level of consciousness, physiology, behavior patterns, and home and work environments. Although treatment varies according to each patient’s specific metabolic type, or dosha, in general the following principles apply for all cases associated with stress:
Fight stress of the unconscious mind via the practice of meditation. Address physiology with proper diet, emphasizing natural, whole foods and avoiding stimulant spices or herbs. To relieve musculoskeletal tension, combine yoga, and regular sesame oil massages. Alter stressful days or behavior, follow a healthy routine that includes adequate rest, regular foods, balancing work with relaxation, and ensuring that you lead a more organized daily existence. Home and work stress can be improved through the use of relaxing music and essential oils, and by having a clean environment free of poisons, and without clutter.

Biofeedback Training as well as Neurofeedback: Through biofeedback instruction, you can learn how to better manage and control your physical and psychological reactions to both internal and external stimuli, therefore significantly improving your ability to manage stress. This is especially true when biofeedback training is used in conjunction with other types of stress relievers and relaxation exercises. Biofeedback training records your psychological-physical responses thereby allowing you to understand your own stress triggers. By paying attention to visual and auditory cues you can study how to voluntarily relax and control specific muscles to lessen muscle pressure; alter your own brain’s electric activity to enhance your mood and thinking ability; and lower your heartbeat and blood pressure; increase your body temperature; and enhance your overall intestinal function to promote deeper levels of relaxation.

Neurofeedback therapy is an outgrowth of biofeedback training. It works by reprogramming your dominant brain wave patterns to be able to more quickly and easily shift into and maintain unified mental reactions. There are 4 predominant levels of brainwave action: Beta, alpha, theta, and delta. Beta is the state that is associated with problem resolving and action. Alpha and theta tend to be associated with greater states of relaxation, instinct, and heightened creativity. Delta is the brain wave state that you enter into when you are going through a deep, dreamless sleep. Those who are most prone to suffer from tension tend to primarily be in the beta state, making it difficult for them to relax and enjoy themselves more. Neurofeedback treatment uses sound frequencies that match alpha and theta states. These particular frequencies are delivered to the brain via electrode hookups and help to create a shift in brainwave patterns, training the brain to naturally create more alpha and theta brain waves during the course of each day and night. Once the effects take hold—usually inside three to four days of regular training—lasting positive changes can occur which result not only in less stress, but also in more energy and creativity. In addition, the improved brainwave functionality enhances the body’s overall performance and immune capabilities which are all regulated by the brain.

Diet plan: Poor diet can cause tension and aggravate symptoms of allergic reactions (both food and environmental), anxiety, depression, and ADHD, all of which, consequently, can create more stress which starts a vicious cycle. To combat stress, your diet plan must exclude foods you may be allergic to, caffeine, food chemicals, sugar, soda, and simple carbohydrates. Instead, emphasize a diet rich in fresh, organic fruits and vegetables, complex carbohydrates, and organic meat, chicken, and wild caught fish. Seafood that is rich in essential fatty acids such as sardines and salmon is highly recommended. Also be sure to consume plenty of pure, filtered drinking water throughout the day, and minimize alcohol consumption to no more than one cup of dark wine or beer per day.

*Always eat a healthy breakfast. Missing breakfast can add to stress amounts by making you more tired and cranky.

If you suffer from low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), you may be particularly vulnerable to stress due to the low energy and mental issues that blood sugar fluctuations can cause. Hypoglycemia can be solved by following a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet plan. In addition, eat five small meals daily instead of the traditional three meals per day. If you feel starving between meals, you can eat high quality proteins bars. Restrict your fruit intake, and follow dietary guidelines for the best outcome.

Exercise: Physical exercise is an excellent method for reducing stress, as long as you do not over-exercise. Cardiovascular exercise helps to get the blood pumping and is particularly helpful for reducing stress. Great cardiovascular exercises include brisk walking, jogging, swimming, and jumping (on the mini-trampoline). Regular cardiovascular exercise, 2 to 3 times per week combined with moderate weight lifting is recommended. After exercising, be sure you stretch to soothe tense muscles. Adopting a program of regular exercise is one of the best things you can do for the health.

Flower Essences: Bach flower (named after Edward Bach, a British doctor and homeopath who created flower therapies in the 1930s) along with other flower essence therapies can be quite effective with regard to healing mental and emotional problems that can cause stress. Blossom essences work by healing the underlying mental causes that contribute to health conditions. It helps resolve emotions such as anxiety, depression, concern, grief, loneliness, panic, and worry. Save Remedy, a combination of Bach flower essences, can be particularly helpful in this regard. Add a couple of drops to a glass of pure filtered water and sip from it throughout the day. To locate a remedy that is more suited to your specific mental issues, see the Bach Blossom Reference Guide.

Guided Imagery and Visual images: Guided symbolism and visualization techniques are a fun way to learn how to relax. Use the following exercise to quickly shift from feelings of stress to feelings associated with relaxation. Sit comfortably in a recliner or chair and close your eyes. Take a few deep breaths and picture yourself becoming more and more relaxed with each inhale you take. Feel the relaxation spreading over your entire body like waves of peace. Now recall a time in your life when you were truly happy and at peace. Imagine yourself back in that second as if it’s actually occurring now in the present. Use all your senses to make it feel real. Listen to the sounds, smell the actual scents, and see everything in full color. As you relive this encounter, notice exactly how relaxed, happy, and serene you feel. By taking a few moments to visualize this picture whenever you feel stress accumulating, you will be able to quickly release pressure and get back into the positive mood you were in when you first experienced the actual scene you’re recalling.

In addition to helping you unwind and release stress, positive imagery may also be used to improve additional aspects of your health, such as improving your defenses, relieving discomfort, and improving your digestion. By regularly imagining your health objectives, such as reducing your weight or exercising more often, you will also improve your capability to stay focused and achieve your health goals. In addition, guided symbolism and visual images can also be used to assist you to explore your beliefs and attitudes, and to change them when necessary in order to achieve maximum health and well-being.

HeartMath: HeartMath is both a research start-up in Boulder Creek, California, and a system of thoughts/body medicine developed by their researchers. HeartMath is focused on the heart’s innate intelligence and capability to promote healing and relieve tension when it is properly utilized.

The advantages of the HeartMath techniques can be verified by heart rate variability (HRV) research that measures heart tempo and heartbeat rates. Your heart rate changes throughout the day becoming rapid and erratic during times of increased stressful emotions, and relaxed and slower during times of peace and joy. Understanding how to control your heartbeat can therefore dramatically improve your ability to handle stress. Controlling your heartbeat is the goal of the techniques developed at the HeartMath Institute. Their research has proven that when practiced frequently, these techniques reduce levels of stress in the body and are accompanied by a reduction of cortisol and other stress-hormones. In addition, the HeartMath techniques help reduce blood pressure and may enhance mood and improve cognitive function.

One of these techniques is known as, “Freeze-Frame.” It is a five step process that allows practitioners to quickly replace negative ideas and feelings with positive feelings such as appreciation, joy, and love. Here are the steps included:

Become aware of your own stressful feelings and “freeze” them, actually taking a “time-out,” from whatever it is you were previously thinking or performing.

Shift your attention away from what is unpleasant and focus on your center. Visualize yourself breathing in and out of your center for at least ten seconds.

Allow yourself to remember a past experience of joy or pleasure and envelop yourself inside it as if it were occurring in the present.

Once you are reconnected to positive feelings, ask your heart how to most properly and successfully respond to the previous situation which was troubling you.

Heed your own intuition and also the answer which comes to you and act upon the solution you were provided as soon as possible.

Herbal Medicine: Chamomile is highly recommended because it helps dissolve tension, encourages relaxation, reduces anxiety and stress, and leads to a more restful sleep. Chamomile is also helpful for soothing gastrointestinal problems that can derive from stress.

Passionflower is another helpful herb for stress relief, and is effective for lowering elevated blood pressure levels and for relieving tension. Valerian root can be also be used, especially for stress related to lack of sleep.

American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) is also helpful because of its ability to act as an adaptogen and balance various body functions while concurrently increasing resistance to stress. Additionally, it may help to improve stress caused by mental as well as emotional irritation.

Hydrotherapy: Hydrotherapy is the process of using water, ice, steam and cold and hot temperatures to maintain and restore health. Treatments include full body immersion, steam baths, saunas, sitz baths, colonic irrigation and the application of warm and/or cold compresses. Hydrotherapy is effective for treating an array of conditions and can easily be utilized in the home as part of a self-treatment program. Numerous Naturopathic Physicians, Physical Therapists and Day Health spas use hydrotherapy as part of their healing treatments. Please seek the advice of your alternative health care specialist before undergoing these procedures to make sure they are appropriate for you.

*Purified water is important for any hydrotherapy treatment. Remedies involving purified water offer clear instructions and recommendations.

Laughter Treatment: One of the most pleasant forms of stress relief is the easy act of laughter. Studies have shown that pure, unbridled laughter not only enhances immune function, and reduces stress, but also reduces the body’s production of stress-related hormones such as cortisol. Having the ability to laugh at oneself or life situations provides you with the sense of being in higher control of your life. Fun also enhances feelings of joy and other positive emotions, and can provide an optimistic perspective on life problems and difficulties you may be confronted with.

To cultivate more laughter in your life make it a point to look on the humorous side of things, consciously try to be more fun and childlike, and regularly expose yourself to comedy, movies, and other media that provoke laughter. Most importantly, do not take yourself too seriously. If you open yourself up to it, you will discover that you have numerous opportunities throughout each day to laugh about something. Take advantage of them!

Way of life: Your lifestyle plays a large role in how much or even how little stress you are exposed to every day. Here are some guidelines for making your daily routine more stress-free:

Be sure to get enough sleep and go to bed at the same time each night.

Do not skip breakfast and be certain the foods you eat are healthy for you.

Exercise for 30 minutes or more for a minimum of three days each week.

Schedule your day so that you have time to spend with loved ones and friends.

Find a hobby you enjoy and commit to pursuing it regularly.

Know what’s most essential in your life and commit yourself to that instead of wasting time upon matters which are unimportant.

Identify your fears and worries and look at them closely. In most cases, you will discover doing so will make them far less significant and much more manageable.

Set up your daily routine so that you have plenty of time to spend on your daily tasks, instead of needing to rush to satisfy your responsibilities.

You shouldn’t be afraid of diminishing problems, especially about matters that aren’t significant.

As soon as you decide to make a move, act on it as soon as possible. Hesitations about taking action can significantly increase stress levels.

Cultivate fun in your daily life and make a conscious effort to find the humor in things.

Make a commitment to yourself and others around you to become a more caring individual.

Avoid long periods of isolation, especially if you reside alone. Seek out and enjoy your friends and loved ones.

Frequently engage in relaxation exercises and/or meditation.

You shouldn’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it, and be assertive in the requests you make so that you are treated with respect and considered genuine by other people.

Avoid using alcohol, caffeine, and comfort foods whenever you feel tension. Such things are unhealthy for you personally and serve only to reduce your problems temporarily, not resolve them.

Meditation: Deep breathing has been scientifically shown to reduce stress, improve all around health and immune function, and to reduce the pain and suffering caused by chronic disease. In 1984, the National Institute of Health (NIH) suggested the use of meditation as an effective option for treating mild cases of hypertension, instead of commonly prescribed blood pressure medications. Meditation can offer new mental insights, improved coping strategies, and better enable you to deal with daily problems. Particular types of deep breathing, such as Transcendental Meditation (TM), have even been shown to produce deeper states of relaxation than ordinary sleep.

Although there are many types of deep breathing exercises, all of them have one thing in common, which is focused attention on inhaling. If you are new to meditation, start by sitting upright comfortably while closing your eyes. Focus your attention on your breathing while you inhale and exhale. Each time you find your attention beginning to wander, refocus on your breathing. Initially this may seem difficult, however with more experience it will become easier and you will find yourself able to spend 20-30 minutes meditating in this manner. The key is to be gentle with your mind and never force. In the beginning, you may find yourself unable to sit still and focus for extended periods of time. In the event that that is the case, do not continue. Instead, each day attempt to add more time to your meditation process until you find yourself able to successfully meditate for 30 minutes.

Supplements: The following nutrients can enhance your ability to cope with stress: vitamin A, B-complex vitamins, vitamin B6 and supplement B12, vitamin C, and vitamin E in conjunction with a multivitamin. Essential fatty acids (EFAs) are also important, particularly omega-3 fatty acids. If you suffer from hypoglycemia, add chromium and the amino acid glutamine (1000mg. taken 3 times per day, half an hour before each meal) to your regular supplements.

Relaxation Workouts: Workouts that help your body and mind to relax can quickly release feelings of stress and tension. Here’s an example of a relaxation exercise that you can easily make a part of your daily health regimen:

Sit in a quiet space with gray lighting, with your feet flat on the ground.

Close your eyes and focus on your inhalations. Gently begin to breathe in and out deeply from your diaphragm.

Any time you exhale, mentally say to yourself, “relax.” Try this for a few moments, until you really begin to feel relaxed.

Now place your attention on your head, mouth, and face. As you carry on breathing, direct the influx of relaxation throughout all of the muscles of your face as well as jaw, and eyes. After you begin to feel relaxation in your face, begin to focus on relaxing your scalp, and neck.

Now tighten your face, jaw, and eye muscles for a few seconds, before calming them.

Continue this process with each remaining part of the body, beginning with your shoulders, then moving to the back, arms, hands, abdomen, hips, upper thighs, calves, ankles, feet, and toes. Make sure each section of your body becomes more relaxed before you begin to focus on the next portion.

Once you have made it all the way to your feet, continue to sit with your eyes closed for several minutes while breathing gently from the diaphragm allowing the feeling of relaxation to expand.

Just before opening your eyes, allow your breathing to become deeper and fuller, and feel the influx of energy passing through you. Once you feel revitalized, open your eyes and return to your daily activities.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM): TCM practitioners tackle stress by balancing the body’s vital power, or Chi, as it moves through pathways known as meridians. Practitioners accomplish this by utilizing a combination of herbal treatments and traditional Chinese medicine. Particular interest is given to re-energizing the liver, which TCM practitioners regard as the first organ to be compromised by stress. Helpful herbs for restoring stability include astragalus, ginseng, as well as ligustra.

Traditional Chinese practitioners also help their patients by creating a diet plan that is in harmony with their current needs, and may additionally encourage the practice of soothing Qigong workouts, and deep breathing. The overall goal of TCM is to bring the entire body back into balance while simultaneously increasing the ability to believe and act proactively, from a center of harmony and tranquility.

Yoga: The physical postures and breathing exercises comprising the practice of yoga have long been confirmed by medical research to increase relaxation while simultaneously strengthening the body. Research conducted since the 1970s indicates that normal yoga practice not only reduces stress, as well as stressful emotions such as anxiousness and depressive disorders, but also enhances blood pressure rates and general cardiovascular health. Yoga can also be effective for reducing physical discomfort, improving gastrointestinal and respiratory function, increasing mental capabilities, and enhancing overall well-being.

Note: If you are just starting to explore yoga, it is recommended that you initially study under the assistance of a trained yoga teacher who can help you to understand the importance of each pose and the corresponding breathing that goes with it.

Alternative Expert Care

These therapies can also help to prevent and relieve unhealthy stress: Acupuncture, Bodywork (Acupressure, Alexander Method, Feldenkrais Method, Reflexology, Shiatsu), Craniosacral Therapy, Hypnosis, Magnetic Treatment, Mind or Body Medicine, Orthomolecular Medicine, Osteopathic Medicine, and traditional Chinese Medicine. (See Resources for additional information regarding these Alternative Treatments).

Description

A sprain is a traumatic injury to the tendons, muscles, or ligaments around a joint, characterized by pain, swelling, and discoloration of the skin over the joint. The duration and severity of the symptoms vary depending on the extent of the damages.

Types, Signs and Symptoms

There are three types of sprains including:

Grade 1: Sprains are mild, without any ligament tears, and only moderate tenderness and swelling occur around the affected area.

Grade 2: Injuries involve partial tearing from the ligaments, accompanied by obvious inflammation, bruising, and difficulty trying to use the appendage.

Grade 3: Sprains involve a complete rip of the tendon, pronounced inflammation, extreme skin discoloration with hemorrhaging underneath, joint immobility and extreme pain.

Muscles spasms commonly occur in all three, sprain grades. Pain typically increases when attempts are made to move the involved joint.

Natural Cures:

Aromatherapy: Make a cold compress with camphor, lavender, eucalyptus, or rosemary and apply to the affected area.

Diet plan: Eat a natural, whole foods diet with plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, and whole grain products.

Instant Relief: For all levels of injuries, alternate applying ice and moist heat to the affected area. Raise and immobilize the joint, by propping it up on a pile of pillows. When the sprain no longer hurts, and after all swelling, discoloration, and spasms are gone, begin light mobilization exercises.

Herbs: Combine equal parts tinctures of horsetail, nettle, and willow bark and take one teaspoon of mixture three times a day.

Homeopathy: Useful homeopathic remedies are Arnica, Arnica lotion, and Ruta grav.

Liquid Therapy: Consume plenty of fresh, organic vegetable juices, such as beet, radish, and garlic.

Topical Treatment: Diethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) applied topically as an ointment is useful.

Treatment:

Grade 1: Sprains can be treated with supportive flexible bandages, tape, or healing splints. Immobilization and elevation is key, followed by moderate exercise.

Grade 2: Sprains must be immobilized for a minimum of three weeks, and require physical therapy and rehabilitation. Seek immediate medical attention.

Grade 3: Injuries require casts and, in some instances, surgery. X-rays will also usually be necessary to rule out fractures. Seek immediate medical attention.

Alternative Professional Care

If your symptoms persist despite following the above steps, seek the help of the qualified health professional. The following professional care therapies have all demonstrated an ability to be helpful for treating sport injuries: Acupressure, Acupuncture, Applied Kinesiology, Biofeedback Training, Bodywork, Chiropractic, Craniosacral Therapy, Power Medicine (Gentle Beam Generator), Permanent magnetic Field Treatment, Naturopathic Medicine, Neural Treatment, Osteopathy, Phototherapy, Reflexology, and Rolfing. (See Glossary for descriptions of

Definition

Sports injuries are any type of injury that occurs while performing athletic activities or exercising. The most typical injuries are soft tissue injuries such as strains, sprains, joint dislocations, fractures, and head injuries. See a doctor if you experience any such injuries because you may cause permanent damage to your body if your injuries do not heal properly.

Cause

In general, if you are healthy and are in good shape, the less likely you are to experience a typical sports injury. However, stretching and proper warm up routines are essential to minimizing your injury risk. Many active athletes stretch and warm up but a cool down routine is just as important. Cooling down allows your muscles to slowly return to a natural non-active condition which helps blood circulation and removes acidic build-up that may be triggered during physical exercise. Following a proper exercise routine also helps prevent muscle soreness and stiffness.

Caution: Joint dislocations, cracks, and head injuries all require instant medical attention.

Organic Cures

Diet: Eat an organic, whole-foods diet containing healthy complex carbohydrates and quality non-processed fats. Additionally, consume clean organic fruits and veggie and adequate amounts of high protein foods, which are necessary for muscle mass repair.

Do not eat right before a strenuous work out, but drink plenty of fluids an hour before heavy exercising, even if you do not really feel thirsty, because dehydration reduces performance abilities.

Flower Essences: Rescue Treatment Cream® used topically.

Herbs: Effective herbal remedies include valerian root (muscle relaxant also effective against muscle spasms), lobelia extract (applied topically), passionflower (to support the nervous system), white willow bark (to reduce irritation and ease pain), feverfew (to reduce pain and inflammation), and turmeric and boswellia, both of which decrease inflammation.

For muscle as well as connective tissue accidental injuries, comfrey underlying sooths and stimulates tissue repair.

Be aware: Comfrey Underlying should only be used internally under the supervision of a qualified wellness-treatment professional.

Homeopathy: Arnica taken orally and arnica cream applied topically help to soothe and prevent inflammation of the muscles and encircling tissues.

Hydrotherapy: Hydrotherapy is the process of applying water, ice, steam and alternating cold and hot temperatures to restore health. Treatments include total body immersion, steam baths, saunas, sitz baths, colonic irrigation, and the application of warm and cold compresses. Hydrotherapy is effective for treating an array of conditions and can easily be used in the home as part of a personal-treatment program. Many professionals including naturopathic physicians, physical therapists, and day spas use Hydrotherapy as part of their treatment routines. We suggest trying several at home hydrotherapy remedies but please seek the advice of an alternative healthcare practitioner prior to undergoing these treatments to ensure they are right for you.

*Purified water is essential for any hydrotherapy remedy.

Juice Therapy: Consuming fresh, organic vegetable fruit juices will supply your body with rich essential nutrients.

Nutritional Supplementation: To help prevent sports injuries, supplement with vitamin B-complex, vitamin C, vitamin E, magnesium and free-through amino acids.

To recover from sports injuries, supplement with calcium, magnesium, manganese, free-form amino acids, as well as proteolytic nutrients.

Other useful nutrients are selenium, the amino acids cysteine and glutathione, coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), pycnogenol, dimethyl glyciene (DMG), SOD (superoxide dismutase), as well as germanium sesquoxide.

Alternative Expert Care

If your symptoms persist despite following the recommendations listed above, seek the help of a competent health professional. These professional care therapies have previously been useful for treating sports injuries: Acupressure, Acupuncture, Used Kinesiology, Biofeedback Training, Bodywork, Chiropractic, Energy Medicine, Enzyme Therapy, Permanent Magnetic Field Therapy, Natural Endocrine Replacement Therapy, Naturopathic Treatments, Neural Therapy, Osteopathy, Oxygen Therapy, Air Therapy (Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment), Prolotherapy, Rolfing, traditional Chinese Medicine, and Yoga. (See Glossary for descriptions of these alternative therapies.)

Description

A sore throat is an inflammation of the throat tissues.

Symptoms

Sore throats are often accompanied by dryness rawness, unpleasant swallowing, and continuous urges to clear the neck, enlarged lymph nodes in the neck, a fever, hoarseness, or laryngitis in advanced cases.

Trigger

Sore throats are usually brought on by viral infections, but can also be due to bacterial infections, tonsillitis, overuse of the voice, exposure to irritating substances such as tobacco smoke, allergic reactions, bacterial infections of the mouth, and/or common colds and flu.

Caution: Sore throats are rarely serious. Nevertheless, if your sore throat does not heal within two weeks, and/or occurs with a rash, seek instant medical attention. Severe sore throats are usually the result of a Streptococcal infection (strep throat) and must be identified and treated by a doctor. If not, Strep Throat could create rheumatic fever or acute glomerulonephritis (disease from the glomerulus, a network of blood capillary vessels of the renal system).

Natural Cures

Aromatherapy: Inhalations with benzoic, lavender, thyme, eucalyptus, geranium, lavender, clary sage, or even sandalwood might help relieve signs and symptoms.

Diet: Increase your intake pure filtered water, hot herbal teas, diluted fruit drinks, and broths. Eat an organic whole foods diet that stresses fresh vegetables and vegetable sauces. Avoid all sugars, alcoholic beverages, milk and dairy products and any and all meals to which you’re allergic or sensitive. Raw organic sweetie placed at the rear of the neck can also soothe pain and symptoms and speed healing.

Blossom Essences: Crab Apple.

Herbal treatments: If your sore throat is due to an infection, chew a small piece of osha root (Ligusticum porteri) and/or gargle with an infusion of sage or licorice. For any sore throat caused by smoke or air pollution, gargle an infusion of lavender or hyssop. Additional useful herbal treatments include Echinacea, garlic, ginger, goldenseal, as well as slippery elm.

Homeopathy: Useful homeopathic remedies include Ferrum phos., Lachesis, Ignatia, Arnica, Aconite, Hydrastis, Gelsemium, Merc sol., as well as Phytolacca.

Hydrotherapy: Hydrotherapy is the process of applying water, ice, steam and alternating cold and hot temperatures to restore health. Treatments include total body immersion, steam baths, saunas, sitz baths, colonic irrigation, and the application of warm and cold compresses. Hydrotherapy is effective for treating an array of conditions and can easily be used in the home as part of a personal-treatment program. Many professionals including naturopathic physicians, physical therapists, and day spas use Hydrotherapy as part of their treatment routines. We suggest trying several at home hydrotherapy remedies but please seek the advice of an alternative healthcare practitioner prior to undergoing these treatments to ensure they are right for you.

*Purified water is essential for any hydrotherapy remedy.
Chlorinated Bath Drinking water offers obvious instructions and recommendations.

Juice Therapy: Drinking the juice of one or two red potatoes can soothe symptoms.

Nutritional Supplementation: These nutrients are helpful: vitamin A, beta-carotene, vitamin C with bioflavonoids, and zinc oxide (in the form of lozenges taken every 1-2 hours unless nausea occurs, whereby decrease dosage).

Alternative Expert Care

If your symptoms persist despite the above measures, seek the assistance of a qualified health professional. These professional treatment therapies have all proven to be useful for dealing with a sore throat: Traditional Chinese medicine, Detoxification Treatment, Energy Treatment, Environmental Treatments, Enzyme Treatment, Light Therapy, Permanent magnetic Field Therapy, Naturopathic Medicine, Neural Treatment, and Reflexology. (See Glossary for descriptions of these alternative treatments.)

Overview

Sinusitis is among the most common respiratory conditions in the US and is responsible for nearly 12 million hospital visits and over 200,000 surgeries every year. It is characterized by inflammation of the paranasal sinus cavities. If sinusitis persists, conventional physicians typically recommend surgical treatment; a procedure that’s expensive and often fails to supply lasting relief. In fact, many people who go through sinus surgical treatment find that their sinusitis is worse whenever it undoubtedly returns. Additional conventional sinusitis treatments include the use of antihistamines, decongestants, steroid sinus sprays, and antibiotics, all of which are generally ineffective because they do not solve the underlying causes of sinusitis.

Types of Sinusitis

There are two types of sinusitis—acute and chronic. While the symptoms of both types of sinusitis are the same, acute sinusitis usually occurs as a result of a sinus infection and is not long lasting, while chronic sinusitis presents with ongoing symptoms that can become worse over time.

Caution: Left untreated, chronic sinus problems can ultimately result in the degeneration of the mucus membrane, which impairs your natural sinus flow and therefore inhibits breathing.

Symptoms of Sinusitis

The signs of sinusitis are head and nasal blockage, postnasal pain, headache, facial pain, persistent fatigue, impaired sense of smell, fever, hoarseness, and laryngitis. These types of symptoms tend to be more pronounced for cases associated with chronic sinusitis, as compared to cases of severe sinusitis.

Causes of Sinusitis

Throughout the last few decades, there has been an increase in the incidence of sinus problems in the U.S. and other industrialized nations that is directly proportional to the corresponding increase in air pollution. Unhealthy indoor air, and air pollution are both main contributors of sinus problems. Other environmental causes of sinusitis include colds, viruses, bacterial and yeast infections, dry atmosphere, cigarette smoking, and regular contact with secondhand smoke.

Sinusitis may also be caused or exacerbated by food allergies, respiratory problems, dental and gum disease, stress, decreased immunity, structural problems inside the nasal cavity (such as a deviated septum), nasal cysts or polyps, and unresolved emotions, particularly anger. Candiasis (wide spread yeast overgrowth) and also the overuse of pharmaceutical drugs such as antibiotics, are two other typical causes of sinus problems.

Natural Remedies

Aromatherapy: Inhaling the steamed vapors of the essential oils camphor, eucalyptus, lavender, lemon, pine, or tea tree can enhance breathing and help fight infection.

Diet: If you suffer from sinusitis, get screened for food allergies and respiratory problems, and then avoid eating foods that you are allergic or sensitive to. In addition, avoid all sugar and sugar products, wheat products, soya , soda, commercially processed foods, and all foods that contains artificial ingredients, such as additives, colorings, flavorings, and chemical preservatives (such as BHA, BHT, sodium nitrite, sulfites, saccharin, aspartame, and cyclamates). Also minimize your intake of milk and dairy products, caffeine, red meat, salt, refined carbs (white breads, pastries, pasta), chocolate, as well as unhealthy fat (hydrogenated or even trans fats).

Drink plenty of pure, filtered water (One 8oz. glass every two hours; or for best results, add fresh squeezed lemon juice and a dash of cayenne pepper) hot broths and sauces, and fresh squeezed natural vegetable or fruit juices throughout the day. Diluted organic pear juice can also be helpful for clearing respiratory congestion. Emphasize a diet rich in organic, whole foods, especially plenty of fresh, uncooked organic fruits and vegetables, nuts and seeds, natural, free-range meats and poultry, and wild-caught fish. Garlic, cayenne pepper, chili peppers, horseradish, and onions should be eaten regularly, due to the powerful health benefits they provide for the lungs and entire respiratory system. For cooking and flavor, extra-virgin olive oil can be used liberally.

According to leading naturopathic physician and researcher Joseph Pizzorno, D.D. of Bastyr College, a vegan diet can significantly improve symptoms of most sinus/respiratory conditions. A vegan diet entails getting rid of all meat and animal products including fish, eggs, and all other dairy products. Grains should also be avoided, or eaten in minimal amounts. Dr. Pizzorno advises restricting your liquid intake to pure, strained water (avoid chlorinated, fluoridated tap water), and consume a variety of fresh, natural fruits and vegetables such as romaine lettuce, carrots, beets, onions, celery, cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, cucumber, radishes, artichokes, beans (except soy and eco-friendly peas), blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, black currants, plums, and pears. Celery and citrus fruits (except lemon) are not recommended.

Herbs: Helpful herbs for treating and preventing sinusitis include Echinacea, elder blossoms, ephedra, eyebright, garlic, goldenrod, goldenseal, horseradish, pokeroots, purple cornflower, stinging nettle, crazy indigo, and yarrow.

Homeopathy:

Arsenicum Album — to help relieve a nasal passageway that is burning, itchy and becomes worse following exposure to open air or is accompanied by chills.

Kalium bichromium — to alleviate nasal congestion and postnasal drip when accompanied by the reduced ability to smell and feelings of anxiety related to sinusitis.

Mercurius iodatus — for sinusitis accompanied by raw or ulcerated nostrils, excessive perspiration, and even yellow-green phlegm flecked with dried blood.

Nux vomica — for sinusitis accompanied by headaches, increased sinus congestion through the night, breathing difficulties, and nausea.

Silicea — for sinusitis associated with dry crusty nose blood, lack of smell, and tenderness of the nasal bones.

Euphorbium compositum — used as a sinus spray, it can be especially helpful for chronic sinusitis.

Hydrotherapy: Hydrotherapy is the process of using water, ice, steam and cold and hot temperatures to maintain and restore health. Treatments include full body immersion, steam baths, saunas, sitz baths, colonic irrigation and the application of warm and/or cold compresses. Hydrotherapy is effective for treating an array of conditions and can easily be utilized in the home as part of a self-treatment program. Numerous Naturopathic Physicians, Physical Therapists and Day Health spas use hydrotherapy as part of their healing treatments. Please seek the advice of your alternative health care specialist before undergoing these procedures to make sure they are appropriate for you.

Saltwater nasal irrigation can help to clear nasal passages and enhance nasal drainage. Steam inhalations can also be helpful as can warm footbaths. During a footbath, hold a cold compress over the sinus cavities. Alternating between placing hot and cold compresses on the sinuses can also help improve signs and symptoms. Note: Always start with a hot compress and finish with a cold one.

*Purified water is an essential part of any hydrotherapy treatment. Treatments involving purified water offer clear instructions.

Improving Indoor Air Quality: Improving the quality of your indoor atmosphere, both at home and at work is an essential step for treating sinusitis. A healthy environment is comfortable, free of pollutants and smells, has a relative humidity between 35-60%, and is high in oxygen and negative ions. Modern electronics make it easy to ensure that your indoor air meets the above criteria. A negative ion generator can not only increase the oxygen and negative ion content of indoor air, but it can also cleanse the air of harmful animal dander, bacteria, dust, mold, plant pollen, and viruses. Moreover, negative ions help to soothe and repair the damaged mucosa of the nasal, lung, and bronchial pathways. For the best results, choose a self-regulating negative ion electrical generator that emits at least one trillion negative ions per second.

You should also use a humidifier to keep your indoor air damp, especially during winter months when air is commonly drier. Choose a warm water unit. Adding plants to your home or work environments may also help keep air moist. Certain plants such as chrysanthemums, and philodendron, can also help to keep your air free of circulating dirt and microorganisms, since they act as natural air filters.

*Make sure that your home and work environments are correctly ventilated, and steer clear of the use of man-made materials such as plastics.

Lifestyle: Avoid exposure to secondhand smoke and excessively cold or dry air. If you smoke cigarettes, seek help and quit. (See Addictions for more information.) Try to engage in 30 minutes of aerobic exercise 3-5 times every week. Stretching and strength exercises are important, and help ensure that your muscles are protected. Sleep is an essential part of good health, go to bed at the same time every night and make sure you are getting plenty of rest.

Nutritional Supplements: Useful nutritional supplements for sinusitis include supplement B6, vitamin C, vitamin E, beta carotene, calcium supplement, chromium picolinate, magnesium, manganese, selenium, and zinc. Flaxseed oil and omega-3 natural oils are recommended in addition to a multivitamin. Proteolytic enzymes taken between meals, together with acidophilus supplements, can also be helpful, as can thymus gland extract. Other useful dietary supplements include betaine HCL, bee pollen, quercetin, grape seed extract, and N-acetyl cysteine (NAC).

Relaxation Therapy:

Frequently engaging in some sort of relaxation therapy on a daily basis may dramatically decrease the stress and tension that often contributes to sinusitis. One of the easiest ways to promote deep relaxation is to spend 5 minutes, a few times daily, sitting comfortably with your eyes closed while you breathe slowly and deeply through your diaphragm.

Here are two other relaxation exercises that are helpful for reducing sinusitis symptoms:

Lie on the ground with your head resting on a pillow. Close your eyes and comfortably position your calves on the seat of a chair. Stay in this position for 5-10 minutes, breathing deeply and comfortably through your diaphragm. When you are done, take your time getting up from the floor, continuing to breathe deeply in a calm relaxing manner.

Sit comfortably in a chair or lay down on a comfy mattress in a room that is dark and quiet. Begin to breathe deeply starting with your belly and progressing all the way up to your upper chest. Without pausing, begin to exhale, starting at the chest and moving down to your belly, taking longer to do so than you took to inhale. Ideally, you should try to inhale for 3-5 seconds, and spend twice as long exhaling.

Once you feel yourself beginning to relax, tightly tense the muscles of the feet and toes for 5 seconds, and then relax them. Do the same with the muscles of your lower legs and calves. Repeat this procedure all the way up your body, moving to your upper legs and thighs, your buttocks, lower back, abdomen, upper back, chest, hands, shoulders, neck, jaw, eyes, and facial muscles. Throughout this process, continue breathing in a deep relaxed manner. When you finish, gently open your eyes and continue breathing normally.

Optional Professional Treatment

The following treatments can also help to prevent and relieve sinusitis: Acupuncture, Biofeedback Instruction, Neurotherapy, Energy Medicine, Mind or Body Medicine, Naturopathic Treatments, Qigong, Tai Chi, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and Yoga exercise. (Please see Resources for additional information regarding Alternative Treatments).

Summary

Silicone implant disease affects nearly 95% of all women who choose to increase their breast size by getting silicone breast implants. Symptoms can occur as early as one week following breast augmentation but might take several weeks or even decades before they appear.

Be aware: Although manufacturers of silicone breast implants maintain that they are safe, holistic health practitioners reject that claim after witnessing many women becoming ill as a result of receiving breast enlargements, only to recuperate after the implants were removed and organic cures had been employed to help in the recovery process.

Signs and symptoms

Silicone implant disease is considered an autoimmune condition, because the ruptured silicone that leaks into the body causes the actual immune system to attack itself. The resulting symptoms can vary widely, ranging from inflammation of the breasts and nipples, to blood circulation problems, joint disease, chronic discomfort, muscle stiffness, hair loss, chronic fatigue, skin peeling, swelling and congestion of the lymphatic system, liver difficulties, and significant, unhealthy weight loss. Some women may also develop a granuloma, a type of tumor that can occur in both breasts as well as in lymphatic tissue.

Cause

Silicone breast implants are the cause of this ailment, which takes place when the implants rupture inside the breast, spilling their contents into the body. Health experts estimate that 95% of all silicone implants may rupture or leak at some point.

Organic Cures

Prevention is the most obvious way to avoid developing silicone breast implants. If you are thinking about augmenting your own breast size, consider the possible health risks included.

Women that develop this condition need to have their implants removed as soon as possible. This step should be taken first, before homeopathic cures can be efficient. Most alternative physicians advise that women with silicone breast implants should have them removed even if they are not experiencing any problems. Many physicians regard implants as a, “ticking time bomb,” which will eventually cause serious health problems. When the implants are removed, the following natural cures can be used to assist the recuperation process:

Detoxification Therapy: Colonic irrigation is advised after the removal of implants, so that you can detoxify the liver and flush any poisons associated with leaking implants. Follow-up colonics may also be necessary depending on the level of poisoning. (See our Cleansing and Detoxing section for more information and protocols).

Diet: Healthy eating is very important in the fight against silicone implant disease. Increase your intake of purified water and fresh natural fruits and vegetables. Consume a diet rich in complex whole grains, such as amaranth and quinoa, and organic free-range meats, chicken, and wild-caught fish. In general, your diet should primarily be vegetarian and one that is low in fat and high in fiber.

Avoid all commercial, prepared, fried and nonorganic food, as well as all alcohol, coffee, sugars, artificial sweeteners, preservatives, food dyes, dairy products, wheat products, and refined carbohydrates. Don’t eat saturated, trans-hydrogenated or even partially-hydrogenated fat and oils. Instead choose from avocado butter or oil, extra virgin olive oil, high-lignin flax seed oil, and unprocessed hemp seed, walnut, and sunflower natural oils.

In addition, undergo testing for potential food allergies and sensitivities and avoid those foods for which you test positive. Consider a rotating diet or even elimination diet plan in order to further reduce the likelihood of food allergies.

Nutrition and diet are key players in the healing and elimination of imbalance and disease. For a complete, nutrition packed, whole-foods eating plan, browse the Whole Foods Diet plan. In many cases, the raw food eating plan can be hugely beneficial. To learn more, read Raw Food Diet plan.

Physical exercise: Moderate aerobic exercise for 20 -30 minutes each day is also recommended to increase the body’s temperature. Elevated body temperature helps the body to release poisons from the fatty tissues which contain high levels of toxins. Riding a stationary bike, walking briskly, or jumping on a trampoline are all excellent ways to release toxins. Jumping is also highly effective for removing toxins and other waste products from the lymphatic system.

Herbs: Whole milk thistle taken as a tincture or in tablet form is recommended to help the liver detoxify the body.

Hydrotherapy: Hydrotherapy is the application of using water, ice, steam and hot and cold temperatures to maintain and restore health. For treating silicone implant illness, alternate between using hot and cold packs on the abdomen and back for 45 minutes each day. This will improve blood flow to the upper torso which helps the liver to detoxify the body.

There are several at home hydrotherapy treatments. Speak with an alternative health-care practitioner before undergoing these treatments to make sure they are appropriate for you.

*Purified water is important for any hydrotherapy treatment. Remedies involving purified water offer clear instructions.

Hyperthermia: Numerous health experts recommend 3 sauna sessions daily with a temperature between 120 and 130 degrees. Allow 15 to 20 minutes between periods so that your body can recover. Throughout each sauna session, drink plenty of pure filtered water with electrolyte tablets to replace liquids and electrolytes lost via perspiration.

There are several at-home hyperthermia treatments. Seek the advice of your alternative health care specialist before trying these procedures to make sure they are appropriate for you.

Nutritional Supplements: Nutrients that help aid in the recuperation process include vitamin A, beta-carotene, ascorbic acid, vitamin E, magnesium, selenium (preferably in fluid form), digestive and proteolytic enzymes, hydrochloric acid (HCl), N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC), psyllium dietary fiber powder, and the amino acid taurine.

Alternative Professional Care

These professional care therapies have been proven to also be effective for treating silicone implant illness: Acupuncture, Detoxification Therapy, Power Medicine, Environmental Medicine, Magnet Therapy, Naturopathic Medicine, Oxygen Therapy, Yoga, and traditional Chinese Medicine. (See Resources for additional information).

Description

An acute infection caused by the herpes zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. Shingles is most common after the age of 50 and the risk rises with advancing age. Shingles occurs because of exposure to chickenpox or reactivation of the herpes zoster virus.

Signs and symptoms

Three to four days before skin outbreaks occur, fatigue, fever, chills, skin sensitivity, and stomach upset set in. Shingles produce small, crusty, painful spots along a direct line on the skin, creating a roof, “shingle,” like appearance. Shingles most commonly appear on the ribs, and within the thoracic region. Shingle outbreaks can be serious but usually start to disappear in five days. In seniors, however, pain may last for months, or even years.

Cause

Shingles are caused by chicken pox (in children), pleurisy, Bell ’s palsy, Herpes Simplex, Appendicitis, Intestinal Colic, Gallstones, Colitis, Trigeminal Neuralgia, or contact Dermatitis. All of these conditions should be screened for and properly treated.

Extreme caution: Outbreaks that last longer than fourteen days might be an indication of fundamental immune difficulties, cancer and Hodgkin’s disease, and require immediate medical attention. In addition, see an ophthalmologist if shingles occur near the eyes or forehead because spreading can cause blindness.

Natural Cures

Aromatherapy: Therapeutic massage with essential oils such as lemon, geranium, bergamot, eucalyptus, teas tree, lavender, or chamomile along the affected area provide mild relief.

Diet: Eat an organic, whole-foods diet that places an emphasis on fresh fruits and vegetables and minimizes carbohydrates and processed sugars.

Herbs: Mix equal parts of oat straw, St. John’s wort, as well as skullcap tinctures and take one teaspoon of this mixture four times a day. Peppermint oil applied topically can also help reduce pain, unless the skin is excessively dry.

Homeopathy: Useful naturopathic remedies consist of Arsen alb., Rhus tox., Sepia, Natrum mur., Hepar sulph., Caladium, and Acidum nit.

Hydrotherapy: Hydrotherapy is the process of applying water, ice, steam and alternating cold and hot temperatures to restore health. Treatments include total body immersion, steam baths, saunas, sitz baths, colonic irrigation, and the application of warm and cold compresses. Hydrotherapy is effective for treating an array of conditions and can easily be used in the home as part of a personal-treatment program. Many professionals including naturopathic physicians, physical therapists and day spas use Hydrotherapy as part of their treatment routines. We suggest trying several at home hydrotherapy remedies. Please seek the advice of an alternative healthcare practitioner prior to undergoing these treatments to ensure they are right for you.

*Purified water is essential in any Hydrotherapy remedy. Remedies involving purifying bath water offer clear instructions and remedies.

Juice Therapy: Consume carrot and celery liquid with one tablespoon of parsley juice once or twice every day.

Nutritional Supplements: At the first sign of outbreak, apply zinc oxide along the path of the impacted nerve region two to three times daily. Additional helpful nutrients include L-lysine, vitamin B-complex, vitamin B12, calcium, as well as high dosages of ascorbic acid plus bioflavonoids.

Topical Treatment: Apply apple cider vinegar to the affected area. Using vitamin E topically, helps reduce dry itchy irritation. Snake vaccine made from venom has also been known to take away the pain of shingles.

Optional Professional Treatment

If your symptoms persist despite following the above steps, seek the help of a qualified medical expert. The following professional care treatments have all been shown to be helpful for treating shingles: Acupuncture, Biofeedback Training, Detoxification Therapy, Energy Medicine, Magnetic Area Therapy, Naturopathic Medicine, Neural Therapy, Orthomolecular Medicine (Vitamin B12 shots combined with adenosine monophosphate), Oxygen Therapy (Peroxide Therapy, Ozone), and Reflexology. (See References for descriptions of these alternative therapies.)

Overview

Scoliosis is a back condition characterized by unnatural curvature of the spine. Usually scoliosis creates two types of back curvatures: First, the original irregular curve, and second, the additional curve in the opposite direction caused by the body`s attempt to balance the original curvature. Conventional medicine treats scoliosis by electro-shock of the backbone, back braces, and surgical treatments ranging from spine fusion to the installation of supports along the backbone to prevent further curvature. In stark contrast to these approaches, holistic health care practitioners have a far less drastic and less invasive approach in their treatment options to help reverse scoliosis.

Types of Scoliosis

There are a number of different types of scoliosis, ranging from congenital scoliosis, which occurs due to birth defects, inflammation related scoliosis, which is caused by irritation of the spine, and osteopathic scoliosis, caused by deformed spine vertebrae. By far the most common type of scoliosis, however, is idiopathic scoliosis, which is scoliosis with no known cause. Idiopathic scoliosis affects people who are otherwise healthy and accounts for more than 80% of all instances of scoliosis. Idiopathic scoliosis is divided into four groups based on a person`s age: Infantile scoliosis (children 3 and under), juvenile scoliosis (children 3-9 years old), adolescent scoliosis (children and teenagers, 10-18 years of age), and adult scoliosis, which occurs after a person stops growing in height. Of these subcategories, the most common form of scoliosis is actually adolescent scoliosis.

Symptoms of Scoliosis

The most common symptom of scoliosis is an abnormal curvature of the spine, however there are many other symptoms including, irregular shoulder heights, one prominent shoulder blade, pelvic bone off to one side, a raised hip, different left and right rib-cage heights, uneven waistline, changes in the skin covering the spine, and slanting of the body to one side.

Causes of Scoliosis

The most common causes of non-idiopathic scoliosis are birth defects, genetic conditions, neuromuscular difficulties, and lower-leg-length disparity. Scoliosis can also be caused by diseases such as cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, spina bifida, and tumors, all of which require quick medical attention. Although conventional medicine claims there are no recognized causes of idiopathic scoliosis, alternative health practitioners don’t agree. From the viewpoint of alternative treatment, idiopathic scoliosis is mainly caused by misalignments of the backbone (known as subluxations, according to chiropractic theory) and/or even stagnation in the body`s circulation of vital energy.

Subluxations cause stress to be exerted on the nerves that pass through the backbone. Over time, this nerve pressure can cause spinal muscle tissue to contract one one side of the spine, while corresponding muscles along the opposite side of the spine weaken. This will cause the vertebrae of the spine to be pulled in the direction of the contracting muscles, causing scoliosis.

Decreases in the body’s vital energy, known as Chi by practitioners of acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine, may also cause spinal muscles to tighten and contract, pulling the vertebrae out of alignment causing the spine to become curved.

Finally, the most common cause of idiopathic scoliosis, among teens and adults, is chronic posture problems, both while sitting and standing. As poor posture habits take over, your body starts to compensate. This compensation can trigger muscle shrinkage and result in scoliosis.

Natural Cures

Traditional Chinese Medicine: Acupuncture can help correct scoliosis caused by muscle contractions associated with the body’s lack of vital energy. As your vital energy begins to freely flow once more, your muscles may automatically start to relax and return to their normal form. This, in turn, can significantly improve scoliosis.

To further stimulate vital energy and improve scoliosis, electric current might sometimes be passed with the use of acupuncture needles. This helps to deepen the effects of the traditional Chinese treatments, leading to a deeper recovery and longer-lasting results.

Aromatherapy: Massaging the tight muscles which are contributing to scoliosis with essential natural oils can help relieve muscle tension and contraction. Ideal essential oils for this include clary sage, lavender, marjoram, and rosemary.

Bodywork: The field of bodywork offers a number of processes for treating and preventing scoliosis, such as Rolfing and Hellerwork, both of which involve adjustment of the muscles, connective tissue, and joints to allow the entire body to correctly realign on its own. Other types of body treatments that can effectively treat scoliosis include, Bowen Therapy, Massage Therapy, Reflexology, and Shiatsu. Movement awareness therapies such as the Alexander Technique, the Feldenkrais Method, and the Trager Function, are also all effective for realigning and fixing posture issues, and spinal curves.

Chiropractic Treatments: Chiropractic treatments can be very effective for helping to solve scoliosis because of their ability to correct spinal misalignments. Chiropractic treatments work by adjusting the spine to release subluxations. By doing so, chiropractic care also alleviates nerve stress and restores normal muscle function, which can significantly reduce scoliosis symptoms.

Specific chiropractic methods tend to be particularly useful for scoliosis. The first, known as the Pettibon method, was developed by the chiropractic specialist Burl Petition. This method functions by correcting distortions in the spine and surrounding muscles which most commonly cause or contribute to scoliosis.

A second technique, known as chiropractic care biophysics, or CBP, entails in-depth evaluation of spinal distortions as well as poor position. In addition to chiropractic adjustments specifically tailored to address these issues, chiropractors trained in CBP also instruct their patients in self-care exercises that they can make use of to further correct their scoliosis symptoms.

Lifestyle: In dealing with scoliosis, it is essential that you improve your posture and learn how to properly realign your body. A regular exercise program, particularly stretching, can also help improve your symptoms.

Supplements: Calcium and magnesium supplements can help your back muscles relax, therefore helping to release chronic muscle mass contraction associated with scoliosis.

Osteopathy: Due to their ability to combine conventional and alternative medical techniques, osteopathic physicians have a unique ability to treat scoliosis. Osteopathic techniques range from gentle joint therapy to specific adjustment methods similar to chiropractic care.

In addition to being able to adjust the spine and other joints of the body to relieve restricted muscles and restore spine alignment, the majority of Osteopaths also licensed to give injections in order to relieve painful inflammation in the joints that cause scoliosis. Additionally, they may use electrical shock and various forms of physical therapy to trigger muscle relaxation, including gentle “muscle energy” methods, and practical and positional release techniques, all of which are unique to osteopathic treatments.

Physical Manipulation Techniques: Physical manipulation methods help to move the muscles, connective tissues, and spinal vertebrae back into proper alignment, and can also correct difficulties relating to stress and pain. Physical therapists will also usually work to stretch as well as relax muscles by teaching their patients effective stretching workouts, and by training them to maintain healthier posture.

Alternative Expert Care

The following professional therapies are also useful for dealing with and preventing scoliosis: Alphabiotics, Applied Kinesiology, Craniosacral Treatment, Neural Treatment, Qigong, Tai Chi, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and Yoga. (See Glossary for descriptions of these Alternative Therapies.)

Definition

Sciatica refers to pain, weakness, numbness, or tingling in the leg, or lower back along the sciatic nerve. It is caused by any injury to, or compression of the sciatic nerve. Sciatica is a symptom of another medical problem, not a medical condition on its own.

Symptoms

Symptoms of sciatica include discomfort, burning, prickling, stabbing pains, and aching anywhere along the sciatic nerve. In severe cases, the pain may be associated with pressure points. Typically, sciatic symptoms tend to be recurring.

Types and Causes

There are two types of sciatica, which include Sciatic Neuralgia and Sciatic Neuritis. Sciatic Neuritis is attributed to inflammation along the sciatic nerve, while Sciatic Neuralgia is typically caused by an irritation of the nerve due to disc, bone or muscle dysfunction. Both conditions require proper medical attention.
Occasionally chronic musculoskeletal pain may be due to thyroid problems, nutrient inadequacies, old injuries in associated joints, pain from problems in internal organs, and emotional stress. Insufficient physical exercise and weak or tight, cramped muscles can create the system imbalances which ultimately result in sciatica.

Be aware: Proper treatment of sciatica involves removing pressure from the sciatic nerve itself, along with abnormal stresses on the foot, knee, or back.

Natural Cures

Aromatherapy: Apply a cold compress or lightly massage the sciatic region using the essential natural oils of lavender, or birch.

Diet plan: Eat organic foods rich in thiamine (vitamin B1) and magnesium, because both nutrients act as natural muscle relaxants. Such foods include dark leafy vegetables, yellow vegetables, whole grains, and raw seeds and nuts. Eliminate coffee and other caffeinated beverages, chocolate, and sugar. Drink plenty of real, filtered drinking water.

Herbs: Mix equal parts of willow sound off and St. John’s Wort tincture, consume one teaspoon three times each day. St. John’s Wort oil can also be used as a therapeutic massage on the affected areas.

Homeopathy: Useful naturopathic remedies include Colocynth, Viscum album, Lachesis, Rhus tox., Aconite, Arsen alb., Lycopodium, Mag phos., Ruta grav., and Atropa Belladonna.

Hydrotherapy: Hydrotherapy is the process of applying water, ice, steam and alternating cold and hot temperatures to restore health. Treatments include total body immersion, steam baths, saunas, sitz baths, colonic irrigation, and the application of warm and cold compresses. Hydrotherapy is effective for treating an array of conditions and can easily be used in the home as part of a personal-treatment program. Many professionals including naturopathic physicians, physical therapists and day spas use Hydrotherapy as part of their treatment routines. We suggest trying several at home hydrotherapy remedies. Please seek the advice of an alternative healthcare practitioner prior to undergoing these treatments to ensure they are right for you.

*Purified water is essential in any Hydrotherapy remedy. Remedies involving purifying bath water offer clear instructions and remedies.

Nutritional Supplementation: The following nutrients can help to ease sciatic pain: Vitamin B-complex, vitamin B1, vitamin B12, vitamin E. calcium supplement, magnesium, and manganese sulfate.

Topical Treatment: Apply moist or dry heat to the affected area for one hour, four times a day.

Alternative Professional Care

If your signs and symptoms persist despite following the above measures, seek the help of a qualified medical expert. The following professional treatments have all demonstrated the ability to be helpful for treating sciatica: Acupressure, Chinese Medicine, Applied Kinesiology, Ayurveda,, Chiropractic, Craniosacral Therapy, Detoxing Therapy, Energy Treatments (TENS, Gentle Beam Generator), Environmental Treatments, Enzyme Treatment, Magnetic Field Therapy, Naturopathic Medicine, Neural Treatment, Osteopathy, Qigong, Phototherapy, Reflexology, Rolfing, and traditional Chinese Medicine. (See Reference for explanations of these Option Therapies.)

Definition

Ringworm is an infection caused by fungi that invade dead skin cell tissues. Ringworm usually occurs around the inner thighs, genitals, feet, and toes. Additionally, it may occur on other body parts, including the torso, hair, and nails.

Signs and symptoms

Ringworm usually appears as ring-shaped, red, patches. It can be scaly or blistered but it is typically uniform in shape with a circular patch of normal skin inside the ring.

Cause

Ringworm is usually caused by poor hygiene but it can also be attributed to wearing tight fitting moist clothing. To treat and prevent ringworm, bathe or shower at least once a day, and change clothes and under garments every day. If you are using showers in public areas, such as the gym, wear shower sandals to avoid fungal contact with your feet.

Natural Cures

Aromatherapy: Topically apply rosemary, tea tree, lavender, geranium, peppermint, thuja, or thyme.

Diet: Avoid all sugars, alcohol, processed foods, and foods that you are allergic or sensitive to. In addition, avoid wheat and dairy products, and eat plenty of organic, fresh vegetables. Consume plenty of fresh, filtered water throughout the day.

Herbs: To speed recovery, apply a paste made from equal parts myrrh natural powder, goldenseal powder, and water.

Homeopathy: Helpful homeopathic remedies include the use of Sepia, Arsen alb., and Graphites.

Nutritional Supplementation: The following nutrients are recommended: Garlic clove capsules and probiotics such as Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacteria, vitamin A, vitamin B, ascorbic acid with bioflavonoids, vitamin E, bee pollen, primrose, citrus seedling extract and, colloidal metallic applied topically.

Topical Treatment: Tape or bandage the thin slice of garlic clove directly over the affected area for a few days.

Alternative Professional Care

If your symptoms continue despite following the above steps, seek the assistance of a competent health professional. These professional therapies have all proven to be useful when dealing with ringworm: Detoxing Therapy, Permanent Magnetic Field Therapy, Naturopathic Treatments, Oxygen Treatments, and Chinese Medicine. (See Glossary for descriptions of these alternative therapies.)