Alternative medical systems

Alternative medical systems have often evolved apart from and earlier than conventional medical approaches used in the United States. Those that have developed in Western cultures include homeopathic and naturopathic medicine; systems that developed in non-Western cultures include traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurveda.

Acupuncture is one of the oldest forms of alternative medicine; written history indicates it is at least 2,000 years old. This Chinese-rooted technique has recently adapted some Western practices, modernizing methods and providing new opportunities of healing to clients. In acupuncture, needles are placed meticulously according to the ailment or symptoms.

“Acupuncturists do not look to treat disease; we look for energetic balance. People often feel they have more energy after treatment,” says Laurel Colpitts, who practices acupuncture at the Center for Functional Medicine in Mandeville.

Colpitts notes that acupuncture has been used to treat a variety of conditions, including back pain, infertility, neck and shoulder pain, nausea and knee pain. It can also tone, relax and tighten skin; no toxins are needed, and it can be performed without needles.

Mind-body interventions

Mind-body medicine uses a variety of techniques designed to enhance the mind’s capacity to affect bodily function and symptoms. Some techniques that were considered unconventional in the past, such as patient support groups and cognitive-behavioral therapy, have become mainstream. Other mind-body techniques are still considered complementary or alternative, including meditation, prayer, mental healing and therapies that use creative outlets such as art, music or dance.

Approximately 3,000 years ago, a Chinese monk was searching for a method of exercise for his fellow monks. His study of the fluid natural movements of animals led to the development of Tai Chi.

The terms Tai (supreme or ultimate) and Chi (energy) refer to the principle that if we strengthen the vital life force, or “ultimate energy,” in the body, this will, in turn, invigorate the muscle or soft tissue and strengthen the skeletal structure.

According to Terri Rappold, Tai Chi instructor for North Oaks Wellness Center in Hammond, the benefits of Tai Chi include improved balance, relaxation, greater flexibility, increased range of motion, the benefits of light aerobics, and greater awareness of physical issues, as well as a method of dealing with those issues. Basically, Tai Chi offers a means to improve overall health and well-being.

Rappold says that a typical Tai Chi class is a once-a-week, one-hour session, offered in an eight-week timeframe. After learning the fluid movements of this exercise, participants should practice the movements daily. A basic routine lasts 10-30 minutes, if all exercises are performed.

Exercises focus on light stretching, balance, joint manipulation and structural alignment. The movements, or form, are slow and relaxed and utilize proper skeletal structure and muscle manipulation.

Biologically based therapies

Biologically based therapies use substances found in nature, such as herbs, foods and vitamins. Examples are dietary supplements, herbal products and the use of other so-called “natural,” but as yet scientifically unproven, therapies. Not only can herbs possibly aid in healing, they are also often less expensive than pharmaceutical drugs. Always seek professional guidance for any medicinal remedy, however—natural or otherwise.

More than one billion people around the world use Chinese herbal remedies daily. Common examples are the use of celery, echinacea, evening primrose, garlic, ginkgo, hawthorn, horse chestnut, kava, saw palmetto, turmeric, ginseng, dong quai, licorice, ginger and gotu kola. The use of these and other herbs in the form of herbal teas is popular. They are used to rejuvenate; to treat a variety of ailments, including allergies, colds, headaches and flu; and to strengthen the immune system and combat the effects of stress. Green tea and its components are thought to be rich in antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and cancer-fighting properties.

Manipulative and body-based methods

Manipulative and body-based methods are based on manipulation and/or movement of one or more parts of the body. Some examples are chiropractic or osteopathic manipulation and massage.

Chiropractic medicine concentrates on the central nervous system as the primary controller of the body, based on the idea that if the central nervous system is working properly, the body also will function properly.

The most common source of interference with the central nervous system is an abnormal position of the spine, or subluxation. This causes organs and muscles to malfunction and heal poorly.

Some of the problems treated by chiropractors include back pain, migraine headaches, irritable bowel syndrome and even allergies. “The great thing about this treatment is that if you fix one problem some others may disappear as well,” says Dr. W. Scott Schroeder of Schroeder Family Chiropractic in Covington. “Our thought is that if subluxation is interfering with the nervous system, it may affect everything below the specific problem.”

There are three types of chiropractic treatment methods. The full-spine and diversified methods are the most widely practiced. The third, the Thompson method, is performed through use of the drop mechanism, which allows the patient to have treatment without the presence of popping or cracking sounds.

According to Dr. Schroeder, chiropractic medicine is the bridge between the medical physician and surgery. “If you’re experiencing back pain, and surgery isn’t yet an option, it makes sense to see if there is a treatment that may either prevent surgery, or at least control the pain until surgery is necessary.”

Massage is another manipulative treatment that has gained wide acceptance in recent years. According to Covington massage therapist Linda Dumas, the muscles must be able to soften in order for them to relax and create a feeling of ease. “Having a massage is like changing the oil in a car,” Dumas says. “Massage keeps the body running smoothly; it increases circulation and energy levels by allowing the free flow of fluid to cells.” Ideally, massage is penetrative. Through massage, fluid may move more easily through the body, increasing relaxation and helping to repair aches and pains.

Athletes often use massage therapy, as do persons who experience high stress levels or who may have been involved in an accident. For those who experience moderate-to-low stress levels and do not have any significant discomfort, a massage is recommended once a month. “When people receive regular massages, they begin to know when something in the body isn’t right,” Dumas continues. “When first beginning massage therapy, a person should have frequent massages in order to get familiar with their own body and allow it to tell them what they need.”

The role of nutrition

One of the easiest and most common-sense therapies for anyone is good nutrition. “Practicing good nutritional habits specific to individual needs is essential to wellness,” says Karen Cassidy, certified nutritional consultant in Mandeville. “It’s about understanding consequences—either take care of your needs now, or fix the problem later.”

In some instances, individuals may be consuming things they feel are nutritional, but their body is rejecting. Says Cassidy, “People must realize they have individual nutritional needs and find out specifics about themselves in order to maximize their wellness.”

Nutritional consultants suggest individual nutrition plans based on results from as asking questions and testing blood, urine and hair samples. These tests reveal different levels of chemicals in the body to help identify nutritional problems.

Those who are responsible for administering complementary and alternative treatments or who lead wellness classes stress the importance of speaking with a personal care physician about any possible side effects. Medical professionals frequently perform a complete physical examination and require a medical history before beginning treatment.

Although many physicians prescribe CAM therapies, these should not be used in place of a medical doctor. Speak to your personal care physician about options and possible alternatives for your particular symptoms.