The Wellness Universe is Officially Changing the World Today!

BIG NEWS! The first of it’s kind, worldwide launch of and epic directory of top wellness resources begins today, January 23, 2015 at 11:11 Eastern time or 8:11 a.m. here in California. If you visit the Wellness Universe you will find comprehensive listings of wellness organizations, individuals and resources such as the Monterey Bay Holistic Alliance.  Together we are “Officially Changing the World.”

WHAT IS IN THE DIRECTORY?
Are you looking for something specific such as anger management, success coaching, Shaman, crystal healing, animals rights activists,   or perhaps a Physical Therapist, or a Chiropractor, or more? This is an extremely comprehensive list of health and wellness members who are “officially changing the world!!”Anything relating to but not limited to body, mind and spirit wellness can be in this easy to navigate online directory with simple to understand search key words.WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THE WELLNESS UNIVERSE?
The intention of the Wellness Universe is to introduce people, products and services to the masses and provide worldwide opportunities for everyone to discover resources to which they had never before had been able to access.

This is a unique organization where hundreds of quality Facebook pages have joined with one another in a common goal: to create the Wellness Universe!   These amazing people have become a family, working together in harmony and love to continue create a better world, to give hope and inspiration, to give healing and love…all together in one place, with just the stroke of the keyboard you can have thousands of pages and businesses to choose from.

The Wellness Universe directory will launch worldwide at 11:11 EST or 8:11 PST. JOIN us!!

HOW DOES ONE GET LISTED?
Our Monterey Bay Holistic Alliance Facebook page was selected as a Top Resource in this “Online Directory for the Best Wellness Pages,” a Directory of Resources to Expand Your Well-Being.   We are proud, excited and honored to be listed among the “best of the best.” and to be included in this family, as a member of The Wellness Universe. Listing in the online directory is a privilege based on application review and only after having met specific ethical and professional guidelines.  Are you a health organization or health professional and do you want to be included?  Go to www.thewellnessuniverse.net and fill out the application to join this amazing family.

HOW DID THE WELLNESS UNIVERSE GET STARTED?
The Wellness Universe and WellnessUniverse.net were both created by three successful entrepeneurs, Sheila Burke (Zen-sational Living), Anna Perierra (Circles of Inspiration), and Shari Alyse.(Sharing Sunshine and Love with Shari). Their vision stirred passion and excitement in other wellness professionals, and their heart-felt, sincere, enthusiasm and spread to create a network of like-minded souls, on Facebook. The result is an online directory of hundreds of  people working together to provide valuable wellness services and products for those individuals searching for modern-day inspiration, motivation, networking and problem-solving resources. Those who are members are like-minded souls, passionate about wellness of body, mind and spirit, and strive to uphold the highest values.

The Wellness Universe online directory GOES LIVE at 11:11 Eastern Standard Time TODAY,  1/23/2015, this is 8:11 a.m., PST, California time.  Join the Monterey Bay Holistic Alliance and all of the other like-minded souls around the world to experience this event!!

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Jean Dart, M.S. Special Education from Illinois State University, is a published author and has written hundreds of health articles as well as hosting a local television program, “Making Miracles Happen.” She is a Registered Music Therapist, Sound Therapist, and Master Level Energetic Teacher, and is the Executive Director, founder and Health and Wellness Educator of the Monterey Bay Holistic Alliance. To find out more about our Health Educators, or to apply as a Monterey Bay Holistic Alliance writer or volunteer, visit our website at www.montereybayholistic.com

Disclaimer:  The Monterey Bay Holistic Alliance is a charitable, independent registered nonprofit 501(c)3 organization and does not endorse any particular products or practices. We exist as an educational organization dedicated to providing free access to health education resources, products and services. Claims and statements herein are for informational purposes only and have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The statements about organizations, practitioners, methods of treatment, and products listed on this website are not meant to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This information is intended for educational purposes only. The MBHA strongly recommends that you seek out your trusted medical doctor or practitioner for diagnosis and treatment of any existing health condition.

 

Back Pain: Causes and Alternative and Natural Treatments

What Is the Anatomy of the Human Back?

The human back is made up of bones, muscles, tendons and ligaments. These parts make up the spinal column. The spinal column consists of 30 bones called the vertebrae. The spinal column helps hold up the upper part of the body. The back is an integral part of the human body (National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases [NIAMS], 2013.

Why Do We Experience Back Pain?

Back pain can affect people of all ages and ethnicities. Back pain can be acute or chronic. Acute back pain usually lasts a couple of days and is generally treated by orthodox practitioners by Ibuprophen or other over-the-counter pain medications or  prescription drugs.  However, people can becoming addicted to pain medications especially with chronic pain. Chronic back pain normally occurs for more than three months. Older people are more susceptible to back pain because as they age, their bone strength decreases and muscles become less elastic and flexible. People who are overweight have more back pain due to the excess amount of weight the back has to support. Children who carry heavy backpacks for hours during the school day may experience back pain. Back pain can also affect people who live sedentary lifestyles, smoke often and have unhealthy diets (NIAMS, 2013).

What are the Primary Causes of Back Pain?

Mayo Clinic (2014) provides a list of possible reasons for the cause or causes of back pain:

1. Ankylosing spondylitis
2. Fibromyalgia
3. Herniated Disk
4. Kidney Infection
5. Obesity
6. Osteoarthritis
7. Osteomyelitis
8. Osteoporosis
9. Paget’s Disease of Bones
10. Poor Posture
11. Pregnancy
12. Sacroiliitis
13. Sciatica
14. Scoliosis
15. Spinal Fractures
16. Spinal Stenosis
17. Sprains and strains

How are Back Problems Diagnosed?

Acute back pain can be traced back to an injury or trauma. Chronic back pain is usually a symptom of an underlying disorder or illness. To receive an accurate diagnosis for the back pain, visiting a family physician may be the wisest decision.

The physician may take a look at your medical history along with your family history to rule out any genetic predispositions to back disorders. A thorough physical exam will be conducted. In addition, a few other tests may be performed. These tests include, but are not limited, to the following (NIAMS, 2013):

1. Ultrasound imaging
2. Bone Scans
3. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
4. Computerized tomography (CT) scan
5. X-ray

What is the Traditional  Treatment?

To relieve acute and chronic back pain, traditional methods used by orthodox medical doctors or practitioners usually include:

1. Hot and cold compresses to decrease swelling and pain.
2. Medications such as Advil, Ibuprofen and muscle relaxants or prescription drugs to eliminate or reduce pain.
3. Low impact exercises such as walking, climbing and swimming have been proven to increase muscle tone and decrease tension in the back.

Prescription drugs can be addictive and harmful to the body with long-term use.

What are Alternative Treatments?

Other non-traditional ways to ease back pain include the following:

1. Chiropractic care. Back pain is one of the most common reasons that people see a chiropractor.
2. Acupuncture. A practitioner of acupuncture inserts sterilized stainless steel needles into the skin at specific points on the body. Some people with low back pain report that acupuncture helps relieve their symptoms.
3. Therapeutic Massage.  If your back is caused by tense or overworked muscles, massage therapy may help. Massage can help stretch tight muscles and circulate the blood, relieving pain
4. Yoga. There are several types of yoga, a board discipline that involves practicing specific postures or poses, breathing exercises and relaxation techniques. Yoga has been found to relieve stress and be effective in eliminating pain.
5. Naturopathy  The use of natural methods and non-toxic remedies to improve or restore health is known as naturopathy. It includes herbal remedies, homeopathic remedies, change in diet, etc.
6. Physical therapy and exercise are considered alternative and natural treatments. Exercise can be very effective in treating back pain. Research studies confirm that those with osteoarthritis or sciatica back pain are greatly relieved by a daily practice of physical therapy and exercises. Be sure to consult with your trusted health practitioner before starting new exercises.

References

National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skins Diseases. (2013). Handout on Health: Back Pain. Back Pain. Retrieved September 21, 2014, from http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Back_Pain/default.asp#3

Mayo Clinic. (2014). Definition. Back Pain: Symptom. Retrieved September 21, 2014, from http://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/back-pain/basics/definition/sym-20050878

 

 

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This article is written by Hang Pham. Hang Pham is a Monterey Bay Holistic Alliance Health and Wellness Educator. Hang Pham was born in Hoc Mon, Vietnam. She came to America in 1994, becoming a U.S. citizen in 2011. Hang graduated from Seaside High School with diploma and received her AA in General Studies from Monterey Peninsula College in 2011. She received her BA in Collaborative Health and Human Services from California State University Monterey Bay (CSUMB) in 2012. In addition to working as a volunteer staff with the Monterey Bay Holistic Alliance, she currently works as a Clerical Aid in the Human Resources Department of Salinas City Hall. The Monterey Bay Holistic Alliance is a registered 501 (c) 3 nonprofit health and wellness education organization. For more information about the Monterey Bay Holistic Alliance contact us or visit our website at www.montereybayholistic.com.

Disclaimer:  The Monterey Bay Holistic Alliance is a charitable, independent registered nonprofit 501(c)3 organization and does not endorse any particular products or practices. We exist as an educational organization dedicated to providing free access to health education resources, products and services. Claims and statements herein are for informational purposes only and have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The statements about organizations, practitioners, methods of treatment, and products listed on this website are not meant to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This information is intended for educational purposes only. The MBHA strongly recommends that you seek out your trusted medical doctor or practitioner for diagnosis and treatment of any existing health condition.

Pregnancy and Fetal Risk: Preventing Opiate-Addicted Babies

What Does Research Tell Us About Fetal Risk?
Any factor that may jeopardize the health of the fetus and subsequent neonatal amid pregnancy and post-birth constitutes a fetal risk. A recent study (Desai, et al, 2014) of 1.1 million Medicaid-enrolled women with completed pregnancies revealed that 21.6% had filled a prescription for an opioid during pregnancy. An opioid is an opium-like compound. It is a narcotic that has the potential to be addictive and dangerous when misused. The most commonly prescribed drugs in the study were codeine and hydrocodone. Studies show that oxycodone (Oxycontin) and hydrocodone (Vicodin) cause more deaths per year than heroin and cocaine combined (Center for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC, 2011).

 

Another study (Bateman, et al, 2014) focused on the opioid utilization of another large (534,500) cohort of women who had completed pregnancies and were commercially insured. Among this population, 14.4% were dispensed an opioid at some point in their pregnancy. Again the most common drugs were codeine, hydrocodone and oxycodone. Both studies conclude that exposure to opioids during pregnancy is common, especially among Medicaid-enrolled women. Opioids were dispensed during all three trimesters, and in a small percentage of the cohort, dispensed three or more times during pregnancy. Also notable was the high regional variation with which the drugs were dispensed. Rates were highest in the South and lowest in the Northeast. Only about 10% of the total prescriptions were related to surgical procedures and 1% was related to women who had been using opioids chronically before pregnancy. If opioid use is justified in this 11%, it is questionable whether or not opioid use was a necessity in the other 89%. With such a high rate and degree of exposure, and the small, inconsistent body of literature on the safety of their administration during pregnancy, more research should be conducted to determine whether or not such an administration of these drugs is sound.

 

Prescription drug opioid use during pregnancy has harmful effects during the critical stages of fetal development

FDA Safe Drug Classifications
The FDA-assigned pregnancy categories as used in the Drug Formulary are as follows:

• Category A: There is adequate evidence that there is no risk to fetuses.
• Category B: Animal studies have failed to show a risk to fetuses; no well-controlled studies have been completed in humans.
• Category C: Animal studies have shown a risk to fetuses; there are no well-controlled studies in humans. However, “potential benefits may warrant use of the drug in pregnant women.”
• Category D: There is evidence of fetal risk, but “potential benefits may warrant use of the drug in pregnant women.”
• Category X: There is too much evidence of risk to prescribe these drugs to pregnant women.

Two categories (B & C) illustrate no research in humans. Opioids likely fall into a grey area somewhere around Category D. The point is that current knowledge and understanding of which drugs are safe during pregnancy is rudimentary. Not only is the medical and pharmaceutical literature naive about pregnancy, but it is grossly misinformed about dosages for women in general.

Differences in Metabolism of Men and Woman
Biological differences among sexes can be extremely relevant and critical to proper administration of drugs, but these nuances are often ignored. Earlier this year the FDA finally lowered the recommended dose of Ambien (zolpidem) for women – it was cut in half. This astonishing revelation comes after the drug has been on the market for 14 years. Women metabolize the drug differently than men and need far less to achieve the same effects. Women prescribed Ambien have likely been overdosing on it, the drug still active in their bodies as they get up in the morning and drive to work. Another example – low dose aspirin lowers the risk of heart attack in healthy men, yet does not lower the risk of heart attack in women, but may protect against stroke instead.

Dr. Melina Kibbe is a vascular surgeon who runs a lab at Northwestern University Medical School. She notes that the vast majority of animal studies across the country are done on male rats; only male rats – as the control.  Animal studies comprise much of the medical literature, and all of the animal studies are male dominant. Much of women and men’s biology, not even counting our obviously opposing reproductive biology, is fundamentally different where drug dosages are concerned. This fact is completely ignored or not even understood in much of the medical community. If women themselves aren’t accounted for in the literature with regards to drug dosages, is it to be expected that the dosages during a sensitive time like pregnancy are any better understood?

According to Cheryl S. Broussard, “Fewer than 10 percent of medications approved by the F.D.A. since 1980 have sufficient data to determine fetal risk.”   Moreover, pregnant women are taking more prescription drugs now than at any time in the past 30 years. A study (Broussard, et al, 2011)  showed an association between early maternal opioid use and certain birth defects. Maternal opioid use may increase the risk of certain congenital defects such as neural tube defects (NTD’s) which affect the brain, spine and spinal cord. Mothers with pregnancies affected by an NTD reported opioid use more often during the first two months of pregnancy than mothers of babies without an NTD. 3.9 % of mothers of children with NTD’s reported using opioids early in pregnancy, compared to just 1.6 % of mothers of children without NTD’s.

“Opioid use in very early pregnancy is associated with an approximate doubling the risk of neural tube defects,” said Martha M. Werler, the senior author and a professor of epidemiology at the Boston University School of Public Health. “About half of pregnancies are not planned, so that’s a big chunk of women who may not be thinking about possible risks associated with their behavior.” Not only might opioids increase the fetal risk by way of defects, but in cases where the drug use is more prolonged, infants may be born with what is known as neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS). Opioids and other substances may pass through the placenta to the fetus during development. As the baby is born it may be dependent on the drug and have withdrawal symptoms without treatment.

One study (Patrick, 2012)  found that babies with NAS were more likely than any other hospital births to have a low birth weight. It also found a substantially increased incidence of NAS from 2000 to 2009, as well as hospital charges that were relatedly high. Even over-the-counter drugs that are commonly used for pain management could pose risks to fetuses. It was well-publicized that the active ingredient in Tylenol (acetaminophen) was the leading cause of acute liver failure in Americans between 1998 and 2003.

Newer data has suggested that maternal use of acetaminophen can result in an increased risk for the development of hyperactivity disorders like ADHD or hyperkinetic disorders (HKD’s) in children. The children of women who took acetaminophen during pregnancy had a 30% increased risk of developing ADHD and a 37% increased risk of developing HKD by age 7. The etiology of a disorder like ADHD is complex and assuming complete causality with regard to environmental exposures may be an oversimplification. Acetaminophen currently has no FDA classification for use in pregnant women. However, the associations have been clearly observed and should render public health relevance (Liew, Ritz, et al, 2014). Pain is a common side-effect of pregnancy because of weight gain, postural changes and pelvic floor dysfunction. Women who are pregnant or nursing could choose to be cautious in using drugs, and instead look to complementary and alternative methods of pain management.

Alternative and Complimentary Treatment
Dr. Pamela Flood and Dr. Srinivasa N. Raja, a professor in anesthesiology at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, noted that  the most common forms of pain (back, abdominal and joint) were not even substantially helped by opioids, but were more thoroughly ameliorated by non-drug interventions like physical therapy. They note that while taking drugs may be easier, the more time-intensive use of other therapies is often more effective.  One recent study (Pennick and Liddle, 2013) concluded that both acupuncture and exercise are effective in treating low back pain and pelvic pain during pregnancy.  Another study   details  the case of a 23-year-old at 27 weeks whose chronic pelvic pain was “incapacitating” on narcotics. The use of acupuncture allowed her to limit her use of narcotics and maintain normal activities of daily living until her subsequent delivery of a healthy infant without complications.

Earlier this year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention unveiled a new website for its Treating for Two initiative. It seeks to provide a better framework for expecting mothers and their clinicians to make choices about medication use, while aiming to prevent birth defects and minimize the harm of exposure. Our understanding of the implications of drug use during pregnancy is fundamentally lacking, while the specter of opioid abuse continues to loom. It would behoove expecting parents to learn about the fetal risks associated with the treatment of their pain and discomfort. Alternative forms of treatment such as acupuncture, exercise and other modes of therapy may yield enormous benefits, while reducing the need to use potentially harmful drugs.

References
Bateman BT; Hernandez-Diaz S; Rathmell JP; Seeger JD; Doherty M; Fischer MA; Huybrechts KF. Patterns of opioid utilization in pregnancy in a large cohort of commercial insurance beneficiaries in the United States. Anesthesiology. 201 PubMed

Broussard CS; Rasmussen SA; Reefhuis J; Friedman JM; Jann MW; Riehle-Colarusso T; Honein MA. Maternal treatment with opioid analgesics and risk for birth defects. Am J Obstetrics & Gynecology. 2011 Apr; 204(4):314.e1-11.PubMed

Desai, Richi J; Hernandez-Diaz, Sonia; Bateman, Brian T; Huybrechts, Krista F. Increase in opioid use during pregnancy among medicaid-enrolled women. Obstetrics & Gynecology. 2014 May; 123(5):997-1002.

FDA Pregnancy Categories, University of Washington(UW) Medicine Online Formulary Categories

Liew Z; Ritz B; Rebordosa C; Lee P; Olsen J. Acetaminophen use during pregnancy, behavioral problems and hyperkinetic disorders. JAMA Pediatric. 2014;168(4):313-320. doi:10.1001/ jamapediatrics.2013.4914

Patrick SW; Schumacher RE; Benneyworth BD; Krans EE; McAllister JM; Davis MM. Neonatal abstinence syndrome and associate health care expenditures: United States, 2000-2009. JAMA 2012 May;9;307(18):1934-40. PubMed

Pennick V, Liddle SD. Interventions for preventing and treating pelvic and back pain in pregnancy. Cochrane Database syst rev 2013; 8:CD001139 PubMed

Prescription painkiller overdoses at epidemic levels, Center for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC, 2011 Nov 1.

Thomas CT; Napolitano PG. Use of acupuncture for managing chronic pelvic pain in pregnancy. A case report. J ReprodMed. 2000 Nov; 45(11):944-6. PubMed

Yazdy MM, Mitchell AA, Tinker SC, Parker SE, Werler MM. Periconceptual use of opioids and the risk of neural tube defects. Obstetrics & Gynecology. 2013 Oct;122(4):838-44. PubMed

 

 

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This article is written by Kevin McMahan, a Health and Wellness Educator for the Monterey Bay Holistic Alliance. Kevin has had a lifelong interest in health and wellness. After graduating from Carmel High School he went on to get an associates degree in social sciences from Monterey Peninsula College, and a bachelors in kinesiology from California State University Monterey Bay. He is a certified personal trainer through the American College of Sports Medicine. “Your health is your wealth”, is something that he always likes to say. The Monterey Bay Holistic Alliance is a registered 501 (c) 3 nonprofit health and wellness education organization. For more information about the Monterey Bay Holistic Alliance contact us or visit our website at www.montereybayholistic.com.

Disclaimer:  The Monterey Bay Holistic Alliance is a charitable, independent registered nonprofit 501(c)3 organization and does not endorse any particular products or practices. We exist as an educational organization dedicated to providing free access to health education resources, products and services. Claims and statements herein are for informational purposes only and have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The statements about organizations, practitioners, methods of treatment, and products listed on this website are not meant to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This information is intended for educational purposes only. The MBHA strongly recommends that you seek out your trusted medical doctor or practitioner for diagnosis and treatment of any existing health condition.

 

What is Naturopathy?

What is Naturopathy? Click, download, save and share with friends and family.

What is Naturopathy?
In the dictionary, Naturopathic Medicine is defined as, “the integration of alternative practices such as Botanical Medicine, Homeopathy, Acupuncture, and Oriental Medicine with modern scientific diagnostic methods and standard of care.” In a few words, Naturopathy is the usage of natural methods and non-toxic remedies to improve or restore health.

Naturopathy has been around for centuries. The Chinese are known for their usage of acupuncture. The Greeks and especially Hippocrates described in their literature many Naturopathic principles like the usage and benefits of water, diet, massage, herbs and physical therapies. During the 19th century, Naturopathy was extensively developed with more than 20 Naturopathic schools in the United States (today there are only four). The practice of Naturopathic medicines declined as the use of pharmaceutical drugs increased. However, in the past several decades there has been a resurgence of interest in Naturopathy. Today there are more people consulting a natural health practitioner in the United States than their primary care practitioner.

What are the main principles of Naturopathy?
The body’s inherent ability to heal itself: The body, with the appropriate use of non-toxic remedies, has the ability to recover its initial functions. For that to be accomplished, the Naturopath needs to investigate and find all the different causes of the symptoms expressed by the patient by conducting a very detailed questionnaire. Then, if it is possible, the naturopath will help the patient to remove, one by one, the obstacles (physical and emotional) that blocked the body to use its own self-healing process.

The notion of intoxination: Naturopaths consider that one of the reasons why people get sick is because their body is intoxicated by the consumption of too many chemicals and prescription drugs, as well as inappropriate diet. Thus, the Naturopath’s first goal is to help the patient to clear this state of intoxination.

Prevent and educate: Information and education are very important keys given to the patients to improve their quality of life. The Naturopath carefully and thoroughly explains to his patients how to eat better, how to exercise, and how to prevent most of the current diseases. This helps the patients to become more autonomous by a better understanding of how their bodies work. Thus, a typical Naturopathic consultation includes not only the recommendation of certain remedies, but also the explanation of the reasons the body may malfunctions. As a consequence, the patient becomes more and more knowledgeable and responsible for his own health.

The idea of the Whole Person: To really understand and find the primary causes of a person’s disease, Naturopaths always consider all the factors integrated in the patient’s lives. This includes their physical health, but also their psychological and emotional state, their environment, their genetic inheritance, and their professional and social life.

Nutrition: Good nutrition is the foundation of good health. Naturopaths take a considerable time to explain to their patient how their diet is important to improve their health conditions. A personalized nutrition program is built with the patient to meet his personal needs depending of his health problems. Generally, improvements appear very quickly if the patient follows the diet recommendations faithfully.

Every person is unique:
Naturopathy is very aware of the individuality of a person. As everyone is a very unique human being with his own past, his own story and his own sufferings, every treatment is personally adapted to fulfill each patient. Because everyone has a different health history, there is not a standard treatment and not a standard dosage of the remedies. Instead, Naturopaths recommend a specific and unique treatment to each individual.

What are the different techniques utilized in Naturopathy?
They are many different techniques used in the domain of Naturopathy, and each Naturopath chooses his/her own specialties during his/her studies. Those techniques are for example: Acupuncture, Homeopathy, Aromatherapy, Reflexology, different types of Massages Therapies, Iridology, Herbal medicine, Nutritional Therapy, Counseling, Mind-body therapy, Applied Kinesiology, or Cranio-sacral Therapy. We will detail some of them:

Nutritional Therapy:
Only whole food based supplements are used to improve or restore one’s health. An unhealthy body has a lot of needs for supplements but only if when they are of the best quality can they be assimilated properly. Chemically made or extracted types of vitamins are at the most not efficient, at worst harmful.

Herbal Medicine:
Plants are used in different forms such as the entire plant in a tea (fresh or dried), a mother tincture (plant in alcohol), or as dried plants put in capsules. Throughout the ages people have turned to herbal medicine for healing. Many drugs used today originated in the herbal traditions of various cultures such as the medication commonly used for heart failure, digitalis, which is derived from Foxglove. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 4 billion people or 80% of the world’s population use herbal medicine for some aspect of primary care.

Homeopathy:
Homeopathy is a 200-year-old practice developed by the German physician Samuel Hahnemann. It is based of two main principles. The first one states that a substance that can cause certain symptoms when given to a healthy person can cure the same symptoms in someone who is sick. The second states that the more substance is diluted, the more potent it becomes. Homeopathy is a very useful technique that has its best results on chronic symptoms because it really works on the origins of the disease.

What can Naturopathy address?
Naturopathy can improve and/or resolve almost all types of health problems from acute to chronic symptoms. Indeed, there are limitations for Naturopathic medicine, as for any type of technique or method. Naturopathy doesn’t perform miracles. Today there is more scientific research conducted on natural remedies to understand how they work. More and more physicians are accepting the concept of Naturopathy. Naturopathy can help in certain areas where conventional medicine cannot. But, Naturopathy also needs the competence of conventional medicine. Naturopathy is in fact a complementary medicine. When naturopathic and conventional medicine work together, all the benefits accrue for the patients, and that is certainly the most important.

Who should consult a Naturopath?
Anyone who is concerned about his own health and wants to eliminate or reduce the use of chemicals medications. Anyone who wants a better understanding on how to prevent illness and cure it with natural remedies. Anyone who is ready to make changes in his/her way of living and thinking. Naturopathy is wonderful for babies, children, adults and the elderly. It is a family orientated medicine that can improve everyone’s health. “The body is the temple of the soul”, and we need to take care of our body very carefully if we want to live a happy and healthy life.

Beatrice Levinson is a Naturopath and submitted this article to MBHA as a member and Health and Wellness Educator of the Monterey Bay Holistic Alliance.  For more information about membership, contact us or visit our website at www.montereybayholistic.com 

Disclaimer: The Monterey Bay Holistic Alliance is a charitable, independent registered nonprofit 501(c)3 organization and does not endorse any particular products or practices. We exist as an educational organization dedicated to providing free access to health education resources, products and services. Claims and statements herein are for informational purposes only and have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The statements about organizations, practitioners, methods of treatment, and products listed on this website are not meant to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This information is intended for educational purposes only. The MBHA strongly recommends that you seek out your trusted medical doctor or practitioner for diagnosis and treatment of any existing health condition.

Can Aloe Vera Prevent and Treat Skin Cancer?

The latest  buzz is that aloe vera can help prevent and treat skin cancer. Is this true or rumor? What does research say about aloe vera?

HISTORY OF ALOE VERA
Aloe vera can be traced back to ancient Egyptian times. The leaves contain a clear gel that can be used as an ointment and the green part of the leaf can be used to create a juice or a dried product that can be ingested orally.  Throughout history, it has been used topically to heal wounds, soothe skin conditions, and to aid in constipation when ingested orally as a laxative.  Aloe vera has also been ingested for a variety of other conditions including diabetes symptoms, asthma, epilepsy, and osteoarthritis.  It’s been used as a cream to heal and relieve osteoarthritis pain, burns, sunburns, and psoriasis and can be found in over-the-counter skin products.  But what does scientific research say about aloe vera?

USING ALOE VERA TO HEAL THE SKIN
Multiple studies have been conducted, primarily with mice, on the effects of aloe vera on healing the skin such as a study by V. Thamlikitkul  and others, published in the 1991 Siriraj Hosp Gazzette,  showing that aloe vera is effective as an ointment in relieving and soothing pain and inflammation.

Reuter and other researchers conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial compared the anti-inflammatory effect of 97.5% pure aloe vera gel to 1% hydrocortisone and a placebo gel. They concluded that the if the aloe vera gel, was applied under an occlusive bandage for 2 days following UV exposure, it significantly reduced inflammation compared to placebo gel or 1% hydrocortisone in placebo gel, but was less effective than 1% hydrocortisone cream. The authors suggest that aloe vera gel might be useful for the treatment of inflammatory skin conditions.

Choonhakarn and others conducted a randomized, double-blind clinical trial evaluated the effectiveness of a prepared 70% aloe vera gel for the treatment of oral lichen planus infections compared to the base gel alone and reported a significant improvement of symptoms in the aloe vera group.

ALOE VERA AND CANCER
A few studies have been conducted on the effects of aloe vera and cancer. Many studies have been used with human skin cells in a laboratory or mice,  such as the 2007 study led by M. Saini, “Anti-tumor activity of Aloe vera against DMBA/croton oil-induced skin papillomagenesis in Swiss albino mice,”  from the Journal of Environmental Pathology Toxology and Oncology.  This study showed that aloe vera might be helpful in reducing or treating cancer in mice but the researchers concluded that more studies are needed.

Researcher Popadic,  and others, from the University of Belgrade School of Medicine found that Aloe vera and its constituents inhibit the process of skin cell production that accompanies skin cancer in a laboratory study. The researchers tested Aloe-emodin, (a part of Aloe), with human skin cells – keratinocytes – after being treated with radiation. Once radiated, keratinocytes will typically develop in the form skin tumors.  The researchers found that the Aloe-emodin was significantly beneficial in stopping the progression of tumor formation after radiation by the sun. Further research is needed.  No clinical research using human beings has been conducted.

Chen, and other researchers from the China Medical University found anticancer effect was greater with Emodin, as compared with Aloe-emodin and Rhein. But Aloe-emodin was observed having stronger cell repair abilities with the cells that hadn’t  yet become cancerous. The researchers found that Aloe Emodin and Rhein stopped tumor progression and caused cancer cell death.

There is early evidence that oral aloe vera may reduce the risk of developing lung cancer. Further research is needed in this area to clarify whether it is aloe itself or other factors that may cause this benefit.  One study conducted in Italy in 2009, tested 240 patients using aloe vera with chemotherapy for people for lung cancer, bowel cancer, or stomach cancer. Half the patients took liquid aloe vera three times a day in combination with standard chemotherapy treatment. In this study the cancer was controlled or shrank for a time in 67% of patients who had the combined aloe and chemotherapy treatment and in 50% of patients who had chemotherapy alone. Researchers said that patients using aloe vera had a better quality of life and that they had fewer chemotherapy side effects such as numb fingers and fatigue.  More research is needed under more controlled settings.

WHAT ARE THE NEGATIVE SIDE EFFECTS OF ALOE VERA? 
Does ingesting aloe vera have negative side effects?  No studies have shown negative effects of using aloe vera on the skin.   However, aloe vera, when digested, has a laxative effect and is effective for relieving constipation, but it can be the cause of diarrhea.

Some countries approve of injecting aloe vera. Injecting aloe vera is illegal in the USA an UK and can have serious side effects.

A two-year National Toxicology Program (NTP) study on oral ingestion of non-decolorized whole leaf extract of aloe vera found clear evidence of carcinogenic activity in male and female rats, based on tumors of the large intestine.   According to the NTP, from what is known, they cannot predict that these findings are relevant to humans. The researchers concluded that more research and information is needed, including to determine how individuals use different types of aloe vera products, and the potential risks to humans.

Although aloe vera appears to be a promising alternative treatment for a variety of ailments, researchers agree that more controlled studies are needed to determine its effectiveness, both as a topical ointment or when ingested. The majority of research has been with skin cells and with laboratory animals, and therefore, researchers cannot accurately predict its effectiveness on human beings.

REFERENCES

Chen YY, Chiang SY, Lin JG, Yang JS, Ma YS, Liao CL, Lai TY, Tang NY, Chung JG. Emodin, aloe-emodin and rhein induced DNA damage and inhibited DNA repair gene expression in SCC-4 human tongue cancer cells. Anticancer Res. 2010 Mar;30(3):945-51.

Choonhakarn C, Busaracome P, Sripanidkulchai B, Sarakarn P. The efficacy of aloe vera gel in the treatment of oral lichen planus: a randomized controlled trial. Br J Dermatol. 2008;158(3):573-77.

Popadic D, Savic E, Ramic Z, Djordjevic V, Trajkovic V, Medenica L, Popadic S. Aloe-emodin inhibits proliferation of adult human keratinocytes in vitro. J Cosmet Sci. 2012 Sep-Oct;63(5):297-302.

Reuter J, Jocher A, Stump J, Grossjohann B, Franke G, Schempp CM. Investigation of the anti-inflammatory potential of Aloe vera gel (97.5%) in the ultraviolet erythema test. Skin Pharmacol Physiol.2008;21(2):106-10.

Saini M, Goyal PK, Chaudhary G. Anti-tumor activity of Aloe vera against DMBA/croton oil-induced skin papillomagenesis in Swiss albino mice. J Environ Pathol Toxicol Oncol. 2010;29(2):127-35.

Thamlikitkul V, Bunyapraphatsara N, Riewpaiboon W, Theerapong S, Chantrakul C, Thanaveerasuwan T. Clinical trial of aloe vera Linn. for treatment of minor burns. Siriraj Hosp Gaz.1991;43(5):313-316.
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This article is written by Jean Voice Dart, M.S. Special Education from Illinois State University. Jean is a published author and has written hundreds of health articles as well as hosting a local television program, “Making Miracles Happen.” She is a Registered Music Therapist, Sound Therapist, and Master Level Energetic Teacher, and is the Executive Director, founder and Health and Wellness Educator of the Monterey Bay Holistic Alliance. The Monterey Bay Holistic Alliance is a registered 501 (c) 3 nonprofit health and wellness education organization. For more information about the Monterey Bay Holistic Alliance contact us or visit our website at www.montereybayholistic.com.  Images used in this article are free public domain from Pixabay.com or Publicdomainpictures.net

Disclaimer: The Monterey Bay Holistic Alliance is a charitable, independent registered nonprofit 501(c)3 organization and does not endorse any particular products or practices. We exist as an educational organization dedicated to providing free access to health education resources, products and services. Claims and statements herein are for informational purposes only and have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The statements about organizations, practitioners, methods of treatment, and products listed on this website are not meant to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This information is intended for educational purposes only. The MBHA strongly recommends that you seek out your trusted medical doctor or practitioner for diagnosis and treatment of any existing health condition.

Prescription Drugs – Are We Overusing Them?

Do we abuse prescription drugs? Are there alternative solutions to using prescriptions?

What Does Research Tell Us About Our Prescription Use?
Some individuals need prescriptions for severe medical symptoms in order to stay alive. Each person’s needs differ medically. However, Medical News Today recently reported that in 2011, doctors wrote 4.02 billion prescriptions for drugs in America. That averages out to about 13 prescriptions for every living man, woman and child. How could this be possible? Do we need ALL of these prescriptions?

According to a report from the July 26, 2000, Journal of the American Medical Association, Dr. Barbara Starfield, a respected public-health researcher at the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health concluded that medical drugs were killing Americans at the rate of 106,000 per year.

Marijuana and prescription pain medications are the top two leading causes of drug abuse among teenagers.

Alternative therapies are available including taking responsibility for our health by getting regular exercise, sleep, and proper nutrition. Are we as a nation being responsible…or are we just looking for a quick fix?

Prescriptions to veterans for Vicodin (and generic forms) have soared since the Iraq and Afgahanistan wars.

Why Are Opiods Dangerous and What Are They?
Research statistics tell us that more than seven million people abused prescription drugs this past year.  Out of those seven million people,  more than five million people abused pain relievers. The drugs that are of most concern are opioids. Opioids are any morphine-like synthetic narcotic that produces the same effects as drugs derived from the opium poppy (opiates), such as sedation, pain relief,  constipation and respiratory depression from 5 million to nearly 45 million and for opioid analgesics from about 75.5 million to 209.5 million, or about 36% increase. The most potent opioids are morphine, meperidine, methadone; other opioids include hydromorphine–Dilaudid®, codeine, oxycodone–Percodan®, propoxyphene–Darvon®,  Naloxone–Narcan®, and Pentazocine–Talwin.®

The 2009 National Survey on Drug Use and Health determined that Native American and Alaskan Native populations lead all other ethnic groups in misuse of prescription-type drugs (psychotherapeutics).

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), unintentional death from overdose of opioids  has quadrupled steadily since 1999 and now outnumbers those deaths from heroin and cocaine combined.  Between 1991 and 2010, prescriptions for stimulants increased from 5 million to nearly 45 million and for opioid analgesics from about 75.5 million to 209.5 million, or about 36% increase.

What are the Alternatives?
There are many holistic alternatives to prescription drug use.  The Monterey Bay Holistic Alliance does not recommend that all prescription drugs be stopped, because some people need prescriptions in order to survive, however, MBHA does support investigating alternative approaches to prescriptions, when it is the healthy choice.  Here are a few of the holistic health methods available to people who are seeking alternatives to prescription drugs.

Acupuncture needles in woman’s spine

1. Acupressure
2. Acupuncture
3. Affirmative prayer
4. Alexander Technique
5. Apitherapy
6. Applied kinesiology
7. Aromatherapy
8. Ashtanga Yoga
9. Astrology
10. Auriculotherapy
11. Autogenic Training
12. Autosuggestion
13. Ayurveda
14. Bach Flower Therapy
15. Balneotherapy
16. Bates Method
17. Bikram Yoga
18. Biodanza
19. Bioresonance therapy
20. Blood irradiation therapies
21. Body work (alternative medicine) or Massage therapy
22. Body-Based Manipulative Therapies
23. Chelation therapy
24. Chinese food therapy
25. Chinese martial arts
26. Chinese medicine
27. Chinese pulse diagnosis
28. Chiropractic
29. Chromotherapy
30. Coding (therapy)
31. Coin rubbing
32. Colloidal silver therapy
33. Colon hydrotherapy
34. Color Therapy
35. Craniosacral Therapy
36. Creative Visualization
37. Crystal healing
    

    Chinese cupping treatment on young man.

38. Cupping
39. Dietary supplements
40. Dowsing
41. Ear Candling
42. Electromagnetic therapy
43. Energy therapies
44. Faith healing
45. Fasting
46. Feldenkrais method
47. Feng shui
48. Five Elements
49. Flower essence therapy
50. Functional medicine
51. Gua Sha
52. Hair analysis (alternative medicine)
    

    Yoga Arsanas Poses for Beginners

53. Hatha yoga
54. Hawaiian massage
55. Herbal therapy
56. Herbalism
57. Herbology
58. Holistic living
59. Holistic medicine
60. Home remedies
61. Homeopathy
62. Hypnosis
63. Hypnotherapy
64. Iridology
65. Isopathy
66. Iyengar Yoga
67. Jin Shin Jyutsu
68. Journaling
69. Kampo
70. Kundalini Yoga
71. Light therapy
72. Macrobiotic lifestyle
73. Magnetic healing and therapy
    

    Therapeutic massage is an effective alternative to prescription drugs.

74. Manipulative therapy
75. Massage therapy
76. Medical acupuncture
77. Medical intuition
78. Meditation
79. Mega-vitamin therapy
80. Meridian (Chinese medicine)
81. Mind–body intervention
82. Mindfulness meditation
83. Moxibustion
84. Music therapy
85. Natural Health
86. Natural therapies
87. Naturopathic medicine
88. Neuro-Linguistic Programming
89. New Thought
    

    Studies show that a change in diet and nutrition often can help to reduce or eliminate pain.

90. Nutritional healing
91. Nutritional supplements
92. Orgonomy
93. Orthomolecular medicine
94. Osteomyology
95. Osteopathy
96. Pilates
97. Polarity therapy
98. Power yoga
99. Pranic healing
100. Prayer
101. Psychic surgery
102. Qi
103. Qigong
104. Radionics
105. Rebirthing
     

     Foot reflexology massage chart

106. Reflexology
107. Reiki (Seichim and Sekhem)
108. Rolfing
109. Seitai
110. Self-hypnosis
111. Shiatsu
112. Siddha Medicine
113. Siddha Yoga
114. Sivananda Yoga
115. Sonopuncture
116. Sound therapy
117. Spiritual Mind Treatment
118. Support groups
119. T’ai Chi Ch’uan
120. Tantric Yoga
121. Thai massage
122. Thalassotherapy
123. Therapeutic horseback riding
124. Therapeutic Touch
125. Tibetan eye chart
126. Traditional Chinese medicine
127. Traditional Japanese medicine
128. Traditional Mongolian medicine
129. Traditional Tibetan medicine
130. Trager Approach
131. Transcendental meditation
132. Trigger point
133. Tui Na
134. Unani medicine
135. Urine therapy
136. Viniyoga
137. Vinyasa yoga
138. Vipassana
139. Visualization
140. Water cure (therapy)
141. Wellness (alternative medicine)
142. Yoga
143. Zang Fu theory

According to a recent report by the NIDA, 25% of adults who started abusing prescription drugs at 13 years of age or younger met clinical criteria for addiction later in life.

Summary
Research has shown that doctors are writing more than 4 billion prescriptions in the United States alone, every year, averaging 13 prescriptions for every man and woman and child alive today. Clearly something is seriously wrong. Prescription drug abuse affects teenagers, young adults, adults and elderly resulting in hundreds of thousands of deaths annually. Natural herbal supplements,  complimentary methods of healing, such as acupuncture, massage, chiropractic care, physical therapy, nutrition and diet changes, and many others listed above, can be very effective as a alternative solution to taking prescription drugs. Talk with your trusted health professional to determine the health treatment approaches that will be best for you.

Resources
Medical News Today
Journal of the American Medical Association
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
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This article is written by Jean Voice Dart,  M.S. Special Education from Illinois State University. Jean is a published author and has written hundreds of health articles as well as hosting a local television program, “Making Miracles Happen.”  She is a Registered Music Therapist, Sound Therapist, and Master Level Energetic Teacher, and is the Executive Director, founder and Health and Wellness Educator of the Monterey Bay Holistic Alliance.  The Monterey Bay Holistic Alliance is a registered 501 (c) 3  nonprofit health and wellness education organization.  For more information about  the Monterey Bay Holistic Alliance contact us or visit our website at www.montereybayholistic.com. 

Disclaimer:The Monterey Bay Holistic Alliance is a charitable, independent registered nonprofit 501(c)3 organization and does not endorse any particular products or practices. We exist as an educational organization dedicated to providing free access to health education resources, products and services. Claims and statements herein are for informational purposes only and have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The statements about organizations, practitioners, methods of treatment, and products listed on this website are not meant to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This information is intended for educational purposes only. The MBHA strongly recommends that you seek out your trusted medical doctor or practitioner for diagnosis and treatment of any existing health condition.

Kinesiology: Unlocking Your Body’s Wisdom

Kinesiology: Unlocking Your Body’s Wisdom

What is applied kinesiology? How can you use it to unlock your body wisdom?

JOIN US FOR A FREE demonstration and lecture by Joanne Mee Short, Energetic Health and Wellness Educator, “Kinesiology: Unlocking My Body’s Wisdom,” 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, February 20, 2013, Monterey Public Library, 625 Pacific Street, Monterey, CA 93940 (questions and socializing afterward).

WHAT WISDOM CAN YOU DISCOVER AND UNLOCK?
What personal wisdom can you be tapping into? You will discover how your body can assist you to know, for example,  if this is the best supplement for you, or if you are allergic to something, or if a particular EMF protection device will be beneficial for you.  Applied kinesiology can help you to make choices in your daily life.

WHAT IS APPLIED KINESIOLOGY?

A chiropractor, naturopathic doctor or other health practitioner might use applied kinesiology to help determine treatment.

Kinesiology, also known as human kinetics, is the scientific study of human movement.  Kinesiology should not be confused with Applied Kinesiology (AK), although the terms are often used interchangeably by the general public.

The word “kinesiology” comes from the Greek words kinesis (movement) and kinein (to move).   Applied kinesiology  or sometimes referred to as “muscle testing,” is a technique in alternative or holistic medicine which is believed to help one to diagnose illness or choose treatment by testing muscles for strength and weakness.   The essential belief in applied kinesiology is that every organ dysfunction is accompanied by a weakness in a corresponding muscle.

Applied kinesiologists are often chiropractors, but they may also be naturopaths, medical doctors, massage therapists, energetic practitioners, nurses, physical therapists, and many others, including veterinarians.  It is suitable for absolutely anyone who is looking to improve their health.  Applied Kinesiology was developed in the 1960’s and students now earn a degree in this field of study.

WHAT WILL YOU EXPERIENCE AT THE FREE WORKSHOP?
You will receive information and a lecture from Joanne Mee Short, Energetic Health and Wellness Educator, and have the opportunity ask questions, and experience applied kinesiology during the session.  You will learn and practice applied kinesiology techniques to help you access information from your body.  You will HEAR how a few simple techniques can unlock your body’s wisdom about your health. SEE how to do it. Then FEEL the results your body will give to simple, specific, direct questions, when we will practice with these techniques.

HOW DO YOU GET MORE INFORMATION?  
For more information, directions, or to reserve your space at this free lecture, “Kinesiology: Unlocking Your Body’s Wisdom,” contact Joanne at 831 682-4165.   This event is sponsored by the Monterey Bay Holistic Alliance (MBHA), a registered nonprofit, 501 (c)(3) health education organization dedicated to providing free access to health information, events, resources and services. For more information about MBHA, call us at 831-272-2781, or check out our Our Mission page on this blog, or see How You Benefit,  or visit our website.

Disclaimer:   Claims and statements herein are for informational purposes only and have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The statements about organizations, practitioners and products listed on this web Page are not meant to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The Monterey Bay Holistic Alliance is an independent nonprofit organization and does not endorse any particular products or practices. It exists as an educational organization dedicated to providing free access to health education resources, products and services.

20 Ways to Fight Inflammation

WHAT IS INFLAMMATION?

Inflammation is an immune response. It is the body’s natural and automatic way to protect itself and fight off injury, infection, and disease. The body’s immune cells collect in an area of concern in the body through the blood stream.  Then the blood vessels increase blood flow at the site and it becomes warm, swollen, sometimes reddish in color.  This is experienced as discomfort, pain or tenderness.  Inflammation is a natural part of healing.  Chronic inflammation, however,  is another situation. Something has gone wrong in the body’s mechanism, resulting in continuous inflammation.

WHY IS CHRONIC INFLAMMATION SERIOUS?

The body is not supposed to be “overheated” for extended periods of time.  When the body is in a state of chronic inflammation, it is essentially being attacked, and slowly begins to die.  This can be a very serious situation, if neglected.  Chronic inflammation is a primary cause of all degenerative diseases, including heart disease and cancer.

WHAT ARE INFLAMMATORY DISEASES?

Inflammation is the “itis” in all of the “itis” diseases, such as:

• bronchitis
• arthritis
• tendonitis
• bursitis
• cephalitis
• dermatitis
• colitis
• diverticulitis
• meningitis
• gastroenteritis
• gingivitis
• folliculitis
• hepatitis
• layringitis
• pancreatitis
• osteoarthritis
• peridontitis
• polyneuritis
• retinitis
• rhinitis
• sinusitis
• spondylitis
• tonsilitis
• vaginitis
• vasculitis

and many, many more.

WHAT ARE SYMPTOMS OF CHRONIC INFLAMMATION?

1. bloating & passing gas
2. belching
3. burning skin
4. dark circles and bags under the eyes
5. itchy ears and eyes
6. diarrhea
7. constipation
8. cramping
9. joint pain or stiffness
10. muscle spasms, twitching
11. fatigue
12. memory problems
13. rash, hives, acne, cysts, boils
14. scaly, rough skin
15. cough or sore throat
16. stuffy nose or runny nose
17. loss of appetite
18. fever or chills
19. headache
20. puffiness, edema, water retention

TESTING FOR INFLAMMATION

If you believe that you have inflammation, you might want to get tested. The first test you should know about is called the C Reactive Protein test. There are two CRP tests:

1) The specific test that MUST BE REQUESTED to provide information about inflammation and cardiac risk, is the H.S.C.R.P. test. This is a high-sensitivity cardiac reactive protein test.

2) Another test used is the consisting of CRP and IL-6 tests and TNF (tumor necrosis factor), interleukins -1 beta and 8. If you are concerned and want accurate test results, ask your doctor specifically for these tests by the complete and full name.  Other similar tests might not provide the information you need or might be misleading.

STOPPING CHRONIC INFLAMMATION IS CRITICAL TO WELLNESS

Why is chronic inflammation so common in our society today?  There are different types of inflammation. There is the swollen, painful, visible inflammation, such as when one sprains an ankle or if one has an infected tooth or gingivitis. There also is a silent killer. This is inflammation of a different sort, inflammation deep within the cells of the body. We often do not realize this inflammation exists, as we are experiencing general flu-like symptoms of discomfort that don’t seem to disappear, therefore, many of us are unknowingly experiencing chronic inflammation and are not taking measures to stop it.

If  inflammation is diagnosed, such as in the case of arthritis, medical doctors will often prescribe a life-time of NSAIDS or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, to reduce or stop inflammation in the body. Most doctors today, combine this treatment with a change in lifestyle and diet. This is because many research studies have shown that a change in lifestyle and diet can dramatically reduce and eliminate inflammation.  Research has also shown that certain foods increase inflammation in the body such as trans fats commonly found in commercially processed packaged foods. Food additives and chemicals also increase inflammation.   Below are some supplements and lifestyle changes that have been known to be effective in stopping or reducing inflammation.  Always work carefully with your trusted health practitioner to determine which diet and healthy living plan is best for you.

20 REMEDIES TO REDUCE CHRONIC INFLAMMATION

1. zinc
2. fresh fish and fish oil
3. vitamin D
4. probiotics
5. organic, no GMO foods
6. allergen-free diet
7. limit oils to only coconut or palm oil
8. no trans fats
9. exercise regularly
10. yoga and deep breathing
11. meditation
12. biofeedback
13. massage
14. no microwave
15. basic greens
16. omega-3 fatty acids
17. spices – ginger, rosemary, turmeric, oregano
18. no refined sugars
19. antioxidants
20. electrolyzed water

RESOURCES
Inflammation Research Foundation

From Fat to Chronic Inflammation

Chronic Inflammation and Late-Life Decline 

Chronic Inflammation – International Wellness Directory

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This article is written by Jean Voice Dart,  M.S. Special Education from Illinois State University. Jean is a published author and has written hundreds of health articles as well as hosting a local television program, “Making Miracles Happen.”  She is a Registered Music Therapist, Sound Therapist, and Master Level Energetic Teacher, and is the Executive Director, founder and Health and Wellness Educator of the Monterey Bay Holistic Alliance.  The Monterey Bay Holistic Alliance is a registered 501 (c) 3  nonprofit health and wellness education organization.  For more information about  the Monterey Bay Holistic Alliance contact us or visit our website at www.montereybayholistic.com.

Disclaimer:  The Monterey Bay Holistic Alliance is a charitable, independent registered nonprofit 501(c)3 organization and does not endorse any particular products or practices. We exist as an educational organization dedicated to providing free access to health education resources, products and services. Claims and statements herein are for informational purposes only and have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The statements about organizations, practitioners, methods of treatment, and products listed on this website are not meant to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This information is intended for educational purposes only. The MBHA strongly recommends that you seek out your trusted medical doctor or practitioner for diagnosis and treatment of any existing health condition.

What is Essential Oil and Aromatherapy?

What Are Essential Oils?
An essential oil is a concentrated liquid containing volatile aromatic compounds from a wide variety of plants, flowers, and herbs.  Essential oils are made from berries, roots, stems and leaves of plants.   There are more than 150 common essential oils that are used in a variety of ways, although many more oils exist.  The term “essential” refers to the “essence” of the plant.

 

Image credit: http://oilextech.com/

Essential oils are generally created by distillation with steam, although other methods can be used to extract the oil.  Essential oils are used in aromatherapy for healing.  They are also used in perfumes, cosmetics, and cleaning products, and added to foods for flavoring.

HOW ARE ESSENTIAL OILS USED FOR HEALTH AND HEALING?
Essential oils are extensively used  in aromatherapy and in combination with other holistic health practices such as massage or energetic healing.   Essential oils have been found to have a wide variety of health benefits, and are currently being tested in laboratories by researchers for the treatment of a wide variety of diseases including:

1. bronchitis
2. heart disease
3. cancer
4. HIV
5. asthma

Image Credit: http://www.thegreenhead.com

How Do Essential Oils Enter the Body?
Essential oils enter the body in three ways:

• They can be inhaled
• They can be absorbed into the skin
• They can be eaten.

Some oils oils are strong in nature and can cause side effects if they are not taken in the appropriate manner and quantities.   Some oils may cause allergic reactions.   A complete patient history should be taken before applying essential oils. Always consult a medical practitioner before using these oils, internally or topically.

Applying Oils to the Skin
Essential oils can be very effective when applied to the skin.  For example, an oil blend that contains black pepper (Piper nigrum) or ginger (Zinziber officinalis) essential oil can be applied to the skin to reduce arthritis pain and improve flexibility, or an oil that contains German Chamomile (Matricaria recutita) can be applied to treat eczema. Many of the citruses oils are phototoxic.  This means that particular compounds can become toxic when exposed to sunlight. This is not of concern when diffused or sprayed but when applied to the skin, it can be toxic.  It is suggested, then that the person using phototoxic oils, is not exposed to the sun for at least 24 hours after applying the oil.  Some oils need to be diluted, because they can be irritating when applied directly to the skin.  A skin patch test should be conducted prior to using an essential oil that has never been used before.

 

Inhaling Essential Oils

Image Credit: http://static.massagewarehouse.com/

Inhaled essential oils can affect the body through several systems and pathways. The odor molecules travel through the nose and affect the limbic system, the emotional brain, often bringing relief and healing.  If you are pregnant, epileptic, have liver damage, have cancer, or have any other medical problem, use essential oils only under the proper guidance of a qualified aromatherapy practitioner. Use extreme caution when using oils with children and give children only the gentlest oils at extremely low doses. It is safest to consult a qualified aromatherapy practitioner before using essential oils with children. A skin patch test should be conducted prior to using an essential oil that you’ve never used before.
Ingesting Essential Oils
Oral ingestion of essential oils is NOT recommended except under the strict guidance of a aromatherapist, medical doctor or health practitioner because many essential oils can be toxic to the liver or kidneys and the chemical breakdown in the stomach can change the effects of the essential oils. For information about the healing properties of oils, contact an aromatherapist.   Essential oils should always be treated as medicine and should not be carelessly used or misused.

Common Types of Essential Oils
Some popular essential oils include the following:

• Agarwood oil
• Ajwain oil
• Amber oil
• Ambrette seed
• Amyris oil
• Angelica root oil
  
• Anise oil
• Atlas Cedar
• Balsam oil
• Basil oil
• Black Sage oil
• Siam Benzoin Resinoid
• Bergamot oil
• Bitter Orange oil
• Black Currant Bud Absolute
• Black Currant Bud Concrete
• Black Pepper oil
• Boronia Absolute
• Buchu oil
• Calophyllum (Fatty Oil)
• Cajeput oil
• Camphor oil
• Cannabis flower oil
• Caraway oil
• Cardamom Seed oil
• Carrot Seed oil
• Cedar oil
• Cedar Wood oil
• Cedar Leaf oil
• Celery oil
• Chamomile oil
• Roman Chamomile oil
• German Chamomile oil
• Calamus Root oil
• Cinnamon oil
• Citronella oil
• Citrus oil
• Clary Sage oil
• Clove oil
• Copla resin
• Coffee oil
• Coriander oil
• Costmary oil
• Costus Root Cranberry Seed oil
• Cumin oil
• Curry Leaf oil
• Cypress oil
• Davana oil
• Dill oil
• Eucalyptus oil
• Eucalyptus Citriodora oil
• Eucalyptus Dives oil
• Eucalyptus Globulus oil
• Eucalyptus Polybractea oil
• Eucalyptus Radiata oil
• Eucalyptus Smithi oil
• Eucalyptus Staigeriana oil
• Everlasting oil
• Fennel seed oil
• Fenugreek oil
• Fir Needle oil
• Frankincense oil
• Galbanum oil
• Geranium oil
• Ginger oil
• Grapefruit oil
• Green Myrtle oil
• Greenland Moss oi
• Henna oil
• Helichrysum oil
• Honeysuckle aboslute
• Hyssop oil
• Inula Graveolens oil
• Jasmine oil
• Juniper oil
• Juniper berry oil
• Khella oil
• Laurel oil
• Lavender oil
• Lavandin oil
• Lemon oil
• Lemon Verbena oil
• Lemongrass oil
• Lemon Myrtle oil
• Lime oil
• Litsea cubeba oil
• Lotus oil
• Mandarin oil
• Mandarin Petitgrain oil
• Marjoram oil
• Mastic oil
• May Chang oil
• Melissa oil
• Mentha Arvensis oil
• Mint oil
• Moroccan Chamomile oil
• Moroccan Thyme oil
• Mountain Sage oil
• Mugwort oil
• Mustard oil
• Myrrh oil
• Myrtle oil
• Neroli oil
• Niaouli
• Nutmeg oil
  
• Sweet Orange oil
• Orange leaf oil
• Oregano oil
• Orris oil
• Palmarosea oil
• Parsley oil
• Patchouli oil
• Perilla Essential oil
• Pennyroyal oil
• Peppermint oil
• Petitgrain oil
• Pine oil
• Pine Geranium oil
• Ravensare oil
• Red Cedar oil
• Rose oil
• Rosehip oil
• Rosemary oil
• Rosemary Camphor oil
• Rosemary Cineoleoil
• Rosemary Verbenone oil
• Rosewood oil
• Sage oil
• Sandalwood oil
• Sassafras oil
• Savory oil
• Schisandra oil
  
• Scotch Pine oil
• Spearmint oil
• Spike lavender oil
• Spikenard oil
• Spruce oil
• Star anise oil
• Tangerine oil
• Tansy oil
• Tarragon oil
• Tea Tree oil
• Thuja oil
• Thyme oil
• Thyme thymol oil
• Thyme thujanol oil
• Thyme linalol oil
• Thyme geraniol oil
• Tsuga oil
• Tuberose Absolute
• Turmeric oil
• Valerian oil
• Vanilla
• Vetiver oil
• Wintergreen oil
• Wormwood oil
• Yarrow oil
• Ylang Ylang oil
• Zedoary oil

References
Battaglia, S. The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy, by The International Centre of Aromatherapy, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

Kilina AV, Kolesnikova MB.   The efficacy of the application of essential oils for the prevention of acute respiratory diseases in organized groups of children].  Vestn Otorinolaringol. 2011;(5):51-4. Russian. PMID: 22334926

Ross SM.  Aromatic plants, spirituality, and sacred traditions II. Holist Nurs Pract. 2010 Nov-Dec;24(6):355-7. doi: 10.1097/HNP.0b013e3181fbb8b3. No abstract available. PMID: 21037460

Tisserand , Robert,  and Blacas, Tony.  Essential Oil Safety: A Guide for Health Care Professionals.

Woronuk G, Demissie Z, Rheault M, Mahmoud S. Biosynthesis and therapeutic properties of Lavandula essential oil constituents.  Planta Med. 2011 Jan;77(1):7-15. doi: 10.1055/s-0030-1250136. Epub 2010 Jul 21. Review.  PMID: 20665367

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This article is written by Jean Voice Dart, M.S. Special Education from Illinois State University. Jean is a published author and has written hundreds of health articles as well as hosting a local television program, “Making Miracles Happen.” She is a Registered Music Therapist, Sound Therapist, and Master Level Energetic Teacher, and is the Executive Director, founder and Health and Wellness Educator of the Monterey Bay Holistic Alliance. The Monterey Bay Holistic Alliance is a registered 501 (c) 3 nonprofit health and wellness education organization. For more information about the Monterey Bay Holistic Alliance contact us or visit our website atwww.montereybayholistic.com.  Images used in this article are free public domain from Pixabay.com orPublicdomainpictures.net  Other images are credited.

 

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