Using Complementary Medicine To Get Better

Posted by Lloyd on July 25, 2011 under Healthy Living Solutions | Be the First to Comment

Complementary or alternative medicine has been massively important to me in overcoming my symptoms of electrical sensitivity. Here I give a brief overview of these medicines.

The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) classifies complementary medicine into five broad categories, these are:

Alternative Medical Systems

These alternative medicine types are mostly non-western in origin and they are built upon the combination of theory and practice, for instance: Chinese medicine, Tibetan medicine, ayurveda, acupuncture, homoeopathic, Native American healing and naturopathic medicine. I have had good results with both acupuncture and homoeopathy which I continue to use regularly.

Natural Products

These are essentially herbal medicines, or botanicals. They also includes live microorganisms, called probiotics. Whilst I am not a big lover of dietary supplements I do take probiotics in the form of natural yoghurts and find them to be particularly beneficial. And have used Chlorella and Spiruline in the past with some success.

Energy Therapies

This comprises a variety of complementary and alternative treatments based on the use and modification of energy fields. The techniques used here include: touch for healing, Qi Gong, Reiki, magnet therapy, light therapy etc. Qi Gong is the basis for all the Chinese martial arts, it does take time to learn but I do get benefit from using this technique and I know other electrosensitives do too.

Body Based Alternative Medicine

These focus essentially on the structures and systems of the body, joints, bones, soft tissue and lymphatic and circulatory systems. Examples are massage, physical therapists, kinesiologists, osteopaths, chiropractors, reflexology, acupressure, the Alexander technique and therapeutic touch. My own personal preferences are for kinesiologists, osteopaths and massage therapists.

Mind Body Methods

Here the idea is to use the mind to affect physical functioning and promote health. So it is assumed that the mind has a direct influence on body healing. Types of mind body intervention are medication, yoga, hypnotherapy, prayer, human therapy, dance therapy and biofeedback.

I think that the role of these alternative medicines in healing an electrosensitive person cannot be underestimated. You might be hesitant at first in trying these techniques. The best way of finding a good practitioner is through word of mouth, ask friends and work colleagues.

Below is an introductory video on complimentary medicine with transcript underneath.

 

Understanding Complementary Medicine

“This programme is designed to help those who are interested in complementary medicine to achieve a clearer understanding of the different types of treatment available today.

Case histories and Contraindications

Before a practitioner starts a treatment, or gives a diagnosis, they will take a case history. The case history is very important to a practitioner at it indicates the type of lifestyle the patient has and will alert the practitioner to any contraindications associated with the treatment. Contraindications are reasons why the treatment may not be right for the patient. For instance, homeopaths and herbalists are weary of giving ingestive treatment to pregnant women.

Finding the cause

Complementary medicine focus on the cause of the condition and not just the symptoms. Practitioners will consider all the information available and then form an opinion of whole condition and its possible cause. The cause may not be apparent to the patient, as sometimes the symptoms may seem to have no bearing on the cause of the condition. As the basis of complementary medicine are to find the cause of the symptoms, a patient may find that the first treatment is often the longest and could cost more due to the extra time that must be spent in order to come to an accurate conclusion. Further questions will be asked during future visits and the patients records are update accordingly.

Establishing a balance

Complementary medicine works by triggering responses from the body to establish a natural balance. Occasionally the patient may find that the treatment creates certain a reaction, these reactions are not necessarily a bad sign and can indicate that the treatment is working. However if the patient finds the symptoms uncomfortable or they are not happy with the treatment they should contact the practitioner to discuss the problem. The practitioners may be qualified in other therapies and could recommend another treatment or may refer the patient to another practitioner or doctor if necessary. Practitioners will also give advice that can be used to assist the patient at home.

It is worth noting that in complementary medicine, practices have evolved and changed over time so two complimentary practitioners may not use exactly the same methods. Disciplines can change depending on the school where the practitioner has trained and whether they involve other subjects within their treatment. The practitioner will have leant from his or her own experiences too, their treatment will evolve over time, and this knowledge will be passed on to the patient.

Massage

If you look at the etymology of the word massage, it means to knead, the kneading process, rather like as you knead bread and the process of doing it. So from that kneading process a massage is actually the manipulation the soft tissue of the body to relieve tension that actually exist physiologically in the structure of the body so as to allow the free flow of the system of the body which is being clogged up, often termed as knotting. A masseur tries to understand what is causing the problem that is being presented and can work on an area that is actually distant to what is initially presented. Evidently, if someone is presenting with their calf muscle often this relates to the calf muscle but it may have strong indications to the way that we are joined together with pelvic muscles and also with tendons that we have in the ankles and the lower part of their feet. Therefore, it is about solving the problem and taking into consideration an anatomical knowledge of the body in order to provide that massage.

There are many different forms and techniques of holistic massage used in complimentary medicine. Some methods will concentrate on a specific area while others will address the wider problem, take into consideration the body as a whole, and therefore work accordingly. For instance, stress related conditions might require a gentle flowing approach while an injury related problem might require a deeper massage. We are unique and individual and an experience such as a massage can bring up certain effects for certain people at different times. People often feel very relaxed, almost expanded, they can feel tired, sore and stiff, it is a process of change that they are bringing about by having a massage and that illustration of change is a good thing. Some people can actually receive headaches because of the toxins that are released before they are taken out of the system. But these changes are of benefit, if we could consider healing as a process.”

Whether you are electrosensitive or not, I believe complementary medicine has a lot to offer and the downside is minimal.