Wednesday, July 2, 2008

Gotu kola has been found to boost circulation

Gotu kola, also known as Centella asiatica, has been found to boost circulation and has had significant results in healing of skin and other connective tissue. Gotu kola stimulates the central nervous system, aids in wound healing, and increases circulation especially in the legs. This herb has also been used to enhance cognitive function and memory. It is regarded as one of the most spiritual and rejuvenating herbs in Ayurveda.

Sunday, June 29, 2008

The Mind, Body and Spirit of Holistic Healthcare Concepts

The horizons of alternative health have been opening for many years now. For several decades, the ideas of alternative health and holistic medicine had been called “quackery” by Western medicine, but in recent years, both have really begun to take hold in popular culture as many well-respected medical doctors began to espouse the integral roles of alternative medicine and holistic healthcare in the healing process.

Followers of alternative health and holistic medicine have long held modern medicine in contempt, as an industry that holds their own profit motives in higher regard than the health of the individual patient. In an effort to escape the false hope of modern medicine, many began to research and turn their lives towards the more traditional and ancient healing methods, as opposed to blindly following the paths prescribed by Western medicine and the pharmaceutical industry.

Many adherents to alternative healthcare ideas have been experiencing great success with these unorthodox methods. In fact, the renaissance of common sense in healthcare has enabled some people to find solutions to multiple health issues by addressing the underlying causes, rather than treating the symptoms, as is so common in Western medicine.

Since the 1950s, the teachings of alternative and holistic practitioners have attracted supporters from all walks of life. Through a process that relied upon practitioners teaching their patients about alternatives to the current wisdom, alternative health and natural healing began to attract a wide audience.

Other holistic healthcare providers began doing extensive research on areas of interest to the holistic community. One such research area has been in the use of shark cartilage as a possible cure for cancer. Many physicians have even researched the use of vitamins and other natural by-products for the improvement of one’s health. But, when all is said and done, medical corporations do not encourage this kind of thinking, since they cannot patent vitamins or natural cures. Patents are the way that corporations ensure their long-term profit potential, and as has been pointed out, they “cannot patent a vitamin, but they can patent a drug.”

Many people are encouraged by rediscovery of unconventional customs that have the ability to heal their bodies. The true adherents to the ancient teachings see a profound connection within the three bodily elements – body, mind and spirit – and strongly feel that in order to heal one; there must be balance in the others. This general concept closely resembles the ancient Indian teachings of the Sanskrit Chakra, and perhaps even the Kabbalah's (ancient Jewish mysticism) Tree of Life or the Taoist’s, Yin and Yang.

One guru who has brought much attention to the teachings of alternative health and holistic medicine is Dr. Deepak Chopra. Deepak Chopra, who emerged in the early 1980s as a proponent of holistic health care issues, is one of the supreme reasons why alternative health and holistic medicine has gained credibility in the Western world and has grown considerably in popularity over the last several years.


Another prominent figure is Louise Hay. Hay House Publishing, founded by Louise Hay, is dedicated to publishing works and spreading messages which will appeal to those seeking guidance in the fields of self-help, spiritual change and personal improvement. Hay House also supplies the messages of their writers through additional venues such as radio, newsletters, and even through a lecture series’ presented by authors discussing the full range of holistic health and holistic healing concepts.

The escalation in awareness of the fields of self-help, alternative health and holistic medicine has truly been revolutionary throughout the world. People are looking for newer and better ways to heal their minds, bodies, and spirits, and for many, alternative healthcare and ancient customs seem to deliver the most promising solutions.

There is new information emerging daily about the connections that certain areas of our bodies have with others, and this is helping people to see themselves in a new light. No longer do they look at themselves broken down into parts; rather, they have discovered the need to see themselves holistically, and most are making improvements for the better. Alternative health and holistic medicine seem to offer a lot of hope to the future good health of the human race. But, don’t take my word for it; do your own research, and draw your own conclusions.



This article is written by Alternatives for Healing, LLC a holistic and alternative medicine directory for finding alternative health information and personal improvement resources, including those offered by Deepak Chopra and Louise Hay. Readers can discover a world of information about steps they can take to improve their own health and the health of those they love, through alternative and more natural methods of healing and good health. At Alternatives for Healing you will find alternative medicine and holistic practitioners, books, products, seminars, stores, schools, expos and more. To learn more about how to positively influence your future good health, please visit http://www.alternativesforhealing.com.

Alternatives for Healing Has Added Nine New Therapies

Many of our clients listing with us have been asking us to add these nine new therapies. You can see their definitions in our Therapy Definitions section. The new therapies are:
  • BioMeridian Testing
  • Brennan Healing Science
  • Matrix Energetics
  • Myofascial Release
  • PSYCH-K
  • Sclerology
  • Spinal Decompression
  • Somantic Therapy
  • Raindrop Therapy
As with all of the therapies in our directory, we will only add a therapy if we have practitioners that offer one or more of these new therapies. If you have take a moment and check them out.

Alternatives for Healing

Saturday, November 17, 2007

Holistic and Alternative Medicine: Taking Control of the Healing Process

Holistic healthcare focuses on the mind, body, and spirit in the healing process. It involves the use of natural, alternative, and complementary medicine. Holistic treatment not only addresses physical symptoms, but also a person’s nutrition, lifestyle, environment, and spiritual and emotional well-being.

The Rapid Growth of an Ancient Tradition

Most of the holistic and alternative treatments originated in countries such as Egypt, Tibet, Persia, and the Far East. India and China are now using their knowledge of alternative medicine to cultivate medical tourism. The World Health Organization (WHO) has acknowledged the benefits of holistic treatments. WHO considers conditions such as asthma, eczema, digestive disorders, and headaches, as illnesses that can be improved with holistic and alternative treatments. A study conducted by the Harvard Medical School has shown that complementary and alternative medicine has become a permanent part of medicine. The wave of interest in complementary and alternative medicine in the late 20th century and early 21st century is evident from the increased use of alternative healthcare therapies. Harvard reported that visits to practitioners of alternative therapies have increased 47 percent since 1990. In 1997, Americans spent at least $27 billion on alternative therapies. It is estimated that Healthcare professionals trained in oriental medicine will increase to 24,000 by the year 2010. The number of chiropractors will nearly double from 55,000 to 103,000. (Healthcare Review, March 13, 2003 by Todd Hanson) Today, four out of ten Americans use some form of complementary or alternative medicine, and some projections speculate that by the year 2010 at least two-thirds will. (Psychology Today, March 2001, Guide to Natural Health by Norine Dworkin).

Progressive Thinking

More people are combining conventional medicine and alternative treatments in their search for better health. Although most people view holistic healthcare as modifying personal actions for self-improvement, the same holistic principles can be used to treat any disease or chronic condition. Alternative therapies tend to fall into five general categories: traditional systems (Chinese, Ayurvedic), mind-body interventions, hands-on body work, biological-based therapies (vitamins, herbs) and energy therapies. Whether conventional, complementary, or alternative, the holistic practice can be applied to any healthcare issue. As well, most practitioners of Western medicine in China use some form of Chinese medicine in their own practice.

The Future of Alternative Medicine

The increasing demand for alternative treatments is due to public concerns about healthcare accessibility, its rising costs, and conventional medicine's doctrine on the treatment of disease. Holistic practitioners teach their patients to be accountable for their own health. This approach tends to be cost-effective and key to optimal health. For instance, at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, alternative therapies enhance each patient's quality of life through healing methods that address the body, mind, and spirit. Complimentary therapies offered include various types of massage, acupuncture, hypnotherapy, meditation, guided imagery, music therapy, and nutritional counseling. Patients are also offered classes in yoga, tai chi, and chair aerobics. (Healthcare Review, March 18, 2003, by Todd Hanson)

Conventional medicine is still the recommended choice in the treatment of trauma and emergencies, but complementary alternative methods of therapy to help manage such conditions as chronic pain is increasing. Consumers are fueling the growth of alternative medicine. More conventional doctors are realizing the importance of alternative therapies. As well, more alternative medicine papers are appearing in conventional medicine journals.

Alternative medicine no longer sits on the periphery of health care. It is important to understand that alternative and holistic treatments originated thousands of years ago and have been successful in healing millions of people worldwide.

A good resource for locating alternative medicine practitioners and hard to find therapies is AlternativesForHealing.com, a national holistic directory.

This article is written by Alternatives for Healing, LLC a holistic and alternative medicine directory for finding alternative health and wellness information and personal improvement resources.