ANTHROPOSOPHICAL MEDICINE
Based on the teachings of Austrian scientist and philosopher, Rudolf Steiner, Anthroposophical medicine was developed in the early 1900s and offers an approach to health and illness that encompasses the spiritual as well as the physical dimensions of the human being. The term ‘anthroposophy' is derived from the Greek words anthropos (man) and Sophia (wisdom). Steiner said it should be understood to mean ‘awareness' of one's humanity.
Anthroposophy is based on the premise that every human is made up of a physical body (flesh and blood), etheric body (the energetic blueprint that drives the physical), astral body (emotions) and ego (consciousness of self). The physical body consists of the upper pole (nerve-sense system), lower pole (motor-digestive system) and middle or unifying region containing the heart and lungs - the centre of feeling. Illness is believed to be caused by an imbalance in this system. The aim of anthroposophical treatment is to restore equilibrium and harmony to the body and spirit.
Steiner investigated the healing properties of numerous natural substances and collaborated with pharmacists to develop pharmaceutical processes and techniques to enhance the healing qualities of the medicines. This led to the establishment of the Weleda and Wala pharmaceutical companies that manufacture and supply most anthroposophical medicines.
These mineral, animal and vegetable derivatives are used primarily in homeopathic dilutions. Various methods are used to produce the medicines including cold extraction, digestion (preparations treated at 37 degrees C), infusion, decoction, distillation, carbonization and incineration.
Steiner also inspired the development of anthroposophical schools of nursing, massage therapy, movement therapy (therapeutic eurythmy), hydrotherapy, artistic therapies and psychotherapy as well as the Waldorf school system, bio-dynamic farming and the Camphill communities for neuro-psychiatrically impaired people.
ANTI-AGEING MEDICINE
Anti-ageing medicine is a new field of interest that focuses on scientific research into causes of illness and ageing - and what brings about a decline in physical and mental function.
Anti-ageing medicine is based on the early detection, prevention and reversal of age-related diseases. Ninety percent of all adult illness is due to the degenerative process of ageing. With early detection and appropriate intervention, most of these diseases can be prevented, cured or have their downward course reversed.
This new modality, which is firmly documented in medical and scientific literature, ascertains that there is no reason why humans cannot live to what is considered the maximum lifespan of 125 years with full mental and physical function. It is also claimed that the maximum human life span will consistently increase and has the potential to double within a generation.
Ageing is believed to be the result of a number of factors including the decline of hormone levels, excessive generation of unchecked free radical damage, too much insulin or glucose and segments of DNA that cannot reproduce.
Anti-ageing strategies offer improved health and an extended life span and can prevent many age-related physical and mental losses as well as maintain good physical and mental function. Anti-ageing medicine is a truly preventive field as it can impact on the process of ageing and degeneration.
(Information from www.soltech.com)
FLOWER ESSENCES
Flower essences were developed by Dr Edward Bach in the early 1900s, based on his belief that negative emotional states were the underlying cause of physical disorders. Originally trained as a pathologist and bacteriologist in London before the First World War, Bach became disillusioned with orthodox medicine and changed to homeopathy. He came to the conclusion that remedies would be more effective if based on a patient's emotional condition and that, if one worked on a person's anxiety, depression, bitterness or resentment, the physical symptoms associated with the problem would disappear.
An extremely intuitive man, Bach discovered that by holding his hand over a flowering plant, he could sense the healing properties of the plant. For example, if he was worried, holding his hand over the plants enabled him to find which one would ease his mental anxiety.
Bach identified 38 wild flowers to use for specific emotional states and evolved a method for preparing the remedies. He floated freshly picked flowering blooms in a glass bowl of water, exposing them to full sunlight for three hours before bottling. He believed that this enabled the healing vibrations of the flowers to pass into the water which would then be used as the basis for the remedies.
The Bach range comprises 38 flower remedies and a combination remedy called Rescue Remedy. Bach divided the remedies into 7 groups to cover all the known negative states of mind - fear, uncertainty, lack of interest in the present, despondency and despair, over-care for the welfare of others, loneliness and over-sensitivity. The remedies gentle influence these emotional states and do not produce harmful reactions.
A number of ranges of flower essences have been developed around the world using the Bach method, including the South African Flower Essences.
HOMOTOXICOLOGY
The homotoxicology treatment system was developed by Dr Hans-Heinrich Reckeweg (1905-1985) as an extension of classical homeopathy. The word ‘homotoxine' stems from the words ‘homo' (man) and the Greek word for poison - ‘tokson'. Dr Reckeweg defined ‘homotoxins' as substances that were harmful to the body.
In homotoxicology it is understood that diseases are caused by toxins. These toxins are seen to originate either outside the body (exotoxins) or inside the body (endotoxins). Examples of exotoxins are bacteria; metals such as mercury; micro-organisms in the gut causing dysbiosis (often due to an unhealthy diet, hormone replacement and antibiotics); chronic yeast infections; chemical pollutants such as gas and petrol fumes; exposure to unhealthy electromagnetic fields; pesticides and bacterial or protozoan infections in the gut. Endotoxins are biologically derived or result from post-traumatic cellular debris and are generated by the body.
Homotoxicology sees disease as evidence of the body's attempt to heal itself, and all symptoms of illness are the result of the organism's effort to eliminate toxins. In general, homotoxicological products are designed to facilitate the body's elimination of toxins and induce regulation - so they do not suppress symptoms.
Homotoxicology generally uses formulations that contain measurable amounts of homeopathically prepared ingredients to treat specific indications. Dr Reckeweg developed a range of complex homeopathic medicines to change homotoxine production and resolve the symptoms of toxin elimination. These medicines also activate what he called the ‘great defence system' - a concerted neurological, endocrine, immunological, metabolic and connective response - that gives rise to symptoms but has an enormous capacity to neutralise and excrete homotoxins.
Homotoxicology products are made by Heel in Germany.
NUTRACEUTICALS
The term ‘nutraceutical' is a portmanteau word that embraces ‘nutrition' and ‘pharmaceutical', and refers to any substances that may be considered a food, food ingredient or derivative thereof that provides medical or health benefits. The term was coined in 1989 by Dr Stephen DeFelice who set up the Foundation for Innovative Medicine.
Nutraceuticals include naturally nutrient-rich foods, food components from a plant or animal as well as vitamins and minerals. The food or food component may be whole, extracted or synthetically produced or a metabolite or derivative of a food or food-component - provided it has health benefits and is safe for human consumption.
Several nutraceuticals are known. Some contain flavonoids and antioxidants such as gamma-linolenic acid and beta-carotene. Examples of nutraceuticals are soy (isoflavonoids) red wine (resveratol) and broccoli (sulforaphone). Many botanical and herbal extracts - such as ginseng and garlic oil - are also considered nutraceuticals.
Vitamins are organic substances in food that are essential for life. They are termed micronutrients as the body needs these only in small quantities. Vitamins are designated by letters: A, C, D, E, K and B-complex. Some vitamins are water-soluble and others oil-soluble. Water-soluble vitamins - for example C and the B-complex - cannot be stored in the body and need to be consumed on a daily basis. Vitamins A, D, E and K are fat-soluble and are stored for longer in the body's fatty tissue.
Minerals are inorganic, chemical substances that are essential to health and responsible for certain biochemical and physiological body processes. These are found in abundance in food. Minerals fall into two groups, macrominerals (e.g. calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium) and microminerals or trace minerals (e.g, selenium, chromium, zinc, copper, iron, boron, iodine, manganese, molybdenum, sulphur). Macrominerals are required in greater amounts than microminerals.
It is difficult to get the required amounts of vitamins or minerals from diet alone. The amount necessary to prevent a nutrient deficiency is known as the 100% RDA (Recommended Daily/Dietary Allowance). However these quantities will not necessarily provide additional health benefits. The optimal health dose is thought to be higher than the RDA.
SOWA-RIGPA (TIBETAN MEDICINE)
Tibetan doctors evolved their own system of medicine by drawing on thousands of years of accumulated knowledge and intuition about the nature of health and illness. They synthesized wisdom from various medical systems - including the Indian, Chinese, Persian and Greek - and gradually built up their own approach to diagnosis, treatment and understanding of illness. In the 11th century, this knowledge was codified into a unique system containing a synthesis of the principles of physical and psychological medicine imbued with a Buddhist spiritual understanding.
In Tibetan medicine it is acknowledged that health and illness result from the relationship between mind, body, people's connectedness to the natural world and their sense of spirituality.
Tibetan medicine is based on the premise that all the material that makes up our universe - including the human body - is based on the qualities of five basic elements: earth, water, fire, wind and space. Combinations of these qualities make up the physical aspect of our bodies as well as its distinct physiological energies.
Tibetan medicine also defines three main systems that control all the body's processes. These systems are created at various stages of development in the womb by an interaction of our mind's developmental process and the five physical elements. Embryologically, the mind acts as the basis for the creation of each individual's three principle physical systems - which translate into English as Wind, Bile and Phlegm. These three systems create and sustain all the body's functions.
A disturbance in one or a combination of these three principle systems results in illness. The disturbance can come from diet, behaviour or environmental factors whose qualities (based on their constituent elements) act to disturb the qualities of any of the three energies. The manner in which these factors can result in illness will be more or less complex depending on the acute or chronic nature of the problem. All illnesses must be seen as individual and based on the situation of the particular patient's background.
Pulse diagnosis is the primary diagnostic tool and treatments include dietary modification, specific remedies made from herbs, roots, precious metals and jewels as well as meditation and spiritual advice.
SPORTS, ENERGY & PERFORMANCE PREPARATIONS
The growing support for fitness and healthy lifestyles has seen a massive increase in the number and variety of sports, energy and performance preparations on the market. A supplement that helps athletic performance is called an ‘ergogenic aid' - and these support improved performance, strength and speed.
Some of these products have been used for years and have evidence supporting their use while others are still relatively unknown. Example of ergogenic aids are creatine, medium-chain triglycerides, branched-chain amino acids, pyruvate, DHEA and androstereidione.
Some performance enhancing products can negatively impact on health. Those containing stimulants can raise blood pressure, heart rate and free radical levels and cause electrolyte imbalances. Those containing antioxidants, proteins and carbohydrates are slower-acting but may provide health benefits as long as they are taken in moderation.
Energy preparations are aimed at improving the efficiency and ability of the muscles to perform and also help facilitate muscle recovery. There are products with and without stimulants. It is important to be aware that some of the ingredients contained in these preparations may be banned or restricted in many sports.
There are two broad categories of substances that promote muscle and strength gain: those that provide source material like protein and carbohydrates, and substances (like creatine) that ‘instruct' the body what to do with the source material. Muscle toning products aim to provide a more defined and ‘ripped' musculature but some may contain diuretics that can compromise health.
Numerous products are designed to supply nutrients to replenish energy, fluids and electrolytes and are important for endurance activities.
In order to minimise the effects of cumulative stress placed on the musculoskeletal system by training and performance, it is important to consider specific supplements, including immune boosters, to counter the effects of exercise-induced cortisol release, products to heal and protect joint tissue and antioxidants to detoxify and protect muscle tissue.
TISSUE SALTS
Biochemic tissue salts were originated by the German chemist, physicist and physician Wilhelm Heinrich Schuessler (1828-1888).
This unique system of cellular therapeutics prescribes inorganic mineral substances known as tissue salts as the foundation for healing. Their use is based on the premise that healthy cells need sound nutrition and that each cell in the body requires miniscule doses of tissue salts for change and renewal. Dr Schuessler stated that a body containing all the tissue salts in balance would be free of disease,
Experiments had shown that 12 inorganic salts were to be found when human cells were reduced to ash. Dr Schuessler spent years proving that the health of the body was influenced by the balance and distribution of these biochemic/cell salts.
Dr Schuessler identified 12 biochemic tissue salts which he considered to be the basic building blocks for cells, tissues and organs. He found that minute doses of twelve critical inorganic chemical compounds exerted a catalytic action on body functioning. He noted that material doses of these substances could not be assimilated sufficiently and could even produce symptoms of disease. Influenced by the founder of homeopathy Samuel Hahnemann, Schuessler began to give tissue salts in a D6 homeopathic dilution, making them easily absorbed and assimilated.
The 12 tissue salts can be taken singly or in combination, depending on requirements, disorders and symptoms. They can also be used for prevention, emergency treatment and to strengthen underlying constitutional health risk factors. Tissue salts form a complete, safe and effective therapeutic system that is well suited for self-medication.
UNANI-TIBB
Unani-Tibb - which translates as ‘Greek medicine' - is a scientific discipline originating in ancient Greece and Africa. It roots can be traced back to the teachings of Hippocrates who developed a healing system from the medical traditions of ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia.
Unani-Tibb flourished in Persia and when the Mongol invasion forced many Persian physicians to flee to India, Unani-Tibb adapted to Indian conditions, adopting practices similar to Ayurveda. It is now practiced widely in Pakistan and Bangladesh.
Over the years, Unani-Tibb developed its own unique philosophy, diagnostic approach and medications. Based on humours and vital forces that control the functioning of the body, Unani-Tibb adopts a holistic approach that recognizes the mental, emotional, physical and spiritual aspects of illness and health.
Unani-Tibb philosophy is based on four cardinal principles: the universal nature of the qualities of heat, coldness, moisture and dryness; the presence of these qualities in unique proportions which help to determine a person's temperament; the dynamic harmony of the body in health under the control of physis (the body's inherent/innate self-healing wisdom) and the six governing factors which describe the impact of diet, breathing, sleep quality, movement and rest, elimination and emotional life.
Identification of the underlying cause of disease is a primary requisite in the practice of Unani-Tibb. Diagnosis involves recording the history of the illness, analysing physical symptoms, the home and work environment and lifestyle factors as well as pulse diagnosis, urine and stool analysis, sleep quality and patterns and mental predisposition. Laboratory tests and X-rays are utilised if required.
The focus of treatment is to activate self-healing. This is done via a range of treatment modalities including herbal medication, cupping and enemas, regulated breathing, physical exercise, massage and steam baths as well as dietary and lifestyle recommendations. Over 200 000 doctors in 40 countries practice TIBB Medicine and the formulations are backed by more than 1 000 clinical trials.
WEIGHT MANAGEMENT PRODUCTS
Weight management products fall into two main categories: weight loss and weight gain. With obesity rapidly reaching epidemic proportions in the West, weight loss products are by far the most popular. They garner millions in revenue around the world as people grasp at any possibility to shed inches effortlessly. But the reality is that when it comes to weight loss, there is no such thing as a quick fix. And many weight loss products range from mildly unhealthy to positively dangerous.
Those that promise rapid weight loss usually contain appetite-suppressing stimulants, which can have negative effects on health such as increasing blood pressure, heart rate and free radical production. Water loss - not fat loss - is mostly accountable for any weight reduction achieved with these products; once they are discontinued, both water and weight are regained. This water loss can also lead to electrolyte imbalances, comprised heart function and dehydration. Some weight loss products can also cause mood swings, addictions, and rebound weight gain and fatigue when discontinued.
As gradual weight reduction is more sustainable and safe, it is advisable to favour slower-acting products - some of which have additional health benefits. For best results, weight loss products should always be used in conjunction with a sensible weight-reducing eating plan and exercise routine.
Weight loss products can be divided into two broad categories:
REFERENCES
MediCams Index - Vol.2, 2003. Editor: Dr Peter R Smith
MIMS Complementary Desk Reference - Vol 1 2004/5
The Alternative Health Guide - Brian Inglis and Ruth West; Mermaid Books, Great Britain 1983. ISBN 0 7181 2185 6
Biochemic Handbook - New England Laboratories Ltd, London 1978
Journey into the Mystery of Tibetan Medicine - based on the lecture of Dr Dolma; Yarlun Publications, New Delhi, 1990
Chinese Medicine - Tom Williams Ph.D, Element Books, U.K., 1995. ISBN 1-85230-589-4
The Illustrated Handbook of Bach Flower Remedies - Philip M. Chancellor, C.W.Daniel Company, U.K., 1991. SBM 85207 002 0
The Art of Reflexology - Inge Dougans with Suzanne Ellis, Element Books, U.K., 1992, ISBN 1-85230-236-4
South African Journal of Natural Medicine - Issue 20 -Natural Therapies: Physis come in from the cold by Dr Rashid Bhika PhD,Bsc(Pharm)
WEBSITES
www.aapsj.org
www.heel.com
www.sihtc.com.au.homotoxicology
www.tibetanmedicine.com
www.solaltech.com