Going naturally

It is the news we dread: a doctor saying there is nothing more that can be done. The good news is that alternative medicine is increasingly being used during ongoing and terminal illness, aging and when grieving. But just what is alternative medicine?

The easiest way to understand alternative medicine is to compare it with conventional Western medical therapies, which are based on the scientific model. Medicine aims to stop disease symptoms. Alternative medicine, also called complementary and holistic therapies, has its origins in traditional philosophies. It treats the ‘whole’ person and encourages the body to heal itself.

Alternative medicine offers patients a wealth of remedies to assist with pain, discomfort and grieving. Natural medicines and therapies are frequently sought as alternatives where orthodox medicine is unable to assist.

Massage

Relaxation and Therapeutic Massage are powerful tools for promoting sleep, and relieving tension, as well as helping lymphatic drainage and poor circulation. Massage releases natural ‘feel good’ hormones to promote healing. Patients who may benefit from massage are those who have undergone major surgery such as a mastectomy, or those suffering from cancer, Parkinson's disease, migraines, fluid retention and chronic pain.

Reflexology

Reflexology is the therapy of stimulating points on the foot to arouse a response in the body. The foot is believed to contain a map of each body organ and can send a reflex action to the organ. Where access to internal organs is not possible or a patient is hospitalised, a Reflexology practitioner can assist organ function through a gentle specialised massage treatment on the feet. The elderly and patients with liver, bowel or lung disorders may benefit from Reflexology.

Reiki

Reiki is a popular option for the terminally ill and assists with a deep relaxation that is not normally achieved through medication or physical therapies. Such a state is considered optimum for healing. Christian monk Dr. Usui had a revelation while experiencing intense pain when he put his hand directly onto the pain. The laying-on of hands is an unobtrusive therapy for those confined to bed. Many aged care facilities have a Reiki practitioner trained in this method of healing.

Bowen Therapy

Australian Osteopath Tom Bowen found that subtle changes in muscle, nerve and brain function could be achieved by moving selected muscles with a unique flicking motion. Bowen Therapy is now widespread and is an alternative therapy for those with arthritic pain, back pain, degenerative nerve diseases and injury. Like Reflexology, Bowen Therapy is an easy therapy to administer.

Homoeopathy

For a sophisticated treatment regime, Homoeopathy offers hundreds of traditional remedies to specifically suit the patient. German doctor Samuel Hahnemann discovered that by using benign and toxic substances in minute quantities, a powerful change occurred in the patient's symptoms. Widely used homoeopathic remedies include: Arnica and Arsenicum for chronic pain and to treat soft tissue injury, Nux vomica to treat the side effects of chemotherapy and Calcium Phosphate as treatment for osteoporosis. Homoeopaths dispense homeopathic treatments following a detailed consultation.

Bach Flower and Rescue Remedies

For those struggling with depression and anxiety related symptoms, flower essences help relax and promote general wellbeing. English physician Dr. Edward Bach compiled the most common range of flower essences for a wide range of emotional states, the most popular being Rescue Remedy. For times of heightened stress, such as childbirth, pre and post-surgery, extreme pain and particularly during the final hours, Rescue Remedy can have a profoundly comforting effect. Flower essences are compatible with prescription drugs and can be purchased in health shops and pharmacies.

Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture

Traditional Chinese Medicine explores the energy pathways that become blocked during illness, causing both mental and physical symptoms. Acupuncture is a form of Chinese Medicine and offers patients options for pain and discomfort during their later stages of illness. Acupuncture is particularly suitable for those who are immobile and on medication.

Meditation

Quietening the mind is considered one of the most powerful ways to heal the body. Australian Ian Gawler brought meditation to the forefront of healing with his book Inner Peace. Ian cured himself of bone cancer by concentrating on his nose during long periods of meditation. Anyone can adopt a meditation regime and these range from creative visualisation (using audio CDs) to livein intensive workshops where patients meditate for 16 hours per day.

Eastern philosophy

Eastern cultures have not only explored medicines, but also methods of pain relief and vibrational healing. Preparation for the next life has always been imperative and Eastern cultures believe that those with a state of inner peace can determine the nature of their next life. Coming to terms with pain, suffering, anxiety and fear is as important as life itself. Books such as the Tibetan Book of Living and Dying have become popular in the West in recent years due to its compassionate and detailed descriptions of the purpose of life, dying, death and the after life.

Janine Castle is a registered practicing Naturopath.