Naturopathy

Naturopathic medicine is based on the philosophy of "Vis Medicatrix Naturae" (the healing power of nature) & applies the Laws of Nature to diagnose, prevent, & treat disease. The naturopathic physician realizes that illness is an imbalance at some level (physical, emotional, psychological or spiritual) & uses natural agents to restore that balance in the client. More than any other single method of treatment naturopathy is a multi-disciplinary approach to promoting natural health through the use of complementary therapies and alternative medicine.

The aim of a holistic doctor is to promote health rather than just treating disease symptoms. In many ways naturopathy is a philosophy of life rather than a set of fixed inflexible principles. One of the main aims of naturopathic doctors is to educate people towards improving their lifestyle to prevent further illness.

* Herbal Remedies;
* Nutrition;
* Remedial Massage;
* Homoeopathy;
* Counseling;

are the main therapies used by a naturopath, with significant emphasis on:

* lifestyle;
* physical activity;
* sunlight;
* fresh air;
* pure water.

Naturopathy has been used for hundreds of years & there now exists a large amount of scientific research, which proves the effectiveness of naturopathic medicine in the treatment of numerous health problems. Naturopathy evolved through observation and application of the lessons of nature. Its origins can be linked to observing the instinctive behaviour of animals when they are unwell, when they will search out certain plants to eat.

As complementary medicine has grown in popularity more and more research is confirming that it is holistic health care and a healthy lifestyle that is required for good overall health. The methods that naturopaths have used for many years in promoting natural health (especially dietary and nutritional measures) are now being confirmed and accepted by the research of mainstream medical doctors. Modern research is also confirming the importance of the relationships between, not only the physical but also the mental and emotional well-being of patients.

Although natural medicine had less impact in the 19th century when drugs and surgery were becoming established many forms of alternative medicine are now becoming more popular as people are realizing the importance and effectiveness of natural cures. Although Naturopathy remained a fringe therapy for a number of years as it was swamped by the political power of the orthodox medical profession a shift in health consciousness is now changing from pharmaceutical to natural remedies.

In ancient Greece, Hippocrates - the Father of Medicine - was one of the first people to understand the importance of natures own healing power. Hippocrates taught basic rules of hygiene and nutrition. He also recognized the significance of a fever as a manifestation of the body's efforts to heal itself by killing off the bacteria that cannot survive when the body raises it's temperature.
CONSULTATION

THE CONSULTATION

A naturopathic consultation generally takes longer than a visit to your mainstream doctor or other health practitioner. This is because the naturopath needs to understand as much as possible about you regarding your state of health. Some questions might include those relating to:

* Symptoms;
* Lifestyle;
* Diet;
* Sensitivities or allergies to certain foods;
* Sensitivities or allergies to environmental factors;
* Home & work environment;
* Hereditary background;
* Constitution.

As well as asking you numerous relevant questions about your health condition, a naturopath may utilize other diagnostic techniques such as;

* Vega testing, (allergy and electro-dermal diagnosis);
* Iridology (iris diagnosis);
* Kinesiology (muscle response testing);
* Tongue, fingernail or pulse diagnosis;
* Examination of the spine for restrictions or mobility problems.

Any or all of these methods will be used to ascertain as detailed a case history as possible in order to create your personal and unique health profile.

It is important to realize that the naturopath places more emphasis on the reasons for the development of an illness than on putting a label on the symptoms.

Naturopathy treats the cause, not the effects. Having made a diagnosis, the naturopath then decides on a plan of action for restoring your body to good health. This usually takes the form of a program which can include lifestyle & dietary modification, relaxation therapy, exercise, counseling & patient education, as well as therapies or remedies which will help stimulate the body's own healing capacity.

THE TREATMENT

The naturopath may choose any of a variety of natural remedies or techniques to help restore your health. The choice will depend on your individual health needs. For example, five different arthritis sufferers might be treated in five different ways, one with homoeopathics, one with dietary advice & nutritional supplements, one with herbal remedies, one with remedial massage & one with a combination of these. Each person is an individual and in each case the cause of the arthritis may differ.

Movement and exercise therapy

Therapy Exercises
The procedures of physical therapy are diverse. Physical therapy combines a variety of methods and techniques. Yet all in all, the process would include lifestyle change, external stimulation, use of assisting devices, and of course - the therapeutic exercise.

Appointing yourself with physical therapy exercises gets you in the hub of physical wellness. Whether to decrease pain or increase movement and function, various physical therapy exercises tender different types of body training that will improve any patient's physical condition.

As the heart of any physical therapy program, whether clinical or home care, physical therapy exercises shall keep you moving. Plus points with the physical therapy exercises has been earning scores since studies realized that keeping an overworked or injured muscle immobilized to 'rest' is a bad idea. In contrast, continuous physical therapy exercises shall assure a patient's vital recovery. In most cases, failure to use the muscles surrounding an injury or illness can lead to permanent weakness - a big no-no for physical therapy.

Physical therapy exercises are intended to restore strength and endurance, increase range of movement, and also improve balance and coordination. And to increase these effectiveness, physical therapists also use the physical therapy exercises treatment along with external stimulations such as heat, coldness, ultrasound, electricity, infrared or UV light, traction, water, and massage. All are applied externally to a specific area, or internally, in order to relieve pain or reducing swelling.

Another factor to assure the success of the exercise methods is to do it right. As long as properly prescribed, physical therapy exercises are the most effective method for healing sports or accident injuries or restoring basic functions. Another key is to do enough exercises. Physical therapy exercises performed during office visits alone is inadequate. For quick recovery, physical therapists also teach patients how to exercise at home. Here are some example home physical therapy exercises:

Sitting Stretch:

Sit on the floor with a towel around one of your outstretched foot (or around the one bent knee). Pull the foot towards your body (or the knee upwards) to feel the stretch. Hold for some seconds. Do alternately, and repetitively and at particular number of times per day.

Standing Wall Push:

Position your body against/ facing a wall with one foot behind slightly lunging. Hold the heel down while gently pushing your hands towards the wall to feel the stretch. Hold for some seconds. Do alternately, and repetitively and at particular number of times per day.

Tightening Legs Over a Ball:

With one knee bent over a ball, straighten the knee by trying to tighten the muscle on your upper thigh. Be sure to keep the bottom of your knee on the ball. Hold for some seconds. Do alternately, and repetitively and at particular number of times per day.

You should note that the repetitions and frequency of the exercises are increased progressively according to the exercise plan or as directed by your PT. Good luck!

Mind, Body, Spirit Healing

Heal(ing) has a definitive definition for most people. When we use the word healing it implies there is something wrong. I believe healing is much more. The soul's sole purpose for being here is for emotional and spiritual growth--a.k.a. transformation. Healing is evolving and optimizing into our health and into who we really are. I believe that Mind, Body, Spirit healing is restructuring our energy that has become distorted, misaligned or suppressed. My definition of healing is evolution beyond just losing some ability and regaining it.

What are we really asking for when we ask for Mind, Body, Spirit Healing?

When we truly ask for Mind, Body, Spirit healing we are asking about the 'cause,' of our pain not the symptoms we are experiencing. When I work with someone, I am not treating, I am not giving therapy, I am only conscious of symptoms because the symptoms are clues to what needs to be transformed. Using the unconscious mind the person is guided to create their unique transformation process to ultimately eliminate (heal) the cause of the symptoms.

Do our beliefs create our illnesses?

Without blaming, shaming or finding fault, our beliefs definitely form our limitations and on many levels our beliefs can inhibit us from evolving beyond something or creates a way to cope. What we tell (self-talk) ourselves has an impact on our physiology. For example: Depression (symptom) is Anger turned against the self. What we need to find is what the Anger is about and resolve or transcend the anger.

Generally, people continue to do or think whatever they do or think until they have reached a point of pain they no longer want to endure, thus they focus on 'getting rid' of the pain. Western medicine and pharmaceutical research understands this phenomenon well-- together they have diligently focused on the pain and provided magic pills to ease it. Thus, many people are addicted to a 'quick fix,' albeit has many adverse side effects.

Transformation (healing) comes when we know what thoughts/beliefs create the pain--i.e. an insight into the cause and effect. Once the insight is made, we then need to change the thoughts, behaviors and habits to complete the transformation.

What is the most important thing people need to know about Mind, Body, Spirit healing?

Once someone has experienced the Mind, Body Spirit transformational process, it no longer matters what your prior experience has been, except to lead you to what you need to transform or transcend. Within the first session people are amazed at their transformation. Generally people need more than one session to complete a thorough transformation.

Meditation Visualization

Guided meditation is similar to hypnotherapy but a key difference is hypnotherapy's emphasis on specific goals. Visualization and guided meditation can overlap and be similar as well. Defining a specific issue and outlining the desired outcome is integral to therapeutic hypnosis and so is guided meditation. Quartz crystal singing bowls, when used for healing, are also directed toward a specific issue and desired outcome. Using hypnosis induction methods in conjunction with your choice of sound vibration, (choice of bowl), can be intuitive but also can be very carefully designed.

If, for instance, the a person is insecure and exhibiting a lack of stability and prosperity, one could establish, through interview, positive suggestions the subject wishes to have impressed upon their subconscious. Perhaps something like, "I live in a safe world created by my own efforts and safe life style. I am attracting prosperity." In the process of induction as the person begins to go deeper with hypnotic suggestions, the facilitator can intersperse the sounds of the quartz crystal singing bowls, in particular the bowls that is tuned to middle 'C'. The 'C' vibration is resonate with the Root Chakra (spiritual center) located at the base of the spine and which is associated with grounding and survival. This center can become out of balance and alignment and with the help of the sound can 'reboot', be reactivated, and rejuvenated. The chakras should naturally spin easily and smoothly in a clockwise direction; a combination of healing thought patterns and a cleansing of the chakra can return the subject to a state of well being.

Crystal sound also serves, because it is profound, organic, and primal in nature, to facilitate a deepening of hypnosis and a easy journey into a guided meditative state, in the subject. Personally, I like to play the bowl for about 60 second intervals in between my suggestions. For example, at one point a suggestion can be made, 'It might be good, now that you are relaxed, to open up to the natural prosperity that our earth mother provides for all living beings. Then the bowl is played for 60 seconds to allow that suggestion to sink into the subconscious and the sound to open the root chakra.

Using the quartz crystal singing bowls in hypnosis also shortens the time for induction and can often bring about a natural and peaceful meditative state.

In another instance a person may have an issue with expressing themselves with confidence. Perhaps they cannot 'speak up' for themselves or perhaps they need to present before an audience, or they want to learn how to sing. Hypnosis can be used to relieve anxiety and any childhood fears of judgment by loosening up restrictions around the throat. Perhaps by discussing the desired outcome it could be decided to use a suggestion such as, "I find it easy and natural to express myself - smoothly and naturally." The quartz crystal singing bowls can be used in this case to stimulate, align, and balance the throat chakra. I would suggest the bowl that is tuned to the note 'G' because 'G' is tuned, naturally, with the throat chakra and with the help of the sound vibration the area of the throat expand and release.

Massage Therapy

The need for effective healing of the human muscles and the maintenance of their health is increasingly being recognized all around the world. The pain associated with the soft tissue of the body or with the muscles is capable of being effectively dealt by professionals who are well versed in the anatomical structure of the human body and are adequately trained in the process. One of the most effective ways to boost your career is through joining courses which provided dedicated instructions in the field relating to physical therapy and neuromuscular therapy.

The utility and innate usefulness of composite massage courses

If you are interested in the pursuance of the field of physical therapy, the best way to start is through massage courses. These are dedicated courses which can help you start off in the field of your choice. The successful completion of these massage courses is capable of opening new vistas for professional growth as the need for qualified massage therapists is on the rise throughout the world. Even the basic certificate course will allow you to be eligible to practice as a completely qualified therapist and offer specific treatment relating to muscle injuries or pain.

Getting ahead of the filled with sports massage courses

These sports massage courses at the certificate level do not require any specific educational background or experience. However, those who have been working as massage therapists, chiropractors and physiotherapists are also capable of joining them. The higher diplomas in sports massage courses are even more specialized and only those who are qualified in bodywork therapy are eligible to pursue them. The effective completion of these will allow you to practise as specialized therapists and you can employ the techniques in pain management and relief.

Massage courses and the opening of unlimited avenues

These successful completion of any level in these massage courses is capable of opening unlimited opportunities for you. Once the course has been successfully accomplished, you will be qualified to work as a therapist while offering treatment for muscular pain and soft tissue pain together with injury and dysfunction treatment to the individuals. These sports massage courses will allow you to be eligible to work in Injury Clinics, Private Practice, Sports Complexes and Sporting Teams. The need for physical therapists is not just limited to a single place and all across the world it is becoming a recognized procedure for treatment of pain and muscular injury.

The growing popularity of pilates courses Dublin

Pilates courses Dublin and their popularity have been exponentially growing with the passage of time. As the stress on the maintenance of health increases, pilates is being considered as a beneficial way to achieve the same. These pilates courses Dublin are capable of allowing you to become qualified in providing instructions for pilates and the mode in which they should be performed. There are several levels of these courses, and even the most basic one will be sufficient to get you qualified to instruct others in basic mat work techniques.

The best course is always one which will adequately aid you in reaching your respective goals in the most effective manner.

Iridology

Iridology Charts Provide A Window Into The Body.

Very basic iridology charts are readily available all over the Internet. However, what are these unusual and unknown looking creations? and what can they in reality recount or give evidence of, to the individual? Generally speaking, there is a great deal more to these pictures than detailed images of the eye. These charts are significant to the study of the eye, and show how they can indicate to physical problems throughout the body.

What They Are Used For?

Iridology charts are used in the practice of iridology. This means of alternative medicine concentrates on the presumption that problems within the body will be obvious by the study of the eye itself. Swelling in the kidneys, as an example, may show up in a person's eyes and divulge a particular colored speck in a specific place of the iris.

Iridology is fundamentally nothing more than a diagnostic screening tool. The analysis is done to assist alternative medicine practitioners determine where to anticipate problems if issues are suspected. This method may additionally, also be employed to help screen and observe conditions sooner than they would present with actual symptoms.

Once an iridology analysis indicates the possiblility for problems, additional examination generally takes place. Doctors would then move on to different screening procedures to attain an actual diagnosis in a case.

How They Are Read.

Iridology charts usually display a single eyeball. The image of the eye is separated and split into various segments. Each subdivision matches to a determined function of the body or particular region. The thyroid, as an example, is believed to correspond to an extremely tiny section of the iris and the heart to a different area.

To use iridology charts to their fullest benefit, most practitioners take very detailed and careful pictures of a patient's eyes. These images are then studied either visually or through the use of a specific computer program. Once the analysis is accomplished, it will reveal any peculiar and out-of-the-ordinary anomalies within the iris. These anomalies are then compared to iridology charts to help indicate to the practitioner the best direction for additional study as well as diagnosis.

The anomalies themselves can be very dissimilar and vary seriously significantly in meaning. If black spots are found, they tend to indicate dead or dying tissue within the related portion of the body. Rings around the iris might indicate spasms in organs. Inflammation and swelling shows up as distinct white spots.

Although many practitioners of iridology who have been in practice for many years can get by from memory, novices usually must have access to iridology charts to correctly correlate findings. These charts are readily available online, in books and through specialized courses designed to teach this practice.

It is of importance for new practitioners to remember that iridology charts and the study of the eyes itself is only intended for screening. If problems are found, more advanced diagnostic procedures might be indicated.

Hypnosis Regression

Regression hypnosis is imagining an earlier time in your life while you're in hypnosis. It is a valuable technique for hypnotherapists who help you to change a negative experience into a positive one.

Regression hypnosis is valuable for:

* building self-esteem
* filling emotional voids
* healing abuse
* releasing creativity
* ending phobias

Just recalling an event from your childhood is enough to put you into hypnosis, according to some experts.

But the imagined regression doesn't have to be to your childhood. Forty-nine year old Tom, for example, had lost one job after another simply because he didn't stand up for himself. The hypnotherapist regressed Tom to recent instances in which he suffered humiliation and firing. Not only was Tom able to release sadness and anger about his weak behavior but with the hypnotherapist's help, he imagined himself behaving differently.

Hypnotized Tom handled the disgruntled bosses with confidence and calmness. These imagined experiences translated into real-life behavior so in the next workplace Tom was calm and confident.

The "subconscious" accepts all experience -- actual or imagined -- as real. That's why regression hypnosis helped Tom to change. The calm, confident, strong, imagined Tom replaced the man too frightened to stand up for himself.

Regression hypnosis is similarly helpful for people who grew up without a loving parent. A common experience is that of the absent father. Many times the absence was caused, not through negligence, but because the father had to work long hours outside the home.

When regressed in hypnosis to the childhood feelings of abandonment about the absent father a client can effectively deal with such negative feelings through a combination of imagining a strong parental presence and suggestions for loving herself.

Survivors of childhood sexual abuse find regression hypnosis to be a powerful tool in changing the horrific aftermath of such violation. One example is the hypnotized client who imagined her 4-year-old self wearing a hockey mask so she was protected against her father's demands for oral sex.

The survivor creates his or her own "mind movie" to replace whatever trauma they suffered. This positive, or at least protective, scenario results in feelings of control, confidence and strength in the present.

The same approach can be used to overcome a phobia -- especially if the phobia was caused by a particular event such as being trapped in an elevator or terrified when a doctor jabbed a needle into you.

Regression hypnosis can also be used to enhance creativity. Let's say that in Grade 1 you drew what you thought was a great picture but a teacher severely criticized your painting. Perhaps this inhibited you for ever after from attempting to paint. With regression hypnosis you could go back in your imagination and deal with that teacher. Perhaps have him praise your work instead of shaming you. This would then release your creativity as an adult.

So, yes, you can go back in time. At least in your imagination. And, coupled with hypnosis, that can transform your life today.

Hydrotherapy and Its Advantages

Hydrotherapy has been part of our lives for centuries. Since the early Egyptians, Greeks and Romans hydrotherapy has been used to treat various types of medical conditions. Even today we use the benefits created from this age old remedy to treat disease and improve our health.

In today's society innovation has developed the steam shower and sauna technology that can be implemented in to the home. No longer do you have to visit health spas or gyms to experience the benefits of hydrotherapy through steam.

Hydrotherapy offers a variety of benefits to our bodies which includes improving muscle tone, replenishing the skin, improving our immune systems, increases the flow of blood and can even help with digestive and intestinal processes. Alongside assisting the external parts of the body it can also soothe major organs as well as our nervous system.

Through the centuries of use hydrotherapy has been developed in to a variety of techniques such as "Cold Rubbing". Cold rubbing is the process used to invigorate and tone the body. The process is relatively simple and consists of soaking a cloth in cold water and then rubbing it over the body. Once complete simply go to bed and rest until the body becomes warm and dry.

Another popular use of hydrotherapy is called a "Douche". A douche is the process where water is applied to the body in a stream like motion using a conventional container, hose or shower head. The water should flow in the direction of the heart and never actually splash against the skin. Once the session is over you should then shake off any excess water, get dressed and then start working out. There are a number of types of douches. The knee douche is used for headaches, blood pressure problems, sleep issues, and skin problems like bruising or varicose veins. In this process, the water should move from the toes toward the knee, then back to the sole of the foot. It should be repeated for the other leg.

A thigh douche is very similar. The procedure is essentially the same as above, but instead of stopping at the knee, move toward the upper thigh. In addition to the conditions a knee douche treats, this can also improve circulation. A lower trunk douche is, again, the same procedure, but the entire lower half of your body should be included. This can help with the swelling of major organs or the formation of gall or kidney stones. The arm douche is used for anxiety issues, rheumatism, heart difficulties, and headaches. To complete this procedure, take the stream of water from the outside of the hand to the shoulder, then back on the inside of the arm. It should be repeated for the other arm. The upper trunk douche involves much the same procedure, but don't stop at the shoulder. Continue to the chest. This should help with lung and throat difficulties. It can also stimulate the cardiovascular system. The face douche, useful for headaches, eye problems, and toothaches, can be completed by starting at the right temple and moving toward the chin, then up to the left temple, and over the course of the forehead, then making circles about the face.

Another popular form of hydrotherapy is the whirlpool bath. Ideal for relaxation and helping to relieve back ache and pains alongside helping combat the common cold the whirlpool bath has become a favourite with house holders who love to indulge within a soothing bath.

Similar to the whirlpool baths are the full or partially full immersion baths. Another form of hydrotherapy, the immersion bath provides relief through offering a rising temperature. The process starts by standing in a tub of water that is constantly increasing in temperature until it reaches 103 degrees at which time the water level should have risen from the foot to the navel. A cold foot bath is also a benefit and helps to fight against varicose veins, headaches, circulation issues, and sleep deprivation. Place both feet in a bath filled with cold water up to the calf. You should stop when the water no longer seems cold. Wipe off the extra water, then walk or run until you are dry.

A final form of hydrotherapy is known as a wrap. Wraps are used to treat fever and inflammation. The process starts by wetting a cloth with cold water. Once wet the cloth should then be applied tightly around the location of the body that is unwell, ensuring not to constrict the flow of blood. Once the wrap no longer feels cold you then need to replace with a dry cloth. However as with all processes mentioned, if at any time the person receiving the treatment starts to feel ill all measures should be ceased.