Holistic and Integrative Health Care

Holistic Approach to Treating Cancer and Its Side Effects

Posted on by Joseph Gerard

Physiotherapist doing accupuncture

Written by Fay Smith

 

Traditional holistic approaches focus on multidimensional wellness aspects involving movement, meditation, and using food, supplements, herbs, essential oils, and homeopathic remedies as medicine.

People may consider these holistic approaches as alternative remedies to help with cancer treatment. But while these alternatives don’t play a direct role in curing cancer, they may help you cope with the signs and symptoms of this disease.

Some cancers like lung, colon, breast, and prostate cancer are more prevalent than others. There are also types of cancer, like mesothelioma, which is directly linked to asbestos exposure.

The Mesothelioma Group’s site provides an informative resource on the stages of mesothelioma, its diagnosis, and treatment options for its symptoms.

What holistic approaches may help manage cancer and its side effects? Are there any benefits to using such methods in addressing the side effects of rare cancers?

This article explores the various ways to manage cancer holistically. Additionally, the article discusses the advantages of managing the disease’s side effects using the holistic approach.

 

Holistic Ways to Help Manage or Treat Cancer and its Side Effects

People often use the term holistic approach or alternative medicine to refer to methods healthcare providers don’t usually offer.

However, researchers continue to study these alternative remedies to help gather evidence to determine whether healthcare professionals can use these methods alongside standard treatments.

When used with standard medical therapies, these evidence-based integrative medicine methods may help relieve various symptoms related to cancer and its treatment.

However, these alternative or integrative treatments generally aren’t potent enough to replace standard medicine completely. So if you or someone you know has cancer, discuss your options with your healthcare provider to find the right mix of alternative and standard treatments.

Holistic and alternative methods that can aid in treating cancer and its side effects include:

  • Acupuncture: This method involves inserting tiny needles into your skin at specific points.

Studies suggest acupuncture may help relieve nausea caused by chemotherapy. Acupuncture may also help relieve pain in people with cancer.

If you wish to try acupuncture, ensure that a licensed practitioner performs this technique using sterile needles.

Acupuncture isn’t recommended if you have a low blood count or if you’re taking blood thinners. So it’s best to consult your healthcare provider before you proceed with this procedure.

Another related method is acupressure, in which a practitioner applies mild pressure instead of needles to various areas of your body to help relieve nausea.

  • Aromatherapy: This technique uses fragrant essential oils for various therapeutic benefits like relieving stress, managing anxiety, and promoting sleep.

You can add oils infused with scents like lavender, chamomile, citrus, and peppermint to your bath water or apply these oils to your skin during a massage. You can also heat the fragrant oils to release their scents into the air.

Aromatherapy may help relieve cancer symptoms like nausea, pain, and stress.

While you can perform aromatherapy on your own or with a practitioner with relative safety, some oils applied to the skin can cause allergies. Talk to a medical provider to determine which oils are best for you.

  • Massage: Massages comprise different techniques that involve kneading your skin, tendons, and muscles to promote relaxation and help relieve stress and muscle tension.

Research shows that massage therapy can be a part of supportive care for cancer patients who are interested in trying this method.

Clinical practice guidelines recommend massage as one approach to help with anxiety, stress, fatigue, depression, and quality of life.

Some cancer centers have massage therapists among their staff. Your healthcare provider can also refer you to a therapist who regularly works with individuals with cancer.

If you decide to have a massage, ask your therapist to avoid tumors, surgical scars, or radiation treatment areas. Meanwhile, if you have bone cancer or other related diseases like osteoporosis, tell your massage therapist to use light pressure.

  • Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): This method is a form of talk therapy wherein a mental health counselor works to help you see challenging situations better so you can respond to these events more effectively.

CBT may help individuals with cancer manage their sleep problems by identifying and replacing behaviors and thoughts that are causing or worsening their sleep issues, promoting sound sleep.

One study noted that oncology practitioners can consider integrating CBT in various ways to allow nonpharmacologic treatments to aid in cancer symptom management.

 

Benefits of the Holistic Approach in Helping Treat the Side Effects of Rare Cancers

Holistic health is a life approach that encourages individuals to acknowledge the whole person through physical, emotional, mental, social, intellectual, and spiritual aspects. These alternative methods may help individuals deal with various health conditions, including cancer.

Although alternative treatments can’t cure your cancer, they may provide some relief from the signs and symptoms of the disease.

Cancers, including rare ones, can cause numerous side effects, including pain, anxiety, fatigue, nausea, stress, and sleep problems. Holistic treatment methods may help manage these adverse effects.

For example, if you’re experiencing anxiety, try massage, meditation, relaxation techniques, or music therapy to help relieve this symptom.

Meanwhile, if you’re stressed, go for aromatherapy, yoga, or exercise. For pain, consider acupuncture, massage, or hypnosis.

These alternative methods aren’t meant to replace standard cancer treatments, so you must consult a doctor or oncologist about how you can incorporate these remedies to help you cope with cancer and its symptoms.

To learn more about alternative medicine or the holistic approach to help with cancer, contact the National Cancer Institute at 1-800-422-6237 or visit cancer.gov.

If you are interested in more information visit AIHCP’s Holistic & Integrative Health Care Practice Certification Program Here

References

What is Holistic Health?

https://www.wcsu.edu/ihhs/what-is-holistic-health/

Alternative cancer treatments: 11 options to consider

https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/cancer-treatment/in-depth/cancer-treatment/art-20047246

Aromatherapy: Do Essential Oils Really Work?

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/aromatherapy-do-essential-oils-really-work

Massage Therapy for Health : What the Science Says

https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/providers/digest/massage-therapy-for-health-science

Cognitive Behavior Therapy for Patients With Cancer

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4577033/

What is Holistic Health?

https://www.wcsu.edu/ihhs/what-is-holistic-health/

 

 

Integrative and Holistic Therapies for Chronic Pain Management.,

Posted on by Mark Moran

Integrative and holistic healthcare specialists can help many individuals best manage their pain with a variety of alternative therapies.  These therapies range from acupuncture to massage therapy and anything in between.  It is important to properly balance any alternative and holistic therapies with the knowledge of one’s primary physician.   This prevents any misuse or improper mixtures with conventional and alternative modalities.   Holistic Nurses and other forms of holistic specialists can help provide the knowledge and guidance in utilizing there therapies properly for chronic pain.

The article, “The Benefits of Integrative Medicine in the Management of Chronic Pain: A Review” by Hirak Trivedi, Tara A. Avrit, Leah Chan, De Mauria Burchette, Rajni Rathore reviews some of the utilized alternative practices for pain management.  In it, they include massage therapy, acupuncture, yoga, and chiropractic manipulation.  From a reviewed study, they come to the conclusion that yoga and physical therapy have beneficial results in pain management.  The article states,

“Chronic pain is a debilitating condition that affects many individuals throughout their daily lives. While it is common to treat chronic pain with pharmaceutical treatments, an approach that has also shown great benefits is the use of integrative medicine, such as massage therapy, osteopathic and spinal manipulation, acupuncture, and yoga. The keywords “integrative medicine,” “pain,” “chronic pain,” and “pain management” with the use of the Boolean operators “AND,” “OR,” and “NOT” were used to identify relevant studies discussing the effectiveness of alternative medicine in the treatment of chronic pain”

The Benefits of Integrative Medicine in the Management of Chronic Pain: A Review. Trivedi H, Avrit T A, Chan L, et al. (October 05, 2022) The Benefits of Integrative Medicine in the Management of Chronic Pain: A Review. Cureus 14(10): e29963. doi:10.7759/cureus.29963

To review the article, please click here

 

Natural and integrative holistic approaches to pain management have proven to be very successful for chronic pain in individuals

Commentary 

Holistic and integrative medicine are two approaches to healthcare that take a more comprehensive view of the patient. Holistic medicine focuses on the whole person, taking into account all aspects of their life and health. Integrative medicine takes a more individualized approach, looking at each patient as a unique individual and tailoring treatment to their specific needs.  HIM practitioners view health as more than just the absence of disease, but rather as a state of physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. Integrative medicine (IM) is a relatively new field of medicine that combines conventional Western medicine with complementary and alternative medicine (CAM).  The use of this type of approach is also very important in chronic pain management.

Holistic Approaches and Pain Management

Holistic and integrative pain management are approaches that focus on the individual as a whole, rather than just the symptoms of pain. This approach acknowledgement that pain is a complex experience that is affected by physical, emotional, social, and spiritual factors. The goal of holistic and integrative pain management is to address all of these factors in order to help the individual find relief from their pain.

There are many types of holistic pain management, but some of the most popular include acupuncture, aromatherapy, and massage therapy. Acupuncture is a form of traditional Chinese medicine that involves inserting thin needles into the skin at specific points on the body. Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils to promote relaxation and healing. Massage therapy is a form of manual therapy that uses pressure and strokes to relieve muscle tension and pain.

The use of massage therapy is one of the more relaxing forms of pain management.  Massage therapy is an effective way to manage pain. It can help to relax the muscles, increase circulation, and reduce inflammation. Massage therapy can be used to treat a wide variety of conditions, including headaches, back pain, neck pain, and carpal tunnel syndrome.

One of the most successful and most used forms of pain management is chiropractic manipulation. Chiropractic is a branch of medicine that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal disorders, with an emphasis on the spine. Chiropractors use a variety of techniques to manipulate the joints and muscles of the body, including manual adjustments, traction, and massage. Pain management is a broad term that refers to the various methods used to relieve pain. This can include medication, physical therapy, acupuncture, and chiropractic care.

Finally, Acupuncture is a popular and effective form of pain management that has been used for centuries. It involves the insertion of thin needles into the skin at specific points on the body, which can help to relieve pain by stimulating the nervous system.  There is a growing body of evidence to support the use of acupuncture for pain relief, and it is now considered an effective treatment for a variety of conditions such as headaches, back pain, and arthritis.

Conclusion

Integrative and Holistic approaches to chronic pain management are very successful in helping people cope and deal with pain but they need to be used in unison with a trained professional.  Certified holistic nurses or holistic and integrative healthcare specialists can play a key role in helping individuals utilize alternative therapies and combine them with conventional medications.   Yoga, acupuncture, massage therapy and chiropractic manipulation are all successful ways to manage pain.

Please also review AIHCP’s Holistic and Integrative Healthcare Specialist Program and see if it meets your academic and professional goals.  The program is online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification in Holistic Nursing.  Qualified healthcare professionals and nurses are welcomed into the program and are eligible for certification after completing the core courses.

Additional Resources

“Clinical Practice Guideline: Chiropractic Care for Low Back Pain”. Gary Globe, PhD. et, al.  Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics Volume 39, Issue 1, January 2016, Pages 1-22. Access here

“Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Cancer Pain Management: A Systematic Review”. Priyanka Singh and Aditi Chaturvedi.  Indian J Palliat Care 2015 Jan-Apr; 21(1): 105–115 doi: 10.4103/0973-1075.150202. Access here

“Holistic Alternative Medicine and CAM Definitions”. Val Silver. Holistic MindBody Healing.  Access here

“Pain Management: Alternative Therapy”. WebMD Editorial Contributors. Reviewed by Dan Brennan, MD. October 20, 202. WebMD. Access here

 

Integrative and Holistic Healthcare Practitioner Blog on Ayurveda

Posted on by Mark Moran

Aruyveda medicine is trending in health and wellness conversations across the nation.  Individuals look hard to find ways to compliment their conventional treatments.  Ayurveda provides individuals with a variety of holistic remedies for prevention and cure of numerous illnesses.  Integrative and Holistic Healthcare Professionals can help individuals properly utilize Ayurveda and its many supplements with conventional treatment.  Please also review AIHCP’s Integrative and Holistic Healthcare Practitioner Program

Ayurveda can have many positive benefits for health. Please also review AIHCP’s Integrative and Holistic Healthcare Practitioner Program

 

The article, “What Is Ayurveda, and Why Is It Trending So Big Right Now?” by Brittany Burhop Fallon looks at Aruyveda and why it is so helpful to so many.  She states,

“Ayurveda is wonderful and comprehensive system of holistic medicine developed 10,000 years ago by the Tamil Siddha yogis in the South of India,” says Martha Soffer, internationally acclaimed Ayurvedic Panchakarma expert and founder of Surya Spa. “Their goal was to extend and revitalize their lives and to give them the greatest chance for enlightenment. ”

To review the entire article, please click here

Please also review AIHCP’s Integrative and Holistic Healthcare Practitioner Program and see if it meets your academic and professional goals.  The program is online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification in Holistic Nursing.

Holistic Nursing Program Blog on Holistic Wellness in a Professional Practice

Posted on by Mark Moran

Healthcare professionals are in a unique position to help and guide individuals in holistic wellness.  Nurses, or other healthcare professionals can become coaches and guides to many individuals who are looking at alternative and other herbal remedies for a more holistic approach to health.  Guidance is important and a health care professional can better guide individuals to better outcomes and reduce risk of counter acting other remedies or existing conventional treatments.  Please also review AIHCP’s Holistic Nursing Program

Incorporating holistic wellness in a practice is an excellent way to help patients. Please also review AIHCP’s Holistic and Integrative Healthcare Specialist Program

 

The article, “3 Ways Healthcare Professionals Can Incorporate Holistic Wellness Coaching Into Their Practice” by Dr. Christine Manukyan looks closer at how one can incorporate holistic wellness into their practice.  She states,

“Health and wellness coaching is a form of patient care that uses talk therapy, clinical strategies and holistic remedies to find lasting solutions to chronic medical issues.  Many individuals who seek out health and wellness coaching are navigating through situations such as weight loss, stress management or the effects of chronic medical issues such as diabetes or a heart attack. As a healthcare professional incorporating holistic wellness coaching into your practice, ask your clients open-ended questions that allow them to identify their main pain points and desire for a lifestyle change”

To read the entire article, please click here

Please also review AIHCP’s Holistic and Integrative Healthcare Specialist Program and see if it matches your academic and professional goals.  The program is online and independent study and aimed for qualified nurses and healthcare professionals seeking a four year certification as a Holistic Nurse or Holistic Coach.

 

Holistic and Integrative Healthcare Specialist Program Blog on Nurses and a Holistic Approach

Posted on by Mark Moran

Nurses should not only focus on the symptoms or disease of a patient they first meet but be open to the entirety of the patient as a person.  Interacting in a more holistic approach will open the nurse to the multiple needs of the patient beyond the disease and symptoms.  It also opens the patient to other alternative medical ideas.  Please also review AIHCP’s Holistic and Integrative Healthcare Specialist Program

Nurses can offer patients a more holistic approach of care. Please also review AIHCP’s Holistic and Integrative Healthcare Specialist Program

 

The article, “How Nurses Can Take A Holistic Approach to Patient Care” by Adrian Johansen looks deeper into how nurses can be more holistic in their approach with patients.  She states,

“When assessing a patient’s needs for the first time, it’s important here to take the holistic approach. Every medical situation also has knock-on effects when it comes to mental, emotional, and even economic well-being. Utilizing the time of first contact well can also open nurses to information regarding the patient’s cultural needs. Taking notes here on more than simply the strict medical elements can ensure all personnel from first contact onward are fully apprised of the holistic requirements of the patient.”

To read the entire article, please click here

Please also review AIHCP’s Holistic and Integrative Healthcare Specialist Program and see if it matches your academic and professional goals.  The program is online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification in Holistic Nursing.

Ayurveda and Holistic Health

Posted on by Mark Moran

Ayurveda is an Eastern form of medicine and health practices.  It has many complimentary uses with Western medicine. Many of its views and practices are being more and more employed in the West to help individuals with a variety of ailments.  It is important to always have a healthcare professional properly guide on through Ayurveda to ensure one utilizes the proper treatments as not to contradict any primary medications. Please also review AIHCP’s Holistic and Integrative Healthcare Specialist program

Ayurveda is an Eastern way of healing. Please also review AIHCP’s Holistic and Integrative Healthcare Specialist Program

 

The article, “What Is Ayurveda and Does It Work?” from the Cleveland Clinic’s healthessentials looks at how Ayurveda works and how it may be better able to help you.  The article takes an in-depth look at the history of Ayurveda and also its deeper meanings.  In particular it looks at the Vata dosha, the Peta dosha and the Kapha dosha.  It looks how these systems are seen as a foundation for medical treatment in India and the East.  The article states,

“The word “Ayurveda” is derived from Sanskrit and means “science of life.” In Ayurveda, there’s an underlying belief that everything in life is connected. Because of this, general health and wellness rely on achieving balance and harmony. When a person is imbalanced or stressed, they’re likely to develop disease. Ayurveda focuses on implementing lifestyle interventions and natural treatments, therapies and remedies to provide balance among your physical body, mind, spirit and the world around you.”

“What Is Ayurveda and Does It Work?”. healthessentials.  June 10th, 2022. Cleveland Clinic.

To read the entire article, please click here

Commentary

Ayurveda is a system of traditional medicine native to the Indian subcontinent. It is based on the premise that there is a relationship between the mind, body, and spirit, and that imbalances in any of these three can lead to illness. Ayurvedic practitioners use a variety of techniques to restore balance, including diet, exercise, meditation, and massage.  . Ayurvedic medicine relies on a holistic approach to treatment, taking into account the person’s physical, mental, and emotional state. Herbal remedies, dietary changes, and lifestyle modifications are often used in ayurvedic medicine.

Ayurveda is a traditional Hindu system of medicine which is based on the idea of balance in the body, mind, and spirit. According to Ayurveda, there are three main types of energy, or “doshas,” which are responsible for our physical and mental health: Vata (air), Pitta (fire), and Kapha (earth).

Vata is associated with movement, pitta with metabolism and digestion, and kapha with structure and lubrication. Imbalance in any of these doshas is thought to lead to disease.

The Vata dosha is the energy of movement and is responsible for all bodily functions that involve movement, including circulation, respiration, and elimination. It is light, dry, cold, and erratic in nature and is said to be the most difficult of the three doshas to balance.

The Peta dosha refers to the purification of the mind and body through asceticism. The peta dosha theory states that all of these elements must be in balance in order for a person to be healthy.

The Kapha dosha  is characterized by qualities such as heavy, slow, and wet.  Kapha types are typically heavy, solid, and slow-moving. They tend to have a calm, easy-going personality, and tend to be loyal and reliable friends.  Kapha dosha is responsible for growth, lubrication, and stability in the body. It is associated with the elements of earth and water, and its qualities are heavy, cold, oily, smooth, and static. Imbalance in kapha dosha can lead to conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and high cholesterol.

While many of these philosophies are religious in nature, they also pertain to health as well.  Those concerned only with the secular nature, look at the issues of balance found in these doshas and how they can reflect healthier living for those who may not be religious but looking for health benefits nonetheless.

Holistic and Conventional Remedies

Holistic and complimentary medicine are two terms that are often used interchangeably, but they actually refer to two different approaches to healthcare. Holistic medicine is a comprehensive approach that looks at the whole person, rather than just the symptoms of an illness. This approach takes into account the mind, body, and spirit of the individual, and seeks to treat the underlying cause of illness, rather than just the symptoms.  Complimentary medicine, on the other hand, focuses on treatments that complement conventional medical care. These complementary treatments may include acupuncture, massage therapy, or meditation. Both holistic and complimentary medicine share a common goal: to promote healing and wellbeing.

Trained Integrative and Holistic Specialists in healthcare such as holistic nurses can navigate the boundaries between Ayurveda and Western medicine and help individuals find the proper balance between the two systems.  It is important to never begin a holistic campaign for health, or partake in alternative practices without consulting one’s primary healthcare provider.  Holistic Nurses can help identify the most useful remedies without risking counter effecting the conventional medications one may be on.

In many cases, holistic remedies, and ideas found in Ayurveda can help individuals find a cure or help one find better healthy but they are best used as preventative and long term life style changes to be used in conjunction with one’s healthcare.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Ayurveda is a holistic approach to health that emphasizes prevention and natural treatment. Ayurvedic practitioners use dietary recommendations, lifestyle changes, and herbal remedies to treat imbalances in the body. While there is some scientific evidence to support the efficacy of Ayurveda, more research is needed. If you are interested in trying an Ayurvedic approach to health, talk to a qualified practitioner.

Please also review AIHCP’s Holistic and Integrative Healthcare Specialist Program and see if it meets your academic and professional goals.  The program is online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification in Holistic Nursing.  Nurses must first complete the core courses before applying for the four year certification.

Additional Resources

“Ayurveda: A historical perspective and principles of the traditional healthcare system in India”.  Lakshmi-chandra Mishra; Betsy B Singh; Simon Dagenais Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine; Mar 2001; 7, 2; ProQuest Nursing & Allied Health Source pg. 36.  Access here

“What is Ayurveda?”. John Hopkins Medicine.  Access here

“What Is Ayurveda?”. Kelli Miller.  March 20th, 2021. WebMD. Access here

“A Beginners Guide to Holistic Health & Why It’s Important”. Amanl Kalti. September 12th, 2022. Healthinsiders.  Access here

Integrative and Holistic Healthcare Specialist Program Blog on Essential Oil Benefits

Posted on by Mark Moran

Essential oils have meet many health needs for individuals.  Through scent and application, they can enter into the blood stream and help with a variety of issues one may be dealing with.  From stress to nausea, to anything in between, essential oils can be excellent complimentary health tools for an individual.  Please also review AIHCP’s Integrative and Holistic Healthcare Specialist Program

Essential oils can have many health benefits. Please also review AIHCP’s Integrative and Holistic Healthcare Specialist Program

 

The article, “7 Potential Health Benefits of Essential Oils” by Lauren Bedosky looks at some benefits of essential oils.  She states,

“Essential oils are bottled plant extracts. They’re made by steaming or pressing plants to trap the compounds responsible for their fragrance, according to John Hopkins Medicine. More importantly, their unique aromas have been employed in healing practices for thousands of years and may have healing properties.”

To read the entire article, please click here

Whenever utilizing complimentary and alternative health modules, it is important to consult a primary physician or other trained healthcare professional.  It is important to ensure the proper methods are being applied and are not in competition with other medications.

Please also review AIHCP’s Integrative and Holistic Healthcare Specialist Program and see if it meets your academic and professional goals. The program is online and independent study and open to healthcare professionals seeking a four year certification in Holistic Health and Holistic Nursing.

Holistic and Integrative Healthcare Specialist Program Blog on Essential Oils

Posted on by Mark Moran

Essential oils play a large role in alternative and medicine.  They can help heal and also prevent a variety of health issues.  It is however important to always remember to consult with your primary physician before utilizing any health product.  Holistic and Integrative Healthcare Specialists can also help guide one down the safe and most beneficial path.  Please also review AIHCP’s Holistic and Integrative Healthcare Specialist Program

There are numerous essential oils with health benefits. Please also review AIHCP’s Holistic and Integrative Healthcare Specialist Program

 

The article, “What Are Essential Oils? A Complete Guide on Aromatherapy and Its Potential Health Benefits” by Lauren Bedosky looks at what essential oils are and their benefits.  She states,

“Essential oils are everywhere. These potent, fragrant plant extracts have made their way into lotions, household cleaners, massage treatments, and even integrative complementary therapy to help manage cancer symptoms.  Their purported benefits are also wide ranging, from improving sleep and decreasing anxiety, to lowering pain and easing headaches, to taming a queasy stomach and fostering deeper relaxation.”

To read the entire article, please click here

Please also review AIHCP’s Holistic and Integrative Healthcare Specialist Program and see if it meets your academic needs.  Nurses and other qualified professionals can earn a four year certification by completing the required online and independent study courses

 

Integrative and Holistic Specialist Program Blog on Adaptogens

Posted on by Mark Moran

Adaptogens are great and natural herbs and supplements to help one manage stress and anxiety.  They are natural but still need to be utilized under care of a specialist due to the fact certain levels can be counter productive or mix poorly with other medications.  Integrative Holistic Specialists can help one find the best herbal supplement for an individual when dealing with stress.

Adaptogens help individuals with stress. Please also review AIHCP’s Integrative and Holistic Health Specialist Program

 

The article, “What Are Adaptogens and Are They Healthy?” from Cleveland Clinic’s Healthessentials takes a closer look at a variety of adaptogens.  The article states,

“Adaptogens can affect how much cortisol is released in your body when you’re stressed. Less cortisol can mean less of a physical stress reaction. As stress is connected to your nervous, endocrine and immune systems, it can cause physiological changes like an increased heart rate. Again, adaptogens can help how your body responds physically to stress.”

To read the entire article, please click here

Please also review AIHCP’s Integrative and Holistic Specialist Program, as well as AIHCP’s Stress Management Program.  The programs are online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification as a Holistic Nurse or Stress Management Consultant.

Holistic and Integrative Care Specialist Blog on Naturopathic Doctors

Posted on by Mark Moran

Integrative medicine and natural medicine looks to treat the whole person.  It is based on alternative strategies to help cure and heal and individual.  Such practices are best used in conjunction with Western medicine and under the supervision of a trained professional.  Many Eastern herbs sometimes can be counter productive if used with others, or even with Western medications.  It is important to contact any primary physician if undertaking any new herbal regiment.

Holistic treatments treat the entire person. Please also review AIHCP’s Holistic and Integrative Healthcare Specialist Program

 

The article, “What Is a Naturopathic Doctor?” by Monisha Bhanote looks closer at alternative types of care. She states,

“Many of the states that allow licensed naturopathic doctors to practice medicine also allow these doctors to prescribe medications — with limitations. Under most state regulations, NDs aren’t allowed to prescribe controlled substances, or substances that are highly controlled by government regulations due to their potential for misuse. However, in New Hampshire, New Mexico, and Washington, an exception is made for certain controlled medications depending on the specific ingredients”

To learn more about these type of doctors and read the entire article, then please click here

Please also review AIHCP’s Holistic and Integrative Care Specialist Program and see if it meets your academic and professional goals.  The program is online and independent study and open to qualified healthcare providers seeking a certification in Holistic Care.