How effective are different therapies at treating common conditions?
With assistance from experts in their fields, Natural Parenting in Sydney has developed a series of comparative tables listing a range of common conditions and the effectiveness of different therapies at treating them.
Natural Therapies (Homoeopathy, Naturopathy, Western Herbalism)
Traditional Chinese Medicine (Acupuncture & Chinese Herbal Medicine)
Chiropractic
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is part of a system of primary health care called Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) which also includes Chinese Herbal Medicine and remedial massage.
As a natural form of healing, acupuncture has the following benefits:
provides drug-free pain relief
effectively treats a wide range of acute and chronic ailments
treats the underlying cause as well as the symptoms
provides a wholistic approach to treatment, linking body, mind and emotions
assists in the prevention of disease and illness as well as the maintenance of general well-being (Source)
Acupuncture, often in conjunction with Chinese Herbal Medicine, is particularly effective in providing obstetric and pediatric care.
Conditions treated
See Effectiveness of Traditional Chinese Medicine at treating common conditions
Aromatherapy
Under development
Chiropractic
Also see Chiropractic & Osteopathic Care – conditions that can be treated and need not be endured
"Chiropractic is a health care discipline which emphasises the inherent recuperative powers of the body to heal itself without the use of drugs and surgery. The practice of chiropractic focuses on the relationship between structure (primarily the spine) and function (as coordinated by the nerve system) and how that relationship effects the preservation and restoration of health" (Source).
Conditions treated
See Effectiveness of Chiropractic at treating common conditions
Environmental Medicine
Environmental medicine, which looks at the toxicity of your environment, identifies problem chemicals through various testing procedures, seeks to minimise exposure to the identified culprit and to improve patient nutrition, digestion, detoxification and immunity.
Environmental pollutants include:
Pesticides and herbicides that are sprayed on vegetables and fruit
Residues of drugs fed to animals prior to slaughter e.g. antibiotics and synthetic hormones
Preservatives, colourings, additives and chemicals in processed foods
Heavy metals in our waterways that affect fish, seafood and drinking water
Many conditions may benefit from treatment including chronic, allergic, inflammatory and immune system conditions.
The following conditions have been linked to environmental toxicity: Arthritis, skin disease, chronic fatigue, cancer, nervous diseases including headaches, ADD and senile dementia (Source).
Herbal Medicine (Western & Chinese)
Western Herbalist
Herbal medicine is medicine made exclusively from plants and it is used in all societies and is common to all cultures.
The effectiveness of plant derived medicines used by Western herbalists is increasingly being validated by scientific investigation which seeks to understand the active chemistry of the plant. Many modern pharmaceuticals have been modeled on, or derived from chemicals found in plants.
A medical herbalist:
is highly trained in the philosophies, principles and practice of western herbal medicine and medical science;
takes a holistic view towards health and illness;
will assess you as a person and not a disease;
prescribes and dispenses plant medicines in a safe and effective manner;
seeks to treat the underlying cause of disease;
acknowledges the body’s innate ability to heal itself;
aims to prevent disease and restore health;
provides dietary and lifestyle advice;
is an authoritative source of information about natural medicine (Source).
Conditions treated
See Effectiveness of Natural Therapies at treating common conditionss
Chinese Herbal Medicine
"Chinese Herbal Medicine is part of a system of primary health care called Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) which also includes Acupuncture and remedial massage.
Chinese herbal medicine takes a holistic approach to understanding normal function and disease processes and focuses as much on the prevention of illness as on the treatment.
Most diseases or illnesses present with
a core set of recognizable signs and symptoms, but the actual
presentation of a particular disease or illness will vary from person
to person. For this reason, people with similar health conditions may
be provided with quite different Chinese herbal medicine
prescriptions.
A qualified practitioner is able to prescribe a
Chinese herbal formula that specifically matches and treats your
individual health problem. As your condition changes and improves
with treatment, the Chinese herbal treatment is also adjusted and
modified until the desired health outcome is achieved" (Source).
Chinese Herbal Medicine, often in conjunction with Acupuncture is particularly effective in providing obstetric and pediatric care.
Conditions treated
See Effectiveness of Traditional Chinese Medicine at treating common conditions
Homoeopath
Homeopathy, like Naturopathy, places an emphasis on preventing illnesses and treating the causes of disease, in contrast to modern medicine’s simply naming and treating symptoms through drugs or surgery.
Treatments strengthen a person’s health, stimulating the body’s inherent ability to fight infection and to overcome any underlying susceptibility to disease.
One of the principles of Homoeopathy is that people vary in their response to an illness according to their basic temperament. It therefore follows that a homoeopath does not automatically prescribe a specific remedy for a specific illness. Instead the Homoeopath tries to determine the patient's temperament and responses and so prescribes on a more individual basis. People suffering from the same conditions often require different remedies. On the other hand, another group of people with different conditions may all benefit from the same remedy.
Treatments
Homoeopathic medicines are derived from plant, animal, mineral and microbiological sources. They given as a liquid or pillules, are very diluted and small amounts are enough to stimulate the body’s healing processes.
Training
Homoeopaths are trained in homoeopathy and in some cases have additional naturopathic training.
Conditions treated
Homoeopathic medicine can treat most diseases, health complaints or conditions. It is particularly helpful during pregnancy, when many pharmaceuticals are contraindicated and for treating infants and small children. It may be useful as a therapy for disorders that do not respond well to conventional treatment.
See Effectiveness of Natural Therapies at treating common conditionss
Hypnotherapy
Birth Hypnosis
Hypnosis for labour is about learning techniques and cues to help bring the woman to a state of complete relaxation so she can be aware of what is going on without fear which is followed by tension and pain (the fear-tension-pain cycle). The techniques learned can be used in many life situations well beyond the birth of the baby (Source).
"I used self-hypnosis in labour with my third birth. The focus was not freedom from pain but on a smooth, perfect labour and acceptance of any pain. I believe it helped with the pain by making me incredibly relaxed and welcoming of the entire process whatever it came out to be. Knowing I had this tool under my belt to avoid drugs also made me feel very courageous.
I didn't start doing it until labour was established and started to become painful and it reduced the pain to almost nothing (like period pain). I was disassociated from the pain (as if in a dream where you are injured but feel nothing) but I was not disassociated from the birth experience at all. Actually, I would say that I was the most 'there in the moment' and 'in tune with my body and my baby' out of all three of my birthings. I felt very in control and totally 'with it', marvelling, even through the experience, at how well it was working for me. I did not feel that I had missed any of the birthing experience but quite the opposite - because I was not overwhelmed by the pain I was able to fully savour the entire process. It was great" (Sam, mother of 3)
See the Natural Parenting Directory (on the left hand side of this website) for birth hypnosis courses.
Integrative Medicine
Under development
Massage
Pregnancy massage
"The experience of pregnancy and childbirth is one of the most exciting, rewarding yet challenging times in a women’s life. Regular massage allows you to get in touch with your body, enabling you to recognize tension, maintain general wellbeing and help minimize the various discomforts associated with pregnancy, including:
Back pain
Exhaustion
Leg cramps
Swelling of the hands and feet
Combining Aromatherapy with massage allows you to create an anxiety free atmosphere during childbirth as many oils are:
Uplifting
Uterine tonics / relaxants
Analgesic
Consulting a professional therapist will allow you to choose which oils are the most suitable.
Massage and touch is the primary language for your baby. In utero, babies can hear, smell, see and feel establishing bonds that will last forever" (Source).
See the Natural Parenting Directory (on the left hand side of this website) for pregnancy massage practitioners.
Infant massage
"When your baby is born the bond between you can be enhanced through Infant Massage. This can be done as soon as you feel ready and can include both parent/partners and caregivers. Some of the benefits include:
Relief of colic, gas and constipation
Reduction of stress
Better sleep routine
Massage helps babies and caregivers interact. It is something you do with your baby not simply for your baby. Massage also encourages trust, intimacy and respect. The lessons of compassion, warmth and openness will be carried into adulthood" (Source).
See the Natural Parenting Directory (on the left hand side of this website) for infant massage courses.
Natural Remedies
Eczema
A naturopath can treat eczema and help to identify food allergens in the breastfed baby who develops eczema.
“With the help of my naturopath we identified that my fully breastfed baby was reacting to lactose in my diet. We are also treating him naturopathically to reduce his susceptibility as he gets older" (Jen, mother of 2)
Oatmeal in the bath (unless you have a history of gluten allergy)
Put the oatmeal into a stocking with a knot tied in it (otherwise you end up sitting in porridge) and you can use it like regular soap on the grimy bits. It’s a great substitute to soap even without the eczema as it makes your skin really soft afterwards.
Oils
Hemp oil and emu oil are excellent and all are available from health food stores or online.
Lice & Nits
Under development
Fever
Many parents are fearful of fevers in their children and seek to bring their temperature down with paracetamol. However fever has an important role to play in fighting infection, fever reducing medications can mask symptoms and increase the recovery time. There are alternative ways to make your child more comfortable whilst allowing their body to heal itself.
Essential oils work fast to bring the fever down rather than remove it completely. The following oils are antiseptic, anti-viral, anti-bacterial and reduce fever: Peppermint, Lavender, Eucalyptus, Tea Tree.
How to use essential oils when treating fever
Put 2-3 drops of essential oil into a warm (never hot) bath (with a cup or 2 of full cream milk or a couple of tablespoons of oil to dispurse the essential oil).
OR
Put 2-3 drops of essential oil into a bowl of water, dip in a face washer and wipe down bubs face, neck, arms, legs etc.
OR
If child cannot bear to be touched you can simply wipe down their feet with the face washer or give them a foot bath with a few drops of essential oil.
Homoeopathic remedies are also effective in reducing the discomfort of fever without removing its healing qualities.
See Effectiveness of Natural Therapies at treating common conditionss
See the Natural Parenting Directory (on the left hand side of this website) for naturopaths, homoeopaths and herbalists who can provide assistance with fevers.
Fever in Children - A Blessing in Disguise by Linda B. White & Sunny Mavor
Naturopath
Naturopathy, like Homeopathy, places an emphasis on preventing illnesses and treating the causes of disease, in contrast to modern medicine’s simply naming and treating symptoms through drugs or surgery.
Treatments strengthen a person’s health, stimulating the body’s inherent ability to fight infection and to overcome any underlying susceptibility to disease.
Naturopathic principles may be applied to almost any health concern, acute (eg. colds and flu) or chronic. Chronic conditions may particularly benefit because of their connection to diet and lifestyle behaviours.
Treatments
Treatments used by naturopaths include a combination of herbal and homoeopathic medicines, diet, lifestyle changes and client education.
Training
Naturopaths are trained in Nutrition, Herbal Medicine, Homoeopathy, and in some cases Traditional Chinese Medicine and massage.
Conditions treated
See Effectiveness of Natural Therapies at treating common conditionss
Nutritionist
Nutritionists provide advice on the relationship between diet and food sensitivities to health problems, and the possible need for vitamin, mineral, amino acid or other dietary therapy. The majority of Naturopaths are trained nutritionists.
Osteopath
Also see Chiropractic/Osteopathic care – conditions that can be treated and need not be endured
"Osteopathy is a 'whole body'
system of manual therapy, based on unique biomechanical principles,
which uses a wide range of techniques to treat musculoskeletal
problems and other functional disorders of the body" (Source).
Conditions treated
See Effectiveness of Osteopathy at treating common conditions
Reflexology
Reflexology maps out the reflexes on the feet and hands to all the organs and the rest of the body. By applying acupressure and massage techniques to the feet and hands, all the other body parts are positively affected. Reflexology helps heal the whole person not just the prevailing symptoms.
Reiki
Reiki re-establishes a normal energy flow of ki (life force energy) throughout the body, which in turn can enhance and accelerate the body's innate healing ability. Through a series of hand positions either directly on or just above the body, the practitioner allows for the flow of energy through their body. The client’s body then draws off the amount of energy that is required. The simplicity of a Reiki session may raise some scepticism; however, after experiencing it, many clients keep coming back for more of those relaxing feelings (Source).
Traditional Chinese Medicine
See Acupuncture & Herbal Medicine (Western & Chinese)
Yoga
There are many physical benefits of practicing yoga while pregnant. "When practiced mindfully, yoga increases flexibility, strength, circulation and balance. Pregnancy is such a physical experience and a woman often becomes hyperaware of the many changes her body is going through. Yoga allows her to adapt more gracefully to these changes and to feel a sense of integration and appreciation for her body. Many women find that regular yoga practice helps to reduce swelling, back and leg pain, and insomnia" (Source).
Importantly yoga also allows women to practice many of the active birth positions that will be used during labour.
Note: While many pregnancy yoga practitioners encourage inversions and reclining positions, some midwives question their benefit, as they can contribute towards the posterior presentation of babies (see Optimal Fetal Positioning). Many other poses are excellent at maintaining strength, stamina and flexibility.
Books
Encyclopedia of Natural Health and
Healing for Children: the complete guide to safe and effective home
treatments
by Marcea Weber, Prima Publishing, California, 1992
This useful book has an A-Z guide to children’s complaints, information on orthodox medicine and their side effects, organized by the type of illness, and a scale of intervention table indicating when medical intervention is warranted.
Challenging Children - Success with Homeopathy by Linlee Jordan
Do you have a child who is challenging? Are you looking for help to manage them without pharmaceuticals? The stories in this book are about Australian kids who have had success with Homeopathy offer inspiration and hope to everyone working and living with challenging children.
Book Review By Dr Isaac Golden, World Authority on Homeoprophylaxis
" In a word - delightful! .... Its a reassuring conversation, one that brings hope to suffering parents, and shows that there is a genuine possibility of helping their challenging children to a life of balance, happiness, and peace" (Source).
Take Control of Your Health by Elaine Hollingsworth
"This book is amazing. Very well researched, exposes the truth about all sorts of health issues. New and updated version, here is the whole thing on PDF.
Many of us already have previous versions in hard copy, it's becoming a classic.Great to help people wanting to learn the truth about health, nutrition and taking responsibility for ourselves, it also dispels lots of myths we have been exposed to through the media and big business.
Flick to the contents on page 5-6 to see the range of health topics covered...go Elaine!"
(Alice, mother of 2)