In my relationships, friendships, and business partnerships over the course of my adult life, I have been sometimes the most traumatized, and have been tended to gently and compassionately by others who are less traumatized or have been through more recovery. I have also been the one who has been less traumatized. When I feel that my elders are so far ahead of me in my recovery journeys, I have been known to ask them how they tolerate me. It can be difficult to connect with someone who has a greater trauma burden than you. This is something I have heard from clients and personally experienced.
There is an inequalities in trauma burdens, and in how long we have been in our recovery from trauma. This makes it nearly impossible for 50/50 reciprocity to be balanced. There are other ways to equalize the situation. One person might pay more bills, while another person may do more housework. However, when it comes down to emotional labor such as tending to a relationship, the person who has less severe trauma symptoms or has more time in recovery might end up doing more emotional labor.
You know what? That’s fine with me.
It’s not technically fair, but it isn’t fair that certain people are subject to a greater trauma burden than others. This is because of no fault of theirs. Others are able to live lives that seem a little more comfortable compared to the suffering they have to go through as they grow up and navigate their lives. It’s unfair.
What is Nervous System Privilege?
Steph Jagger, my friend, calls this unfair advantage of having less trauma (and a calmer nervous system that may accompany a less traumatized internal familial system) “nervous systems privilege.” This privilege is not like other unearned privileges such as wealth, whiteness, heterosexuality, wealth, or ablebodiedness. It is, however, a privilege that gives us an advantage in the world.
It can be difficult to determine if someone has nervous system privilege. We can determine their Adverse Childhood Experience score to get a feel for how much Big T trauma they have had. However, the ACE score does not account for things such as racial trauma, Holocaust survivors, growing up in a violent environment, or being queer. It doesn’t take into account developmental trauma such as trauma from benign neglect, trauma from being raised by a narcissistic or passive parent or parents who fail to protect you against someone like them or parents who incompetently raise you.
Many people believe that being high functioning means that you have less trauma. If you are severely traumatized, it might be difficult to reach the top of the corporate ladder, become a doctor, lawyer, author, or make a lot of money, or fulfil a dream, or develop a talent. While it is true that some people can adapt to severe trauma through under-functioning others are just as resilient. The truth is that some of the most high functioning people have the highest trauma burdens. Look at Oprah. Donald Trump. Many Ivy League professors, Olympic and Nobel Prize-winning scientists, movie, rock, and sports stars are also Ivy League. Even healers, spiritual leaders, and gurus who may seem to have overcome their traumas can still be affected by them.
The “Faux Window Of Tolerance”
Stephen Terrell and Kathy Kain, authors of Nurturing Resilience, believe this is due to some trauma survivors’ nervous systems developing a “faux windows of tolerance.” This makes them seem calm, cool and collected even though their nervous system is actually experiencing severe threat. They may have a low pulse, low blood pressure, or appear calm and collected. This could be due to their parasympathetic nervous systems being in “dorsal vagal” mode, which is a state where they are numb, dissociated and disembodied.
This kind of traumatized equanimity can sometimes get people a lot approval. Look at the New York Times’ top-selling spiritual teachers. You might be shocked at how stressed-out many of these supposed enlightened people are if you place them all on monitors.
My relationship with Jeff has been challenging. We have had to adjust to the differences in our nervous system privileges. Yes, he does have privileges that I do not, such as Harvard privilege, male privilege, homeowner/ social class/ higher-income privilege. It turns out, my relative nervous system privilege is the only way I have more privileges than him. Because privilege is also power. Jeff and I both have lots of worldly power in many different ways, but the ability to calm your nervous system and remain in your heart during an intimate relationship can be a huge advantage. This power difference makes it difficult to share power and make things emotionally mutually beneficial when one of you is privy to nervous system privilege.
Balancing out Disparities in Privilege
My class was called “Relationships on the Spiritual Path”. It was a class I taught years ago. People emailed me because they felt frustrated by their partners’ progress in personal growth. This created problems for their relationships. Although I didn’t know the term “nervous systems privilege”, I could have explained to my clients that differences in the nervous system might explain some of these difficulties. This would not make one partner “superior” or treat the other “less than” as spiritual community members often view their partners as less spiritual. This is because we can see it through the lense of nervous system privilege (or absence thereof) and it instantly equalizes us all. It also shatters any grandiosity we might have about thinking we are “further ahead” than our partners and therefore “better then” – which would be a nail in every relational coffin since none of us like being looked down upon.
Steph introduced me to nervous system privilege when she first explained it to me. It took me some time to understand the concept fully. This is something I am still trying to learn as a way to improve my therapy. I concluded that nervous system privilege could be something we should eliminate in order to make affirmative action more equitable. To put it another way, in order to equalize privileges (or lack thereof), we might need to take actions that seem unfair or unequal at first.
I am now taking this into consideration when I approach my partner. It has given me a completely different way to figure out how I can accept my boundaries being violated, how I can handle mistreatment, or how much I will give up for second chances. IFS perspective. He is passionate about his therapy work, brave and strong, and I’m seeing the transformation unfold before my eyes. It’s hot and I have great respect for his dedication to healing.
Be Strong for Yourself and Help Someone Else Who Has Traumatized Parts
Being compassionate and patient with Jeff and his process has been a key part of my recovery. I had a long history of spiritual bypassing, allowing others to abuse me in the name of compassion, suppressing my anger out of my desire to be seen as a good and spiritual person, and staying in dysfunctional relationships due to my need to show loyalty and avoid abandoning those I care about.
To love and respect myself and to protect my parts.
Nancy Morgan, my IFS therapist, is a wonderful person who helped me navigate these razor’s edges. She made sure I was able to keep up with my parts and not sacrifice their needs for mine. I also ensured that I wasn’t putting myself down because I wanted connection with my partner. Although I still have a lot to learn, it is helpful to me to remind Jeff that our relative nervous system privileges are a blessing.
“It’s not fair!”
I will tell them if I feel parts screaming, “It’s not fair!” It’s not fair.” And it often is. Sometimes, I need to ask my partners to take on more risk, to push their boundaries, to trust me more than I sometimes feel comfortable with, even when my judgment isn’t always reliable. To let my parts make the sacrifices that my partner cannot yet, to allow them to loosen their boundaries sometimes, and to not try to control it when it feels out of control and uncontrollable.
If I can get my parts back and comfort them, it will be easier for me to validate them and remind them that Jeff never had the opportunity to cry without being beaten, never had to sit on someone’s lap to comfort him, never had friends, never experienced life outside of his extreme fundamentalist beliefs, never felt loved or cared for by people who could trust his feelings, and was never praised for his achievements in life. All of these things came from my parents. My own problems are my own, and my parents weren’t perfect. It’s true, though, that I grew up in Disney World. Jeff and I tried many different therapies over the years. Jeff, however, has been in therapy for years. I’ve been in trauma healing therapy for five more years than Jeff.
These crucible moments are when I try to validate those parts of me that feel the injustice of my system trying to regulate Jeff. I also try to self-regulate myself. I am aware of the challenges we face and the many things we have to give up to make it work. These parts can feel scared, angry, or sad. Then we return to the center to decide what next. Now. Now. Now, we need to be flexible. We must not get too attached to the past, but also not forget it. Without getting too distracted by future tripping, but without neglecting the importance of planning ahead.
My “not fair” parts will be able to relax and feel compassion towards Jeff. Then me and my parts can work together to find a way for everything to be fair, even if that means I have to do more emotional labor and make more sacrifices and compromises. As they say in recovery, “One day at a while, we find our way together, apart, and together.”
It’s OK to Be Angrily About Unearned Privilege
Jeff can get angry with me sometimes when I stand up for my part and try to hold him responsible for the things that have hurt me. He also tries to understand why it hurts when our agreements or boundaries are broken. He’ll holler, “You’re so PRIVILEGED!”
It makes him feel that I am entitled (in a healthy manner, I hope) either to justice or to defend myself and my fundamental human rights. It was difficult to understand his statement at first. He is a tall, white, male and cis-gender Harvard doctor, with two graduate degrees. Financial security is also a factor. He is more wealthy than I am. He is smarter than I am. He is more respected in mainstream society than I am. In many ways, he’s the ultimate patriarch. You can get so many more privileges, I don’t know what else.
We both now understand why he said that. He has spent his entire life not knowing what he is entitled to. He doesn’t know what his human rights are. He doesn’t know how to fight back, say no, or call the lawyers to press charges against others. He was shocked when I showed him the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which the United Nations has created. It is a utopian vision of what all human beings should be entitled to. He had always believed there were two sets rules: one for him and another for everyone else. Given all his privileges, he now realizes that he is more likely than anyone to be able achieve those rights. However, it still does not feel like that to him.
This helps me to open my heart when he is upset. I can sense the innocence in him and can acknowledge that I am blessed. And I’m sorry that you didn’t get the things I had when I was little.” Then I can help him to become calmer by wrapping my arms around him and humming and rocking them until they realize that we are on the same side, that we’re allies and facing the same mountain of what seems like insurmountable healing. And most importantly, no one’s leaving.
When we do that, it makes everything seem okay, even though we don’t know what’s happening.
The good news is, and I’ll talk more about it in coming posts: unlike other privileges (like heterosexuality or whiteness), nervous system privilege can also be earned. However, this may require financial privileges. This is a health equity issue Jeff & I are working on at .
In future posts, we’ll discuss neuroplasticity more and the possibility of extending the window for tolerance. In future posts, I will also discuss Jeff’s and my work with differences in nervous system privilege.
Before I do, however, I would like to hear your thoughts. What do you think about nervous system privilege? What have you done to improve your nervous system privilege? What has worked? What has been your experience?
In case you’re concerned about it, Jeff (my husband) and I are jointly editing these posts. We want to share our stories in the event it helps someone else with nervous system problems.
Lissa Rankin first published the post “Nervous System Privilege: How to Navigate Reciprocity in Relationships When One Is More Traumatized than The Other”
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Alternative Medicine?
It is a healing approach that focuses on prevention instead of treating. It encourages people become educated consumers who are actively involved in improving their overall health and well-being.
Alternative medicine refers only to any type of treatment and diagnosis that does NOT use allopathic (conventional).
What is the alternative to holistic medicine?
Holistic medicine refers to a holistic approach to health care. It considers all aspects and their emotional, spiritual, and environmental dimensions. Holistic medicine is based in the notion that any illness must have multiple causes. This means that it needs a combination of treatment options to be effective.
Holistic medicine doctors believe that prevention is more effective than treatment. To help patients achieve optimal health, they work closely with them.
They work to find the root cause of disease and prevent it recurring. Holistic doctors look at the whole body, not just the organs. They sometimes refer to “the whole body” as the entirety of their being.
This means that they go beyond skin care and treat the entire body holistically. The doctor may recommend changes in diet, exercise, or lifestyle. The doctor may recommend meditation, yoga, massage, acupuncture or chiropractic treatment.
Is holistic medicine safe?
Holistic remedies are safe, as they are not dangerous drugs, but natural remedies for people who have used them for centuries.
They have been proven to be effective in treating many diseases, including asthma, arthritis, chronic pain, diabetes, high blood sugar, heart disease and obesity, as well as anxiety, stress.
Millions of people all over the globe are using holistic medicine to treat various types of illnesses. They include homeopathy, acupuncture, chiropractic care, herbal treatments, massage therapy, yoga, meditation, biofeedback, hypnosis, nutrition, counseling, physical fitness, exercise, and other complementary therapies. These therapies are holistic and treat the person as a whole, not the symptoms.
Is holistic healing legitimate?
Yes, and no. Yes. Many medicines have been shown to be effective against different ailments. They don’t cure all ailments. It all depends what you mean “holistic.” If holistic means taking into account all aspects a person’s well-being, then yes. However, if it simply means that natural remedies are preferred to chemical ones, then no.
Many people believe holistic medicine has existed since ancient times. This is simply not true. Although there were some natural remedies used by healers in ancient Egypt or Rome, these practitioners did not have scientific knowledge.
It was not until the Middle Ages when medical practitioners began to study anatomy & physiology. This led directly to the development surgery, obstetrics, pharmacology, and a host of other medical specialties. Most Western countries have developed public hospitals, where doctors can provide medical care, by the end of the 19th-century.
Today, traditional medicine is the predominant form of healthcare. However, many people still prefer to use complementary and alternative medicine. Many people find that it is more beneficial than taking pharmaceutical drugs.
Some people are more comfortable receiving massage therapy than taking tranquilizers. Some prefer to eat healthy food over taking prescription medication. Still, others find that regular exercise helps their bodies function at peak performance.
Who uses holistic medicine?
Holistic medicine is health care that treats the whole person as opposed to treating specific symptoms. Holistic medicine focuses on both mental and physical well-being.
Holistic medicine can include acupuncture, massage therapy and chiropractic treatment. It also includes nutritional counseling, yoga, and many other complementary therapies.
The majority of holistic medicine patients have had their conditions addressed.
Statistics
- The use of alternative medicine in the US has increased, with a 50 percent increase in expenditures and a 25 percent increase in the use of alternative therapies between 1990 and 1997 in America. (en.wikipedia.org)
- According to a 2005 book by a US [116]Institute of Medicine panel, the number of RCTs focused on CAM has risen dramatically. (en.wikipedia.org)
- The concept of regression toward the mean implies that an extreme result is more likely to be followed by a less extreme result. (en.wikipedia.org)
- These studies found that 38.4% concluded positive or possibly positive effects for CAM (12.4%), 4.8% concluded no effect, 0.7% concluded harmful effects, and 56.6% concluded insufficient evidence. (en.wikipedia.org)
- category.[111]Edzard Ernst characterized the evidence for many alternative techniques as weak, nonexistent, or negative and in 2011, published his estimate that about 7.4% were based on “sound evidence.” However, he believes that may be an overestimate. (en.wikipedia.org)
External Links
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- PubMed: The Rise and Rise of Complementary and Alternative Medicine: A Sociological Perspective – PubMed
- PubMed: Holistic medicine.
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- BIOFEEDBACK TRAINING and TENSION-TYPE HeADACHE – PubMed
- PubMed. The Effect of Foot reflexology on Hospital Anxiety, Depression and Suffering in Older Women: A Randomized Controlled Test – PubMed
nccih.nih.gov
liebertpub.com
How To
What are the Shortcomings and Advances in Holistic Medicine?
Holistic medicine refers to a medical approach that stresses the importance of the mind, body and spirit in healing. It was created by Dr. Edward Bach (1886-1936), whose first book, The Doctor’s Book of Mind Cure (1924), describes the process. He used simple techniques like meditation and visualization. This treatment helped people suffering from stress, anxiety, depression, pain, insomnia, and many other diseases. Additionally, patients can use this therapy to help them cope with their problems. It also improves their quality of living.
Although holistic therapies have been around for a while, the lack of scientific evidence has made them less popular. Some studies show that holistic treatments can reduce symptoms such as arthritis, asthma, diabetes and heart disease.
There are many positives and negatives to holistic medicine.
- Insufficient scientific evidence. A small number of well-designed randomized controlled trials, (RCTs), evaluate the health benefits of holistic treatments. Positive results are the norm in most observational studies.
- Traditional medicine has a higher cost. Alternative medicines are often cheaper than conventional ones, especially if the patient follows an organic diet.
- Patients are not under any pressure to adhere to the prescribed protocol.
- Many doctors recommend complementary therapies without prescribing them.
- Many holistic therapies can be used alongside conventional medicine. For example, acupuncture may be combined with medication or surgery.
- People believe alternative treatments are better than traditional medicine.
- Alternative drugs are considered more natural and less harmful than traditional drugs.
- Many patients seek out complementary therapies to help them adapt their lifestyles. They not only want their health to be good, but they also want to have fun with their lives.
- Holistic treatment patients are often healthier.
- Older adults are increasingly turning to holistic treatments.
- Research on complementary treatments is still needed.
- Studies show that most people prefer to try alternative treatments before going to a doctor.
- Doctors should understand that not every patient will benefit from alternative treatment.
- Holistic treatment should be part and parcel of our culture as well as our education system.
- Holistic treatments may not be safe for all.
- So that patients can make informed decisions, we must be able to communicate with them about the various therapies.
- Holistic treatments aren’t only for hippies.
- Certain diseases cannot be treated by holistic methods.
- Holistic treatments are sometimes dangerous.
- For certain conditions, holistic therapies are beneficial.
- Holistic treatments can be very effective.
- Holistic therapies are based upon ancient wisdom.
- Holistic treatments are easy and simple to understand.
- Holistic treatments can be hard to understand.
- Holistic therapies are difficult to learn.
- Holistic treatments are too expensive.
- Holistic therapies can be expensive.
- Holistic therapies are more affordable than traditional medicine.
- Holistic treatment is more expensive than conventional medicine.
****
Holistic Medicine–A Brief History
Holistic medicine is a method of healing that treats the whole person, not just the symptoms. It includes physical, emotional, mental, social, spiritual, occupational, environmental, cultural, and lifestyle influences. It promotes prevention over cure.
The first holistic medical school was established at Bastyr University in Seattle in 1972. Holistic medicine began to grow after the publication of Dr. Andrew Weil’s book “Spontaneous Healing” in 1996. Dr. David Williams, and Dr. Michael Murray founded the American Holistic Medical Association in 1997. There are hundreds of holistic medicine programs worldwide today, including Bastyr University (Columbia College of Physicians & Surgeons), Maharishi Ayurveda Institute and Pacific School of Oriental Medicine. Traditional Chinese Medicine is also available.
2013 was the year holistic medicine was declared one of the five main trends in healthcare by the World Health Organization. This trend involves integrating conventional medicine with complementary therapies such acupuncture (homeopathy), herbalism, massage treatment, reiki and yoga. This integration will provide safe, effective and patient-centered care with minimal side effects.
Holistic medicine works due to the interconnectedness between our mind-body-spirit. If any of these three elements are out of balance, illness can occur. Here are some examples:
Anxiety and stress can make you anxious, causing you to feel tense or out of balance. Cortisol is a hormone which increases inflammation. It causes fatigue, weakness, and even sickness.
If your emotions run high, you may experience negative feelings and thoughts like fear, anger, grief, or sadness. These feelings cause stress in your brain. If untreated, these stress hormones can trigger adrenaline and cortisol production. Adrenaline boosts heart rate, blood pressure and breathing rate. Cortisol is a hormone that affects your immune, digestive, and nervous systems. Both hormones cause fatigue, muscle tension, headaches, dizziness, insomnia, anxiety, depression, and other health problems.
Your spirit can become depressed and you may lose your faith in the world. You may also lack self-esteem and confidence. This could result in poor eating habits, unhealthy relationships and low energy. You feel happy, joyful, peaceful, and optimistic when your spirit is healthy.
The difference between alternative medicine and allopathic medicine
Allopathic medicine uses scientific methods. Doctors use x-rays (MRIs, CAT scanners), and other technologies to diagnose patients. When necessary, they prescribe medication and perform surgery. Allopathic doctors believe that they have a complete understanding of the human body and can treat any illnesses. Alternative medicine involves herbs, vitamins minerals, diet, exercise and spiritual healing. There is no standard definition of alternative medicine. It is sometimes called natural medicine, integrative medical, or complementary medicine. Other names include traditional medicine and naturopathic medicines.
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This blog is a source of general information and discussion on health and related topics. Information and materials on this blog, on the website, or in any of the connected materials are not intended to replace or used as a substitute for the advice of a medical professional, diagnosis, or treatment. This blog does not represent the application of any nursing, medical or other health professional advice or diagnosis. We are unable to diagnose health conditions, offer second opinions or provide specific treatment recommendations via this blog or on our website.
If you or another person is suffering from a medical issue and you are concerned, consult your doctor or seek out other medical professional treatment as soon as possible. Do not disregard medical advice from a professional or delay seeking it due to information you seen on the blog or website or in any of the linked materials. If you’re experiencing an emergency medical situation, dial 911 or seek emergency medical assistance on the closest phone immediately.
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By: Karoline
Title: “Nervous System Privilege”- How To Navigate Reciprocity In Relationship When One Of You Is More Traumatized Than The Other
Sourced From: lissarankin.com/nervous-system-privilege-how-to-navigate-reciprocity-in-relationship-when-one-of-you-is-more-traumatized-than-the-other/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=nervous-system-privilege-how-to-navigate-reciprocity-in-relationship-when-one-of-you-is-more-traumatized-than-the-other
Published Date: Thu, 26 Jan 2023 00:59:19 +0000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Alternative Medicine?
It is a healing approach that focuses on prevention instead of treating. It encourages people become educated consumers who are actively involved in improving their overall health and well-being.
Alternative medicine refers only to any type of treatment and diagnosis that does NOT use allopathic (conventional).
What is the alternative to holistic medicine?
Holistic medicine refers to a holistic approach to health care. It considers all aspects and their emotional, spiritual, and environmental dimensions. Holistic medicine is based in the notion that any illness must have multiple causes. This means that it needs a combination of treatment options to be effective.
Holistic medicine doctors believe that prevention is more effective than treatment. To help patients achieve optimal health, they work closely with them.
They work to find the root cause of disease and prevent it recurring. Holistic doctors look at the whole body, not just the organs. They sometimes refer to “the whole body” as the entirety of their being.
This means that they go beyond skin care and treat the entire body holistically. The doctor may recommend changes in diet, exercise, or lifestyle. The doctor may recommend meditation, yoga, massage, acupuncture or chiropractic treatment.
Is holistic medicine safe?
Holistic remedies are safe, as they are not dangerous drugs, but natural remedies for people who have used them for centuries.
They have been proven to be effective in treating many diseases, including asthma, arthritis, chronic pain, diabetes, high blood sugar, heart disease and obesity, as well as anxiety, stress.
Millions of people all over the globe are using holistic medicine to treat various types of illnesses. They include homeopathy, acupuncture, chiropractic care, herbal treatments, massage therapy, yoga, meditation, biofeedback, hypnosis, nutrition, counseling, physical fitness, exercise, and other complementary therapies. These therapies are holistic and treat the person as a whole, not the symptoms.
Is holistic healing legitimate?
Yes, and no. Yes. Many medicines have been shown to be effective against different ailments. They don’t cure all ailments. It all depends what you mean “holistic.” If holistic means taking into account all aspects a person’s well-being, then yes. However, if it simply means that natural remedies are preferred to chemical ones, then no.
Many people believe holistic medicine has existed since ancient times. This is simply not true. Although there were some natural remedies used by healers in ancient Egypt or Rome, these practitioners did not have scientific knowledge.
It was not until the Middle Ages when medical practitioners began to study anatomy & physiology. This led directly to the development surgery, obstetrics, pharmacology, and a host of other medical specialties. Most Western countries have developed public hospitals, where doctors can provide medical care, by the end of the 19th-century.
Today, traditional medicine is the predominant form of healthcare. However, many people still prefer to use complementary and alternative medicine. Many people find that it is more beneficial than taking pharmaceutical drugs.
Some people are more comfortable receiving massage therapy than taking tranquilizers. Some prefer to eat healthy food over taking prescription medication. Still, others find that regular exercise helps their bodies function at peak performance.
Who uses holistic medicine?
Holistic medicine is health care that treats the whole person as opposed to treating specific symptoms. Holistic medicine focuses on both mental and physical well-being.
Holistic medicine can include acupuncture, massage therapy and chiropractic treatment. It also includes nutritional counseling, yoga, and many other complementary therapies.
The majority of holistic medicine patients have had their conditions addressed.
Statistics
- The use of alternative medicine in the US has increased, with a 50 percent increase in expenditures and a 25 percent increase in the use of alternative therapies between 1990 and 1997 in America. (en.wikipedia.org)
- According to a 2005 book by a US [116]Institute of Medicine panel, the number of RCTs focused on CAM has risen dramatically. (en.wikipedia.org)
- The concept of regression toward the mean implies that an extreme result is more likely to be followed by a less extreme result. (en.wikipedia.org)
- These studies found that 38.4% concluded positive or possibly positive effects for CAM (12.4%), 4.8% concluded no effect, 0.7% concluded harmful effects, and 56.6% concluded insufficient evidence. (en.wikipedia.org)
- category.[111]Edzard Ernst characterized the evidence for many alternative techniques as weak, nonexistent, or negative and in 2011, published his estimate that about 7.4% were based on “sound evidence.” However, he believes that may be an overestimate. (en.wikipedia.org)
External Links
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- PubMed: The Rise and Rise of Complementary and Alternative Medicine: A Sociological Perspective – PubMed
- PubMed: Holistic medicine.
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- BIOFEEDBACK TRAINING and TENSION-TYPE HeADACHE – PubMed
- PubMed. The Effect of Foot reflexology on Hospital Anxiety, Depression and Suffering in Older Women: A Randomized Controlled Test – PubMed
nccih.nih.gov
liebertpub.com
How To
What are the Shortcomings and Advances in Holistic Medicine?
Holistic medicine refers to a medical approach that stresses the importance of the mind, body and spirit in healing. It was created by Dr. Edward Bach (1886-1936), whose first book, The Doctor’s Book of Mind Cure (1924), describes the process. He used simple techniques like meditation and visualization. This treatment helped people suffering from stress, anxiety, depression, pain, insomnia, and many other diseases. Additionally, patients can use this therapy to help them cope with their problems. It also improves their quality of living.
Although holistic therapies have been around for a while, the lack of scientific evidence has made them less popular. Some studies show that holistic treatments can reduce symptoms such as arthritis, asthma, diabetes and heart disease.
There are many positives and negatives to holistic medicine.
- Insufficient scientific evidence. A small number of well-designed randomized controlled trials, (RCTs), evaluate the health benefits of holistic treatments. Positive results are the norm in most observational studies.
- Traditional medicine has a higher cost. Alternative medicines are often cheaper than conventional ones, especially if the patient follows an organic diet.
- Patients are not under any pressure to adhere to the prescribed protocol.
- Many doctors recommend complementary therapies without prescribing them.
- Many holistic therapies can be used alongside conventional medicine. For example, acupuncture may be combined with medication or surgery.
- People believe alternative treatments are better than traditional medicine.
- Alternative drugs are considered more natural and less harmful than traditional drugs.
- Many patients seek out complementary therapies to help them adapt their lifestyles. They not only want their health to be good, but they also want to have fun with their lives.
- Holistic treatment patients are often healthier.
- Older adults are increasingly turning to holistic treatments.
- Research on complementary treatments is still needed.
- Studies show that most people prefer to try alternative treatments before going to a doctor.
- Doctors should understand that not every patient will benefit from alternative treatment.
- Holistic treatment should be part and parcel of our culture as well as our education system.
- Holistic treatments may not be safe for all.
- So that patients can make informed decisions, we must be able to communicate with them about the various therapies.
- Holistic treatments aren’t only for hippies.
- Certain diseases cannot be treated by holistic methods.
- Holistic treatments are sometimes dangerous.
- For certain conditions, holistic therapies are beneficial.
- Holistic treatments can be very effective.
- Holistic therapies are based upon ancient wisdom.
- Holistic treatments are easy and simple to understand.
- Holistic treatments can be hard to understand.
- Holistic therapies are difficult to learn.
- Holistic treatments are too expensive.
- Holistic therapies can be expensive.
- Holistic therapies are more affordable than traditional medicine.
- Holistic treatment is more expensive than conventional medicine.
****
Holistic Medicine–A Brief History
Holistic medicine is a method of healing that treats the whole person, not just the symptoms. It includes physical, emotional, mental, social, spiritual, occupational, environmental, cultural, and lifestyle influences. It promotes prevention over cure.
The first holistic medical school was established at Bastyr University in Seattle in 1972. Holistic medicine began to grow after the publication of Dr. Andrew Weil’s book “Spontaneous Healing” in 1996. Dr. David Williams, and Dr. Michael Murray founded the American Holistic Medical Association in 1997. There are hundreds of holistic medicine programs worldwide today, including Bastyr University (Columbia College of Physicians & Surgeons), Maharishi Ayurveda Institute and Pacific School of Oriental Medicine. Traditional Chinese Medicine is also available.
2013 was the year holistic medicine was declared one of the five main trends in healthcare by the World Health Organization. This trend involves integrating conventional medicine with complementary therapies such acupuncture (homeopathy), herbalism, massage treatment, reiki and yoga. This integration will provide safe, effective and patient-centered care with minimal side effects.
Holistic medicine works due to the interconnectedness between our mind-body-spirit. If any of these three elements are out of balance, illness can occur. Here are some examples:
Anxiety and stress can make you anxious, causing you to feel tense or out of balance. Cortisol is a hormone which increases inflammation. It causes fatigue, weakness, and even sickness.
If your emotions run high, you may experience negative feelings and thoughts like fear, anger, grief, or sadness. These feelings cause stress in your brain. If untreated, these stress hormones can trigger adrenaline and cortisol production. Adrenaline boosts heart rate, blood pressure and breathing rate. Cortisol is a hormone that affects your immune, digestive, and nervous systems. Both hormones cause fatigue, muscle tension, headaches, dizziness, insomnia, anxiety, depression, and other health problems.
Your spirit can become depressed and you may lose your faith in the world. You may also lack self-esteem and confidence. This could result in poor eating habits, unhealthy relationships and low energy. You feel happy, joyful, peaceful, and optimistic when your spirit is healthy.
The difference between alternative medicine and allopathic medicine
Allopathic medicine uses scientific methods. Doctors use x-rays (MRIs, CAT scanners), and other technologies to diagnose patients. When necessary, they prescribe medication and perform surgery. Allopathic doctors believe that they have a complete understanding of the human body and can treat any illnesses. Alternative medicine involves herbs, vitamins minerals, diet, exercise and spiritual healing. There is no standard definition of alternative medicine. It is sometimes called natural medicine, integrative medical, or complementary medicine. Other names include traditional medicine and naturopathic medicines.
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