As we transition into the fall season, supporting our immunity becomes increasingly crucial to combat the various viruses we may encounter. The lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic have highlighted the significance of immune support. In addition to the stresses associated with the evolving holiday celebrations, we also face the seasonal challenges of colds and flu.
Effective Strategies for Building Immune Support
Humans are not mechanical beings; rather, we are self-healing organisms with dynamic immune systems. Therefore, it is essential to take proactive steps to enhance our immunity and increase our resilience. Conversely, certain lifestyle choices can weaken our immunity and make us more susceptible to illnesses.
Within the realm of complementary and integrative healthcare, the focus is on nurturing and bolstering the body’s natural defenses. Emphasizing support for the body’s innate healing mechanisms is prioritized over relying solely on pharmaceutical interventions for protection or treatment.
Can Quality Sleep Enhance Immune Function?
During sleep, our bodies produce cytokines, a type of protein that combats infections and reduces inflammation, thereby strengthening the immune response. Moreover, T-cells, vital white blood cells responsible for fighting infectious diseases, are generated while we sleep. Adequate, high-quality sleep, typically ranging from seven to nine hours, is essential for rejuvenating the body and fortifying the immune system. Prioritizing sufficient rest not only boosts immunity but also promotes emotional stability, vitality, and resilience, especially in challenging circumstances.
Regular exercise not only aids in falling asleep faster but also enhances the quality of sleep by prolonging the duration of deep sleep. Deep sleep stages contribute to bolstering immune function, managing stress levels, and alleviating anxiety.
Tips for Managing Lifestyle Stress
Coping with stress varies from person to person, but incorporating mind-body practices is beneficial for many individuals. Engaging in mindfulness activities such as meditation or specific forms of yoga that integrate movement can effectively calm the nervous system, regulate heart rate, and control breathing, thereby reducing stress levels significantly.
In today’s high-stress environment inundated with negative news from the media, implementing a regular media detox can be a valuable coping strategy. Constantly consuming distressing news through various channels, including social media, can take a toll on mental well-being. Setting boundaries on media consumption, whether through television, mobile devices, or social platforms, can help safeguard our mental health and emotional balance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the Difference Between Naturopathic Medicine & Holistic Medicine.
The two main types of medicine are conventional medicine and complementary/alternative medicine. Conventional medicine relies heavily on drugs and surgery to treat its patients. Complementary/Alternative Medicine (CAM) uses natural therapies such as herbs, vitamins, acupuncture, and massage to treat illness and promote health. CAM is not considered a substitute for conventional treatment but rather an addition to helping patients who want to take control of their healthcare by choosing what they believe is most appropriate.
Naturopathy, on the other hand is used to supplement conventional medical practices. It is a holistic approach to treating the whole body, mind, as well as the spirit. There are many different forms of naturopathy, including Chinese Medicine, Ayurveda, Traditional Native American Medicine, and Functional Medicine.
It is important to note that some CAM modalities overlap with conventional medicine. Naturopaths and doctors can prescribe herbal remedies. Naturopaths, however, tend to recommend lifestyle changes rather than prescription medication.
Naturopathy is often called “complementary” or “complementary”, because it works with traditional medicine rather than replacing it. Naturopaths might prescribe medication if necessary.
There are some differences in naturopathic medicine from other CAM modalities.
- Naturopaths rarely prescribe medication.
- Naturopaths will work with the patient’s family medicine and may refer patients outpatients to specialists, if necessary.
- Naturopathic doctors are licensed by the provincial licensing boards. CAM practitioners, however, are self-regulated.
- Naturopathy emphasizes prevention, wellness, and education about diet & exercise.
- Naturopaths stress the importance of lifestyle factors. This includes nutrition, exercise and stress management.
- Naturopharmacists specialize in the use of botanicals and minerals to treat specific conditions.
- Naturopodists receive individualized care according to the unique needs of each patient.
- The College of Naturopathic Physicians of Ontario is responsible for licensing Naturopaths.
- Naturopatrists are licensed by provincial regulatory bodies.
- The Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors has registered Naturopaticians.
- The College of Naturopaths of British Columbia is responsible for licensing Naturotherapists.
- Naturobiotic therapists are licensed by the United States National Board of Medical Examiners.
- The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency entitles homeopaths.
- The concept of “holistic” is a belief that all aspects – spiritual, emotional, and social – should be considered when making decisions regarding one’s health. Holistic doctors will consider these elements together instead of focusing only on one aspect.
Who uses holistic medicine
Holistic medicine is a holistic approach to healthcare that treats the whole person, not just specific symptoms. It considers both the mental, and physical aspects.
Holistic medicine encompasses acupuncture and massage therapy, chiropractic treatment as well as nutritional counseling, yoga and other complementary therapies.
A holistic approach to medicine includes those with heart problems, cancer, diabetes, arthritis or depression.
Why is holistic healing better?
Holistic care addresses the whole person rather that individual symptoms. This means looking at how someone feels, what they eat, where they live, how much stress they are under etc…
Holistic medicine takes into account all aspects of a patient’s life and treats them like a whole package. While it sounds simple, it can be very challenging to implement in practice because doctors often focus on the patient’s physical health.
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)
- In 83% of the cases, the readers agreed. (en.wikipedia.org)
- In the 17% in which they disagreed, a third reader agreed with one of the initial readers to set a rating. (en.wikipedia.org)
- According to the World Health Organization, 80% of people use herbal medicine worldwide. (webmd.com)
- A 15-year systematic review published in 2022 on the global acceptance and use of CAM among medical specialists found the overall acceptance of CAM at 52% and the overall use at 45%. (en.wikipedia.org)
External Links
cam.cancer.gov
webmd.com
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
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- PubMed: The rise and rise in complementary and alternative medicine: A sociological perspective
- PubMed – Holistic medicine
How To
How to pursue a career in Holistic Medicine
The field of holistic medicine continues to grow at an incredible rate. There are many ways you can pursue this career path. Returning to school is the best way to go if you’re looking to make a career out of this.
Several schools offer courses in holistic medicine. These include the National College for Complementary Medicines. They offer both undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. There are also programs that are specifically designed for medical professionals who want to enter this field.
Many online universities also offer classes in holistic health. The Institute of Integrative Nutrition, (IIN), is one example of such an online program. The institute provides students with a range of holistic health education tools.
You can also enroll in a four-year college. Many colleges offer holistic health courses. For example, the University of California offers a Bachelor of Science in Holistic Health Sciences.
If you plan on pursuing a career in holistic medicine, you should consider taking a course in nutrition. The NCCM recommends that students study nutrition before embarking on any professional training. A good knowledge of nutrition is crucial for integrative medicine.
Because holistic medicine focuses on treating the whole person rather than just focusing on symptoms, it requires more knowledge and skill than conventional medicine does. Holistic medicine will require that holistic practitioners understand how to evaluate various types of illness from an interdisciplinary perspective.
The NCCM reports that nutritionists often consult with doctors to provide nutritional advice to their patients. Based on the assessment of the patient, some nutritionists will suggest diets or supplements.
A holistic practitioner must be familiar with basic nutrition principles. This includes knowing what foods are healthy and what ones aren’t. It is also about identifying nutrient deficiencies as well as other problems that may cause them.
It is important for holistic practitioners to realize that not all specialize in nutrition. Some focus exclusively on herbal treatments, others only on acupuncture. Some combine the two methods into one.
But holistic practitioners suggest a diet rich and varied in fruits, veggies, nuts, seeds, legumes, and grains. They also recommend that you eat plenty of seafood and fish. They advise avoiding processed food products and fast food restaurants. Instead, they encourage people to eat organic produce whenever possible.
The one thing holistic practitioners can agree on is the importance of a balanced diet in helping to prevent diseases. However, there are some points they disagree with. For example, they don’t believe gluten causes celiac. Instead, they believe that a lack in nutrients is responsible for the disorder’s onset.
However, they do acknowledge that some foods can cause allergic reactions. Anaphylaxis is caused by shellfish and peanuts, according to them. They also warn against excessive caffeine.
While many holistic practitioners use herbs to treat various illnesses, they avoid using pharmaceutical drugs. Because such drugs are not effective in solving the problem but only mask it, holistic practitioners avoid using them. They prefer natural remedies whenever possible.
In addition to offering a variety of alternative therapies, holistic practitioners tend to employ a number of complementary methods. These include:
- Acupuncture-In Chinese medicine, acupuncture involves inserting needles strategically into the skin. It is believed that this stimulates our body’s healing ability.
- Herbal therapy – Holistic practitioners often use herbs to treat a variety of disorders. Ginseng, a popular herb for this purpose, is one of the most common.
- Homeopathy – Another form of traditional Chinese medicine, homeopathy is based on the principle of like cures. Imagine that you have a similar symptom to someone who has the same ailment. In such cases, it’s important to find a remedy with the same ingredients that the original medication.
- Massage therapy – Many holistic practitioners offer massage to promote relaxation and stress reduction. They claim that massage therapy can improve blood circulation and energy levels as well as ease muscle tension.
You should make sure that the practitioner you choose meets your needs. For example, a practitioner who specializes in nutrition counseling is a good choice. Likewise, if you want to learn more about acupuncture, find a practitioner certified by the American Association of Oriental Medicine (AAOM).
If you have any questions regarding holistic health care, ask your doctor before making any decisions. You may also wish to check with your insurance provider to know what services are covered.
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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: Dick Benson
Title: Tips to Boost Immunity Naturally
Sourced From: alternativemedicine.com/immunity/health-tips-immunity/tips-for-supporting-immunity/
Published Date: Sun, 23 Jun 2024 00:33:02 +0000
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the Difference Between Naturopathic Medicine & Holistic Medicine.
The two main types of medicine are conventional medicine and complementary/alternative medicine. Conventional medicine relies heavily on drugs and surgery to treat its patients. Complementary/Alternative Medicine (CAM) uses natural therapies such as herbs, vitamins, acupuncture, and massage to treat illness and promote health. CAM is not considered a substitute for conventional treatment but rather an addition to helping patients who want to take control of their healthcare by choosing what they believe is most appropriate.
Naturopathy, on the other hand is used to supplement conventional medical practices. It is a holistic approach to treating the whole body, mind, as well as the spirit. There are many different forms of naturopathy, including Chinese Medicine, Ayurveda, Traditional Native American Medicine, and Functional Medicine.
It is important to note that some CAM modalities overlap with conventional medicine. Naturopaths and doctors can prescribe herbal remedies. Naturopaths, however, tend to recommend lifestyle changes rather than prescription medication.
Naturopathy is often called “complementary” or “complementary”, because it works with traditional medicine rather than replacing it. Naturopaths might prescribe medication if necessary.
There are some differences in naturopathic medicine from other CAM modalities.
- Naturopaths rarely prescribe medication.
- Naturopaths will work with the patient’s family medicine and may refer patients outpatients to specialists, if necessary.
- Naturopathic doctors are licensed by the provincial licensing boards. CAM practitioners, however, are self-regulated.
- Naturopathy emphasizes prevention, wellness, and education about diet & exercise.
- Naturopaths stress the importance of lifestyle factors. This includes nutrition, exercise and stress management.
- Naturopharmacists specialize in the use of botanicals and minerals to treat specific conditions.
- Naturopodists receive individualized care according to the unique needs of each patient.
- The College of Naturopathic Physicians of Ontario is responsible for licensing Naturopaths.
- Naturopatrists are licensed by provincial regulatory bodies.
- The Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors has registered Naturopaticians.
- The College of Naturopaths of British Columbia is responsible for licensing Naturotherapists.
- Naturobiotic therapists are licensed by the United States National Board of Medical Examiners.
- The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency entitles homeopaths.
- The concept of “holistic” is a belief that all aspects – spiritual, emotional, and social – should be considered when making decisions regarding one’s health. Holistic doctors will consider these elements together instead of focusing only on one aspect.
Who uses holistic medicine
Holistic medicine is a holistic approach to healthcare that treats the whole person, not just specific symptoms. It considers both the mental, and physical aspects.
Holistic medicine encompasses acupuncture and massage therapy, chiropractic treatment as well as nutritional counseling, yoga and other complementary therapies.
A holistic approach to medicine includes those with heart problems, cancer, diabetes, arthritis or depression.
Why is holistic healing better?
Holistic care addresses the whole person rather that individual symptoms. This means looking at how someone feels, what they eat, where they live, how much stress they are under etc…
Holistic medicine takes into account all aspects of a patient’s life and treats them like a whole package. While it sounds simple, it can be very challenging to implement in practice because doctors often focus on the patient’s physical health.
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)
- In 83% of the cases, the readers agreed. (en.wikipedia.org)
- In the 17% in which they disagreed, a third reader agreed with one of the initial readers to set a rating. (en.wikipedia.org)
- According to the World Health Organization, 80% of people use herbal medicine worldwide. (webmd.com)
- A 15-year systematic review published in 2022 on the global acceptance and use of CAM among medical specialists found the overall acceptance of CAM at 52% and the overall use at 45%. (en.wikipedia.org)
External Links
cam.cancer.gov
webmd.com
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
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- PubMed: The rise and rise in complementary and alternative medicine: A sociological perspective
- PubMed – Holistic medicine
How To
How to pursue a career in Holistic Medicine
The field of holistic medicine continues to grow at an incredible rate. There are many ways you can pursue this career path. Returning to school is the best way to go if you’re looking to make a career out of this.
Several schools offer courses in holistic medicine. These include the National College for Complementary Medicines. They offer both undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. There are also programs that are specifically designed for medical professionals who want to enter this field.
Many online universities also offer classes in holistic health. The Institute of Integrative Nutrition, (IIN), is one example of such an online program. The institute provides students with a range of holistic health education tools.
You can also enroll in a four-year college. Many colleges offer holistic health courses. For example, the University of California offers a Bachelor of Science in Holistic Health Sciences.
If you plan on pursuing a career in holistic medicine, you should consider taking a course in nutrition. The NCCM recommends that students study nutrition before embarking on any professional training. A good knowledge of nutrition is crucial for integrative medicine.
Because holistic medicine focuses on treating the whole person rather than just focusing on symptoms, it requires more knowledge and skill than conventional medicine does. Holistic medicine will require that holistic practitioners understand how to evaluate various types of illness from an interdisciplinary perspective.
The NCCM reports that nutritionists often consult with doctors to provide nutritional advice to their patients. Based on the assessment of the patient, some nutritionists will suggest diets or supplements.
A holistic practitioner must be familiar with basic nutrition principles. This includes knowing what foods are healthy and what ones aren’t. It is also about identifying nutrient deficiencies as well as other problems that may cause them.
It is important for holistic practitioners to realize that not all specialize in nutrition. Some focus exclusively on herbal treatments, others only on acupuncture. Some combine the two methods into one.
But holistic practitioners suggest a diet rich and varied in fruits, veggies, nuts, seeds, legumes, and grains. They also recommend that you eat plenty of seafood and fish. They advise avoiding processed food products and fast food restaurants. Instead, they encourage people to eat organic produce whenever possible.
The one thing holistic practitioners can agree on is the importance of a balanced diet in helping to prevent diseases. However, there are some points they disagree with. For example, they don’t believe gluten causes celiac. Instead, they believe that a lack in nutrients is responsible for the disorder’s onset.
However, they do acknowledge that some foods can cause allergic reactions. Anaphylaxis is caused by shellfish and peanuts, according to them. They also warn against excessive caffeine.
While many holistic practitioners use herbs to treat various illnesses, they avoid using pharmaceutical drugs. Because such drugs are not effective in solving the problem but only mask it, holistic practitioners avoid using them. They prefer natural remedies whenever possible.
In addition to offering a variety of alternative therapies, holistic practitioners tend to employ a number of complementary methods. These include:
- Acupuncture-In Chinese medicine, acupuncture involves inserting needles strategically into the skin. It is believed that this stimulates our body’s healing ability.
- Herbal therapy – Holistic practitioners often use herbs to treat a variety of disorders. Ginseng, a popular herb for this purpose, is one of the most common.
- Homeopathy – Another form of traditional Chinese medicine, homeopathy is based on the principle of like cures. Imagine that you have a similar symptom to someone who has the same ailment. In such cases, it’s important to find a remedy with the same ingredients that the original medication.
- Massage therapy – Many holistic practitioners offer massage to promote relaxation and stress reduction. They claim that massage therapy can improve blood circulation and energy levels as well as ease muscle tension.
You should make sure that the practitioner you choose meets your needs. For example, a practitioner who specializes in nutrition counseling is a good choice. Likewise, if you want to learn more about acupuncture, find a practitioner certified by the American Association of Oriental Medicine (AAOM).
If you have any questions regarding holistic health care, ask your doctor before making any decisions. You may also wish to check with your insurance provider to know what services are covered.
