What is Integrated Medicine?

INTEGRATED MEDICINE couples the latest scientific advances with the most profound insights of ancient healing systems, giving you the best ways to preserve health, increase longevity and speed recovery from illness.

INTEGRATED MEDICINE is a revolutionary approach to healing people — not just treating diseases — using the unique tool called person-centered diagnosis.

INTEGRATED MEDICINE recognizes that the outcome of all health care is strongly dependent upon four powerful influences in the lives of each person. These four pillars of healing are:

Relationship. The social support network: family, friends, involvement in community, and a strong-patient alliance.

Diet and lifestyle. Nutrition, habits, and the daily pattern of rest and exercise.

A healthy environment. Protection from chemical and biological toxins.

Detoxification. The body’s ability to self-purify and protect itself from internal toxicity.
INTEGRATED MEDICINE allows you to find optimal health by understanding your individual needs for achieving balance and harmony.

Is Laughter the Best Natural Medicine?

by Dr. Nance MacLeod

A clown is like an aspirin, only he works twice as fast.
- Groucho Marx

Scientific studies suggest that laughter boosts levels of endorphins, the body's natural painkillers, and reduces levels of epinephrine, the stress hormone.
More then 20 years ago Norman Cousins, whose book Anatomy of an Illness tells how watching funny movies helped him recover from an illness that was predicted to be fatal. Norman Cousins is generally credited with starting the original scientific study of the effect of humor on physical wellness.

Laughter may or may not activate the endorphins or enhance respiration, as some medical researchers contend. What seems clear, however, is that laughter is an antidote to apprehension and panic.
- Norman Cousins

Science may consider this a new field, but spiritual teachers, some physicians, doctors of natural medicine and most comedians have known for centuries that laughing can take power away from a disease.
Studies have shown the following physiological effects of laughter in the immune system alone: increase in the number and activity of T cells and natural killer cells, which attack viruses, foreign cells and cancer cells; increase in gamma interferon, a blood chemical that transmits messages in the nervous system and stimulates the immune system; a rise in immunoglobulin A, an antibody that fights upper respiratory tract infections (stress, particularly depression, has been shown to lower Ig A levels); and more immunoglobulin’s G and M, which help fight other infections.
Joyful laughter has also been shown to exercise the cardiovascular system by raising and lowering the heart rate and blood pressure; improve coordination of brain functions, thereby enhancing alertness and memory; lift depression; reduce stress; bring pain relief; aid breathing and clear mucus in the respiratory system; increase blood oxygen by bringing in fresh air; and strengthen internal muscles by tightening and releasing them. One doctor says that 20 seconds of extreme laughter gives the heart the same workout as three minutes of hard rowing.
Healthcare workers who exercise their humor muscles also benefit from reduced stress, greater empathy and a better ability to relate to their patient's emotions.

Having a sense of humor in a situation that isn't necessarily funny can lighten the tension of what's going on. By trying not to take every little thing seriously, you will greatly reduce stress. There is a lot of drama associated with life in general. If you can begin to see how ridiculous most of it is, you can start to put things into perspective. If you can just laugh when drama hit … you've graduated to a new level of health and success.

Can laughter be the natural medicine that will help you loss weight? Find out next month about a new diet called the fun factor diet, and how you can loss weight by laughing more.

Februarys Article for The Business Link

Don’t let the flu get you
By Dr. C. Nance MacLeod PhD, DNM

Influenza can make you feel as though you have been hit with a tractor trailer. Headaches, chills, fever and a body that hurts all over are all tell tale signs that you’ve been hit. Natural remedies, including properly prepared flu shooters and homeopathic medicines can provide the answer to prevent & fight this incapacitating condition. In fact, Europeans have been effectively using homeopathic medicines & herbs for over 60 years to combat the flu.

Experts say the average North American gets three to four colds every winter and the bugs are becoming stronger every year. And, if your immune system isn’t healthy and strong, you will surrender to the flu and suffer for up to or more then two weeks.

Many people assume that they have the flu when, in fact, they have a common cold. There are various symptoms to determine whether you’ve got the flu or a nasty cold. For example, a flu fever can reach heights of 38–39.5 ºC (102 to 104 ºF) and often lasts up to four days. You may feel flushed with a cold but; a fever is rare when you have a cold. With the flu, you can feel fine one minute and have full-blown symptoms the next. It is usually accompanied with a splitting headache, which is also rare with a cold. Fatigue and weakness can often last for up to three weeks and extreme exhaustion is an early and prominent indicator of the flu. Such symptoms are mild or non-existent with a cold.
Sometimes the flu can’t be avoided, especially if you have a job working with the public or children in school. Building a strong immune system & washing your hands often may help you keep those bugs at bay.

• Use homeopathic medicine like to Oscillococcinum® to boast immunity, & reduce flu duration.

• Take extra amounts of vitamin C and handy zinc lozenges.

• Go to a qualified Medical Herbalist and buy a natural flu shooter. Most flu shooters will include the following Echinacea, elderberry extract, ginger, garlic, astragals and olive leaf extract can help your body fight the flu.

• Take extra garlic because it has natural antibacterial, antiviral properties.

• Regular exercise and healthy eating will strengthen your immune system.

• Minimize stress and get enough rest to stay healthy.

Boosting your immune system with natural remedies, and using homeopathic medicine is your best bet to beat the flu this season, though it isn’t a guarantee that you won’t get sick. You may still get a couple of mild infections, but this is far below the average and you should experience milder symptoms and recover more quickly than normal.

If you’re unfortunate enough to contact the bug, you should drink plenty of nonalcoholic, decaffeinated liquids to keep your airways moistened and to help your immune system. Finally, rest, stay warm and allow yourself be pampered by loved ones. It might be their turn next week.

March 2006 The Business Link

Awesome Stress Relief

by Dr. C. Nance MacLeod

Soothe your body, achieve a deep state of relaxation and
dramatically reduce stress
Vibroacoustic tables can help reduce blood pressure, heart rate and stress levels, as was reported on CNN - Dec.17, 2004.
Beautiful sound is considered harmonious and heavenly. It is the contributing factor to our present states of health and consciousness. The human body is a bioelectrical system which can be altered, strengthened and balanced through the use of sound and vibration.
Everything in life is formed of vibration. This is a result of the movement of electrons and protons of every atom of every molecule of every substance. Vibration exists in objects, animals, people and the atmosphere. The vibrational frequencies of conscious life are more energetic, effervescent and variant than lifeless matters. All organs, tissues and systems of our body have similar vibrating atoms. When allergens or contaminated foods enter our body, it alters normal vibrational patterns of the body or system. When we have an unbalanced emotional or mental attitude, a misalignment of the subtle bodies with the physical body can occur. When this happens, the body needs help to restore itself to its original vibration.
The most important healing principle of sound and music it is the ability of a vibration to reach out through vibrational waves to set off a similar vibration in another body. It triggers response of similar frequency. Every cell in the body is a sound resonator and has the capacity to sound outside itself. By learning to direct and control our voice, use of musical instruments or applying tones and forms of music, sound healing can stimulate within our body and mind.
A song eases stress and relieves pain soothes and alters emotional and mental stress. A piece of music cannot exist without relationship, so therefore it helps us to see how everything is connected singing or humming a simple melody every day is one of the most beneficial exercises we can perform. It restores balance and helps to cleanse us of negative energy. It relaxes us and prevents physical illness.
Harmony is the pleasing combination of two or more tones in a chord. The physical can align with the divine energies. The simpler the harmony - the better harmony is the key to shifting, transmuting, raising, lowering and changing our energies on all levels. Harmony enables us to transmute major conditions of the body and alter states of consciousness. By finding the right combination of tones and rhythms and their harmonies, we can trigger a dynamic resonance that corrects and eliminates great imbalances.
We, on the whole, do not pay attention to our responses to sound. The theory of sound as energy and form is a source to interact with other energies. Sound is an effective tool for altering electromagnetic fields and impulses of both the individual and the environment. Sound can be used as tool for Deep Relaxation, Stress Reduction and Lower Blood Pressure.
The distinctive characteristic of sound is that you cannot use it without it relieving stress – it is automatic!

What is Eyeology? by Dr. C. Nance MacLeod DNM, PhD

Throughout the ages, the eyes have been known as the windows to the soul, and modern research is proving this adage to be true.

Eyeology is the modern term that includes Iridology, Sclerology, and Rayid, the three sciences that describe qualities of health, disease, and personality by the marks and colors in the eyes. "Eyeology" The sciences involved with the markings and colorings in and around the eyes as means of evaluating health. This term was coined in 1995 by Dr. Leonard Mehlmauer in order to simplify the description and combining of such terms as Iridology, Rayid, and Sclerology.

The science and practice of iridology is performed by analyzing the iris (colored section of the eye) and the pupil. Iridology is a safe, non-invasive diagnostic science, which can be integrated with both mainstream and natural medicine.

Iridology helps the patient learn about their strengths and weaknesses and become more aware of what they can do to help themselves. The Iridologist will guide the patient as to the best ways of reversing existing conditions and managing genetic weaknesses.

Sclerology is the study of the red lines in the white of the eyes and how they relate to stress-patterns in a person's health. A Sclerologist is trained to interpret these lines, and helps you understand how the body is struggling or adapting to maintain balance; and thus know how to apply natural therapies to prevent problems from occurring or help the body correct problems already occurring.

Rayid is a unique system for identifying behavioural, communication and personality patterns according to the structural constitution of the iris of the eye. If you look closely at the iris of the eye, you will notice small, dark dots, light streaks or rounded openings in the fibres. These characteristics provide the key to unlocking the mysteries of the personality. The types of markings, their precise location, and variations between the left and right eye are directly correlated with different personality traits. Rayid is a simple, objective and verifiable system.

Eyeology is an art and master science. It has the ability to forewarn of approaching difficulties of disease and is a powerful preventive tool. Eyeologists give suggestions to help clients achieve better health, and healing their bodies at a cellular level. Always integrate this information with the information from your medical Doctor.

What is Neuropathic pain?

by Dr. C Nance MacLeod Ph.D, DNM

People usually think of pain as having some physical cause. Get rid of the cause, and the pain goes away. However, nerves themselves can also generate pain, and this pain often doesn't go away easily. It is called neuropathic pain (from the Greek neuro, meaning nerves, and pathy, meaning abnormality). It can be puzzling and frustrating for people who have it and for doctors who treat it.
Neuropathic pain often seems to have no cause. It responds poorly to standard pain treatment and may get worse instead of better over time. For some people, it can lead to serious disability.
The most dramatic and mysterious example of neuropathic pain is called "phantom limb syndrome." This occurs when an arm or a leg has been removed because of illness or injury, but the brain still gets pain messages from the nerves that originally carried impulses from the missing limb. These nerves now seem to misfire and cause troubling pain.
What causes pain?
Most pain is felt when special nerve endings, called nociceptors (no-si-SEP-turs), sense something is wrong. We have millions of nociceptors throughout our bodies--probably about 1,300 per square inch of skin. The nociceptors all have different jobs: Some detect burns, others cuts, infection, chemical changes, pressure, and many other sensations. Nociceptors use nerve impulses to send messages to other nerves, which move the messages on to the spinal cord and brain at lightning speed.
The brain interprets the messages as pain, sometimes through an "emotional screen" that remembers previous painful or frightening experiences. That might be why so many people have stronger pain at the dentist's office than while playing rough-and-tumble sports. Also, cultural patterns affect how you "feel" pain. For example, people who were taught to "grin and bear it" may dismiss painful sensations more readily than others would.
Why do some pains last longer than others?
Pain is usually described as acute or chronic. Acute pain is related to the physical sensations caused by an injury. It can last from a few seconds to many weeks, but it usually goes away when normal healing occurs. Chronic pain lasts beyond the typical healing time. With neuropathic pain, the nerve fibers themselves may be damaged or injured. They then send incorrect signals to other pain centers. The pain you feel is real, but the cause is not easy to discover.
Chronic pain can result from diseases, such as diabetes and shingles (an infection related to chickenpox), or from trauma, surgery, or amputation. It can also occur without any known injury or disease. The nerves are sending pain messages, even though there is no identifiable cause for such messages.
How is neuropathic pain diagnosed?
When you have a pain with no known cause, your doctor will probably ask some specific questions:
• Do you have any accompanying conditions, such as diabetes, shingles, multiple sclerosis, or HIV infection?
• How would you describe your pain? (Neuropathic pain is often described as shooting, stabbing, burning, or searing.)
• Is your pain worse at any time of the day or night? (Neuropathic pain is usually worse at night.)
• Does the pain seem to follow a certain physical path or specific sequence?
• Does the pain come from an area that has missing or injured nerves?
• Is the pain triggered by minor irritation, such as rubbing against the sheets at night?
These questions often help define the type of pain involved. Once your doctor knows what is happening, treatment can begin. Interesting research in the field of pain is offering a wide range of new ideas for treatment, and many people can now be helped. Anticonvulsant and antidepressant drugs and various pain relievers seem to work in some cases. If another condition, such as diabetes, is involved, better management of that disorder may alleviate the neuropathic pain.
Everyone has pain. We would be in serious trouble if we couldn't feel what is happening in our bodies. But pain that doesn't quit is worrisome. Be sure you see your doctor if you have pain that seems to be coming from nowhere and doesn't go away. Help is available.
Common causes of neuropathic pain
Alcoholism, Amputation, Back, leg, and hip problems (sciatica)
Cancer chemotherapy, Diabetes, Facial nerve problems (trigeminal neuralgia)
HIV infection or AIDS, Multiple sclerosis, Shingles (herpes zoster virus infection)
Spine surgery, some pharmaceuticals like Lipitor

What is Acupuncture?
by Nance MacLeod Ph.D. DNM

"The future of acupuncture will to some degree depend upon our ability to reconcile the old and new within a new science of energy medicine. This can only be accomplished if we honor both our traditional roots and the challenge of building on the foundation provided by scientific research."
Dennis Tucker, Ph.D., LAc
Nevada City, California

Acupuncture originated in China, where it has been practiced as far back as 1200 B.C. As a result, Chinese medicine is considered to be the most widely used system of medicine in our history more so than all other systems of medicine combined. Acupuncture is a method of encouraging the natural healing system of the body to improve function. Acupuncture points are areas of designated electrical sensitivity that have been shown to be effective in the treatment of specific health problems. They have been mapped out by the Chinese over a period of over 2000 years.
The original method is done by inserting sterilized, stainless-steel needles into specific points located near or on the surface of the skin. These points have the ability to alter various biochemical and physiological conditions in order to treat a wide variety of illnesses.

The new state-of-the-art method of acupuncture is the laser acupuncture device called ACU-Vision. This device has been developed for visualization of acu-points. It also provides electro-puncture and air-ion-puncture for an individual. Both practices have been very successful.

According to the findings of a national survey released by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine.
Nearly one in ten adults (approximately 20 million people) in the United States has received acupuncture and sixty percent say they would readily consider acupuncture as a treatment option, Nearly half (48%) of the individuals surveyed who had received acupuncture reported that they were extremely satisfied or very satisfied with their treatment, and only eighteen percent of respondents reported being not very satisfied or not at all satisfied with their treatment.

Acupuncture has been known to help musculoskeletal problems, (Arthritis, Back pain, Muscle cramping, Muscle pain/weakness, Neck pain, Sciatica), Digestive disorders (Abdominal pain, Constipation, Diarrhea, Hyperacidity, Indigestion) Emotional disorders (Anxiety, depression, insomnia, nervousness, neurosis) Neurological (Headaches, Migraines, Neutrogena, Bladder Dysfunction, Parkinson’s Disease, Postoperative pain, Stroke) Respiratory problems (asthma, bronchitis, common cold, Sinusitis, smoking cessation, Tonsillitis), as well as Addiction Control, Athletic Performance, Blood Pressure Regulation, Chronic Fatigue, general pain relief, and Stress reduction.

Acupuncture is covered under most extended health plans.

June 2005 The Business Link

Doctors of Natural Medicine by Nance MacLeod PhD, DNM

You may feel great at this moment. This does not mean that you will never get sick later. Is your future health worth your concern? Maybe, you are not feeling great right now but it takes you too long to get in to see your family doctor. Why not visit a Doctor of Natural Medicine?

Doctors of Natural Medicine are a multiple disciplinary group of natural medicine physicians & professionals: naturopaths, homeopaths, osteopaths, dentists, holistic medical doc­tors, chiropractors, ortho-imolecular medi­cal doctors and eastern medicine doctors, among others who have dedicated them­selves to providing basic natural medicine health care worldwide. To become a DNM you need to be trained in basic medical sciences as well as traditional medicine and tailor such treatments to the needs of the individual. To be Board Certified as a Doctor of Natural Medicine you must have at least 3 years of University with a minimum of 4,400 hours of training in Health Science, Public Health, Clinical Internship and Natural Medicine Courses taught by accredited experienced professors.

Doctors of Natural Medicine have met the standards as established by the World Or­ganization of Natural Medicine Practitio­ners (WONMP), established to standardize the practice of Natural Medicine world­wide.

Just like medical doctors. Doctors of Natural Medicine can specialize by continuing their education. I myself am a Specialist in Pain and Stress Relief because I have an additional 2,200 hours in education in therapies & training on medical devices used for pain and stress relief including Bio-energy technologies from scientist’s world wide.

This movement towards Natural & Integrated Medicine is causing controversy in the medical world. One area of concern is coming from pharmaceutical companies, and pharmacists. Doctors who are practicing natural medicine are turning to natural pharmacies or compound pharmacies and sending their patients to health food stores for vitamin supplements, botanicals, and homeopathic preparations.

Our Medical doctors and professionals are overworked. The doctors of Natural Medicine can help lighten the load on our medical professions by working together in a patient focused health care system. These are some of the reasons that Integrated Medicine is so necessary.

July 2005 - The Business Link

What is Homeopathic Medicine? By Nance MacLeod PhD, DNM

Homeopathic Medicine is the coordination of scientific and natural of healing that has been in existence for over 200 years. It treats the whole person by using natural remedies that boost the body's own ability to heal itself and correct any imbalances.

The homeopath seeks a substance which, in overdose, would mimic symptoms similar to those experienced by the sick person. When the match is made, that substance is given to the patient in minute, safe doses.

The man who pioneered homeopathic medicine is Dr Samuel Hahnemann. He was the first to notice that plant, animal and herb substances capable of causing disease in healthy people can be used in diluted form to treat people with similar symptoms.

Based on this observation, he developed a process of dilution to form homeopathic remedies. A plant substance is diluted with 99 parts distilled water or ethyl alcohol.

This process of dilution is repeated many times and is accompanied by a shaking procedure that imprints the energy signature of the plant on the water molecules.

The water retains a memory, or inscription of certain characteristics of the tincture.

It is this autograph that gets carried through and made more potent. As the plant molecules decrease with continued dilution, the traces of the plant disappear but the autograph gets stronger.

This makes the homeopathic remedy potent but completely non-toxic. My research has shown me that natural herbal remedies are not always safe, whereas homeopathic remedies are 100% safe. Homeopathic Doctors tell me that although some of the substances used to make homeopathic remedies are toxic in their undiluted state, once they have been diluted they are completely safe and have few side effects when administered correctly. They believe homeopathy can treat most conditions like illnesses such as recurring colds, chest infections, ear infections, tonsillitis, fever, diarrhea and vomiting.Homeopathy is growing in awareness and usage around the world that is because conventional medicine should not necessarily be the first thing that one jumps at. There are gentler ways, and homeopathy is one of them.

August 2005- The Business Link

What is Aromatherapy? By Nance MacLeod PhD, DNM

Aromatherapy is the therapeutic use of natural aromatic substances- essential oils. Essential oils are natural concentrated plant essences, not manmade duplicates! The "aroma" in "aromatherapy" refers to the fact that all essential oils have a distinctive smell, while "therapy" refers to the use of them for healing. They have a wide range of applications, such as in baths, perfumes, massage oils, compresses, air fresheners, shampoos, creams, soaps, candles & more.

Historic research shows that people have been using essential oils as medicines for as long as we know. The therapeutic use of these oils can be traced back thousands of years to the Egyptian empire. Aromatic oils were known in biblical times. We know from numerous writings they were valued in the Middle & Far East, including Greece, Arabia, China & India. Indeed without natural plant products in ancient times, there wouldn't have been any medicines! Even today they are still extremely useful.

Around the world today, a lot of research is being carried out on the antibiotic, anti-viral & anti-fungal actions of essential oils. Essential oils seem to have the effect of bringing balance to the human organism. Certain essential oils are thought to have "phythormones " - molecules that mimic some of the hormones naturally occurring in the human body. In Britain, they are being used in many hospitals from labor rooms to intensive care units, & aromatherapy is increasingly available through the public health care system.

The medicines of essential oils can affect the body through 3 basic ways: through the nose (smell), mouth (smell & occasional oral use) & through the skin. They are absorbed through the skin (by massage or bathes) into the circulatory system & distributed to body cells somewhere from 30 minutes to 12 hours. Inhalation is even more direct. It carries the oil to nerves which directly affects the brain, where intuition, emotion & creativity can be achieved quickly.

If using aromatherapy oils for massage, usually just a few drops diluted in a cold-pressed carrier oil is needed. It is best to take instruction from an experienced Aromatherapist. With Essential Oils certain cautions should be observed.

What is Reflexology?
Written by Nance MacLeod DNM, PhD

Reflexology is an ancient science of healing the human body using pressure techniques on certain reflex points on the feet, ears, head and palms. These reflex points are the terminating positions of various energy pathways running inside our body from the feet to the head encompassing all internal organs on their way. It is believed that they are representatives or a microcosm of the entire body and that they mirror the physical state of the body.

Application of pressure on these reflex points helps in clearing energy blockages inside the body and facilitates better energy flow. And all the internal organs of a zone in the body are affected by applying pressure on the corresponding reflex points on the feet, ears, head and palms. Reflexology is a safe and non-invasive therapy. It can help in relieving stress, revitalizing the body, improving blood circulation, prevention and cure of diseases and finally to bring about mental peace and relaxation.

Reflexology has been practiced by people all over the world from time immemorial. The ancient Indian, Chinese and Egyptian societies are believed to have used variants of the same concept in healing the human bodies.

In the more recent times, Eunice Ingham was the person who worked to popularize this science. She is called the mother of reflexology and was a pioneer in this field. She treated thousands of patients through reflexology in her 40 years as a Reflexologist. She was the originator of most of the techniques followed by Reflexologist across the world today.

In the Niagara Region 3 of the most respected schools who teach Reflexology are Reflexology Association of Canada, The International Integrated Medicine Association, & the Ontario College of Reflexology. When looking for a Reflexologist please be sure he/she is certified by a respected school.

For May 2005 Article

EAR CONING
Also called Ear Candling
by Nance MacLeod DNM. PhD

Ear coning is an ancient, natural and simple process for removing excess ear wax and other accumulated or foreign debris from the ear canal. The smoke also affects the sinus cavities offering a cleansing type action.

Ear coning dates back to the ancient Egyptian, Chinese, Tibetan, Aztec, Mayan and American Indian cultures who continue to practice ear coning. Today ear coning is done by many Integrative practitioners. (German medical students are taught coning as a part of their medical practice.) Many people consider ear coning as necessary a part of personal hygiene as is tooth brushing. Some therapists recommend regular ear coning at each seasons change, unless problematic conditions make it necessary to have coning more often.

The gentle vacuum created by the burning cone draws out debris and helps relieve congestion. Many experience a clearing of the sinuses, Eustachian tubes and nasal passages. When done properly ear coning is a safe, simple treatment for relieving pressure, fighting infection, and gently removing toxins and excess wax from inside the ears.

Ear coning acts as a catalyst to clear out debris accumulated on nerve endings. This allows for clear vibrational flow to the corresponding area of the mind, body & spirit.

Please make sure the therapist who is doing ear coning is certified and has a proper otoscope to look in your ear. It is best if an adapter is used as this guarantees that hot wax cannot backflow into the ear.

The New Generation in Medicine  

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