Lesson 6: Alternative treatments: Non-traditional medicine.
Biochemical Approaches
The alternatives to prescription drugs include herbal medicine, aromatherapy and naturopathy.
- Herbal Medicine. In today's pharmacy it's common to see herbs such as ginseng, gingko biloba and echinacea sitting side by side with the aspirin - showing how much acceptance they have gained recently. Gingko, for instance, is said too improve memory and thus may help with our fibrofog. Chamomile tea is a good relaxant and may help to promote better sleep. Peppermint tea may help with gastric upsets - although taken to excess it can make them worse. Yes - it is quite possible to overdose on herbs, just as it is on prescription drugs. Use them to deal with minor symptoms - but use with care.
Don't forget that many prescription drugs - some very powerful ones - are also based in herbal medicine. Think of digitalis - very powerful and potentially dangerous heart medication. Remember also that just as prescription drugs can interact with each other in a bad way, so can different herbs. If you want to go this way, find a practitioner experienced in herbalism and make sure that they know exactly what you are taking - as well as any prescription and/or over the counter drugs.
- Aromatherapy involves the use of essential oils that are either applied to the skin or inhaled. As they are absorbed the user experiences some kind of beneficial effect from them. The effects appear to be both physical and emotional, and can bring relief in conditions ranging from arthritis and muscle aches through digestive problems and nasal congestion. The trick is to find the right essential oil for the right condition.
Among those commonly used in treating FMS symptoms are lavender, juniper and /or rosemary to ease aching muscles and joints, and chamomile oil, marjoram, neroli or lavender for relaxation and sleep.
- Naturopathy is a holistic approach to medicine that chooses the least harmful and invasive forms of treatment in an attempt to heal the underlying causes of a problem. It involves a detailed medical history looking at lifestyle, diet, exercise, stress and emotional issues as well as physical symptoms. A Naturopathic doctor from an accredited college has gone through pre-med. training in college, 4 years of grad school and study both traditional medical subjects like anatomy and physiology but also Chinese medicine, Naturopathic philosophy, hydrotherapy and more. Others may call themselves Naturopathic doctors but have not had all of the medical training - so make sure if you choose a doctor that they are members of the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians.
