Alternative medicine and MC

Feel free to discuss any topic of general interest, so long as nothing you post here is likely to be interpreted as insulting, and/or inflammatory, nor clearly designed to provoke any individual or group. Please be considerate of others feelings, and they will be considerate of yours.

Moderators: Rosie, Stanz, Jean, CAMary, moremuscle, JFR, Dee, xet, Peggy, Matthew, Gabes-Apg, grannyh, Gloria, Mars, starfire, Polly, Joefnh

takef586
Adélie Penguin
Adélie Penguin
Posts: 63
Joined: Sun Jun 06, 2010 1:54 am
Location: monaco

Alternative medicine and MC

Post by takef586 »

I have just read the book by Andreas Moritz: "Timeless Secrets of Health and Rejuvenation". I bought it out of curiosity, to find out what an "alternative medicine guru" has to say about good health.

I am certainly not qualified as a doctor or even as a biologist, but I have no difficulty to say, that a lot of this is mumbo jumbo. However, what is troubling me, is that most of the book is actually quite convincing and full of sensible advice.

The basic tenets of what he advocates are:

1- Medicines mostly do not cure anything, only the body/mind can heal itself
2- Given the above, one should try to keep own body in best possible condition, and when a disease comes, try to accept it and understand it as a signal of disequilibrium, hence remove the cause and let the body do the rest
3- The most important everyday rule to observe, is to keep the body well hydrated (by drinking plenty of water and avoiding dehydrating drinks and foods)
4- Most diseases are originated becuse of the dysfunction of the digestive system, which should be kept efficient through adequate diet ( he advocates vegan diet ), and cleansing practices: of the kidneys, liver, gallbladder and colon. He advocates hydro colon therapy as the best way to keep the colon efficient.
5- He advocates moderate exercise and daily exposure to sunshine
6- He stresses the importance of the mind over body - meditation, placebo effect and emotional well being based on positive human relations

Given that I am convinced about the importance of stress as a component of my condition, and that I am in practice unable to accept medicines because of allergy or intollerance problems, the advice this book brings is quite appealing.

I wonder if anybody has some convincing experiences with alternative medical treatments to share - if they work, how they work and what they are supposed to cure.

Also, I would very much like to find out if any of you have tried hydro colon therapy. My GP said, he tried it once himself, and that it has been a very positive experience, however, I am not sure if it can be done while one has an ongoing inflammation of the colon.
User avatar
Joefnh
Rockhopper Penguin
Rockhopper Penguin
Posts: 2478
Joined: Wed Apr 21, 2010 8:25 pm
Location: Southern New Hampshire

Post by Joefnh »

Marek, that's an interesting topic.

Personally I view the 'alternative' treatments as valuable added tools in the toolbox of health. Let's look at the the premise of mainstream healthcare today. Overall a vast majority of what health care addresses is disease management. In disease management the goal is to provide palliative care and system support to allow the body the time to heal. That's not to say that areas of medicine do look at preventative care in which the goal is to monitor the patient and provide support to avoid a medical issue from arising in the first place.

In most alternative care settings, the goal is a similar approach to main stream medicine, where the goal is to support the bodies systems to allow for the proper functioning and healing if necessary. One of the main differences I see in alternative therapies is that there is a greater focus on maintaining good health and proactively taking measures to support good health.

Overall the mind and body are one in the same. It is our minds controls that support and allow for the proper healing of the body, a good example of this link is stress; when we are emotionally stressed we do not heal as well, and are more prone to developing diseases in the first place. We cannot separate the mind from the body when it comes to healing and maintaining wellness.

I have looked at and tried acupuncture and have been amazed at how much that type of treatment helps not only with the symptoms of MC, but also has been beneficial in maintaining my energy and overall feeling wellness. I am currently seeing a local acupuncturist twice a week and do plan on continuing this form of treatment.

Another type of alternative treatment that looks interesting is bio-impedance analysis. This is a relatively new field of science that uses clinical engineering techniques to not only monitor the bodies functions, but also to be able to analyze and help treat active disease states. One area of interest in this field of science is that it has shown some significant capabilities in helping to determining dietary intolerances. Bio impedance engineering was originally a field of science that was invented by NASA medical professionals to be able to monitor and provide real-time diagnostics of the astronaut during a space mission. I have recently been reading the following book on this topic and have been amazed at what this area of science is accomplishing.

http://www.med-tek.no/pc-80-18-An-antho ... dance.aspx

There are several other health related alternative medical techniques including meditation, therapeutic massage (various), yoga and I'm sure more than I can list here. Each of these has its benefits that are offered and should be considered individually as a possible treatment that improves your overall health.

Overall Marek you are correct we need to be looking at all the possibilities and see if we can benefit from a particular treatment. Our goal should be to maintain our health in the least risky way possible. For me each of these methods are tools in our toolbox with the goal of maintaining a healthy state.

At the end of the day what counts is that whatever choice of treatment(s) we choose that it works for us. We are all different and will have different responses to medications and treatments. The last time I checked classical western medicine did not hold the patent on wellness.

Thanks for bringing this topic up, its a very important one.

--Joe
Joe
User avatar
sarkin
Rockhopper Penguin
Rockhopper Penguin
Posts: 2313
Joined: Thu Mar 10, 2011 8:44 pm
Location: Brooklyn, NY

Post by sarkin »

I have really gotten a lot out of acupuncture over the years, but have not yet tried it for MC. (Great idea, I definitely will put that in my 'toolkit'!)

Back in the mid 1980s, I did a 3-week "cleansing" program, where you start with mainly vegetables and a little fruit and gradually add in other things (it seems I've been preparing for this new regime for a long time, huh?). Along with that I did a few other things, including weekly massages and a hydrocolonic treatment. I felt great afterwards, but bear in mind I was in my 20s and felt great most of the time. We have a cousin who is a firm believer, and I do think she has benefited. I would agree with you, nothing I would try while actively experiencing symptoms. Much as a wonderful cleanse for your face could be helpful and enjoyable, that same cleanse while very irritated would certainly be unpleasant, and possibly impede healing.

Joe, I'll be interested to hear more about bio-impedance analysis. I love these areas where science and what some would consider alternative are converge. I consider the 'Resperate' for blood pressure management in a similar vein: a clinically proven way to get the kind of results Tibetan monks get, for the busy/not-so-spiritual/skeptical. Fascinating.

And also, Joe - my parents moved from Merrimack to Brooklyn for their last years, and it was an awesome move. You have decades to consider it, but - keep it in mind! My bro lived in Manchester for a while, and Concord, and I have many friends from - all over NH... grew up outside Boston, myself. Please smile at beautiful New England for me.

Best,
Sara
User avatar
Joefnh
Rockhopper Penguin
Rockhopper Penguin
Posts: 2478
Joined: Wed Apr 21, 2010 8:25 pm
Location: Southern New Hampshire

Post by Joefnh »

Thanks for the reply Sara, that's great you have tried other treatments. One thing to keep in mind, you felt great after a treatment when you were 20 and feeling good most of the time, imagine how good you would feel now LOL.

Thanks for your input Sara and as I don't think I have said hi yet... Hello & welcome to the group.

--Joe
Joe
User avatar
nancyl
Rockhopper Penguin
Rockhopper Penguin
Posts: 780
Joined: Wed Dec 29, 2010 4:42 pm
Location: Massachusetts

Post by nancyl »

Joe,
Australia, that's a long ways from Manchester. I live about 40 miles northwest of Boston.

I am glad to hear you have had positive results with accupuncture. I have been thinking of doing that also. Like I mentioned in another post, I have been going to a chiropractor who is working on my digestive system and it seems to be making my BM's worse right now. He said he could hear no motility in the colon area and said the ileocecal valve was misfiring. I'm hoping it's just working all the toxins out so I don't want to start another type of treatment until I finish with this. Hopefully, I will be finished soon and can move on to accupuncture. I am also going to try T'ai Chi next week.

Australia - WOW!!

Nancy
User avatar
Joefnh
Rockhopper Penguin
Rockhopper Penguin
Posts: 2478
Joined: Wed Apr 21, 2010 8:25 pm
Location: Southern New Hampshire

Post by Joefnh »

Nancy it is a bit of a move, but its time to follow my heart and pursue a long time dream.

As far as acupuncture I would highly recommend

http://www.plumblossomclinic.com/

Ask for Julie

This group is in Cambridge and deals with various IBD's

--Joe
Joe
User avatar
Gabes-Apg
Emperor Penguin
Emperor Penguin
Posts: 8332
Joined: Mon Dec 21, 2009 3:12 pm
Location: Hunter Valley NSW Australia

Post by Gabes-Apg »

Grab a cuppa guys!! Long post ahead.....

In the late 90’s i started working at a company that was the market leader for vitamins and supplements in Australia (it also had overseas customers in asia and middle east) Working along side naturopaths, two of them became good friends and the friendship exist today, one of which is my closest friend and is my nominated next of kin as i don’t have family nearby.
I had had digestion issues most of my life and hormonal issues most of my adult life.
This was when i first learnt about wholistic medicine, if your digestion is compromised in any way this does affect the health of every cell of your body, and goes on to have impact on the organs and circulation, immune system etc. It was at this time that i did start gluten free, lactose free, low yeast eating principles, i also started acupuncture treatments, and regular used vitamins and supplements for the conditions and symptoms that were evident.

I don’t disregard or avoid GP/medication treatments, for a period of about 8 years i did not have to see a doctor, if i was unwell i would have acupuncture and change the types of supplements to suit the illness, mostly colds or flu’s.
Only when what i now know to be MC symptoms kicked in did i start spending time with doctors, meanwhile still incorporating the acupuncture and naturopathic support into what i did.

In the research that i have done via this site and external to this site, the research my naturopath friend has done about MC, digestion and some of the symptoms that i have been having, it has shown us that you do have to look at this as WHOLE of body, wholistically. My digestion has not functioned 100% since childhood, and the impacts of this are noticeable and i am trying to heal them, fix them, remove the toxins and free radicals, replace what is missing and help my body to be healthy and functioning well.
I am lucky my naturopath friend also sees the same acupuncturist, they have discussed me and MC, what has worked and what hasn’t worked, as most of the stock standard type treatments for IBD’s didn’t necessarily work so well for MC. Both of them are parents, so the ideas regarding easy to digest foods and retraining my digestion system was not an out there idea.

Naturopaths are more proactive about the relevance of ALL your symptoms compared to most doctors, there is a reason you have headaches or why you have aches in certain joints. Even the times that you are awoken at night with discomfort also gives insight into what the issues may be. In addition to acupuncture, i have recently been having lymphatic drainage massage, this is not alternative medicine, lymphatic drainage is a well accepted medical treatment for lymphatic conditions. Since doing starting this the swelling that was happening with my ankles and knees has gone. The Spleen is a big part of the lymphatic system and also our digestion.

I was a bit envious that the USA PP members could access the MRT testing, I was having some issues of GERD etc i knew there was an ingredient that as causing issues, i searched for a naturopath that is covered by my health fund for allergy testing, and the Bio Impedance that joe is referring to, was the system used by this Naturopath. So this technique is something that i have just started, i have had two appointments thus far, and was in the process of compiling a post to share with the PP Group, regarding this treatment and my results to date.
Again BIA is not solely alternative medicine technique, patients with certain heart conditions and some cancers are assessed and treated using Bio Impedance. It is used by Nasa and high end athletes, there is alot of scientific publications regarding this system, i think joe has read all of them now! And would be able to better explain the science

Albeit from my point of view BIA is giving me fantastic information about the major issues in my body that are impacting cell health, putting pressure on my immune system, and other organs not just the digestion system, the information is far more valuable than any blood test, or scope examination or stool test could show me. And it is affordable, the 1.5 – 2hr appointments cost me about $40 after health fund rebate, and is about the same cost as what my acupuncture apts were costing.

It has indicated some ‘highly sensitive’ ingredients (it seems to have similar grading to MRT low sensitive, medium sensitive and high sensitive)

Based on the information it provides it is also giving me a gauge of progress. My first appointment Candida parasite was coming up as the ‘major issue’ we did a BIA treatment that day, i then reduced my sugar intake to a ¼ of what it was. 3 weeks later at my next appointment, it was no longer the major issue. I was pretty sure it had improved as the key symptom of that (itchy butt) had pretty well stopped . We are taking it ‘softlee softlee catchee monkey’ one step, we are dealing with one or two major issues as a time. BIA is whole of body assessment and treatment.


Marek – for your info these are the supplements I am using,
One thing we did find with most supplements (whether liquid/powder or tablet) is that it was best not to start with the full dose straight away, start with 1/8th – 1/4 dose first and after 3 – 4 days gradually increase, take a couple of weeks to get to full dose (softlee softlee catchy monkey again!) if i do this then i can tolerate the supplements.

Since being diagnosed with MC i have taken liquid zinc as it is required for ‘whole of body’. Doctors are starting to accept the D3 requirements and recommending increase in intake
With the supplements i don’t see them as natural therapy, they are essential elements that we are not getting via our diet, or the our bodies are using more that we can eat, due to the inflammation/pressure on the immune system.

Zinc (liquid)
Zinc is a mineral that is vital to many biological functions such as immune resistance, wound healing, digestion, reproduction, physical growth, diabetes control, taste and smell. The main biochemicals in which zinc has been found to be necessary include: enzymes and enzymatic function, carbohydrate metabolism and protein synthesis. More than 300 enzymes in the human body require zinc for proper functioning. It is estimated that 3000 of the 100,000 or so proteins involved in human life contain zinc. Many cells secrete zinc, including the pancreas (which also secretes insulin), the salivary gland, and the prostate gland. Immune cells also secrete zinc. Zinc is an important mineral which is essential for protein synthesis and which helps to regulate the production of cells in the body's immune system.

D3 (liquid drops)
Calcium and phosphorous levels in the blood stream are maintained by vitamin D. Vitamin D assists in the absorption of these important nutrients during digestion. This role in calcium and phosphorous absorption makes vitamin D an important part of bone growth and maintenance and liver and kidney health. Vitamin D also contributes to the function on the thyroid gland and the immune system.

Potassium phosphate / Glycine /Magnesium Sulphate/ powder
to help with PH levels,

New this week - Colostrum powder,
this is to help remove toxins, free radicals, pathogens from the digestion system, it does have trace amounts of lactose proteins which i seem to be ok with, its main ingredient is the IGg which are effective against collecting and removing pathogens in the intestinal tract. Also, the same as it is for newborns (animal and human) the colostrum is essential for the immune system and provides passive immunity while growth factors stimulate cell rebuild in the gut.

In regards to digestion we are taking it from the top so to speak, balancing the PH and removing the pathogens first, then in 3 – 4 months time we will look at regenerating the gut flora. The research that my naturopath has shared with me is that your body will not be able to rebuild/regenerate good intestinal flora unless the parasites and pathogens are eliminated. Having a food plan that was high in gelatine (based on home made stock) has helped the leaky gut situation alot, but i am not 100% there. The leaky guy issue ie the particles of food escaping the digestion system, is causing reasonable pressure on liver, kidneys, spleen. When i would go for acupuncture appointments, it was not inflammation of the bowel that was the main issue, it was mostly liver, spleen and the immune system.

My outlook with MC in my life, i am not sticking to the GF/DF/YF/SF eating plan to heal the inflammation so that in x months time i can eat my favourite foods again or eat out. In the short term the goal is to be well enough and work so i can support myself financially (which i am doing), and the long term the aim is to get wellness for my whole body so that it can support me for the next 20 - 30 years.

Nancy as i mentioned in your post the other day, for all the treatments, lympathic massage, acupuncture and the BIA, 12 - 18 hours post the treatment i have increased amount of BM's, both naturopath and acupuncturist agree this is the removal of the toxins due to the treatment.
Gabes Ryan

"Anything that contradicts experience and logic should be abandoned"
Dalai Lama
User avatar
nancyl
Rockhopper Penguin
Rockhopper Penguin
Posts: 780
Joined: Wed Dec 29, 2010 4:42 pm
Location: Massachusetts

Post by nancyl »

Joe and Gabes,

Thanks for all the great information. I have heard of an accupuncturist in the Fitchburg area that is also very good. I am going to look into both. I wish our insurance would cover naturapathic doctors. Right now I am switching PC physicians. I have no confidence in mine. It's so hard to change doctors, or I should say, such a process.

What is the difference between BIA and MRT?

Nancy
User avatar
Joefnh
Rockhopper Penguin
Rockhopper Penguin
Posts: 2478
Joined: Wed Apr 21, 2010 8:25 pm
Location: Southern New Hampshire

Post by Joefnh »

Hi Nancy, so you are in the Leominster / Fitchburg area. That's where my Irish side of the family lives.

Ok what are the differences between MRT and BIA.

MRT tests your blood directly for reactions to different substances (foods and pharmaceuticals). In BIA it uses electrical sensors to electrically take a reading of how your body reacts to different foods or potentially other substances by analyzing the signals generated in reaction to very small alternating currents.


There is a MRT support group here and can be found at:

http://www.perskyfarms.com/phpBB2/viewforum.php?f=66

There are some good posts there about the techniques and the results

--Joe
Joe
User avatar
nancyl
Rockhopper Penguin
Rockhopper Penguin
Posts: 780
Joined: Wed Dec 29, 2010 4:42 pm
Location: Massachusetts

Post by nancyl »

Joe,
Where in our area did you get this testing done? Did your PCP order the testing and is it covered by insurance?

Nancy
User avatar
Joefnh
Rockhopper Penguin
Rockhopper Penguin
Posts: 2478
Joined: Wed Apr 21, 2010 8:25 pm
Location: Southern New Hampshire

Post by Joefnh »

Nancy I would go see

Deb Konkle, MS, RD, LDN
Boundaries Therapy Center
518 Great Road
Acton MA 01720
www.debkonkle.meta-ehealth.com
978-263-4878 ext. 226

Just ask your PCP for a referral

She is about a 20 - 30 minute drive form Leominster if you come across route to to 495N. Deb is very knowledgeable about IBD's and digestive issues.

--Joe
Joe
User avatar
nancyl
Rockhopper Penguin
Rockhopper Penguin
Posts: 780
Joined: Wed Dec 29, 2010 4:42 pm
Location: Massachusetts

Post by nancyl »

Thanks Joe, not far from my home.

Nancy
jmayk8
Rockhopper Penguin
Rockhopper Penguin
Posts: 713
Joined: Sat Jan 22, 2011 5:13 pm
Location: MA

Post by jmayk8 »

Nancy,
I was ref by a friend to go here...I have an Appointment sched for May..
http://www.visionsmedical.com/
Jenny
nanhedrick2
Posts: 2
Joined: Sat Sep 08, 2012 5:18 pm

Post by nanhedrick2 »

I started using gelatin a bit each day, and it seems to be helping. (If I take too much it seems to aggravate my low-functioning gallbladder, probably because it is a meat product.)
User avatar
mickjcat
Adélie Penguin
Adélie Penguin
Posts: 118
Joined: Sat Jul 07, 2012 10:27 am
Location: Indiana

Post by mickjcat »

Takef586,

I have the support of 3mgs of Entocort, (which I am tritating down to 1 every other day today) L-glutamine, b-12, Calcium with various added minerals. I started to juice every day, about 3 weeks ago to give my colon a rest, and that has been a miracle to me.

What I started to do holistically is to meditate on the idea that food is my friend, and I have dominion over my cells. I also tell my colon that it is healing and my natural state is to be healthy.

After four months of treating this illness, my stools have returned to a 4 on the bristol stool chart, and I have eaten anything I want....no problem.

I also have the support and knowledge of this site which has kept my sanity at the worst of times.
Hope this helps.
Diagnosed with Collagenous Colitis after a 2 month bout of Diarrhea. Confirmed after a biopsy during a colonoscopy.

Mickey
Post Reply

Return to “Main Message Board”