Category Archives: Integrative Medicine

Ayurveda | Johns Hopkins Medicine

Ayurveda, a natural system of medicine, originated in India more than 3,000 years ago. The term Ayurveda is derived from the Sanskrit words ayur (life) and veda (science or knowledge). Thus,Ayurveda translates to knowledge of life. Based on the idea that disease is due to an imbalance or stress in a person's consciousness, Ayurveda encourages certain lifestyle interventions and natural therapies to regain a balance between the body, mind, spirit, and the environment.

Ayurveda treatment starts with an internal purification process, followed by a special diet, herbal remedies, massage therapy, yoga, and meditation.

The concepts of universal interconnectedness, the body's constitution (prakriti), and life forces (doshas) are the primary basis of ayurvedic medicine. Goals of treatment aid the person by eliminating impurities, reducing symptoms, increasing resistance to disease, reducing worry, and increasing harmony in life. Herbs and other plants, including oils and common spices, are used extensively in Ayurvedic treatment.

In India, Ayurveda is considered a form of medical care, equal to conventional Western medicine, traditional Chinese medicine, naturopathic medicine, and homeopathic medicine. Practitioners of Ayurveda in India undergo state-recognized, institutionalized training. Currently, Ayurvedic practitioners are not licensed in the United States, and there is no national standard for Ayurvedic training or certification. However, Ayurvedic schools have gained approval as educational institutions in some states.

Ayurveda can have positive effects when used as a complementary therapy in combination with standard, conventional medical care.

Many Ayurvedic materials have not been thoroughly studied in either Western or Indian research. Some of the products used in Ayurvedic medicine contain herbs, metals, minerals, or other materials that may be harmful if used improperly or without the direction of a trained practitioner.Ayurvedic medicines are regulated as dietary supplements rather than as drugs in the United States, so they are not required to meet the safety and efficacy standards for conventional medicines. These medicines can interact, or work against,the effects of Western medicines. Investigate the training and background of Ayurvedic practitioners whom you intend to use.

It's important to discuss any Ayurvedic treatments that you use with your doctor. Women who are pregnant or nursing, or people who are thinking of using Ayurvedic therapy to treat a child, shouldconsult their healthcare provider. It is important to make sure that any diagnosis of a disease or condition has been made by a healthcare provider who has substantial conventional medical training and experience with managing that disease or condition. While Ayurveda can have positive effects when used as a complementary therapy in combination with standard, conventional medical care,it should not replace standard, conventional medical care, especially when treating serious conditions.

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Aromatherapy: Do Essential Oils Really Work? – Hopkins Medicine

Essential oils have been getting a lot of buzz recently for helping witheverything from headaches to sleep to sore throats. But do theseconcentrated plant-based oils work?

Essential oils can make a positive impact on your health and well-being as long as you use them in a safe way.

Want to give essential oils a try? Learn what conditions they may helptreat and how to find quality essential oils, since not all products arecreated equal.

Essential oils are basically plant extracts. They're made by steaming orpressing various parts of a plant (flowers, bark, leaves or fruit) tocapture the compounds that produce fragrance. It can take several pounds ofa plant to produce a single bottle of essential oil. In addition tocreating scent, essential oils perform other functions in plants, too.

Aromatherapy is the practice of using essential oils for therapeuticbenefit. Aromatherapy has been used for centuries. Wheninhaled, the scent molecules in essential oils travel from the olfactorynerves directly to the brain and especially impact the amygdala, theemotional center of the brain.

Essential oils can also be absorbed by the skin. A massage therapist mightadd a drop or two of wintergreen to oil to help relax tight muscles duringa rubdown. A skincare company may add lavender to bath salts to create asoothing soak.

Although people claim essential oils are natural remedies for a number ofailments, there's not enough research to determine their effectiveness inhuman health. Results of lab studies are promising one at Johns Hopkinsfound that certainessential oils could kill a type of Lyme bacteriabetter than antibiotics but results in human clinical trials are mixed.

Some studies indicate that there's a benefit to using essential oils whileothers show no improvement in symptoms. Clinical trials have looked atwhether essential oils can alleviate conditions such as:

The quality of essential oils on the market varies greatly, from pureessential oils to those diluted with less expensive ingredients. Andbecause there's no regulation, the label may not even list everythingthat's in the bottle you're buying. That's why essential oilsshould not be ingested.

Johns Hopkins also advises against using essential oil diffusers, small householdappliances that create scented vapor. Diffusion in a public area orhousehold with multiple members can affect people differently. For example, peppermint is often recommended forheadaches. But if you use it around a child who's less than 30 months old, the childcan become agitated. It could have a negative effect. Additionally,someone with fast heartbeat can react adversely to peppermint.

The safest ways to use essential oils include:

A small number of people may experience irritation or allergic reactions tocertain essential oils. You're more likely to have a bad reaction if youhave atopic dermatitis or a history of reactions to topical products.Although you can experience a reaction to any essential oil, some are morelikely to be problematic, including:

Because pure essential oils are potent, diluting them in a carrier oil isthe best way to avoid a bad reaction when applying directly to the skin. Ifyou get a red, itchy rash or hives after applying essential oils, see adoctor. You may be having an allergic reaction.

There are dozens of essential oils, all with different fragrances andchemical makeups. Which essential oils are best depends on what symptomsyou're looking to ease or fragrances you prefer. Some of the most popularessential oils include:

The most important thing to consider when shopping for essential oils isproduct quality. But figuring out which oils are the best ischallenging, since there's no government agency in the U.S. that provides agrading system or certification for essential oils. A big problem? Manycompanies claim their essential oils are "therapeutic grade," but that'sjust a marketing term.

Unfortunately, there are lots of products you might find online or instores that aren't harvested correctly or may have something in them thatisn't listed on the label.

Here are some tips to help you shop for pure essential oils:

Essential oils can lift your mood and make you feel good with just a whiffof their fragrance. For some people they may even help alleviate thesymptoms of various conditions. For more information on how to incorporatethem into a healthy lifestyle, consult an integrative medicine expert.

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Chiropractic Medicine | Johns Hopkins Medicine

Chiropractic medicine is based on the link between the alignment of the spine and the function of the body. A core tenant of chiropractic medicine is the belief that the body has the ability to heal itself if given proper support. The word chiropractic comes from the Greek words cheir and praxis meaning hand and practice. The wordsrefer to treatment done by the hands or hands-on therapy.

With use of manual manipulation of the spine, chiropractors believe they can improve a person's health without surgery or medicine. Some chiropractors also prescribe exercises to do at home. Chiropractors may do lab testing, diagnostic imaging, and other testing. Some also practice nutrition and complementary medicine.

Treatment may involve lying on your stomach on a special table, while the chiropractor uses his or her hands and elbows to realign the spine.

Chiropractic treatments have proven to be effective in treating certain lower back pain symptoms and muscle and other bone pains.

Chiropractic training is not equal to the training licensed medical doctors receive, but it is extensive. Doctors of Chiropractic Medicine have had at least3 years of college with an emphasis on biology or basic sciences. This is followed by a minimum of 4 years of training at an accredited chiropractic college.

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Stress Busters: 4 Integrative Treatments – Hopkins Medicine

Meditation and mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) are therapies proven to help manage anxiety and depression.

Meditation is an ancient practice that helps you reach a relaxed state by focusing on breathing and awareness of the body in the present.

MBSR is a program that draws on the principles of meditation to help people become more aware of how negative thoughts impact physical feelings. Research has shown that benefits of MBSR include:

Evidence supports the idea that meditation and mindfulness-based stress reduction are very helpful for managing mood disorders, and experts recommend it.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of talk therapy focused on pinpointing and questioning negative, often mistaken thoughts that can lead to behavioral and mental health problems, such as anxiety.

Research shows that people who receive CBT have a greater reduction in mental health symptoms as compared to people who use medication alone.

There is solid evidence that CBT, meditation and MBSR are effective.

All of these techniques are safe and have no side effects. A motivated person can practice them on their own. While integrative medicine may support traditional medicine, it is not a replacement, so its important to talk to your doctor about your symptoms.

Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese practice involving the use of tiny needles to stimulate the nervous and immune systems. During the procedure, a licensed acupuncturist inserts hair-thin needles into the skin at specific points on the body. Acupuncture is painless, and research shows it helps support conventional treatment for a range of problems that include stress, chronic pain and digestive disorders. Experts note that it may be particularly effective for insomnia.

While many of us think of massage as a rare, indulgent treat, studies indicate massage helps treat a variety of stress-related disorders, including anxiety and insomnia. While one treatment is good, a series of massage treatments can be even more effective.

It's important to talk to your doctor about whether massage is right for you. It may not be appropriate for people with certain conditions, such as bleeding disorders or osteoporosis.

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Stress Busters: 4 Integrative Treatments - Hopkins Medicine