Patient Heal Thyself*

Good luck. Taking care of yourself keeps getting more obscure with each passing Dr. Oz book.  It used to be so simple.  Take two aspirins and go to bed.  This was accompanied by Mom's homemade chicken soup.  Frankly, the "go to bed" part was the best advice and still is.  When we're ill, the body desperately wants to heal itself and the immune system has got all it's soldier's on the front line. Avoiding unnecessary demands on the system, i.e., resting, is what helps. 

So, we decide it's time to "see" someone.  Many look no further than the insurance-reimbursed, drug company influenced Western doctor.  But, interestingly, statistics show that over 80% of those with any illness use some form of alternative treatments(1).   So, what is alternative (complementary) medicine?   Some of the most common (and by no means exclusive) are Traditional Chinese Medicine, Homeopathy, Ayurveda, Chiropractic, Naturopathy and Vitamin Therapy. These therapies are widely common and available.  However, in some parts of the country and they are thought of as akin to witchcraft.  Even the term "alternative" medicine is a misnomer, as if to say that Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, Taoism, are "alternative" religions.   

It's hard to decide which of the alternative therapies are best for what ails you.  Need major surgery? Look no further than your Western doctor.  Have back pain?  A chiropractor or acupuncturist can help.  What about homeopathy?  We don't hear much about it and it continues to confound western scientists, who often consider it pseudoscience or quackery. But, homeopathic medicine is the leading "alternative" treatment used in Europe and even more popular in India where over 100 million people use it(2). Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)(3) offers a wide range of treatments including acupuncture, Chinese herbs,  energy movement (qigong), feng shui, acupressure and massage.  Ayurveda is a bit more obscure but I'm most familiar with it due to the yoga connection, it being the healing system of India where yoga originated.  By identifying one's constitution (dosha), changes in lifestyle and diet can affect one's balance and thus health. Then there are the Naturopaths (NDs). The are trained to treat the whole person and blend alternative therapies with more Western-based medicine. They can prescribe medication and perform minor surgeries. 

Does this seem as fuzzy and bizarre as Michelle Bachman?   It can be a bit overwhelming, especially when you're sick or injured.  I think it's best to recognize that some treatments work for some illnesses for some people some of the time. Here's what I do.  I use the principles of Ayurveda (doshas) and Chinese medicine (5 elements) as a base to stay healthy and balanced.  If the body (muscles, bones) is whacked in some way and yoga is not helping, I see a chiropractor and/or acupuncturist.  If I feel a cold coming on, it's yin chaio (Chinese herb), echinacea and lots of Vit C.  If I need any lab work, a DO (not discussed) or ND (above) can get it done.

Knowing what to do about your health has never been so full of choices.  Just check out WebMD, EasyDiagnosis, or MedicineNet or WrongDiagnosis to really screw with your head or .  Good luck and stay well!!   

(1) Most never share this fact with their doc.

(2) According to an A.C. Neilsen survey in India, 62 percent of current homeopathy users have never tried conventional medicines and 82 percentof homeopathy users would not switch to conventional treatments.  See http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dana-ullman/homeopathic-medicine-euro_b_402490.html. 

(3)  TCM is good at treating about 70% of all disease like chronic inflammation, chronic pains, functional imbalance,disorders of the immune system, viral infection, proliferative diseases,degenerative conditions, senile problems, commonly encountered syndromes,sub-health status, and various chronic and difficult health problems, etc.  See: http://www.tcmtreatment.com/

*Not a new article.  Recycled from one year ago.

Not really, but almost.  I'm subbing a bunch this summer as our awesome teachers take some well-deserved time for trainings or family vacations.  Ann Austin, Westside Yoga Studio, and Devorah Blum  have generously offered to accept my passes whenever I'm teaching their classes.  

What's a class pass you ask?  Many of my students have found it most economical and convenient to purchase a 10 or 5 class pass with me ($100 and $55, respectively).  That's $10 a class.  Can't beat that.  

This is a great opportunity to check out Yoga Studio Ganesha or Westside Yoga Studio when I'm teaching.  Check my schedule and calendar for my dates.  Any questions?  Let me know.     

Get Your Dharma Here

I subscribe to Tricycle's Daily Dharma.  I know, I know, the last thing you need is more in your inbox.  But, I find these little daily missives helpful.  You can subscribe to them here   You could spend hours that you don't have just exploring their website.  I'm signed up for the Buddhafest Film Festival.  Here's one I thought you'd enjoy.

When Obstacles Arise

When challenges or obstacles arise for us, we don't have to get so intimidated; we can say, "Yes, it's an obstacle, but it is not intrinsically bad; it's not going to destroy me." To create a relationship with the obstacle, learn about it, and finally overcome it is going to be a helpful thing to do. It gives us a chance to cultivate wisdom and skillful means. It gives us confidence.

-Dzigar Kongtrul Rinpoche, "Old Relationships, New Possibilities"

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