Thursday, September 10, 2015

Is Choosing an Alternative Medicine Practitioner Freaking You Out?


Don't let the theme song from the Twilight Zone blast through your head at the idea of choosing an alternative medicine practitioner. There’s nothing strange about alternative medicine and naturopathy – or those that practice it. And you don’t need a degree in these healing arts to find the perfect practitioner to meet your health care needs.  

Selection 101: It’s not that different from choosing other types of healthcare providers

  • Get a referral.
    Ask your doctor, other healthcare providers, or insurance company if they have a list of alternative medicine and naturopathic medical practitioners they would recommend in your area.
     
  • Contact local organizations.
    Looking for a particularly modality, like naturopathy? National organizations such as the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians and local professional organizations such as the Arizona Naturopathic Medical Association will have a list of practitioners in your area.
     
  • Check credentials.
    You wouldn’t go to a doctor whose degree was in automotive repair. Ditto for alternative medicine practitioners. Once you identify potential prospects, look into their education, training, licensing, and certifications. Credentials vary by discipline – and by state – so you may need to do a bit of research to verify necessary requirements.
     
  • Go for team players.
    Choose a practitioner who is willing – or better yet comfortable – at working together with your conventional healthcare providers. Communication and cooperation ensures safe, coordinated care.
     
  • Make sure they’re in the know.
    Does the practitioner have specialized training or prior experience in working with individuals with your condition? Are they aware of available research as to how their modality can treat your condition? Choosing a practitioner that is familiar with your situation and understands how to handle your specific needs is key to safe and successful treatment results.
     
  • Don’t assume insurance coverage.
    While some coverage is usually available for alternative medical modalities (massage, acupuncture, chiropractic), not all approaches may be covered by your insurance provider. Request alternative healthcare providers verify insurance coverage (or lack thereof) prior to your visit. This will help curtail unexpected costs and frustration.  

Think you’ve found the perfect practitioner?
Get a treatment! Meeting your practitioner in person and getting a treatment is the best way to find out if it’s a match made in heaven – or if another search is in your future. When it’s the right fit, you just know.


Start the path to superior health. Find a great alternative medicine and naturopathic medical practitioner in your area today!

Wednesday, September 9, 2015

Hot Flash - I Mean News Flash! Naturopathic Medicine Reduces Menopause Symptoms


If you, like other menopausal women, have been toting around the spray bottle with the fan on it and advertising your menopausal status to the public at large, it’s time for a change. Not “the change” – a change in the way you handle your menopausal symptoms with the help of naturopathic medicine for women.


The laundry list:
Hot flashes, night sweats, trouble sleeping, depression and mood swings, decreased libido, vaginal dryness, and increased risk of bone loss and osteoporosis are just some of the steamy struggles you’re experiencing – and they can last an average of 2 years!  


Ready to clean up this hot mess? Naturopathic medicine can take these tough issues to task!

  • Natural progesterone
    In contrast to the synthetic progestin of HRT, natural progesterone derived from wild yam or soy is identical to the body’s own hormones, and relatively free of side effects. In addition to relieving hot flashes and many other symptoms of menopause, studies have also found natural progesterone capable of reversing bone loss.
     
  • Phytoestrogens
    Plants such as soy, alfalfa, fennel, licorice root, dong quai, black cohosh, and chaste berries balance female hormones and offer relief from hot flashes and other menopausal complaints.
     
    • Soy
      Rich in phytoestrogens, soy relieves many menopausal complaints, and has been associated with reducing breast and other cancer risks. It has also been linked with a reduction in heart disease and osteoporosis.
       
    • Black cohosh
      The potent phytoestrogens of black cohosh are very effective at treating menopausal complaints sans side effects. When compared with estrogen replacement therapy, in multiple trials it was found to offer equal or better results than its prescription alternative. Black cohosh also effectively treats depression and vaginal atrophy as well.
       
  • Nutritional supplements
    There are several nutritional supplements which can alleviate hot flashes, including vitamin E, hesperidin, and vitamin C. In a study, the combination of vitamin C and hesperidin was found to relieve symptoms in 87% of subjects. Vitamin E also relieves vaginal dryness.
     
  • Exercise
    Believe it or not, exercise can relieve hot flashes, as well as reduce the risk of developing cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and more.

Ready to quench that fire? Find a naturopathic physician near you today!