homeopath/hollistic?

Question

what are these and how are they different
are they a good alternative to treat anxiety
thanks

Answer 1

A homeopath uses homeopathic remedies to help dis-ease. Homeopathy is based on the concepts that 1. like cures like and 2. less is more. So, the stronger the medicine, the less substance there actually is. The good thing about homeopathy is that the medicine won't cause any harmful side effects and it can't hurt you. On the downside, the remedies don't always work. You can get many premade remedies from the health food store (Boiron). If you really want to give it a try, find a homeopath or naturopath (actual doctors, not mail order certificate "doctors") and have them make you a specific remedy. I personally have found success with the remedy for bruises/internal wounds (surgery) - arnica montana; the tree pollen allergy one; and teething tablets when my son was teething. I used the wart remedy too. It also makes nails grow stronger and faster. It didn't do much for the warts but our nails really did grow a lot faster.

Holistic is an overall philosophy of healing. Holistic healers think of the whole body and planet when promoting healing. There are holistic nurses, MDs, NMDs, massage therapists (RMTs), etc.. Allopathy (regular western medicine) just focuses on the symptom and does not always think about the reason behind the symptom. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) almost always is holistic.

Answer 2

In theory homeopathy involves taking something that is normally poisonous, then diluting it umpteen times until there is literally nothing left except water (or alcohol or whatever you are disolving it in). Supposedly some sort of magical "energy" is transferred into the water. But in reality it is completely unregulated so there is nothing to stop manufacturers from skipping all the magical diluting and shaking and just filling it up at the tap instead.

Hollistic medicine on the other hand is a generic term for all sorts of medicine that take irrelevant things into account, rather than looking at the actual medical problem.

The best treatment for anxiety is relaxation. Massages, long walks in the sunshine, listening to nice music, or just anything you enjoy will work well.

Answer 3

Ehm..
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Cheers ;)

Answer 4

I hope you get some good answers to this, I'd like to know some ways to treat anxiety. I know St Johns Wort is used quite a bit, and Rescue Remedy. But would be intereseted in any others.

Answer 5

You've already gotten some good answers on what the difference is.
But I thought it was important to point out that these things should be used in conjuction with modern western medicine, never a complete alternative.

Answer 6

Yoga is the best way. Meditation and especially start with yoga.
It doesn't have to be a pill, even an herbal pill. Exercise is one way many people find help. I think yoga is the best method.

Answer 7

homeopathy

A system for treating disease based on the administration of minute doses of a drug that in massive amounts produces symptoms in healthy individuals similar to those of the disease itself.

Holistic

Identifying with principles of holism in a system of therapeutics, esp. one considered outside the mainstream of scientific medicine, as naturopathy or chiropractic, and usually involving nutritional measures.

What is Anxiety?
Many of us lead fast-paced lives and live out of sync with natural rhythms by going to sleep late, waking early, working long hours, not taking enough rest and leisure time, and eating when we’re not hungry. But for the over 14 million Americans who suffer from anxiety, there is a pervading sense of unease and even fear that diminishes their quality of life.

Typically, people feel tension, worry, irritability, frustration, or hopelessness. The sympathetic nervous system (fight-or-flight) is activated, causing symptoms such as poor concentration, fatigue, poor sleep, restless, irritable, feeling tense or on edge, and muscle tension. People may also notice changes in physical health such as headaches, jaw pain, dry mouth, chest tightness, poor digestion, irritable bowel, acne, sexual dysfunction, and heart palpitations. Other areas may be impaired.

The combination of chronic stress, poor sleep, poor diet, use of stimulants such as coffee, and long work hours can deplete the body and lead to condition holistic doctors call "adrenal fatigue". It is characterized by decreased levels of the stress hormone cortisol, fatigue, dark undereye circles, weakness, frequent colds and flu, thin skin, and accelerated aging, and the feeling of being burned out. In traditional Chinese medicine, this condition is called kidney deficiency.

Natural Treatments For Anxiety
Conventional treatments center around anti-anxiety drugs such as Xanax or BuSpar. Anti-depressants may also help. These are best used as short-term strategies. Counseling can help address underlying issues.

Diet
Eliminating coffee should be the first step. There is significant clinical evidence showing that it can be all that is needed in some cases. Other foods that may worsen anxiety in excess are refined sugar honey, maple syrup and cow's milk products.

Nutritional Supplements & Vitamins
Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) - GABA is an amino acid that is known to play a role in the physiology of anxiety. Presciption drugs for anxiety such as Valium and Xanax work by affecting GABA receptors in the brain. However, the degree to which orally ingested GABA supplements can reach the brain is unknown.

Other nutritional supplements used for anxiety include pantothenic acid, calcium, magnesium, and vitamin B complex.

Herbs
Kava - Kava (Piper methysticum) is a herb that is used widely in Europe for nervous anxiety, tension, agitation, and insomnia. Native to Polynesia, kava appears to work in a similar way to prescription benzodiazepine drugs such as Xanax and Valium, with similar effectiveness. Kava doesn't appear to cause mental drowsiness unless taken in large doses. Nevertheless, it is best to use caution until you know the extent of its effects on you. The benefits is often noticeable within weeks, but some people notice improvement after as little as a week. Kava should not be used by people who have had dystonic reactions from antipsychotic drugs or who have Parkinson's disease, as case reports indicate that kava may interfere with dopamine. People taking benzodiazepines such as Valium should only take kava under the strict guidance of a qualified professional.

Valerian - Valerian is a herbal traquilizer that is best known as a remedy for insomnia. It calms the nervous system, balances mood swings, and is not habit forming. One study found that it may have calming effects during stressful situations. It can be blended with other herbs such as hops or passionflower. Valerian should not be used by children, pregnant or nursing women. People with serious health conditions, or who are taking prescription drugs for mood or neurological disorders should consult a qualified professional before taking valerian.

Other herbs - Chamomile, hops, lemon balm, passion flower, skullcap and suma are calming herbs that are frequently recommended for anxiety.

Physical Activity
Exercise is perhaps the safest and most effective method of managing stress. Cardiovascular exercise combined with calming exercise such as walking several times per week can be very beneficial.

Aromatherapy
Plant essential oils can be added to baths, massage oil, or infusers. A few drops of essential oils in massage oil can be massaged into the scalp and temples before bed. Essential oils that are used for anxiety and nervous tension are: bergamot, cypress, geranium, jasmine, lavender, melissa, neroli, rose, sandalwood, ylang-ylang. Lavender is the most common and forms the base of many relaxing blends.

Bodywork
Massage therapy, shiatsu, and other forms of bodywork can relax muscle tension, relieve stress, and improve sleep.

Stress-Reduction Techniques
Mind/body breathing exercises, physical exercise, yoga, tai chi, self-hypnosis, massage, meditation, and biofeedback are just some of the stress reduction techniques used for anxiety. Try different techniques and determine which routine you can stick with even when your schedule becomes even more hectic.