Anecdotes And The Alternative

Hi all. 

Many are asking me the ages old question, "Does complementary and alternative medicine work?", since there has been an argument (among many) between conventional and alternative medicine, that states that conventional medicine is more scientific and based on scientific studies and the scientific method, including double blind studies, clinical trials, etc., while alternative medicine tends to be more anecdotal, based on hearsay, folk medicine, etc.

I am unsure as to whether this is an actual disagreement, a philosophical difference, or something else entirely, so I will attempt to clarify. These particular issues and arguments are vast, many and relevant, and I do not wish to go into them here necessarily.

It is actually my personal opinion that texts and author/s are relatively pretty good at stating and quoting different studies, experiments, and statistics, related to alternative practices and methods presented in their books and articles, in order to prove a point or teaching.

This is actually somewhat more in line with mainstream medicine. I think though there are instances where this falls short and it is not exactly clear how a number, percentage, or success rate is arrived at and the details around it and the specific study or experiment.

Research can be both quantitative as well as qualitative, and both may be valid methods when used correctly. Rather than going into a tirade against authors or texts which is probably not even necessary in this case because the approach is generally pretty good, let's say I am disagreeing in general with certain forms of “just” or "only" anecdotal evidence.

I humbly believe that in many instances even if there are subjective and / or anecdotal claims that they are better off put through the ringer of quantitative research at the very least, or other methods to prove the safety and success of certain alternative methods and products.

Also more warnings and clarification should be employed, not only on products themselves, but when discussing methods and products. Certain stricter regulation at times is in good order as well as the testing of products.

So all this is I am spouting, is also obviously subjective and anecdotal, but it stems from this fascinating personal story:

In dealing with certain skin problems related to eczema / tinea / ringworm, I tried all sorts of natural methods wanting to avoid steroids and other harmful substances and medications.

A number of friends began telling me about a substance called MMS / Miracle Mineral Supplement or something, and were singing its praises as a panacea and cure-all. I decided to jump on the band wagon, did some reading on the internet, some basic so called research (I thought), and I was pretty much sold.

One of the friends recommending the stuff asked me if she should “test” me with Kinesiology / muscle testing to see if it would be good for me. Seeing as this was over the phone / computer and being a purist against practitioners testing their own muscles for a patient's needs, I refused and said it was fine and I'd try it.

I began using the stuff, and after every time I took it, I felt nauseous, dizzy and weak. The stuff itself gave off a bleachy smell that reminded me clearly of car exhaust in a traffic jam. As recommended by the product literature and those advising me, I cut down on the dosage in order to reduce my so called “detox” reactions that I might be having, but this did not change and my health felt worse, while my original symptoms did not change.

After a number of weeks, enough was enough. I grabbed the bottle, held it to my chest with my right hand, stood in middle of the room without shoes, closed my eyes, and let my body loosen up giving it slack. This is a very simple self Kinesiology test for affinity to items, medicines, objects, foods, etc. and in general works quite well (but it is dynamic and can sometimes change from time to time and session to session especially after being treated for allergies which it can also test for). I swayed back and almost fell over. BIG NO! That's what my body was telling me and it don't lie.

The one friend who I refused to let test me over the phone, was then upset I did not let her test me after she found out, and the clincher is that my Naturopath at the time, an MD, Homeopath, Iridologist, examined me, looked at me, and said with a serious look,”What have you done to your liver?!” I thought to myself but did not tell him, “Let's not even go there!” “I'm going to give you something among the remedies to cleanse and calm it.” Need I say more? Really?!

The stuff was sitting in my closet for a few years up until a few months ago somehow after that, when I finally poured it out and recycled the plastic bottle. Maybe I should have looked into it more, done more research, asked around, or tested myself to begin with.

It still bears more looking into, but apparently according to many including some reputable Naturopaths, despite all the claims, the stuff is noxious, it does more harm than good, the fellow who produces, sells, and markets the stuff is a fake and the whole thing is a scam in general. Supposedly, even all the positive claims and attestations surrounding MMS somehow originated from the fellow either directly or indirectly. Whose to know who to believe or what to listen to? My personal take... You decide for yourself...

Let's use numbers, statistics and measurements. Research is a means of showing how things can or cannot be shown or proven as a whole. Even if it's general and statistical. There's nothing wrong with anecdotal evidence, but a lot more people would feel safer and would be more convinced if the research were done and positive results proven. It would really help CAM move forward in a well needed quantum leap.

So don't necessarily take anyone's word for it. Anecdotes are great, but at least see how many people have them and whether positive or negative. Do the research if and when you can to the best of your ability, and speak to people and practitioners you trust who want what's best for you truly.

Wake up and be aware!

Aids and the Alternative

In my humble opinion, the best thing is to use the Alternative Medicine approach as a treatment for Aids.

Primarily, AIDS is defined by what appears to be severe immune deficiency and is distinguished from other diseases by the fact that it has no constant, specific symptoms. Because of this and other discrepancies, there is much confusion and argument as to what AIDS really is and even whether to classify it as a disease.

Generally, any degree of immune suppression where HIV is present is classified as AIDS, but the same degree of suppression in the absence of HIV is not defined as such.

Connected to this is the major argument, whether in fact HIV even causes AIDS. Some believe that it actually causes the immune suppression that leads to AIDS, while others argue that various environmental risk factors like drugs, substances, infections, and sexually transmitted diseases are the real cause of the immune suppression, and that HIV is just the byproduct of this suppressed immune system.

Conclusively, although there may be a strong correlation between HIV and AIDS, and most people with AIDS also test positively for HIV, it is not a total correlation, nor proof of causation.

The AIDS community still stand by its belief hat HIV causes AIDS, but they are starting to concede that HIV alone may not lead to AIDS without one or more co-factors. What is clear at present, is that the immune systems of people with AIDS, are damaged, and the most vital thing is to explore which treatments can restore the immune system, resulting in the restoration of health.

Whereas the usual view of AIDS treatment focuses on the elimination of HIV, the alternative view places the main emphasis on restoring overall health by eliminating the co-factors.

Malnutrition is a common problem with people who are HIV positive, and is almost universal in those suffering from AIDS. Diet and nutrition are thus essential in treating AIDS. As well, persons with AIDS, HIV positive people, and even general large segments of the US population, have also been shown to be deficient in specific vitamins and minerals critical to immune system function.

So, whole, unprocessed, foods with essential nutrients and no additives should be eaten, especially by those suffering from AIDS. Fresh organic, vegetables, fruits, fish and meat are suggested, while eliminating refined carbohydrates and replacing them with complex ones. Also, specific nutrients, vitamins, and minerals are commonly supplemented in HIV positive and AIDS patients that are lacking.

The use of herbal medicine for treating AIDS is widespread today with additional research going on to assess further applications and effectiveness. For the most parts, herbs are utilized for their antiviral, antibacterial, tonifying, and stress reducing qualities.

Acupuncture has been shown to be an effective and vital tool for treating AIDS and HIV infection, specifically when combined with other alternative therapies such as herbal medicine.

Hyperthermia like our body's natural fever mechanism, can be used against infection and disease, by raising the body's temperature and thereby increasing the production of antibodies and interferon, which stimulates immune function.

This heating of the body and promoting sweat helps to detoxify heavy metals, pesticides, and chemicals, and toxins stored in the fat cells. HIV has been shown to be heat sensitive, and will become increasingly inactive as body temperature is progressively raised above normal for extended periods.

Use of oxygen therapy as a primary treatment for HIV infection, AIDS and its associated infections is a safe and most effective method. Using hyperbaric oxygen, ozone, or hydrogen peroxide to combat HIV, is much the same as the immune system using oxygen free radicals to destroy viral or bacterial infections.

There is an absolutely vital relationship between emotional states and our immune systems. Emotions such as guilt, anger, fear, and hopelessness are common among those with AIDS and add to the immune system's burden.

Therefore, any stress reduction strategy that can help one cope with negative emotions and influences that affect the nervous system is recommended. Mind / Body therapies such as relaxation, meditation, visualization, psychotherapy or counseling, treatment or group work will all help improve immune function.

My Diet Rant

As I may have mentioned in the past, I personally believe that when it comes to diet and nutrition, it depends on an individual's present place in life and what it is they are trying to achieve. 

Certainly this meshes with texts, where a number of different diets are mentioned that have specific purposes and goals, and with the potpourri of diets in the world today.

I have done and tried many diets myself. One reason is that I usually refuse to recommend anything health wise, especially a diet to any friends or clients, unless I have tried it myself.

I have done in no particular order, the Scarsdale Diet ( I was age 15-16), a non-dairy diet where I had no dairy at all for years, a non red meat diet and only had poultry during Sabbath and Holidays and fish whenever (semi carnivore Pescatarian diet?), the Blood Type (B) diet (one of my favorites), the Food Combining diet first according to Dr. Norman Walker and then from other sources, have never done Weight Watchers but have 2 beautiful siblings that swear by it so it MUST work, the Electro-Chemical Diet recommended in The Healing Benefits of Acupressure by Houston (somewhat similar to the Alkaline Diet in our text), a Chinese Medicine type diet where I ate specific foods to strengthen and balance specific organs and systems, the Candida Diet (similar to the Liver Diet in the text), the 3 day gall bladder diet / cleanse, juice diet for 7 – 10 days (you can't call it a fast if you are drinking juices), and last year was following Tim Ferriss's 4 Hour Body or Slow Carbohydrate Diet.

Presently I am "somewhat" macrobiotic and deviate here and there based on my intuition, and if I've had a bad period and decide to cheat with some comfort food.

There are others diets and lifestyles as well that do not come to mind presently, but the point here is nonetheless made.

I can surely say that whatever my purpose was for each diet at that specific time, I definitely accomplished what I needed to more or less, and then moved on to whatever my next particular goal was in terms of eating habits.

They ALL work for the most part. Why should they not? Maimonides mentioned many years ago that essentially a person's health is directly related to his diet and that most diseases come from corrupt eating habits. It's directly linked 

regarding eating living things? Maybe I am lactose intolerant or have severe bloating when eating certain foods or combining certain ones? 

Do I have high cholesterol level in my blood and am dealing with heart or blood pressure issues? Maybe I am allergic to certain foods like fish, nuts, or eggs? Maybe I have Celiac disease (way too harsh of a word for that particular issue) and am intolerant of gluten? Do I have a hormonal imbalance and a possible thyroid problem? Diabetes and high blood sugar? Hypoglycemia?

All of the above will dictate a person's diet and how they eat. The  main thing is to follow a specific regime and order of eating whatever the case and to do it habitually so that it becomes second nature. 

Whether it is preventative so as not to bring about certain ailments, or to get rid of certain ailments or difficulties, or for good general health and well being. Eating in the dictated specific way whatever it is, will work and will bring about the desired results for most people if they follow it diligently and go by the book.

People change over time and issues change over time. Whether it is something in my biological makeup affecting my body based on time, experience, and habits, or philosophical or spiritual beliefs  and opinions that are influencing me in other ways. There's no better or worse. 

Just like finding out recently that eggs aren't really as bad for serum cholesterol as was thought and that the yolk is actually good for your heart, yesterday's diet may not quite fit the bill anymore, and you will have to be flexible and move on to a diet that is more appropriate for you at that specific time and place.

Alternative Medicine: Manipulation And Body Based Practices

So in Holistic Medicine, what's the best way to go? Herbs? Acupuncture? Maybe what's best are Complementary and Alternative Medicine techniques for manipulation?


The answer is probably all. A multidisciplinary approach is best in holistic medicine, and body work and manipulation has much to offer.

Manipulation as well as body based alternative practices involve working the structure, function, and different areas and systems of the body; skeleton and joints, soft / connective tissue, circulatory system, and lymph network. Some popular and well known body therapies fall within this category.

Spinal, Skeletal, or Structural manipulation is performed by Chiropractors, Osteopaths and by other professionals such as physical or athletic therapists, and some conventional medical doctors as well. Practitioners use a controlled impulse / force to a bone, joint, or the spinal column, moving it beyond its present passive range of motion; the force used is related to the type of manipulation needed and its purpose and goal. These types of manipulation and treatment are among those applied to people with low back pain which is a common ailment in our time that can sometimes be difficult to treat.


Massage therapy may also include many different techniques. In short, practitioners press, rub, and manipulate the muscles and other soft connective tissues of the body. People go to massage for a plethora of health purposes and for well being, including to reduce pain, rehabilitation of sports and other injuries, orthopedic issues, stress reduction, to promote relaxation, to reduce anxiety and depression, and for general well-being.


As an Athletic Therapist I was trained to use a number of modalities, including massage in all its glory - Effleurage, Petrisage, Tapotement, deep tissue, friction, mobilization. I have used these, as well as Acupressure and Trigger Point massage many times. Releasing cramped muscles, warming up athletes, rehabilitating injuries, relaxing and soothing stiffness. Overall in the different areas of Athletic Therapy with much success, whether in rehabilitation, or maintenance.


Osteopathy predates Chiropractic by at least 20 – 25 years, and apparently, funny enough, DD Palmer the founder of Chiropractic was briefly jailed for practicing Osteopathy without a license. Structural adjustments are a key part of Osteopathy, though today it is only one of four approaches. Structural, Myofascial, Visceral, and Craniosacral Osteopathy are all practiced in the field today, so Osteopathy is in itself multidisciplinary.


I was trained in all four approaches and in a myriad of techniques from each discipline. My recent partner whom I share a private clinic with, and also worked with at an HMO is a licensed Chiropractor. We have had the pleasure of treating each other many times, without regarding each other as competition, and with mutual respect and understanding trying to help each other. These sessions have been amazingly helpful, stress reducing, and educational. 

Plus, I originally went to study Athletic Therapy in order to go to Chiropractic school afterwards, and researched both fields before deciding on my path. Since lower back pain is somewhat of an epidemic in the Western world, most people come for Osteopathic treatments of that issue. Mind you, most people go to all alternative treatments across the board mainly for lower back pains and issues. 

For the most part, I have mostly treated, lower back pain, sciatica, anterior / posterior tibialis compartment syndrome, migraines / other headaches, neck / shoulder / upper back pain, thoracic outlet syndrome, plantar fasciitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, knee pain, ankle pain, general joint pain and / or weakness, arthritis, tinnitus, torticolis, child development issues, pregnancy issues and (back) pain, digestive issues, constipation, swelling and joint pain, bed-wetting, incontinence, and the list goes on...


In my first year of studying Classical Osteopathy, I completed a certificate in Advanced Reflexology (I also have certificates in Acupressure and Sports Massage), another form of Bodywork, in order to be able to start treating people holistically, to have another tool of diagnosis and treatment. I continue to use the tools I acquired from Reflexology and Acupressure, especially when giving patients self-care work and homework to do on their own. 

They are very easy to do by yourself and it gives patients excellent maintenance tools and responsibility for their own health. I have also been treated quite a few times with Reflexology and Shiatsu ( a form of Acupressure). I merited to help people with jaw clenching issues, especially while sleeping, babies and adults with constipation and digestive issues, stress-related issues and pains, plantar fasciitis, menstrual cramps, headaches, torticolis and other issues.


I have used Jin Shin Jitsu on myself and with clients for about ten years now, and I recently purchased a book I have yet to read on the Rosen Method of Bodywork, which a friend recommended.
Alternative Medicine also encompasses movement therapies—a broad range of Eastern and Western movement-based approaches used to promote physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Examples include Tai Chi, Feldenkrais method, Alexander technique, Pilates, and Tragering.

There you have it. A tasty menu of delights to choose from for all your aches and pains. 

May they all be relieved!

Giving In To, Not The Alternative

Is it true that there is a real difference between Alternative and Conventional Medicine?

For the following also, I am not saying that author/s and texts are necessarily refined purists who are saying that the ONLY way to go all the time every time is with alternative medicine. But it does sound like that sometimes for sure when you read what's out there.

Clearly learning more and more about the different subjects tends to educate me and show me what choices I have and how I can be more informed about them. The bottom line though is that a course in Naturopathy for example, with a Naturopathic text book, will spout the Natural, and personally I would not be studying it and learning about alternative medicine if I did not think that was the way to go all the way. When possible.

But I actually don't necessarily agree that the alternative route may be the way to go for "everyone" "every time". And here's why...
There are times where I have felt that I have exhausted my arsenal, have exerted my efforts, given it enough time, and...? well..? nu...? and there's nothing left to do but pop a pill. Thankfully these instances have been very few and far between. In my case it's been with the rare headache mainly, and for various reasons. The last time it was purely out of necessity and logistics. It's circumstantial. I'll explain.

After having attended a festive Purim Holiday celebration the night before, where we drank lots of red, dry, wine, I awoke with a HUGE headache and hangover. To me this was funny, as I had not actually gotten drunk or indulged in an exaggerated manner. No one, we were somewhat inebriated and definitely in good humor.
The drinking was quite subdued, and controlled, and though the wine was abundant it was not in excess. The alcohol should have worn off by this point for sure.

Then I remembered! Despite the food and the meal, there was no way I had had enough water the day before, even with my intermittent drinking. I was basically dehydrated for the most part and thus my headache, nausea, and dizziness, et al.

What was I to do? I had to work a full shift for 5 hours with a patient every half hour that needed to be treated with Osteopathy. Plus I could not afford to take off sick as I really needed the work.
I started drinking water, possibly took some Nux Vomica the traditional Homeopathic hangover remedy, started working some pressure points and Reflexolgy... Even if all this could work, I had no time to let it or to attend to it, and others, my patients were depending on me and needed me fully. I first also needed to get to work on time.

Thankfully when I got to the pain clinic where I work, and I arrived on time, my colleague and superior an MD from the former Soviet Union, an Anesthesiologist was already there. I gave in to myself and the situation, and asked him for an Acomol or two from the nurse's room. He humbly apologized and told me there was none, but gave me I think it was an Optalgin instead.
Who knows, they all look and sound the same to me. It's medicine for G-d's sake whichever way you look at it!

It usually takes about a half hour for the stuff to kick in. It was a bit delayed in my case, and I had to force myself through a couple of grueling first treatments. I even told my director that if all else fails, I may have to cut out and leave in an emergency for health reasons.

After more than an hour though, my headache was gone, I was able to function and focus, drink much more water and hold it down, and even eat. I was thankful for the pill actually, and glad I was able to do what I did.

It really helped me pull myself together, but I thus learned from personal experience about the powerful “drugs” many of my patients take and how it affects their system, and most likely overwhelms their liver when taken for long periods on a daily basis.

This whole thing is as opposed to the other week when for some reason most likely related to fatigue, I woke up in the morning with a bad lingering headache in my left temple. It was getting pretty bad, banging in like a nail and cutting like a knife intermittently when I moved in certain ways.

I had some Bach Rescue Remedy lying a round, grabbed a couple of drops and rubbed it into my left temple. Then I grabbed my recently bought DiaDens frequency generator and put on the goggle attachments and ran the eye fatigue headache frequency for five minutes while lying in my recliner.

Man! It felt weird, like my eye balls were being sucked out while also being pumped from the inside. I even opened my eyes during the treatment to make sure I was okay. Everything was fine and dandy and my eyes were still seeing and functional, so I shut them for the duration. Was cool!

I finished, and Ta Da it was amazing. NO HEADACHE! GONE! I love that little machine. I was refreshed, replenished, completely cured and continued my day at home doing work as I needed to. Amazing, but circumstances specifically allowed for it this time.

I definitely believe that the first line of defense should be the natural and so called alternative when possible, but if all else fails, or I have no other choice because of the situation or circumstances, there is no reason to needlessly make myself suffer, to let things get worse, and to ruin my day and prevent myself from accomplishing.

Wake up to the reality at hand!

Alternative Medicine: Deja Vu?

Are there some Complementary and Alternative medicine basics which can clarify and simplify exactly what it is and how it works?

I personally began to notice as I read many texts and articles on natural and alternative medicine, that I was continuously reading the same chapters, articles, and information over and over, and I was overcome by a powerful feeling of Deja Vu.

What was happening to me? The page numbers seemed to get higher, but the information and words were the same. Maybe “I” needed help and all that I was reading was getting to “me”? Then I realized what was actually happening. Everything read the same almost exactly.

Have you ever had Deja Vu? Have you ever had Deja Vu? Have you ever had Deja Vu?

It reads something like this, “Cut out environmental and food allergens, avoid dairy foods, saturated fats, and processed foods, remove all your amalgam fillings, exercise, use homeopathy, bodywork, Bach flowers, herbal medicine, Ayurveda, and acupuncture, meditate and visualize, detoxify yourself, use hydrotherapy, eat organic grains, fruits, and vegetables and moderate amounts of organic fish, poultry, and meat...” Aaaaaaagggggghhhhhhh....

What was I expecting? Where is the uniqueness and the “ah ha!” insight that I am yearning for in Natural and Alternative Medicine that will make me say, “That's it! Amazing! Wow! Unbelievable! Just what I was waiting for!”?

You see, that EXACTLY is just it, and that's what is so simply amazing about it all. We have to go no further and look no further than our bodies, ourselves, and what is around us. Sure there are amazing innovations, discoveries, technology, and new methods in natural medicine all the time, but the ultimate purpose is still the same and with good reason.

We are physical, mental / emotional / intellectual, and spiritual beings, and it is these levels within us that we try and address when there are illnesses and we need to bring ourselves back to balance. Of course it all looks and sounds the same time and time again. Because it is! We need to go back to ourselves, the source, and deal with what needs to be dealt with at its source.

And what that means is, using tried and true methods many of which whose sources are ancient, in order to do what's right for ourselves, our being, and our environment on every level to the best of our abilities.

So yes, we need to eat right, sleep right, work right, cleanse our bodies, exercise and stretch our bodies, be careful what we put in and around them, and keep our minds and brains clean and clear. To say the least.

It may sound and look the same, but each of us is a unique individual and each ailment is a unique entity. These natural tools may seem to be the same and the ultimate purpose of our perfect balance most definitely is. So it looks and sounds boring?

Knowing how to apply each of the methods for each individual and each unique case is where the innovation lies, and the simplicity is where it's at. Certainly a lot more simpler than navigating the symptomatic maze of conventional medicine in my humble opinion.

Think about that the next time you come across the same material and have a feeling of Deja Vu.

Think about that the next time you come across the same material and have a feeling of Deja Vu. ;-)

A Bit On Homeopathy And Bach Flowers

I am a big fan of both Homeopathy, Classical and Symptomatic, as well as Bach Flowers, and am always talking to friends and clients about my experiences, and about what they can also do to help themselves. It's important to know some of the basics of homeopathic remedies that are available and how they can be very helpful to you.

Bach Rescue Remedy is a good friend of mine, and it is advertised everywhere. It must be due to the level of emotional stress and the fast pace of life. For some of my clients who suffer from headaches, I recommend that they rub a few drops of Rescue Remedy into their temples, and also to take homeopathic coffee – Coffea Cruda, one particular remedy that calms the nerves, relaxes and brings on sleep, and can quite often cure a headache.

I have used Homeopathy for years, and in my particular case, it usually helps for first aid the quickest and the best. With nausea or stomach / overeating issues, I usually have almost immediate results with Nux Vomica.

I always have Arnica with me for traumatic occurrences, especially during martial arts classes. One combination formula which I like, and put together after years of experience for both myself and clients, is Arnica, Rhus Tox and Ruta Grav as an overall general cure for musculoskeletal issues and injuries.

All in lower doses for symptoms of course, so as not to affect the person's constitution in a Classical Homeopathy constitutional sense which usually happens with the higher doses. These and / or the Heel company's Traumeel pills and / or cream, I often recommend to my patients as an adjunct to our Osteopathic treatments with usual success.

My broken finger about 5 years back, almost completely healed after about three months, due to the expert care of a top Homeopath in England who gave me exact instructions as to how to proceed, and with what remedies, and even herbal salves to apply on the injury.

It was excellent for pain which helped right away, overall healing, and for reabsorbing of the scar tissue. I was soaking my finger in Hypericum / St. John's Wort tincture daily at the beginning as per his instructions, and this reduced swelling and pain as well as sped up the healing.

I have been treated with the Bach Flower individual essences in the past and even more recently by a graphologist who diagnoses and then combines Bach Flowers and regular Homeopathy. Any changes if at all, were subtle and not really noticeable, and then were definitely more the emotional than physical.

Related, is the fact that I have had similar weak physical results with Classical Homeopathy, though with my expert Classical Homeopath in England, I did manage to reach, heal, and transform deeper emotional levels that I had not gotten to in the past. The jury is still out on that...

There are many opinions as to what to avoid while on Homeopathic remedies. The opinions run from slight to extreme. Things like, mint, camphor, chamomile, garlic, onion, ?chocolate?, coffee, cola. I'm of the more easy going types and as I said, I trust my Homeopath in England. So basically avoid chamomile in any way shape or form while on remedies. And if you happen, to touch, smell, or taste / drink any, then just start  the remedy/ies over the next day.

To your inner healing!!!