Holistic Medicine

Posted on by

I’m in the middle of writing a longer post, but LupyKatie made a comment that I really wanted to discuss as its own topic.

She writes:

I have lupus and I have a very well intentioned husband who thinks that holistic medicine will cure me. Everyone tells me to that multivitamins, exercise, smoothies, will be the way! If that were the case…why hasn’t the medical doctors said anything??? My husband is very agitated that my primary doctor hasn’t recommended “natural” cures…maybe because there aren’t any!!!!!!

I have very strong opinions on this matter, which I can sum up in one sentence. Most forms of alternative medical treatments are a load of crap and are specifically designed to cure you of having any excess cash in your bank account.

Please note that some activities like yoga often fall under the umbrella of holistic medicine, and I think relaxing your body and stretching is a good thing and will probably make you feel better in the long run; however, if your yoga instructor says that yoga will cure your lupus, then that person is making a claim that is not supported by evidence.

That being said, I believe that the phenomenon referred to as the placebo effect may very well be something that is not just a psychological reaction but also a physiological process. If you believe that a treatment is helping you, your body reacts by producing chemical substances like endorphins and adrenaline that do actually make you feel better.

I share LupusKatie’s frustration. My wife has many well meaning friends that are positive that their multi-level marketing juice product or herbal treatment will cure her lupus. You may be thinking, well, what’s the harm? In my opinion, any belief or endeavor based on false assumptions that may prevent a patient from receiving actual medical treatment is harmful. If you stop taking your Plaquenil because your chiropractor says he can align your Chakra, well good luck with that. Now if you continue to follow the treatments prescribed by your rheumatologist and it makes your muscles feel better to get a massage, then that’s a wonderful thing.

680 thoughts on “Holistic Medicine”

  1. On a side note, I recently added a link to Acacia, an affiliate I signed on with that may eventually help pay for some of my bandwidth if anyone orders anything. I almost didn’t sign on with them because they do sell a few holistic products that I consider questionable, but since it was one or two silly products out of hundreds of other quality products, I decided to go ahead and list them.

  2. Totally with you on this. Those with miracle juices or energy manipulations for sale never seem to have the double-blind, peer-reviewed, published studies to back up their claims. I did humor a family member by getting a Lyme disease test done (negative). Luckily most are well-meaning and not too pushy, but if really pressed I guess I’d suggest they read the LFA website first then get back to me.
    Wendy
    “Extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence.” (-Sagan)

  3. Hey Jeff,
    First of all, I’d like to say that I am extremely happy to have found your blog. My wife was (finally) diagnosed with MCTD last year. It is great to find someone voicing the husbands’ POV!
    I too have the same view on these snake oil treatments. There is a new one on television. It is a patch that you attach to the bottom of your foot. Supposedly, it draws all of the bad humours out of the body or some such…
    I have always wondered if these ‘treatments’ actually worked, why are they sold on late night tv and not prescribed by actual doctors?

  5. mctd_hubby: I’m glad you found your way here! This is the second time I’ve heard about this patch on the bottom of the foot thing. It’s amazing to me what people will believe.

    chronicchick: My wife gets that all the time. You don’t LOOK sick? You don’t ACT like you’re in that much pain?

  6. I think it’s ironic how many of my google ads are now from companies that feature holistic products since I started this post. Ah well…

  7. I don’t think that many friends and family members realize just how it affects the person who’s ill when they hound them about ‘cures’. I’ve had to tell a few people to stop pushing it on me, because then it makes me feel responsible for being sick. ie. if I don’t at least try it, then I want to be ill….ugh.

  8. I recently went to a health food store and the woman there is trying to sell me on the amega 3′s (wrong spelling) while I was trying to get my vitiman D I need for my defiency ( diagn by DR)

    I had one woman hound me at the local y and then informed me a cardiologist does it so must be okay for me. ( cant rememebber the med)
    My Dr told me NO way! SOme concocsion you mix up with water

  10. I agree. If someone has evidence that their treatment works, I will open my wallet. If they don’t, they can pay me IF I agree to be part of their experiment.

    Also, I hear, “But this is all NATURAL!”
    Yeah, so are dog poop, cockroaches and arsenic. Not gonna eat them!

    And I hear, “But it’s ORGANIC.”
    Yeah, so are cockroaches, dog poop and anything with a carbon atom.

    Thanks for this site.

  12. Hi Jeff,

    Thanks for the reply about the pericarditis. At the present, they are trying to decide whether I have pleuritis or pericarditis. Do you think I could e-mail your wife and ask her a couple of questions? I tried e-mailing her a few wks. ago from tghe md junction site but you said she did not get it. I don’t think my computer will do e-mails unless I go thru my e-mail address where I get and send all my mail.

    Thanks.

    Debbie

  13. i read all of the comments about how holistic medicines does not work and i do not agree. i feel anything can work if you stick it out..there is something called the haeling crisis..it is when you feel worst before you feel better.healing is in the mind.faith plays a big role.i say don’t knock it until you try it.there must be a balance some where.prescribed meds hide symptoms natural meds heal symptoms. god bless

  14. Wow, amazing how we’re so different. I’m just the opposite…over the years (decades) I have learned from personal experience to put much less faith in “western medicine” and much more faith in “alternative medicine”. If I stayed with the mainstream medical establishment, I’d still be waiting around for a diagnoses even after three years of Lupus flares and a 100% symptom/blood abnormalities/rash match. Idiots. I’m always joking with people (sort of) that the western (mainstream) doctors are the real quacks. I have lupus and I’m convinced that alternative medicine and spirituality can and will put me into permanent remission. I have a great D.O. (as opposed to an M.D., they are equal in the eyes of the law and the medical industry) that, thankfully, uses a combination of western and alternative medicine. He’s in Sacramento. If anyone wants his contact info, let me know.

  15. Maybe I’m the middle of the fence because I’m so new to this. Dx in April, Stage 4 Nephritis dx 3 weeks later. I realize that I have to take the chemical medications in order to prevent renal failure, to calm the pleurisy and pericarditis, and help with the other stuff otherwise my life will be miserable. But are there aspects of Eastern Medicine that can help also? Do we have more control over our bodies than what we realize or have been led to believe growing up? I guess I’m still in the RESEARCH stage of the disease. Reading everything I can about what it is, the medications I’m taking, and other people’s experiences. But in doing so, I’m also researching the “holistic” options available. I’ll still be visiting my pharmacist every month but why not explore meditation or diet options that can be a benefit. Or maybe I’m just looking for some sort of control over something I still feel so out of control of.

  16. I agree that a LOT of alternative medical treatments are designed to make the seller rich and prey on the fears of those who are sick. However, the topic of this blog is Holistic Medicine. For those reading here that are looking for real alternatives to drugs handed out like candy by the “medical” community Holistic Medicine is a good alternative. Miracle cures DO NOT exist and are NEVER promoted by true Holistic practitioners. Holistic Medicine is based on treating the entire body. Alternative medical treatments for many diseases are currently promoted by well known medical establishments such as the Cleveland Clinic and the Mayo Clinic.
    I believe if one does some good research and is willing to follow a true holistic approach for optimal health one will find it beneficial, not as a cure for lupus or any other disease, but for the BEST health one can obtain living with disease.
    Looking for a miracle cure is the same as following a get rich quick scheme. AND the are plenty of both in the world today, especially on the web. I recommend that one research everything! Be skeptical and use only legitimate alternatives whose claims can be verified from sources outside their own organization.
    As for alternatives for lupus:
    http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/lupus/DS00115/DSECTION=alternative-medicine
    http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/lupus.html
    http://nccam.nih.gov/
    http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/systemic-lupus-000161.htm

  17. Do some research …talk to actual patients that have had success lessening symptoms or reversing Lupus. There are any holistic doctors that can help. Read and research for yourself. Changes in diet and supplements CAN help!!! Don’t listen to naysayers, do the research yourself! Look at the following for a start!

    http://www.lupushope.blogspot.com
    http://www.lupusgirlgoesraw.com
    Mark Hyman MD
    Joel Fuhrman MD
    Pain Free in 6 Weeks by Sherry Rogers MD

  18. Hi there. There are most definitely people out there trying to make money on “alternative” treatments when they really have no idea what they are talking about. They just jump on a band wagon, like Acacia berries, and run with it for everything.
    However, there are actual holistic doctors and certified health counselors who can help. There is a reason our bodies and minds have become so diseased and a large part of that is our conventional diets and toxins in the air, water, and in our medicines.
    I am actually in school to be a certified holistic health counselor and have done other years of study about this topic. It has affected me personally and I have helped others.
    I would be more than happy to talk to you if you would like, of course this is not something I am asking money for.. just an exchange of e-mails and thoughts.
    Best of luck to you.

  19. Hi, I am Gayathri from India I am also having the SLE it is identified in 2004. Then start my treatment in different systems year(Ayurveda, homeo,etc) then I can feel my symptoms are cure in the natural way then i can select the holistic way and also i am study in the BNYS . thank you for your sharing

  20. Write more, thats all I have to say.
    Literally, it seems as though you relied on the video to make your point.
    [url=http://buytogetorderonline.com/1627/buy-tylenol-with-codeine-from-canada/]Buy Tylenol With Codeine From Canada[/url] [url=http://buytogetorderonline.com/367/bmi-scale-to-buy-not-online/]Bmi Scale To Buy Not Online[/url] [url=http://buytogetorderonline.com/5821/where-to-buy-pregnancy-calendars/]Where To Buy Pregnancy Calendars[/url] [url=http://buytogetorderonline.com/4989/shoppers-drug-mart-pics-online/]Shoppers Drug Mart Pics Online[/url] [url=http://buytogetorderonline.com/812/buy-differin-online-without-prescription/]Buy Differin Online Without Prescription[/url]
    You clearly know what youre talking about, why throw away your intelligence on just posting videos to your site when you could be giving us something enlightening to read?

    _______________________
    [url=http://blog.rhealindsay.com/?p=6#comment-49739]bouffelek I Buy The Drugs Bass [/url] [url=http://www.orikou3.com/yb_up/yybbs.cgi]Spindiggish How To Get Rid Of Itchiness [/url] [url=http://www.bibleanswers.us/forum/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=63162&p=86153#p86153]Dommaanaliaby Online Drug Information For Nurses [/url] [url=http://www.13thman.com/links/postreply.php?id=101]Abnonojub Court Ordered Drug Consuling Louisiana [/url] [url=http://www.eaglemc.org/smf_1-1-11_install/index.php?topic=302334.new#new]Besetlede Edinburgh Pages Find Sites Viagra Online [/url]

  21. A lot of of what you say happens to be supprisingly appropriate and that makes me ponder the reason why I hadn’t looked at this in this light before. This particular article truly did switch the light on for me personally as far as this subject goes. However there is actually just one point I am not too comfortable with and while I attempt to reconcile that with the actual core theme of the point, let me observe exactly what the rest of the subscribers have to say.Well done.

  22. Nearly all of the things you articulate is supprisingly legitimate and that makes me wonder the reason why I had not looked at this in this light previously. Your piece truly did turn the light on for me as far as this specific subject matter goes. Nonetheless at this time there is actually one particular position I am not necessarily too cozy with and while I attempt to reconcile that with the actual core idea of the point, let me observe what the rest of the subscribers have to say.Very well done.

  23. The following time I learn a weblog, I hope that it doesnt disappoint me as a lot as this one. I imply, I do know it was my option to learn, however I actually thought youd have something interesting to say. All I hear is a bunch of whining about something that you may fix if you werent too busy looking for attention.

  24. Carisoprodol (also known under the brand name Soma) can be a commonly prescribed muscle relaxant. It’s chemically, structurally, and pharmacologically linked to meprobamate. Meprobamate was a best-selling minor tranquilizer for a time, but has largely been replaced through the benzodiazepines.
    @ [url=http://www.wiltonchurch.com/cgi-bin/read.cgi?board=youth&y_number=24188&nnew=2 ]buy soma overnight 234[/url] [url=http://www.asskicker.ch/v4/index.php?section=gallery&cid=1&pId=72 ]soma 350mg 234[/url] [url=http://www.most-group.ru/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&p=589021#589021 ]buy soma overnight 12das[/url] [url=http://www.lola.rs/vest/detalji/906/18_tipova_ljudi_na_Fejsbuku.html#commentsfield ]soma 350mg eewr[/url] [url=http://vetforum.cz/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=43235&p=72253#p72253 ]soma 350mg eewr[/url]
    [url=http://ypogs.org/article/6/comment-page-1#comment-70191]CloeDyewPhype soma 350mg[/url] [url=http://chinadiamondproducts.com/?p=6#comment-37822]CloePagBoyday soma 350mg[/url] [url=http://www.mediasmarthome.com/forum/thread/10274/U.K-support-frustration...-system-overheat-issue/]CloeClaitaEvami soma 350mg[/url] [url=http://heroincenter.com/?p=160#comment-72536]CloeHofUnfonacono buy soma online[/url] [url=http://www.kerben.org/modules/news/replycomment.php?comment_id=2808&mode=flat&order=0]CloeDievegeri carisoprodol 350 mg[/url]
    _______________________
    Cloe

  25. I’ve been browsing on the internet at least 2 hours today, yet I rarely discovered any attention-grabbing posting just like this.It’s wonderful benefit for me personally. In my opinion, if all webmasters and bloggers make excellent information like you did, the internet is going to be a lot more helpful than ever before.

  26. Carisoprodol (also known under the brand name Soma) can be a commonly prescribed muscle relaxant. It is chemically, structurally, and pharmacologically in connection with meprobamate. Meprobamate was a best-selling minor tranquilizer for a little bit, but has largely been replaced by the benzodiazepines.
    @ [url=http://www.alukd.com/?post=17#comment ]buy soma online #eds[/url] [url=http://freeonlinebooks.net/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=1&p=901#p901 ]buy soma online #eds[/url] [url=http://www.sentinelle-tunisie.com/politique/item/crimes-d-etat-episode-2#comment-54969 ]soma 350mg #eds[/url] [url=http://www.fcgiesshuebl.at/cmsmadesimple/news/53/15/Meister-des-san-wir ]buy soma online 123[/url] [url=http://www.sentinelle-tunisie.com/politique/item/crimes-d-etat-episode-2#comment-54969 ]carisoprodol 350 mg 123[/url]
    [url=http://www.tontong.org/borad/index.php?topic=208032.new#new]CloeOrieryClience soma 350mg[/url] [url=http://www.shujinkoh.net/bbs/lb.cgi?res=50752]CloeAcaptarce buy s[/url] [url=http://fonds-in.info/postreply.php?id=5]Cloerahphanna soma 350mg[/url] [url=http://www.presse-immobilien.de/postreply.php?id=21]CloeDeackerce soma 350mg[/url] [url=http://www.existenceguild.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=86030&p=111903#p111903]CloeBilmodole buy soma online[/url]
    _______________________
    Cloe

  27. [url=http://arielcochran43.posterous.com/fertility-troubles-good-reasons-of-not-obtain ]michael jordan [/url]
    [url=http://bulgingdisc987.wetpaint.com/page/Back+Pain+With+the+Minimized+Left+Aspect+These+are+The+standard+Brings+about ]michael jordan [/url]
    There’s Jennifer Lopez too
    The specialized sites are well structured according to sports, concert and venues. They are extremely user friendly and easy to navigate. The payment structure is simple too and all the personal details kept private. These sites also have events listed upto a few months or even years ahead. The booking opens as per the organizer. You can avail some exciting deals when the events are being promoted online. The sites also have write ups about the various events and in some cases reviews too that will help you to decide on which tickets to purchase.
    If you know someone, or have connections personally with some key persons in the promotional business or music; you can end up with a discounted or free ticket by informing them earlier that you want to be part of the show. If this works for you, ensure that you show appreciation specially by sending a thank you’ card across; this can endear them to you, and you may end up getting steady cheap concert tickets from them. Comparing The Ht-3300 Vs. Ht-5040 Vs. Ht-7120 Massage Chairs
    Have a new era hats in it has turn out to be very well-known present regardless of what sort ofas l
    With DISH Network, you can watch some of the classic and latest Hollywood titles, which is loved by everybody during evenings. It is also a wonderful way to unwind after a hectic day at work. Some of the premier movie channels like HBO, Cinemax, Starz and Showtime deliver the best movies in every category comedy, horror, sci-fi, drama, romance, and animation. So, even if you have kids at home, they will also have a galore of good times with DISH Network at home. Always Use Good Dj Equipment For A Successful Dj Night We Will Rock You

    [url=http://beatdepot.net/jamroom/arielcochran17/blog.php ]maurice sendak [/url]
    [url=http://arielcochran16.youblog.net/The-first-blog-b1/Fertility-Matters-Reasons-of-Not-Finding-Expecting-b1-p2.htm ]zooey deschanel [/url]

  28. Today, I went to the beachfront with my children. I found a sea shell and gave it to my 4 year old daughter and said “You can hear the ocean if you put this to your ear.” She put the shell to her ear and screamed. There was a hermit crab inside and it pinched her ear. She never wants to go back! LoL I know this is entirely off topic but I had to tell someone!

  29. With every thing that appears to be building inside this particular subject material, many of your points of view happen to be fairly exciting. Having said that, I beg your pardon, because I do not subscribe to your whole suggestion, all be it radical none the less. It would seem to everybody that your opinions are actually not entirely rationalized and in reality you are yourself not even fully confident of the argument. In any event I did enjoy reading through it.

  30. As compared to earlier times, the unclaimed money search process has been simplified to a great extent and this is acknowledged by people who have successfully claimed their lost money in the last couple of years. Starting with the launch of state treasury websites, to organizing state fairs with Unclaimed search booths, state and federal authorities have taken some very commendable steps in order to simplify the process of unclaimed money search.
    2) Tumble Dry on Low Heat

    [url=http://getridofmice114.wikispaces.com/Insect+And+Rodent+Pest+Handle ]kevin durant [/url]
    [url=http://blog.bodybuilding.com/chazejustic34/2011/12/04/storage_tips_for_preventive_pest/ ]breedlove [/url]
    [url=http://cookeatshare.com/groups/montecashalfonso-7040/topics/7395 ]hypertrophic cardiomyopathy [/url]
    [url=http://wivukelsohekaley.bandvista.com/?post_id=11826 ]joseph gordon levitt [/url]

  33. Appreciate it for all your efforts that you have put in this. Very interesting information. “It is not the oath that makes us believe the man, but the man the oath.” by Aeschylus.

  34. This isnt the first time McCain has rejected a comment made by Hagee. The pastor made a previous statement blaming the sinners of New Orleans for Hurricane Katrina. Hagee eventually apologized for the Katrina remarks a couple of weeks ago, saying its “not his place to try to know the mind of God” concerning natural disaster.
    Paper plates
    [url=http://andreshancock.over-blog.com/article-herniated-discs-remedy-and-chiropractic-treatment-91036581.html ]katy perry and russell brand [/url]
    [url=http://www.dailystrength.org/people/1087739/journal ]kaye stevens [/url]
    [url=http://beatdepot.net/jamroom/luisberg8447/blog.php ]hypertrophic cardiomyopathy [/url]
    [url=http://andreshancock.over-blog.com/article-herniated-discs-remedy-and-chiropractic-treatment-91036581.html ]michael jordan [/url]

  35. I know this if off topic but I’m looking into starting my own weblog and was wondering what all is required to get setup? I’m assuming having a blog like yours would cost a pretty penny? I’m not very web smart so I’m not 100% sure. Any tips or advice would be greatly appreciated. Kudos

  37. Appreciate it for all your efforts that you have put in this. Very interesting information. “I’ve never known any trouble that an hour’s reading didn’t assuage.” by Charles De Secondat.

  38. Hi my family member! I want to say that this post is amazing, nice written and come with approximately all significant infos. I would like to peer extra posts like this .

  40. Nice weblog here! Additionally your website lots up very fast! What host are you the usage of? Can I get your affiliate hyperlink for your host? I want my site loaded up as fast as yours lol

  41. Hello! Do you know if they make any plugins to assist with SEO? I’m trying to get my blog to rank for some targeted keywords but I’m not seeing very good success. If you know of any please share. Many thanks!

  43. [url=http://cgi2.mediamix.ne.jp/~t6537/user-cgi/bbs/imgboard.cgi ]capital one bowl [/url]
    [url=http://jennmusic.com/guestbook/ ]brandi glanville [/url]
    [url=http://cgi35.plala.or.jp/~toremyou/imgboard122r61c/imgboard.cgi ]michigan state [/url]My Worlds Acoustic
    4RSGOLG has powerful system to transfer larger Runescape Gold, safe, fast you can go through. Not only you can Buy Runescape Gold online, but also you can Sell Runescape Gold or RS Gold to 4RSGOLD with suitable price. If you worried about the safe and cheated, 4RSGOLD you can trust everyone who buy Runescape Gold all approve it.
    [url=http://www.puvr.com/Brousmec ]nfl playoff schedule [/url]
    [url=http://www.martinezavila.es/libro/ ]ohio state football [/url]
    [url=http://www.tylerbergfield.com/index.php?showimage=5 ]nfl playoff schedule [/url]

  44. Aw, this was a really nice post. In idea I would like to put in writing like this additionally – taking time and actual effort to make a very good article… but what can I say… I procrastinate alot and by no means seem to get something done.

  45. whoah this weblog is magnificent i love studying your posts. Stay up the good paintings! You already know, lots of individuals are looking round for this info, you could help them greatly.

  46. Thank you for all your labor on this site. My mother really loves engaging in research and it’s really obvious why. My partner and i learn all regarding the powerful medium you create powerful tips and hints on the web site and even welcome participation from other people on that situation while our favorite princess is without a doubt understanding a whole lot. Have fun with the remaining portion of the new year. You’re carrying out a really great job.

  48. Appreciate it for helping out, excellent info. “In case of dissension, never dare to judge till you’ve heard the other side.” by Euripides.

  49. I’m really inspired with your writing skills and also with the format on your blog. Is this a paid theme or did you customize it yourself? Anyway keep up the excellent quality writing, it is uncommon to peer a great blog like this one nowadays..

  50. Carisoprodol (also known below the brand name Soma) is a commonly prescribed muscle relaxant. It is chemically, structurally, and pharmacologically associated with meprobamate. Meprobamate was a best-selling minor tranquilizer for a little bit, but has largely been replaced through the benzodiazepines.
    @ [url=http://www.rieo.net/bbs/rieobbs.cgi ]buy soma online sdvs[/url] [url=http://citrus.candybox.to/kyoru/mkakikomitai/mkakikomitai.cgi ]soma 350mg eewr[/url] [url=http://www.jeilus.co.jp/%7Egolf/cgi/minibbs.cgi?log=golf ]soma 350mg sdvs[/url] [url=http://www.cabries.info/blog/index.php?2006/04/20/92-une-belle-histoire&cos=1 ]soma 350mg as[/url] [url=http://clubpeachez.com/member.php?111971-PeterDalBluete ]buy soma online 234[/url]
    [url=http://www.the3dtechnologies.com/2010/05/23/8-design-features-that-will-make-your-blog-more-effective/?rcommentid=124827&rerror=incorrect-captcha-sol&rchash=d2271883839d9b2001959a482716eab6#commentform]SannyAgrifygag buy soma online[/url] [url=http://www.onlinecarroll.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=407046&p=1218869#p1218869]SannyBofInsofenils soma 350mg[/url] [url=http://inspirace.80code.com/2006/08/post.html]SannyAtossetot soma 350mg[/url] [url=http://www.lauflinks.at/postreply.php?id=2062]SannyillincApexelf buy soma online[/url] [url=http://www.savesome.net/cgi-bin/forums/YaBB.cgi?board=Problems;action=display;num=1325584612;start=0]SannyDomafossy buy soma online[/url]
    _______________________
    Sanny

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

You may use these HTML tags and attributes: <a href="" title=""> <abbr title=""> <acronym title=""> <b> <blockquote cite=""> <cite> <code> <del datetime=""> <em> <i> <q cite=""> <strike> <strong>