|
 |
|
Alternative Medicine & Holistic Healing
A Holistic Approach is Essential for Healing in GD, whether used alone or as a Complementary Therapy to Supplement Conventional Medicine.
The World Authority on Herbs, The German Commission E, reports that Bugleweed, Motherwort, and Lemon Balm are safe and efficacious for treating hyperthyroidism. Caution: Like anti-thyroid drugs, herbs cannot be withdrawn abruptly. When remission is achieved, they should be slowly tapered.
Hippocrates cautioned that pure water, soil and air are necessary for health. A whole foods diet and simplicity in life are valuable healing tools.
The Key Steps to Holistic Healing in Graves's Disease
Following these steps, either as your sole therapy, or as part of a conventional healing plan, will help reduce symptoms and bring you to remission faster. The goal in GD is achieving permanent remission. The key elements for achieving this goal include:
- Dietary Changes, primarily limiting iodine to <150 mcg daily; adding goitrogens (fresh broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, almonds, peanuts, etc.); goitrogens help block iodine absorption. Iodine is a trigger of autoimmune thyroid disease and an essential component of thyroid hormone; also avoid wheat, dairy, sugar, saturated fats and aspartame.
- Dietary Supplements, to correct nutrient deficiencies that contribute to symptoms in GD; emphasis on vitamins C, E, A, D, B2, B1, B6, essential fatty acids and copper.
- Stress reduction techniques such as yoga, tai chi or meditation. Stress causes immune system changes that promote autoimmune disease.
- Herbal medicine, primarily Lycopus virginicus (Bugleweed), Melissa officinalis (Lemon Balm), Leonurus (Motherwort), Skullcap; for optimal results use in a tonic prescribed by a herbalist or as a tincture diluted in tea.
- Homeopathic preparations, particularly Kelpasan, Coffea, Natrum muriaticum and Thyroidinum
- Acupuncture to restore immune system health
- Immunomodulators: plant sterols and sterolins that strengthen, not stimulate, the immune system
- Sufficient rest to help promote health and healing
- Laugher, every time you smile your immune system cells show changes that are beneficial to immune system health; Dr. Norman Cousinsreversed his own autoimmune disorder with a combination of humor & biofeedback
- Allow your pets to help you heal.
Can GD be Treated Naturally?
Holistic Healing in Autoimmune Thyroid Diseases
Read Pam's Account of Holistic Healing
Finally Acknowldedging the Role of Stress
Stress is known to trigger Graves' disease and exacerbate its symptoms. Stress depletes levels of natural killer cells, white blood cells that normally prevent autoimmune disease development, and it lowers our interferon levels, helping perpetuate the autoimmune process. Stress reduction techniques restore immune system balance, alleviating autoimmune disease symptoms and helping us achieve remission.
The Value of Self Care in GD
Herbs
Herb-Food-Drug Interactions
Bugleweed-the Herbal Mainstay for GD
Lemon Balm, An Easy-Growing Fragrant Plant
Motherwort-Ideal Used in Combination Tonics
Sparteine, From The American Materia Medica
Can Chinese Medicine Help You?
Useful Western Herbs for Chinese Herbal Medicine
The Life Extension Foundation
This is where I buy most of my supplements & get great info.
Energy Medicine
Energy medicine for the internist
A great introduction to Energy Medicine that presents the case for integrating it with traditional Western Medicine.
Donna Eden's Energy Medicine Institute
Free information and downloads to help educate people about energy medicine.
Donna Eden's original site
Includes information about obtaining her fantastic Energy Medicine book as well as links to other energy medicine resources.
Neuromodulation Technique (NMT)
Cranio Sacral Therapy
Abraham-Hicks Journal
This site is all about using positive thoughts and feelings to create a new better reality. It's really wonderful and worth a try.
Homeopathy
National Center for Homeopathy
Homeopathic Education Services
Referrals to Classical Homeopaths
 This site is for educational purposes only and is not intented as a substitute for medical treatment. This is a private site. Visitor information is not shared with any other groups or organizations.
Copyright 2004, Elaine Moore. |
|
