The Wisdom of Complementary Medicine

I used to wonder what the term Complementary Medicine meant. Really, I couldn’t see the sense in it! Often we are brought up (wrongly I now believe) to see one or the other, black/white, right/left, tall/short, our way/their way, etc. But if we simply open our hearts and minds and embrace and see value in everything around us, our lives suddenly become richer and more rounded. This is the case with Complementary Medicine.

A wonderful definition of Complementary Medicine is: “Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is a broad domain of healing resources that encompasses all health systems, modalities, and practices and their accompanying theories and beliefs, other than those intrinsic to the politically dominant health system of a particular society or culture in a given historical period”. (at http://www.bmj.com/content/319/7211/693 accessed on 24/6/13)

One does not have to look too far to see that there are inherent strengths and weaknesses on both “sides” of medicine and I believe more often than not where one fails, the other cures and vice versa. Take for example cancer. When I mention cancer to my Chinese Therapist he simply shakes his head with a stern look of resignation. Yet with many forms of cancer now, if you speak with an Oncologist there is often hope. There is increasingly a pathway to potentially heal, or at least prolong life. Alternatively, if you ask my Chinese Therapist about infertility from non-specific causes, he stands up confidently and says “we can do something about that”. But, while western medicine has made incredible advances in technologies surrounding techniques like In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF), the process is still very much an expensive roll of the dice for those desperate to parent.

Which form of medicine is better? I don’t believe proponents of either can claim ultimate glory. What about allergies for example? There are some great Homeopathic remedies to cure allergies. I believe western medicine struggles with allergies in most cases. Yet, if you have a serious disease such as pancreatitis, you would probably opt for western medical treatment over the Homeopathy. The debate can go on and on.

I personally suggest a truly complementary approach to your healing and healthcare in general. As I mentioned earlier, there is much more power in being open to the various modalities available to us. Ask your family, friends and workmates what has worked for them. Do your own research. Be open-minded and try new remedies from a reliable source. Above all, where possible I advocate using a dual or holistic approach. For example, if you are receiving radiotherapy for cancer (which smashes your immune system) discuss alternative therapies with your doctor which can boost the immune system in a natural way possibly enabling a quicker recovery or at least buying more time to explore alternatives if the situation is dire.

Benefits of a Cold Shower

In many cultures the proverbial “cold shower” is something you have, or maybe are told to have, when you are getting a bit frisky or aroused. But are there health benefits as well? Could there be more to the saying than we are led to believe? Some people swear by the virtues of a cold shower so let’s investigate why.

Firstly, it’s hard to find negatives at all with the exception of existing or unmasked cardio-vascular issues such as heart disease, high cholesterol, angina, etc. If you are, or think you might be susceptible to conditions like this or similar (particularly with age), please see your healthcare professional before jumping into a cold shower. Studies show that most heart attacks occur in the morning, particularly in the shower or at the breakfast table. (Arif, Dr Imran http://phys.org/news142791169.html October 9, 2008)

Beyond that it all seems to be upside. In my own experience I have a full shower at a moderate temperature and simply give it an 8-10 second cold blast at the end at which time I rotate to give myself maximum exposure and to share the “cold load”. This exercise certainly leaves me feeling very alert, yet relaxed. Within seconds of finishing, my skin becomes flushed with blood giving me a warm glow all over. I leave the shower feeling really vibrant and ready to take on the day. What happens also from this short blast is that gradually the rest of my showers are subsequently getting cooler and cooler as I adapt and no longer feel comfortable with a hot shower. When it’s too hot now I notice how sluggish I am, with a corresponding sluggish attitude.

Other reported benefits of proponents of cold showers claim greater clarity of mind, increased alertness and fearlessness among other things. Obviously, there is the potential side benefit of saving money on your electricity bills. Some people claim increased immunity, improved metabolism, improved circulation, improved temperature regulation, increased testosterone (men), increased fertility, increased energy, improved lymphatic movement, better sleep, improved stress tolerance, improved breathing, decreased inflammation, relief from depression and better skin and hair. What a list!

So next time you are after a cheap and easy general health tonic, with proper guidance try a cold shower or cold shower blast. It’s no wonder elite athletes have their ice baths, and this treatment is open to everyone.