LYMPHEDEMA WHOLISTIC TREATMENT

Wholistic Treatment

Wholistic Alternative Methods

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Whether it is called "wholistic" or "holistic," this is a type of alternative medicine that has become quite popular in Western countries. The main problem I have with this and other alternative medical practices is the lack of independent doublke blind clinical studies that can verify the efficacy of its treatment.

Over and over again, studies that have been done have either been criticized for the weakness in methodology or control. Time and time again the word "inconclusive" has been been used when describing the results.

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Disclaimer:

Please note that the following articles discusses wholistic nutritional supplementation that may be useful in supporting a patient's daily regime of self-care. This is not an endorsement.

I am providing this information because of my belief that we need to have a full knowledge of treatment options available.

This is for patient information only - I would urge lymphedema patients to consult with their physicians regarding any information contained herein.

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Also referred to as Holistic Medicine

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Wholistic Medicine is defined as a system of total patient care that involves the physical, emotional, social, economic, and spiritual needs of the patient.

It also considers the patient's response to illness and disease and its impact on the patient's ability to meet self-care needs.

In terms of treating lymphedema, the treatment involves the use of enzymes, vitamins, herbs and homeopathic compounds in conjunction with standard recognized decongestive therapies. Other goals of this approach include body detoxification, prevention of cellulitis and prevention of fibrosis.

Is there a good side?

The one real value I see is in the concept that healing involves not just the physical, but the emotional, spiritual, nutritional and social sides of who we are as people, not just a case or a patient. Certainly if it helps that process, we could benefit. But still, we need some type of evidence based on solid research.

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What Is Holistic Medicine?

Holistic Medicine is defined by the Canadian Holistic Medical Association as follows.

Holistic medicine is a system of health care which fosters a cooperative relationship among all those involved, leading towards optimal attainment of the physical, mental emotional, social and spiritual aspects of health.

It emphasizes the need to look at the whole person, including analysis of physical, nutritional, environmental, emotional, social, spiritual and lifestyle values. It encompasses all stated modalities of diagnosis and treatment including drugs and surgery if no safe alternative exists. Holistic medicine focuses on education and responsibility for personal efforts to achieve balance and well being.

Suzan Walter, President of the American Holistic Health Association (AHHA), put together an excellent summary of the principals of Holistic Health.

Other Terms Associated with Holistic Medicine

Alternative Medicine is often used by the general public and some healthcare practitioners to refer to medical techniques which are not known or accepted by the majority "conventional" or "allopathic" medical practitioners (usually M.D.'s). Such techniques could include non-invasive, non-pharmaceutical techniques such as Medical Herbalism, Acupunture, Homeopathy, Reiki, and many others. However, the term Alternative Medicine can also refer to any experimental drug or non-drug technique that is not currently accepted by "conventional" medical practitioners. As non-invasive, non-pharmaceutical techniques become popular and accepted by large number of "conventional" practitioners, these techniques will no longer be considered Alternative Medicine.

Alternative Medicine refers to techniques that are not currently accepted by "conventional" practitioners, but what is currently accepted is quickly changing. Even the definition of "conventional practitioners" is quickly changing. Therefore, techniques that are now considered part of Alternative Medicine will soon be considered part of "conventional" medicine. The terms Holistic Healing and Holistic Medicine are slightly more stable than Alternative Medicine and are therefore preferable.
Complementary Medicine is often used by "conventional" medical practitioners to refer to non-invasive, non-pharmaceutical techniques used as a complement to "conventional" medical treatments such as drugs and surgery. The term implies that "conventional" medicine is used as a primary tool and the non-invasive, non-pharmaceutical techniques are used as a supplement when needed.

In many cases, properly chosen non-invasive and non-pharmaceutical healing techniques plus properly chosen lifestyle changes can completely and safely heal both acute and chronic illnesses. In other cases, "conventional" medicine is only needed in emergencies or when the safer non-invasive, non-pharmaceutical methods fail. In some cases "conventional" medicine will be a major part of a Holistic Healing Plan, but in some cases it is not needed at all.
Natural Healing usually refers to the use of non-invasive and non-pharmaceuticals techniques to help heal the patient. When most people use the term Natural Healing, they are usually referring to physical healing techniques only.

From: Holistic Healing Web Page

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The Principles of Holistic Medicine

1. Optimal health is the primary goal of holistic medical practice. It is the conscious pursuit of the highest level of functioning and balance of the physical, environmental, mental, emotional, social and spiritual aspects of human experience, resulting in a dynamic state of being fully alive. This creates a condition of well-being regardless of the presence or absence of disease.

2. The Healing Power of Love. Holistic health care practitioners strive to meet the patient with grace, kindness, acceptance, and spirit without condition, as love is life’s most powerful healer.

3. Whole person. Holistic health care practitioners view people as the unity of body, mind, spirit and the systems in which they live.

4. Prevention and Treatment. Holistic health care practitioners promote health, prevent illness and help raise awareness of dis-ease in our lives rather than merely managing symptoms. A holistic approach relieves symptoms, modifies contributing factors, and enhances the patient’s life system to optimize future well-being.

5. Innate Healing Power. All people have innate powers of healing in their bodies, minds and spirits. Holistic health care practitioners evoke and help patients utilize these powers to affect the healing process.

6. Integration of Healing Systems. Holistic health care practitioners embrace a lifetime of learning about all safe and effective options in diagnosis and treatment. These options come from a variety of traditions, and are selected in order to best meet the unique needs of the patient. The realm of choices may include lifestyle modification and complementary approaches as well as conventional drugs and surgery.

7. Relationship-centered care. The ideal practitioner-patient relationship is a partnership which encourages patient autonomy, and values the needs and insights of both parties. The quality of this relationship is an essential contributor to the healing process.

8. Individuality. Holistic health care practitioners focus patient care on the unique needs and nature of the person who has an illness rather than the illness that has the person.

9. Teaching by Example. Holistic health care practitioners continually work toward the personal incorporation of the principles of holistic health, which then profoundly influence the quality of the healing relationship.

10. Learning opportunities. All life experiences including birth, joy, suffering and the dying process are profound learning opportunities for both patients and health care practitioners.

American Holistic Medical Association

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External Links

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Because the Western North Carolina's Glasser Massage & Lymhpedema Services is at the fore front of this type of treatment, I am listing links to their several articles.

Western North Carolina's Wholistic Lymphedema Treatment Center

http://www.uhealth.net/

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Complimentary Wholistic Remedies for Lymphedema Treatment

http://www.uhealth.net/article1.htm

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Wholistic Approach to Treatment of Primary Lymphedema - Elephantiasis: A Case Study

http://www.uhealth.net/Case01.htm

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Horsechestnut Herb in the Treatment of Lymphedema

http://www.uhealth.net/article2.htm

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The Importance of Body and Lymphatic Detoxification
in the Treatment of Lymphedema

http://www.uhealth.net/article3.htm

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Update and a Word of Caution about the use of Horsechestnut Herb

http://www.uhealth.net/article4.htm

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Lymphedema Relief

Natural Treatments for Swollen Limbs
Issue 26 ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE Page 27

http://www.uhealth.net/article5.htm

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Wholistic Integrative Care

http://www.wholistichealingresearch.com/Articles/WholisIC.asp

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Anti-Oxidant Vitamin Therapy - Lymphedema - Yellow Nail Syndrome

http://www.diet-and-health.net/Diseases/YellowNailSyndrome.html

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Benzopyrones - (Courmarin) - Lymphedema Treatment

http://www.webshells.com/medsrch/lympedem.txt

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Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine as Supportive Care Treatment for Cancer Patients

http://www.cancerlynx.com/acupuncture.html

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Chinese Herbs for the Treatment of Lymphedema

Exploring the Principles of Treating Phlegm-Damp Accumulation

by Subhuti Dharmananda, Ph.D., Director, Institute for Traditional Medicine, Portland, Oregon

http://www.itmonline.org/arts/lymphedema.htm

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Complementary and Alternative Medical Therapies for Cancer

American Family Physician

May 1, 2003

http://www.aafp.org/afp/20030501/tips/5.html

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Energy Medicine for the Internist

Energy medicine includes a broad variety of complementary/ alternative medicine (CAM) therapies, such as acupuncture, kinesiology, and spiritual healing.

http://www.wholistichealingresearch.com/Articles/EnergyMed4Internist.asp

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What is Holistic Healing?

http://healing.about.com/od/faq/p/holistichealing.htm

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Holistic Medicine

the Skeptics Dictionary

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Index of articles for Lymphedema Treatment :

Lymphedema Treatment

http://www.lymphedemapeople.com/wiki/doku.php?id=treatment

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Acupuncture Treatment

http://www.lymphedemapeople.com/thesite/lymphedema_acupuncture_treatment.htm

Aqua Therapy for Postsurgical Breast Cancer Arm Lymphedema

http://www.lymphedemapeople.com/wiki/doku.php?id=aqua_therapy_for_postsurgical_breast_cancer_arm_lymphedema

Aqua Therapy in Managing Lower Extremity Lymphedema

http://www.lymphedemapeople.com/wiki/doku.php?id=aqua_therapy_in_managing_lower_extremity_lymphedema

Artificial Lymph Nodes

http://www.lymphedemapeople.com/wiki/doku.php?id=artificial_lymph_nodes

Artificial Lymphatic System

http://www.lymphedemapeople.com/wiki/doku.php?id=artificial_lymphatic_system

Auricular Therapy

http://www.lymphedemapeople.com/wiki/doku.php?id=auricular_therapy

Ball Massage technique

http://www.lymphedemapeople.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=377

Compression Bandages for Lymphedema

http://www.lymphedemapeople.com/wiki/doku.php?id=compression_bandages_for_lymphedema

Benzopyrones Treatment

http://www.lymphedemapeople.com/thesite/lymphedema_benzopyrones_treatmen.htm

Chi Machine

http://www.lymphedemapeople.com/thesite/lymphedema_and_the_chi_machine.htm

Choosing a Rehabilitation Provider or Physical Therapist

http://www.lymphedemapeople.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=1120

Complex Decongestive Therapy

http://www.lymphedemapeople.com/wiki/doku.php?id=manual_lymphatic_drainage_mld_complex_decongestive_therapy_cd

Complications of Lymphedema Debulking Surgery

http://www.lymphedemapeople.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=200

Compression Garments Stockings for Lymphedema

http://www.lymphedemapeople.com/wiki/doku.php?id=compression_garments_stockings_for_lymphedema

Compression Pumps for Lymphedema Treatment

http://www.lymphedemapeople.com/wiki/doku.php?id=compression_pumps_for_lymphedema_treatment

Coumarin powder/ointment

http://www.lymphedemapeople.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=768

Craniosacral Therapy

http://www.lymphedemapeople.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=432

Daflon 500 and Secondary Lymphedema

http://www.lymphedemapeople.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=322

Deep Oscillation Therapy

http://www.lymphedemapeople.com/wiki/doku.php?id=deep_oscillation_therapy

Diaphragmatic Breathing

http://www.lymphedemapeople.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=113

Diuretics are not for lymphedema

http://www.lymphedemapeople.com/wiki/doku.php?id=diuretics_are_not_for_lymphedema

Endermologie Therapy

http://www.lymphedemapeople.com/thesite/lymphedema_and_endermologie_therapy.htm

Essential Oils

http://www.lymphedemapeople.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=435

Elastin Ampules

http://www.lymphedemapeople.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=240

Farrow Wrap

http://www.lymphedemapeople.com/wiki/doku.php?id=farrow_wrap

Flexitouch Device - Initial Observations

http://www.lymphedemapeople.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=155

Flexitouch Device for Arm Lymphedema

http://www.lymphedemapeople.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=273

Homeopathy

http://www.lymphedemapeople.com/thesite/lymphedema_and_homeopathy.htm

How to Choose a Lymphedema Therapist

http://www.lymphedemapeople.com/wiki/doku.php?id=how_to_choose_a_lymphedema_therapist

How to be Safe with Complementary and Alternative Medicine

http://www.lymphedemapeople.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=66

Infrared Therapy for Lymphedema

http://www.lymphedemapeople.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=429

Kinesio Taping (R)

http://www.lymphedemapeople.com/thesite/lymphedema_and_kinesio_taping.htm

Kinesiology Therapy

http://www.lymphedemapeople.com/thesite/lymphedema_and_kinesiology_therapy.htm

Laser Treatment

http://www.lymphedemapeople.com/thesite/lymphedema_laser_treatment.htm

Laser Treatment - Sara's Experience

http://www.lymphedemapeople.com/thesite/lymphedema_laser_treatment_saras_experience.htm

Light Beam Generator Therapy

http://www.lymphedemapeople.com/thesite/lymphedema_and_light_beam_generator_therapy.htm

Liposuction Treatment

http://www.lymphedemapeople.com/thesite/lymphedema_liposuction_treatment.htm

Low Level Laser

http://www.lymphedemapeople.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=114

Lymph Node Transplant

http://www.lymphedemapeople.com/wiki/doku.php?id=lymph_node_transplant

Lymphatic venous anastomoses

http://www.lymphedemapeople.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=1099

Lymphedema Treatment Programs Canada

http://www.lymphedemapeople.com/thesite/lymphedema_treatment_programs_canada.htm

Lymphedema Sleeves

http://www.lymphedemapeople.com/wiki/doku.php?id=lymphedema_sleeves

Lymphedema Surgeries

http://www.lymphedemapeople.com/thesite/lymphedema_surgeries.htm

Lymphedema Treatments are Poorly Utilized

http://www.lymphedemapeople.com/thesite/lymphedema_treatments_are_poorly_utilized.htm

Lymphobiology

http://www.lymphedemapeople.com/thesite/lymphedema_and_lymphobiology.htm

Lymphocyte injection therapy

http://www.lymphedemapeople.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=632

Lymphomyosot

http://www.lymphedemapeople.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=306

Magnetic Therapy

http://www.lymphedemapeople.com/thesite/lymphedema_and_magnetic_therapy.htm

Manual Lymphatic Drainage

http://www.lymphedemapeople.com/wiki/doku.php?id=manual_lymphatic_drainage_mld_complex_decongestive_therapy_cdt

Mesotherapy

http://www.lymphedemapeople.com/wiki/doku.php?id=mesotherapy

Microsurgeries

http://www.lymphedemapeople.com/thesite/lymphedema_and_microsurgery.htm

Naturopathy: A Critical Appraisal

http://www.lymphedemapeople.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=202

Patient self-massage for breast cancer-related lymphedema

http://www.lymphedemapeople.com/wiki/doku.php?id=patient_self-massage_for_breast_cancer_related_lymphedema

Reflexology Therapy

http://www.lymphedemapeople.com/thesite/lymphedema_and_reflexology_therapy.htm

Self Massage Therapy – Self MLD

http://www.lymphedemapeople.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=227

Short Stretch Bandages

http://www.lymphedemapeople.com/wiki/doku.php?id=short_stretch_bandages_for_lymphedema

Surgeries

http://www.lymphedemapeople.com/thesite/lymphedema_surgeries.htm

Wholistic Treatment

http://www.lymphedemapeople.com/thesite/lymphedema_wholistic_treatment.htm

Treatment Information for Lymphedema Forum

http://www.lymphedemapeople.com/phpBB2/viewforum.php?f=8

Why Compression Pumps cause Complications with Lymphedema

http://www.lymphedemapeople.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=327

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Join us as we work for lymphedema patients everywehere:

Advocates for Lymphedema

Dedicated to be an advocacy group for lymphedema patients. Working towards education, legal reform, changing insurance practices, promoting research, reaching for a cure.

http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/AdvocatesforLymphedema/

Subscribe:

AdvocatesforLymphedema-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

Pat O'Connor

Lymphedema People / Advocates for Lymphedema

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For information about Lymphedema

http://www.lymphedemapeople.com/wiki/doku.php?id=lymphedema\

For Information about Lymphedema Complications

http://www.lymphedemapeople.com/wiki/doku.php?id=complications_of_lymphedema

For Lymphedema Personal Stories

http://www.lymphedemapeople.com/phpBB2/viewforum.php?f=3

For information about How to Treat a Lymphedema Wound

http://www.lymphedemapeople.com/wiki/doku.php?id=how_to_treat_a_lymphedema_wound

For information about Lymphedema Treatment

http://www.lymphedemapeople.com/wiki/doku.php?id=treatment

For information about Exercises for Lymphedema

http://www.lymphedemapeople.com/wiki/doku.php?id=exercises_for_lymphedema

For information on Infections Associated with Lymphedema

http://www.lymphedemapeople.com/wiki/doku.php?id=infections_associated_with_lymphedema

For information on Lymphedema in Children

http://www.lymphedemapeople.com/wiki/doku.php?id=lymphedema_in_children

Lymphedema Glossary

http://www.lymphedemapeople.com/wiki/doku.php?id=glossary:listing

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Lymphedema People - Support Groups

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Children with Lymphedema

The time has come for families, parents, caregivers to have a support group of their own. Support group for parents, families and caregivers of chilren with lymphedema. Sharing information on coping, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis. Sponsored by Lymphedema People.

http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/childrenwithlymphedema/

Subscribe: childrenwithlymphedema-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

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Lipedema Lipodema Lipoedema

No matter how you spell it, this is another very little understood and totally frustrating conditions out there. This will be a support group for those suffering with lipedema/lipodema. A place for information, sharing experiences, exploring treatment options and coping.

Come join, be a part of the family!

http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/lipedema_lipodema_lipoedema/?yguid=209645515

Subscribe: lipedema_lipodema_lipoedema-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

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MEN WITH LYMPHEDEMA

If you are a man with lymphedema; a man with a loved one with lymphedema who you are trying to help and understand come join us and discover what it is to be the master instead of the sufferer of lymphedema.

http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/menwithlymphedema/

Subscribe: menwithlymphedema-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

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All About Lymphangiectasia

Support group for parents, patients, children who suffer from all forms of lymphangiectasia. This condition is caused by dilation of the lymphatics. It can affect the intestinal tract, lungs and other critical body areas.

http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/allaboutlymphangiectasia/

Subscribe: allaboutlymphangiectasia-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

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Lymphatic Disorders Support Group @ Yahoo Groups

While we have a number of support groups for lymphedema... there is nothing out there for other lymphatic disorders. Because we have one of the most comprehensive information sites on all lymphatic disorders, I thought perhaps, it is time that one be offered.

DISCRIPTION

Information and support for rare and unusual disorders affecting the lymph system. Includes lymphangiomas, lymphatic malformations, telangiectasia, hennekam's syndrome, distichiasis, Figueroa
syndrome, ptosis syndrome, plus many more. Extensive database of information available through sister site Lymphedema People.

http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/lymphaticdisorders/

Subscribe: lymphaticdisorders-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

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All About Lymphedema

For our Google fans, we have just created this online support group in Google Groups:

Homepage: http://groups-beta.google.com/group/All-About-Lymphedema

Group email: All-About-Lymphedema@googlegroups.com

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Lymphedema Friends

http://groups.aol.com/lymphedemafriend

If you an AOL fan and looking for a support group in AOL Groups, come and join us there.

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Lymphedema People New Wiki Pages

Have you seen our new “Wiki” pages yet? Listed below are just a sample of the more than 140 pages now listed in our Wiki section. We are also working on hundred more. Come and take a stroll!

Lymphedema Glossary

http://www.lymphedemapeople.com/wiki/doku.php?id=glossary:listing

Lymphedema

http://www.lymphedemapeople.com/wiki/doku.php?id=lymphedema

Arm Lymphedema

http://www.lymphedemapeople.com/wiki/doku.php?id=arm_lymphedema

Leg Lymphedema

http://www.lymphedemapeople.com/wiki/doku.php?id=leg_lymphedema

Acute Lymphedema

http://www.lymphedemapeople.com/wiki/doku.php?id=acute_lymphedema

The Lymphedema Diet

http://www.lymphedemapeople.com/wiki/doku.php?id=the_lymphedema_diet