modalities – Page 8 – MyWellness Network

AMA Ends 72-Year Policy, Says Marijuana has Medical Benefits

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By Americans for Safe Access, Medical Marijuana Therapeutics/Research

HOUSTON — The American Medical Association (AMA) voted today to reverse its long-held position that marijuana be retained as a Schedule I substance with no medical value. The AMA adopted a report drafted by the AMA Council on Science and Public Health (CSAPH) entitled, “Use of Cannabis for Medicinal Purposes,” which affirmed the therapeutic benefits of marijuana and called for further research. The CSAPH report concluded that, “short term controlled trials indicate that smoked cannabis reduces neuropathic pain, improves appetite and caloric intake especially in patients with reduced muscle mass, and may relieve spasticity and pain in patients with multiple sclerosis.” Furthermore, the report urges that “the Schedule I status of marijuana be reviewed with the goal of facilitating clinical research and development of cannabinoid-based medicines, and alternate delivery methods.”

The change of position by the largest physician-based group in the country was precipitated in part by a resolution adopted in June of 2008 by the Medical Student Section (MSS) of the AMA in support of the reclassification of marijuana’s status as a Schedule I substance. In the past year, the AMA has considered three resolutions dealing with medical marijuana, which also helped to influence the report and its recommendations. The AMA vote on the report took place in Houston, Texas during the organization’s annual Interim Meeting of the House of Delegates. The last AMA position, adopted 8 years ago, called for maintaining marijuana as a Schedule I substance, with no medical value.

“It’s been 72 years since the AMA has officially recognized that marijuana has both already-demonstrated and future-promising medical utility,” said Sunil Aggarwal, Ph.D., the medical student who spearheaded both the passage of the June 2008 resolution by the MSS and one of the CSAPH report’s designated expert reviewers. “The AMA has written an extensive, well-documented, evidence-based report that they are seeking to publish in a peer-reviewed journal that will help to educate the medical community about the scientific basis of botanical cannabis-based medicines.” Aggarwal is also on the Medical & Scientific Advisory Board of Americans for Safe Access (ASA), the largest medical marijuana advocacy organization in the U.S.

The AMA’s about face on medical marijuana follows an announcement by the Obama Administration in October discouraging U.S. Attorneys from taking enforcement actions in medical marijuana states. In February 2008, a resolution was adopted by the American College of Physicians (ACP), the country’s second largest physician group and the largest organization of doctors of internal medicine. The ACP resolution called for an “evidence-based review of marijuana’s status as a Schedule I controlled substance to determine whether it should be reclassified to a different schedule. “The two largest physician groups in the U.S. have established medical marijuana as a health care issue that must be addressed,” said ASA Government Affairs Director Caren Woodson. “Both organizations have underscored the need for change by placing patients above politics.”

Though the CSAPH report has not been officially released to the public, AMA documentation indicates that it: “(1) provides a brief historical perspective on the use of cannabis as medicine; (2) examines the current federal and state-based legal envelope relevant to the medical use of cannabis; (3) provides a brief overview of our current understanding of the pharmacology and physiology of the endocannabinoid system; (4) reviews clinical trials on the relative safety and efficacy of smoked cannabis and botanical-based products; and (5) places this information in perspective with respect to the current drug regulatory framework.”

Staying Healthy during Flu Season

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NOV 4 Conshohocken: Dr. Linda Baker, Holistic Pediatrician
(Staying Healthy during Flu Season)

Please join us in Conshohocken for a timely seminar:
How to Keep Your Family Healthy During Flu Season

A free health education series

How Strong Is YOUR Immune System?

-Staying healthy during Flu Season –
presented by
Linda Baker, MD
Homeopathic Pediatrician

Founder of Wellspring Center in Plymouth Meeting, a holistic health practice, Dr. Baker treats and provides health education programs for adult patients and children who want to use natural ways to optimize their health. She devotes a significant part of her practice to children with developmental disorders and chronic health conditions. In addition to using herbs and homeopathy, Dr. Baker places great emphasis on nutrition. In her words: “Sound nutrition is necessary for healing and for disease PREVENTION”.

Due to hectic lifestyles, poor food choices, STRESS and over reliance on meds, our families are being diagnosed, more than ever, with immune dysfunction, e.g., Influenza. Other preventable diseases, like obesity and diabetes, are reaching epidemic proportions. We can reverse the trend. Join us for this insightful program.

Wed., November 4th – 7 p.m.
(Doors open at 6:30 PM)

Spring Mill Corporate Center Auditorium
1100 E. Hector St., Conshohocken, PA 19428

Safe, convenient parking directly in front of
entrance at 1100 E. Hector St.

For information and/or complimentary tickets please contact:
Mercedes at 215-681-5369 or mercedescapizzi@yahoo.com
RSVP no later than Monday November 2.
Seating is limited to 50.

Wellspring Homeopathic Care Events

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Wellspring Homeopathic Care – Linda Baker, MD
Wellspring Homeopathic Care Class Series

Introduction to Homeopathy

Homeopathic medicines can be amazingly effective for common injuries and illnesses such as bruises, sprains, burns, fevers, earaches & coughs.

With a little background knowledge it’s easy to begin using these safe, effective & inexpensive treatments. The intro to Homeopathy class will give you a foundation for homeopathic thinking & decision making. Subsequent classes will focus on specific topics.

Thursday, November 5
7:00 to 8:30 PM
or
Friday, November 13
9:00-10:30 AM

Dr. Baker will be teaching and sharing her knowledge on natural prevention, nutrition, wellness, and tips on keeping your family healthy and thriving. The fee for each class is $20.00. Advance registration is required as space is limited. Call 610-567-3520 or E-mail Homeopathy1@yahoo.com to register.

All classes will be held at our office:
Wellspring Homeopathic Care
3138 Butler Pike
Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania 19462

Personal Growth and Psychotherapy

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Psychotherapists, personal growth practitioners and success coaches address issues such as addictions, anxiety, depression, gender issues, health recovery, parenting, physical and emotional pain, anxiety, stress, self-esteem, relationships, and family issues. Treatment approaches depend of the style and approach of a particular therapist, as well as the relationship between client and therapist. Some methods associated with all psychotherapy may be physical health and practices, imagery, dream work, emotional catharsis, expressive arts, meditation, states of consciousness, existential questions, acceptance of disowned aspects of self, spiritual disciplines, present moment awareness, problem-solving skills and establishing individual paths to wholeness.

Karen Clark-Schock, PsyD, ATR-BC – Behavioral Medicine, Hypnotherapy, Psychotherapy, Art Therapy – Main Line of PA, Paoli, Chester County, PA

John Salerno, PhD, MSW – Behavioral Medicine, Biofeedback, Psychotherapy – Central NJ (Hunterdon, Monmouth, Ocean County)

Penny Goldberg, L.C.S.W., B.C.D. – Licensed Pyschotherapist, Couples Therapy, Marriage Counselor, Imago Relationship Therapist, Behavioral Counseling – Main Line of Philadelphia PA, Southeastern PA

Express Yourself Health and Wellness Coaching, LLC – Sonia Decker, M.A. – Holistic Health and Wellness Coaching, Stress Relief and Stress Management, Success Coaching, Individual Coaching, Group Coaching – Central and Northern New Jersey – Union County NJ, Morris County NJ, Somerset County NJ, Middlesex County NJ, Essex County NJ, Hudson County NJ

“Speaking About Depression” – A Presentation of A Families’ Journey for the Faith-Filled Community – Patricia and John Gallagher – PA, NJ, DE, MD, NY

Body Oriented Psychotherapy (Mind/Body Psychotherapy)
This approach furthers exploration of the mind/body connection. Practitioners utilize a range of techniques to facilitate the relationship and health between all parts of the self: mind, body, and spirit. Practitioners often utilize awareness techniques, breath work, and emotional release. Additional Body-oriented approaches include: Bioenergetics, Dance-Movement Therapy, Barbara Brennan Work, Body Synergy, Cranio-Sacral, and Somatic Work.

IMAGO Therapy
The premise of IMAGO Relationship Therapy is that there is an unconscious purpose (we call it imago) guiding us in our selection of a mate and how we conduct ourselves in our relationships. Thus, the difficulties experienced in marriage arise from a lack of awareness about what we’re doing in our relationships, not from our choice of partners.

Gestalt Psychotherapy
This involves a partnership between client and therapist toward the emergence of self support and authenticity. The client is invited into a conscious experience of interior process and relating style while the therapist takes an active role attending to the clients dialogue and body language, emphasizing awareness, rather than interpretation, experience rather than just talking.

Transpersonal Psychotherapy
Transpersonal psychotherapy aims at the integration of physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual aspects of well being. Transpersonal therapy seeks to help clients blend the spiritual and personal dimensions of their lives, fulfill their unique, creative individuality and expand their experience of consciousness and being. Therapy focuses on a clients sense of life purpose, explores personal and spiritual concerns and experiences, stabilizes and integrates insights, helps clients expand their perceptions and sense of identity, and cultivates meaning and sacredness in life.

Spiritual Psychology
Spiritual Psychology is the study and practice of the art and science of human evolution in consciousness. In order to fulfill this quest, we must begin by distinguishing the essence of human evolution – what does it mean to evolve? In short, it means surrendering anything in consciousness that disturbs one’s peace. It also means sacrificing our illusions of separation. Essentially, this “surrendering” and “sacrificing” is work that can and has been called “healing,” which includes healing on the physical, mental, and emotional levels in service to the deeper revelation of who we truly are as Loving, Peaceful, Compassionate and Joyful beings. We refer to this level of awareness as the Authentic Self.

Family Counseling
Family counseling is a type of psychotherapy that may have one or more objectives. Family counseling may help to promote better relationships and understanding within a family. It may be incident specific, as for example family counseling during a divorce, or the approaching death of a family member. Alternately family counseling may address the needs of the family when one family member suffers from a mental or physical illness that alters his or her behavior or habits in negative ways.

Holistic Medicine

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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.

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.

The Healing Point – Prenatal Massage, Pregnancy Massage, Sports Massage, Myofascial Release, Shiatsu, Deep Tissue Massage – Montgomery County, PA, Southeastern Pennsylvania

Dr. Andrew Lipton, DO – Family Practice, Osteopathy, Chelation/IV Therapy, Nutrition – Main Line of Philadelphia and Southeastern Pennsylvania

Dr. Marina Yanover, ND, LAc – Naturopathic Medicine Family Practice & Acupuncture – New York City, Brooklyn, Connecticut

Dr. Ronald Dushkin, M.D. – Homeopathic Medicine and Alternative Medicine – New York City and Northern New Jersey (NJ)

Dr. Jonathan Singer, D.O. – Preventive Medicine, Complementary Medicine, Holistic Family Medicine – Denver, Colorado (CO) and Cheyenne, Wyoming (WY)

Live Well Holistic Health Center – Dr. Martin Orimenko, DC, ND, FIACA – Director – Chiropractic and Body Work, Massage, Acupuncture, Acupressure, Nutrition, Cleansing, Ayurvedic Medicine, Emotional and Lifestyle Counseling, Nutritional Supplements – Ardmore, PA, Main Line PA, Philadelphia, Southeastern PA

Ame Salon and Spa
– Bioenergy Chiropractic Adjustments, Holistic Wellness, Massage, Reiki, Nutrition, Day Spa – Wayne, Delaware County PA, Main Line PA, Southeastern Pennsylvania, Delaware

Sarah Dickinson Murray – Pure Healing Insight LLC –
Naturopathic Practitioner, Master Practitioner of NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming), Energy Worker, Reiki, Bach Flower Therapy, Crystal Therapy, Ethnobotanist – Wilmington, Delaware, Southeastern PA

Ayurvedic Medicine
Ayurveda is the name of the 5000 year-old comprehensive system of medicine that combines natural therapies with a highly personalized approach to the treatment of disease. Ayurvedic Medicine places equal emphasis on body, mind and spirit, and strives to restore the innate harmony and balance in each individual. It involves a system of constitutional (metabolic body type) diagnosis and herbal therapeutics, cleansing methods, lifestyle and diet, designed to guide an individual back into harmony with his or her environment.

Homeopathic Medicine
Homeopathy is a system of medical treatment originated by Samuel Hahnemann in Europe 200 years ago. This natural and effective medical system is currently in use throughout the world, and is enjoying a renaissance in the United States. Philadelphia’s Hahnemann Hospital was founded as a homeopathic hospital, as was the Hospital of the Medical College of Pennsylvania. Homeopathic practitioners administer small but energetically-active doses of natural substances to persons with an illness, in order to “signal” their systems to respond more completely, so that the illness may be resolved. Treatment is based on each individual’s “constitution”, or unique qualities based on physical, emotional, spiritual, and historical elements. These natural medicines are regulated by the FDA and are manufactured under the strict guidelines of the Homeopathic Pharmacopea. Homeopathic treatment can be used in the treatment of people with acute, recurrent and chronic conditions.

Holistic Nursing
Holistic nurses have the unique ability to provide services which facilitate wholeness. The concepts of Holistic Nursing are based on a broad and eclectic academic background, a sensitive balance between art and science, analytical and intuitive skills, and the opportunity to choose from a wide variety of modalities to promote the harmonious balance of human energy systems. The holistic nurse assists people to assume personal responsibility for wellness.

Naturopathy
Naturopathy is both a therapeutic practice and a way of life. Based on precepts first established by Hippocrates, it is a philosophy, an art, and a science developed to maintain the human being in perfect health using ONLY NATURAL methods. Whatever our purpose in life, isn’t the best way to achieve that purpose to stay in optimal health? That’s how we were designed – to always stay healthy.

The human organism is an amazing piece of work: hundreds of thousands of subtle processes operate at split second speeds to maintain “homeostasis,” or balance, which translates into good health. As soon as one element changes, another kicks in to counterbalance whatever change the first element produced. It is constantly moving, a non-static equilibrium which obeys only the laws within which humans have evolved over several million years. These unchanging laws are the same ones that have governed nature and the universe for as long as we can tell, and are the Laws of Life as we know it.

Immunological Testing
Technologies now exist which allow the measurement of the cell populations directly involved in the immune system. These are referred to as T cells, B cells and natural killer cells. The immune system is our first line of defense against the constant assault by bacteria, viruses and environmental pollutants. A weakened immune system can result from improper nutrition, bacteria, viruses, stress, cancer, cancer treatments or depression increases susceptibility to disease. With medical supervision, and immune testing individuals may be better directed to complementary treatment programs.

IV/Chelation Therapies
Chelation Therapy is a method wich can be used for drawing toxins and metabolic wastes from the bloodstream. Chelating agents, administered intravenously, are used to remove arterial plaque, rid the body of toxic metals, and reduce internal inflammation. Chelation has been used with degenerative diseases, arthritis, diabetes, scleroderma, and lupus. By restoring circulation in the body, in some cases chelation therapy may help with cardiac and circulation problems. Chelation practitioners hold certification from the College of Advancement in Medicine, and require medical supervision.

Nurse Midwifery
Certified, alternative form of women’s health care, includes full-scope OB-GYN care with annual exams, birth control, breast checks, pap smearsand other gynecological testing, as well as prenatal care and delivery.

Osteopathic Medicine
Since its inception over 100 years ago, the central tenets of osteopathic medicine are on prevention as well as cure, and to treat the patient as awhole rather than narrowly focusing on a specific ailment. The best known part of osteopathy is osteopathic manipulation, which is based on an understanding of the inter-relationships of the structure and the function of the body. In treating patients, osteopaths generally utilize various formsof physical manipulation, which allow the body’s innate healing mechanism to operate more efficiently.