There are a wide range of different forms of holistic, alternative and complementary treatments, many with differing philosophies, but what they all have in common is seeing people as consisting of more than just a physical body. Therapy is aimed at the whole person, who is seen as a unique individual, an inter-relationship of physical, emotional, and spiritual components. A brief note on terminology: at one time the word used for these different forms of attempting to heal was “alternative” medicine. Gradually it has become known as “complementary” to highlight the fact that it can be used to complement conventional medicine. More people like to think of it as “integrative” care, in which an individual can integrate both conventional medical treatment and complementary therapy approaches.
Dr. Andrew Lipton, D.O. – 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, Manhattan, 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
– Holistic Wellness, Massage, Reiki, Nutrition, Integrative Medicine – Wayne, Delaware County PA, Main Line PA, Southeastern Pennsylvania, Delaware
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.
Homeopathy
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.
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.
Osteopathy
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, osteopathic doctors generally utilize various forms of physical manipulation, which allow the body’s innate healing mechanism to operate more efficiently.