Naturopathic philosophy

What Methods of Treatment are in Conformity with Constructive Principle in Nature?

Those methods which: •establish normal surroundings & natural habits of life in accord with nature's laws •economise vital force •build up blood on natural basis ie. supply blood w/ natural constituents in right proportions •promote elimination of waste material & poisons without in any way injuring human body • correct mechanical lesions •arouse the individual in highest possible degree to consciousness of personal responsibility & to necessity of intelligent personal effort and self help

Building blocks of nature

modern era of chemistry identified basic elements or building blocks of nature & formulated "Periodic table of elements". This table organises all known substances into categories of, atomic weight & properties. Correlation of info about proton & electron no. & shape, electric charge,etc allowing many predictions about known properties & expected properties of elements.

Eye Diagnosis Ayurveda

•Vata eyes - small, nervous with drooping eyelids & dry, scanty lashes. white of eye muddy,iris dark, grey-brown or black. •Pitta eyes- mod size, sharp & sensitive to light. lashes scanty & oily, iris red or yellowish. •Kapha eyes - large, beautiful & moist w/ long thick lashes. white of eye very white with iris being pale, blue or black.

Vaccination and Immunisation...

- Late 19th C Louis Pasteur discovered & described his germ theory of disease as an external process whereby a germ (bacteria or virus) enters the body & causes disease. - opposing viewpoint by Dr Antoine Bechamp, physician & contemporary Pasteur states cause of disease lies internally & so germs (bacteria or virus) live within all organisms. Only when conditions in body are not right or run down does disease develop. - diff of opinion is same disagreement exists today btwn natural & orthodox medicine. Medical science claims worldwide vaccination programmes are almost entirely responsible for decline in incidence & mortality of infectious diseases. - question to artificially immunise, against what & at what risk, is frequently asked & some are questioning necessity, effectiveness & safety of these procedures despite vigorous & concerted efforts by Health Departments and agencies and most medical physicians. - Vaccination, or active immunisation, is the administration of an antigen as a killed micro-organism, a component of a micro-organism, or a live, attenuated (weakened) organism. - vaccination usually attributed to Edward Jenner (1749-1823) medical Dr first known to have observed & experimented w/ the close association of cowpox & smallpox. - long seen that dairy maids were susceptible to catching pustular infections from cows & then developed strong resistance to smallpox thereafter. - dairy farmer- benjamin Jesty (1774) in England experimented w/ deliberate transference of cow pox from one person to another w/ aim of protection from small pox - Earlier (1721) American clergyman Cotton Mather, introducing smallpox vaccination to Boston - After smallpox vaccination was officially established by Edward Jenner - Central debate of immunisations involves question of effectiveness & safety. - orthodox medicine firmly believe immunisation is major, if not sole cause, of drastic reduction, or in some cases, virtual disappearance of epidemic & common childhood diseases which in past yrs caused so much disease, suffering & death. - world renowned microbiologist, Prof Rene Dubois acknowledged decline in mortality caused by infections "began almost century ago & has continued ever since at fairly constant rate irrespective of use of any specific therapy. - Modern Science's role in defeating infectious diseases has been greatly exaggerated. Many of the most terrifying disease like leprosy, plague, typhus, had all but disappeared from Europe before serums, vaccines & drugs developed - 1st voluntary then mandatory immunisation programmes have been set up in many countries - mandatory for school age children to be fully immunised prior to their admittance to public schools w/ only exceptions being religious or medical reasons - more recently philosophical reasons - Health & Education departments have poster, radio & television campaigns continually running to encourage parents to protect their children from epidemic and childhood diseases by immunisation. In opposition a vigorous & well-organised & well-funded pro-immunisation group of concerned doctors, natural therapy practitioners & parents who sincerely believe some immunisations may not be health boon they're advertised as -incidence of epidemic disease not vaccines but sanitation, hygiene & nutrition.

Sleep remedies....

- sleep as curative remedy mainly priests & temples

Vaccination debate continued...

- up to 50% victims previously fully immunised, some recently w/ no effect. -They claim never been proven that immunisations protects against disease as safely, or in same way, that immunity develops after natural exposure to a disease. - also fear that vaccination of live virus (even in weakened form) may damage & hinder normal immune response, reducing body's ability to mount an effective defence against other naturally occurring viruses. - question of safety more vigorously debated than effectiveness. - standard & generally accepted medical opinion that vaccines do carry many risks, but these are acceptable considering population as whole - so some individuals will experience detrimental reactions, often lifelong complications or death, following administration particular immunisation, but % of incidences considered far lower than those could be adversely affected by natural exposure to natural disease, without immunisation program. - as natural epidemics were already decreasing prior to availability of immunisation, feeling some immunisations now cause more damage than natural counterparts if whole population not immunised & w/ advances in sanitation, hygiene & nutrition in developed countries. -- detrimental health effects have never been properly researched & studied. - rise of incidence of cancer as pos result of vaccination raised-others point to dramatic rise in allergies ie. eczema, psoriasis & diseases involving autoimmune system like rheumatoid arthritis & AIDS --ie. triple antigen vaccines like DPT a combo of whopping cough, diphtheria & tetanus vaccines) & MMR are implicated in depression of immune system, especially thymus gland. - Prof Gordon Stewart writes on whooping cough & history of vaccine in Britain - "Introduced in 1957, this vaccine had been administered to 70% of infants by 1960 and over 70% of all children by 1969. "national programme was monitored from 1957-1968 by Public Health Laboratory Service. In 1969 they reported vaccines were 'not very effective' in that they had failed to control outbreaks or to protect fully vaccinated children from infection. During this time proportion of children vaccinated rose to 80% or more & matter of record that whooping cough continued to decline. equally, firmly on record severe adverse reactions to vaccine were causing probs & concern - triple vaccine also more likely to be followed by adverse reactions involving heart & nervous system. Such reactions include shock, collapse, convulsions & screaming fits. Such signs were extremely infrequent or altogether absent in earlier usage of other two components of triple vaccine. --"Prof W Ehrengut in Hamburg & Dr John Wilson at Hospital for Sick Children, Great Ormond Street London, reported independently that signs of severe brain damage began to appear in some children soon after adverse reactions to triple vaccine. Elsewhere in UK children previously fine became mentally retarded or paralysed soon after receiving triple vaccine. --Gov on advice of advisory committees, responded to reports by re-affirming efficacy and safety of pertussis vaccine & insisting component be retained in triple vaccine & insisted high level of vaccination among children of all ages be maintained if epidemics were to be averted. --"At that time in 1974, vaccination levels generally were about 80%, seldom below 70% & above 90% -last outbreak of whooping cough in 1970—71 & epidemics are currently liable to occur every 3-4yrs, another epidemic was expected & occured in 1974—75. provided opportunity for reviewing efficacy of pertussis vaccine. became apparent protection again incomplete & temporary &"Meanwhile, reports about brain damage continued to circulate, leading to debates btwn experts & Parliament about safety of vaccine who said brain damage, if it occurred at all, was excessively rare, affecting no more than 1:300,000 infants vaccinated - They did, emphasise need for caution & recommend vaccine be withheld from children who showed signs of disorder in nervous system, or w/ family history of same, or who reacted badly to a 1st or 2nd injection. Doubt quelled via Committee on the Safety of Medicines, who review suspected toxicity of vaccine & introduced in 1978- a scheme for compensation of parents of vaccine damaged children. - "Btwn 1974 & 1978 acceptance of pertussis vaccine had been falling. Health authorities were offering double vaccine (diphtheria plus tetanus) instead of triple vaccine - this w/ poliomyelitis vaccine, was proving acceptable & safe. - Gov advisers were predicting disastrous epidemic of whooping cough in unprotected population w/ 3-4 yr cycle seeing next epidemic due to begin in 1977 - whooping cough, began to increase, through 1978-79 and amounted to biggest epidemic since 1967. But mortality rate was lowest ever - yet observed probs among fully vaccinated children. --In West Germany prof Ehrengut's work on toxicity, pertussis vaccine under suspicion for yrs & had bn abandoned in Hamburg w/ out any increase incidence or mortality from whooping cough. --Similar decreases, w/ out extensive use of vaccine, had occurred in Egypt & Italy. "in the UK alone some 100's, if not 1000's, of well infants have suffered irreparable brain damage needlessly & that their lives and those of their parents have been wrecked in consequence -certain a no. of deaths after vaccination in the UK & the USA which await explanation.

Tridosha

5 elements blend into 3 principles, or humours, called doshas- similar to 4 humours of Galen & Avicenna. basic theory of 3 humours (or Tridosha), like TCM is balance sustains health. word dosha means "that which causes or produces darkness and decay". So when mind/body harmony out of balance, these biological humours initiate disease process. The Tridoshas = Vata dosha made of ether & air. In Sanskrit means, "that which blows". Pitta dosha made of fire & water & translates to, "that which cooks & digests things". Kapha dosha is combo of water & earth, which translates to "that, which sticks or clings".

Different flavours of herbs in TCM produce different clinical results

•Sour: used as astringent to treat symptoms like chronic diarrhoea, prolapsed anus, and seminal emission. •Bitter: eliminate heat & dampness & stop diarrhoea. • Sweet: mitigates &/or alleviates pain. •Hot: (or acrid) expels cold. •Salty: can soften hard lumps & clear stagnation of food or blood.

What is a Healing Crisis?

A healing crisis is an acute reaction, resulting from dominance of nature's healing forces over disease conditions. Its tendency is towards recovery & is therefore in conformity with nature's constructive principle.

The Wirinun or Aboriginal Medicine man...

Any Aborigine may practise magic, but Wirinun regarded as expert. -medicine man thoroughly trained undergoes very strong personal discipline, involves long periods of isolation, restriction in diet & intense study into Laws of Nature & spiritual world. skilled in faith healing & extra sensory perception, which makes him medium of contact btwn physical & spiritual dimensions of life. --regular journeys to Dowie or subtle world, he contact ancestral beings who have passed on from their physical bodies -to obtain past & future info beneficial to livelihood of tribe. Held high esteem by members of tribe --Wirinun practises according to Laws of Nature & what is believed to have been laid down for the good of the environment by Baiame, Supreme Intelligence --most dreaded form of magic used on another person was pointing/singing bone pointed in direction of victim accompanied by potent death chants---sun & moon had to be behind him & no water lie btwn bone & victim as evil powers could be returned to pointer of the bone--ritual took place at night so birds could not see him and make dream to warn victim---bone taken from body of dead man, kangaroos, emus or short sticks--pointed end w/ string human hair at other--kept charm bag generally made of paper bark. -Ritual used for good or evil & was inseparable from medicine or healing--embraces truly holistic approach--shown Aborigines, which attribute illness, disease and death to supernatural causes, will rely totally on herbal remedies, as they believed supernatural forces could not be disrupted by physical means--few diseases. --suffered more from accidents & injuries sustained in fighting-- recuperative vitality & for physical damage they developed common sense remedies, usingthe natural resources around them. Lotions, resins, poultices, fermentations, & rashes were used for severe bruises, wounds & cuts. very few cases remedies taken orally & these cases, element of magic would have been involved in the treatment. --Aboriginal medicine man or Wirinun has been described as phony by many white people in healing the sick.

What is a Disease Crisis?

A disease crisis is an acute reaction resulting from ascendancy of disease conditions over healing forces of the organism. Its tendency is therefore, toward fatal termination. - In practice those "disease crises" may, by wise treatment, be turned into a "healing crisis". Conversely, it may lead to very serious consequences if a "healing crisis" is treated by suppressive methods.

Lip Diagnosis Ayurveda

lips can also indicate relative health or imbalance in body. Observe size, shape, contours & colour: •Rough & dry - can indicate dehydration or Vata imbalance •Tremors can lips- can indicate nervousness and fear •Pale lips - can indicate anaemia •Multiple pale brown spots - can indicate poor digestion or intestinal worms •Yellow lips- can result from liver imbalance •Blue lips - can indicate heart disorders resulting in lack of oxygen •Vata lips are thin and dry; Pitta lips are red; Kapha lips are thick and oily •Discolouration of various areas of lips can indicate disorders in respective organs

Confucianism

taught codes of ethics, morality & consolidating respect for parents & lineage. sensitivity to maintain peace and harmony

Ancient remedies ....

Mandragora (mandrake), Egyptians, Early indians & Monks late Middle Ages, "Alraune" - narcotic in operations. - Today atropine & scopolamine, used to place patient in twilight sleep during operation - come from nightshade family, and found in plants like belladonna (Atropa Belladonna), henbane (folia hysocyami mutici) or Datura, the thorn apple (AD) -drugs of physicians - 1869 used by clergy of paris to treat bite of rabid dog - 36BC Roman antonius used in battle thorn apple -

Measles vaccination debate...

Measles=highly contagious disease caused by virus affects respiratory system, skin & eyes. Symptoms = high fever (up to 105°F), cough, runny nose & sore, red, sensitive eyes. Small pink spots w/ greyish-white centres develop inside mouth. Itchy pink spots on face & body. Approx 1 in 100,00 cases leads to sub-acute sclerosing panencephalitis-causes hardening of brain & is fatal Symptoms= disappear in 1 or 2 wks. Vit A therapy can significantly reduce likelihood of complications. -Before 1960's most children in developed countries caught measles-1963, a team of scientists headed by American researcher John F. Enders created a measles vaccination & mass inoculations followed. Fatalities from measles is highest in infants under 1, however, vaccine failure closely associated w/ children receiving measles vaccination prior to 12 months of age, implying that immature immune system of such young child doesn't develop protective immunity if exposed to vaccine. Another prob w/ measles vaccination is atypical measles syndrome which occurs in previously vaccinated subjects who are not immune but have suppressed immunity to the virus. Due to prior vaccination, the body no longer responds to the viral threat w/ a normal reaction, consisting of fever, cough, inflammation, rash but allows the virus to penetrate deeper into more vital organs, causing oedema, adenopathy, pleural effusion, nodule formation, pneumonia and severe pain- can cause more damage than a typical measles reaction. - no gen agreement that measles vaccination is an effective prevention of measles. Some case studies report data confirming an extremely high % of protection & reduction of measles in the population i.e. "in recent years, incidence of measles dropped to levels less than 1% of those seen in pre-vaccines era". Other reports clearly deny efficacy of the vaccine in preventing or reducing measles,i.e" analysis further suggests national measles vaccination program not lowered total no. individuals susceptible to measles in England & Wales concluding no. of susceptibles over 10 is increasing" -those susceptible to measles remained relatively constant, btwn 4-4.5 million & after immunisation programme"

Egyptian medical schools....

- (Deir el-Medina, the Ramesseum, Muttempel in Karnak & grave of Ptahhotep in Saqqara) "school classrooms" have been archaeologically excavated -most famous doctor, Imhotep, thought of as a god, supposedly founded, in Memphis, medical school affiliated with gigantic library 6thC BC - still existed Roman times - European medicine acquired Egyptian healing methods & prescriptions via library - medical schools however existed much earlier & surgery was taught - w/ schools usually connected to temples but not bound by religion- magic played significant role however but temples center of theology & science in new kingdoms

One of the most important plant taken from traditional medicine...

-Quinine from bark several species of Chinchona. Highly valued febrifuge- reduce fever Early 1600's- Ecuadorian Indians showed Jesuit missionaries properties. Often called Jesuit's Bark -exploited many years by religious order. Today, despite very effective synthetic antimalarial drugs, quinine maintains place among major drug plants of traditional origin.

What is the Constructive Principle in Nature?

-constructive principle in nature is principle which builds up, improves & repairs & is opposed to destructive principle in nature.

Nail Diagnosis Ayurveda

considers nails waste product of bones. Practitioners look size, shape, surface, & contours of nails, flexibility, soft or brittle. General indications include: •pale nails - can indicate anaemia •excessive redness - can show excess red blood cells in the system •yellow nails - can indicate liver imbalance •blue nails - can indicate heart weakness

Naturopathy

distinct method primary health care-an art, science, philosophy & practice of diagnosis, treatment & prevention of illness. Naturopathic physicians seek to restore & maintain optimum health in their patients by emphasizing nature's inherent self-healing process, vis medicatrix naturae. This is accomplished via education & rational use of natural therapeutics, proper diet, fresh air & attention to lifestyle habits, mental well-being & living conditions

Facial Diagnosis Ayurveda

face = mirror of mind. If disorder & disease present, indicated by lines & wrinkles on face. •horizontal wrinkles - on forehead can indicate deep-seated anxieties •vertical line between eyebrows - on right side can indicate repressed emotions in liver. On left side can indicate spleen is holding emotions • if lower eyelids full & puffy- indicate kidney imbalance Vata person - generally have probs gaining weight so cheeks can be flat and sunken. Kapha person - slow constitution tend to retain fluid & cheeks will be plump. Nose shape - also indicate constitution; sharp nose can denote Pitta, blunt nose, Kapha & crooked nose, Vata

Concept of homeostasis

important present day naturopathic legacies from work of Hippocrates, Galen and 'vitalists', is understanding of homeostasis. Concept that living things are always seeking balance and central goal of treatment is to assist this natural process. Hippocrates considered a physician's chief aim was to help this natural tendency of body by observing its action, removing obstacles to its action, and thus allow an organism to recover its own health.

Ayurvedic medicine

alleviate suffering & preserve health & heal diseases of those suffering. -art of restoring & preserving wholeness Humans consist of 3 bodies or aspects: • physical, subtle, casual or body, mind, spirit - science of health & healing, & everyday life practised by ancient Aryans. science based on Atharava-veda, 1 of oldest texts of Hindu's, written approx 3000 years ago-encyclopaedia of ancient medical wisdom. practised extensively1/5 world's population. The World Health Organisation formally supports it. Philosophy of life & living with main objective to counteract imbalance 3 essential elements = vata (air), pitta (bile) & kapha (phlegm) & constitute tridosh from which body originates & regulates normal working of body. ancient Ayurveda texts offers solutions to some most problematic issues mod medi Ayurveda is: • time tested •prevention oriented •easily applicable • free from harmful side effects • cost effective • capable of creating collective health • capable of treating the source of disease rather than merely the symptoms common knowledge same species of drug known by more than 1 name in Sanskrit and other Indian languages, not unusual for diff species & drugs to be classified under 1 common name in diff parts of country and for these reasons there exists a confusion in identification and recognition of the drugs All parts of drug plant don't always have same medicinal value, so only part specified should be used & if the proportions have not been indicated equal quantities of ingredients used. In absence of specific instructions drug usually taken in morn. prescription usually taken with honey or if an oil is needed it is usually sesame. Herbal drugs presently in use in indigenous system of medicine are not wholly indigenous, some were introduced centuries ago by Muslim practitioners of Unani systems of medicine, dosages usually regulated by Ayurvedic practitioner according to effect it produces on patient & taking into consideration patient's constitution, digestive capacity, age climate etc. Where possible recommended dosages by modern practitioners have been collected and documented so we do not lose this valuable form of medicine

Six external devils

- Wind, Dampness, Cold, Dryness, Heat, Summer heat

Clothing and equipment of n'anga...

- once n'anga qualified he must acquire special clothes & use special equipment otherwise believed his spirit will not assist him and he may become sick. - In today's more modern societies in major towns, n'anga don't wear full traditional dress but usually have special items, which are generally concealed by their outer clothing. - n'angas dress is what distinguishes his status- highly decorated charm suspended form neck is common & some attach magical value to them. Beads are also popular items of adornment & usually a garment made from animal skin -- in past many would have worn leopard or lion skins but these are now difficult to obtain so skins from antelope of small mammals are now often used. A headgear made of feathers or jackal skin is usually worn & charms attached. -- one most essential items of equipment for n'anga is horn or calabash called gona containing special medicine plants & oils from plants ---gona is thought have magical powers w/ beneficial effects all ailments - Many medicines in past contained animal parts like lions hearts & bones as lion is a symbol of strength & dignity or vultures bc astounding visual powers - associated w/ prophesy. - Another prized possession of n'anga = muswe (whisk), tail of either zebra, ox, wildebeest, antelope etc. often passed from one n'anga to successor. Principle use is to drive out evil spirits - dipped in aromatic medicine & scattered about as n'anga walks around village & used to quieten potentially violent patients. - n'anga carried special equipment w/ them in special basket, usually made from leaves of palm tree, and was not to be carried or touched by any other person. Can be used determine whether suspected thief is guilty or not, as thought guilty person unable to lift the bag. - Other equipment are bone, wooden eating plate- also used to receive payment from patients, rattle & drums & snuffbox. walking stick & axe are insignia of his profession rather than of practical use.

Concept of Nature Cure

Constructive method of treatment which aims at removing basic cause of disease through rational use of elements freely available in nature. Not only system of healing, but also way of life, in tune with internal vital forces or natural elements comprising human body. A complete revolution in art & science of living.

Galen

(129 - 200) greatest physician after Hippocrates. primary fame associated w/ fauna as he revolutionised medicine by performing animal experiments developing 1st medical theories based on scientific investigations. But many of Galen's theories proved wrong as he assumed animal studies would directly apply to humans. Founder of experimental medicine Followers = eclectic b/c treated disease with whatever they found to work. Galen used herbal remedies, followers also employed mineral potions. Herbal, forming part of De Simplicibus, contains info on each plant & habitat, usually w/ note about use in medicine. Galen's classification based on Hippocratic medicine, ie. four humours — blood, bile, phlegm, and choleric. only well educated understood Galen's system. Galenical medicine popular in middle ages where taken to extreme w/ blood-letting, purging, & exotic medicines.

Doctrine of Signatures

(1576 - 1624) philosophy shared by herbalists from Dioscorides & Galen. doctrine states herbs resemble various parts of body can be used to treat ailments of that part of body. E.g plants liverwort; snakeroot, an antidote for snake venom; lungwort; bloodroot; toothwort; and wormwood, to expel intestinal parasites. "It was reasoned Almighty must have set his sign upon various means of curing disease which he provided." Written by Jakob Böhme (1575-1624), master shoemaker in small town of Görlitz, Germany. Doctrine states observation, one can determine from colour of flowers or roots, shape of leaves, place of growing, or other signatures, what plant's purpose was in God's plan

Benedict Lust, Dr

(1872 - 1945) father American naturopathy. Born Baden, Germany - immigrated USA 1892 contracted severe tuberculosis returned Baden to undergo water cure treatments w/ Father Kneipp. very short time health improved. Dr. Lust visited & studied nature-curists of his day - Kuhne, Lahmann, Just etc. returned USA 1896 w/ colleague Dr. Robert Foster established two Sanitariums & Kneipp Water Cure Institutes. 1901 Dr. Lust opened American School of Naturopathy NY, which was 1st naturopathic college in America. & first health food store. graduated Universal Osteopathic College, Homeopathic Medical College & eclectic med degree. editor professional journal Naturopathy & Herald of Health &edited public journal, Nature's Path. Dr. Lust believed in inherent ability of body to heal itself & restore own balance & function to adapt to environmental changes. Opposed processing of foods b/c 'manufacture' tends to destroy true nutritional values. Opposed to administration drugs/narcotics as unnatural elements which body isn't capable of assimilating. practicing medicine without license. attempts to suppress efforts thwarted, as all cases dismissed from courts. as educator, promoter & organizer of naturopathy that Lust had greatest impact. Founder of American Naturopathic Association, known as Naturopathic Society of America from 1902 to 1912.

Hippocrates

(460 - 377) 4 elements - fire, water, air & earth (cold, hot, dry & moist)- represented in human body by yellow bile, phlegm, black bile & blood. Human health depended on balance humours/ cardinal juices' linked w/ 4 temperaments: yellow bile to choleric blood to sanguine,phlegm to phlegmatic, black bile to melancholy. Creator Hippocratic Oath. Father medicine - mod scientific frame of fact, observation & clinical experience. Holistic approach to illness & treatment. believing human body viewed as whole entity w/ min interference on its ability to heal naturally. focused on treatments w/ 'diet, fresh air, & attention to lifestyle habits & living conditions'. (Greek)

Avicenna

(980 - 1037) Hakim Ibn Sina - Avicenna Islam gave to history 'prince of physicians' Canon Medicinae brought together info about diseases, drugs & medical theories known in Arab world. Canon used as textbook at universities throughout Europe well into 17th C & still studied in East today. Avicenna described meningitis, tetanus etc Islam created secular hospitals, formalised medical education & began to require examination & licensing of all physicians.

Paracelsus

(Dec 17, 1493 - Sep 24, 1541) German-Swiss Renaissance physician, botanist, alchemist, astrologer, & general occultist. Credited for giving zinc its name, calling it zincum. pioneered use of chemicals & minerals in medicine. Dominant medical treatments at Paracelsus' time were specific diets to help "cleansing putrefied juices" w/ purging & bloodletting to restore balance of four humours. Supplemented & challenged this view with beliefs that illness was result of body being attacked by outside agents. major work On Miners' Sickness & Other Diseases of Miners documented occupational hazards of metalworking including treatment & prevention strategies. Wrote book on human body contradicting Galen's ideas. Father of toxicology and chemical pharmacology. Explains disease as chemical process. Depending on dose whether poison is poison or not' - referring to prescribing metals like mercury w/ great care & precaution. Founder of principles of Homeopathy - Like-cure-like. Supported & expanded Doctrine of Signatures

America has supplied to modern medicine...

* flora of Americas - limited * North America given modern medicine drug plants via histories of folk uses among native Indians. *Early Spanish missionaries along Pacific coastal areas learned from natives re bark = mild cathartic-accelerates defecation -called Cascara Sagrada/ "sacred bark". maintained position in USA Pharmacopoeia. * North American Indians responsible for 2 healing plants only recently assumed importance in medicine: False Hellebore & May Apple or American Mandrake - Cherokee used juice of rhizome to relieve deafness; Iroquois committed suicide by ingesting raw rhizome. Despite toxicity valued as emetic/vomit, purgative/lax & anthelmintic - expel parasitic worms (expelling intestinal worms). * Adopted by early white settlers as treatment of typhoid, dysentery, & hepatitis - plants yields resin now considered effective against venereal warts. - False Hellebore was used by Iroquois Indians to treat nasal catarrh/ inflammation mucus membrane & white settlers used it extensively -Recent research isolated alkaloids now used to relieve hypertension. -Indian Tobacco used against pulmonary disorders, yields alkaloid constituents used preps to help break cigarette smoking habit.

First herbal of the new world...

*1552 - 1st herbal of New World, Badianus Manuscript recently discovered in Vatican Library, illustrated in colour, described the medicinal values of nearly 200 species. Interestingly author was Mexican Indian. *1865 - Spanish physician, Monardes, wrote extensive book on Mexican drug plants, based largely on personal experimentation with them on patients. King of Spain sent his own physician to study Aztec drug plants, resulting encyclopaedic work on natural history of "New Spain", w/ 1200 healing plants discussed great detail, w/ illustrations identifying made easy

Remedies in ancient worlds ...

- AD45 Scribonius Largus described electrotherapy for gout & headaches in ancient Egypt. - 18th dynasty - tomb of scribe Userhat via wall paintings -leeches - AD135 Greek Nikandros reports Leech use - died Alexandria - Lists single drugs found - common on list = eggs, excrement, fat, hair, honey, testicles, tongue, liver, meat, milk, skin, leather, urine & wax. animals included bat, cat, croc, donkey, fish, fly, frog, goat, goose, hippo, lion, lizard, locust, mouse, ostrich, pelican, ram, turtle, snake, swallow, scorpion & siluroid. -Plant kingdom included lotus blossoms, leaves, roots, stalks, fruits & resins, oil, rubber, myrrh, poppy, dates, dill, peas, barley, pomegranate, sycamore, tamarisk & onions. -Mineral kingdom included water, agate, alum, carnelian, copper, flint, iron, lapis lazuli, lead, malachite, ochre, pumice, salt & sodium carbonate & breads, beer & wine

The Seven Internal Devils

- Anger, Joy, Grief, Fear, Shock, Reminiscence, Worry

Egyptians/ Middle ages and medicine / natural medicine....

- Middle Ages, cathedral schools forerunners of universities - 1 part of famous Papyrus Ebers indicates "Toth is leader who allows writings to be read, who made collected medical books, who lends knowledge to learned ones to doctors, who are in his employ..." - Sicilian scribe Diodor reports, "During campaigns & trips all treated without compensation as doctors receive salary from government. - GP, often learned surgical techniques at front in war, travelled across country as most ppl didn't live in cities - paid w/ wine, dried meat, holy statue, or jewels

Australian Aboriginals and Mythology...

- Preserved beliefs in rituals of song, dance pantomime & spoken word- living reality of 'Dreamtime' -- relating to each member of the tribe according to their totems & beliefs. --myth, re-enacted in ritual, was life giving, engulfing each member of tribe & strengthening spiritual bond w/ ancestors & land

South America has supplied to modern medicine...

- South America world's principal centre for use of arrow poison or curare. Almost every tribe & some medicine men have special formula. - many plants used in formulas, major active ingredient belongs usually to Strychnos family or to species of several menispermacceous genera. from latter that alkaloids, especially tubocurarine, become so important in modern medicine as muscle relaxants, has bn synthesised but proven natural product far superior. So a major drug is closely linked to traditional medicine. - 1 most famous traditional med was Coca, which was prescribed as analgesic, anorectic/ appetite suppressant & stimulating properties- Originally from Peru but spread throughout world after Spanish conquest of Peru --active principle of coca, cocaine assumed important role in modern medicine, especially ophthalmology. -Mod Indians in Andes still take tea of coca leaves to relieve many common ailments, especially digestive ills

Australian Aboriginals and Totemism...

- Totemism is religion w/ social aspects & perhaps an extension of animism or fetishism - as religion system of mutual help & protection -socially method by which members of totem help & protect one another, influences aboriginal social groupings & mythologies, inspiring rituals & linking them w/ 'Dreamtime' ---unites w/ nature's activities & laws --each individual influenced by spirits & several totems chosen by family member & 'Cleverman' of tribe --- so individual bonded to his/her totem animal. --prevented them from killing animal or insisting that he do so, depending on circumstance. --Totemism seen to regulate social relationships & was at centre of most rituals. Suggested door to spiritual soul of a being.

Native healer traditions....

- Vision Quest, usually undertaken at puberty & sometimes repeated later in life. involved self-denial, no food, water or shelter, continue until suitable vision occurs - Reliance on Vision, pursuit of path of life directed by personal visions & dreams. - Personal Song, allowed 1 to attune to primal sound of cosmic vibration of Great Spirit. - Partnership w/ Spirit World - sometimes necessary to make contact w/ ancestors who have changed planes of existence. - Non-Linear Time Sense- necessary to be able to acknowledge & deal w/ spirit world. - Omnipresence, To know Great Spirit may be found everywhere and in everything. -Passion for Earth Mother, awareness of one's place in life & responsibilities to all plants and animals. - Commitment to One's Beliefs, permeated every aspect of life to enable one to truly walk in balance.

Egyptians and natural medicine...

- ancient Egypt, illnesses thought influenced by gods, magic or demons -Several diseases (ailments of heart & stomach) explained by "poison-seeds" implanted into victims at night. - According to Herodotus, physicians believed nutritional causes for internal illnesses i.e. stomach ailment attributed to consumption of sharply fried or possible spoiled meat - improperly digested food left in body changed into harmful materials - poor nutrition reason for infections, swelling, constipation, or stiffening - regulated defecations part of "eternal spirituality," & "proctologist," most socially acceptable specialists. - Greek teaching of excretions, "perittome," traced to school of Knidos -Egyptian idea of "wechedu", disease inducing substances originate in faeces & reach blood vessels. - Hermann Grapow: anatomical knowledge of ancient Egyptian doctors roughly outlined - University of Gottingen: like cures like via long term experimental testing

Other mexican herbal remedies/plants...

- ecclesiastical writer Sahagun, wrote Historia de las Cosas de Nueva Espana considered every aspect of Mexican life, devoted many pages to native medicine & treatments, including brief discussions of healing properties of local plants & plant products. - in Mexico use as "super medicines" of psychoactive plants - hallucinogens - was developed to extraordinary degree in magicoreligious and medical rituals.

Indigenous African Medicine...

- most African countries vary in forms of medicine but general belief systems & treatments are similar. ---- N'anga practitioner of Zimbabwe - Zimbabwe divided into major tribes or nations of persons - It's difficult to separate religion from medicine in case of Shona, for they are closely linked together in their culture. ---n'anga not only minister of religion but also diagnostician & healer. - once n'anga learned reason for illness, he proceeds to determine requirements or offerings to be made to placate offended spirit or, if a witch, what actions should be taken to eradicate evil already done. --Shona look to vadzimu (ancestors) for guidance- these spirits protect & help clan & separate families constituting the clan. If for any reason a spirit is upset, punishment & retribution will follow. - spirit of founder of clan- mhondoro (or tribal spirit) cares for whole nyika (chiefdom), especially ensuring fertility of soil & rain.

The Principles and Practices of the N'anga....

- n'anga aims to find cause of illness & remove effects with treatment. Yet principles involved in diagnosis & treatment of disease widely diff from scientific doctor. - western scientific method inquires about symptoms & then does physical exam looking for signs of disease. Special investigations may occur before making diagnosis & prescribing appropriate treatment & medicines for cause of illness. - n'anga's treatment based on mystical believing death & disease caused by spirit. -- By special diagnostic procedure of divination w/ bones or via healing spirit that speaks through him, n'anga learns not only cause of illness but also means of cure -- inquires about symptoms & prescribes medicines w/ out case history relative to body structure & function & no physical exam of patient. - n'anga = diagnostician & therapist, using herbal med similar to ancient Egypt -- for every human illness there is a plant that possesses property of neutralising effect. - n'anga occasionally uses body parts of animals or birds - but remedies generally composed least one plant + compounded together, producing mixture consumed in liquid form. Often roots ground fine powder and stored till required.

Organisation of the Practice of n'anga...

- n'anga usually has fixed place where he practices - his house. - Today its common to see name board outside advertising place of practice - some are employed & see patients after work. - rare for n'anga to visit patient, if treatment likely to be prolonged n'anga may keep patients at his house. - n'anga often helped by unqualified assistant paid a salary - often a spouse or relative that helps in receiving patient, preparing & administering medicine - n'anga begins w/ snuff or throwing bones - n'anga not only declare cause of sickness but give advice on cure - N'anga under trance, assistant gives patient medicines or treatment n'anga advises- no improvement 3 days then n'anga try alternative & or refer another n'anga suggested by throwing bones - Payment treatment varies- some n'anga specialising in certain diseases may charge more.

Taboos or Avoidance Practices of n'anga ....

- observed so don't displease healing spirit. --individual; e.g. smoking, eating certain foods & use of perfumes -- strictly observed, is forbid eating of goat unless killed in ritual manner. -- when n'anga visits strange village, may only eat from new plates or ones purified by burning to ensure not contaminated w/ items that he is forbidden to eat

Egyptian medicine....

- tropical Galant (cypress grass) w/ pepper used as medication for various heart conditions. via lab research discovered agents used for heart problems. - slaves & prisoners prob experimented on, until rendered unconscious. - Egyptians aware of mortality potential & curative effects of drugs when dosed properly & exact measurements & dosage monitored - medical papyri weight of drug no longer given but assumed via experience & knowledge of progressive medical profession. - rubbing -prepared creams w/ olive oil, ricinus & animal fats. - Suppositories used for intestines or vagina had binders of oil, milk, or beer. associated w/ mild drugs supposed to be held or absorbed in natural way to produce elimination or taken 4 consecutive days at right time of yr. - Papyrus Hearst contains recipes against bad smell of sweat in summer - In sum old texts mention use no. curative drugs & lethal poisons, from magnesium to antimony - the poisonous stibnite. latter found in cosmetic box about 2500 BC.

Remedies continued

-1948, Dr Benjamin M. Duggar, prof. plant physiology @ Uni of Wisconsin, introduced medicine Aureomycin - today used successfully to cure trachoma. Antibiotic miracle drugs (penicillin being first) - found in soil by uni btwn 1944 & 1946 - Papyrus Ebers gives info of 55 recipes re human excretion used in ancient Egypt. - Papyrus Ebers gave better understanding of vitamins - Egyptians via mouldy bread knew of anti-infectious properties of moulds 4,000 yrs ago - Egyptians strict w/ dosage - Only Greeks called milky product of poppy 'onion' from 'opos' (plant juice). --Opium contains several alkaloids: morphine, noscapine, codeine, papaverine & thebaine. - Egyptians probably obtained from Asia Minor + incense considered medication & used for embalming. - mixtures of myrrh, olibanum, benzoe, storax & tolu-balsam made Saba & Minaw in South Arabia wealthy people. - drugs of ancient Egyptian physicians constitutes >1/3 medications used today.

Adverse Reactions to vaccination...

-Committees set up to investigate risks of vaccines only account those cases of adverse reactions firstly, "been reported" & secondly "accepted as related to the vaccination". - 1) majority adverse reactions to vaccines go unreported by unsuspecting parents - adverse reactions won't occur for weeks, months or years after vaccination many parents wont make connection. - 2) of adverse reactions to vaccinations reported only minority accepted or acknowledged by medical authorities as "vaccine induced" - denying vaccine cause -Even when adverse reactions reported in medical lit, this info often never find its way to public & on the odd occasions when adverse reactions are reported to public, they presented in misleading manner. -gen public not informed correctly of risks & probs associated w/ vaccinations & doctors are also not given the info. -Drs rely on info provided by drug companies (the manufacturers of vaccines). - As doctors are exposed to infected patients every day & generally accepted to be in high risk category they're urged to accept vaccination due to continued exposure to infectious diseases. But shown many doctors 'refuse' vaccinate themselves & families. Medical journals show surveys indicating "poor physician participation" in vaccination programs w/"fear unforeseen vaccine reactions" given as main reason for lack of participation. Dr James A. Shannon: "the only wholly safe vaccine is a vaccine that is never used".

Immunisation ... long term effects

-long-term effects of smallpox & other immunisations on the immune system is major concern -well known that the T-lymphocyte system acts as one of the major defences against cancer. Many studies, performed primarily on rats have proven that damage or removal of the thymus gland impairs the immune response to cancer & infectious disease. It is now being shown that immunisations may cause abnormalities in the secretory role of the thymus. Cases have been documented of subjects w/ normal immune function developing combined immunodeficiency following smallpox immunisation which caused progressive vaccinia resulting in virtual absence of helper T cells. -Patients w/ various types of leukaemia, cancers, rheumatoid arthritis & lupus erythematosus often show impairment of thymus dependent immune systems - frequently shown in literature that vaccine related complications are more common in those individuals already have comprised humoral (antibodies) or cell mediated immunity (Tcells) - so major contraindication to immunisations of all types. - Immunisations can have catastrophic results for immune deficient persons & such diagnosis is usually only investigated after severe complications have occurred. T - prob more complex /w exposure AIDS & further question of link btwn vaccinations & AIDS. - American medical journal suggests mass immunisation w/ live viral vaccines increases probability of genetic recombination btwn live vaccine viruses & other viruses. - Potential reason for origination of new diseases within past 20 yrs - encouraging increasing natural methods resistance to disease rather than exposing body to completely unnatural modes of administration

Catechism of Nature Cure

-philosophy of Nature Cure based on natural laws & principles & their application to health, disease & cure.

The six core naturopathic principles

1. First do no Harm (Primum Non Nocere) - harm-free treatment non-invasive & avoids suppression of symptoms & prescription of harmful doses of medicine. 2. Treat the Whole Person (Tolle Totum) - Health & disease are results of physical, emotional, mental, spiritual, social, familial & occupational factors. Failure to address all aspects relevant to patient's pattern of health & disease fundamentally ignores complexity of human 3. Doctor as Teacher (Docere) - doctor = Latin origin - 'teacher '. naturopath assumes role of teacher to educate patient & encourage self-education. naturopath must inspire & motivate patient & encourage self-motivation. naturopathy seeks to empower patient & encourage self-empowerment. 4. Prevention (Preventare) - Treatment of primary complaint can result in overall wellbeing be improved & reduction or removal of susceptibility to chronic or serious sequelae (abnorm condition result previous disease) of disease states &/or development of new states. 5. Identify & Treat the Cause (Tolle Causam) - all illness must have cause & for health to be restored & optimised cause/s of disease state must be identified & removed. symptoms are regarded as indicators of disharmony. 6. The Healing Power of Nature (Vis Medicatrix Naturae) - Naturopathy recognises nature is both perfectly balanced & organised intelligently to create, maintain, repair & destroy matter synchronistically. body has its own intuitive & sophisticated mechanism of healing that operates in congruence with laws of nature. The use of nature's healing agents (air, earth, water & sun) in combo w/ clean diet, exercise, good sleep, relaxation, meditation & optimistic outlook = naturopath support & facilitate body's natural ability to heal.

Yin and Yang in TCM

2 things opposite & complimentary to each other. Yang is positive, bright warm element, while yin is negative, cool element. In A&P, bowels are yang, viscera are yin, back is yang and abdomen is yin, vital energy is yang & blood is yin. yin imbalance tends to manifest in cold deficiency symptom complexes like debility & depression, cold limbs & fondness for warmth. Yang imbalance generally shows as heat & excessiveness syndromes with symptoms of hot body, fondness of cool, hyperactivity, excitability, heavy breathing, & cracked lips. Once equilibrium btwn 2 forces of yin & yang has been re-established, illness should disappear. Although pattern of yin & yang & hot & cold may sound simplistic, but actually an intricate & accurate system of symptom patterns revealing internal causes of disease

4 properties of Chinese drug

4 properties of Chinese drug classified according to therapeutic effects: •Cold, Hot, Warm, Cool

Australian Aboriginal Medicine...

Australian Aboriginal culture 10, 000-12, 0 00 yrs ago. anthropologists confirm 40,000 years ago in Victoria possibly earlier. - Aboriginals came to Australia from IndoMalaysian mainland via New Guinea, using land bridges stretching through Asia exposed during varying ice ages when water levels dropped. -1st tribes in continent found easy to survive due to abundance vegetation in the tropical north & familiar foods w/ plants w/ Indo-Malaysian affinities constitute about 25% of northern Australian flora - Up to 10,000 yrs ago, migration to Australia consistent, but melting of final ice age, water levels rose to basically levels today & Aboriginals of mainland Australia and Tasmania isolated & left to rely on the natural resources of their chosen territory. - early European settlers & descendants wrongly saw Aboriginals in traditional as mis & unorganised, leading precarious existence. Yet Aboriginal societies are highly complex structures. - variations in customs & skills of 100's of diff tribes across Australia, each lived close harmony w/ environment. - spirits of the Dreamtime encouraged intimate involvement w/ the land - tribes recognised each other's territories & only entered another tribes territory when food was plentiful, thus ensuring a natural balance was maintained.

Australian Aboriginals and Herbs...

Australian herbs been found to be powerful medicines, even when only used on physical level. Easy to prepare & consisted of inhalants, sterilents & liniments--Vines stopped bleeding & barks used as bandages. --overall hundreds of plants available for medicinal use, in any one tribal area the choice was considerably reduced, especially in drier areas of the continent. So a particular illness may be treated with diff plants in different places

Bacteriology: Germ Theory of Disease...

Bacteriology - science concerned w/ study of micro-organisms - bacteriology came of age late 19thC when it established principles of the germ theory of disease- often considered most important single concept for history of modern allopathic medicine. - credited w/ contributing understanding of immune reactions & discovery of sulphonamides & antibiotics & virology: study of sub microscopic organisms in plants & animals. - together bacteriology & virology have given mod medicine means to understand causes major infectious diseases & develop techniques for identification, and often treatment & control.

Bacteriology...

Bacteriology has been both cause & product of mod revolution in medicine. - contributions to antiseptic surgery, its representation for germ theory of disease, its role in modern epidemiology & its contributions to more effective diagnosis & treatment of bacterial & viral diseases helped to change the practice of medicine from an art (or craft) to a disciplined, systematic application of scientific knowledge. -

Cherokee Medicine And Ethnobiology

Cherokee medicine (Nvwoti) - ancient system of medical/spiritual knowledge still practised in mountains of North Carolina. - core indigenous belief & plant use remains - botanical diversity in North Carolina extensive & average Cherokee familiar w/ 100-200 plants & shaman as many as 800 - many in mainstream medical use: •Ginseng •Golden Seal •Poke Root •Wild Yam - Cherokee, each plant has personality that includes physical constituents, abilities to heal mind & spirit. e.g wild grape vine's ability to cling; used in love conjuring to bind broken hearts & relationships. plant gathered in proper season & dried carefully you preserve its chemical constituents. ceremonially harvesting a plant (asking permission etc) do you preserve its subtle healing abilities. To Cherokee, use of herbs=one tool for regaining health. Traditionally believed vital to not only heal body, mind & spirit but to reintegrate ill person in family, community, and earth itself. This is a truly holistic concept of healing.

What is Chronic Disease?

Chronic disease is condition of organism in which lowered vibration (lowered vitality), due to accumulation of waste material and poisons, w/ consequent destruction of vital parts & organs, has progressed to such an extent that nature's constructive & healing forces are no longer able to react against the disease conditions by acute corrective efforts (healing crisis). Chronic disease is condition of organism in which morbid encumbrances, having increased prevent acute reaction (healing crisis) on part of constructive forces of nature. Chronic disease is natural consequence of inability of organism to react by acute efforts, or "healing crisis", against conditions adverse to health.

What is Cure?

Cure is readjustment of human organism from abnormal to normal conditions & functioning.

Taoism

Developed from earlier not so well known school of "Quietists" more concerned discovery, development & perfection of "inner man". Quietists practised meditational arts limiting physical activity in order to direct their awareness "within". practised 2 basic principles. 1 "art of mind" involving freeing of mind from emotions and desires to allow for freedom & purity of spirit. 2, "art of nurturing" involved practice of becoming aware & developing "vital air" of body. Taoism more than any other philosophy influenced development TCM, whilst Confucianism concerned itself with moral order & more material matters, Taoists essentially freedom loving naturalists. depth & understanding to mans inner self & its relation to "Tao". "Tao" = "the way" &often translated as nature science. Taoists through love of nature observed & recorded natural science phenomena. extended correct conduct of Confucianism into metaphysical reaches, they realised an underlying uniting factor which bound all things together in creation. The concept of the Tao is timeless, limitless force both within & without all things. TCM began to organise itself in same areas as flourishing early years of Taoism. Chinese med owes much to Taoism for basic principles & understanding of lighter or metaphysical side of human origins.

What methods of diagnosis does Chinese medicine use?

Diagnosis in Chinese medicine is painstaking process as measuring individual herbs for prescriptions. Chinese Dr's employ 4 basic diagnostic methods in order to establish causes & mechanisms of illness. - Inspection = practitioner analyses what he/she observes & using other diagnostic techniques like tongue & nail diagnosis. Tongue diagnosis used to indicate: - deficiency of vital energy & blood (shown by paler than normal tongue), - heat (redder than normal tongue), - intense heat in stomach (shown by thick, slimy yellow coating on tongue), - heat in interior & deficiency of yin (shown by tremor in tongue) - interior heat & blood stasis (shown by black, dry coating on the tongue) - Auscultation = during "inspections" = audio-olfactory investigation, where patient's voice, breathing, coughing & belching can help Dr differentiate patient's symptom complexes. Ten areas of inquiry necessary for accurate diagnosis are: • chills and fever •perspiration •headache and general pains •micturition and defecation •appetite • feelings in the chest and abdomen •hearing • thirst •pulse taking and observation •auscultation and smelling Palpation= pulse taking, diagnostic technique 1st recorded in Huangdi's Internal Classic, written originally in honour of Yellow Emperor who lived btwn 2698 & 2589 BC and was produced & published by a number of unknown authors during Warring States Period (475-221 BC). Practitioners use index, middle & ring fingers, placing them over radial artery in wrist. These pulse spots are one of the most important parts of diagnosis in Chinese medicine. Imbalances= "The man is not sick because he has an illness, but has an illness because he is sick" (author unknown) Chinese practitioners believe that imbalances in system are major cause of disease. External factors recognised as excesses of cold & wind, heat & dampness, dryness & fire. Internal imbalances precipitate dysfunctions of blood, moisture & Qi (vital life force energy). Sudden & abnormal weather changes we are inclined to have propensity towards various diseases. Wind and Cold In TCM - wind regarded as being foremost precipitator of disease. responsible for diseases like influenza, but they also recognise internal wind which is a pathological change resulting in excessive heat or deficiency of blood or Qi. Heat and Dampness = Summer heat may precipitate symptoms like fever, headache, thirst and sweating. Dryness and Fire = pathogenic factors. Internal dryness caused by lack of body fluid & manifests in restlessness & thirst. External dryness recognised as being caused by under-nourishment & usually indicated by dry skin. Common Sense = basic recommendation the importance of moderation in all things, exercise, sexual activity, work, leisure, drinking, sleeping & talking and listening. resting when illness strikes, even with common cold, keeping warm in winter, keeping head covered, avoiding draughts. extremely hot or cold food and drink should be avoided, and does not recommend raw foods on a whole, unlike modern trend in western countries where dieticians and naturopaths often recommend that we should be consuming up to 70% of our diet as raw fruit & veg. Chinese recommend food be lightly cooked, as they believe that this aids assimmilation of nutrients = bringing food to "100°F soup" for middle burner to aid digestion & transformation of food into vital blood and Qi.

D.P.T. Diphtheria, Pertussis and Tetanus vaccination debate...

Diphtheria =contagious disease caused by bacterial infection of upper respiratory tract-organisms lodge in tonsil/ throat & as multiply, they produce exotoxins that are lethal to adjacent cells --resulting cell death & production of fibrinous pseudomembrane. -if membrane extends into windpipe & lungs can interfere w/ breathing & swallowing & or completely block breathing passages. -Other complications include inflammation of heart muscle, paralysis of throat, eye & respiratory muscles. i.e no breathing muscles = fatal. -Scientists began developing diphtheria vaccine late 1890's-Wide scale use of antitoxin mixture began in early 1940 & derived from horses & antibiotics which can cause severe hypersensitivity reactions. - diphtheria vaccine is a toxoid made from toxins produced by bacteria - safety difficult to evaluate as administered w/ triple DPT or double DT (diphtheria & tetanus) vaccine - local & gen reactions more common in infants given DPT vaccine than just DT - Reaction to vaccine = fever, pain, drowsiness, vomiting, anorexia, fretfulness, persistent crying, local swelling, anaphylaxis, collapse, convulsions, encephalitis, neurological disorders, deafness, speech defects, seizures and haemolytic anaemia. - Recent research has been studying the association of this vaccine with SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome.) - review of reported SIDS cases in LA County btwn 1 jan, 1979 & Aug 1980 found 53 SIDS deaths had recently bn vaccinated w/ DPT, 27 in 28 days of death, -17 deaths occurred in 1 wk of vaccination & 6 deaths occurred in 24 hrs of vaccination. - vaccine contraindicated (may be harmful to patient) when any active infection is present, or if child has history of febrile convulsions, cerebral damage, or history of unusual reactions i.e high fever, convulsions & previous immunisations - highly antigenic toxoid residue from this vaccination may cause some unknown immune system malfunction & diphtheria now quite rare, question raised of validity of routine administration of DPT/ DT

What is Disease?

Disease is abnormal or inharmonious vibration of the elements and forces composing the human entity on one or more planes of being, in conformity with the destructive principle in nature applied to individual life.

Traditional Medicine Today n'anga...

Estimate 10,000 n'anga in Africa today, conducting traditional practice - not influenced in any way by western medical practices or procedures - n'anga regarded as upholder of tradition & custom, retaining ethics & morals of country - n'anga largely responsible for maintenance society commandments. - n'anga takes very limited history of patient's complaint & perform even less of physical exam. He doesn't rely on symptoms & signs denoting organ affected. - shows little knowledge of anatomy, physiology or pathology, but reaches diagnosis via mystical approach in which illness generally attributed to outside force. - so remove force = cure -minimum removes patient's fear & comforts w/ hope of cure. - exact value of 100's herbal remedies available largely unknown & scientific therapeutical trials will have to be made in order to determine this.

Ayurveda

Every human being has 4 biological and spiritual instincts: • religious • financial •procreative • the instinct towards freedom Purusha is male, Prakruti is female energy Ayurveda believes energy is manifested in 5 basic principles or elements: Ether- medium through which sound transmitted & is related to hearing faculty. ears express action through speech that creates meaningful sounds. Air- related to touch & skin. body part mainly transmits this sense = hand responsible for holding, giving & receiving. Fire- manifests as light, heat & colour & related to vision. eye governs action of walking & related to feet. blind person can walk, but walking has no precise direction. eyes give direction to action of walking. Water- related to taste as without water tongue can't taste. tongue closely related in function to action of genitals (penis & clitoris). Ayurveda, penis or clitoris considered lower tongue, while tongue in the mouth is upper tongue. person who controls upper tongue naturally controls lower tongue. Earth - related to smell. nose related in function to action of anus, excretion. This can demonstrated where someone suffering from constipation tends to experience bad breath & dulled sense of smell.

What is Acute Disease?

The result of nature's efforts to eliminate from the organism waste material, foreign matter & poisons & to repair injury to living tissues. In other words every so-called acute disease is result of cleansing & healing effort of nature.

Yin and Yang

General Yang-Yin Day- night Summer- winter male- female exterior- interior hot- cold light- dark fire- water In the Body Yang- Yin body surface- body interior spine/back- chest/abdomen clear fluid- cloudy fluid energy (Qi)- blood protective Qi- nourishing Qi acute disease- chronic disease powerful/flourishing- weak/decaying1

Tongue Diagnosis

General Indications include: •whitish tongue - Kapha imbalance with mucous accumulation •red or yellow tongue - Vata imbalance •black to brown tongue - Vata imbalance •dehydrated tongue - is symptomatic of a decrease in plasma •pale tongue - can indicate decrease in red blood cells

What is Health?

Health is normal & harmonious vibration of the elements & forces composing human entity on physical, mental & moral planes of being, in conformity w/ constructive principle in nature applied to individual life.

Ancient Egyptian Medicine influences on modern medicine...

In 3,000 yrs before Mena & until Ptolemaics, ancient Egyptian medicine reached high level of recognition that foreign monarchs asked pharaohs during times of peace for physician - for their court. -Homer's Odyssey states "the Egyptians leave the entire world behind them when i t comes to medicine". Many physicians played significant role in courts of pharaohs & were looked upon favourably by rulers -Court physicians were magnificently buried & statues of them were erected so those still living compelled to recognise them as above average - even above poor doctors. -1926, German Hermann Junker found, in Giza, evidence of doctors tomb near an aristocrat's grave area of pyramids ( 2723-2563 BC) is testimony to reputation of "Irj", first doctor in history. gravestone indicates doctor was "head of all court physicians". - ranking of doctors - In the palace, different doctors had head doctor & leading them all was "highest doctor of Upper and Lower Egypt." This title was found in inscriptions until Thirtieth Dynasty - doctors buried well & owned own boats, or were rowed or sailed to wherever they were needed - or for leisure. - Physicians not attain high level treated public in temples or practised medicine according to instruction of pharaoh on military troops. - doctor "knower of secret art". "books" (ie, papyri) contained "secret knowledge of the physicians" only available to professionals knew about "recipes for secret drugs" - family tradition ancient Egypt to become a doctor. - well into 17thC many Jewish physician dynasties. From tradition & forefathers as Jewish students not allowed to attend institutions of higher education.

What is Qi?

Most basic principles of Chinese medicine is concept of vital energy of body = Qi basic element or energy which makes up human body and supports vital activities. Chinese practitioners believe we have 2 types of Qi, 1st being that which is present at birth and which we have enough to allow us to live for 100 years, 2nd manufactured from air we breathe and food and drink we consume. basic concept strong organ function & efficient metabolism are results of 2 essences being full & abundant, allowing us to generate excess of energy daily. when we reach middle age, we constantly need to draw on reserves of energy, so we use energy that should take us to old age. When these storehouses of Qi are called upon, kidneys can become deficient of essential energy with symptoms being premature ageing, poor memory, dental problems, brittle bones, senility, grey hair, lower back problems, sexual dysfunction & prostate disorders. Chinese medicine offers no claims for eternal youth recognises ageing is part of life process it tries to assist vitality so we reach old age. Chinese medicine has philosophy that route to good health based on prevention of disease.believed that when energetic quality of organ is treated to keep energy flowing, good health should be outcome.

Mumps vaccination debate...

Mumps=contagious disease caused by virus that attacks salivary glands. Symptoms= include painful swelling beneath ear & jaw line, fever, headache, muscle aches & vomiting. additionally testicles, ovaries & female breasts may become temporarily inflamed. disease almost always confers lifelong immunity. Mumps rarely harmful in childhood. Symptoms= usually disappear within 10 days. Approx 35% of males contract disease after age of puberty, however, develop orchitis (inflammation of testes). Sterility, linked to orchitis, not common as mumps induced orchitis seldom affects both testicles. Mild meningoencephalitis w/ headache & stiff neck occurs commonly, but more sever encephalitic signs of drowsiness, convulsions & coma much less common. -prognosis more favourable, considerably better than with measles encephalitis. -vaccine became available in late 1960's & new mumps vaccine was introduced in 1980's. Less info available regarding the complications of mumps vaccine -normally given w/ measles & rubella vaccine in what is commonly called MMR. 1 possible effect is "slow virus" disease i.e body's reduced ability to mount normal immune response to mumps virus. -diff to diagnose & treat- prob w/ mumps vaccination appears to be causing older age grps to become susceptible to mumps & suffer more severe & dangerous complications of testicular disorders or ovarian damage - best scenario young kids exposed to a natural virus that conveys life immunity.

What is Nature Cure?

Nature Cure - system of building the body in harmony w/nature of physical, mental & moral structures of existence. -Nature cure emphasised importance of constructive principle of natural living, eating a veg diet & use of light & air to promote recovery & sustain well being.

Are all Acute Reactions Healing Crisis?

No. There are healing crises and disease crises.

Treatment by n'anga...

Once spiritual cause of illness established, then treatment of patient & prescription -Medicines commonly given in form of powders, decoctions, infusions or ointments w/ no weight/ measurements for dosing - knowledge of safe margins of any preparation known. -Medicines given orally, as enema, or applied to injuries, Inhalations commonly used for respiratory disorders like asthma. -aromatic ingredients added to boiling water or directly into fire or patient given powder prep to use as snuff or to be smoked. - popular treatment is scarification where linear incisions are made w/ sharp metal instrument/ razor blade and irritant powder rubbed in incision to increase blood supply to the effected parts. - Treatment - murumiko generally applied to injured or swollen or painful areas of body using small horn w/ tip removed & covered in beeswax - horn applied over effected area and n'anga sucks tip of horn until a vacuum formed & and seals the end w/ beeswax for 20 mins causing blood dilation thought to remove impure blood, or foreign bodies.

Pertussis (whooping cough) vaccination debate...

Pertussis-contagious disease caused by a bacterium that affects respiratory system -Symptoms -via 3 stages.1st - two weeks, victims have trouble breathing & may develop cough or fever. 2nd usually lasts 2-3 wks, severe coughing attacks occur first at night & then day and night. -common name of disease was given because of high pitched whooping sound made while trying to catch one's breath after these attacks. coughing attacks can lead to inadequate oxygen circulation , which may cause convulsions. -final stage, coughing lessens & recovery begins - 2-3 months. - rarely fatal but serious / life threatening to infants under 6 months - Breastfed infants receive some degree of passive immunity via mother's milk. -Severe complications of natural disease = severe cough, bronchopneumonia, haemorrhage in eyes, skin, mucus membrane or cerebral haemorrhage from coughing, cerebral oedema or encephalitis may result in spastic paralysis, mental retardation, or neurologic disorders. -Umbilical or rectal prolapse may occur & otitis media - middle ear infection fairly common. - pertussis vaccination seen to cause encephalopathy & convulsive disorders - Due to fears about possible dangers of whooping cough to infants, vaccinate as early as possible- 6 to 8 week old infant is exposed to what appears to be the least safe of all immunisations & is exposed to it repeatedly over course of its normal immune development. * in most epidemics a significant % of kids contracting whooping cough had been previously immunised

Poliomyelitis vaccination debate...

Polio= contagious disease caused by an intestinal virus attacks nerve cells of brain & spinal cord. Symptoms = fever, headache, sore throat & vomiting. Some develop neurological complications, including stiffness of back & neck, weak muscles, painful joints & paralysis of 1+ limbs or respiratory muscles. In severe cases, the disease may be fatal due to respiratory paralysis. Of the 1% who do come down with polio only 1-2% develop paralytic consequences -due to severity of Polio - the vaccine less criticised vaccines -1955, Dr Jonas Salk, an American physician & microbiologist, developed killed virus vaccine against polio. In 1955, Dr Albert Sabin, another American physician & microbiologist, developed a live virus oral vaccine against polio. more natural than other vaccines, as allows body's own natural immune defence mechanism to react like to natural experience to polio in the environment. No artificial or extremely antigenic materials are injected, creating possibility of long-term immune reactions. But nearly all cases of polio now reported in the U.S. are due to vaccine exposure & vaccine naturally colonate digestive tract of vaccinated infant -makes faeces of recently vaccinated infant possible cause of polio for parents who may change nappies & dont have natural immunity But - A child not vaccinated was 80 times more likely to become a case than one who had received 3 or more doses of polio vaccine - more investigation needed -1955- Cutter Disaster (company who prepared the vaccine) investigations found 250 vaccine associated cases of Polio, 150 of which were partially or totally paralysed. Eleven died. The following account of this tragedy was written by Dr M Beddow Bayly & published by National Antivivisection Society, in 1956. -"On June 23rd, 1955 American Public Health Service announced 168 confirmed cases of poliomyelitis among vaccinated, w/ 6 deaths & 149 cases among children given Salk vaccine, w/ 6 deaths. -4 of 5 Salk vaccine companies ceased producing this vaccine due to its failure, & because of the law suits being filed against them. American Cyanamid (Lederle) was the only company left producing it & they would give no guarantee as to its safety or effectiveness. (It was also reported that the staff of American Cyanamid were not vaccinating their own children against polio!) -final decision to vaccinate against polio must take into account no one can guarantee that the live polio vaccine is safer or more effective to the individual in preventing paralysis than proper diet, sanitation and hygiene.

Rubella (German Measles) vaccination debate...

Rubella=contagious viral illness usually so mild that often escapes detection. Symptoms= runny nose, sore throat & low-grade fever. Pink slightly raised spots on face, trunk & limbs. Lymph nodes on back of head, behind ears & on the sides of neck may become tender. Kids who contract the disease unlikely to experience recurrence in adulthood. Rubella=non-threatening to children. Symptoms= rarely last more 2 or 3 days. if pregnant woman develops disease during 1st trimester, baby may be born w/ impaired vision & hearing, limb defects, mental retardation, or heart malformations. otherwise disease has few & very rare complications, -1964 rubella outbreak in USA, w/ 10,000 stillbirth & 20,000 congenital malformations reported. vaccine now given to protect foetuses of non-immune pregnant women who might otherwise be infected by children with rubella. -vaccine routinely given to both male & female kids for purpose of protection. -vaccine itself carries small risk arthralgia (joint pain), temporary or few cases chronic arthritis, aggravation to allergies (especially eggs) -These effects are age-related. W/ increasing age at time of vaccination, there is increase chance of these reactions. -real prob of vaccine is upward shift in age of those susceptible to rubella. -vaccine about 70-90% effective, leaves 10-30% of population unprotected & susceptible to contracting rubella in child bearing yrs. natural disease, if contracted normally in childhood, usually protects against re-infection in later years when pregnancy may occur. -further prob w/ rubella vaccine given after puberty is some subjects are vaccinated in early stages of pregnancy undiagnosed, so mother may need to consider abortion or face possible foetal abnormalities. -Women of childbearing age should be tested to see if they have been exposed and therefore immune, to rubella. -more logical to stop rubella vaccination of children & test all females before child-bearing yrs to see if natural immunity developed. -If they are non-reactive & thus not exposed, they can be either vaccinated, or better yet, exposed to live naturally occurring rubella virus.

Summary of Immunisations

Smallpox (Variola)-acute & highly contagious viral disease characterised by severe symptoms affecting many systems of body & progressive skin eruption, w/ potential permanent pitting & scarring of the skin. Prior to Edward Jenner's smallpox vaccine -smallpox deaths in England fell from 1800 to 500-200 per 100,000 rate of population over preceding two centuries. -1852 compulsory vaccination introduced & mortality rate had fallen to 40% per 100,000 population. - btwn 1867-1880 w/ compulsory vaccination strictly enforced, death rate leapt from 28-45 per 100,000 population. A report appearing in "Medical History", in 1983 concluded vaccination could not have been solely responsible for decline of smallpox in Britain: "The history of smallpox in the later years of the 19th century doesn't support the contention that vaccination was fully or finally responsible for the eventual disappearance of the disease in Britain". - The WHO has declared the world free of smallpox from 1980. - 1971 routine vaccination ceased in USA since the last reported case of smallpox was in 1949. - Severe reactions from vaccine like eczema vaccinatum, neurological & cardiac complications, progressive vaccinia & an av of 7 deaths meant the bad outweighed the good. - history of smallpox, from epidemic disease to complete extinction, is used by proimmunisation groups as convincing evidence of effectiveness of this particular vaccination programme, and in turn vaccinations in general. The facts are interpreted somewhat differently by antimmunisation grps. -smallpox eliminated more rapidly from developed countries, w/ better sanitation, hygiene & nutrition important so claimed proper sanitation, hygiene & nutrition aided smallpox disappearing - what cost, if any, to populations' long term health, was paid to eradicate smallpox.

Tetanus vaccination debate...

Tetanus = disorder of nervous system caused by entrapment of bacterial spores in deep puncture wounds. - Symptoms= depression, headache, tightening of body muscles, spasms of jaw muscles (lockjaw) & convulsions. -death rate if untreated 50% +. W/ proper treatment, up to 80% all victims recover. -spores are widespread in environment, especially agricultural areas, or where domestic animals are - spores generally found in faeces & pass to soil where remain viable for years. -deep penetrating wound most common mode of infection, however, even mild scrapes can cause infection in susceptible persons if tissues have poor oxygenation as tetanus spores germinate under anaerobic (oxygen free) conditions. -Drug addicts & burn victims particularly susceptible - fallacy rusty nails cause tetanus as even clean nail can cause infection if spore present. -Symptoms usually begin 2-50 days after exposure,but can lie dormant in injured area for years, being released later by another trauma. - some cases of tetanus follow septic treatment umbilical stump after birth. - some societies that apply mud or cow manure to cut umbilical cord to "prevent infection and aid healing" -almost a prescription for tetanus. -Host immunity usually very strong. -known side effects of tetanus toxoid vaccine are mild, especially in young infants & children i.e rash, malaise & fever. - Adults may have more severe reactions, i.e swelling of injection site - in favour of tetanus toxoid vaccine is presented into body in same manner as natural disease, a deep puncture wound. Tetanus anti-toxin, given to a person suspected of being exposed to tetanus who was not previously immunised can be very dangerous. Severe hypersensitivity reactions may occur to this horse derived serum. The long-term effects of tetanus vaccine cannot be determined. No good evidence as yet links this vaccine with long-term health problems. The same questions about immune malfunction, however, are presented. Although the tetanus vaccine appears to have reduced the number of acute cases, the long-term effect of a foreign antigen in the system can never be fully evaluated. In light of the potential seriousness of tetanus, its widespread distribution in the environment, and less obvious side effects, this is one vaccination that generally draws less criticism than most. It would possibly be best advised not to have the tetanus vaccination with any of the other vaccines as there is some question about exposing the immune system to the trauma of multiple vaccines at the same time. It is entirely unnatural for the immune system to be forced to react to three or more diseases suddenly introduced beyond the body's normal physiological defence barriers.

What is Normal or Natural?

That which is thought normal or natural is in harmonic relation with the life purposes of the individual.

What is the Destructive Principle in Nature?

The destructive principal in nature -disintegrates & destroys existing forms & types & whose activity in nature is designated as devolutionary.

What are the Effects of Violation of Nature's Laws on the Physical Human Organism?

The effects of violation of nature's laws on physical human organism are: • lowered vitality •abnormal composition of blood & lymph •accumulation of waste matter, morbid materials and poisons -These conditions are identical w/ disease, because they tend to lower, hinder or inhibit normal function (harmonious vibration), & because they engender and promote destruction of living tissues.

North American Indian medicine....

Traditional North American Indian native healers provided medical leadership for most native tribal systems in past. = seers, visionaries, doctors & counsellors advised ppl on good health practices a combination of religion & medicine & spiritual development. - native healer w/ no answer sought vision by consulting "Great Creator" & other spirits= shaman at this time saw future - endangered w/ Mod science, technology, & education in orthodox medical systems seeing young American Indians not being taught traditions of ancestors. However, in some areas there - Native shamans = natural practitioners - use natural knowledge, methods & Nature to treat patient. - training & development long & difficult. Starting w/ dream, then mystical experience of enlightenment, illness, accident, disease or death experience. No textbooks, school experiments human/animal - rather extensive apprenticeship & rigorous training w/ suffering & sacrifice, new challenges, and new learning. - to qualify to heal, must 1st overcome own sickness, problem, injury, disease or weakness - complex system of learning far removed from magic & quackery -apprentice study bodies of knowledge in myths & prayer designed for diff kind of sickness, disease, ailment or injury, including death-related phenomena. - always elderly shaman w/ apprentice studying philosophy, expertise & healing methods - strict supervision. - spirit= ghost of deceased relative who was a shaman, or certain spirit lives in a mountain - Sources of power = physical entities power of Raven, Hawk, Eagle, Bear, Wolf, Coyote, Deer, Salmon, Snakes, or sweat lodge, waterfalls, wind, lightning & thunder, sun & moon. All things in Nature considered source of spiritual power which certain native healers might be connected to and use in healing - to diagnose & cure physical, mental, emotional & spiritual illnesses or self-protection, self-guidance, self-development also for patients. - powers of nature = wind can blow away sickness, clouds as purifiers, fog protector, water purifier & diff plants & trees healing agents -physically and spiritually. - Shaman wear symbol to represent healing agent eg. feathers from eagle while dancing & singing over patient akin to Dr's stethoscope - tools of trade. - diff kinds - trance healer uses altered states of consciousness & mental powers - - Sucking healer powers from Nature to diagnose sickness & suck pain or poison out of patient. - hand healer uses innate powers of healing via great Creator & Nature - spiritual healer uses variety of spirits and powers & all previously mentioned - Native female practitioners often focus on illness relating to women

Australian Aboriginal tribes...

Tribes were organised into groups of people related by actual or implied genealogy & they occupied a definite area of land, free to hunt & gather food in this area, according to the rules which control behaviour of smaller groups and families within the tribe. - size of tribe generally determined by climatic conditions, language, rituals & mythical ancestry. further subdivisions of tribe based on ppl related by blood who owned specific part of territory. - territorial boundaries respected -most important division was spiritual bond each tribe had w/ land believing spirits of family existed in these areas & after death they returned to spirit homes & await reincarnation - land/Earth, is religion to the Aborigines & due to distinct spirits- reincarnated in human form or in forms of natural phenomena - appear in dreams & visions as messengers or advisors in any form or manifestation. This significant spiritual link btwn man & land is united by presence of the Totem.

Tuberculosis vaccine debate...

Tuberculosis ="plague" disease found so commonly in early 1900's. Tuberculosis is a necrotizing (flesh-eating) bacterial infection affecting lungs mainly. Yet lesions may disperse through body. Infection by mycobacterium tuberculosis bacilli is caused by inhalation of fresh droplet nuclei expelled from infectious person. Bn great decrease in prevalence of tuberculosis in developed countries since early 1900's when over 80% of developed populations were infected before age of 20 yrs. In 1980 only 2-5% related to tuberculin test, meaning exposed, but not necessarily suffered from clinical symptoms. majority of persons test positive have latent, dormant or healed tuberculosis. -Under certain conditions of trauma, poor nutrition or reduced immune resistance, dormant cases can reactivate. -Mortality from tuberculosis steadily fallen past 70 yrs & reduction infectious cases considered due to better nutrition, sanitation & hygiene. -The BCG vaccine or bacillus Calmette-Guerin is live attenuated strain of bovine tubercle bacilli used to prevent tuberculosis -considerable controversy on effectiveness of BCG vaccine as doesn't reduce chance of natural infection, but can help prevent development of serious forms of tuberculosis when natural infection does occur. BCG not a recommended routine vaccine in USA, Aust & UK at present & is recommended in countries where tb still problem. -BCG vaccine complications are alarmingly serious i.e disseminated & fatal BCG infection - condition vaccine was designed to prevent. -BCG osteomyelitis (bone infection) also a serious after effect of vaccine. frequency of bone & joint tuberculosis arising from vaccine seen some countries stop issue - other complications include dermatomyositis, suppurative Lymphadenitis, septic arthritis, SIDS and tuberculoid leprosy. evidence BCG vaccine damages thymus & thymus dependent areas in spleen & lymph nodes.

Qualities Of Doshas

Vata biological movements it governs include:breathing, blinking, muscular and tissue movement, heart beats, contractions and expansion, cell membrane movement Emotions vata corresponds to are: • nervousness, fear, anxiety, pain, tremor, spasms Pitta, fire energy, described as body heat energy. Governs:digestion, assimilation, body temp skin colouration, lustre of eyes, intelligence, understanding Emotions associated with pitta: •anger, hate, jealousy Kapha - water & earth, binds body into workable physical structure. Kapha provides: resistance, strength, joint lubrication, skin moisture, wound healing abilities, biological strength, memory retention, energy of heart & lungs Emotionally kapha governs: • emotional attachments, greed, long standing envy, calmness, forgiveness,love

Buddhism

major influence in China in 6thC AD, largely due to similarity Taoism. Both schools of philosophy sharedpoints of comparison. •That any unhappiness or lack of health was due to selfishness or discordance with laws of nature. This was known as Karra by the Buddhists. •The desire for freedom from materialism & worldly things. All phenomena in life is transitory, change is only certainty, & so to adopt this attitude is to free mind of attachment & speculation. Taoism & Buddhism believed in ultimate end of returning to Tao (creator) or in Buddhism, Nirvana. Zen Buddhism is uniquely Japanese developed from Buddhism. It formulated excellent forms of polarity (yin/yang) therapy & developed what we know today as macrobiotic diet.

Vaccination And Disease Provocation

most hazardous effects vaccination is potential to provoke other forms of diseases -known as 'provocation disease'. casual relationships btwn cases of paralytic polio & diphtheria/pertussis vaccines in late 1940' & 50's well documented. Not known how provocation disease occurs but if latent virus or incubating illness already exists vaccination can trigger that disease & often final "trigger". -diseases thought caused by vaccination may not surface until 10 yrs after vaccination - diff to prove connection

Diagnosis and Methods of Treatment of n'anga...

n'anga has 3 basic & important principles of treatment: •prevention • finding the cause • curing the illness Precisely same as western medical practitioners. Yet, where western practitioners seek causes of disease in bacteria,virus or growth, n'anga believes that cause of illness frequently spiritual ----3 kinds of divining dice commonly called hakata & are wooden bones, mungomo seeds & animal bones. Type of dice n'anga uses depends on place of origin & training. Some areas all three are used.

Africa has supplied to modern medicine...

physostigmine, alkaloid isolated from Calabar Bean of Nigeria. Exceedingly toxic, used by traditional medicine men of Africa & Madagascar determine guilt or innocence. & other native healing practices. Physostigmine, principal alkaloid, now major tool in modern ophthalmology, to cause prolonged dilation of pupil & aid in treating glaucoma. Another African plant used mod medicine comes from several species of Strophanthus -used by natives in preparing arrow poisons & contains potent glycosides acting on heart muscle. One species is source of Oubain, a cardiac stimulant now used for acute heart failure & pulmonary oedema. famed British explorer, Dr David Livingstone 1st noted toxicity & cardiac activity of Kombe (strophanthus) African species Rauvolfia - African Snake Wood - largely replaced Indian Snake Root as source of reserpine. used by traditional healers in treatments for snake bite, leprosy, jaundice, venereal diseases, rheumatism & skin rashes. valued as vermifuge (expel worms), purgative, emetic & abortifacient & excellent inducer of sleep. African traditional med can be found same town as allopathic Dr. African society recognises benefits of both medicines

What is the Primary Cause of Disease?

primary cause of disease, barring accident or surgical injury to human organism & surroundings hostile to human life, is violation of nature's laws.

Examination radial pulse Ayurvedic

radial pulse felt in wrist below base of thumb. Ayurvedic physician face patient & take pulse of each wrist - not taken immediately after exertion, eating, bathing or sex. • Index finger - denotes vata dosha. When vata predominant dosha- index finger feel pulse strongly. irregular & thin, moving in waves like motion of serpent 'snake' pulse indicates aggravated vata in body. •Middle finger- pulse of pitta dosha predominant pulse stronger under middle finger. feel active & excited & move like jumping frog -'frog' pulse denotes aggravated pitta. •Ring finger - pulse kapha dosha. feels strong & movement resemble floating swan- 'swan' pulse. beats not only indicates heartbeat, but also reveals state of meridians that connect panic currents of energy in body that effect function of every organ part of the body. 3 pulses be checked other sites of body: •temporal artery, carotid artery, brachial artery

Herbalism...

traditional native healers approach herb med in that healing comes from within the individual via reconnection w/ Great Creator - Mother Earth seen as sacred & children "plant people", are beings w/ much to teach - In training native healer learns simple concept that when body or spirit stressed beyond capacity for self-restoration, plant corresponds to lost function will 'teach' the body or spirit how to take up job again. - this traditional viewpoint, respect for plants is reflection for respect for nature -spirit of plant recognised - shaman asks permission to gather plant via ceremony - offering of cornmeal or tobacco given to earth, not as exchange but sacred covering to empty spot left

Acupuncture

used to provide discreet stimulus to points that lie along channel pathways or to other appropriate sites - points chosen basis of actual trajectory of the channel on which points lie

The Five Elements of yin and yang

water - focused on identity, divine love, power & spirit. wood - responsible for primeval rebirth, assertion & direction of being. repression of any of these leads to passive/aggressive personality disturbances. fire - generates, controls, projects, integrates, sorts & harmonises energies for joyful & loving expression of being. deficiency leads to probs of creativity on both sides of brain, & many interpersonal disorders. earth - responsible bonding & boundaries, including 1st bond w/ mothering figure. energies continue & expand through pregnancy, childhood, & relation w/ siblings & relevant to quality & maturation of these bonds. Certain forms schizophrenia, schizoid tendencies, borderline cases, narcissist disorders come from the failure of these energies. metal - responsible for expansion & transformation of bonding energies significant to others & society. important during pre-adolescence & adolescence & issues of authority.

Purification processes of Ayurvedic

• therapeutic emesis (vomiting) for kapha •purgation for pitta •medicated enemas for vata • therapeutic bleeding special sites on body •oils or decoctions taken through nose to directly cleanse or nourish brain & nervous system