The Science of Natural Healing

Investigating the fundamental paradigm of Western medicine; in contrast, considering an approach to healthcare focusing on the whole human being; integrating the elements of one's environment, genes, lifestyle, nutrition and mental makeup.

Holistic integrative medicine creates a bridge between Western medicine and other evidence-based healing traditions; a spectrum of healthcare approaches; the underlying philosophy of integrative medicine, which is rooted in various principles.

The critical relationship between one's genes and how they live their life; investigating the ways in which nutrition, lifestyle and stress can affect the outcome of one's inborn genetic makeup; exploring nutrigenomics and pharmacogenomics.

The connection between food and health outcomes; tracking scientific findings that demonstrate how food affects heart health and numerous medical conditions; the benefits of the Mediterranean diet; the kinds of foods that promote optimal health.

Certain key foods have unique properties that set them apart as nutrition superstars; the importance of whole foods and fiber; studying the most healthful foods in different categories; how the way food is cooked affects its nutritional value.

Inflammation is a pathway to many diseases; the multiple causes of chronic inflammation, from pollutants and bacteria to stress and sleep disorders; how to use food as medicine; foods, herbs and spices that prevent or reverse inflammation.

Studying the six primary food groups related to food sensitivity and allergy; examining the data linking them to conditions such as migraines and arthritis; learning about the elimination diet, which locates the source of food-related symptoms.

Focusing on natural supplements; investigating the natural products industry; determining the quality and purity of supplements; studying key supplements; their effectiveness in the treatment and prevention of ulcerative colitis, diarrhea and cancer.

Many natural herbal substances have proven healing properties; the medicinal uses of aloe, ginger and licorice; treating urogenital conditions; a case study showing the diagnosis and herbal treatment for a patient with chronic migraines.

Investigating the two kinds of cholesterol and the triglycerides; their role in physiology; foods that raise and lower cholesterol and triglycerides; nutritious alternatives to animal protein; key natural supplements for controlling cholesterol.

Natural treatments that are available to counteract high blood pressure; reviewing statistics showing how weight loss and reduced sodium intake lower blood pressure; studying the marked effects of foods and micronutrients.

Diabetes is the result of a continuum that begins with the preconditions of insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome; how these conditions are linked to lifestyle; how to prevent and reverse them through food, healthy sleep patterns and exercise.

Investigating the body's stress response; the three stress hormones; the physiological changes they produce; the unhealthy effects of acute and chronic stress; the psychological impact of stress; how stress affects the immune system and aging.

One's response to stress is intimately related to how one views the world; learning to neutralize stress; mapping one's own emotional life; research on the effects of positive emotions; learning a technique for reaching a positive feeling state.

Mind-body techniques are shifting the paradigm of Western medicine; practical ways to use them in one's own life; reviewing their clinical effects; the use of meditation for lowering blood pressure; yoga for treating spinal problems.

Holistic medicine offers many avenues for responding to mental health issues; exploring research on the role of nutrition and nutrient deficiencies in depression and bipolar disorder; holistic approaches to treating depression.

Although controversial, energy therapies show ample evidence of a positive impact on health; studying the principles of acupuncture, tai chi, homeopathy and Healing Touch; clinical data on their use in treating a spectrum of conditions.

Whether personal relationships affect health; reviewing the clinical research correlating supportive parental, spousal and social relationships with favorable outcomes for major diseases; evidence for social connections as a treatment for illness.

The evidence demonstrating greater resilience to disease among spiritually active people; why this may be so; the medical implications of depression and hopelessness; how holistic medicine integrates physical, mental and emotional healing.

Spirituality as an element of optimal health; approaching spiritual wellness; tracking research on forgiveness and positive thought; their physiological and psychological effects; specific ways to develop an affirmative emotional outlook.

A patient case study demonstrates the integrative approach to healing; the story of a woman whose profile shows diabetes, depression, high blood pressure and arthritis; looking at her comprehensive health plan and its many factors.

Human health is linked to the health of the planet; tracking the effects on human bodies of environmental factors, including climate change, air pollution, greenhouse gases and the livestock industry; addressing these matters effectively.

Constructive actions that impact the health of humans and the planet; investigating ecologically sound choices; actions by governments and healthcare facilities to eliminate hazardous substances and foster healthy food production.

A look at the final fundamental element of one's healing, which is oneself; reviewing research on the question of why people heal; examining clinical evidence on the influence of a patient's outlook and beliefs on the healing process.