A Distinctive Definition of Home Remedies

Ailments and diseases beset most everyone every now and then. Such is why the search for cures and treatments is one of the most essential pursuits. There are many approaches to treat and cure the ails which now and then plague people. Primarily there is conventional medicine with the use of invasive procedures and pharmaceuticals. Many people have relied on such an approach as it seems to be the most popular. And there are times indeed when this approach would be more appropriate. But then there are those who would resort to something a bit divergent – alternative medicine. Modalities used in alternative medicine are different from those used in conventional approaches.

Alternative approaches are in fact inclined on holistic wellness and natural healing. But first, what is this holistic view of wellness, or holistic medicine? This is defined as an approach to medical care with an emphasis on the study on all aspects of a person’s health. These aspects are physical, psychological, social, economic and cultural. Apparently, this holistic viewpoint is very broad. Therefore, it can apply to many medical approaches. But nevertheless, holistic health is integral to the alternative modality. And natural healing, as said. Within the scope of natural healing is the use of home remedies. Most people connote such treatments with myths and legends and folklores.

But these, they also contain a grain of truth. So perhaps there is some truth to home remedies as well. But first, what really are they and how are they defined. One may well say “remedies applied at home”. Well, pharmaceuticals are also applied at home. But they actually contradictory to home remedies. But when one thinks about such remedies, what comes into mind is some sort of cure or treatment which is not within the bounds of mainstream medicine. Herbs are also associated with home remedies. But what is an herbal cure or treatment? Apparently it’s with the use of a plant, a plant part, an extract or a mixture.

And it then is used to treat, cure or alleviate disease. It’s also called herbal medicine. Others many connote a home remedy with an herbal remedy. But home remedies actually encompass more than herbal treatments or cures. What also comes to mind pertaining to this subject is folk medicine. What exactly is it? Such an approach is traditional medicine, and it is used by people who cannot avail of modern medical services. Or rather, they are isolated from it. This folk approach, it is usually involved with using plant derived treatments on an empirical basis. So are home remedies related to this in any way? But then again , what is the dictionary definition of a home remedy? It is said to be a “simply prepared medication or tonic of unproven effectiveness”.

It is also said to be administered without medical supervision or a prescription. So there it goes – it is a remedy prepared outside the bounds of modern medicine. And it is not limited to herbs alone. But of “unproven effectiveness”? That may not be the case. Home remedies have actually led to some of the greatest medical breakthroughs. It can be reasonable to say then that a home remedy is an experienced based or even accidental remedy or cure, prepared from plant or herbs and other ingredients. And they have been prepared by common folk when modern medical help is either unavailable or not devised yet.

Well that seems a reasonable definition to arrive at, right?

Holistic Healing – A New Paradigm?

What do you think of when you think of Holistic Health or Alternative Medicine?

You may say acupuncture, reiki, nutrition or herbal remedies.  And you are correct, in part.  The above represent just a few of the many holistic modalities familiar and available to many people.

Traditionally, holistic healing is generally defined as a philosophy of health care that focuses on the whole person and uses natural and/or spiritual methods to bring about a cure. Physical, emotional, mental and spiritual aspects are explored so that the cause of the imbalance can be addressed.

As with allopathic medicine, the primary reason people turn to holistic methods are physical concerns. But focusing on the physical alone is not enough. Researchers have now begun to prove what was believed to be true for some time.  According to the Center for Disease Control, the Mayo Clinic and other leading health authorities, at least 90% of diseases are stress related. They have found that people process stress differently based on the “programming” in our cellular memory, much of which is put in place in early childhood.

When we hold on to negative emotions such as fear and anger, consciously or subconsciously, it weakens the immune system and creates a disruption in our energy system. Although it may take years, this fosters an environment ripe for disease. Some of these stressors are forgotten as they were formed and stored in early childhood. To the adult mind, little issues like a dropped candy or broken toy now appear to be non-issues. But if they were traumatic to the  “child you” and not released, they are now part of your programming and cellular memory.

The good news is that this research is coming from the allopathic community.  Although there is still much progress to be made, complementary modalities are making their way into the mainstream. There are Holistic Nurses, Naturopathic Doctors and psychologists who routinely use energy psychology techniques such as EFT with patients. Energy workers are welcome in some operating rooms.  Some insurance companies cover acupuncture and massage.

A New Paradigm?

In light of this integration, and the fact that both models have so much to offer, I would like to suggest a slightly different definition and model of Holistic Healing.

“A philosophy of health care focusing on the whole person (physical, emotional, mental and spiritual) using natural, allopathic and/or spiritual methods to restore health based on the needs of each individual.”

The primary focus of such care would be to remove the cause, not just the effect (symptoms).  In other than emergency and critical situations, patients/clients are first educated and supported as they make necessary lifestyle changes and use natural means of healing before resorting to synthetic drugs or unnecessary surgery. Yes, compliance is a big issue and will also have to be addressed.  This too is part of our “programming” and may be a good place to start.

Let me share an example of how this holistic model worked in my own experience.

After my teenage son had jaw surgery, he needed and took strong painkillers, yet he would repeatedly ask me for Therapeutic Touch treatments to help him handle the pain. At home I continued the treatments along with strong nutritional support (since I controlled his liquid diet). Healing was supposed to take six to nine months. Ten weeks after surgery, in total disbelief of the X-rays, the doctor released him, saying he had never seen anyone heal so fast.

For illustrative purposes I am providing a breakdown of the four levels of healing and a few modalities and practices often associated with each one. In reality, the lines are much more blurred.  Aromatherapy, for example, can be used to address issues at all levels. In addition, these four energetic levels, although separate, do intermingle.  What affects one layer affects all, sometimes imperceptibly, other times noticeably and dramatically.

The four levels:

  • Physical- physical therapy, chiropractic, reiki, herbal remedies, pharmaceuticals, nutrition, supplements, exercise, massage, acupuncture.
  • Emotional- Emotional release techniques such as EFT and Z Point Process, Flower Essences, support groups.
  • Mental- Homeopathic medicine, change our thinking and belief systems, Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), aromatherapy, education.
  • Spiritual- Meditation, forgiveness, gratitude, practicing presence, connecting to Source, loving ourselves enough to heal.

Until the system catches up with this holistic view, I hope you consider incorporating a “whole self” approach as part of your individual health care regimen.  Your “whole self” will thank you.