A new government nationwide survey published by the National Institutes of Health reports that 36% of adults in the U.S. who are over the age of 18 use some form of complementary and alternative medicine also known as CAM. When prayer is added to this definition of CAM the percentage of Americans using complementary and alternative medicine rises to 62%. The survey also found that the majority of people who use CAM believed that these practices would help them when combined with conventional medical treatments. This is introducing a new way of thinking to the medical community. Picture a circle with prescription, over the counter drugs and surgery at the center and CAM and psychosocial approaches outside the circle. Now picture a circle where the center is Self Care using complimentary and alternative medicine; drugs and surgery are also part of the circle but instead of being in the center they are now on the periphery. As a result of this shift in thinking and acceptance of complementary and alternative medicine by the public, large numbers of people are now changing the way they approach health care by taking more interest in their personal health and asking to work in collaboration with their health care practitioner. This is not to indicate that drugs and surgery are not important – quite the contrary. However studies have shown that using various methods of self care can often decrease medication and reduce the healing time from surgical procedures. Some of the therapies that that can be easily learned by the public are relaxation techniques, breathing exercises, meditation, yoga, tai chi, imagery, nutrition and prayer.(For maximum effect it is recommended that some of these therapies be taught by a professional.)

James Gordon MD who has served as the Chair of the White House Commission on Complementary and Alternative Medicine Policy has stated that at the very least patients scheduled for surgical procedures should be taught breathing and relaxation techniques. Not only does this assist in the healing process but it also give the patient the ability to take an active part in their healing and feel more in control of their bodies.

Andrew Weil MD who is the director of the Program in Integrative Medicine at the University of Arizona is also a strong advocate of breath work and meditation. He has also included energy therapies such as Reiki or Therapeutic Touch.

CAM has been a topic on the evening news programs and in many newsstand magazines and newspapers. Thus the public has become more aware of the added benefits of complementary and alternative medicine causing them to question their healthcare provider and seek out practitioners of these therapies.

As a result of the public’s interest, many physicians and health care practitioners (RNs, Physician Assistants, and Nurse Practitioners) are beginning to utilize some form of CAM. There are over 2000,000 articles and studies published in established journals such as JAMA, LANCET and The American Journal of Nursing allowing the medical community to access this information as part of the continuing education process. Also various centers have been developed to train health care professionals in the utilization of CAM. Dr James Gordon is the Founder and Director of the Center for Mind-Body Medicine. Based in Washington DC, Dr Gordon’s organization presents programs for health and mental health professionals who wish to integrate therapies such as relaxation therapies, meditation, acupuncture, nutrition, yoga, herbalism, music and dance into their practice. There are also many programs and seminars addressing these practices that are offered by Universities such as Thomas Jefferson in Philadelphia to provide continuing education courses for health professionals.

Many patients have realized that there are restrictions placed upon their health care by many outside sources. Patients are now taking control, becoming educated and are now open to explore their options with complimentary and alternative medicine practices while utilizing the services of their healthcare practitioner. This new model of health care is fast becoming the norm for many Americans.

Betty deMaye-Caruth PhD, RN is the Founder and Director of the Minerva Educational and Treatment Center in Honesdale Pa. Dr. Betty has over 25 years experience in Complementary and Alternative Medicine; she has written articles for professional journals and various other publications, developed many educational seminars and maintains a private practice in Honesdale. Please direct any questions to her website www.minervaed.com.

Dear Dr Betty

For the past six months I have been working with a holistic practitioner who has been treating me with herbs and homeopathy for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. I do not feel any different and don’t know where to turn. — KR. Lakeville

Dear K.R.

This is a difficult question to answer. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is a condition that affects many people in different ways. Some are still able to continue working and others are totally disabled by their symptoms. You have not indicated in your e-mail who made the diagnosis for you. If you have not been diagnosed by a medical doctor using blood tests and a complete history and physical, you may want to start here.

There are some conditions that will have the symptoms of chronic fatigue but may be something simple such as anemia (a low red blood cell count). You may want to look for a physician who either practices some complementary medicine or is at least open to the practices of a holistic healthcare practitioner. Most will be very happy to give you their opinion on these therapies.

I also suggest you sit down with the holistic practitioner that you are currently seeing to discuss your treatment plan. It is important that you work with your practitioner to set goals. If you have not seen any progress at all in the past six months some changes should be considered to meet your treatment goals.

Perhaps some modifications need to be made to your diet or some energy work could be included. Also, you may want to consider another practitioner with more experience treating patients with this condition.

Finally, remember that even though you may be seeing a holistic healthcare practitioner, there is no reason why you cannot also work with a physician. The current trend is to integrate both therapies so that you will receive the best of both worlds.

Readers are encouraged to send questions to Dr. Betty at Minerva Educational Center, 303 Deer Lane, Honesdale, PA 18431 or email: minervaed@aol.com. For more information visit the Minerva website at www.minervaed.com.

Centering is the process of finding the stillness within, of calming ourselves to a point of quiet. Those who are familiar with meditation will find this easier to attain. Individuals that have difficulty stilling their active or random thoughts will find the use of visualization techniques helpful. You will be guided through this process to familiarize yourself with this technique in order to help you reach this point of stillness within.

Centering requires practice. It may be awkward or difficult for some to learn how to center, but the more one practices, the more one will begin to feel comfortable with the process of centering.

To begin, sit comfortably with both feet flat on the floor. Take a few deeps breaths to completely relax, concentrating on releasing those areas of the body that hold stress.

Now imagine yourself as a great big beautiful tree, any type of tree you choose. Your trunk is strong and your branches are full and healthy. Stretching out from your feet are luminous roots, reaching deep into the rich soil of the Earth Mother, anchoring you to the Mother. You feel grounded and secure.

Sitting with your back straight, imagine a line coming down from your spine, with a weight on the end of it. This line enters into the soil, the same as the roots, and extends deep into the earth, steadily working its way down through all the different layers of soil and rock. The line continues deeper and deeper toward the molten lava that is the core of the Earth Mother. When the line connects you with the core, feel the energy from the Earth Mother move up through the line, gently up, up, up through the layers of rock and soil, and up your spine.

At the same time, feel this energy radiating up through the luminous roots to your feet – moving like a gentle wave up your legs, enveloping your ankles, calves, knees, thighs and hips. The energy from the Earth Mother continues up your torso through your lower abdomen, stomach and chest cavity, until it settles in your heart center.

Once the energy settles in your heart chakra, focus on the top of your head, or crown chakra. Feel your crown opening up to Father Sky. Allow this energy to enter through your crown to fill your head, encompassing your brain, forehead, eyes, nose, checks, ears, lips, mouth and chin. Feel the energy move down into your neck and shoulders. The energy from the crown moves down to meet with the earth energy at your heart center.

If you choose, allow the blended energy to flow down your arms to your hands. This energy can then be used to work with a patient, pick up a child, or prepare a meal. The healing energy passes through your hands in this manner, to be directed to whoever or whatever you choose.

If you would like more information please visit our web site at www.minervaed.com, email Dr. Betty at minervaed@aol.com or call us at 570-253-8060

Dear Dr. Betty

Summer is here and so are the bugs. I don’t like using commercial insect repellants. Can you suggest any effective alternatives?

Thank you,

E.S. (e-mail)

Dear E.S.

I know what you mean. I don’t care for the commercial stuff either, so I make up my own concoction. This time of year is seems unavoidable to get bitten no matter what you are using. There are some essential oils that I use that are very useful for when you get bit. True Lavender (Lavender Augustafolia) can be applied directly to the bite to ease the sting. This essential oil will not harm the skin and can be applied “neat” (a British term used in aromatherapy to indicate that the oil does not have to be added to a carrier oil before application.)

The lavender smells nice, and since it is an insect repellant you will not attract more bugs. The other essential oil to use is Tea Tree (Melaleuca Alternifolia). This oil can be applied neat and will also take the sting out of insect bites. This essential oil is so versitile, it was issued as part of the First Aid Kit to Australian soldiers who served in the tropics during WWII.

I prefer some preventative measures when it comes to battling the bugs, so mix up your own repellant. You will need a glass spray bottle, some vodka, two essential oils of your choice and some distilled or filtered water. The recipe is: 1 tsp vodka, 5 drops total of essential oil, 4 fl oz (100 cc) water.

Place the vodka and 5 drops of essential oil (3 drops of one, 2 of the other) in the container and shake. Oil and water do not mix so you need the alcohol in the vodka to break up the oil globules. After mixing add the water.

Spray yourself every few hours to keep the insects away.

There are quite a few oils that can be used as insect repellents. Along with the True Lavender and Tea Tree, other effective oils include Lemongrass (Cymbopogon Citratus), Geranium (Pelargonium Graveolens). Lemon (Citrus Limon or Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus Globulus).

You may want to make up a few combinations and use the one that smells the best on you or you may find that one combination will work better than another. I use a combination of Lemongrass and Lavender in my spray and when I am living in the woods as part of my military training it is one of my best friends. Don’t forget to shake the bottle before using and make a fresh batch of spray every few days.

Thanks for your question and enjoy a bug bite-free Summer!

Dr. Betty

If you would like to ask Dr. Betty a question please go to our website’s request information page here:  Ask Dr. Betty, visit our web site at www.minervaed.com, email Dr. Betty at minervaed@aol.com or call at 570-253-8060.
  

Dear Dr. Betty,

I have been hearing a lot about Tai Chi.  What is it?  G.S., Honesdale

Dear G.S.

Tai Chi is a form of exercise that is practiced in the Orient.  If you have ever seen the old TV series Kung Fu, you have seen people practicing Tai Chi.

The moves of this ancient practice are very rhythmic and slow even though the exercised are based on moves practiced in the martial arts (Kung Fu, Karate).

Since the movements stimulate different organs of the body, Oriental physicians often prescribe Tai Chi for patients recovering from illness, but it is also used to prevent illness and maintain strength and flexibility.  Breathing and meditation are also part of the exercise.

It is so gentle and versatile that it can be practiced by anyone age 3 and up.  I often practice the movements throughout the day to boost my energy.

Dr. Betty

Dr. Betty welcomes questions from readers and can be reached by writing:  303 Deer Lane, Honesdale, PA 18431; by e-mail: minervaed@aol.com; by phone at 570-253-8060 or by visiting Minerva’s website:  www.minervaed.com

Dear Dr. Betty,
I was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent surgery to have the cancer removed. I am now receiving chemotherapy. What therapies can I use to help me with the side effects of chemotherapy?
M.P., Shohola

Dear M.P.,
I have treated quite a few women in my practice who are facing the same challenges as you with the side effects chemotherapy. First of all, I’d like to remind you that not everything is for everybody – by that I mean that complementary therapies may work better for you than someone else with the same symptoms. A reputable practitioner will take into account several factors regarding each individual to determine what choices will work best.

One of the most common side effects of chemotherapy is nausea. Some people become very nauseous from this treatment and others suffer minimal discomfort. Ginger tea is often very helpful for alleviating this symptom. You may try a few slices of fresh (peeled) ginger root (available in the produce section of your local market) steeped in hot water. You may safely add honey to sweeten the tea without contraindication. Some constitutions are tolerant of a very concentrated tea while others enjoy good results with a mild tea, again dependent on the individual.

I usually recommend a series of touch therapy treatments to chemotherapy patients. Touch therapies, such as Therapeutic Touch, Healing Touch and Reiki, are very effective for balancing the body’s energy, allowing the physical body to begin repairing itself.

Aromatherapy is also effective for treating certain side effects of chemotherapy. Essential oils are used in many chemo clinics to assist patients with physical side effects, such as nausea and pain, as well as emotional issues, such as anxiety and trauma associated with hair loss. Lavender and frankincense are excellent choices to promote relaxation and can be used through inhalation methods (such as a diffuser) or applied directly to the body in the form of a gentle massage or rubbing the oil on the soles of the feet.

The use of flower essences is a popular choice for those whose mood needs a boost. Often the process of cancer surgery and ensuing chemotherapy can stimulate a broad range of emotions. A flower essence consultation can help target specific emotional challenges, or an overall essence, such as Five Flower Essence, can help to lift your spirits.

Meditation is a superb avenue for coping with any anxiety that occurs from chemotherapy, particularly the form of meditation called guided visualization. Chemotherapy drugs are prescribed with the intention of destroying bad or cancerous cells. Guided visualization helps you to balance your body and focus the drug to destroy only non-healthy cells. One of my clients uses this technique hand in hand with her chemotherapy, envisioning the pill as a Pacman traveling through her body, gobbling up unhealthy cells.

Journalling is a proven method of sorting out your fears and feelings resulting from your diagnosis and surgery. Writing exercises and meditation work very well together – you may want to seek out a group who supports a meditation or writing practice to explore how an inward journey can assist in bringing your outward symptoms into balance.

There are many other therapies available but space permits discussing only these few. Remember, check with your physician to discuss the fact you intend to use these therapies and engage in the practice of integrative medicine.

For more information please visit our website at: www.minervaed.com

Dear Dr. Betty:

I enjoy reading your articles and wonder if you could explain acupuncture to me. I can’t understand why someone would have needles put into them to help them feel better. Thank you. – E.D. (question received via e-mail)

Dear E.D.

Thank you for your question. You are not alone in wondering about this greatly misunderstood practice. Actually, acupuncture is a very effective procedure and usually does not hurt, although you may feel a little pressure as the needle is inserted.

Acupuncture originated in China approximately 2000 years ago and is based on principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that view health as a state of balance and disease as a state of imbalance. TCM uses a system of medicine that seeks to restore and maintain balance in the body’s energy system.

The energy, or chi as it is known in the Orient, flows along energy pathways called meridians that circulate energy throughout the body similar to the way arteries carry blood. There are 12 major meridians grouped in pairs that connect the exterior and interior of the body, and many of these pathways travel just under the surface of the skin. When these pathways become disturbed or blocked, illness or pain results.

Acupuncturists require a great deal of training. Their studies include a thorough knowledge of the body’s many systems and how the energy system interacts with the organs muscles and other systems of the body.

Practitioners look beyond the physical ailments affecting skin, blood, organs, muscles and bones to seek the underlying or energetic root cause that is creating the disturbance.

Once the practitioner diagnoses the imbalance he inserts sterile needles along the meridians to affect the flow of energy to stimulate the area being treated. Often the needles are set up in “circuits” that “turn on” the energy elsewhere in the body, much like a light switch on the wall will turn on a light on the ceiling.

For instance, shoulder pain is often treated by accessing points on the arms and hands because the energy pathways that “feed” the shoulder originate in the hands and travel up the arms and through the shoulders.

Most people hold exaggerated views of the actual procedure. The needles used in this country are single use, disposable, sterile needles that are very, very fine and flexible. The needle does not pierce the skin but rather disperses it, therefore the patient does not bleed and often does not even feel the needle being inserted.

The needles do not penetrate deep into the skin, just enough to access the meridians that lie beneath the surface of the skin. There-are many “energy points” along the meridians that the acupuncturist can stimulate, some texts detail as many as 2000 points.

I often use the analogy that the meridians are like a railroad track and the acupuncture point is the station on the track. When the energy becomes stuck it is similar to a train stopping at the station; the energy or train must be released before it can proceed down the track or meridian.

Since President Nixon brought back a group of acupuncturists from his visit to China in the late 1960s, acupuncture has enjoyed a greater understanding of this ancient practice. Over the past 20 years, with the growing popularity and acceptance of holistic therapies, acupuncture has increasingly become the therapy of choice for certain conditions, particularly for control of pain.

Many people seek acupuncture treatments to prevent or control disease, particularly during the cold and flu season, or they may have treatments to strengthen their energy and boost their immune system.

It is becoming more common for addiction programs to train staff members in ear (auricular) acupuncture, to ease or eliminate cravings for drugs, alcohol, cigarettes or even food.

A very small needle is inserted and sometimes left in the proper spot on the exterior area of the ear to stimulate the flow of chi. Studies have shown that this is a very valid therapy for some patients.

If you are considering trying acupuncture inquire about the practitioner’s credentials to be sure they graduated from an accredited school and obtained a license to practice. Licensing credentials differ from state to state, and although the laws governing the practice of acupuncture are currently undergoing changes across the country, acupuncturists in the State of Pennsylvania are required to practice under the auspices of a physician even if the practitioner’s licensed as a DOM (Doctor of Chinese Medicine).

There are a growing number of physicians who are also trained in acupuncture as an adjunct to their practice.

Even with the extensive documented benefits of acupuncture, many people still shy away from this very effective practice due to a fear of needles. An understanding practitioner will take the time to reassure the patient by explaining the procedure and deomonstrating the needles.

However. if you still want to enjoy acupuncture without the needles, then you may want to try a treatment by a qualified acupressure practitioner. Acupressure uses the same concepts as acupuncture, but uses finger pressure to stimulate the energy rather than needles. I have experienced both acupuncture and accupressure and have found that both work quite well when in the hands of the proper practitioner.

There are many “points” to consider in seeking acupuncture to treat pain or other health concerns. I suggest you try it for yourself to see if it is right for you.

Readers are encouraged to send questions to Dr. Betty at Minerva Educational Center, 303 Deer Lane, Honesdale PA 18431 or email: mlnervaed@aol.com. For more information visit the Minerva website at www.minervaed.com.

School will be starting this month for some of our local students and if I remember correctly back to my schooldays it can be a time of anxiety for some of the students and their parents. Well I have a special formula that will help. It is called Five Flower Essence™ or Rescue Remedy™. ( The essence is the same just the companies producing them are different so we have two different names). This formula is non-toxic, and has no smell of the flower so even if you are allergic to the flowers that are in the formula you will not have a reaction. Sounds too good to be true but believe me it works.

Let me give you a little history of flower essences. The flower essences were developed by a physician, Dr Edward Bach in the 1930’s. Dr Bach lived in the English countryside and researched for years to develop remedies for his patients that would work effectively but gently to help heal the body, mind and spirit. The result was thirty eight flower essences that are used all over the world. The was the beginning of what I call the flower essences revolution. Although Dr Bach died in 1936, many practitioners around the world are developing other flower essences and blends. I have had the good fortune to study with Richard Katz and Patricia Kaminski who have created the non-profit organization, the Flower Essence Society (www.flowersociety.org) and use their North American Flower essences along with the Bach essences to help my client’s achieve their quest for wellness.

Now that you have had some history, how do you give them? Well let’s start with how to give them and in what dose. All the essences come in a blue or brown bottle with a dropper, this is to protect it from light and keep it fresh. Although they are all made with brandy to keep the solution from growing bacteria, I make up Five Flower Essence™ for children using glycerin; it is sweet tasting which makes the taste pleasant. It is easy to administer just place four drops under the tongue, (don’t worry if you give more, you can’t overdose) please keep the dropper clear of the tongue and inside of the mouth to keep the solution fresh. If you have a bottle of Rescue Remedy™ that is made with brandy or have purchased one at the store, you can dilute a few drops in a glass of water or juice; the child will receive very little alcohol and will not taste it. If you are worried about this small amount, then place a few drops in some hand or body lotion and rub it into the child’s skin, it may take a little longer to have an effect but the end result will be the same — calm. I often used this method when my grandchildren were infants and it was very effective. The dose is the same for an adult.

Although, there are many other flower essences for various problems, Five Flower Essence™ or Rescue Remedy™ is the one flower essence that everyone should have in their possession. I give a bottle to all of my clients and carry a small one in my purse since you never know when you will need it and yes I do take this essence myself when I am facing or find myself in a stressful or anxiety filled situation. Many changes and challenges face our children at the beginning and during the school year, I think that you will be happy to become acquainted with this wonderful flower essence; I encourage you to try it for yourself and your child.

If you would like more information about flower essences, or other tools and techniques for achieving wellness, please check my website www.minervaed.com or call 570-253-8060.

None of the information in this article is to be used as a substitute for conventional medical care. Readers are directed to their medical practitioner for advice and treatment.

What is Reiki?

Reiki (ray’-kee) is a simple, natural, and safe method of transmitting life force energy to bring balance and harmony to the body, mind and spirit. The practitioner serves as a conduit to direct energy for the purposes of healing. REI can be translated as spirit, air, essence or source of creation or higher power; KI is generally referred to as power or energy. Reiki Master/Teacher William Lee Rand describes Reiki as spiritually guided life force energy.

Reiki energy enters the crown chakra (top of head), passes through the third eye, throat and heart chakras, traveling out the arms and through the palms, which are placed on or near the area requiring treatment. The person receiving the treatment will only accept as much energy as the body needs. It is non-invasive, gentle, and administered to a fully clothed person.

How did Reiki Start?

Dr. Mikao Usui (1865-1926) was a teacher who studied various philosophies of the world looking for the hands-on healing technique as described in scripture. Dr. Usui studied the Lotus sutras of Japan, the Chinese sutras, and finally the Sanskrit sutras of Tibet, ancient records that date back almost 3,000 years. He learned that Buddha healed the lame and the blind as Christ did through divine love. However, Usui felt that he lacked the physical strength and spiritual empowerment to use this new knowledge.

Dr. Usui was most likely a spiritualist and psychic. People who do his kind of work were called Rei Jyutu Ka which means, people who have spiritual skill. It was during his activities as a spiritualist that he rediscovered Reiki on Kurama-yama, a sacred mountain outside Kyoto. It was at this time that he entered a 21 day fast and meditation, where he attained enlightenment and received the four symbols that are introduced to Reiki Level 2 students today.

He established a healing society in Tokyo in 1922 and started giving treatments. Usui created the three degrees or ranks of Reiki which he called Shoden (First Teaching) Okuden (Inner Teaching) and Shinpiden (Mystery Teaching). He moved to Nakano, Tokyo in 1925 and expanded his healing center.

Dr. Usui was well known for his healing abilities and was often invited to local cities to speak and do healing work. He gathered a following of what would become the first sixteen masters of Usui lineage, one of who was Dr. Chujiro Hayashi (1878-1941), a retired naval officer who was pivotal in carrying on Usui’s tradition.

Dr. Hayashi was given the attunements for all three Reiki degrees by Dr. Usui in 1925 when Dr. Hayashi was age 47 and just one year before Dr. Usui passed on. Dr. Hayashi subsequently trained thirteen masters. One of those maters was Hawayo Takata (1900-1980), who initially came to Hayashi for healing, was profoundly effected, and embraced Reiki as her life work. She is credited with bringing the Reiki teachings to America in the 1970’s. At the time of her death she trained twenty-two Reiki Masters who carefully preserved the Reiki tradition, perpetuating this simple, natural, safe method of healing that recognizes that the spirit, or life force energy, must be healthy for the physical body to be healthy.

How Does Reiki Differ from other Modalities?

The most significant difference defining a Reiki practitioner is that s/he undergoes an ATTUNMENT process by a Reiki Master. The attunement is an ENERGY TRANSFER that raises the vibrational level of the chakras, serving as a tuneup or alignment. The practitioner then serves as a conduit for this energy, directing the Universal Life Energy to the client. At this time, the hands often become more sensitive to feeling the subtle nuances of energy. Anyone, young or old, can be attuned to the Reiki energy for self healing.

For more information please visit our website at:  http://www.minervaed.com