Sunday, August 29, 2010

Naturopathy and Its Benefits with Dr. Michelle Gerber on Sat. 6/5/10

What is Naturopathic Medicine

Naturopathy is a system of medicine that promotes optimal wellness and is based on the following principles:
• Do no harm--including choosing the most gentle effective therapies first
• Treat the whole person--physical, mental, emotional and spiritual
• Treat the cause--not just the symptoms
• Focus on prevention
• Treat each person as an individual
• Doctor as teacher--answer questions, provide information about any conditions, explain the treatment
• The healing power of nature--the body has an instrinsic ability to heal that needs to be supported, and following the principles of nature will usually lead to the speediest and most thorough recovery

Naturopathic medicine restores health by removing obstacles to cure and supporting the body's own healing processes. It combines the latest in scientific research and evidenced based medicine with traditional wisdom and natural healing practices.

Dr. Michelle Gerber is a licensed and board certified Naturopathic Doctor and a Certified Professional Midwife who is trained in the art and science of medicine and natural childbirth. The very first time we met Dr. Gerber to see if she would be a fit for Andrik's pediatrician needs, we knew it was like a glove awaiting its hand to join matrimony! LOL It was very important that we had a holistic pediatrician who believed and supported what we believe in. We were very grateful to have found her. As a naturopath, she uses a variety of tools, including laboratory testing and imaging, nutrition, exercise, lifestyle coaching, botanical medicine, homeopathy, physical medicine, hydrotherapy, pharmaceuticals and more.

Knowing how wonderful Dr. Gerber has been with Andrik and learning all this amazing information from her, it just felt natural (no pun intended) to want to share this with the village. When I asked Dr. Gerber if she'd be willing to be a guest speaker for the village and she replied with a cheerful yes, I was so ecstatic - especially since she was willing to take time out of her very busy schedule (she's not only a pediatrician, she is also a midwife - double wow)!

Dr. Gerber joined us on Saturday 6/5/10 at one of the village family homes. She not only explained the benefits of Naturopathy but she also gave us a wonderful list for a natural first aid kit (see blow). She then stayed for a little bit to connect with us and eat some yummy food (truthfully this post has been long overdue and can't remember what was served) but believe me, it was yummy! :o)

Below is a list of the naturopathic first aid kit that Dr. Gerber gave us. There are some notes that my husband, Dalmacio wrote down that are underlined and in bold text that I thought would be helpful. Some of the notes are a little unclear so I apologize ahead of time if it seems a little confusing. Overall it gives a plethora of great products to buy to help build a first aid kit that is natural without all those harsh chemicals (minus the Children's Tynelol at the very bottom - hence the reason it's at the bottom of the list).

Naturopathic First Aid Kit

TOPICALS:
Arnica/Traumeel cream or Inflamyar cream
Calendula succus
Herbal salve (All Purpose Salve or another with calendula, comfrey, yarrow)
Castor oil
Aloe vera gel
St. John’s Wort oil
Chickweed salve or cream
Ear oil (Garlic and Mullein)

TINCTURES/LIQUIDS:
Rescue Remedy flower essence (for infants, can rub a little on their 3rd eye or where blood vessels are)
Immune support (Echinacea/VitC/Elder (in liquid form - strawberry flavor), Children’s Glycerite, or Immune A, etc.) - Berry Well (General Immune Suppor powder form)
Ginger tea
Antispasmodic tincture
Tummy glycerite and/or tea
Calming glycerite (helps in calming an overly excited infant before going to sleep)
Elderberry syrup
Herbal cough syrup

EQUIPMENT:
Thermometer (digital)
Organic black tea bags (great for drawing things out, i.e. abscess fluids from a toothache, draws out bruising in a black eye)
Thin cotton socks, thick wool socks
Neti pot
Flannel, cheesecloth or other thin cloth (can be used for castor oil packs or a band-aid?)
Hot water bottle
Bandaids

FOODS:
Onions, garlic, lemons (for digestion), rosemary, thyme, oregano (all 3 are anti-bacterial), turmeric, beets (or beet juice—for constipation) and cloves.

HOMEOPATHIC FIRST AID KIT:

Several homeopathic companies sell home kits with many of the basic acute remedies included

OTHER:
Activated charcoal—for sever indigestion, migraines, and can be used in some types of accidental poisoning (always contact Poison control before administering anything)
Bentonite clay (mix with water as a topical paste for cuts and scrapes)
Carob powder (1 step down from Active Charcoal - helps with diarrhea)
Probiotics
Essential oils: Eucalyptus, Lavender, Tea Tree, Thyme, Peppermint, Lemon Balm
Children's Tylenol (it may not be natural but can help bring a high fever down and only used when necessary and the consult of your physician)

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