Complementary Medicine – A Form Of EMF Protection?

How can complementary or alternative medicine possibly be considered a form of EMF protection?

Let me ask you a question. If I say to you ‘EMF protection', what's the first thing that comes into your mind?

Do you think of EMF meters, shielding materials and so on?

If you do then congratulations, you're already way ahead most people on this.

Most people are completely clueless about EMFs, they don't even know what the initials ‘EMF' mean.

But there's a lot, lot more to EMF protection than just EMF meters and shielding.

If you're interested in EMFs just because you're health conscious then this narrow definition may suffice.

But if you've already got symptoms when you're around EMFs, if you're electrically sensitive or hypersensitive, then you have to look through a broader lens. You need to look at the bigger picture.

Complementary (or alternative) medicine has been hugely important to me in overcoming my electrical sensitivity and looking at the bigger picture. Here I give an overview of these medicines.

The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) classifies complementary medicine into five broad categories, these are:

Body Based Alternative Medicine

These medicines focus essentially on the structures and systems of the body, joints, bones, soft tissue and lymphatic and circulatory systems. Examples are massage, physical therapists, kinesiologists, osteopaths, chiropractors, reflexology, acupressure, acupuncture, CranioSacral Therapists (CST), the Alexander technique and therapeutic touch. My own preferences are for kinesiologists, CSTs, osteopaths and massage therapists.

Natural Products

These are essentially herbal medicines, or botanicals. They also includes live microorganisms, called probiotics. I take probiotics in the form of natural yoghurts and find them to be beneficial. I don't advocate taking dietary supplements on a long term basis, its much better to concentrate on improving your diet. But I've used Chlorella and Spirulina in the past with some success.

Alternative Medical Systems

These alternative medicine types are mostly non-western in origin and they're built upon the combination of theory and practice, for instance: Chinese medicine, Tibetan medicine, ayurveda, acupuncture, homoeopathic, Native American healing and naturopathic medicine. I've had good results with both acupuncture and homoeopathy which I continue to use occasionally.

Energy Therapies

These comprise a variety of complementary and alternative treatments based on the use and modification of energy fields. The techniques used here include: touch for healing, Qi Gong, Reiki, magnet therapy, light therapy etc. Qi Gong is the basis for all the Chinese martial arts. Qi Gong does take time to learn. A few years ago I attended weekly classes of Qi Gong which I felt did benefit me. I still incorporate some Qi Gong movements in my daily energy exercises.

Mind Body Methods

Here the idea is to use the mind to affect physical functioning and promote health. The basic premise is that the mind has a direct influence on body healing. Types of mind body intervention are medication, yoga, hypnotherapy, prayer, human therapy, dance therapy and biofeedback.

Below is an introductory video on complimentary medicine with transcript underneath.

 

Understanding Complementary Medicine

“This program is designed to help those who are interested in complementary medicine to achieve a clearer understanding of the different types of treatment available today.

Case histories and Contra-indications

Before a practitioner starts a treatment, or gives a diagnosis, they will take a case history. The case history is very important to a practitioner as it indicates the type of lifestyle the patient has and will alert the practitioner to any contra-indications associated with the treatment. Contra-indications are reasons why the treatment may not be right for the patient. For instance, homeopaths and herbalists are weary of giving ingestive treatment to pregnant women.

Finding the cause

Complementary medicine focus on the cause of the condition and not just the symptoms. Practitioners will consider all the information available and then form an opinion of whole condition and its possible cause. The cause may not be apparent to the patient, as sometimes the symptoms may seem to have no bearing on the cause of the condition. As the basis of complementary medicine is to find the cause of the symptoms, a patient may find that the first treatment is often the longest and could cost more due to the extra time that must be spent in order to come to an accurate conclusion. Further questions will be asked during future visits and the patients records are update accordingly.

Establishing a balance

Complementary medicine works by triggering responses from the body to establish a natural balance. Occasionally the patient may find that the treatment creates certain reactions, these reactions are not necessarily a bad sign and can indicate that the treatment is working. However if the patient finds the symptoms uncomfortable or they are not happy with the treatment they should contact the practitioner to discuss the problem. The practitioner may be qualified in other therapies and could recommend another treatment or may refer the patient to another practitioner or doctor if necessary. Practitioners will also give advice that can be used to assist the patient at home.

It is worth noting that in complementary medicine, practices have evolved and changed over time so two complimentary practitioners may not use exactly the same methods. Disciplines can change depending on the school where the practitioner has trained and whether they involve other subjects within their treatment. The practitioner will have learned from his or her own experiences too, their treatment will evolve over time, and this knowledge will be passed on to the patient.

Massage

If you look at the etymology of the word massage, it means to knead, the kneading process, rather like as you knead bread and the process of doing it. So from that kneading process a massage is actually the manipulation the soft tissue of the body to relieve tension that actually exist physiologically in the structure of the body so as to allow the free flow of the system of the body which is being clogged up, often termed as knotting. A masseur tries to understand what is causing the problem that is being presented and can work on an area that is actually distant to what is initially presented. Evidently, if someone is presenting a problem with their calf muscle often this relates to the calf muscle but it may have strong indications to the way that we are joined together with pelvic muscles and also with tendons that we have in the ankles and the lower part of the feet. Therefore, it is about solving the problem and taking into consideration an anatomical knowledge of the body in order to provide that massage.

There are many different forms and techniques of holistic massage used in complimentary medicine. Some methods will concentrate on a specific area while others will address the wider problem, take into consideration the body as a whole, and therefore work accordingly. For instance, stress related conditions might require a gentle flowing approach while an injury related problem might require a deeper massage. We are unique and individual and an experience such as a massage can bring up certain effects for certain people at different times. People often feel very relaxed, almost expanded, they can feel tired, sore and stiff, it is a process of change that they are bringing about by having a massage and that illustration of change is a good thing. Some people can actually receive headaches because of the toxins that are released before they are taken out of the system. But these changes are of benefit, if we could consider healing as a process.”

Is Complementary Medicine The Best Way To Deal With EMFs?

Whether you are electrically sensitive or not, complementary medicine has a lot to offer and the downside is minimal. But complementary medicine should only ever be complementary.

It should compliment the more classic form of direct EMF protection (EMF meters and shielding etc.) and indirect EMF protection.

You might feel hesitant at first in trying these techniques. The best way of finding a practitioner is through word of mouth, ask friends and work colleagues.

Occasionally you'll come across a very talented practitioner and you'll learn much. But what I came to learn over the years of seeing different practitioners is that ultimately your own body is the greatest healer.

You can go a long way with a talented practitioner but eventually it will be time to move on. Dependance is never a good thing. Ultimately you know whats best for you, someone else doesn't.

For more information on complementary medicines see the NCCAM website.

If you're a complementary medicine practitioner and you'd like to share your story on how you treat patients suffering from EMF sensitivity, let me know, I'd be glad to publish your story on ElectricSense.