HEALING THE HARD STUFF


Natural Approaches Resolve Major Illnesses


by Linda Sechrist


Outside Pressure Rob Wergin, an experienced energy medi- cine practitioner, speaks from experience regarding clients that consult him for life- threatening diagnoses. “When I see them, they’re desperate and have exhausted all conventional methods. I’m their last- ditch effort,” remarks Wergin. Te most frequent reason he hears is, “My family, friends and doctor told me not to waste my money on charlatans.” “People find it challenging to put


faith in natural methods and are nervous about going against a doctor’s advice until they feel or see positive results; even these may not provide sufficient motivation to continue with alternative treatments,” he says.


“I believe


this is the result of the influence of pharma- ceutical ads promising results, the


medical commu- nity’s belief in proof A


lthough natural health enthusi- asts may recognize alternative healing modalities as a preferred


approach to treatment, in the face of major health issues, even they tend to join the crowd that’s turning first to conventional medicine. Tus, many gentler modalities


described in Te Encyclopedia of Natu- ral Medicine, co-authored by doctors of naturopathy Michael T. Murray and Joseph Pizzorno, remain largely un- tapped resources. Ignored because they are unsupported by traditional science- based medicine, holistic measures such as acupuncture, energy medicine, essential oils, herbs, detoxi- fication, health-promoting diets, homeopathy, prayer and meditation, supplemen- tation, yoga, massage and naturopathy are sacrificed in favor of oſten painful medical procedures and prescription drugs which can’t claim to permanently cure anything and can have many harmful side effects.


16 Hudson County NAHudson.com


Lack of Awareness “A patient that dabbles in holistic medicine for minor health issues such as indiges- tion, headache or insomnia oſten turns to conventional methods aſter receiving a serious diagnosis such as diabetes, heart disease or cancer because they are scared,” observes holistic physician Dr. Wendy Warner, medical director of Medicine in Balance, in Langhorne, Pennsylvania. Te co-author of Boosting Your Immunity for Dummies suggests that relatively few people turn to natural solutions for both preventive and therapeutic mea- sures because they’re unaware they exist. Integrative oncologists and endocri-


nologists that are aware of the benefits of natural complementary methods are scarce. Relatively few conven- tional doctors are educated in func- tional medicine. “Yet complementary modalities such as acupuncture, massage


and some essential oils can support the immune system and help an individual deal with stress experienced from coping with their illness,” says Warner.


solely through clinical trials, websites like Quackwatch.com and well-meaning friends insisting that the conventional route is the only way to go. It’s sad to see the gravity of these influences pulling clients back into solely believing in the Western model of medicine,” says Wergin. Ann Lee, a doctor of naturopathy,


acupuncturist and founder of the Health for Life Clinic, Inc., in Lan- caster, Pennsylvania, notes, “Tis mindset continues to get reinforced by insur- ance companies that do not cover alternatives. Paying out of pocket for medical ex-


penses also influences a patient’s choices.” Kelly Noonan-Gores and Adam


Schomer, director and producer, respec- tively, of the documentary film HEAL, suggest that unconscious conditioning plays the biggest role in an individual’s choices. “We are deeply conditioned to view medical specialists and prestigious medical institutions as the ones with all the answers. Sometimes they do and


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