Tools for Caregivers

The Science Behind the Alternative Therapies:

Research demonstrates the fact that you cannot separate the mind, body and spirit in health and healing.

Studies in the field of psycho-neuroimmunology [4] are demonstrating the effects of the mind and spirit in healing the body.[5] Dr. Bruce Lipton, internationally recognized biologist and author of "The Biology of Belief ", is a leader in teaching about the science of epigenetics  [4]. His scientific experiments prove that your perception or beliefs, affect your health. His studies show that even if you have a gene for a certain disease, it is your beliefs that can turn that genetic issue off or on. In the acclaimed paper The Placebo Effect .[5]  you will see documentation regarding the placebo effect specific to Parkinson's patient's motor control.

Dr. H. Steven Greer conducted several studies, including a study with a 15-year follow up on women with breast cancer, and found evidence that attitude is linked to duration and survival of cancer.[6] [ 7] Dr. Greer's study was specific to cancer patients however; his belief extends to the effectiveness of treatment of any disease.

The Placebo Effect - Why is This Important?

We want to start by introducing to you a research paper done entitled "The Placebo Effect." Our Reason? The use of Alternative Therapies is widespread in both medical and non-medical use. However, the general rule of thought among even the most skeptic physician is, "If it makes them think they feel better, then it has accomplished something."

Many medical professionals are integrating alternative therapies into their practices because they see the value in the use of these therapies when the medical system has failed to deal effectively with an illness. What they accomplish, physiologically and emotionally only, extends well beyond "feel good and the resulting health benefits can not be denied."

There is tremendous validity in the therapies suggested here, however, we feel it important you understand the power of the mind and the relation to the Placebo Effect. When modern medicine negatively effects a patients comfort and possibly creates additional dis-comfort, offering the patient an alternative they think will help them, can do wonders for alleviating the issue and go far in accomplishing the task.

There is clinical evidence these therapies may have a positive impact on the patients health. As therapies, they are not placebos however, like medications, what works for one, may not work for another.

The Placebo Effect is an interesting study of clinical trials where control groups were given nothing more than a sugar pill and were told the pill would alleviate symptoms, and in a high percentage of cases, their symptoms diminished or disappeared altogether.

Does that mean the patient was simply stressed or imagining their symptoms? No, it simply means, the mind is powerful and has the ability to change a physiological response to a dis-comforting issue when given the opportunity to think positive thoughts.

Alternative Therapies include teaching positive thought and affirmation and can interact with or change the body's chemistry to have a definitive and positive impact on the system. Improving the quality of life is the greatest impact of all for both patient and caregiver.

Our Alternative Therapies Consultant is Regina Hucks. Raised by a University Professor of Quantum Physics and a Master Chef, it’s no wonder Regina chose to study the science behind essential oils, the benefits of body work and the importance of whole nutrition. She holds Certification in both Clinical Aromatherapy and Therapeutic Massage. Her focus over the years has been working with depression and anxiety disorders, the chronically and terminally ill and dementia diseases and disorders. She is diligent in her extensive research in these areas. She works closely with licensed and certified healers of other alternative therapies. Regina educates her clients well of the important role whole nutrition plays in promoting cellular health, emotional stability and physical healing as well as the benefits of  using alternative therapies as a path to wellness in everyday life.

She is available to answer your questions. Feel free to email her through the link below. You will find a short questionnaire to fill out that will better serve her in providing the answers you are looking for. The link to her  Alternative Therapies for Dementia Care Blog is below. Please join us for more in depth information.