Welcome to alternative healing. We hope you find the information here educational, useful, and inspiring, to give you both hope and some direction in restoring your health naturally. Because of my ongoing committment to such research, I work each Friday on special research in stress management, exercise physiology, nutrition and fitness. What I learn that is safe, simple, and effective I share with you, either here on the website or in my clinic if you see us for health care. I also welcome your comments, ideas or suggestions about health issues. We are always grateful for your help and your interaction, and we truly appreciate your involvement.

  

   We  hope you enjoy what you will read here, but before you start we want to offer you a WORD OF WARNING:  cell phones and computers are two of the most dangerous things in your environment because they expose you to EMFRs (ELECTRO-MAGNETIC FREQUENCY RADIATION) which is linked to cancer of the brain as well as other cancers.  A simple device called a DIODE can block EMFRs from your cell phones and computers, and significantly decrease your EMFR exposure and risk of cancer.

Cancer Treatment:  Germany is winning the fight against Cancer 

 

 

 

Pediatric Health

Smart From the Start

These days, it's difficult to tell if parents emphasize, and their children pursue, higher education and training to secure a financial future and gain socioeconomic status, or simply to develop themselves intellectually. Regardless of the motivation, it's becoming increasingly clear that developing early cognitive abilities helps secure one thing for certain: cognitive abilities in the future. Case in point: A birth cohort study was conducted in the 1960s, consisting of 5,362 people born in England, Scotland and Wales during one week in 1946. The 15-year-old subjects were given the AH4, a test to measure memory, concentration and speed. In 1999, there were 2,058 53-year-old subjects available who met the criteria for further testing. The subjects, while older, were not necessarily wiser. Numerous subjects who gave the indication of declining memory were consistent with those who, in childhood, achieved lower test scores. Though it is still unclear if test results in adult life make their mark on the memory in later life, this study underscores the need to foster intellectual growth in children - and before it's too late. This study showed that although some of the subjects who scored low as children, yet were able to attain higher scores as adults, still experienced a decline in memory with age compared to those who were "smart from the start." Reference: Richards M, Shipley B, Fuhrer R, Wadsworth MEJ. Cognitive ability in childhood and cognitive decline in mid-life: longitudinal birth cohort study. BMJ Mar. 6, 2004;328(7439),pp 552.

Sports & Fitness

Tai Chi for Health

Tai chi is an ancient practice that combines breathing techniques, meditation and body movements performed in slow-motion. Although first taught as a form of self-defense, tai chi is now practiced by millions of people worldwide as a means of reducing stress, promoting balance and flexibility, and enhancing well-being. A recent study examined the role tai chi can play in treating heart failure. In the trial, 30 patients with chronic stable heart failure (average age 64) were randomized to receive either "usual care" (consisting of drug therapy and diet/exercise counseling), or usual care plus 12 weeks of tai chi training. Tai chi training consisted of a one-hour tai chi class held twice weekly. To measure changes between groups, the researchers incorporated a variety of tests, including a quality of life questionnaire and an exercise capacity test. At the end of 12 weeks, patients in the tai chi group had significantly improved quality of life scores compared to the usual care-only group (an average of 25 points higher among tai chi patients). In addition, patients in the tai chi group were able to walk longer distances without difficulty, and had lower levels of B-type natriuretic peptides (an indicator of heart failure) than usual care-only patients. The researchers concluded that tai chi "may be a beneficial adjunctive treatment that enhances quality of life and functional capacity in patients with chronic heart failure who are already receiving standard medical therapy." Reference: Yeh GY, Wood MJ, Lorell BH, et al. Effects of tai chi mind-body movement therapy on functional status on exercise capacity in patients with chronic heart failure: a randomized controlled trial. American Journal of Medicine Oct. 15, 2004;117(8):541-548.

Women's Health

Women: One More Reason Not to Stress Out

Women, don't let this news stress you out, but a new study has found that stress can lead to increased pain during menstrual cycles. The study, published in a recent issue of the Journal of Occupational & Environmental Medicine, tracked 388 young women, ages 20- to 34-years-old, through over 1,000 menstual cycles. According to the study, approximately 44 percent of the participants noted having painful periods, which was characterized by at least two days of abdominal or low-back pain during a cycle. Reseachers found that those women with high stress levels during the preceding month were 2.4 times as likely to have a painful period during the following cycle compared to their low stress counterparts. And women that reported having medium stress levels were 1.2 times as likely to have a painful period during the following cycle. The researchers suggested that women with painful menstrual cycles should try to reduce the stress in their lives. If you are a woman that suffers from painful periods, ask your doctor of chiropractic to recommend a treatment plan. Routine chiropractic care not only helps with pain relief, but also facilitates stress relief. Reference: Wang L. Occupational & Environmental Medicine. Dec 2004;61: 1021-1026.

Senior Health

CDC Reports Prescription Drug Use on the Rise

A recent report issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) revealed the extent to which prescription drug use has affected Americans, and the news is less than encouraging. The report, which compared data from 1994 with data from 2002, showed that the percentage of the U.S. population taking at least one prescription drug rose sharply between 1994 and 2000, from 39.1 percent to 44.3 percent. Leading this increase was the number of people taking three or more prescription drugs, which increased from 11.8 percent to 16.5 percent. Sadly, these increases were seen in all age groups: 3.7 percent of children age 18 years and younger were taking three or more prescription drugs in 2000, reflecting an increase of more than 50 percent from 1994. And as of 2000, a whopping 83.9 percent of seniors took one or more prescription drugs, up more than 10 percentage points from 73.6 percent in 1994. Interestingly, the percentage of seniors taking one to two prescription drugs decreased slightly, while the percentage taking three or more drugs increased by more than one-third to 47.6 percent. There's no doubt that prescription drug use has been increasing for decades. Yet the trend toward taking multiple drugs is more recent. If you are taking one or more prescription medications, ask your physician if there are any other viable alternatives. And remember, if you are taking prescription drugs for pain, regular chiropractic care may render your need for drugs unnecessary.   Reference: Health, United States, 2004, With Chartbook on Trends in the Health of Americans. National Center for Health Statistics. Hyattsville, Maryland, 2004.

Acupuncture & Asian Healing

Tai Chi for Health

Tai chi is an ancient practice that combines breathing techniques, meditation and body movements performed in slow-motion. Although first taught as a form of self-defense, tai chi is now practiced by millions of people worldwide as a means of reducing stress, promoting balance and flexibility, and enhancing well-being. A recent study examined the role tai chi can play in treating heart failure. In the trial, 30 patients with chronic stable heart failure (average age 64) were randomized to receive either "usual care" (consisting of drug therapy and diet/exercise counseling), or usual care plus 12 weeks of tai chi training. Tai chi training consisted of a one-hour tai chi class held twice weekly. To measure changes between groups, the researchers incorporated a variety of tests, including a quality of life questionnaire and an exercise capacity test. At the end of 12 weeks, patients in the tai chi group had significantly improved quality of life scores compared to the usual care-only group (an average of 25 points higher among tai chi patients). In addition, patients in the tai chi group were able to walk longer distances without difficulty, and had lower levels of B-type natriuretic peptides (an indicator of heart failure) than usual care-only patients. The researchers concluded that tai chi "may be a beneficial adjunctive treatment that enhances quality of life and functional capacity in patients with chronic heart failure who are already receiving standard medical therapy." Reference: Yeh GY, Wood MJ, Lorell BH, et al. Effects of tai chi mind-body movement therapy on functional status on exercise capacity in patients with chronic heart failure: a randomized controlled trial. American Journal of Medicine Oct. 15, 2004;117(8):541-548.

General Health

Forgiveness for Your Health

Thinking negative thoughts and feeling angry are never good for your physical, mental and emotional health; often, these feelings are associated with harboring old grudges toward others. A recent article in the January issue of Havard Women's Health Watch suggests that letting go of old resentment can improve your health. In a word, "forgiveness" is key. The article, "Five for 2005: Five Reasons to Forgive," outlines how forgiveness can positively affect your health by helping to reduce stress; improve heart function; build stronger interpersonal relationships; reduce levels of pain and anxiety; and increase happiness. And a study published a few years ago in the journal Circulation concluded that angry people are three times more likely to suffer sudden cardiac arrest than their less angry counterparts. If you are holding on to old feelings of bitterness and resentment, consider doing yourself a favor by extending forgiveness to those who have hurt you. Your mind, body and spirit will benefit in the long run. References: Five for 2005: five reasons to forgive. Harvard Women's Health Watch. Jan. 2005. www.health.harvard.edu/hhp/publication/view.do?name=W Williams JE, Paton CC, Siegler IC, et al. Anger proneness predicts coronary heart disease risk: prospective analysis from the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study. Circulation 2000; 101: 2034-39.

Cancer Treatments:  Germany is winning the fight against Cancer

German Cancer Therapies Dr. Morton Walker   From the cover:   Germany is winning the fight against cancer   Progressive European oncologists have unlocked the secrets to winning the battle against many types of cancer.  With comprehensive information about their successful approaches, this powerful book offers new hope for those facing the fight of their lives.   In clinics all across Germany, doctors hove achieved a fully documented 88% remission rate in Their cancer patients using natural nontoxic treatments.   This inspiring and informative book relates the stories of many patient who have seen real remarkable results from innovative treatments such as porcine spleen extract Venus’ flytrap juice. hyperthermia, galvanotherapy. special nutritional supplements, and many others. And unlike here in The United States, in Europe these therapies are not considered alternative medicine, but rather accepted approaches ‘a fighting Cancer.   In GERMAN CANCER THERAPIES, Dr Morton Walker discusses seven cutting-edge treatment programs, with careful and medically responsible consideration given to The pros and cons of each. He also includes the following resources:   • A list of progressive professional health associations to contact for more information • An extensive list of progressive American physicians who offer alternative treatments.   As the cover of the book called “German Cancer Therapies,” reports, right now, today, in Germany, using natural, non-toxic methods, German doctors have achieved a documented 88% remission rate in their cancer patient. When I tell people this, and ask them to read the book for themselves, they are shocked, angered, and in denial that such a thing can be.   They ask us if this is true why don’t the television networks tell people this? Why don’t the American doctors know about this, and practice those same methods? The reason, sadly, is pretty simple and very frustrating:   The drug companies own the media and the FDA and the legislators, state and federal, to a high degree. Why? Because the drug companies have unimaginable wealth and that buys political power. They want you ignorant, that way you don’t know there are options, alternatives, choices. If you are ignorant, you don’t expect anything but what they allow you to see. If, however, you discover there are alternatives and you have the right to learn about them and use them, you become a danger and threat to their economic and political control, This is the exact reason why alternative practitioners are attacked, discredited and prosecuted - not because they did anything wrong, no, indeed, they are punished for doing the RIGHT thing, being honest, telling you the truth, giving you hope and options, while the drug companies and the doctors they brainwash are lifted up as shining examples of good health care. If that were true, why then do German doctors save more lives by using natural methods?

Your body pH affects everything

Your body pH affects everything... Balancing the pH is a major step toward well-being and greater health. The pH scale is from 0 - 14   0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 healthy 8 9 10 11 12 13 14     Human blood pH should be slightly alkaline ( 7.35 - 7.45 ). Below or above this range means symptoms and disease. A pH of 7.0 is neutral. A pH below 7.0 is acidic. A pH above 7.0 is alkaline. An acidic pH can occur from, an acid forming diet, emotional stress, toxic overload, and/or immune reactions or any process that deprives the cells of oxygen and other nutrients. The body will try to compensate for acidic pH by using alkaline minerals. If the diet does not contain enough minerals to compensate, a build up of acids in the cells will occur.   An acidic balance will: decrease the body's ability to absorb minerals and other nutrients, decrease the energy production in the cells, decrease it's ability to repair damaged cells, decrease it's ability to detoxify heavy metals, make tumor cells thrive, and make it more susceptible to fatigue and illness. A blood pH of 6.9, which is only slightly acidic, can induce coma and death.   The reason acidosis is more common in our society is mostly due to the typical American diet, which is far too high in acid producing animal products like meat, eggs and dairy, and far too low in alkaline producing foods like fresh vegetables. Additionally, we eat acid producing processed foods like white flour and sugar and drink acid producing beverages like coffee and soft drinks. We use too many drugs, which are acid forming; and we use artificial chemical sweetners like NutraSweet, Spoonful, Sweet 'N Low, Equal, or Aspartame, which are poison and extremely acid forming. One of the best things we can do to correct an overly acid body is to clean up the diet and lifestyle.   To maintain health, the diet should consist of 60% alkaline forming foods and 40% acid forming foods. To restore health, the diet should consist of 80% alkaline forming foods and 20% acid forming foods. Generally, alkaline forming foods include: most fruits, green vegetables, peas, beans, lentils, spices, herbs and seasonings, and seeds and nuts.   Generally, acid forming foods include: meat, fish, poultry, eggs, grains, and legumes. Shifting Your pH Toward Alkaline...   This chart is for those trying to "adjust" their body pH. The pH scale is from 0 to 14, with numbers below 7 acidic ( low on oxygen ) and numbers above 7 alkaline. An acidic body is a swamp, a sickness magnet.  Being in balance is the key to life and health !

There’s A Reason . . .

As a child I had a great thirst for science, it was, even then, my passion. My mom was a nurse, and instilled in me a curiosity, a love and a respect for life, and a desire to learn how to help others in need. She was a great role model for me, and inspired me to be my best in my life’s work as a doctor. Her medical education was good, she got her degree at a very respected American school of nursing, and helped many thousands of people over the years to improve their health and their lives. When I was ready to begin my medical studies I was living in Germany. I was in the military, but began taking classes at the Freie Universität, in Berlin, where I was stationed. This is one of the premiere european university medical colleges, and a world leader in research in alternative medicine. Many of the most brilliant medical breakthroughs have come from this university, and I am deeply honored and humbled to have been so fortunate as to have studied there. Beyond the core medical curriculum I took many hours of advanced studies in homeopathy, naturopathy, enzyme therapy, nutritional therapy, detoxification, and more. I specifically chose to receive my academic scientific training in Germany because they are the world leader in medical education. Their standards are the highest in the world. Returning to the US to begin practice, I found I was out of place. In Europe, doctors are properly trained to listen to the patients, to take their situations to heart, to understand their feelings, and to always remember that the patients, not the doctors, are in charge of their health, and that the role of a doctor is to help the patients make wise health choices in managing their lives. We intentionally design our clinic, and our services, to reflect these european standards. In America, unfortunately, health care is dominated and controlled by money from the drug companies. They control medical schools and doctors’ training, they control medical research, and they control government agencies like the FDA and CDC as well as many members of the congress and senate involved in health care legislation. We feel this is wrong, because the drug companies goal is to control you and your health, and to limit your understanding to wrongly believe that only drugs and surgery can help you. Clearly there are times when Rx medications or surgery are needed, and we completely support that, but science has definitively proven that 80-90% of all health problems are preventable through proper lifestlye. Likewise, science has confirmed that in 80-90% of such cases, natural, alternative health care is safer, and more effective. Why am I telling you all this? So you understand who we are and what we offer you and your family in health care. You have choices, you decide whether you prefer Rx medications and surgery, or if you prefer alternative options for your personal health issues. Like the picture above, we believe health and healing come more from nature than from Rx drugs. What you decide either way, we will respect and support. Our job is not to control you, our job is to inform you, help you understand the real underlying causes of your health problems, and to help you make wiser, safer, and better health decisions for you and your family. This is the reason why I chose to receive my training in Germany, and why we practice as we do, because to us it makes the most sense, and it works the best. The US is 37th down on the list of nations when it comes to the health of its people. This, despite the fact that Americans spend more on health care each year than any other country in the world. Something is wrong with that picture, that’s why we do things differently here. When it comes to homeopathic remedies, our standards are the same - nothing but the best. You can’t build 1st class health with 4th class care or inferior products. Our homeopathic remedies come from Hahnemann Laboratories, Apex Laboratories, HEEL-USA, Pflüger Laboratories, and Boiron Laboratories - why? Because they maintain our strict european standards when other homeopathic companies do not. Thank you for the honor of working with you for better health naturally. Please contact us if we can be of assistance, and visit our website to learn more about us and our work: www.getyourlifeback.org. James R. Bowman, ND; DNHC, DCP, FAAIM & Staff Alternative Health Concepts - A European Approach to Healing & Health Care 715.341.4949