Dr. Ben,

I am interested in many aspects of holistic medicine, and would like to pursue a career in the field. I’m not sure how far I want to delve, but I would definitely like to begin somewhere specific and build from that point.

For instance, I want to become a master herbalist. In your naturopathic database blog, you state that the schools listed there are the only ones accredited. I think you mean accredited by a national certifying body. I suppose when you graduate from the school, your certification really is only the certificate they give you..there isn’t a higher level accrediting it. I find it so confusing. The only option I have is home-course study programs for the most part, because I do not live near any of the accredited schools (nor do many mention distance learning).

The people I have spoken to regarding their education (well-known and reputable holistic health practioners, that is) have sometimes received their education from schools like Clayton College. A...

Hi,

I was diagnosed as bi-polar 22 yrs. ago. I am currently on lithium and Wellbutrin.

I would very much like to get off pharmaceuticals, if possible. Do you have any suggestions for something herbal or homeopathic I could take instead. I'm tired of all these side effects.

Would lithium that is sold in health food stores be equivalent to pharmaceutical lithium? Thanks so much for your time and expertise!

Answer:

Peggy -

Bi-Polar is a condition that needs medical supervision.

If you would like to try and get free of the medications, I highly recommend that you find a naturopathic physician in your area.

www.Naturopathic.org

Naturopathic physicians aim to find the underlying cause of medical conditions and often can get patients free of prescriptive drugs.

I have worked with many Bipolar patients and there are some consistent things which, when practiced daily, improve the patient's lifestyle immensely:

- High dose fish oil daily with meals. At least 5 grams a day of fish oil.

- Balanced ...

Even I, as a naturopathic medical student, am awe struck by what I have seen in the last week.

My wife had major ankle surgery to restore movement once again. For two years, we have tried every form of physical medicine and rehabilitation. We managed to maintain some semblance of movement but no way could she point her toes upwards.

After meeting with 10+ orthopedic surgeons, all of which wanted to fuse her ankle joint, my wife's naturopathic physician finally found one that did not. Ankle fusion was not the way to go for her as she is only 28 years old and the outcome of fusion for her is not the best as she is quite young.

Dr Lowinger, a podiatrist, found that her condition was due to ankle arthrosis and may be improved by 'cleaning up the joint space.' This is what I was looking for the last year of searching. It was a welcome alternative to fusion even if it fails. We are at least giving it a shot.

The surgery lasted about 3 hours. A quick summary:

• 5 incisions
  
• calcaneal shif...

A Lithuanian friend of mine asked me about 8 years ago now, "Why is it that you Americans make up names for all sorts of conditions?" I at first defended us stating that we are at the forefront of medical research - therefore, had all the answers and newest medical conditions labeled.

Boy was I wrong.

Boy was he right.

ADHD, in my realm, is a bunk label brought on by pharmaceutical companies and psychologists. More money in the bank. They know parents want their kids best in class and get smiley faces from their teachers.

Now all they hear is, "Jack, I believe your son may be ADHD. You should have him checked out." Thanks. Good tip. People love to be the 'doctor' - knowing all the conditions, terms, diseases - it makes them feel superior for some reason.

Ignore 'em. Your kid is likely fine.

If not fine, and you do see an issue with inattention, hyperactivity and all the other common 'symptoms', then let's address some of them.

What did kids drink mainly, let's say, 10 years ago?

Milk.

No...