integral health ireland

HEALTH & HARMONY - Global Therapies Fair 2009

2009-07-01T15:13:00.001+01:00

Exhibit Days: Saturday 29th & Sunday 30th August 2009

As we strive to achieve a better quality of life this latest addition to the Festival of World Cultures promises to offer you a chance to reclaim control over you health and wellbeing and instill harmony from within.

The Health & Harmony Fair, global therapies fair, will be held in the newly refurbished Assembly Room in the County Hall over the 2 days of the Festival. Stands are available, and applications are now being accepted for exhibitors who may wish to showcase a range of therapies, treatments and products from around the world including beauty, holistic and preventative health care as well as mind body and spirit development practices and techniques.

“Health & Harmony” will aim to stimulate minds, revitalise bodies and pamper the senses bringing the public and the professional together in a very special way promoting wellness techniques, therapies and products from around the world.

For more information log onto www.festivalofworldcultures.com or call Aoife on 086 225 7531

Mindful ways through Depression

2009-05-06T00:04:00.008+01:00

You might have heard about Mindfulness in a Buddhist context, but more and more we are hearing about mindfulness being used in medicine and stress reduction. And this is not a flaky therapy. In fact, there is a growing body research which indicates that Mindfulness may be a vital tool for healing and happiness.

The Mindful Way Through Depression, is by a set of a set of leading teachers and researchers in the field, led by Jon Kabat Zinn, a pioneer of Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR). (Jon recently visited Dublin to present a very successful seminar.) He also narrates an accompanying CD which has a number of guided meditations for practicing the techniques outlined in the book.

Mindfulness is a deceptively simple practise, but it is immensely valuable in minimizing the layers of aversion that depressive states of mind seem to perpetuate.

The Mindful Way Through Depression: Freeing Yourself from Chronic Unhappiness: Guided Meditation Practices for the Mindful Way Through Depression

By (author) Mark Williams, By (author) John Teasdale, By (author) Zindel V. Segal, By (author) Jon Kabat-Zinn, Narrator Jon Kabat-Zinn

€13.45 with free postage to Ireland from Book Depository.

Big Mind comes to Ireland

2009-01-11T01:07:00.001Z

January 25, 2009 - Dublin, Ireland.

Big Mind / Big Heart Process

Description: Join Debora Prieto for Big Mind / Big Heart Process in Dublin.

Enjoy an experience of Big Mind and Co-create a Prosperous Future.

What if you could have a real and tangible experience of being One and
then consciously take your life to the next level?

The Big Mind / Big Heart Process was first developed in 1999 by western Zen
Master Dennis Genpo Merzel Roshi of the Kanzeon Zen Center in Salt Lake City,
Utah. After thirty years of teaching, he wanted to give people an experience of
their True Nature, without the need for them to have five, ten, or even twenty
years of meditation practice.

The Big Mind / Big Heart Process delivers this outcome!

About the teacher: Debora trained intensively in Salt Lake City, Utah over the
past two years with Genpo Roshi, his staff, and Diane Hamilton, his successor
in the lineage in this process. Debora Prieto teach internationally. Her work is
based on Ken Wilber´s Integral Theory, the Big Mind Process developed by the
Western Zen Master Genpo Roshi, the teachings of Andrew Cohen, and the
simplicity and the wisdom of Eckhart Tolle.

Location: St. Teresa's Church, Clarendon Street, Dublin
Time: 9.30 - 6pm
Cost: E100

To register please email max.leone@hotmail.com

A message from Tranquility House

2008-05-30T21:01:00.006+01:00

A group of like minded people and myself are in the
process of setting up a new pilot programme for a community based Counselling,
and Holistic Centre specifically for young adults regardless of race, colour,
creed and or sexuality. This Counselling and Holistic Centre will be a
place where young adults will be treated with respect, empathy, and
understanding in a confidential and impartial manner. Trust is a
very big issue with young people especially if their trust has been abused and
betrayed therefore they may find it extremely hard to open up for one to one
counselling so they may need to avail of one of centre's non invasive Holistic
Therapies to help them to unwind prior to Counselling or they may need a
combination of both therapies. Every young person who avails of the
centres services will be shown that despite the odds they can grow into fully
functioning adults who can have a happy and enjoyable life and who can make a
valuable contribution to society. They deserve that right. Heaven
forbid but the next statistic could be your child, grandchild, brother, sister,
niece, nephew or friend. We are in the process of putting together 2
research groups for our charity and we are appealing to qualified Counselling
and Holistic therapists to join one of the groups who will researching,
planning and producing counselling and Holistic Programmes specifically for
young adults. I am appealing to people and companies who are of the same
opinion as us to please support us in our quest to help these vulnerable young
adults. As we are only starting off we have very little funds in our
account so therefore we cannot afford to pay for advertisments. Would it
be possible for you to please advertise our charity appealing to your members to
help us out. Whatever you can do to help us will be greatly
appreciated. All help and support will be acknowledged on our web site
which is under construction at the moment. Thank you for taking the time to
read this e-mail. Looking forward to hearing from you. Yours
sincerely, Eithne Dunne, Project Manager.

There follows some info on Tranquillity house project:

Introduction to Tranquillity House

Ireland is now a multi cultural society and growing very fast. In fact the Irish population is growing a lot faster than the services it has or needs to accommodate the Irish population. Therefore it is inevitable that there is going to
be a lot of people who will feel very isolated which in turn will make
them vulnerable, lonely, frightened, and under a lot of pressure and
at a great disadvantage in particular young adults.

Tranquillity House will be a place where
young adults can call in for a chat with qualified therapists.
The therapists will be there to support and help them sort through their
problems in a safe and secure environment. They will be treated
with respect, empathy, and understanding in a confidential and impartial
manner.

Trust is a very big issue with young
people especially if their trust has been abused and or betrayed and
they may find it extremely hard to open up for one to one counselling
so they may need to avail of one of Tranquillity House non evasive Holistic
Therapies to help them to unwind prior to counselling or they may need
a combination a holistic therapy and counselling.

Organisations Objective

To improve the mental, emotional and
spiritual health and well being of young adults by providing a professional
and sympathetic counselling and holistic service specifically for troubled
– stressed out young adults.

Organisation Aims

Counselling, Holistic and Art Therapies for young adults.

These therapies can and will enhance a young adult’s life.

Bereavement Counselling in particular counselling for those
who have been bereaved by suicide?

Help and support for those who have attempted suicide

Web Site

The following are Educational Courses that Tranquillity House will attempt to provide
to young people

Self Awareness

Life Coping Skills.

Holistic Therapies.

Art Therapies,

All of the above will help young adults
to grow into happy, grounded and well-balanced adults who can have a
very productive life.

Research shows

The World Health
Organization estimates that
each year approximately one million people die from suicide. A global mortality
rate of 16 per 100,000. One death every 40 seconds.

Suicide rates among young
people have been increasing to such an extent that they are now the
group at highest risk in a third of all countries.

Suicide crosses all sections
of society regardless of financial status, education, race, colour creed
and or sexuality.
Suicide in modern Ireland is a very serious problem. Frightening statistics show that the No. 1 killer of young people in Ireland is not cancer, nor is it road
traffic deaths, it is Suicide.

431 people in Ireland died through suicide in 2005. 353 males and 78 females.

In fact, suicide devastates over 400 families per year in Ireland.

Statistics also show that over 10,000 people in Ireland attempt suicide every year. Unfortunately the statistics are much higher than that - they are just not registered.
The National Strategy for Suicide Prevention has recorded the overall financial cost of suicide in Ireland in 2000 is over €900 million and over €835 million in
2001.

These frightening statistics prove that there are large amounts of people in this country in particular young people who are in extreme mental and emotional
pain. Take it from those who know these young people feel isolated,
lonely and very very frightened

Please note most people do not want to die they just want the pain in their heads and
hearts to stop.

The trademarks angel therapy and angel therapist

2007-09-26T20:18:00.000+01:00

Holisto would like to apologize to Dr. Doreen Virtue.

Inadvertently we have published trademarks registered by her in listings on our site.

The following brands and trademarks are owned by Doreen Virtue: "Angel Therapy" and "Angel Therapist".

So as to avoid causing offence to Dr. Virtue, I'll be discouraging the use of these terms in future on holisto.

GIOVANNI MACIOCIA visits Galway

2007-09-16T14:13:00.000+01:00

GIOVANNI MACIOCIA
Presents:
Depression, anxiety, chronic fatigue
syndrome & asthma.
Saturday October 6th & Sunday 7th 2007
In the Galway Bay Hotel

PPC are pleased to welcome Giovanni again to share his experience and knowledge with the customers of the Three Treasures range of products. As participants to previous seminars will know, in the course of these Three Treasures seminars, Giovanni
discusses a range of topics beyond the mere application of remedies. Giovanni conducts these lectures in a way that participants learn not only about the remedies but also about the theory of Chinese medicine in general. Giovanni is open to
questions and participants will have the opportunity to ask questions about any aspect of Chinese medicine.

Mental-Emotional Problems

This part of the seminar will discuss the pathology and treatment of common mental-emotional conditions such as depression
and anxiety. The discussion will be preceded by an exploration of the nature of Hun, Po and gui and their clinical relevance in
Chinese medicine.

Respiratory diseases

This part of the seminar will discuss the diagnosis, pattern and treatment with Three Treasures remedies of the following
conditions:
♦ Exterior invasions of Wind: how to distinguish when a pattern is exterior, when it is interior, how to distinguish between
Wind-Cold and Wind-Heat.
♦ The consequences of an invasion of Wind: residual pathogenic factor, phlegm in the lungs, cough.
♦ Asthma
♦ Allergic rhinitis

The discussion of respiratory diseases will be centred on the 4 levels which provide the essential framework to treat such
conditions effectively. Giovanni has had a special interest in this part of Chinese medicine and has extensive experience in the
treatment of such conditions.

Post-viral Fatigue Syndrome
This part of the seminar will discuss the aetiology, pathology, diagnosis and treatment of post-viral fatigue syndrome. In
particular, it will highlight the pathology of residual pathogenic factor and latent heat, with the appropriate treatment with Three
Treasures remedies.

Contact PPC on 091 753222 to book a place on the course.

Dún Laoghaire Festival of World Cultures Yoga and Holistic workshops

2007-08-18T18:31:00.000+01:00

Rebekah at the Dún Laoghaire Festival of World Cultures has sent me the following info about yoga and other workshops on a holistic theme next weekend. Get there early - there is always a throng at this huge event ;-)

There is more info at the festival website, with info on Drumming workshops, Tibetan Singing bowls, and all kinds of cool stuff as well as the below:

Beyond Harmony Centre
Saturday 25th & Sunday 26th
Booking: Central Ticket Bureau « 01 448 7777 « www.ctb.ie

MIND, BODY, SOUL
Learn the techniques and healing powers of Eastern practices with a series of classes prepared especially to relax and re-energise festival souls. A native of Nepal, Nabin Thapa, is a yoga teacher, reiki master, Thai masseuse and founder of Kathmandu Centre of Healing (Nepal) and Beyond Harmony (Ireland).

Saturday August 25th

KIDS YOGA · 11am · 7 - 13 yrs · €5
Yoga postures, breathing and relaxation techniques to catch your child’s imagination.

HAND MASSAGE · 12.15pm · adults · €7
A complete sequence from the ancient Thai massage tradition; win the favour of loved ones.

INDIAN HEAD MASSAGE · 2.30pm · adults · €7
Replace tension with relaxation to still a busy mind, relieving both physical and mental stress.

NADA BRAHMA · 4pm · adults · €7
A sitting Meditation practice using Sound Vibrations as the object of focus.

HATHA YOGA · 5.30pm · adults · €7
A complete practice for vitality and wellbeing, balance body, unwind the mind, lift your spirits.

YOGA NIDRA · 7pm · adults · €7
A complete physical, mental and emotional relaxation, bringing the benefits of 4 hours sleep.

Sunday August 26th

KIDS YOGA · 11am · 7 - 13 yrs · €5
Yoga postures, breathing and relaxation techniques to draw on their of sense of fun.

JELA NETI · 12.15pm · adults · €7
A cleansing practice using salt water to clear the nasal passages and allow you to breath freely.

THAI MASSAGE DEMO · 1.15pm · adults · €7
This ancient art is like a dance between giver and receiver, making it a joy to receive or watch.

ASHTANGA YOGA · 3.30pm · adults · €7 Coordinated with breath, a conscious control of energy flows within the body and inner focus.

MANTRA / BHAJAN · 5pm · adults · €7
Mantra and Bhajan are used to create a fun fusion of voice, drum and sound vibrations.

SPIRIT DANCE · 6pm · teens to adults · Free
Instrumental music, rhythm and dance to express your creative side and end the festival on a high.

Places for workshops and classes are limited so please book in advance. Various short form massage therapies available each day for passer-bys.

The Truth about Omega3 Supplements

2007-02-21T16:02:00.000Z

An item on todays Pat Kenny show on RTE Radio one prompted me to send off the following email:

Dear Pat

I was intrigued to hear your interview with Doctor Sarah Jarvis of the CLO3 Foundation. I have had an interest in omega 3s for some time, and am excited by the range of potential uses. However, only recently have I noticed Cod Liver Oil being promoted as the best source of omega 3s, and I was very surprised that Dr. Jarvis did not draw the key distinction between Fish Liver Oils, and Fish *Body* Oils.

I have noticed that Seven Seas have had a large advertising campaign promoting their Cod Liver Oil products in the same vein.

After your interview, I checked the CLO3 website, and it turns out that CLO3

"has been set up supported by an educational grant from Seven Seas Cod Liver
Oil, Haliborange and Pulse Fish Oils".

Actually these are all Seven Seas products.

Why does this matter?

Well, while Cod Liver Oil contains omega 3s they make up the smaller part of
the oil. For all the omega 3s ingested one must also ingest alot of
accompanying Vitamin A. The problem is that Vitamin A is toxic if taken in
too large a dose. The best source of Omega 3s is fish *body* oil, which
comes in supplements going up to 90% omega3 content. Unlike Cod Liver Oil,
fish *body* oil has no known toxicity level. This is especially relevant
when taking omega 3s in high doses as part of an depression regime for
intance (as recommended Dr. Servan Schreiber who also has been interviewed on
RTE radio).

[ Incidentally, on the subject of safety, Seven Seas fared very badly in a
report by the Food Safety Authority of Ireland on contaminants in fish oil
capsules in 2002. Presumably they have had to get their act together to meet
new EU legal limits in this area. I am not expert on the following, but
pollutants tend to be fat soluble and get concentrated in livers of fish
high in the food chain. Fish body oil from smaller species tend to be purer
apparently. Eskimos by the way in recent decades have had huge problems cances caused by
PCBs ]

I believe that omega threes show great medical potential, but marketing Cod
Liver Oil as the best form of omega 3s muddies the water un-necessarily. The
best way to obtain omega3s is in pure phamaceutical grade fish body oil
capsules - a number of excellent brands are available.

So it is disppointing to have an interview on omega 3s dominated by the
commercial need of Seven Seas to sell their Cod Liver Oil.

Best regards, Daniel Dunne

The supplement I use is called OM3 from http://www.isodisnatura.net/. They don't pay me to promote it by the way. Also good are Equazen's EyeQ range and Omegabrite.

Nutrition and Hysteria

2007-02-17T00:44:00.000Z

There has been some good coverage recently about issues and controversies surrounding health and nutrition. The BBC broadcasted The Truth about Food, exploding some received wisdoms as myths, while supporting others. This is a complex area, and every nugget of information has to be tested.

For instance received wisdoms about drinking 2 litres of water a day, and now coming under attack, as is the whole notion of detox diets.

Some media stars are even under personal attack. Ben Goldacre, whose work I admire, turned up on The Panel, to bash the Gillian McKeith school of thought about nutrition. Ben rightly pointed out the strong role of social factors (income, status, exclusion) in health. McKeith's qualifications also came under deserved scrutiny.

Goldacre has a more formidable opponent in Patrick Holford. Holford impressed on recent appearances promoting his book Food is the Best Medicine. The Holford and Goldacre spat makes for interesting reading:

Goldacres initial article on Holford on Jan 6th in the Guardian

Holfords Reply on the Guardian's letter page (Feb 16th)

Goldacre has another go (Feb 17th)

Goldacre and Holford have also taken the argument to the British Medical Journal.

Goldacre's BMJ article published on his own Bad science website

Holford's response to Goldacre's BMJ Article in context on the BMJ Letter's page

Make your own mind up who is most convincing!

Greystones Happy Pear makes me happy

2006-11-30T16:04:00.000Z

It's always nice to find a new place to eat that ticks a few of the boxes in terms of holistic, or integrally aware requirements. So I was delighted to discover a great place to eat in one of my favourite spots (Greystones). The Happy Pear is a natural food market, selling fruit and veg that is organic, and/or local (not brought on a plane from new zealand like tesco do), and produce that is etchically produced. The hot food is vegetarian and tasty. And the coffee is fine. Oh, I forgot to mention the fruit juices and smoothies, very very tasty.

Out back is parked a ecofuel-powered van that does deliveries. I notice that there is free wireless internet access too. The entrepreneurs who have developed this company are to be commended.

They have a website in development at www.thehappypear.ie

Dermot O' Connor's Healing Code on RTE

2006-10-20T01:46:00.000+01:00

RTE's excellent nationwide program covered holisto member Dermot O' Connor. The item covered Dermot's use of acupuncture in combatting his own illness, Multiple Sclerosis.

To view the program you need Real Player. To watch the item Click here for direct Link

Main RTE Nationwide site here

Dermot O Connor has also published The Healing Code
The book combines Eastern and Western approaches to illness, and includes the psychology of recovery, subconscious and emotional healing, optimum diet and nutrition, detoxing for regeneration, and exercise for health recovery.

Dipping into the dharma

2006-10-08T23:54:00.000+01:00

This weekend I dipped into the vipassana meditation weekend at orlagh retreat centre Ballycullen, which was organised by Dublin Insight Meditation Group . I spent about eight hours under the brialliant guidance of Bhante BodhiDhamma, a teacher in the Mahasi tradition of Theraveda buddhism. It's challenging stuff, you can find lots more about the teachings from thte Satipanya website. Free audio teachings in MP3 format seems to be becoming all the rage on buddhist sites.

Among my favorites: audiodharma and Tara Brach's wonderful talks. Tara is the teacher at Insight Meditation Centre Washington.

Holisto is grateful

2006-08-25T14:04:00.000+01:00

I haven't gotten around to acknowleding on the site all the giants whose shoulders I stand on!

Holisto has had many helpers along the way. Firstly my colleagues in eircom net: Phil Hastings, Niamh Cantillon , Una Burke and Janet Hand, who were partners in the first conception of holisto which we discussed over pints in Reeds of Dame street back in 2000. Special mention to Paul Whyte. Holisto also rests on the efforts of all the open source coders who contribute to mysql, php, apache, linux, and various other tools. Thanks to Doctor Brian Kennedy who originally encouraged me in 1991 to do a FAS course in computers, a prescient choice.

I hope to add to this post as others come to mind. Special mention of thanks to Niall Brosnan, nix guru, who was one fo the first to introduce me to the internet, and an old old friend.

New Chrysalis programme of workshops

2006-07-13T15:56:00.000+01:00

I've been updating the Chrysalis website with their new programme of workshops. On offer, there is a wealth of new presenters and retreats, ranging from Anam Cara Soul Friending, Embracing Change and Primal Zen to The Artist's Way, Introduction to Macrobiotics and Energy Psychology. There are approximately 26 residential workshops and 40 one day workshops to choose from, and bookings are already being taken.

Also in the pipeline is a a holiday to Thailand over the new year hosted by Ann Maria Dunne (founder and director of Chrysalis).

Complementary therapies: Information for consumers

2006-05-24T17:54:00.000+01:00

I'm still digesting the Report of the National Working Group on the Regulation of Complementary Therapists

The department fo health has also published an information leaflet (original here ), which I have reproduced below:

INFORMATION LEAFLET ON COMPLEMENTARY THERAPIES

Introduction

More people now choose to use complementary therapy when managing their health and well being. There are a wide variety of complementary therapies available. The level of qualification and length of training can vary among practitioners. Because of this, it is important to be sure that you make the right choice.

This leaflet aims to help you make informed health care choices. The leaflet has been developed with the help of the National Working Group on the Regulation of Complementary Therapists appointed by the Minister for Health and Children. It does not give information on specific complementary therapies. It does, however, give you some guidelines to keep in mind when you are making health care choices.

See your doctor first

If you are feeling unwell or have a condition which may require medical treatment, you should see your doctor first. This will help to rule out any serious illness. Always tell your doctor about any complementary treatments you are receiving or products you are taking including any products you have bought yourself to use. This is important so that you and your doctor can decide on the most appropriate treatment. Talk things through before making your choice.

Seeing a complementary practitioner

The first time you visit a complementary practitioner you will be asked about your medical history. This includes details about:

any illness or medical conditions you have now or have had in the past,
any treatment you have had for these illnesses or conditions,
any medications you are taking prescribed by your doctor or ones recommended by another complementary practitioner or that you use yourself,
if you are pregnant.

If this is not your first visit and there have been any changes to the information you gave on your first visit - tell your practitioner. Your practitioner needs to know this information to make informed and safe decisions about your treatment. Your practitioner will tell you to see your doctor if they think you have a condition that needs medical treatment. He/she will also tell you when they cannot help you and refer you to a more appropriate practitioner.

Good complementary practitioners will not:

claim that they can cure a specific illness or condition,
tell you to stop seeing your doctor or another complementary practitioner,
tell you to stop taking any medication prescribed by your doctor.

All complementary therapy services must meet the requirements of consumer legislation, which is enforced by the Office of the Director of Consumer Affairs.

Questions you should ask your practitioner

Always ask about the treatment being recommended and how it might react with other treatment or medication. Keep on asking if you don’t understand the answers.
How long the treatment will last and what it will cost. Beware of practitioners who ask for very high fees or pre-payment of fees. If the practitioner is a member of a professional association you should contact the association for advice on average fees.
Always ask about the qualifications your practitioner holds and how long they have trained. Each individual practitioner is responsible for ensuring that he/she is trained and qualified to the level required to work safely within their area of competence. Remember that the level of qualification and length of training can vary among complementary practitioners.
Ask if he/she holds professional indemnity insurance.
Ask if he/she is part of a professional association, if that association is affiliated to a federation and if those organisations have a website.

Important information about medicines and other treatments

You should not change or stop taking prescribed medicines without talking to your doctor. These medicines have been prescribed for you for a reason. To work properly and safely, you need to take them as prescribed by your doctor.

Remember herbal products, supplements and essential oils can interact with other medicines. It is important to keep your doctor and complementary practitioner informed about the different medicines, herbal products or supplements that you are taking. Different treatments can have an effect on each other or can even be dangerous.

[Published by the Department of Health and Children, 2006]

Your health in your hands talks

2006-04-01T02:16:00.000+01:00

A friend alerted me to a fascinating series of talks hosted by Rathfarnham Church of Ireland parish only in time for me to attend the final talk which had a holisto-related topic. The Parish must really be congratulated for spicing up lent with this quality offering. The main speakers were Teri Garvey, chairwoman of the expert group which recently reported to the Department of Health on the Regulation of Complementary Medicine in Ireland and Mark Patrick Hederman, a monk at Glenstal Abbey, Limerick, who spoke about how we can resurrect body, mind and spirit day by day throughout Lent as a preparation for eternal life.

Teri Garvey sang the praises of integrated medicine, giving along the way a whistle-stop tour of the more weighty complementary practices, some of which she has benefitted from in her personal battle with illness. Garvey rattled off references to the more challenging authors in the field such as Larry Dossey. She was a little less respectful to "lay" ideas about "positive thinking", while not mentioning Louise Hay by name, clearly dissing her to those in the know. Illness, it must be acknowledged, is caused by genetics, environment, and "we don't know what".

Mark Patrick Hederman's talk was of a more spiritual nature. While he mused over the prospect of us resurrecting ourselves daily, and recounted a meeting of significance with Iris Murdoch, I pondered over what Teri Garvey's (or rather her group's) report on the regulation of complementary medicine might contain. It is on its way to the minister, I believe, and it has been a long time coming. Rumours are afoot that there is also a minority report being worked on by other members of that group. That could add interest to a process that up to now seems to have shied away from critical issues. Also in attendance was someone who no doubt will get to report on the outcome; Sylvia Thompson of the Irish Times. (I've long since forgiven her for her lapse on the omega3 story...yes... she was looking that sweet! )

Omega 3 balance

2006-03-29T01:50:00.000+01:00

Patrick Holford has an interesting article providing some background on the recently reported research supposedly undermining the case for omega3s. It's not time to throw out the fish oil supplements yet. Says Holford: "There is nothing in this study that makes me cautious about recommending eating oily fish three times a week and/or taking an omega 3 rich fish oil supplement every day, not just for your heart, but also your brain, joints, skin and immune system."

Alternative Medicine: The Evidence on BBC2

2006-01-26T18:10:00.000Z

Alternative Medicine: The Evidence is a new weekly series on BBC2 television,(Tuesdays 9pm) which examines the efficacy of complementary therapies. Presenter Kathy Sykes investigates why science is starting to respond to these centuries-old remedies, starting in the first programme with Acupuncture. The approach starts as sceptical, but uses the scientific method to come to some intriguing conclusions. A team of scientists was recruited to conduct a placebo controlled trial examining whether brain scans could cast any light on what is going on in acupuncture (and it seems a lot is going on, which would explain the use of acupuncture as anaesthetic and for pain relief). Next week Sykes looks at spiritual healing, and in programme 3, she looks at Herbalism. Set the VCR!

More info at the accompanying BBC Website.

Major publication on integral medicine

2005-12-05T22:41:00.000Z

The US based Institute of Noetic Sciences has lauched a major new publication in the field of integrative medicine. Consciousness and Healing: Integral Approaches to Mind-body Medicine draws together article from leading autors in the integrative field, such as Dean Ornish and Larry Dossey. There is a foreward by the leading integral theorist Ken Wilber. A related website provides bonus articles and related links. See http://www.noetic.org/research/ch_book/main.html.
Ken Wilber's foreward is available at the Shambhala Books site: http://wilber.shambhala.com/html/misc/integral-med.pdf

Book Review: Depression, an emotion not a disease

2005-11-24T19:16:00.000Z

The first thing to be said about Depression - An emotion not a disease is that the title does not do it justice. But I understand what Corry and Tubridy are trying to achieve here. They are attempting to capture in a succinct phrase an alternative to the prevailing bio-medical paradigm in which depression is understood and treated by orthodox medicine.
Corry and Tubridy correctly attack the reductionistic model which sees us as a bag of chemicals only. However, to say depression is an emotion, is also somewhat simplistic, unless the word 'emotion' carries a huge range of connotations. For many, the word is associated with a drives model of psychology, or what I have seen referred to as the 'hydraulic model'. The notion of drives, perverted, sublimated, supressed, repressed, became a leading model in its own right through its popularisation by Freud. In any case, the model outlined by Corry and Tubridy is a lot more complicated that the word emotion would suggest. In fact, this book offers something approaching an integrative account of depression and its treatment. In this regard, it is part of a movement being championed by David Shervan Schreiber and others.

This is a valuable and necessary book, and one written with passion. Some readers may be familiar with Corry's depression dialogues series which appeared in the Irish Times. The same passion comes through here. Corry rightly excoriates the objectifying tendencies of the biomedical model which completely disqualify subjective experience and interpretation. Scorn is justifiably poured on the pharmaceutical industry which seemingly puts the next quarter profits of its shareholdes before the real long term health of patients.

The challenge is to build a model that appropriately includes the different dimensions of mental problems. The best model I have seen so far is that of Ken Wilber (in theoretical outline). They key is that it incorporates subjective and objective dimensions, the empirical and the interpretative. Thus, exercise, nutrition, family systems, therapy, support, mindfulness, and in certain cases drugs are all potentially part of the solution.

I would argue that the current model discounts the subjective and interpretive dimensions. This objectification of human experience is in fact discounting, shaming, and disempowering. In my own view, it perpertuates depression. The social dimension of depression is only given lipservice as a statistical "factor" in understanding depression. Corry and Tubridy argue for a much richer viewpoint, and one that is more human and caring.

There is a slight tendency for these authors to over-correct and underestimate the physical dimension ( a position known as psychological reductionism). For instance, Tubridy is unrelenting in her assertions in her Panic book that there is no organic or genetic basis for Panic disorder, but there is research extant that clearly points in this direction (Just search medline for info on reactions to sodium lactate of panic disorder sufferers and first degree relatives). But, if I have small quibbles with the Corry and Tubridy model, that does not take away from the valuable alternative they are offering in this area. These pair are pointing in the right direction, and I hope they are joined by others in the development of more integrative models for healing ourselves and our society. They deserve support for their endeavors, and I can recommend this book highly. You can buy it at the link below or at good bookshops.

Alternative Therapies, Fact or Fiction?

2005-09-24T12:30:00.000+01:00

Last week's Late Late Show had an interesting discussion on complementary and alternative medicine in Ireland, under the rubric of "Fact or Fantasy". Among the speakers were a medically trained ayurveda practitioner, a mainstream cancer specialist, Paul O' Donoghue from Irish Skeptics, a rebirther speaking for FICTA (the Federation of Irish Complementary Therapy Associations), and a smattering of complementary practitioners in the audience. Unfortunately there is no video download of the discussion on the RTE site.

The alternative practitioners were mostly on the defensive as they distinguished themselves from the activities of Dr. Carmody and Monik Kamper. Also, bunched together, complementary therapies came under a generalised attack for being irrational.

Missing from the program was the concept of integrative medicine, which combines conventional medical treatments and alternative treatments for which there is some high-quality scientific evidence of their safety and effectiveness. See http://integrativemedicine.arizona.edu
There is plenty of peer research going on, as evidenced in the journal Alternative Therapies.

In the meantime, complementary practitioners can serve themselves well by keeping their claims in perspective and holding not slipping into fantasy and wish fulfillment. If alternative medicine could cure cancer, we would know about it. Patients seeking help need to keep a critical perspective, and be aware that there are chancers and worse out there.

BBC's Underground Britain covered the case of Robyn Welch, a self proclaimed psychic surgeon.
(She does 'surgery' over the phone, if you have forked out with your credit card first of course.) Ms Welch struck me as a dangerous and irresponsible lady, full of narcissistic and self deluded irrationality.

Give me Paul O Donoghue before this scary person anyday.

FDA antidepressant advisory for ADULTS and SUICIDALITY.

2005-07-03T22:09:00.000+01:00

Statement by Nuria O'Mahony
Holistic Action Group (founder)

After losing my husband to antidepressant induced suicide in 2003 and obtaining an open verdict during the inquest into his death. I am pleased to welcome the warning released by the FDA on the 30th of June 2005 including ALL ADULTS on their antidepressant warning. I have been campaigning for this kind of warning to be released in Ireland for the last 18 months. After many correspondences with the Irish Medicines Board, The Minister for Health Mary Harney and his predecesor Micheál Martin, Oposition Members, Independent Senator and including the EMEA (the medicines european agency) and European Commission to be IGNORED and no action has been taken. I regret that many people's lives could have been saved if only the regulatory bodies listened to the CONSUMERS and it was a bit more critical of the data provided (or not) by the pharmaceuticals and scrutinised this data on the best interest of the patient, not the pharmaceuticals.

The experience of consumers must be CENTRAL to a modern system for the licensing and regulation of prescription drugs and that reports of adverse reactions by consumers must be given at least as equal weight by the regulator as the clinical trials data supplied by pharmaceutical companies. The clinical trials data cannot be called scientific if it is not ALL available for independent scrutiny to support the findings. This is in the best interest of CONSUMERS.

Today I am demanding immediate action to remedy this misconceived, chaotic situation surrounding antidepressants today in Ireland, specially the family of the SSRIs. The recent EMEA warning regarding paroxetine only goes up to the age of 30 and it does not go as far as their American counterparts have gone....to ALL ADULTS suggesting the POSSIBILITY of an INCREASED RISK FOR SUICIDAL BEHAVIOUR in adults treated with antidepressant medications.This kind of warning is necessary to save lives. There are not similar warnings for the rest of the SSRIs regarding the adult population in Ireland.

The longer it takes for such a warning to be issued in Ireland the longer the Irish people are going to continue to suffer with PREVENTABLE drug induced problems that could end up in suicide as the case of my husband. This warning is DETRIMENTAL for Doctors to realise that following the National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidelines in the treatment of depression is in the best interest of the patient and it would spare upto 67% of depressed people (on antidepressants) suffering with MILD DEPRESSION to go on these tablets unnecessarily causing more harm than good. This is in the best interest of the mildly depressed people of Ireland and it is confirmed in the NICE guidelines by not recommending antidepressants to be prescribed to MILDLY DEPRESSED patients.

This suicide and aggression adverse effect can happen to anyone who takes these drugs regardless of the reason for the prescription. For 15 yrs the pharmaceutical companies have been blaming the patients and the "disease" for the violence and suicides. Doctors and family members MUST be aware that the drug itself can make the patients become aggresive and suicidal.

I call for the appropriate necessary warning to be released in Ireland as soon as possible to save lives.

Nuria O'Mahony
Holistic Action Group (founder)

Warning: Nobody should stop antidepressant medication suddenly without medical supervision as it can cause severe withdraw symptoms, causing HARM. Consult your doctor.

Notes:

Paroxetine PIS document:

FDA alert = CLOSELY WATCH ANYONE TAKING ANTIDEPRESSANTS, ESPECIALLY EARLY IN TREATMENT OR WHEN THE DOSE IS CHANGED. PATIENTS WHO BECOME IRRITABLE OR ANXIOUS, OR HAVE NEW OR INCREASED THOUGHTS OF SUICIDE OR OTHER CHANGES IN MOOD OR BEHAVIOR SHOULD BE EVALUATED BY THEIR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL RIGHT AWAY.

Paroxetine HCP document:

Recommendations = ADULTS being treated with antidepressants should be observed similarly (to pediatric patients-see FDA alert & pediatric reccommendations) for clinical worsening and suicidality, especially during the INITIAL few months of a course of therapy, or at times of dose changes, either increases or decreases. Consideration should be given to changing the therapeutic regimen, INCLUDING possibly DISCONTINUING the MEDICATION, ESPECIALLY IF THESE SYMPTOMS ARE SEVERE, ABRUPT IN ONSET, OR WERE NOT PART OF THE PATIENT'S PRESENTING SYMPTOMS.

Latest patient leaflet SSRIs document:

Warnings-Clinical Worsening and Suicide Risk = Page 2 Although a causal link between the emergence of such symptoms and either the worsening of depression and/or the emergence of suicidal IMPULSES has not been established, there is CONCERN that such symptoms may REPRESENT PRECURSORS to EMERGING SUICIDALITY. Families and Caregivers of ADULTS being treated for depression SHOULD BE SIMILARLY ADVISED (see pediatric advice).

Precautions = Prescribers should INFORM patients, their FAMILIES and their CAREGIVERS about the BENEFITS and RISKS associated with treatment with SSRIs and SHOULD counsel them in its appropriate use See advice under Precautions-Clinical Worsening and Suicide Risk.

Kylie's cancer a wake-up call for us all

2005-05-17T23:59:00.000+01:00

I wish Kylie well, it is a reminder that we are all vulnerable to illness, whether rich, famous, beautiful or otherwise. I noticed the work of Samuel S. Epstein cited in an article by George Monbiot. Dr. Epstein is an internationally recognized authority on avoidable causes of cancer, particularly unknowing exposures to industrial carcinogens in air, water, the workplace, and consumer products--food, cosmetics and toiletries, and household products including pesticides--besides carcinogenic prescription drugs. He argues that these environmental toxins can explain the rising incidence of cancer in the west, and the website of the coalition he has established on the issue is full of useful resources. See: http://www.preventcancer.com/
Below is an excerpt from their 2003 publication "Stop Cancer BEFORE IT STARTS CAMPAIGN - How to Win the Losing War Against Cancer."

COMMON CAUSES OR RISK FACTORS FOR BREAST CANCER (45)

ENVIRONMENTAL AND OCCUPATIONAL
Diets high in animal and dairy fats contaminated with
carcinogenic, estrogenic and endocrine disruptive pollutants.
Exposure to carcinogenic chemical pollutants from
neighboring chemical plants or hazardous waste sites.
Workplace exposure to a wide range of carcinogens.

MEDICAL
Oral contraceptives, particularly with early and prolonged use.
Estrogen replacement therapy, particularly with high doses and prolonged use.
Ionizing radiation from diagnostic procedures, particularly fluoroscopy.
Ionizing radiation from premenopausal mammography screening, with early and repeated exposures.
Nonhormonal prescription drugs, such as some antihypertensives.
Silicone gel breast implants, especially those wrapped in polyurethane foam.

LIFESTYLE
Alcohol, with early and excessive use.
Tobacco, with early and excessive use.
Consumer products contaminated by carcinogenic ingredients or contaminants, such as: dark hair dyes, with early and prolonged use; meat contaminated with estrogenic and other hormones following implantation of cattle with hormones prior to slaughter; and milk contaminated with excess IGF-1 levels following injection of cows with genetically engineered bovine growth hormone (rBGH).
Inactivity and sedentary lifestyle.
Nulliparity or delayed parity, and failure to lactate.

Primetime investigates complementary health dangers

2005-05-08T21:15:00.000+01:00

RTE's Primetime broadcast an interesting program on the dangers of complementary medicine on Thursday last. See
http://www.rte.ie/news/2005/0505/primetime.html
The well known and tragic story of those affected by the very bad advice of Mineke Kamper was covered. Edzard Ernst was interviewed about the dubious benefits of homeopathy, probably one of the most authoritative voices in the field (see http://education.guardian.co.uk/academicexperts/story/0,1392,1048903,00.html.

However, another issue proved even more alarming. The evidence that strokes may be caused by chiropractic neck manipulation is trully alarming. Hagan McQuaid, President of the Chiropractic Association of Ireland was singularly unconvincing as his claims were knocked down point by point by authoritative mainstream doctors.

For a review of research see:
http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/maney/ptr/2004/00000009/00000001/art00002

Donagh Diamond and RTE are to be complimented for this fine public interest journalism.

Welcome to the editor'sblog

2005-02-25T22:36:00.000Z

Hi all.
A blog, or web log, is an easily updatable online diary.
The purpose of this blog is to accentuate the integral and integrative dimension of www.holisto.com, and giving Daniel a chance to sound off.