2. Background Information
According to the NCCAM, Americans use some form of
complementary and alternative medicine methods to
maintain their health.
A NHIS survey (2007) conducted showed that approx. 38%
of Americans used CAM to maintain or enhance daily well-
being.
This NCCAM fact sheet
(http://nccam.nih.gov/health/whatiscam) provides
additional information such as:
Defining CAM
Types of CAM
Safety and effectiveness when using CAM
The role of the NCCAM
Additional Information concerning CAM
3. Defining Complementary Alternative
Medicine (CAM)
The NCCAM defines Complementary Alternative
Medicine (CAM) as:
“A group of diverse medical and health care systems,
practices, and products that are not presently considered to
be part of conventional medicine. Complementary medicine
is used together with conventional medicine and alternative
medicine is used in place of conventional medicine.”
4. Defining Homeopathy
The NCCAM defines homeopathy as:
“An alternative medical system that was developed in
Germany more than 200 years ago.”
Supporters subscribe to two unconventional
methods:
“like cures like” - the notion that a disease can be cured by
a substance that produces similar symptoms in healthy
people
“law of minimum dose” - the notion that the lower the
dose of the medication, the greater its effectiveness.
5. Examples of Alternative Medicine
Natural Products:
Herbal medicines, vitamins, minerals, dietary
supplements and probiotics
Mind and Body Medicine:
Meditation, yoga, acupuncture, deep-breathing
exercises, guided imagery, hypnotherapy, progressive
relaxation, qi gong, and tai chi
Manipulative and Body-Based Products:
Spinal manipulation and massage therapy
Other CAM practices:
Movement therapies, energy manipulation therapies,
and whole medical systems therapies
6. Examples of Homeopathy
Homeopathic pharmacists use two main groups of substances
when making their medicines:
Organic Materials – plants, animals, nosodes (derived from
disease tissues)
Inorganic Materials – chemicals, metals, and minerals
Nomenclature – The first two words in a homeopathic remedy
are its Latin designation, which is followed by the potency
(degree of dilution) and then by the type of the medicine carrier
substrate.
Manufacture - A homeopathic remedy is prepared by mixing one
part of the original substance (called "the mother tincture" if it is
derived from a plant) and nine parts of a solvent. This mixture is
then vigorously shaken at least forty times.
7. Defining Acid Reflux (GERD)
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a condition
in which the stomach contents (food or liquid) leak
backwards from the stomach into the esophagus.
This action can irritate the esophagus and damage its
lining.
Causes include: alcohol, hiatal hernia, obesity,
pregnancy, and different medications
Symptoms include: heartburn, nausea after eating,
regurgitation, coughing or wheezing, difficulty
swallowing, hiccups, hoarseness, sore throat
8. Common Alternative Medicine
Practices for Acid Reflux (GERD)
Herbal Remedies:
Licorice, slippery elm, chamomile, marshmallows
Can interfere with other medications and have serious
side effects
Relaxation Therapies:
Progressive muscle relaxation and guided imagery
Relaxation techniques used to calm stress and anxiety
Acupuncture:
Involves the insertion of thin needles in specific points
on the body
Small study cited acupuncture techniques as a means to
help people suffering from persistent heartburn
9. Common Homeopathic Practices for
Acid Reflux (GERD)
Nux Vomica: The Penultimate Acid Reflux Treatment
According to William Boericke, it helps relieve stomach
pain symptoms such as: burning, bloating, flatulence,
constipation, nausea and belching.
Side effects may include: body aches of all kinds and
feelings of weakness.
Boericke also states, “The person needing Nux Vomica is
generally perceived as a workaholic or one who indulges
his or her appetite for excesses in all things. The patient
tends to be dictatorial, bossy, impatient and
aggressive.”
10. Common Homeopathic Practices for
Acid Reflux (GERD)
Arsenicum Album for GERD Symptoms Caused by Spoiled
Food or Food Poisoning
According to Boericke, it helps relieve severe burning pains from
acid in the stomach with food backing up into the esophagus
accompanied by burning pain all the way up to the throat.
Symptoms of this may include: severe, watery, burning, yellow
diarrhea with terrible burning in the rectum and anus.
Boericke states, “The person needing arsenicum may be thirsty
for continual sips of cool water, restless, anxious and fearful.”
11. Common Homeopathic Practices for
Acid Reflux (GERD)
Pulsatilla for Relief from Reflux Symptoms and GERD
with Weeping
It is said to relieve acid reflux pains that feel like digestive
acid is burning a hole in the lining of the stomach, as well
as symptoms when the person feels over-stuffed after
eating.
Symptoms may include: flatulence at the same time from
putrefaction emitting gasses and the patient is not thirsty,
often feels warm and prefers open, cool air or going
outside.
Is often given to relieve GERD symptoms when the patient
is weepy, desires company, does not like being left alone
and is prescribed more commonly for women than men.
12. Common Natural Remedies for Acid
Reflux (GERD)
Remedies to help long term include:
Balance your hydrochloric acid levels
Change your diet
Digestive enzymes
Increase your Vitamin D
Frequent exercise
Remedies for fast relief:
Raw organic apple cider vinegar: calms stomach, helps digestion
Baking soda: natural antacid
Organic Aloe Vera juice: aids in digestion
Glutamine: anti-inflammatory, reduces intestinal inflammation
Herbal licorice: coats the stomach with a protective gel
