The "Cross Training" Support Program ® was developed by Andrew Pacholyk, MS, L.Ac as a multi-layered health system for healing. This great resource is for those looking for a sensible and rational easy-to-use guide to the best researched alternative therapies. Developed and referenced from the foremost experts on nutrition, herbs, acupuncture, exercise, homeopathy, healing touch and the metaphysical arts, this program allows one to use an "across the board" methods in health and healing.
The following maladies are all situations that can be helped with Aromatherapy, Herbal Medicine, Acupuncture, Exercise, Nutrition and Lifestyle Changes, Crystals and/or Homeopathy. These "Complementary Therapies" are the 'cross training program' of Alternative Medicine and is only a jumping point in the healing process. You may access other modalities at the menu bar to the left.
*Disclaimer: This information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease without consulting with a qualified healthcare provider. Please consult your healthcare provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your condition. The information provided is for educational purposes only and is not intended as
diagnosis, treatment, or prescription of any kind. The decision to use, or not to use, any information is the sole responsibility of the reader.
See also Celiac disease, Crohn's disease, Diabetes, Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Ulcerative colitis
Diarrhea is the frequent passing of loose or watery stools. Acute diarrhea, appears rapidly and may last from one to ten days. Chronic diarrhea lasts much longer and is the second cause of childhood death in the developing world. Diarrhea is sometimes accompanied by abdominal cramps or fever. It may be caused by infection, allergy, or could be a sign of a serious disorder, such as IBD (inflammatory bowel disease), which is Ulcerative Colitis or Crohn's disease.
Secretory diarrhea occurs when the gut is secreting more fluids than usual, or it cannot absorb fluids properly. In such cases structural damage is minimal. This is most commonly caused by a cholera toxin - a protein secreted by the bacterium Vibrio cholera.
Osmotic diarrhea occurs when too much water is drawn into the bowels. This may be the result of celiac disease, pancreatic disease, or laxatives. Too much magnesium, vitamin C, undigested lactose, or undigested fructose can also trigger osmotic diarrhea.
Motility-related diarrhea is caused by the rapid movement of food through the intestines (hypermotility). If the food moves too quickly there is not enough time to absorb sufficient nutrients and water. Patients who had a vagotomy (removal or severing of the vagus nerve) as well as those with diabetic neuropathy are susceptible to this type of diarrhea.
Exudative diarrhea also called inflammatory diarrhea occurs with the presence of blood and pus in the stool. This occurs with inflammatory bowel diseases, such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, and other severe infections such as E. coli or other forms of food poisoning. The lining of the gut becomes inflamed. This is usually caused by bacterial infections, viral infections, parasitic infections, or autoimmune problems. Tuberculosis, colon cancer and enteritis can also cause inflammatory diarrhea.
Dysentery, in general, is the presence of blood in the stools is usually a sign of dysentery, rather than diarrhea. Dysentery is caused by a release of excess water caused by an antidiuretic hormone from the posterior pituitary gland. Dysentery is one of the symptoms of Shigella, Entamoeba histolytica, and Salmonella.
What causes diarrhea?
Acute diarrhea (short term diarrhea)
This is usually caused by an infection, and is also a symptom of a bowel infection when the stomach and the intestines become inflamed (gastroenteritis).
This may be caused by:
1. A virus - most commonly a norovirus or a rotavirus. It could also be caused by a hepatitis virus, or the herpes simplex virus. Viral diarrhea spreads easily.
2. A bacteria - if food or water is contaminated bacteria and parasites can be transmitted into the body. Parasites may include Giardia lamblia and cryptosporidium. Examples of bacteria are campylobacter, salmonella, shigella and Escherichia coli (E. coli). Traveler's diarrhea is usually caused by bacteria or parasites. Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine identified the structure of bacteria responsible for traveler's diarrhea.
3. An antibiotic - antibiotics can disturb the natural balance of bacteria in our intestines, which can lead to infection, commonly with a bacterium called Clostridium difficile.
The following may also be causes of acute diarrhea:
Anxiety
Consuming too much alcohol
Consuming too much coffee
Some other medications, other than antibiotics
Causes of chronic diarrhea (persistent, longer term diarrhea)
Bacteria
A virus
Laxatives
Some dietary habits - long term regular alcohol, coffee consumption may cause persistent diarrhea. Regular eating of candy (sweets) can too. Many sugar-free chewing gums containing a sweetener called sorbitol can cause chronic diarrhea.
The British Medical Journal reported that the following long-term conditions can cause chronic diarrhea:
Celiac disease
Crohn's disease
Diabetes
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Ulcerative colitis
Prevention is key so it is important to take the following steps to prevent infection:
1. Hand washing: regular hand washing with soap and warm water helps reduce the risk of catching or passing on germs. Especially after going to the toilet, playing with pets, gardening, and before touching food. An intensive program of handwashing education and promotion in Pakistan decreased the incidence of diarrhea by more than 50 percent among children, according to a study.
2. Keeping the kitchen and toilets: as clean as possible also reduces the risk. When handling raw meats wash your hands before touching other things, such as other foods, work surfaces, cutlery, etc.
3. If you are traveling: to a warm country remember that uncooked foods are more likely to have bacteria than hot food. Depending on where you are, it is sometimes advisable to avoid having ice in your drinks if you are not sure where the water to make the ice came from.
Remember: B.R.A.T. diet
Bananas, Applesauce, Rice and Toast (dry)....these are known foods to bulk
up stools when sick or have diarrhea.
Remember the ABC Formula:
Apples, Bananas, Cereal.
Start with a 'clear-liquid' diet. Chicken broth, Jell-O, or other foods and fluids you can look through. The reason is that the bowels need rest during the time of diarrhea and that's why you should stick with a diet like this until it subsides. You don't want to force your system to handle more than it already has to. After you've tested the waters with broth and Jell-O, rice, bananas, applesauce, or yogurt can be introduced gradually as your symptoms improve.
Water is essential in any healing process. Spring, natural, distilled water is the best. 6-8 eight ounces glasses per day.
Keep liquid levels high. The most important thing is to make sure your fluid intake is high. Consuming large amounts of liquids during bouts of diarrhea increases your fluid intake and is vital to fight dehydration. Fluids that contain salt and small amounts of sugar are particularly beneficial, as they help the body replace glucose and minerals lost during diarrhea. A good rehydration fluid can be easily made by adding 1 teaspoon of sugar and a pinch of salt to 1 quart of water. A more complex but tastier mix can be made by adding 1/2 teaspoon of honey or corn syrup and a pinch of table salt to 8 ounces of fruit juice. Stir well and drink often. For those who don't feel like making anything, Gatorade comes highly recommended. It contains glucose and electrolytes in sufficient quantities to replace those being lost by your body.
Avoid these foods: beans, cabbage, and brussels sprouts. Other foods containing large amounts of poorly absorbed carbohydrates can aggravate diarrhea. A short list includes bread, pasta, and other wheat products; pears, peaches, and prunes; corn, oats, potatoes, and processed bran. Avoid dairy products during a bout of diarrhea. Whether or not milk products caused the problem, they tend to aggravate diarrhea after you have it. Avoiding carbonated beverages. The gas they contain may add additional problems.
People who are lactose intolerant, meaning they lack the enzyme needed to digest milk sugar often develop diarrhea after consuming milk or ice cream. People whose lactose intolerance is the cause of diarrhea will rid themselves of the problem by avoiding milk and ice cream or in many cases by taking lactase, the enzyme needed to digest lactose.
Large amounts of Vitamin C or Magnesium found in supplements can also cause diarrhea, although the amount varies considerably from person to person. Unlike infectious diarrhea, diarrhea caused by high amounts of Vitamin C or Magnesium is not generally accompanied by other signs of illness; the same is true when the problem comes from sorbitol or fructose. In these cases, avoiding the offending supplement or food brings rapid relief.
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When the body is too acidic resulting from an intake of acid forming foods, mucus forming, high fat foods, and toxic food residues, disease and infections are encouraged. This is especially true in cases of arthritis and rheumatic situations.
Most foods are alkaline by nature, but often the more processed the foods are the more acidic they become. It is important to balance each meal with a ratio of 75% alkaline to 25% acidity in order to maintain better health. Perfect body pH is 6.4, above is alkaline and below is acidic.
It is important that your daily dietary intake of food naturally balances your body pH.
Balancing the body's pH is achieved by avoiding foods that create acidic conditions in the body, which can help lessen pain and inflammation.
Foods that create acidity in the body include, meat, dairy, hydrogenated fats, wheat and sugar.
Foods that help restore balance include fruits (when eaten on an empty stomach), vegetables and legumes.
Eliminate: butter, all fried foods, margarine, red meat, shellfish, shortenings or tropical oils (such as coconut and palm oils).
Limit foods that have little or no fiber such as ice cream, cheese, meat, snacks like chips and pizza, and processed foods such as instant mashed potatoes or already-prepared frozen dinners. Too much white flour and refined sugar.
Decrease phosphorus foods such as soft drinks, which are high in phosphoric acid, organ meat (liver, kidney), processed meat, which are especially high in phosphorus,
fried foods and vegetable oil, which have a high level of omega 6 and can make inflammation worse. Sugar results in poor absorption of nutrients as does antacids, which neutralize stomach acid
and result in poor absorption of calcium (heartburn and indigestion are caused by poor eating habits and NOT ENOUGH stomach acid!)
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Bromelain is a mixture of enzymes that digest protein (proteolytic) that are found in pineapples (Ananas comosus). Pineapple has been used for centuries in Central and South America to treat indigestion and reduce inflammation. Bromelain, which is derived from the stem and juice of the pineapple, was first isolated from the pineapple plant in the late 1800s. The German Commission E approved bromelain to treat swelling and inflammation after surgery, particularly sinus surgery. Bromelain can be used to treat a number of conditions, but it is particularly effective in reducing inflammation from infection and injuries.
Acidophilus: The normal, healthy colon contains "friendly" bacteria (85% lactobacillus and 15% coliform bacteria). It is the friendly bacterial flora found in yogurt and is essential to the digestive system. When these bacteria are not in balance, then the person may experience bloating, flatulence, constipation, and malabsorption of nutrients. Acidophilus taken as a dietary supplement may help to detoxify and to rebuild a balanced intestinal flora. It is used for the prevention of Candida as well as for treatment. Acidophilus aids the digestion and helps to replace the "friendly" intestinal flora.
Acute Immunity combines 16 herbs providing potent immune support including supercritical extracts of garlic, oregano, ginger, and myrrh to provide a wide spectrum of active antimicrobial compounds.
Probiotic: A probiotic will fortify your intestinal flora, which are essential for proper digestion and nutrient absorption. This is key to good health and a strong immune system. Studies have shown that patients who begin a course of probiotics with fiber a few days prior to surgery are less likely to pick up a post-operative infection during their hospital stays. This demonstrates a strong connection between intestinal flora and immune function. The fiber, which provides the friendly bacteria both food and sanctuary, can be as simple as an apple or banana.
Peppermint (Mentha piperita): is also used to soothe an upset stomach or to assist in digestion. Because it has a calming and numbing effect, it has been used to treat headaches, skin irritations, anxiety associated with depression, nausea, diarrhea, menstrual cramps, and flatulence. Peppermint has been found to kill some types of bacteria, fungus, and viruses, suggesting it may have anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-viral properties. A recent study conducted in Taiwan found that patients who took an enteric coated peppermint oil formulation 3 - 4 times daily for one month had less abdominal distention, stool frequency, and flatulence than those who took a placebo. Nearly 80% of the patients who took peppermint also had alleviation of abdominal pain.
Turmeric: Turmeric is a traditional ayurvedic remedyand medicine that has been researched for its ability to promote a healthy inflammation response, support cardiovascular health, and support normal cell growth. An effective anti-inflammatory. Dosage: 400 mg three times daily; take on an empty stomach and combine with 1,000 mg of bromelain
Astragalus (Astragali radix): is rich in anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties. This makes it a good natural remedy for treating diarrhea. Astragalus raises the levels of natural antibodies found in the blood stream due to polysaccharides which provide support for the immune system and stimulates the activity of white blood cells.
Echinacea (Echinacea angustifolia): is known to boost the immune system. It contains polysaccharides and alkamides, which stimulate the body's own immune responses. It has anti-fungal, anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties. which interfere with the activity of the hyalurnidase. This enzyme breaks down the connective tissue allowing bacteria to travel throughout the body.
Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis): is an intestinal antibiotic which has berberine. Berberine has been proven to increase the activity of macrophages which digest bacteria and viruses. It is used to reduce E.coli while stimulating the immune system.
Psyllium (Plantago ovata): is an herbal remedy high in mucilage and fiber content useful for diarrhea and relieving constipation. The husks of the seeds swell by absorbing water, therefore, adding bulk to stool.
Herbal tinctures are concentrated liquid extracts of the medicinal properties of herbs. Tinctures represent one of many different ways to prepare and use herbs. The terms tincture and extract are often used interchangeably.
Shake the tincture bottle well. As a dietary supplement, place 1 to 3 droppers under the tongue, or in juice or water as needed, 2-3 times a day.
Echinacea & Goldenseal: Echinacea & Goldenseal.
Echinacea & Oregon Grape root: Echinacea & Oregon Grape root.
Immunity: Astragalus, Pau D'Arco, Suma, Dandelion root, Oatstraw, Kelp
Infection: Echinacea, Yarrow, Myrrh, Goldenseal, Black Walnut, Marshmallow, Plantain & Cayenne.
This medical system uses infinitesimal doses of natural substances to stimulate a person's immune system and body's natural defenses. Homeopathic remedies are named for the plant or animal ingredients they are made from. Homeopathy not only offers relief from temporary disorders but, can provide long term healing of a person due to its individual and "wholistic" approach. This often leads to a complete recovery from the dis-ease, as well as, providing an improved understanding of the patient's situation. This type of healing makes it easier and possible to avoid recurrence or relapses in the future and homeopathy stimulates the body's natural defense system by reestablishing normal immune system and cell functioning.
Arsenicum Album: Stomach upset, vomiting, diarrhea, often accompained by great thirst, restlessness, choryza and sciatica. Worse just after midnight. Weakness from overexertion.
Bryonia Alba: Dry cough and arthritis pain. Also for symptoms of irritability, colds, coughs, in(flu)enza, fever, headache, stomach ache, constipation, diarrhea, rheumatic pains.
Veratrum Album: Useful when diarrhea and vomiting occur simultaneously. Patient is in a cold sweat and feels faint.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
is the oldest, continually practiced, and professionally administered health care system in the world. It is a documented medical system spanning over 2,500 years based on comprehensive philosophies, rational theories, clinically tested and empirically verified by over 100 generations of highly educated practitioners. Chinese Medicine is a total system of internal medicine which is comprised of a diagnostic procedure based on signs, symptoms and treatment styles including acupuncture, herbal medicine, exercise, diet and meditation. It's foundation is based on the principles of balance; the interdependent relationship of Yin and Yang. Through this balance, health is achieved and maintained.
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, an imbalance of energy or Qi in a particular meridian or organ system can cause physical, mental, and emotional symptoms. When emotions are held on to over long periods of time, or when they result from a particularly stressful or traumatic event, they can become causes of illness. Emotions also can result from an imbalanced flow of Qi or blood. Therefore, emotions can be the cause or the symptom of a disorder.
Acupuncture and herbal medicine can be an effective complement to your treatment. Acupuncture redirects your Qi or vital energy into a more balanced flow. It provides support to the underlying energetic spheres affected by poor digestion and lack of movement. Acupuncture releases tension in the muscles. This allows increased flow of blood, lymph, and nerve impulses to affected areas, decreasing the stress experienced by you.
Research has shown that the mechanism of action occurs when acupuncture needles stimulate the production of endorphins or natural pain-killing hormones in the brain, and adrenalcorticotropin, the anti-inflammatory hormone. Acupuncture needles trigger the body to heal itself by producing hormones that reduce pain and inflammation. Acupuncture should be used as ongoing treatment to treat this disorder at the root of the problem and to prevent reoccurrence symptoms.
Traditional Chinese medicine considers diarrhea as wind, cold/or damp pattern, damp heat pattern, food stagnation, or insufficiency of the spleen or kidneys.
Cold and Damp Pattern: Watery, thin diarrhea which has no strong or foul odor. Generally an acute type and has abdominal pain and digestive sounds from the intestines which are relieved with heat.
Damp Heat Pattern: Foul smelling diarrhea which leaves a burning feeling on the anus. There is commonly yellow mucus and possibly blood found in the stool. The tongue picture has a white or yellow coating (may be greasy) and the pulse is slippery and rapid.
Food Stagnation Pattern: Acute diarrhea due to over eating or inadquate digestion. Diarrhea which is irregular and has very strong odor and a general has a sense of bloating and/or abdominal pain.
Spleen Qi Deficiency Pattern: Diarrhea which is chronic often with undigested food found within the stools. There may or may not be accompanying pain. The pain with this type of diarrhea may be due to the anus dropping (prolapsed anus) or pain associated with abdominal spasming.
Kidney Qi Deficiency Pattern: Chronic diarrhea occuring consistently early in the morning (around 5am). This type of diarrhea is commonly accompained with mild abdominal cramping and/or pains which are relieved after a bowel movement.
Visit Your TCM practitioner for a proper diagnosis and treatment.
There is an emotional aspect to every illness. Often times, it is the emotional thoughts or "excess emotions" that will lead to illness.
The following therapies are utilized for calming the mind, helping with stress relief and focuses on our mental powers over any situation. The ability to balance your emotional, mental, physical and spiritual self is up to you.
Here are some suggestions:
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The Metaphysical Connection to the Intestines
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Our intestines represent our assimilation and absorption of ideas .
Diarrhea demonstrates the feeling that you have been emotionally hit in the gut.
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Chronic conditions have been seen as letting go of your ideas, goals, issues ...
when you believe you can't have what you want.
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It can be a feeling you are being poisoned by an issue or another person. Something you want to get rid of because there is too much to deal with.
Not knowing how to assimilate your feelings, feeling helpless inside.
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IBS has been seen as the refusal to take charge.
It is the victim mentality. Trying to please everyone, completely scattered and not assimilating.
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Crohn's and colitis represent inflexible opinions, fear of letting go of the past. Holding onto old beliefs, fear and guilt. Insecurity confronting the unknown.
A strong belief that you are not good enough. What is twisting and distorting you?
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What is your experience with this disorder? Sharing your own experiences often helps others. We'd love to know in the
Peacefulmind Community
The power of visualization and guided imagery is one of our most powerful gifts! A healing tool we all have with in us - the "power of the mind!" Learning how to do Guided Imagery has many benefits. Guided Imagery helps us to develop our imagination as a healing tool. The premise is to use "Mind Medicine" to connect the mind and body in order to free ourselves from pain due to ANY Medical Condition. This concept allows us to deepen our abilities to fully relax, quiet the mental chatter and create restful sleep. Learn more about how guided imagery can work for you!
Andrew Pacholyk has an extensive background in biomedical science and clinical training. Andrew has done massage, yoga and music therapy for over 15 years and brings his experience as an Acupuncturist and Herbalist to such health facilities as diverse as St. Vincent's Hospital, The Body Center, New York Health Club, The Grand Meridian and his private practice, ProAcuMed Inc. in New York City. Andrew offers a safe and effective method with his diverse knowledge of the healing arts. Andrew is licensed in the State of New York and is accredited and certified by the National Boards in both Acupuncture and Herbology.
The Misson/Vision:
Andrew offers a unique and personal path in developing, understanding and incorporating the power of our belief system and your own inner wisdom in the healing process. Andrew works with:
* Functional and Orthopedic Testing
* Acupuncture and Massage Therapy
* Nutrition, Herbal and Chinese Botanicals
* Cupping, Moxabustion, Electrostimulation
* Mind Medicine, Belief Systems, Emotional Healing
Call Andrew at his office, ProAcuMed at 917 843 3623 or by email Make An Appointment NOW with Andrew
1. Diarrhea. The Merck Manual of Medical Information--
Second Home Edition Sec 4, Ch.85
2. Diarrhea -The American Academy of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. www.aaaom.org
11. A Modern Herbal www.botanical.com
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15.Boericke, William M.D., Materia Medica with Repertory, 1927, Boericke & Runyon
16. Chevallier, Andrew, The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants, 1996, Dorlilng Kindersley Limited
17.Balch M.D., J. and Balch C.N.C, P. Prescription for Nutritional Healing, 2nd Ed. New York, U.S.A: Avery Publishing Group, 1997.
18. Dewey, W.A. Practical Homeopathic Therapeutics. New Delhi, India: Jain Publising Co
19. Gibson DM. First Aid Homeopathy. The British Homeopathic Association. London, England
20. Duke, J.A. Handbook of Medicinal Herbs. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, 1985
21. Duke, James A. Dr., The Green Pharmacy
22. Habif TP, et al. (2001). Acne. In Skin Disease: Diagnosis and Treatment, pp. 72-83. St. Louis: Mosby
23. Hahnemann, Samuel. Organon of the Medical Art. 6th ed. Edited and annotated by Wenda B. Reilly. Redmond, Washington, 1996.
24. Health Library, The: http://healthlibrary.com/reading/ncure
25. Kaptchuk, Ted; The Web That Has No Weaver; Congdon and Weed, Inc., New York, c1983.
26. Lawless, Julia. "The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils". Rockport, MA: Element Books, Inc., 1995.
27. Merck Manual, Home Edition, 2000
28. Mills, Simon Y., The Dictionary of Modern Herbalism
29. Mindell, Earl, Earl Mindell's Herb Bible
30. Mother Nature's Herbal Encyclopedia www.mothernature.com
31. Murray and Pizzano, Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine
32. Myss, Caroline Ph.D. “Anatomy of the Spiritâ€Â, Three Rivers Press (August 26, 1997)
33. National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM): A division of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services dedicated to research.
34. Shealy, Norman C., The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Natural Remedies
35. TCM: tcm.health-info.org/
36. The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, 9th ed., New York: McGraw-Hill, 1996
37. Tierra, Michael, Planetary Herbology
38. Tierra, Michael, Lust, John, The Natural Remedy Bible
39. World Health Organization (WHO), http://www.who.int/en
What is your experience with alternative and complementary medicine? Sharing your own experiences often helps others. We'd love to know in the
Peacefulmind Community.
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