Health/Natural: The Art of Natural Medicine

The art of natural medicine deals with observation and balanced integration of the mind, body and spirit of the individual. Observing symptoms as a means to penetrate to the deeper cause behind illness is the heart and soul of natural medicine. A healthy diet, proper exercise, drinking clean filtered or spring water, breathing clean fresh air, learning to let go of stress and developing a positive outlook, getting proper rest and using high quality vitamins, herbs and other remedies for prevention and wellness are some of the most important tools.

Nature provides us with an abundance of beauty, along with a great variety of plant medicines. You could say that nature is a huge medicine chest full of possibilities. The historical tradition of cultures from all around the world attests to the fact that the use of plants for prevention and health has always been an integral factor in human existence. It truly is a part of life which current generations are seeking to rediscover. Most of us can remember a grandmother, aunt or someone else in the family who was familiar with herbal remedies. It is very important to herbalists around the world that this tradition be preserved for us all and for future generations.

In our fast-paced world, we seek immediate results. Herbal medicine teaches us that a part of wellness and healing is to pay attention to mental, emotional and physical well-being. It teaches us to look at ourselves in a deeper manner, really observing what needs gentle re balancing, and it says "relax, take a deep breath and let health come naturally." In working with natural remedies it is important to remember that results occur more gradually than with prescription medicines. The more you learn about herbal and natural medicine, along with the innate healing nature of our bodies, the more comfortable you will become with natural medicine. (Please consult your health care practitioner or doctor for proper advice at times of serious illness.)

Becoming more well-versed in natural medicine occurs with study and practice. Attending local workshops on herbal medicine can certainly help speed you on the way to a better understanding of the use of medicinal plants, for example. Knowledge is so very important and many people are becoming more inspired to learn the joy of natural health for themselves. It is wonderful to hear positive testimonials from folks applying natural remedies and a healthy diet in their own lives.

When I first became interested in natural medicine, about 15 years ago, I was challenged with some persistent health conditions. I was quickly growing weary of visiting my doctor on an extremely regular basis -- to the tune of every couple months or so. This was wearing me down just as much as my symptoms were. I kept asking for information, for guidance, for anything except more prescription medicines, but realized I could go no further on this pathway. I therefore took control of my health for the first time in my life. I chose to research my problems, to educate myself, to attend classes and talks, to find answers. And I did find answers... What I found amazed me. The answer for me was a complete lifestyle improvement, from diet and nutrition to herbal medicine, to stress reduction and proper breath work, to meditation and prayer, to exercise in the form of yoga or tai chi, to homeopathic medicine, to learning how to cleanse and then tonify my body.

Of course, all of these changes were made gradually, over a period of time. I also wanted to increase my knowledge further to assist others, so I started studying greater and greater amounts of information, reading not only current books, but also traditional texts on herbal and homeopathic medicine. I felt especially in tune with the philosophy and practice of homeopathy, and then pursued training through the New England School of Homeopathy. I have found great joy in teaching local workshops in homeopathic medicine and herbal medicine since 1994.

So after all these years I have learned more and more how to listen to my body and to myself, to feed by body what it needs with a healthy diet and natural remedies, and to nurture and support my emotions and mind in certain ways for health and wellness. One very important thing I have learned, which I always try to offer to customers and people taking my workshops, is to honor the uniqueness of who you are as an individual and to appreciate that natural medicine can customize itself to fit your personal needs. In this sense, natural medicine becomes a tool, a means to achieve a greater degree of balance and prevention. The greatest degree of health comes to those who can make the lifestyle changes in several of the ways I have described above. There is no magic pill that will cure all your ills for good, although symptoms can improve to a certain degree with the right well-chosen formula. I have found it all to be a process. The deepest and most permanent re balancing will come to those who are willing to make more positive lifestyle changes which include a healthy diet, herbs, supplements and remedies that are applicable for them, along with exercise. Learn how to feed your body, mind and spirit what it needs. Find joy in seeing your family and loved ones experience a greater degree of health and well-being. Realize that your body and your life is yours to take care of and to nurture. Empower yourself with the knowledge of natural medicine

©Copyright 2002 by AlternativeApproaches.com

Susie Cooper, ND earned her Doctor of Naturopathy degree at the Southern College of Naturopathic Medicine, and is Board Licensed and Certified. She has continued most of her study in Classical Homeopathy with the New England School of Homeopathy. Dr. Susie has taught workshops in homeopathy, herbal medicine and nutrition in North Carolina for many years. She now teaches all her workshops in her shop, Blue Mountain Herbs & Supplements, in beautiful Pilot Mountain, NC, where she also takes private appointments for herbal, nutritional and homeopathic assessments. (336) 368-5955.

Important note: The information contained in this column is not meant to diagnose or prescribe for specific ailments, but is intended for educational support only. Please seek the advise of a licensed health practitioner for specific illnesses and emergency situations.