Spinal Trap Definitions

There are many non-Western medicine paths; thus, I want to clarify the meanings of words commonly used and found in natural health that someone new to them will likely encounter. 

My research showed a lack of consistency in some of these definitions.  Thus, I am going to use my own and/or ones that I can respect from other sites; sources for such are included.

Now, before anyone anti-alternative medicine tries to take this fact and twist it to say "See!  I told you, it's quackery!  They can't even agree on what it means." 

Permit me to disabuse you of this non-victory for your closed minds because I did an intensive study some years back for a college paper about child molesters and the various types of punishment, including but not limited to prison and castration, both surgical and prescription. 

Aside from the topic itself, what appalled me the most was to learn that not only is recidivism 100%, but 70% of first time offenders, WENT FREE because, (ready for this?) there was no consistent definition by state for what defines child molestation.

E.g.  What age should be the cut off age for lawful punishment under the definition? 

Should the same age apply to both boys and girls? 

What acts define "molestation"?  (I'm paraphrasing to the best of my recollection; it's been a long time.)

Clearly, a lack of our public servants giving enough of a damn to sit down and make decisions to define child molestation and protect the innocent, (both current and future victims), in no way, shape or form, changes the immutable fact that child molestation does indeed exist; despite no clear and consistent legal definition. 

Though certainly not a happy comparison, it is the best one that I can think of to drive my point home that a lack of common definitions, in this case, natural health terminology, does not connote a lack of existence nor efficacy, in such healing modalities; and thus, should not be construed as a foundation for rejecting such wondrously fast acting, beneficial, low cost, simple to apply, safe for many, alternative medicine options.

As with all Spinal Trap pages, I hope that you find this one interesting and beneficial to your health goals. 

Allopathic Medicine - per Wikipedia:  (Their article links are not active through this page.)

Allopathic medicine is an expression commonly used by homeopaths and proponents of other forms of alternative medicine to refer to mainstream medical use of pharmacologically active agents or physical interventions to treat or suppress symptoms or pathophysiologic processes of diseases or conditions.^[1] The expression was coined in 1810 by the creator of homeopathy, Samuel Hahnemann (1755–1843).^[2] In such circles, the expression "allopathic medicine" is still used to refer to "the broad category of medical practice that is sometimes called Western medicine, biomedicine, evidence-based medicine, or modern medicine" (see the article on scientific medicine).^[3]



Alternative Medicine - per Merriam Webster.com:

Definition of ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE



Body Work - In my experience, many people whose work centers around helping others to heal, will use this term as an umbrella term that encapsulates many different modalities, including but not limited to massage therapy, acupressure and other natural healing modalities that focus on releasing blocked energy to release pain of every kind.  (Physical, mental and emotional) 

Complementary Medicine a.k.a. Complementary & Alternative Medicine (CAM) - Per WebMD:

[Proponents prefer the term "complementary" to emphasize that such treatments are used with mainstream medicine, not as replacements or alternatives.]

As much as I have respect for WebMD generally giving unbiased opinions I have to say that I am not sure who wrote this blurb but I definitely find it wrong and biased. 

I am a HUGE proponent of natural medicines

and alternatives and believe that

they should always be utilized first except in

emergent and/or life-threatening situations. 

I AM empirical evidence that you can indeed safely REPLACE many prescription drugs

with safe, low cost, highly effective herbs. 

To learn more about what Rx's I have eliminated entirely and those

which I have reduced the use of greatly,

please read the links under the "HERBS" main page and the "Rx's" tabs.

ANYTIME you can get off of an Rx entirely

and successfully manage a condition naturally,

YOU HAVE JUST INCREASED THE ODDS OF LIVING LONGER AND BETTER THANKS TO THE NUMEROUS HIDEOUS

AND EVEN FATAL SIDE EFFECTS OF EVERY Rx. 

Thus, I find their statement quoted above self-serving

if not outright misleading.  

Also, please see the Mayo Clinic link in the right column below, for what I believe to be a largely fair and accurate summation.  Please see column on the left for what I disagree with and why. 

Energy Work - Many healing practitioners such as chiropractors who administer acupuncture (although one not need be a chiropractor to do so), and other such professionals, all speak of energy as the focal point of healing. 

Some may say that they have to "move stagnant energy", others may say that they have "released blocked energy", etc...it matters not what they say, but how you feel when they are done.  

Please know that at a guess, I have had no less than 50-60 acupuncture sessions with a chiropractor trained and certified in this healing modality. 

I absolutely support it 100% as a terrific natural pain management option; acupuncture got me back to the best functioning level I'd been at, after my first severe injury that got the ball rolling on living with chronic pain. 

I do have to say though that it was not always instant in its pain relief benefits.  There were times when I was in such severe pain, that it took a day or two for my pain to decrease. 

Thus, please don't give up on it if the first time you try it, this is the case for you too; it did wonders for me and many others I've met.

Also, there were times that I was in such severe pain that when the chiropractor would stick a needle in my neck area, it would immediately fly out.  

Thus, if that happens to you too, please know that it is not necessarily representative of someone who doesn't know what they are doing.  It is however, representative of how powerful inflammation is.

Holistic - Taking the whole being into consideration, not just specific parts.  In terms of Spinal Trap, chronic pain, anxiety, depression, etc...it is to address not just the mind or just the body, but rather, the mind, body, and spirit of a person because they are inextricably linked.  Damage to one, will over time, invade all. 

Holism -from Wikipedia:

[...(from Greek ὅλος holos "all, whole, entire") is the idea that natural systems (physical, biological, chemical, social, economic, mental, linguistic, etc.) and their properties should be viewed as wholes, not as collections of parts. This often includes the view that systems function as wholes and that their functioning cannot be fully understood solely in terms of their component parts.]

Homeopathy - from www.homeopathycenter.org:

[Homeopathy is a safe, gentle, and natural system of healing that works with your body to relieve symptoms, restore itself, and improve your overall health. It is extremely safe to use, even with very small children and pets, has none of the side effects of many traditional medications, is very affordable, is made from natural substances, and is FDA regulated.

It is used to treat acute illnesses, like colds, ear infections, migraines, and sore throats, as well as chronic conditions, like asthma, depression, autism, and arthritis.

Homeopathic Medicines – Known as “remedies” – are made from natural sources (e.g., plants, minerals), and are environmentally friendly and cruelty free.  Most are available over the counter in grocery stores, drug stores, health food stores, homeopathic pharmacies, and online. They are also extremely affordable. 

Homeopathic remedies when used as directed, are completely safe for everyone – including pregnant and nursing women, infants, children, and adults. They are given in such small doses that they don’t cause side effects.

One thing to note is that the word homeopathy is not a general or “umbrella” term that describes a variety of different natural therapies. Although homeopathic remedies are derived from natural substances, homeopathy should not be confused with herbal medicine, Chinese medicine, or other types of natural medicines. It is its own, unique therapeutic system. 

Anyone can learn to treat simple conditions safely at home using homeopathy, but a professional should treat serious or life-threatening conditions.]

Note from Grace: Many prescription drugs are also plant based which always makes me shake my head all the more when close minded doctors speak against herbs. 

You should always be suspicious of such doctors who do this because they clearly do NOT have your best interest at heart when such hypocrites full well know many prescription drugs ARE plant based!



Integrative Medicine a.k.a. IM - Treating the whole person, not just the disease; this goes back to mind, body and spirit because they are as interconnected as the human spine is to the spinal cord, ligaments, discs, vertebrae, etc...the separating factor between the definition of holistic and IM as stated by WebMD, is thus:

[While some of the therapies used may be nonconventional, a guiding principle within integrative medicine is to use therapies that have some high-quality evidence to support them.]

Although I can appreciate that having evidence isn't a bad thing, I so often read "studies" done that had an absurdly small participant group like 11, 21, or 47 people, that I don't really have much respect for such studies. 

Given that there are over 300 million people in the U.S. alone, I can't say that I find "a study" of such an infinitesimal part of the population impressive. 

Thus, I don't understand why so many doctors find issue with a lack of studies on herbs that billions of people have taken, around the globe, sans issues for thousands of years!

When you see "World's Dumbest Criminals" (TV show), none of them were ever high or drunk on Holy Basil or Turmeric & Bromelain...

My bottom line is that when you know there are horrid and often irreversible side effects, both short and long term, up to and including organ failure and death, that happen from prescription drug usage, and yet, it isn't known in advance, who will have extreme and/or deadly reactions, why is the thought of people taking common (and safe for most) herbs to manage their best health, still so under supported by so many otherwise intelligent people?

If nothing else, since commercials seeking plaintiffs against pharmaceutical companies have become common place, shouldn't a complete lack of commercials by law firms against the makers of herbs, speak volumes about their safety??? 

Not a trick question; but one that hopefully, is going to open some minds.

Meditation - This word gave me a laugh as I read and research it because it has a range of definitions that can make even the most open minded person think "whackadoodle" and roll their eyes...

Thus, I am going to keep it simple and say that meditation is the ability to learn how to focus your thoughts so that you may relax fully and completely while still awake. 

For many, it is something that is more often a learned art than one which comes naturally.  It is a self-help healing modality that anyone can master with practice. 

Metaphysical - This word too had quite a range that on Wikipedia includes a detailed story about Aristotle and the mistaken intent of the meaning of this word, and its great range of philosophical this and that...yawn.

Some people associate this word with people into the occult and spirit world and it conjures up images of tarot cards and crystal balls. 

***PLEASE STAY AWAY FROM ALL OCCULT BELIEFS AND PRACTICES, CARD READERS, ETC. 

THEY WILL NEVER HEAL YOU AND PUTTING FAITH IN SUCH THINGS VS. HOLY GOD IS AGAINST GOD.  LOOK IT UP.

Yet still others, associate it with poetry! 

What I found relevant was to learn that the prefix "meta" of Greek origin, means "beyond, upon or after".  Physics is self explanatory.

For the purposes of Spinal Trap, I define it as tangibly intangible.  Sorry, I couldn't resist...what that means is just like you can't see your instincts, but you can feel them, healing comes from that which you can't always see; i.e. "beyond physical", a knowing that you have or are healing. 

I understand this first hand thanks to the blessing of God in healing my severely damaged spinal cord and other neck damage.  

If I tried to explain it, as verbose as I am, I don't believe I could so I won't.  I will simply say I hope you are never in my shoes to need to learn it. 

Natural Doctor a.k.a N.D. a.k.a. Naturopath - 

Per the AANP site - The American Association of Naturopathic Physicians

[What is a Naturopathic Doctor?

Naturopathic physicians combine the wisdom of nature with the rigors of modern science.  Steeped in traditional healing methods, principles and practices, naturopathic medicine focuses on holistic, proactive prevention and comprehensive diagnosis and treatment. By using protocols that minimize the risk of harm, naturopathic physicians help facilitate the body’s inherent ability to restore and maintain optimal health. It is the naturopathic physician’s role to identify and remove barriers to good health by helping to create a healing internal and external environment.

Naturopathic physicians work in private practices, hospitals, clinics and community health centers. NDs practice throughout the United States and Canada. Qualified naturopathic physicians undergo rigorous training before they become licensed health-care practitioners. Visit our Professional Education page to learn about naturopathic education.

NDs treat all medical conditions and can provide both individual and family health care. Among the most common ailments they treat are allergies, chronic pain, digestive issues, hormonal imbalances, obesity, respiratory conditions, heart disease, fertility problems, menopause, adrenal fatigue, cancer, fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome. NDs can perform minor surgeries, such as removing cysts or stitching up superficial wounds. However, they do not practice major surgery. NDs are trained to utilize prescription drugs, although the emphasis of naturopathic medicine is the use of natural healing agents.]

PLEASE NOTE the inclusion "Among the most common ailments they treat..." are chronic pain and other painful conditions such as fibromyalgia!  If you suffer any chronic pain, regardless of origin, please read my Herbs page for what got me back 2 good.

Natural Healing - My definition is anything that brings comfort, healing and peace to a person's mind, body and spirit that does not involve any type of prescription drug(s), OTC drugs, and/or surgical intervention, both invasive and non.