Alexian provides a list of practioneers for your convenience. Please note that listing here does not constitute an endorsement of an individual practioneer

Search for Physician by name:

What is homeopathy?

Homeopathy is a 200 year old system of medicine which is based on the law of similars or "like treats like." This principle states that any substance, which is capable of causing certain symptoms in healthy people, is also capable of curing similar symptoms, which appear in sick people. This principle dates back to Hippocrates (460-377 B.C.).

However, a German physician Samuel Hahnemann (1755-1843) was the first to develop it in a systematic and scientific way. He noted that Peruvian bark or cinchona (which is the source of quinine) was useful for the treatment of malaria because it produced symptoms like malaria when he took it himself. He then went on to "prove" or test other medicinal substances on healthy volunteers and carefully recorded the symptoms produced and thus developed the homeopathic material medica. When he started using these medicines to treat sick people, he found that the most similar medicine often produced an aggravation of symptoms. Thus, he started using smaller and smaller doses and developed the principle of the minimum dose, i.e. using the minimum amount of medicine needed to produce the desired reaction. Furthermore, he recommended using one remedy at a time to simplify the process and avoid poly-pharmacy (multiple medication use).

Homeopathy is holistic in that all the symptoms of the patient, whether they are from the body, mind, or the emotions are taken into consideration when prescribing a remedy. Also, the medicine (often called a "remedy") is administered in order to create a greater state of health in body, mind, and emotions, with one remedy often influencing several separate disease conditions at once. Any remedy may be used for any condition if the symptoms generated by the remedy match the symptoms experienced by the patient.

What are homeopathic medicines?

Homeopathic medicines or remedies are drug products made by homeopathic pharmacies in accordance with the processes described in the HomeopathicPharmacopoeia of the United States (HPUS) the official manufacturing manual recognized by the FDA. Most are available without a prescription. The substances may be made from plants, minerals, or animal products. These substances are diluted carefully and shaken or succussed at each dilution until finally it is possible only the electromagnetic signature of the original substance remains.

Which diseases do people commonly seek homeopathy?

In homeopathy we do not treat diseases, but rather the person who is sick. Whether a person has a chronic or an acute disease, all of their symptoms, whether physical, mental, or emotional form a whole--representing a state of imbalance very specific to this individual. The goal of the physician is to recognize through the unique expression of symptoms of a patient the pattern of imbalance and identify among the great number of remedies available the one most homeopathic, or most similar to, the patient's disease.

Homeopathy has been particularly effective in the treatment of patients with the conditions listed below:

• Skin-eczema, warts
• Respiratory-acute and chronic viral syndromes, asthma, otitis media, croup, sinusitis
• Immunologic-allergic diseases
• GI-constipation, gastro-esophageal reflux (GERD), irritable and inflammatory bowel disease, childhood diarrhea, colic
• Neurological-migraines, multiple sclerosis
• Chronic fatigue syndrome
• Psychiatric-depression, ADHD, grief reactions, insomnia, anxiety disorders, post traumatic stress disorder
• Musculoskeletal-inflammatory and osteoarthritis, injuries, sciatica, backache
  Reproductive/hormonal-PMS and PMDD, infertility, menstrual disorders, thyroid disease, ineffective labor, menopausal symptoms, mastitis
• Circulatory and urinary problems-enuresis, recurrent UTIs

Who is a homeopathic physician?

A homeopathic physician is a medical or osteopathic physician or dentist who has added homeopathic medicine to their armamentarium through organized education and/or self-study. After three years of homeopathic medical practice, medical or osteopathic physicians are eligible to take a homeopathic board certification exam, which if successfully completed confers a Diplomat in Homeotherapeutics (D.Ht.).

Questions one might want to ask a practitioner include:

1. Does the practitioner specialize in homeopathy?
2. Does the practitioner use single remedies?
3. How long has the practitioner actively been using homeopathy?
4. Has the practitioner had experience with the diagnostic category in which your condition fits?

Safety

"Imagine--medicine with no side effects, so safe that a child could swallow an entire bottle of pills." -(James Gorman, NY Times Magazine)

Homeopathic remedies are extremely safe due to their FDA regulated preparation process requiring repeated dilution and succussion or shaking. Even critics generally accept their lack of life threatening side effects. They have been used safely in pregnancy and at the extremes of life.

Bibliography:

Homeopathy: Beyond Flat Earth Medicine by Timothy R. Dooley, ND, MD Timing Publications, San Diego, CA, paperback, 111 pages, $9.00  ISBN 1-886893-00-4

Homeopathic Medicine at Home by M. Panos, MD and J. Heimlich Jeremy P. Tarcher, NY, NY, paperback, 287 pages, $12.95 ISBN 0-87477-195-1

The Family Guide To Homeopathy  by Andrew Lockie, MD Hamish Hamilton paperback, 400 pages, $16 ISBN 0-241-12158-2

Linde K, Clausius N, Ramirez G, et. al., "Are the clinical effects of homeopathy placebo effects? A meta-analysis of placebo-controlled trials." Lancet, 1997;350:834-43.

National Center for Homeopathy: www.homeopathic.org

American Institute of Homeopathy: www.homeopathyusa.org

Timothy W. Fior, M.D., A.B.F.P., D.Ht.

Qigong (chi-kung)

Qigong is a description of a physical process designed to enhance the natural flow of life’s energy called qi (or chi) in the body. Qi is the term for the energy.  Gong is the term meaning "to develop" The practice of qigong is working towards developing a smooth flow of energy throughout the body and mind.  Qigong is the basis although all Oriental medicine as well most Oriental martial arts.

 The theory behind the use of qigong is based on the idea that any disruption in the flow of energy throughout the body can lead to increased susceptibility to illness and disease. By correcting these disruptions, individuals can become more resistance to illness and disease and therefore lead healthier, less stressful lives.

Some qigong proponents claim that the practice of qigong will help to increase oxygen supply to the body as well as regulating the autonomic nervous system.  Some medical studies have shown that the practice of qigong can increase lung capacity by 3x-4x.  Studies have also indicated that the practice of qigong can reduce high blood pressure and simulate an almost meditative state. Some qigong masters claim they can release energy  into others.  Although there are no scientific studies to support this claim, there is ample anecdotal evidence to suggest that this may be an area of future research.

Qigong consists primarily of coordinating physical movement with breathing.  This type of exercise can rapidly induce a light meditative state.  The body functions better when it is relaxed.  This type of qigong is termed “Internal”.   “External” qigong involves skilled masters who claim to be able to use their own qi to initiate the healing process in other people. The qigong master does not have to touch a person in order to promote healing.

Qigong breathing can be done either laying down, sitting or standing  quietly while thinking about the qi flowing through his or her body and performing breathing and movement exercises. The breathing and movement used in qigong is slow, deliberate, and controlled. Qigong can also be used to target specific areas of the body where problems may exist.

People in China have been practicing qigong for at least 7,000 years to maintain health and achieve long life.  In the 1970s and early 1980s, Chinese scientists began western medical-style scientific investigations of qigong. Hundreds of medical studies have been published in the Chinese and American medical literature.  There is increasing scientific evidence showing that qigong has an effect on health. In China, qigong exercises are often used in conjunction with traditional medical therapies to treat a number of diseases including cancer.  The scientific literature has suggested that qigong the practice of qigong may reduce chronic pain, relieve anxiety increase quality of life. Qigong is an official part of the Chinese health plan.

While some scientists believe that qigong may be useful as a form of exercise to help to alleviate stress, improve coordination, and generally improve a person's quality of life, there is no scientific evidence that qigong can cure cancer or any other disease. One study recently published in the United States found that for people with chronic pain, qigong training resulted in a short-term reduction of pain and a long-term reduction in anxiety. However, this was a small study involving only 26 patients.  A review of animal research studies in China reported that external qigong may slow the growth of tumors in mice and holds promise as a beneficial treatment, but further studies are necessary to determine if the results apply to humans.

Qigong is considered safe because of the slow, deliberate exercises involved. Qigong can even be done sitting or laying down.  Patients with a history of chronic pain should realize that any kind of exercise, done incorrectly, can increase pain.  If done correctly however, qigong can alleviate pain. People with cancer and chronic conditions such as arthritis and heart disease should consult with their physician before undergoing any type of physical activity.

References

Cohen K. The Way of Qigong, New York, NY:Balatine Books;1997

Cassileth B. The Alternative Medicine Handbook. New York, NY: W. W. Norton & Co; 1998.

Eisenberg DM, Kessler RC, Foster C, Norlock FE, Calkins DR, Delbanco TL. Unconventional medicine in the United States. NEngl J Med. 1993;328:246-252.

Sancier KM. Medical applications of qigong. Altern Ther Health Med. 1996;2:40-46.

Wu WH, Bandilla E, Ciccone DS, et al. Effects of qigong on late-stage complex regional pain syndrome. Altern Ther Health Med. 1999;5:45-54.

Gallo-Silver L, Pollack B. Behavioral interventions for lung cancer-related breathlessness. Cancer Pract 2000 Nov-Dec;8(6):268-73.

Sancier KM. Therapeutic benefits of qigong exercises in combination with drugs. J Altern Complement Med 1999 Aug;5(4):383-9

Patrick B. Massey MD, PhD

Medical Director, Complementary and Alternative Medicine

Alexian Brothers Hospital Network

Alt-Med Medical and Physical Therapy

1544 Nerge Rd.
Elk Grove Village, Illinois 60007
(847) 923-0046
Map

From the North - Using I-290/Rt.53 head south to the Biesterfield Road Exit; make a right onto Biesterfield Road and travel west about 100 yards to Rohlwing Rd. Turn left onto Rohlwing Rd. and go south (1/2 mile) to Nerge Rd. Turn right onto Nerge Rd. and go about 3/4 mile west to the Mallard Crossing Shopping Center. The ALT-MED Medical and Physical Therapy Programs is located on the north-east corner of Nerge and Meachum Roads.

From the South - Using I-355 head north to the Biesterfield Road Exit (I-355 turns into Rt. 53, Rt. 53 turns into I-290); make a left on Biesterfield Road and travel west about 200 yards to Rohlwing Rd. Turn left onto Rohlwing Rd. and go south (1/2 mile) to Nerge Rd. Turn right onto Nerge Rd. and go about 3/4 mile west to the Mallard Crossing Shopping Center.  The ALT-MED Medical and Physical Therapy Programs is located on the north-east corner of Nerge and Meachum Roads.

From the East - Using I-290 head west toward Rockford (I-290 merges with Rt. 53) to the Biesterfield Road Exit; make a right onto Biesterfield Road and travel west about 100 yards to Rohlwing Rd. Turn left onto Rohlwing Rd. and go south (1/2 mile) to Nerge Rd. Turn right onto Nerge Rd. and go about 3/4 mile west to the Mallard Crossing Shopping Center. The ALT-MED Medical and Physical Therapy Programs is located on the north-east corner of Nerge and Meachum Roads.

From the West - Using the Elgin O'Hare Expressway head east until Meacham Rd. exit. Exit on Meacham Rd., turn left and travel north about 1 mile to Nerge Rd. Mallard Crossing Shopping Center is on the north-east corner of the intersection of Meacham and Nerge Rds. ALT-MED  is on the north side of Nerge Rd.

Parking at ALT-MED Medical and Physical Therapy Programs

• Ample parking is available in front of ALT-MED Medical and Physical Therapy .
• Handicap parking is available directly in front of ALT-MED Medical and Physical Therapy

Blood root, Sanguinaria canadensis

Parts used: Bloodroot is a plant with a bright red root.

Historical and traditional use: It is a Native American plant that was commonly used for sore throat, coughs, arthritic pain as well as a variety of cancers.In combination with the zinc oxide it may be beneficial at removing skin lesions and has been used to treat basal cell cancers, squamous cell cancers, warts, moles and other skin lesions.May be at active constituents of some natural toothpastes because of its bacteriostatic and bacteriocidal effect.

Active constituents: The active constituents of bloodroot are primarily alkaloid compounds. The most well studied of these compounds is sanguinarine. These alkaloids have been shown to inhibit the growth of oral bacteria as was a range of anticancer activities.

Side effects and drug interactions:

· long-term use dental products containing bloodroot or blood root alkaloids is believed to be safe

· blood root taken internally can cause the following effects: visual changes including glaucoma, stomach pain, vomiting, paralysis, fainting

· it should not be use during pregnancy secondary to a uterine stimulant action as well as emmenogogue effect.

What is Osteopathy ?

Osteopathy is a system of health-care which recognizes that the self healing, self regulating ability of the body is dependent upon a number of factors, including favorable environmental conditions, adequate nutrition and normal structural integrity.  It includes generally accepted methods of diagnosis, as well as certain specialized ones, developed to facilitate accurate structural assessment.  It places special emphasis upon the importance of body mechanics, and uses manipulative technique to detect and correct, faulty structure and function.

Doctors of Osteopathy (D.O.) complete four years of medical training at one of the nation's fully accredited colleges of osteopathic medicine.  The osteopathic curriculum is intensive and similar to allopathic medical schools but with one important difference.  It includes comprehensive training in the musculoskeletal system and the use of osteopathic manipulative techniques.  Manipulation combined with osteopathic principles make osteopathic medicine unique.  Upon graduation from medical school, D.O.s complete a one year rotating internship through all the areas of primary care.  Afterwards they may complete their residency in any of more than 120 specialties and subspecialties of medicine.

In the USA, evolution of osteopathy has been towards a complete health-care system.  It is not just a mechanistic approach to disease but a system which attempts to remove the causes of ill health and seeks to reinforce the curative force of the body…a medical concept that is in line with the concepts of Hippocrates and allopathic medicine.  The patient is considered and treated as a whole, not confined to painful conditions of the musculoskeletal system alone.

Is Osteopathy the same as Chiropractic?

A number of other medical systems utilized manipulative methods in their approach including chiropractic and physical therapy.  Historically, Osteopathy and Chiropractic grew out of similar roots, they have evolved to the point where their similarities are to be seen only in the relatively narrow areas of pain and dysfunction in the back and neck.  The differences become very apparent in their consideration of general health care.  Osteopathy has its roots in an allopathic philosophy but has developed additional specialized diagnostic and therapeutic measures, including osteopathic manipulative techniques.

Chiropractic originally placed great emphasis on the idea that spinal joints, when misplaced or subluxed, could impinge upon nerves and thus cause disease elsewhere in the body.  Treatment tended to be a series of specific, high velocity thrust techniques to the affected parts of the body.  Modern chiropractic, however, has expanded from this limited approach to holistic approach to health.

The osteopathic training takes 7 years and a full medical licenses granted with all of the privileges and responsibilities as allopathic physicians (M.D.).  Chiropractic training takes four years leading to a limited licenses (no surgery, cannot write for prescription drugs or the right to sign death certificates, etc.).

History of Osteopathic Medicine

Osteopathy was the brainchild of Andrew Taylor Still M.D.  He was born in 1928 in Jonesburg, Virginia.  As a youth, he displayed great interest in health and was horrified by common diseases of the day, such as smallpox, cholera and meningitis.  He also recognized the inadequacies of then-current medical methods in dealing with these diseases.

Before the Civil War, he attended the College of Physicians and Surgeons in Kansas City, but before completing, he enlisted in the army.  During the Civil War, he served as a surgeon and rose to the rank of major.  Through his experiences, He became very interested in the relationship between structure and function and became convinced that this health a key for understanding the healing process.  Through his studies, he discovered three fundamental principles upon which he would base his practice of medicine:

1.  The body produces its own healing substances.
2.  Health is dependent upon structural integrity.
3.  Perverted structure is a fundamental cause of disease.

These three fundamental principles are also consistent with modern allopathic medicine.  In order to facilitate the healing process, Doctor Still originated the system of osteopathic manipulation.

The first College of Osteopathy opened in 1882.  In 1894, 16 men and three women comprise the first graduating class.  Today, there are twelve osteopathic schools which graduate over 1000 physicians annually.  There are a number of excellent osteopathic physicians on staff at the Alexian Brothers Medical Center and St. Alexius Hospital.

Daniel O'Malley DO
Patrick B. Massey MD, PhD
Medical Director, Complementary and Alternative Medicine
Alexian Brothers Hospital Network

History of Massage

Massage therapy is possibly the oldest medical therapy known to man. Ancient records dating back over 5000 years described the use of massage for many common ailments. Some form of massage therapy can be found in many culturally based medical systems throughout the world including Oriental medicine, Ayruvedic medicine, and others. Massage was even taught to physicians in medical schools in the United States up until the mid 1920s.

What is Massage?

Massage or body work encompasses all healing therapy is the use hands to treat the patient. The simplest and most easily accessible type all body work is massage. There are many types of massage and techniques: Therapeutic, Holistic, Swedish, Sports, Neuromuscular, Body work, Shiatsu, Acupressure, Reflexology all are designed to the body in a different way, from relaxing Swedish massage to the more intense manipulations found in Rolfing. Dr. Emil Vodder of Denmark developed one form of massage, specifically for lymphedema. He believed that "lymphatic" massage could loosen connective tissue, stimulate the lymphatic system and remove toxins. This type of massage can be beneficial for patients with lymphedema secondary to surgery and/or radiation therapy.

Benefits of Massage

Massage can release muscle spasm by reducing contracted and short muscles as well as provide gentle stretching to the connective tissues that surrounds that supports the muscles and tissues. It can also improve skin condition by stimulating the secretion of sebaceous oil, keeping the skin well lubricated. The skin can become softer and more supple. Massage can been demonstrated to affect the internal organs. In some studies, side effects from surgery were less frequent in patients received regular massage. Massage of tissues may increase the removal of toxins and the accumulation of buy products of metabolism. Some of these waste products may contribute to the pain and achiness found in the tissues. Medical studies have shown that stress can contribute to through the incidence of migraines, high blood pressure, depression, stomach ulcers, etc. It has been estimated, by some, that approximately 80 percent of all disease is stress related. Regular massage has been shown to benefit a number of chronic medical conditions, most notably the reduction of stress. Massage has a definite physiological and psychological effect. These effects may be beneficial in counteracting the effects of stress. Increasing medical studies have shown that massage can reduce heart rate, lower blood pressure, increase circulation and lymphatic flow, relax muscles, improved range of motion and enhance endorphin release. It has also been shown to be beneficial for mild to moderate depression, reduce chronic and acute pain, improved asthma parameters, reduce the pain of arthritis, help with insomnia and accelerate the healing of sport induced injuries. There are a few conditions for which massage therapy may be contraindicated including and some skin conditions.

Who does massage?

Physical therapists are trained in some massage techniques. Non-physical therapists can be certified for massage but only after an extensive education, involving hundreds of hours of "hands-on" training. Massage therapy is one of the most rigorously licensed nontraditional medical therapies. Certified massage therapists have training in anatomy, physiology and massage. They also have training in practice management and ethics. They must pass a national certification exam and in many cases take continuing education courses to maintain their licensure.

Patrick B. Massey MD, PhD Medical Director

Complementary and Alternative Medicine Alexian Brothers Hospital Network

Aloe, (Aloe vera, Aloe barbadensis)

Parts used:  Primarily the leaves are used. There are two parts to the leaves that have potency. These are the leaf gel and latex. Aloe latex is the residue leftover after the liquid from the cut aloe leaves has evaporated.

Historical and traditional use: The aloe plant originally is indigenous to Africa. Traditionally, it has been used to alleviate constipation. It has also been used to a alleviate the pain associated with burns and minor wounds. In India it is also used to treat intestinal infections and for menstrual irregularities. In India, the root is also used for colic.

Active constituents:  The active constituents of Aloe for constipation are known as anthraquinolone glycosides. These compounds are processed by normal gut flora to form other molecules which exert a laxative action.A number of different constituents of the aloe gel may help to accelerate wound healing and, possibly be bacteriocidal.  Aloe may also lower blood sugar, although the studies of this are few. It may also be effective for psoriasis. It is probably not effective for radiation burns. There is some suggestion that aloe gel may be helpful in the healing of gastric ulcers.

Side effects and drug interactions

· Aloe allergies are rare

· Laxative form of aloe should not be used with Crohn's or ulcerative colitis

· Laxative form should not be used during pregnancy or lactation

· Laxative form should not be used more than 10 days. Dependency may occur.

PRIMARY Compound COMMON NAME:  Chromium

CO-AUTHORS:  Patrick B. Massey MD, PhD

EssentiaL trace mineral that is involved with maintaining normal blood sugar levels. May benefit HDL and lower total cholesterol. Often advertised as beneficial in weight loss.

Levels may be decreased in steroid-dependent diabetes and asthma and cirrhosis. Deficiencies are uncommon.Concomitant use of vitamin C increases absorption.

The body requires lysine, vitamin C, iron, niacin and vitamin B6 to produce Carnitine.

Steroid-dependent diabetes, high cholesterol, hypoglycemia.  No benefit in athletic performance or weight loss.

Very rare incidences of reversible liver and kidney dysfunction with prolonged consumption of chromium at high doses.

No known drug interactions. Vitamin C increases absorption