Not Just a Personal Problem, Practitioner Burnout is a Public Health Issue

What can you do if you are feeling burned out?

This is not just a personal question; it’s one that has profound implications for patient care. As research reveals more about the negative effects of professional burnout on patient outcomes, medical mistakes, practitioner health, turnover rates and even practitioner suicide, it is increasingly evident that burnout poses a serious risk to patient safety.

Eating Disorders May Signal Autoimmune Conditions

People being treated for eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating appear to be at increased risk for autoimmune disorders including chronic gasteroenterological, ocular, dermatological, connective tissue, neurological, and hematological autoimmune conditions, according to a new study from Helsinki University.

Is Neuro-Regeneration a Reality?

For generations, the prevailing medical wisdom has been that neurodegeneration is irreversible, and that adults simply cannot re-grow lost or damaged neurons.

Medical Marijuana for MS: “There’s a Place For It”

New guidelines from the American Academy of Neurology hold that there is a place for cannabis and cannabis-derived compounds as therapies for multiple sclerosis. A comprehensive systematic review suggests that cannabis can attenuate muscle spasms, pain and bladder symptoms asssociated with the disease, though it does not appear to reduce frequency or severity of MS tremors.

“So What Is It, Exactly, That You Do?” Reflections on Hospital-Based Holistic Medicine

I didn’t always know what response I would get from other health care practitioners when I showed up in a patient’s room. A referral would come in from a nurse or doctor stating, “Patient in such-and-such room is really anxious, can someone from your team come up and work your magic?”

Curcumin Equals Fluoxetine for Major Depression

In a head to head comparison trial, a standardized form of curcumin—a bioactive compound found in the spice, Turmeric–proved as effective as fluoxetine in reducing signs and symptoms of major depression.

Empowerment is the New “Compliance”

Facilitating lifestyle change can be one of the most frustrating aspects of clinical practice—or the most rewarding.  It all depends on how you approach it. A spirit of teamwork, and a few simple tools can make all the difference, says nutrition counselor Gabriel Hoffman.

A SANE Approach to Chronic Pain

Better sleep, physical activity, good nutrition and reducing stress and environmental toxins are the keys to reducing chronic pain, especially in women, said Dr. Robert Bonakdar, at the 2^nd annual Lifestyle Medicine Summit in Chicago.

Sound Medicine: How “Harmonic Listening” Affects Healing

For vocalist & composer David Hykes, the connection between chanting and medicine is very natural. For nearly 40 years, Hykes has been exploring and teaching Harmonic Chant–a non-dual sacred vocal music practice based on the natural harmonics found in all voices, music, and throughout the vibratory universe.

Creating Mind-Body Coherence in the Context of Depression

Antidepressant drugs, while sometimes helpful, certainly did not solve the problem of depression. For many patients, a comprehensive holistic program incorporating nutritional changes, botanicals and mind-body techniques like HeartMath’s “Quick Coherence” system, is a better option.