can cause symptoms when given in large doses to healthy individuals can be used in small doses to treat patients with similar symptoms . 106 Homeopathy is individualised and personalised , with the idea that individuals who have an illness will respond to homeopathic medicines that trigger similar conditions , signs , and symptoms when given to healthy individuals . 105 So to say , it is the matching of symptoms of a patient with symptoms produced by these substances in healthy individuals . 107 Homeopathy uses serial dilution microdoses ( potencies ) of plants , minerals and animal parts to stimulate healing and self-regulatory responses in the body . 103 , 107 Homeopathic potentisation involves a series of dilutions of the homeopathic remedy , where each stage of dilution is accompanied by repeated shaking ( succussion ) of the liquid or grinding of solid substances into lactose . 108
Lifestyle medicine
Lifestyle medicine utilises a holistic approach that integrates various environmental , behavioural , and psychological principles to promote and enhance physical and mental wellbeing . 109 Lifestyle medicine emphasises disease prevention over curative medicine 5 and aims to improve
109 , 110
quality of life through healthy eating , active living , 110 109 , 111
physical activity , relaxation , 109 recreation , 109 engagement in meaningful activities , 109 positive physical connection , 111 social interaction and networking , 109 healthy relationships , 111 meditation , 112-115 mindfulness-based techniques , 109 work-rest balance , 109 sleep , 109 , 111 emotional resilience , 110 and avoidance of risky substances . 111 The objective of lifestyle medicine within preventive natural medicine is to implement daily alterations that are relatively easy to perform , manageable , adaptable , and sustainable in the context of long-term habits . 5
Massage and myotherapy
Massage can be defined as a patterned and purposeful manipulation of soft-tissue for therapeutic purposes . 116 In Australia , an estimated 20 % of the national population visit massage therapists in a year . 116 Massage has been found to manage and reduce stress , 117 tension , 117 anxiety , 117 muscle spasm , 118 , 119 pain , 117-119 neck pain , 120 lower back pain , 116 , 117 , 120 muscle soreness , 120 headaches , 120 swelling , 119 and to improve sleep , 120 blood flow , 118 mobility of ligaments , tendons , and muscle , 118 and quality of life . 120 Massage treatments have seen improvements in work-related activities . 117 Research has found that massage and aromatherapy have beneficial effects on nurses ’ stress . 121 Other research has shown that massage therapy is a way to achieve inner peace and tranquillity . 122 During massage sessions , individuals have expressed a sense of dignity , and memories of past massages were linked to feelings of liberation . These experiences of dignity and freedom inspired hopes for the future . 122
Naturopathy
Naturopathy is a whole systems approach to health care . 123 Naturopathy is a traditional system of patient-focused health care characterised by a set of philosophical principles . 124 The name ‘ naturopathy ’ is derived by combining Latin and Greek to translate literally as ‘ nature disease ’. 125 The fundamental principles of naturopathic practice emphasise a patient-centred approach and the customisation of care . 126 There is an overarching philosophy that the practice of naturopathy is to encourage the self-healing process of the body . 127
Using a combination of traditional knowledge and science , naturopaths offer a diverse range of modalities , including dietary and lifestyle counselling , 126 herbal medicines , 126 nutrition and nutritional supplements , 126 Bach flower remedies , 128 Australian Bush Flower Essences , 129 bodywork / manual therapies , 126 and mind-body techniques , 126 among others . These modalities are utilised to effectively address unique healthcare requirements , 125 , 126 for the promotion of optimal health , 123 , 125 and the preferences of each patient . 126 A substantial amount of research underscores the effectiveness of naturopathic treatments in enhancing health outcomes for a range of health conditions . 130 Naturopathy presents a comprehensive and economically viable approach to managing lifestyle-related conditions and promoting general wellness . 130
Nutrition
Optimum nutrition is the foundation for optimum health . 9 , 131 Poor nutrition is one of the most critical risk factors for chronic disease , as it can lead to a range of health issues that compromise the body ’ s ability to function optimally . 132 Good quality diets play a role in optimising nutrient intake . The Mediterranean diet has numerous health benefits , including cardiovascular and cardiometabolic
131 , 133
health and combatting depression . Vegan and vegetarian diets and plantpredominant eating patterns 111 are rich in antioxidants and phytochemicals and have cardiometabolic and digestive health benefits . 131 , 133-135 The glycaemic index diet offers cardiovascular and cardiometabolic health benefits as well as reducing inflammation and oxidative stress . 131 , 133 Eating whole foods 111 should be the first step in optimising the diet . Specific foods may be chosen and utilised for their functions , such as anti-atherogenic , 136 anti-inflammation , 137 antioxidant capacity , 136 , 138 antiplatelet , 136 antithrombotic , 136 detoxification , 135 glucose metabolism , 136 glycaemic control , 139 improving insulin resistance , 139 improving insulin sensitivity , 136 lipid profile , 139 vascular function , 137 and
131 , 136 vasodilatory properties .
Vitamins may be chosen and utilised for their antidepressant , 140 antiinflammatory , 141-145 antioxidant , 146-148 anxiolytic , 140 bone health , 149 , 150 brain signalling , 151 calcium homeostasis , 152 carbohydrate metabolism , 153 , 154 cell function , 155 , 156 coagulation , 157-160 collagen synthesis , 153 , 160 161 , 162
differentiation , DNA metabolism , 146 , 163 DNA synthesis , 153 , 155 , 156 , 164 endothelial cell function , 153 165 , 166
energy metabolism , enzymatic reactions , 160 fat metabolism , 153 gene expression , 163 , 162 glycaemic control , 167 haemoglobin formation , 155 homocysteine metabolism , 146 , 147 insulin secretion , 163 Krebs cycle activity , 165 lipid peroxidation
12 | vol31 | no1 | JATMS