What is the Nervous system?
The nervous system forms part of a complex electrochemical process that acts as
the body control center and communications center. It is responsible for sending,
receiving and processing nerve impulses throughout the body as well as
regulating and maintaining homeostasis. It coordinates muscle activity, thought,
learning, memory, speech, the senses and emotion. The nervous system relies on
billions of tiny nerve cells called neurons to function. Neurons carry information
by sending electrochemical impulses through the nerves to other muscles and
organs.
The nervous system is made up of three divisions – central nervous system,
peripheral nervous system and autonomic nervous system:
Central nervous system
The brain and spinal cord make up the central nervous system. The brain
controls how the body functions. It has billions of neurons that stores, receives and
analyzes information. It also provides us with our personality, moods, emotions,
consciousness and unconscious thoughts. The spinal cord is a continuation of the
brain and carries messages between the central nervous system and the rest of the
body.
Peripheral nervous system
The peripheral nervous system consists of sensory receptors, sensory neurons and
motor neurons. This system is made up of the somatic nervous system and
autonomic nervous system.
The somatic nervous system (voluntary nervous system)
The somatic nervous system controls voluntary muscle movements, making them
contract or relax. This system also carries information from the eyes, ears, the skin
and muscle to the brain and spinal cord.
The autonomic nervous system (involuntary nervous system)
The autonomic nervous system consists of two parts, the sympathetic and the
parasympathetic. These systems regulate organs and glands automatically, without
any voluntary input and act on the body in opposite ways. They also help to
maintain homeostasis.
Dignosing Nervous system problems
After a careful review of the patient’s medical history and a physical examination,
certain procedures will be used to help accurately diagnose a nervous system
disorder. The various diagnostic methods doctors use includes imaging tests
such as computed tomography or CT, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI),
angiography, positron emission tomography, and Doppler ultrasonography.
What Causes Nervous system problems?
Infections
● Meningitis
● Polio
● Encephalitis
● Epidural abscess
Functional disorders
● Headache
● Dizziness
● Neuralgia
● Epilepsy
Structural disorders
● Bell’s palsy
● Carpal tunnel syndrome
● Brain or spinal cord injury
● Brain or spinal cord tumors
● Peripheral neuropathy
● Guillain-Barre syndrome
Vascular disorders
● Stroke
● Transient ischemic attack (TIA)
● Subdural hemorrhage and hematoma
● Subarachnoid hemorrhage
● Extradural hemorrhage
Degeneration
m Multiple sclerosis
m Alzheimer’s disease
m Huntington’s chorea
m Parkinson’s disease
m Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
Help for Nervous system problems
Treatment options for neurological disorders usually depends on the diagnosis,
underlying causes, the overall health of the individual and the severity of the
condition. Various medications may be prescribed to treat these disorders and in
more severe cases, neurological surgery may be prescribed. Complementarytherapies such as acupuncture, physiotherapy, massage, hydrotherapy or
chiropractic techniques may also be helpful during rehabilitation.
Natural and holistic treatments have been used through the ages to support the
nervous system, soothe nerves as well address symptoms of stress and tension.
Homeopathic remedies such as tissue salts work at supporting health at a
cellular level and are also extremely safe and effective to use for people of all
ages. Tissue salts such as Ferrum phosphoricum, Kalium phosphate and
Magnesium phosphate are beneficial for the health of the nerves, act as a
natural anti-spasmodic and muscle relaxant and also calms and uplifts the spirit.
Natrium muriaticum and Calcium phosphate promotes brain health and
functioning, memory, concentration and mood.
Tips to promote and maintain a healthy nervous system
● There are several things that you can do to support nervous system health
and these include:
● Eat a healthy, well balanced diet that contains vitamin D and 12, calcium
and potassium
● Stay active by exercising at least three times a week
● Get enough rest and try to have at least eight hours sleep at night
● Stop smoking and avoid an excessive intake of alcohol
● Give your brain a workout by doing challenging or stimulating activities
such as building a puzzle, playing word games, painting, sketching, reading
or playing music
● Learn to relax and reduce stress by practicing deep breathing exercises,
going yoga or meditation
● Surround yourself with positive people who will uplift you and make you feel
good about yourself
● Train your brain to not harbor unhealthy thoughts
The Natural Approach
While Western medicine has become the norm in many cultures, it is not the only
treatment option. Conventional western medicine, often called allopathic
medicine, is the system of medicine taught at most medical schools and most
pharmaceutical and synthetic medicines are manufactured and marketed
according to the principles of allopathic medicine. Allopathic medicine is also
sometimes called orthodox medicine.
Because most of us in the Western world have grown up in a society in which
allopathic medicine is the prevailing norm, we forget that, only a few decades ago,
homeopathic, herbal and other natural medicines were commonly available – and
freely used even by conventional doctors. While there are often heated debates
about which system of medicine is ‘better’ than the other, many responsible
doctors (whether they are allopathic or not) recognize that both have a role to play
in the treatment program.
Natural medicine has often been frowned on by conventional doctors, especially by
those who did not have sufficient knowledge of these medicines. However, it is
encouraging to note that some medical schools are now beginning to re-introduce
it into their course work, thereby providing doctors with a wider range of
treatment options from which to choose. In many countries, especially in Europe,
India and China, natural and homeopathic medicines are commonly prescribed byconventional doctors and represent a significant part of the total annual drug sales.
Naturopathy is a branch of medicine (just as allopathy is a branch of medicine)
which operates according to the underlying philosophy that the body has an innate
capacity to heal itself. While natural medicines are often called ‘alternative’ or
‘complimentary’ medicines, they are, in fact, a unique and independent form of
medicine in their own right, well able to treat a variety of conditions. Perhaps the
term ‘holistic’ medicine is more apt, given the broad range of treatment options
and approaches which are to be found within the practice of natural medicine,
which encompasses many different disciplines, including herbalism, homeopathy,
iridology, osteopathy, chiropractic, therapeutic massage techniques,
aromatherapy, acupuncture and many, many more.
Most naturopaths will use a variety of treatment modalities in order to treat their
patients in a holistic way to support health, relieve symptoms and prevent future
disease. In fact, even the World Health Organization defines health as being "...
more than simply the absence of illness. It is the active state of physical, emotional,
mental and social well-being." This is a wonderfully clear description of holistic or
natural medicine, which strives to support health (thereby relieving or preventing
symptoms), rather than simply eliminating disease.
Although allopathic medicine certainly has a role to play and has made a
tremendous contribution to medical science during the past century, there is a
growing perception that it is not the only answer and that, in many cases, holistic
medicine can accomplish just as much, if not more – without the risk of side
effects, addiction and sacrifice to health so commonly associated with
pharmaceutical drugs. Contrary to common perception, and provided that they are
manufactured in the correct way, natural medicines can work quickly and safely to
promote healing.
In many cases, they can succeed where pharmaceutical drugs have failed. Despite
frequent reports that they are ‘unproven’ and ‘untested’, the opposite is true.
Natural medicines have a long history of usage and there is a wealth of empirical
evidence to support their effectiveness and safety. In addition, active clinical
research is carried out by many academic hospitals and universities to support the
extensive traditional and empirical evidence behind natural medicines.
It is also important to know that, like any medicine, herbal and homeopathic
medicines must be manufactured in the correct way, following acceptable
procedures and manufacturing methods to ensure maximum effectiveness and
safety. Due to the recent rise in popularity of natural remedies, many companies
have sprung up to take advantage of the market. Unfortunately not all of them are
equipped to manufacture to the correct standards, often resulting in a flood of
inferior (and sometimes even unsafe) remedies onto the market – and giving
natural remedies a bad name.
Even some pharmaceutical companies have rushed to claim their market share by
producing so-called ‘standardized’ extracts of herbs and offering these as superior
to the tried and tested methods of naturopathic manufacturing. Nothing could be
further from the truth. While ‘standardized’ extracts may offer benefit of easy
consistency of dosage (and cheaper more efficient production lines), they have
grave disadvantages. These include an increase in side effects as the medicines
produced in this manner lose the natural protective properties of the herbs. In
some cases, these side effects have proved fatal – as was seen in the liver toxicity
associated with standardized extracts of kava kava, a herb previously safely usedfor generations without any known side effects.
Most naturopaths recommend what is called the Full Spectrum Method of
extraction – which retains the benefits of ALL the active ingredients within the
herb as opposed to isolating only one – thereby providing a more complete
treatment as well as superior protection against side effects.
Whatever your choice, always choose wisely. Research what is best for you. If you
have a chronic or life threatening condition, don’t make changes without first
discussing them with your doctor in order that your condition may be monitored.
Well informed and supportive practitioners will support patients who want to take
responsibility for their own health.
The nervous system forms part of a complex electrochemical process that acts as
the body control center and communications center. It is responsible for sending,
receiving and processing nerve impulses throughout the body as well as
regulating and maintaining homeostasis. It coordinates muscle activity, thought,
learning, memory, speech, the senses and emotion. The nervous system relies on
billions of tiny nerve cells called neurons to function. Neurons carry information
by sending electrochemical impulses through the nerves to other muscles and
organs.
The nervous system is made up of three divisions – central nervous system,
peripheral nervous system and autonomic nervous system:
Central nervous system
The brain and spinal cord make up the central nervous system. The brain
controls how the body functions. It has billions of neurons that stores, receives and
analyzes information. It also provides us with our personality, moods, emotions,
consciousness and unconscious thoughts. The spinal cord is a continuation of the
brain and carries messages between the central nervous system and the rest of the
body.
Peripheral nervous system
The peripheral nervous system consists of sensory receptors, sensory neurons and
motor neurons. This system is made up of the somatic nervous system and
autonomic nervous system.
The somatic nervous system (voluntary nervous system)
The somatic nervous system controls voluntary muscle movements, making them
contract or relax. This system also carries information from the eyes, ears, the skin
and muscle to the brain and spinal cord.
The autonomic nervous system (involuntary nervous system)
The autonomic nervous system consists of two parts, the sympathetic and the
parasympathetic. These systems regulate organs and glands automatically, without
any voluntary input and act on the body in opposite ways. They also help to
maintain homeostasis.
Dignosing Nervous system problems
After a careful review of the patient’s medical history and a physical examination,
certain procedures will be used to help accurately diagnose a nervous system
disorder. The various diagnostic methods doctors use includes imaging tests
such as computed tomography or CT, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI),
angiography, positron emission tomography, and Doppler ultrasonography.
What Causes Nervous system problems?
Infections
● Meningitis
● Polio
● Encephalitis
● Epidural abscess
Functional disorders
● Headache
● Dizziness
● Neuralgia
● Epilepsy
Structural disorders
● Bell’s palsy
● Carpal tunnel syndrome
● Brain or spinal cord injury
● Brain or spinal cord tumors
● Peripheral neuropathy
● Guillain-Barre syndrome
Vascular disorders
● Stroke
● Transient ischemic attack (TIA)
● Subdural hemorrhage and hematoma
● Subarachnoid hemorrhage
● Extradural hemorrhage
Degeneration
m Multiple sclerosis
m Alzheimer’s disease
m Huntington’s chorea
m Parkinson’s disease
m Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
Help for Nervous system problems
Treatment options for neurological disorders usually depends on the diagnosis,
underlying causes, the overall health of the individual and the severity of the
condition. Various medications may be prescribed to treat these disorders and in
more severe cases, neurological surgery may be prescribed. Complementarytherapies such as acupuncture, physiotherapy, massage, hydrotherapy or
chiropractic techniques may also be helpful during rehabilitation.
Natural and holistic treatments have been used through the ages to support the
nervous system, soothe nerves as well address symptoms of stress and tension.
Homeopathic remedies such as tissue salts work at supporting health at a
cellular level and are also extremely safe and effective to use for people of all
ages. Tissue salts such as Ferrum phosphoricum, Kalium phosphate and
Magnesium phosphate are beneficial for the health of the nerves, act as a
natural anti-spasmodic and muscle relaxant and also calms and uplifts the spirit.
Natrium muriaticum and Calcium phosphate promotes brain health and
functioning, memory, concentration and mood.
Tips to promote and maintain a healthy nervous system
● There are several things that you can do to support nervous system health
and these include:
● Eat a healthy, well balanced diet that contains vitamin D and 12, calcium
and potassium
● Stay active by exercising at least three times a week
● Get enough rest and try to have at least eight hours sleep at night
● Stop smoking and avoid an excessive intake of alcohol
● Give your brain a workout by doing challenging or stimulating activities
such as building a puzzle, playing word games, painting, sketching, reading
or playing music
● Learn to relax and reduce stress by practicing deep breathing exercises,
going yoga or meditation
● Surround yourself with positive people who will uplift you and make you feel
good about yourself
● Train your brain to not harbor unhealthy thoughts
The Natural Approach
While Western medicine has become the norm in many cultures, it is not the only
treatment option. Conventional western medicine, often called allopathic
medicine, is the system of medicine taught at most medical schools and most
pharmaceutical and synthetic medicines are manufactured and marketed
according to the principles of allopathic medicine. Allopathic medicine is also
sometimes called orthodox medicine.
Because most of us in the Western world have grown up in a society in which
allopathic medicine is the prevailing norm, we forget that, only a few decades ago,
homeopathic, herbal and other natural medicines were commonly available – and
freely used even by conventional doctors. While there are often heated debates
about which system of medicine is ‘better’ than the other, many responsible
doctors (whether they are allopathic or not) recognize that both have a role to play
in the treatment program.
Natural medicine has often been frowned on by conventional doctors, especially by
those who did not have sufficient knowledge of these medicines. However, it is
encouraging to note that some medical schools are now beginning to re-introduce
it into their course work, thereby providing doctors with a wider range of
treatment options from which to choose. In many countries, especially in Europe,
India and China, natural and homeopathic medicines are commonly prescribed byconventional doctors and represent a significant part of the total annual drug sales.
Naturopathy is a branch of medicine (just as allopathy is a branch of medicine)
which operates according to the underlying philosophy that the body has an innate
capacity to heal itself. While natural medicines are often called ‘alternative’ or
‘complimentary’ medicines, they are, in fact, a unique and independent form of
medicine in their own right, well able to treat a variety of conditions. Perhaps the
term ‘holistic’ medicine is more apt, given the broad range of treatment options
and approaches which are to be found within the practice of natural medicine,
which encompasses many different disciplines, including herbalism, homeopathy,
iridology, osteopathy, chiropractic, therapeutic massage techniques,
aromatherapy, acupuncture and many, many more.
Most naturopaths will use a variety of treatment modalities in order to treat their
patients in a holistic way to support health, relieve symptoms and prevent future
disease. In fact, even the World Health Organization defines health as being "...
more than simply the absence of illness. It is the active state of physical, emotional,
mental and social well-being." This is a wonderfully clear description of holistic or
natural medicine, which strives to support health (thereby relieving or preventing
symptoms), rather than simply eliminating disease.
Although allopathic medicine certainly has a role to play and has made a
tremendous contribution to medical science during the past century, there is a
growing perception that it is not the only answer and that, in many cases, holistic
medicine can accomplish just as much, if not more – without the risk of side
effects, addiction and sacrifice to health so commonly associated with
pharmaceutical drugs. Contrary to common perception, and provided that they are
manufactured in the correct way, natural medicines can work quickly and safely to
promote healing.
In many cases, they can succeed where pharmaceutical drugs have failed. Despite
frequent reports that they are ‘unproven’ and ‘untested’, the opposite is true.
Natural medicines have a long history of usage and there is a wealth of empirical
evidence to support their effectiveness and safety. In addition, active clinical
research is carried out by many academic hospitals and universities to support the
extensive traditional and empirical evidence behind natural medicines.
It is also important to know that, like any medicine, herbal and homeopathic
medicines must be manufactured in the correct way, following acceptable
procedures and manufacturing methods to ensure maximum effectiveness and
safety. Due to the recent rise in popularity of natural remedies, many companies
have sprung up to take advantage of the market. Unfortunately not all of them are
equipped to manufacture to the correct standards, often resulting in a flood of
inferior (and sometimes even unsafe) remedies onto the market – and giving
natural remedies a bad name.
Even some pharmaceutical companies have rushed to claim their market share by
producing so-called ‘standardized’ extracts of herbs and offering these as superior
to the tried and tested methods of naturopathic manufacturing. Nothing could be
further from the truth. While ‘standardized’ extracts may offer benefit of easy
consistency of dosage (and cheaper more efficient production lines), they have
grave disadvantages. These include an increase in side effects as the medicines
produced in this manner lose the natural protective properties of the herbs. In
some cases, these side effects have proved fatal – as was seen in the liver toxicity
associated with standardized extracts of kava kava, a herb previously safely usedfor generations without any known side effects.
Most naturopaths recommend what is called the Full Spectrum Method of
extraction – which retains the benefits of ALL the active ingredients within the
herb as opposed to isolating only one – thereby providing a more complete
treatment as well as superior protection against side effects.
Whatever your choice, always choose wisely. Research what is best for you. If you
have a chronic or life threatening condition, don’t make changes without first
discussing them with your doctor in order that your condition may be monitored.
Well informed and supportive practitioners will support patients who want to take
responsibility for their own health.
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