Learning Objectives
After completing the course you will able to:
- Enunciate the six basic principles that guide the three traditional medicine approaches.
- Compare and contrast the basic tenets of homeopathy, Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine in their separate approaches to healing.
- Using the traditional Chinese medicine approach, make an assessment of eleven common symptoms of illness, form a diagnosis and prescribe a herbal formula for therapy.
- As followed by Chinese medicine practitioner, describe the somatic and psychic functions of the five organ networks-liver, heart, spleen, lung and kidney and their usual patterns of distress.
- Observe the four primary conditions-heat, cold, dampness and dryness-presented by a patient and suggest dietary modifications to bring balance in the body.
- Describe the immune system enhancing qualites of five Chinese herbs: astragalus, isatis, codonopsis, schisandra and ginseng.
- Make a list of dozen essential herbs that one should stock in one’s natural medicine chest.
- List several common conditions (such as anxiety bronchitis, colds, diarrhea, ear infections, nausea, sore throat, etc.) and their causes, and prescribe natural remedies.
- List certain health problems and injuries which require the attention of a healthcare practitioner.
- Suggest natural therapy options that involve diet, supplements, herbs, homeopathy and aromatherapy to treat such common women health problems as premenstrual syndrome, menstrual cramps, urinary tract infections, fibrocystic breast, varicose veins and vaginal yeast infection.
- Explain the principles of traditional Chinese medicine in treating women’s health problems.
- Suggest homeopathic remedies for common health problems of women, such as PMS, moodiness and irritability, cystitis, vaginitis, menopasual hot flashes and menopausal mood swings.
- Suggest homeopathic remedies for a pregnant woman.
- List four herbs particularly recommended by herbalists that are safe for pregnant women.
- For certain childhood illnesses_colds and flu, fever, ear infections, sore throats, and diarrhea and stomachaes_suggest natural alternative therapies and contrast them with conventional medicine.
- List 26 herbs, describe their properties and indicate their uses to cure common illnesses.
- List various forms of herbs and their applications.
- Discuss traditional Chinese medicine approach to treating colds and flu.
- Describe the role played by three herbs_echinacea, astragalus and goldenseal_in the treatment of colds and flu.
- Descrbe the adverse effect on the body’s immune system caused by the misuse and overuse of antibiotics.
- List various plants_echinacea, astragalus, goldenseal, berberine, etc._and their immune-stimulating properties.
- Describe the use of St. John’s wort for its antidepressant qualities.
- Descrbe the role played by free radicals and antioxidants in the body’s immune system.
- Describe how the right supplements can be used to treat indigestion, poor concentration, insomnia and other common ailments.
- Describe how extra vitamins and minerals can help you to strengthen weak links in your individual body chemistry to reduce your chances of developing a serious illness.
- Understand the science behind five important immune-stimulating herbs: echinacea, astragalus, ligustrum, shiitake mushrooms and licorice.
- Explain how stress, sugar, obesity, alcohol, insufficient rest and undernourishment can compromise your immune system.
- Explain how body uses carbohydrates, fats and proteins to manufacture energy.
- Recommend the correct proportions of the three types of nutrients for high energy throughout the day.
- Describe how various minerals_magnesium, potassium, zinc and chromium_ contribute to the body’s energy processes.
- List 2 herbs that should not be used in large, ongoing amounts due to their overstimulating properties.
- Describe 4 steps to relieve ear infection in young children without the use of antibiotics.
- Describe the body’s response to stress and break it down into the three phases.
- List 7 herbs known to relieve stress, induce better sleep and generally relax the mind and the body.
- Describe some common natural remedies using vitamins, minerals, and amino acids for depression.
- List 8 symptoms that may help determine if one is suffering from depression.
- Explain how brain processes thoughts and memories, and discuss the opinion of several experts as to the effectiveness of herbs and nutrients in enhancing brain power.
- Discuss the properties and applications of 4 herbs_ginkgo, bilberry, centella and butcher’s broom_in increasing the blood flow through the vascular system and heal circulatory disorders.
- Describe the normal sleep pattern for adults and make 6 specific suggestions for insomniacs.
- List four best-researched herbs for insomnia and calming nerves.
- List various causes of insomnia and suggest natural remedies to induce peaceful night slumber, and contrast the actions of natural medicine with conventional prescription drugs.
- Discuss various claims made with regards to the beneficial effects of melatonin and weigh the available evidence to suggest its effectiveness in treating salient disorders.
- Answer questions regarding the action, dosage, timing, side effects and drug interactions of melatonin.
- Understand 7 ways herbs stimulate cleansing.
- Classify herbs into 7 categories depending upon their action and list common herbs for each category.
- List 7 natural substances commonly used to help detoxify the liver.
- Describe the six-step detox program for safe, gradual cleansing of the liver and gastro-intestinal tract.
- Indicate 3 herbs and nutrients for their weight loss properties.
- Describe the basic benefits of echinacea and answer a patient’s questions concerning its dosage and administration, potency, combination with other herbs, and toxicity.
- List 3 varieties of mushrooms and describe their medicinal values.
- Describe the healthy benefits of algae.
- Describe the most common application of aloe vera.
- Describe the beneficial effect of peppermint and spearmint to relieve nausea, vomiting and stomach discomfort.
- Describe the wide-ranging healing powers of garlic including its beneficial effects on the heart and its antibacterial abilities.
- Describe the role played by zinc in boosting the body’s immune system.
- List 10 synthetic drugs and provide alternative natural remedies to cure common maladies.
- Discuss how herbs work as preventive medicine and point out similarities and dissimilarities between the way herbs and over-the-counter medicines work.
- Propose herbal remedies for 30 common conditions.
- Describe the concept of superherbs and contrast their action with other “specific-action” herbs.
- Describe the biochemical reaction, application, and side effects of various herbs.
- For the following six hormones, list their common usage and suspected risks, and identify the most likely ways to naturally increase their levels in the body: estrogen, testosterone, pregnenolone, DHEA, melatonin, and growth hormone.
- Discuss the side effects caused by ephedrine.