Browse through the alphabetical listing of health conditions in the above drop down menu. Learn more about a specific condition, treatment options based on scientific evidence and how the treatment works.

In using this section, it is important to understand how the research and review articles were selected. No attempt was made to be comprehensive, as that would be a vast undertaking well beyond the scope of this section. Rather we sought to provide reliable information from scientific studies showing the complementary/alternative therapeutic approaches that have been studied for each health condition and the significant results to date.

Our priorities in selecting articles included the most recent studies or reviews, the largest clinical trials in terms of number of patients studied, publication in peer-reviewed journals whenever possible, the highest quality studies (randomized, double blind, controlled clinical trials), and the use of up to three studies per given therapeutic approach that provide a representative view of the findings.

This section is for information purposes only. The treatment approaches listed are often provided in conjunction with standard medical therapy. No treatment should be initiated, nor any treatment stopped, without first consulting your health care practitioner.

We are continually in the process of adding summaries of new research studies for each of the health conditions on the drop down menu. Please check back for new information. Our Research and Guidelines section also offers summaries of research studies on the different therapeutic modalities.

Center practitioners share their strategies for PREVENTING FLU/COLDS OR MINIMIZING SYMPTOMS.

PREVENTION is always the most important way to reduce the chance of getting sick in the first place. Some important strategies for cold and flu prevention would be:

• Wash your hands frequently especially before you eat, after taking public transportation, and especially during symptoms of cold or flu such as coughing or sneezing
• Retire at a reasonable hour and sleep
• If you feel you are coming down with something –REST. Rest strengthens your immune system
• Avoid caffeine and foods that disturb sleep
• Take care to dress according to the weather. Cover your head and neck if it is windy or cold.
• Eat nourishing warm cooked meals several times a day to keep up your strength
• Include 6 helpings of dark leafy greens, yellow-orange red colored vegetables and fruits. These foods provide lots of vitamins useful for enhancing your immune system. We often recommend selecting organic sources if possible.
• Practice stress reduction/ relaxation techniques daily. Here is an example of one you can access from the Internet www.healingchronicpain.org/content/relax/default.asp.
• Avoid direct contact with people who are ill
• If you are sick stay home. You will recuperate faster and it will prevent others from catching your illness

SOME STRATEGIES FOR REDUCING SYMPTOMS
For Influenza (Flu) virus
• Oscillococcinum, (homeopathic) one vial of pellets under the tongue three times a day. (Works only in the first two to three days of symptoms---often very effective).
• Elderberry – Elderberry juice syrup (many brands) taken orally may help to reduce the symptoms and duration of Influenza infection.

For Upper Respiratory (Colds) or Influenza (Flu) viruses: To be taken anytime during the illness, the sooner the better, until symptoms abate.

For General Immune Support(In general order of preference. More than one at a time may be used):
• Echinacea, three times a day in capsule or tincture form. Some reliable brands are: Esberitox by Enzymatic Therapy; Insure Herbal by Zand, Immunotone by Phytopharmica, and products by Solgar
• Zicam (homeopathic) nasal spray: three times/day
• Zinc lozenges, especially if having sore throat. Use up to three times a day for the first three to four days only.
• Vitamin C 1000 mg. a day total, in divided doses.

For Symptoms:
• Sinus Blockage: Add a decongestant. Try herbal Nazanol first (by Metagenics). It has no pseudo-ephedrine or other stimulants or consider using Sudafed. However this can be too drying/stimulating for some.
• For Chest and Sinus Congestion: Use an expectorant (ie Robitussin/guaifenesin) and/or Nazonal or use tea tree oil (add 1-2 drops of tea tree oil to a bowl of steaming hot water. Place a towel over your head, close your eyes, and lean over the bowl and inhale the steam vapors for 5-10 minutes). For a dry non-productive cough use eucalyptus oil and follow the above inhalation therapy treatment
• For a Sore Throat: Gargle with Hydrogen peroxide or tea tree oil (dilute with 2-3 parts water, gargle and spit out) or consider using commercial mouthwash such as Tom’s of Maine, or Listerine
• For Headaches, Pain and Fever and muscle/joint aches consider over the counter medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen orTylenol
• Homeopathy may also work for the above problems, but often needs a specific provider-prescribed remedy.

Note: Flus and Colds are caused by viruses. Antibiotics are only effective against bacteria and are NOT helpful for the treatment of viral illnesses. Occasionally they occur in combination with bacterial infections. Consult with your healthcare practitioner if you are not sure which you may have.
For all of the above remedies, consult with your healthcare provider first to make sure of the safety and appropriateness for your use. There are also treatments with acupuncture, chiropractic and other therapeutic approaches that will support a good immune response. Combining traditional therapies with the suggestions above may shorten the length of your illness and make you feel more comfortable.