Crohn's disease is an inflammatory disease that attacks the lower small intestine, the colon, or both small intestine and colon. This disease was named after Burill B. Crohn, M.D., which replaced the term regional ileitis or regional enteritis. One other disease similar to Crohn's is that of ulcerative colitis. This disease is a disease, which causes an inflammation and ulceration of the inner lining of the large intestine and rectum. The thing about this disease is, is that it is often referred to as Irritable Bowel Syndrome which is incorrect. The fact is ulcerative colitis is the more serious of these two conditions. Both Crohn's disease and ulcerative are very painful diseases. Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis has been estimated at 100 cases per 100,00 in population. [American Family Physician, Aug97, vol.56 Issue, p616, 1/3p.] They often cause abdominal pain, diarrhea, and their cause is unknown. These diseases may also cause vitamin deficiencies as well as disturbed electrolyte and fluid balance. There are thousands of people each year who are diagnosed with either Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis. Many of these people cannot afford the medical treatment options that their doctors prescribe for them, so they make use of other means of treatment. Many of these sufferers will think that alternative treatment options are a better mode of treatment of medication. These people think that the treatments are very helpful to them, and that they are more cost efficient. With this type of treatment there are many positive and negative aspects to think about, that of which may be significant to the sufferers choosing.
The causes of these two particular diseases are similar in ways and different in others. Crohn's disease may be an auto-immune response in which the body attacks its own tissue following infection, or it may be a reaction to stress or unknown environmental factors. This particular disease has also been linked to food allergies. There may also be a genetic factor, as the disease appears to run in families. Ulcerative colitis is similar to that of Crohn's disease because of the fact that the cure is unknown, and that it is a stress related disease. Ulcerative colitis is common in developed countries, due to the fact of the malnutrition, and lack of fiber in their diets. The commonality of these two diseases is with the auto-immune disorder and effects that are associated when encountered with stress. If stress is handled properly these diseases can be overcome.
Those who have Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis have many options for treatment. Some choose the medical treatment options that their doctors prescribe for them. These drugs can be advantageous, but they can also be very expensive. For sufferers of Crohn's disease, their doctors may prescribe them steroids or antibiotics to help fight against the inflammation, although surgery may be a last resort. Ulcerative colitis can be treated a little differently from Crohn's disease. A doctor will give dietary advice, along with steroids to reduce inflammation. Intravenous feeding or fasting may be recommended to rest the colon. Surgery could also be a last resort in fighting this disease. Basically the medical treatment options are the same for these two diseases, with corticosteroids and antibiotics. Medical treatment is a good option but it often becomes very costly. For those who cannot afford the medical treatment options, alternative treatment options seem to work better for them.
Alternative treatment options are widely available for those people who cannot afford it. These treatment options vary widely also. They range from aromatherapy to Western Herbalism. To tell what kind of alternative treatment the patient should consult an expert and find out what kind of alternative treatment would be best for them. Alternative treatments can prove to work better than medical treatment options, for example in a November issue of Medical Update doctors observed that ulcerative colitis patients who take up smoking sometimes experience relief of their symptoms. It is believed that nicotine is a helpful substance in the fight with ulcerative colitis, but because smoking is so hazardous, it is not recommended that patients start smoking.[ Medical Update, Nov97, Vol. 21 Issue 5, p4, 1/4p.] Weil states that "If you work from the premise that ulcerative colitis is a psychosomatic, it does not take a great deal of intelligence to surmise that smoking is an effective outlet for stress and that if you shut that outlet, the stress is going to go somewhere else."[90-91] The point that is being made is that there is an alternative treatment for beating stress, other than smoking. Psychotherapy and counseling has been very helpful in the treatment with Crohn's and colitis. It has been proven that when exposed to a stressful situation some children learn to develop gastrointestinal symptoms to cope with the stress. It is really hard to believe that diseases such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease can be learned just because of the fact that they are stress related. Since they are stress related diseases all that has to be conquered is how to handle stress. Exercise is helpful to relieve stress therefore reducing symptoms of these particular diseases.
One type of alternative treatment option is naturopathy. The Encyclopedia of Healing Therapies defines naturopathy as "a multidisciplinary approach that uses the heal power of natural resources… to allow the body to heal itself."[119] Naturopathy was introduced to the U.S. in the 1890's. Dr. John Scheel of New York coined the term naturopathy in 1895. Naturopathy is believed to make the body work toward good health or homeostasis, in which the body reaches equilibrium. Treatment will focus on cleansing the bowel and resting and supporting the liver. A juice fast may also be recommended, as well as a progression of a high fiber diet. There may also be a supervised exclusion diet that may help tell the patient what foods are intolerable to him. Naturopathy uses a range of therapies to enhance the body's self-healing powers. These aim to work by improving digestion and circulation, increasing the elimination of waste products, and boosting the immune system. The Greek physician Hippocrates put a bunch of the principles of naturopathy in many of his work. He said that a balance of rest, exercise, and eating plain foods in moderation could maintain health. Naturopaths consider inflammation of the bowel to be cause by poor digestion, absorption, and elimination, and use diet supplements to heal it. There are many types of naturopathic treatments available, including the following: acupressure, clinical nutrition, chiropractic treatments, fasting, hydrotherapy, counseling, herbal medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine, homeopathy, touch therapies, and physiotherapy.
One of the more popular alternative treatment options is that of herbalism. There are two types of herbalism that are used more often, Western Herbalism, and Chinese Herbalism. Herbalism is more popular due to the fact that it is naturally grown. No doctor or chemist has been able to change it in order to sell it to the public. Patients tend to like it better because of the fact that it is more cost efficient. It is more cost efficient because patients can find the herbs anywhere in the wild or even grow it themselves. "Herbalism is a holistic medical system that seeks to restore the body's self-healing mechanism, or 'vital force,' and prescribes remedies tailored to the patient, not the symptoms. Rather that treating symptoms in isolation, herbalists look for the cause of illness…which may have overburdened the body's fine balance."[134] There are many things that herbs can provide for the suffering patient. Herbs can provide an array of tonics, stimulants, and relaxants to ensure a healthy lifestyle. Many of these herbs act on the nervous system to help control stress related problems like ulcerative colitis. There are many herbs that are helpful in the treatment of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, for example ginger. Ginger is very helpful in alleviating gastrointestinal distress. Another type of herb that is helpful in controlling gastrointestinal distress is Peppermint oil. Peppermint oil is used to coat the stomach when it is upset or irritable. Doctor Chopra states that "Ayurveda prescribes the herb asafoetida as particularly effective for maintaining colonic health. Asafoetida cleanses undigested food from the system and thereby eliminates ama."[103] Roman Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile) and Mexican Wild Yams (Dioscorea villosa) are both anti-inflammatory substances. These two herbs help again the effects of colitis. Another herb is Hops (Humulus lupulus), which is a digestive stimulant. Plantain is another herb helpful in the treatment of ulcerative colitis. Seeds of the Plantain plant are used for inflammation of the intestines and stomach. The fresh juices from this plant are very helpful in treating many inflammatory diseases. To reduce tissue inflammation use chamomile, marigold, and meadowsweet. Chamomile also relieves gas in the abdomen, as well as easing stress, and this herb also aids to healing in latter stages. Meadowsweet lessens the bleeding. Doctor Navarra recommends life root (golden senecio, squak weed, rodwort, false valerian, cocash weed, female regulator) to patients because it's roots and herbs are medicinal.[154-55] Life root are perennial yellow flowered plants. Herbalists and homeopaths often use the plants to treat colitis. When dissolved in alcohol it is a diuretic, stimulant, tonic, and astringent. Five Finger Grass is an herb that is used to help the inflammation. They collect the rhizome in late spring and use the decoction for an astringent for the inflammation. Dr. Peters stated "Herbal 'synergy' is a key factor in medical herbalism. According to this theory, parts of whole plants are more effective that the isolated constituents used in drugs that are made synthetically." [134] Herbalism is sometimes safer for patients because there are no foreign objects in the plant at the time of the usage. The Encyclopedia of Healing Therapies gave one instance in which synthetic drugs were dangerous: Pharmaceutical companies often isolate and synthesize the active ingredients of plants. An example is digoxin, manufactured for cardiac drugs, and found naturally in foxglove, which is traditionally used to treat heart disorders. Herbalists, on the other hand, claim that the mix of ingredients in a plant is necessary to make each one safe and enhance its actions. Meadowsweet (Spirea), for instance, which is used to treat digestive disorders, contains salicylic acid, the basis of the drug aspirin. However, while aspirin can cause internal bleeding in those with sensitive stomach linings, meadowsweet contains tannin and mucilage, which protect the stomach. [135] This is just one example that can prove that herbalism is safer than the medical synthesizing of certain drugs, and that it is better for certain people. There are a wide variety of herbs that help fight the effects of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Many of these plants are easy to find and easy to grow. Patients can consult their doctor if they want to take the herbalistic approach to their treatment.
Chinese Medicine is a good example of an alternative treatment option. "Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is an ancient system of healing that bases diagnosis on an individual's pattern of symptoms rather that looking for a named disease…"[ Encyclopedia of Healing Therapies 140] Acupuncture is an element within the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) health system. Fundamental to TCM are the concepts of Yin and Yang, opposite but complementary forces whose perfect balance within the body is essential for well being. Marc Duke reported that the "Peking School of Chinese Medicine found that enough symptoms, meridians, organs, and illnesses could be categorized to make a listing of them useful to acupuncturists." [122] The lists were later published and of these illnesses listed colitis was one of them. Dr. Atkins explains that Chinese herbal medicine and acupuncture work well together. He says, "their purpose is to help balance the various systems that are out of balance and causing disease."[295] Acupuncture has a high success rate in his studies, more that eighty percent of colitis patients improved from their condition. By concentrating on acupoints on the gallbladder meridian practitioners with the use of needles will correct any disturbance of qi. Qi is an invisible "life energy that flows through meridians around the body."[ Encyclopedia of Healing Therapies 234] Therefore relieving stress and helping the patient feel comfortable.
"Autogenic training (AT) claims to alleviate physical and mental problems… It consists of a series of six mental exercises that allow the mind to calm itself by switching off the 'fight-or-flight' stress responses of the body…. A useful self-help treatment for stress-related conditions, AT became more established in the 1970's and is now practiced world wide."[Encyclopedia of Healing Therapies 168] The six mental exercises that help relax different parts of the body are heaviness in the limbs, neck and shoulders; warmth in the limbs; a calm heartbeat; relaxed breathing; warmth in the stomach; and coolness in the forehead. Passive concentration helps achieve these six mental stages. If the six mental exercises are met, then autogenic training may be a useful alternative treatment.
Weil says that "Hypnotherapy takes advantage of the mind/body connection by encouraging patients to enter a trance, a state of heightened suggestibility. In this states, verbal suggestions are often able to pass from the mind to the nervous system, influencing the body in ways that seem impossible in ordinary states of awareness."[244-45] Hypnotherapy is a good alternative treatment; another good alternative treatment is neural therapy. Neural therapy uses injections of anesthetics to remove short circuits in the body's electrical network. This process frees up the body's flow of energy and normalizes cellular function, making neural therapy an effective treatment for a variety of health conditions, especially chronic pain. Neural therapy and hypnotherapy would both be advantageous to the treatment of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
The next type of alternative treatment option is one of the best. This type of alternative treatment helps gets rid of the stress factor therefore almost eliminating the cause of the disease. This particular alternative treatment is that of relaxation techniques. Relaxation allows the mind-body complex to get on with its own healing work, restoring internal harmony and creating afresh the conditions for optimal functioning. One type of relaxation therapy is floatation therapy. Floatation therapy helps physical ailments, and helps lower stress levels. Doctor Shealy states that "Massage is an excellent way to relax mind and body, and so bring relief from everyday stresses and strains."[48] Studies from Dr. William Collinge conclude that sufferers of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis can benefit from massage therapy. Stress is a major factor with these diseases and massage therapy can have effects on the psycho-emotional distress. [289] Another type of relaxation method is Yoga. Yoga asanas and relaxation techniques were developed to bring physical and spiritual benefits. Asanas are designed to have an impact on the physical body, stimulating nerve centers and organs. A good relaxation technique is controlled breathing. Also relaxing at will is a good stress reliever. Controlled breathing and relaxation reduce the physical and mental effects of stress. Therefore lessening the physical pain of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Relaxation techniques can help you deal with stress, which may be a cause of Crohn's disease.
Ayurveda, which is the oldest health care system known to man, believes that chakras are responsible for ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. Ayurveda covers all aspects of health, encouraging physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Practitioners believe three doshas, or vital energies, which constantly fluctuate, affect well-being. Treatment aims to restore health, or doshic balance, through purifying techniques, diet, yoga postures and breathing exercises… massage, and herbal remedies. Ayurveda is currently undergoing a government-sponsored revival in India, and is attracting much interest in the West, particularly in the United States.
One of the last alternative treatments that are going to be discussed is that of Nutritional Therapy. Dr. Hunter found that foods such as dairy products, corn, citrus foods, cruciferous vegetables, and wheat are the primary reasons for having symptoms of Crohn's disease. He goes on to say that these foods cause an "allergic" reaction, which induce the symptoms stating that "All health systems, complementary and conventional, include dietary advice. Research into the effects of diet on the human body began early in the 20th century, and led to the recognition of the importance of vitamins and minerals in maintaining health. Embracing a wide range of approaches, nutrition-based complementary therapies seek to alleviate physical and psychological disorders through special diets and food supplements. Conventional doctors acknowledge the benefits of a balanced diet, but tend to be skeptical about the power of specific dietary regimes to treat disease."[148] Iron, which is found in soil, is very important; its main job is in the transport of oxygen to the tissues and in oxidation reactions in cells. Iron dextran injections are used for those whose iron storage is depleted and need immediate iron intake, for example those suffering from Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis. One other nutritional aspect is that of Pantothenic acid, which is a water-soluble vitamin converted in the body to coenzyme A. Acting as a catalyst, coenzyme A breaks down carbohydrates, proteins, and fats for energy. Pantothenic acid is recommended highly for malabsorption disorders like ulcerative colitis. Pantothenic acid is also known as vitamin B5, which is an anti-stress vitamin. Sufferers of Crohn's disease often have a zinc deficiency. Michael Murray found that "Supplying zinc as a picolinate may be more advantageous, possibly improving both intestinal absorption and tissue transport… Intravenous zinc is often the only way to attain even marginal zinc levels in patients with Crohn's disease."[247] Many doctors state that one of the best factors to prevent ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease is to attain a high fiber diet. The only problem with that is that once ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease is detected you shouldn't continue the use of fiber because of the fact that it may make the symptoms worse. To help with the symptoms Riboflavin (vitamin B2) is useful in physical stress situations and tissue repair including ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, where there is severe diarrhea, malignancy and prolonged emotional stress. The liver metabolizes Vitamin B2 and the kidney eliminates the metabolites. Kreig explains that there is one true drug plant, which is the banana. Since the 1920's it has been used for celiac diseases. The banana has "anti-fungal factors and antibacterial fractions."[162] Because of this it has been prescribed for ulcerative colitis patients as a dietary adjuncts.
There are many positive and negative aspects of all treatments that are used to help someone. Some of these pro's and con's are more drastic than others, but no matter how big or small, they are the most significant issue to either taking or not taking a certain treatment option. After the positive aspects have been given it is now time for the negative aspects. "Many long-held naturopathic notions, such as the importance of a diet that is high in fiber and antioxidants, and low in salt and fat, have since been adopted by conventional medicine. Stress management and exercise, now accepted by doctors as important to health, have been stock-in-trade in naturopathy for most of the 20th century. Conventional preventive medicine, though it might not admit it, owes a lot to the naturopathic tradition. Many doctors view herbalism as an outdated tradition, although they realize that plants are the source of many synthetic drugs. However, doctors stress that not all herbs are safe, that their constituents are difficult to standardize, and that herbal medicines should only be taken with expert advice. If the evidence for herbal treatment of diseases were more widely known, doctors might be more willing to use them, especially now that they are being mass-produced in tablet form and made more widely available."[Encyclopedia of Healing Therapies 119&135] As for Chinese Medicine, Dr. Peters says "the focus of conventional medicine on the physiological causes and symptoms of illness makes it difficult for doctors to understand concepts such as yin, yang, and qi. Drug companies are seeking to exploit some Chinese herbs, but many doctors are concerned about the possible side effects of certain remedies."[141] Autogenic Training is just now starting to get a start in the world of medicine. A few doctors are referring their patients to Autogenic Training. This is about the best alternative treatment that doctors have begun to accept. Doctors are also accepting hypnotherapy. The only reason that the doctors are accepting it is for the fact of the science behind the treatment. As for relaxation techniques, doctors like the idea of it, but they do not think that this type of treatment will cure the illness alone. They think that the patients have to have a reason for not being able to relax. So they tend not to recommend this treatment by itself. For the alternative treatment Ayurveda: Many Western doctors accept that they cannot discount the medical systems of other cultures. Ayurveda herbal remedies have been tried and tested by centuries of use, but their quality and efficacy cannot be guaranteed, since very few scientific tests have been carried out. Doctors find Ayurveda's emphasis on health promotion, and its belief that illness is caused by factors such as diet and lifestyle, easier to accept than some of its treatments. Most would consider that anyone with a critical illness is better off with conventional medicine. [Encyclopedia of Healing Therapies 144]
Finally with Nutritional Therapy doctors think the same about this alternative treatment option as they do on Relaxation therapies. The doctors believe that patients need more concrete treatment than just a nutritional regiment. So out of all of the alternative treatment options talked about, the only ones that the doctors don't have total faith in is Nutritional Therapy and Relaxation Therapy. That is very good being that most doctors feel that all patients need concrete medication in order to heal their patients. All in all the alternative treatment doctors mostly accept options. Only Nutritional Therapy and Relaxation Therapy are the ones that the doctors feel that they cannot help the patient without some other mode of medication. Most of these alternative treatments are inexpensive and easy to find. The treatments are easy to administer and are widely accepted. Best of all most patients do not have to see a doctor to do these treatments, although it is advisable to consult a doctor to see if this particular treatment options is alright to use. Lastly all of these treatments have one thing in common, they are all positive, and they help to make everyone feel better.
Notes
1. Chakras are centers of life energy, situated in the subtle body-set of the senses, emotions, and intellect. Seven chakras ascend in order of spiritual refinement along a central channel, the Sushumna. Chakras are linked to nerve centers along the spinal cord and, like them, are thought to be influenced by asanas. Each chakra is symbolized by an exact number of lotus petals and, according to some schools of yoga, is associated with a specific mantra or sound, such as 'Om' or 'Ram'. These are used in meditation and breathing exercises to act on the chakras. [Encyclopedia of Healing Therapies 109]
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