JATMS Autumn 2016

Australian Volume 22 | Number 1 | Autumn 2016
Journal of the Traditional Dark Field Microscopy

Medicine of Human Blood
Society Acid Base

Balance in Health –
From Past to Present
Mindfulness
is more than a buzz word
Towards a sustainable
model of health care
CAM Use
by Poor Rural
Victorian Consumers
Brief Interventions
for Clients with Drug and
Alcohol Issues
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Health Fund News | New Research | Book Reviews

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Journal of the
Australian Traditional Medicine Society
Volume 22 | Number 1
Contents
AUTUMN 2016
05 32
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE COMMEMORATION OF
B. TANNOUS SIMON SCHOT LEGACY
P.LEWIS
06
CEO’S REPORT
C. WURF
20
CAM USE BY POOR RURAL
ARTICLES VICTORIAN CONSUMERS
T. HOLMES
34
PRACTITIONER PROFILE
R. BALBI
REPORTS
07
MINDFULNESS IS MORE 36
THAN A BUZZ WORD 26 LAW REPORT
M.MARS & M. OLIVER BRIEF INTERVENTIONS FOR CLIENTS
WITH DRUG AND ALCOHOL ISSUES 39
K. ALEXANDER BOOK REVIEWS
12
ACID BASE BALANCE IN HEALTH – 42
FROM PAST TO PRESENT RECENT RESEARCH
R. ARTHUR
NEWS
46
HEALTH FUND UPDATE
47
30 HEALTH FUND NEWS
A ROLE FOR HOMOEOPATHY
IN URINARY TRACT INFECTION 56
R. MEDHURST PRODUCTS & SERVICES GUIDE
16
DARK FIELD MICROSCOPY 58
OF HUMAN BLOOD EDUCATION & TRAINING
W.G. REILLY
JATMS | Autumn 2016 | 3

The Australian Traditional-Medicine Society Limited (ATMS) was
incorporated in 1984 as a company limited by guarantee ABN 46 002
844 233.
ATMS HAS THREE CATEGORIES OF MEMBERSHIP

Accredited member
Associate member LIFE MEMBERS
Student membership (free) Dorothy Hall* - bestowed 11/08/1989
MEMBERSHIP AND GENERAL ENQUIRIES Simon Schot* - bestowed 11/08/1989
ATMS, PO Box 1027 Meadowbank NSW 2114 Alan Jones* - bestowed 21/09/1990
Tel: 1800 456 855 Fax: (02) 9809 7570 Catherine McEwan - bestowed 09/12/1994
info@atms.com.au Garnet Skinner - bestowed 09/12/1994
www.atms.com.au Phillip Turner - bestowed 16/06/1995
Nancy Evelyn - bestowed 20/09/1997
PRESIDENT
Leonie Cains - bestowed 20/09/1997
Betty Tannous | betty.tannous@atms.com.au
Peter Derig* - bestowed 09/04/1999
VICE PRESIDENTS Sandi Rogers - bestowed 09/04/1999
Stephen Eddey | stephen.eddey@atms.com.au Maggie Sands - bestowed 09/04/1999
Peter Berryman | peter.berryman@atms.com.au Freida Bielik - bestowed 09/04/1999
Marie Fawcett - bestowed 09/04/1999
TREASURER
Roma Turner - bestowed 18/09/1999
Christine Pope | christine.pope@atms.com.au
Bill Pearson - bestowed 07/08/2009
DIRECTORS * deceased
Antoinette Balnave | antoinette.balnave@atms.com.au
Sandra Grace | sandra.grace@atms.com.au HALL OF FAME
Robert Medhurst | robert.medhurst@atms.com.au Dorothy Hall - inducted 17/09/2011
Alexandra Middleton | alexandra.middleton@atms.com.au Marcus Blackmore - inducted 17/09/2011
Greg Morling | greg.morling@atms.com.au Peter Derig - inducted 17/09/2011
Maggie Sands | maggie.sands@atms.com.au Denis Stewart - inducted 23/09/2012
Jesse Sleeman | jesse.sleeman@atms.com.au Garnet Skinner - inducted 22/09/2013
Daniel Zhang | daniel.zhang@atms.com.au Simon Schot - inducted 10/12/2015
ATMS JOURNAL EDITORS

ADVERTISING SALES
Editor: Sandra Grace
Yuri Mamistvalov - Portside Media
Assistant Editor: Stephen Clarke Tel: 0419 339 865
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PEER REVIEWERS GRAPHIC DESIGN & PRODUCTION

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Copyright 2015. All rights reserved. The opinions expressed in this
Thomas Harris Ann Vlass journal are those of each author. Advertisements are solely for
Brad McEwen Daniel Zhang general information and not necessarily endorsed by ATMS.
4 | vol22 no1 | JATMS

President’s
Report
Betty Tannous | ATMS President
Welcome to the first issue of the Journal continuing education points. I cannot on Twitter, please do so. Keep your eye
for 2016. The Board are back, refreshed stress enough the importance of keeping out for the Wise-n-Well during the year
after the holiday break, ready to these current, not only to maintain that will keep you up to date with all the
continue the work of our strategic plan. your membership with this professional marketing and PR campaigns that will be
association, but also to continue to happening this year.
We ended 2015 on a positive note with receive health fund rebates for your
the new CEO, Charles Wurf, taking the clients. The ATMS Board and CEO will Phase 1 of the Website and Database
reins just prior to the ATMS AGM day. be heavily involved with education is completed and the new format has
Thank you to over 200 members who decision-makers and key stakeholders for been well received. Phase 2 will be
attended and we look forward to seeing reform of education in our sector. implemented in the next three months
you all at the next. It was a worthwhile with enhancements to the Find a
day for many members. The theme of We will also be increasing our focus Practitioner section and the member
our presentations was skin. Patrick De on the five key strategic agendas. A site. I would like to thank our members
Permentier started the day by reminding working group, headed by our CEO, for their patience and we will certainly
us of the anatomy of the largest organ in Charles Wurf, has been set up to further keep you updated on our progress.
the body and continued by explaining enhance ATMS’s relationships with the
what could go wrong with it. Brad Health Funds. The Executive Directors If you have not transferred your
McEwen followed up with nutritional of ATMS are in communication with insurance to the ATMS preferred insurer
advice to keep the skin healthy and the Executive Directors of the other GSA, now is the time as they have a great
Denis Stewart finished the day by adding associations within our sector. The offer for our members - 14 months for
his own gems with regard to herbal calendar of events for the first half of the price of 12. Check out their ad in
medicine treatment of the skin. the year is available on the website. The this journal and make the change.
CEO and Directors are participating in
The end of the year also signalled the meetings and seminars with external The ATMS Board of Directors take
removal of the Advanced Diplomas of committees and government officials to seriously their role in representing
Naturopathy, Western Herbal Medicine, raise the profile of natural medicine, and our members and advocating for our
Nutritional Medicine and Homoeopathy our PR and marketing campaigns are in professions. We are committed to the
from the Health Training Package. full swing. strategy for the next two years and are
The potential of this change cannot be focussed on meeting the agendas set.
underestimated. It is a reminder to all Make sure you check out the CPE
members to ensure that they keep their events and review any gaps you have I am looking forward to a year filled with
membership up to date. This includes in your professional development and positive outcomes for our members.
renewing your membership by the choose an event that meets those needs.
due date, keeping your Professional Also, if you are not already one of our Betty Tannous
Indemnity Insurance and First Aid connections on LinkedIn, if you haven’t President
certificate current and completing your ‘liked’ us on Facebook, or followed us

CEO’s
Report
Charles Wurf | ATMS CEO
Thank you for the and universities providing training to gained as a student, and the skills and
encouraging welcome! future practitioners. knowledge actually required in clinical
Thank you to members of ATMS for the practice.
warm and encouraging welcome that I The ongoing success and growth
have received since commencing in mid- of natural medicine will attract the The accrual of 20 CPE points is essential
November. attention and potential scrutiny of to maintain accredited status with ATMS,
government and health funds as the and is also an essential requirement to
There are challenges aplenty for ATMS and overall size of consumer spending remain recognised with health funds.
individual practitioners at this time, and continues to increase – this is
with those challenges come wonderful the opportunity for constructive As part of the maturing relationship
opportunities for natural medicine in the engagement with government and with the health funds, ATMS conducts
years ahead. There is a solid plan in place funding agencies to cement natural an internal sample audit of our CPE
to position ATMS and its members as the medicine as a natural partner of choice. program with Accredited Members and
leaders of the natural medicine industry. will do so again from 1 March. Our
This is a vision and an outcome that I am A key component of supporting sample audit process randomly selects
inspired by, and I look forward to working practitioners is to sustain and expand 5% of the total Accredited Members,
with the Board and members as we the research base underpinning practice and we track compliance with evidence
realise this ambition and confirm natural – and the Journal will continue to of successful completion of the 20
medicine as a natural partner of choice for support this essential task. CPE points. This audit assists ATMS
the health and wellness of all Australians. to fulfil our contractual obligations
Internal auditing of accreditation with the health funds, and assists us
Advocacy and Standards A key commitment of ATMS accredited in our ongoing advocacy on behalf of
At its core the strategic plan of ATMS practitioners is to accept the professional Accredited Members.
includes a solid operational plan to obligation to regularly update clinical
focus on advocacy for members based skills and professional knowledge. We look forward to working with the
on our professional standards. For ATMS This commitment is reflected in the selected members on the successful
to succeed, it must stand on the solid ATMS Continuing Education Policy, completion of the sample audit, on
foundation of the professional standards requiring that Accredited Members must behalf of all members of ATMS.
of our practitioners, and this is a key accumulate 20 CPE points per annum,
operational workload of ATMS. commencing and ending in the financial Supporting members in practice
year (1 July to 30 June). I look forward to working with the
In our relationships with the key Board and staff at ATMS through
stakeholders who regulate or fund or The Policy notes for all members: 2016, as we continue to focus on the
critique our industry, the key to our operational aspects of our Strategic
advocacy is to set, monitor and enforce The ATMS CPE Policy is designed Plan, all designed to sustain and support
the professional standards of accredited to ensure its accredited members Members in their practice of natural
members, across all modalities. This regularly update their clinical skills medicine.
includes great attention to detail in and professional knowledge. One of
the educational standards of existing the chief roles of CPE is to bridge the Charles Wurf
accredited members and the colleges gap between the skills and knowledge CEO

ARTICLE
Mindfulness
is more than
a buzz word:
Towards a sustainable
model of health care
Dr Michelle Mars PhD, MPhil | GradDipSocSci, BBS, Senior Lecturer Endeavour College of Natural Health
Meeghan Oliver | GradDipAppSci LIM, BA, Librarian Endeavour College of Natural Health
Abstract
In this article the health benefits of mindfulness in the workplace, in education, and in the practice of natural
medicine are discussed. With reference to recent literature, mindfulness is located as a self-development tool in
the context of a rapidly changing and increasingly complex social environment. Mindfulness is a much used and
little understood concept. The discussion begins with a definition placing mindfulness in a contemporary health
context, leading into an examination of its workplace and educational applications and its potential benefits for
the sustainability of the health care system. The discussion is informed by the authors’ experience of working in
a College of Natural Health where weaving together the philosophy and practice of mindfulness is part of our
strategic plan.
Introduction the creation of a satisfying life filled with meaning, pleasure,

Mindfulness: we hear the word often but do we know what it engagement, positive relationships and accomplishment.1 It is
means? Most of us would recognise mindfulness as a potential about being more aware of ourselves, our capacity for gratitude,
tool for self-development, and while self-development is not how we interact with others and being in the here and now,
a new phenomenon best practice strategies have certainly and yes, mindfulness. In this article we discuss the benefits of
changed. In the past few decades our understandings have mindfulness in the health care environment with particular
moved beyond behaviourism and self-management strategies, reference to the workplace, education, and the practice of
stress management and time management to deeper natural medicine.
understandings of the human psyche. Spirituality is no longer
intrinsically linked to religion, and spiritual experience is The demographic ratio is changing in Australia. Between
understood to be a key to wellbeing. Over the same time span 2004 and 2014 the percentage of the population aged over
psychological understandings have progressed from analysis 85 years increased by 150% and that of those aged 50-70 by
of personal history to an emphasis on making change in the approximately 75%.2 This trend will continue to accelerate in
here and now. Positive psychology shifts the focus from the short and medium term before declining. There will be
what is clinically wrong to the promotion of wellbeing and fewer young people to care for an ageing population and at

ARTICLE
the same time ageing and life style trends mean that chronic teaching, to practice, and in leadership training. Mindfulness is
illness will increase. The burden of chronic disease threatens now mainstream in the corporate world and the benefits of its
to overwhelm the health budget, the capacity of health services practice are readily observable.
and the health workforce.3 We will see increasing pressure on
the health care system and those who work in it. A sustainable Mindfulness in the workplace
health care system requires individual and systemic change. In Corporate Australia continues to embrace mindfulness, with
this article we argue that mindfulness practice has a part to play new techniques constantly emerging. Hewlett-Packard Co. and
in the creation of a sustainable health care system. GlaxoSmithKline PLC set up laughter yoga clubs in the early
2000’s and IBM Australia and New Zealand were early adopters
Definition of Mindfulness of programs teaching staff about mindfulness, meditation,
Mindfulness is the art of paying attention to the present moment clarity of thought and focus.11,12
with intention, openness and curiosity, and without judgment
– there is no good and there is no bad. It is a willingness to Mindfulness practice has been linked to emotional intelligence,
accept what is. It is experiencing each moment as it unfolds in productivity and innovation. Late Apple co-founder Steve Jobs
its purest form without judgment and without colouring it with introduced a 30-minute ‘meditate at work’ routine, providing
our own biases and perceptions – it’s letting go of past regrets classes on meditation and yoga on-site. Google has been working
and the worries of what the future might bring. It is learning hard to bring meditation into the workplace. One of Google’s
the practice of being in the present moment, consciously being original software engineers and now head of personal growth,
aware, and giving our full, focused attention without judging. Chade-Meng Tan, spearheaded a program at Google in 2007
The benefits are profound. With regular practice, mindfulness called ‘Search Inside Yourself’, which has helped more than 500
is a powerful tool that can help you improve your overall well- employees learn how to breathe mindfully, listen to their co-
being.4 workers, and improve their emotional intelligence.13
Mindfulness is more than a buzz word. It can be understood It’s not just the tech giants who are embracing the mindfulness
as a practice, a mental state, or a personal trait.5 As a practice trend. In 2012 management firm McKinsey & Co. started
it is distinct from meditation. In the Buddhist tradition embracing meditation as part of their HR strategy aimed at
mindfulness and meditation are two distinct limbs of the eight- keeping employees happy and healthy, developing meditation
fold path and anyone who has practised both can testify to and self-analysis programs not only for their own employees
the difference. However, the amount of time living mindfully but for other multi-million dollar corporations as well. In one
can be increased by meditation practice. Mindfulness may case, a meditation program developed by McKinsey for an
be, but is not necessarily, a religious or spiritual practice.6 As Australian client saved the business more than $20 million.14
a mental state there is receptive and open attention to present The program, designed to help staff find meaning in their work,
moment experience and awareness of bodily sensations and helped stem the attrition of customers who were picking up
mental states.7 As a trait it naturally varies in dispositional ‘bad vibes’ from the company staff.15
manner8 and is characterised by increased capacity in the brain
to regulate, learn and return to more positive mental states.9 Mindfulness can be cultivated through formal meditation.
Put simply, the evidence suggests that mindfulness practice However, formal meditation encompasses a range of practice:
increases our openness to the present moment and over time ‘it’s not really about sitting in the full lotus, like pretending
the neuroplasticity of the brain allows those who practise it to you’re a statue in a British museum … it’s about living your
interact more mindfully with others. life as if it really mattered, moment by moment by moment
by moment’.16 Mindfulness can be cultivated through simply
Mindfulness is a relatively new player in the western medical changing the focus of attention. Some simple practical
and psychological literature however, and over the past three suggestions include:
decades its popularity and a corresponding body of empirical
evidence has continued to grow. Over the past 15 years • Pay close attention to your breathing, especially when you’re
mindfulness has moved from the margins to the mainstream feeling intense emotions
and more recently GPs in the UK have begun prescribing
mindfulness meditation for a host of physical and mental ills.10 • Notice - really notice - what you’re sensing in a given moment,
the sights, sounds, and smells that ordinarily slip by without
Mindfulness is a technique often used by natural health care reaching your conscious awareness
practitioners. It is a practice that has the potential to effect
change in people’s ways of being in the world. In this article • Recognize that your thoughts and emotions are fleeting and
we argue the need to embed mindfulness practice throughout do not define you, an insight that can free you from negative
the natural health care environment, from the workplace to thought patterns

• Tune into your body’s physical sensations, from the water How do we enable our health workforce in the face of coming
hitting your skin in the shower to the way your body rests in scenarios? Research suggests that innovative leadership
your office chair.17 requires the development of higher order cognitive skills and
habits of reflection, mindfulness and self-correction.22 In a
Mindfulness practice is a form of personal development. Making report on Leadership for the Sustainability of the Australian
this part of a corporate strategy enables the development of Healthcare System mindfulness is identified as an element of
a mindful corporate culture. At the College we extend this transformational learning.23 However, experts suggests that
practice to the classroom, enabling student learning and much of the multi¬million dollar expenditure on traditional
developing future practice skills. organisational and leadership programs is wasted because
people are not taught to concentrate.24 Paying attention,
Mindfulness in natural health education concentrating on work and having clear thoughts are obviously
Beyond the corporate work environment mindfulness practice beneficial; the more people focus on their work the more they
can also improve educational outcomes. The calm stability can achieve. That includes people responding productively in
fostered by mindfulness practice positively affects cognitive meetings rather than allowing their minds to wander.
functions like attention and working memory, leading toward
understanding and wisdom.18 While there will always be a call for higher methodological
quality, strong biomedical and traditional evidence to support
Mindfulness meditation is increasingly used in classrooms mindfulness exists.10 A study led by Davidson and Kabat –
around the world as a tool to improve student wellbeing and Zinn in the US measured brain activity in workers and found
enhance academic performance.19 A wide variety of mindfulness that undertaking eight weeks of mindfulness meditation, was
techniques has been put into practice across disciplines from associated with their immune systems coping better with the
architecture and economics to poetry and law. Mindfulness influenza vaccine than those of subjects who had not practised
complements traditional third-person learning, encouraging
critical analysis, the ability to observe at a distance, emotional
intelligence and the cultivation of compassionate connection with
the perspectives of others.18
Immediate and precise
Not only does mindfulness practice enhance ability to learn, heavy metal and trace element
but it also improves abilities that are vital to good practice in
natural health settings, such as listening skills. In a recent study20
analysis at your desk
students were challenged to pay attention to and unlearn bad
habits, such as multi-tasking, that inhibit deep listening. This
moves learning beyond a set of cognitive skills learned in the
classroom to a place where students were motivated to change
based on their own expanded awareness.
Mindfulness practice has proven educational benefits in terms of

more productive and stable work environments. Its potential also
extends to innovative leadership and ultimately the sustainability
of health care in Australia. t /PXBJUJOHEFUFDUDVSSFOUCJPBWBJMBCJMJUZJOTFDPOET
t /PIBJSTBNQMFOFFEFE
Mindfulness in the health care workplace, t 1PSUBCMFEFWJDF
innovative leadership and sustainability t "GGPSEBCMF FDPOPNJDBMQSPGJUBCMF
Australia fares well across a range of OECD health statistics, with t 'VMMUSBJOJOHQSPWJEFE
high life expectancy, lower than average health care expenditure t 1$PS.BD
and good levels of self-reported health.21 However, we are aware The cutting edge OligoScan enables you to make, in real time,
that the current system will not be sustainable in the future a precise analysis of the mineral status of your patients for
and that the future health care workplace is likely to be a high very specific prescription.
pressure environment. Mindfulness measures have been proven The OligoScan device uses Spectrophotometry to measure
to reduce stress and promote positive leadership, wellbeing and the optical density of the trace elements and heavy metals
currently present in the tissues.
resilience.5,7,9,11,17 The theory is that if staff are trained to recognise
signs of stress, anxiety and mental illness, mindfulness techniques e jon@karunahealthcare.com.au
w www.oligoscan.net.au
OligoScan
can help overcome these issues and promote an overall positive
experience.

ARTICLE
mindfulness meditation . It has been proved time and again 6. Grossman P, Van Dam NT. Mindfulness, by any other name…: trials and
that mindfulness meditation and stress reduction improve tribulations of sati in western psychology and science. Contemp Buddhism
wellbeing.16 [Internet]. 2011;12(1):219–39. Available from: http://www.tandfonline.com/
doi/abs/10.1080/14639947.2011.564841
The population is ageing and at the same time obesity and a 7. Hardy S. Mindfulness: Enhancing physical and mental wellbeing.
host of lifestyle-related chronic diseases are on the rise. One 2015;26(9).
of the simplest and most effective changes we can make as 8. Baer RA et al. Kentucky Inventory of Mindfulness Skills. October.
a population toward future sustainability of health care is to 2006;11(October):80–1.
make wiser choices about our health and live healthier lives. 9. Krishnakumar S, Robinson MD. Maintaining an even keel: An affect-
But to facilitate change at the level of the individual systemic, mediated model of mindfulness and hostile work behavior. Emotion
cultural, and institutional change is required. This is where 2015;15(5):579–89.
mindfulness practice, embedded throughout the health care 10. Dimidjian S SZ. Prospects for a clinical science of mindfulness-based
environment from education to the workplace, to leadership intervention. Am Psychol. 2015;70(7):593–620.
and to practice has the potential to initiate change. Mindfulness 11. Voigt K. Companies’ Antidote to Workplace Stress: Yoga, Meditation,
can be understood as a vital component in the drive towards More Soothing Laughter. Wall Str J [Internet]. 2002 [cited 2015 Dec 8];1–6.
health care reform as it promotes lifestyle change, ‘leveraging Available from: http://www.wsj.com/articles/SB1014330982990372760
the body’s innate capacity to heal itself’, and may indeed be 12. Edwards V. How IBM , NAB and other companies are encouraging
‘the key to creating a sustainable healthcare system for the 21st mindfulness among staff. Aust. 2015;(March 15):1–4.
century’.25 13. Baer D. ‘Search Inside Yourself’ Google’s life changing Mindfulness course.
Bus Insid [Internet]. Business Insider; 2014 [cited 2015 Dec 8];8. Available
Conclusion from: http://www.businessinsider.com.au/search-inside-yourself-googles-
Years of working in the health professions makes one weary of life-changing-mindfulness-course-2014-8
the latest buzz words. Is mindfulness just a sticking plaster when 14. Onlinemba.com. 10 Big Companies That Promote Employee Meditation.
what we need is trauma counselling to deal with the savagery of Online MBA; 2012;2. Available from: http://www.onlinemba.com/blog/10-
life from the playground to corporate life? Perhaps the answer big-companies-that-promote-employee-meditation/
to that question is yes, but nonetheless mindfulness works 15. Voight K. Companies’ Antidote to Workplace Stress: Yoga, Meditation,
and it doesn’t need to be complicated. The old adage ‘take a More Soothing Laughter. Wall Streeet J [Internet]. 2002;February(22).
breath’ is a good clue to the fact that we know a pause, a breath Available from: http://www.wsj.com/articles/SB1014330982990372760
and a moment or two of silence can make a huge difference 16. Kabat-Zinn, Jon Williams JMG. Mindfulness: diverse perspectives on its
to our perception of something. Introducing mindfulness meaning, origins, and multiple applications at the intersection of science
practice to students, embedding it in workplace practice and and dharma. Contemp Buddhism. 2011;12(1):1–18.
training leaders in mindfulness practice has the potential to 17. Kabat-Zinn J. How can mindfulness change your life. YouTube. 2015.
engender a shift inside and outside the health care workplace. 18. Bush M. Mindfulness in higher education. Contemp Buddhism.
Mindfulness has hit the mainstream and it works. It opens up 2011;12(1):183–97.
real possibilities for sustainability and change and we ignore it at 19. Ricci C. Mindfulness very gently moving around the world’s classrooms.
our peril. The Age. 2015;
20. Goh ECL. Integrating Mindfulness and Reflection in the Teaching and
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Tai Chi and Qigong in Risdon Prison, Hobart
In 2014 Risdon Prison minimum security 1. Yang Style Long Form 108 Tai Chi. physical balance and a sense of
in Hobart introduced Health Expos for This is one of the oldest forms of Tai wellbeing to the whole body. Improves
male prisoners and I was invited to hold Chi. I had notes of the entire form the suppleness of the joints and overall
a Tai Chi workshop. This was repeated written up and these were printed at flexibility. A very important activity
in 2015. During these Expos many the prison and the participants now in the negative and often difficult
inmates approached me to enquire as have copies with many spares left over environment of the prison.”
to the benefits of Tai Chi and Qigong for newcomers. I also donated an early
but also asked me whether I would video I made of the Yang Style 108 “I really enjoy Tai Chi and find it very
be interested in going to the prison to which I gave to the participants. relaxing. It has also helped with my
regularly conduct classes. The number chronic shoulder pain. I have also
of men enquiring grew and I told them 2. Health Qigong. Qigong preceded noticed a pacifying effect on myself and
that I would start the process of trying to Tai Chi by many years and this form others on the course. It seems to have
obtain permission to work with them in concentrates on a style which mainly an overall beneficial effect on the whole
Risdon. focuses on balance, physical and body."
emotional stability, pain reduction,
Late last year the classes started and support, trust and many other areas. I am hoping that the prison authorities
it was soon very obvious that the area agree to continue the classes indefinitely
designated for us to conduct the classes The men have taken to the classes with and as I wrote this story (early 2016)
wasn’t going to be large enough so great enthusiasm and contributed the discussions and negotiations were
another area was found which gave us comments shown below to a report I continuing.
the freedom to perform Tai Chi and wrote when the classes finished for 2015.
Qigong. Bill Pearson Dip.TCM
“For physical, spiritual and mental Life Member ATMS, Principal Jian Shen
I am concentrating on two different areas health. Promotes a sense of peace School of Tai
during the sessions: beyond the session. Really good for
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for natural medicine research that supports the goals of its
strategic plan.
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ARTICLE
Acid Base
Balance in Health –
From Past to Present
Rachel Arthur | BHSc BNat (Hons)
M
uch has been made of the
Abstract
mismatch between our modern
Much has been made of the diet and our stone age genes
mismatch between our modern diet which has resulted in a significant
and our stone age genes. However, amount of attention being awarded
to recreating a modern version of the
recurrent attempts to recreate the
Paleo Diet. Our current food, health
Paleo Diet in a time and food context and environmental contexts, however,
which bears little resemblance to that bear little resemblance to the Paleolithic
era appear fraught with problems era and therefore modern attempts at
imitation appear fraught with problems
and potential unintended outcomes.
and potential unintended outcomes.
Perhaps there is an argument instead Perhaps there is an argument instead
to consume a diet that attempts to to consume a diet that aligns as closely
align as closely as possible with the as possible with the actual nutritional
composition and subsequent physiological
actual nutritional composition and
norms characteristic of Paleolithic diets
subsequent physiological norms generally. One of the most consistent
characteristic of Paleolithic diets scientific findings in this regard is the
generally. One of the most consistent alkaline nature of most pre-agricultural
diets compared with the acid-producing
scientific findings in this regard is
modern diet.
the alkaline nature of most pre-
agricultural diets compared with the Personally I don’t subscribe to the
acid-producing modern diet. The currently popularised notion of the Paleo
Diet. The Paleo Diet purports to emulate
eating behaviours and food choices
a diet eaten by our ancestors, in spite of
that produced an alkaline dietary
load historically have been clearly
articulated, and current research
in this area suggests that the cost Pre-agricultural Diets
of a chronic dietary acid load is 85% Alkaline
substantial and may be implicated in
the aetiology of many chronic health Alkaline mineral rich plants:
conditions. Therefore it is arguable ↑ Potassium
that a more meaningful objective of ↑ Magnesium
modern dietary approaches would ↑ Calcium
be to ensure a net alkaline yield. ↑ HCO
Moderate Protein

a complete lack of congruency in terms struck me most of all because of its bold
of food availability, quantity and quality. claim that what we consider ‘normal’ or
For example, wild boar that we had ‘healthy’ in the contemporary medical
Alkaline to hunt ourselves can hardly compare context, in terms of blood pressure, fasting
nutritionally with the highly preserved glucose etc., is in fact a distortion caused
slice of bacon picked up from the deli, by modern diet: its reversed sodium to
the result of high intensity farming and potassium intake ratio and other dramatic
synthetic feed, antibiotics etc. The Paleo nutritional disparities. While perhaps this
Diet is vulnerable to dangerous over- seems a very straightforward assertion, for
simplification and misinterpretation.1, 2 me it had a big impact and a light went on
Perhaps, given the differences between somewhere in my brain that I haven’t been
the food choices, levels of physical able to switch off since!
activity and environments of the two
eras, the initial error lies in the myth Many people have articulated this
that there was a ‘one size fits all’ diet argument eloquently: ‘From an
consumed during the Upper Paleolithic evolutionary nutritional perspective,
period, which spanned approximately 2.6 contemporary humans are Stone Agers
million years. This of course has been habitually ingesting a diet discordant with
shown to be incorrect, the diets of Homo their genetically determined metabolic
Sapiens during this era being profoundly machinery and integrated organ
Neutral influenced by geography, season and physiology’.5 One tangible example takes
specific features of the period.2, 3 the perspective of the kidneys, whose
function is thought to be adapted and
While I feel an attempt to turn back well suited to our traditional diet, which
dietary time to a bygone era is essentially was characterised by intermittent high
impossible for modern man and unlikely potassium intake along with other anions
to reap the benefits we anticipate, I am (bicarbonate, magnesium, calcium),
compelled by the notion that instead thanks to the consumption of fruits and
we should find a diet in the modern berries with negligible intake of sodium
food-setting that attempts to provide and chloride. As a result, our kidneys
as much as possible the nutritional are single-mindedly geared towards renal
composition and subsequent physiological conservation of sodium and elimination
norms characteristic of pre-agricultural of potassium.6 So what happens when
diets. On this topic, there has been our diet has changed so radically but our
and continues to be extensive high kidneys remain the same? This has been
quality scientific research published. coined the ‘diet-kidney mismatch’ by
I clearly recall the first paper I ever some.5
read of this type over ten years ago,
Acid Paleolithic vs. modern diets--selected The physiological norms of pre-
pathophysiological implications,4 which agricultural Homo Sapiens have been
determined by detailed analyses of
hundreds of documented Paleolithic
Standard Australian Diet (SAD)

diets and have produced a surprising
level of consensus among researchers.
Primarily acid-forming In particular the majority agree that the
net endogenous acid production (NEAP),
also referred to as the net acid dietary
Low alkaline minerals: load, of most pre-agricultural diets (85%)
↑ Sodium was alkaline with an average NEAP of
↑ Chloride
82mEq/d.7 While the degree of alkalinity
varied significantly across the various
↓ Vegetable intake Paleolithic diets, this still contrasts
↑ Protein starkly with the standard American diet
↑ EDNP (energy-dense, nutrient-poor) (SAD), which has been consistently
shown to be net acid-producing.

ARTICLE
In simple terms this is thought to be

the result of: 1) reduced bicarbonate
consumption due to lower fruit and
vegetable intake2, 3, 5; 2) the reversed ratio of
sodium to potassium intake that has seen
our average daily sodium exposure increase
by a factor of ten and our potassium intake
reduced by 75% 3, 5, 8; along with 3) the
enormous increase in chloride intake3; and
finally 4) the large dietary contribution
from ‘energy-dense, nutrient-poor foods’ WHAT DO WE RISK IF WE DON’T SOLVE THIS MODERN DIET
(e.g., separated fats, refined sugars, and
vegetable oils), which have no capacity
MALADY OF ACIDITY? AT A POPULATION AND PUBLIC HEALTH
to buffer the net acid producing foods of LEVEL, THERE IS INCREASING EVIDENCE OF A BROAD MULTI-
the modern diet, such as meat, dairy and
grains.7
SYSTEM BURDEN SECONDARY TO THE ‘CHRONIC MILD METABOLIC
ACIDOSIS’ PRODUCED FROM A NET ACID-PRODUCING DIET,
Interestingly, one study found that those
few pre-agricultural diets that were
NEGATIVELY AFFECTING THE RENAL, IMMUNE, ADRENAL AND
net acid-producing were consumed by MUSCULOSKELETAL SYSTEMS.
populations living at higher latitudes (e.g.
> 40◦).2 Ethnographic data tells us that
while the contribution of hunted animal
foods remains relatively constant across What do we risk if we don’t solve this nutrients, pesticides) the plant will need.
latitudes, plant food intake notably declines modern diet malady of acidity? At a Similarly, in nutritional practice, if we fail
and fished animal food typically replaces population and public health level, to address the ‘soil’ of our clients, then
hunted animal food with increasing there is increasing evidence of a broad our prescriptions risk being superficial
latitude. Effectively, these diets had a higher multi-system burden secondary to and so tend to become longer and longer
animal to plant food ratio. the ‘chronic mild metabolic acidosis’ lists of supplements and interventions, in
produced from a net acid-producing diet, response to which the patient manages to
Some advocates of the current Paleo Diet negatively affecting the renal, immune, keep their head above water, but not to
acknowledge the need to be mindful adrenal and musculoskeletal systems.2, swim unaided. A relatively simple analogy
of acid-base balance in theory, yet the 5, 9-11
Consequently there is significant I use with my clients is this: when we
example diets and actual execution of the speculation about the potential causative consume an acid-producing diet long-term,
Paleo Diet principles appear do little to role chronic mild metabolic acidosis it’s like having a leaking tap in your house,
ensure that a net alkaline diet is achieved and an acid-producing diet may play in a not just creating a constant drain on your
(http://thepaleodiet.com/what-to-eat-on- range of chronic diseases that dominate overall water levels but also on many of
the-paleo-diet/). Even modern popularised our modern medical landscape, such as your nutrients (all the alkaline minerals
‘alkalising diets’ can unfortunately lead diabetes type 2, renal impairment and K, Ca, Mg), your endocrine system, your
us astray, with consumers exposed to osteoporosis.12-14, However, more research immune system and finally your wallet!)
conflicting and inaccurate messages about is needed to establish causality and clarify We could run around and top you up
how to ‘alkalise’, from simply drinking the full magnitude of its contribution. again with these nutrients, address each
alkaline water to removing all grains, consequence individually, or … we could
avoiding refined sugars and abstaining from Closer to home, working in integrative fix the leaking tap!
perfectly alkaline producing vegetables nutrition for over 20 years, I know that
such as the ‘deadly’ (sic) nightshades! best patient outcomes typically are the Is acid base balance an important
Some researchers have attempted to result of identifying and addressing determinant of the health of ‘human
scientifically answer the question of the underpinning determinants of soil’, in addition to other well recognised
how modern diet could be changed to health and disease and, in particular, of contributors such as adequate sleep,
restore an alkaline NEAP and conclude individuals’ nutritional imbalances. In emotional wellbeing, sufficient hydration,
that the substitution of ‘greens for grains’, human nutrition we can draw parallels eubiosis and adequate sun exposure?
as frequently put forward by Paleo and with agriculture: the more we attend to It is my opinion, both from a research
alkaline proponents alike, would fail to the overall health of the soil, the fewer and clinical perspective, that it is. That
resolve the issue.7 direct interventions (fertilisers, added light that I can’t switch off in my brain

since I read that Eaton & Eaton paper ten 5. Frassetto L, Morris RC, Jr., Sellmeyer DE, 9. Wiederkehr M, Krapf R. Metabolic and
years ago tells me that the physiological Todd K, Sebastian A. Diet, evolution and endocrine effects of metabolic acidosis in
norms scientifically demonstrated to be aging--the pathophysiologic effects of the humans. Swiss Med Wkly. 2001;131(9-10):127-
true of our ancestors do have something post-agricultural inversion of the potassium- 32.
essential to teach us about what we should to-sodium and base-to-chloride ratios in the 10. Bushinsky DA. Acid-base imbalance and the
aspire to in terms of our food choices and human diet. Eur J Nutr. 2001;40(5):200-13. skeleton. Eur J Nutr. 2001;40(5):238-44.
nutritional intake today, and achieving an 6. Kamel KS, Schreiber M, Halperin ML. 11. Chan R, Leung J, Woo J. Association Between
alkaline NEAP is central to this. Integration of the response to a dietary Estimated Net Endogenous Acid Production
potassium load: a paleolithic perspective. and Subsequent Decline in Muscle Mass
REFERENCES Nephrology, dialysis, transplantation : official Over Four Years in Ambulatory Older
1. Turner BL, Thompson AL. Beyond the publication of the European Dialysis and Chinese People in Hong Kong: A Prospective
Paleolithic prescription: incorporating Transplant Association - European Renal Cohort Study. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci.
diversity and flexibility in the study of human Association. 2014;29(5):982-9. 2015;70(7):905-11.
diet evolution. Nutr Rev. 2013;71(8):501-10. 7. Sebastian A, Frassetto LA, Sellmeyer DE, 12. Jew S, AbuMweis SS, Jones PJ. Evolution of
2. Strohle A, Hahn A, Sebastian A. Latitude, local Merriam RL, Morris RC, Jr. Estimation of the human diet: linking our ancestral diet
ecology, and hunter-gatherer dietary acid the net acid load of the diet of ancestral to modern functional foods as a means
load: implications from evolutionary ecology. preagricultural Homo sapiens and of chronic disease prevention. Journal of
Am J Clin Nutr. 2010;92(4):940-5. their hominid ancestors. Am J Clin Nutr. medicinal food. 2009;12(5):925-34.
3. Eaton SB, Konner MJ, Cordain L. Diet- 2002;76(6):1308-16. 13. Lindeberg S. Paleolithic diets as a model for
Basica
dependent acid load, Paleolithic [corrected] 8. Sebastian A, Frassetto LA, Sellmeyer DE, Morris prevention and treatment of Western disease.
nutrition, and evolutionary health promotion. RC, Jr. The evolution-informed optimal dietary Am J Hum Biol. 2012;24(2):110-5.
Am J Clin Nutr. 2010;91(2):295-7.
4. Eaton SB, Eaton SB, 3rd. Paleolithic vs.
potassium intake of human beings greatly
exceeds current and recommended intakes.
®
14. Cordain L, Eaton SB, Miller JB, Mann N, Hill K.
The paradoxical nature of hunter-gatherer
modern diets--selected pathophysiological Semin Nephrol. 2006;26(6):447-53. diets: meat-based, yet non-atherogenic. Eur J
implications. Eur J Nutr. 2000;39(2):67-70. Clin Nutr. 2002;56 Suppl 1:S42-52.
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ARTICLE
Dark Field
Microscopy
of Human Blood:
The history of dark field microscopy
in human blood analysis.
Wayne G Reilly | BSc, MSc (Hons) Biochemistry,

Diploma Health Science (Western Herbal
Medicine, Diploma Clinical Nutrition, Certificate
of Pathology.
In 1916, Dr Gunter Enderlein began his by Dr Christopher Gerner, a biochemist meeting demonstrated that the Enderline
investigations of human blood under the at the University of Vienna, Austria, technique is strongly associated with
microscope using phase contrast and identified that many of the cellular forms biologic medicine. Yet many of the
dark field microscopy. These methods observed by Dr Enderlein were primarily adverse responses from the medical
enabled him to observe both stained composed of cellular debris from profession relating to live blood analysis
dried blood and live blood preparations degenerating red blood cells, and were in that have been reported in the media and
from healthy and sick animals and fact molecules of globulin and albumin.2 the internet have been directed mainly at
humans. His investigations identified the Enderlein method and other similar
numerous morphological objects in the The Enderlein method of Live Blood practices. This method of live blood
blood that he correlated to illnesses. Analysis is still being taught in Europe analysis does have some merit in its own
As he was a proponent of biological and the USA today, but it is important right; however, it is substantially different
pleomorphism he developed a theory of to differentiate this from other methods to the dark field examination of human
disease and a terminology that described of Live Blood Analysis using dark field blood practised in Australia and New
his observations in his live blood samples. microscopy that allow point-of-care Zealand by trained practitioners of the
Terms such as protits, symprotits, examination of a patient’s blood during a now unsupported Hemaview technique.
makrosymprotits and spermite were used complementary medicine consultation. At This method closely resembles standard
to described objects that supposedly the International Pleo-Sanum Conference, haematological blood film analysis and
identified the transformation of a viruses held in San Diego in February 2011, endeavours to interpret the same cellular
to bacteria or to fungi, and these all a number of Enderlein practitioners observations on the wet mount as seen in
originated in his observed live blood from around the world assembled to a stained blood film.3
cells. discuss Enderlein Live Blood Analysis.
They included Dr Thomas Rau MD, Various screening tests are currently used
Enderlein published his findings in a the Chief Medical Director and part- by complementary and alternative health
book entitled Bacterien Cyklogenie (The owner of the Paracelsus Klinik, Center practitioners in Australia. The analysis
Life Cycle of Bacteria) in 1925.1 Due to the for Paracelsus Biological Medicine and of wet prep blood using dark field
limited understanding of cell biology at Dentistry in Lustmuhle, Switzerland. Dr microscopy live blood analysis examines
the time it is not too surprising that many Rau is considered a leading expert in non-anticoagulant-treated capillary
of his observations were artefacts. In the Enderlein therapy, dark field microscopy, blood. This technique has been in use for
late 1990’s further research conducted and biologic tumour treatments. This more than 20 years under the name of

Hemaview and can be performed rapidly THE HUMAN BODY CONSISTS These observations can then be used
at the point-of-care, allowing for fast and to assess inflammation, oxidative
effective patient treatment.
OF 75 TRILLION CELLS, OF stress, certain nutritional deficiencies
WHICH 25 TRILLION ARE and possible dysfunctions in the
One of the advantages of this technique gastrointestinal tract.7-9 These
is the ability to examine leukocyte
RED BLOOD CELLS, SO IT IS observations are indicative of
motility. Leukocyte movement is easily NOT SURPRISING THAT RED homeostatic change and suggestive
observed with dark field microscopy, of pathological change. in his book
with neutrophils displaying the highest
CELL MORPHOLOGY IS SO Diagnostic Haematology5 Norman Beck
levels of activity.4 Chylous material STRONGLY INDICATIVE OF notes that a haematological reference
(chylomicrons and chylomicron range and a patient’s level within this in a
remnants) are also clearly visible using
HOMEOSTATIC CHANGE. full blood cell count (FBC), even within
dark field microscopy, as are platelets. the so called normal range, may indicate a
The morphology of all the cellular preclinical homeostatic change.
components in a dark field live blood
analysis can easily be examined with His example is that a woman’s having a
this technique, and inferences can be normal range mean corpuscular volume
made based on the observed shifts in (MCV) of 85fl could in fact be a sign of a
the morphological state of red and white preclinical process toward the development
blood cells and precipitated plasma of hypothyroidism. It then becomes
proteins. These can then be examined imperative to look at haematological
in relation to the patient's presenting outliers in the reference range as suggestive
symptoms 5,6 and used to suggest a of preclinical indicators.
therapy.
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ARTICLE
Measurement of red blood cell count

(RBC) size in dark field microscopy live
blood analysis is used in this way and
research has shown this approach to be
an accurate indicator of such change.10-12
Dark field examination of

human blood
Dark field microscopy makes possible the
examination of blood cell morphology
in regard to shape, size and motility.
It affords a greater degree of visual Large oval red blood cells with a raised neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (the N/L
enhancement of the image based on MCV are the first clinical sign of B12 and/ ratio) can be calculated.20 This ratio is
the absorption of light. This enhanced or folate deficiency. Increased numbers now widely accepted in haematology as
visibility is seen in all components of of hypersegmented neutrophils with five an indicator of altered immune function
the blood - red blood cells, white blood or six lobes can appear in the peripheral and disease.21
cells and other inclusions, such as fibrin, circulation several weeks before frank
platelet aggregation and red cell inclusion B12 deficiency is observed. A recent study There is a definite need for continued
bodies (i.e. Heinz bodies).9, 10 Red blood at Southern Cross University showed research into dark field live blood
cell size can easily be determined a similar accuracy in the identification analysis, as it is only through these efforts
through dark field microscopy, with of these parameters between standard that greater acceptance of this technique
small cells (microcytosis) indicative pathology analysis and dark field live as a general tool in complementary
of iron deficiency and large cells blood analysis.11,12 medicine will occur.
(macrocytosis) of vitamin B12 or folate
deficiency. Aggregation and rouleaux of red blood
cells and platelets have been shown to be Wayne Reilly is a practising western
Norman Beck also states that anaemia indicative of impending cardiovascular herbalist and nutritionist and has a clinic in
is so common in an FBC that it is often disease or thrombosis.13-15 Erythrocyte Coorparoo in Brisbane. He has been teaching
overlooked during diagnosis, and yet sedimentation rate (ESR), a non-specific Advanced Hemaview (Live Blood Analysis)
this is often important to treatment.5 inflammatory marker commonly for Metagenics since 2006 and is a member
Hence, simply by looking at the size and measured in pathology tests, is a measure of the ATMS Research Committee.
shape of red blood cells or by identifying of acute phase reactants.15 Dark field
increased numbers of immature live blood analysis can also identify an
neutrophilic metamyelocytes in the dark increase in these features.12 REFERENCES
field preparation, one could identify a 1. Enderlein G. Bakterien-Cyclogenie. Berlin:
leukemoid reaction or myelodysplasia6 Increased numbers of eosinophils and Verlag de Gruyter & Co; 1925.
and then send the patient on to basophils, when observed in dark field 2. Gerner C. Biochemische Analyse
their general practitioner for further live blood analysis, can also be correlated endobiontischer Strukturen aus dem
assessment. to a similar response seen in allergies.8 menschlichen Blut. Curr. Onkol. 1997; 6:12.
Dark field live blood analysis has been 3. Reilly W, Mannionf P, et al. HemaviewTM: A
Effects of iron, folate and/or shown to accurately differentiate the Clinical Useful Tool for the Evaluation of Red
vitamin B12 deficiencies on white cell population without differential Blood Cell Parameters in Preclinical States.
the blood staining, using a haematological stain.16 5th AH&MR Congress, 2010. Melbourne
The human body consists of 75 trillion For example, Wright-Giemsa stain, with Convention Centre: abs#630.
cells, of whiech 25 trillion are red blood its combination of acidic and basic dyes, 4. Elgefors B, Olling S. Random locomotion in
cells 5, so it is not surprising that red cell will differentially stain the granules, dark-field microscopy of single granulocytes
morphology is so strongly indicative of cytoplasm, and nuclei of various white from venous blood, tissue and exudate.
homeostatic change. A red cell matures blood cell types.17, 18 Each white blood Methodological considerations and
for eight days in the bone marrow and cell has a different illumination under clinical applications. Acta Pathologica,
is then released into the circulation, to dark field microscopy, which allows Microbiologica, Et Immunologica
develop as a reticulocyte into a mature accurate differentiation of the white cell Scandinavica. Section C, Immunology. 1984;
red blood cell over the next 24 hours. population on the prepared wet mount 92(2): 113-119.
Once mature, a red blood cell can have a slide used in live blood analysis.19 Once a 5. Beck N. Diagnostic Haematology. Berlin:
life span of 120 days. differential percentage is established the Springer Verlag; 2009.

6. Reilly W. Identification of Myelodysplasia inflammatory markers in fresh capillary blood 16. Petric V. 2009. Atlas of Live Blood through
during routine screening using HemaviewTM, observed with Dark Field microscopy with Dark Field Microscopy: The Morphology of
a live blood analysis technique. 15th inflammatory markers determined by other Blood in Live Hematology. New Zealand:
International Holistic Health Conference of the tests in a population with gastrointestinal Vlatko Petric; 2009.
Australasian Integrative Medicine Association, symptoms. Honours thesis. Southern Cross 17. Bauer JD. Clinical Laboratory Methods. 9th ed.
2009. Novotel St Kilda, Melbourne VIC. University, Lismore (NSW), 2013. St Louis: Mosby, 1982.
7. Hansen-Pruss O. The circulating blood cells as 12. Watts Q. The validity of live blood analysis 18. Wintrobe MEA. Clinical Hematology.
seem by dark-ground illumination. American using Dark Field microscopy in screening for Philadelphia: Lea & Febiger; 1981.
Journal of Clinical Pathology, 1936; 6: 423. oxidative stress.Honours thesis. Southern 19. Zigmond SH, Lauffenburger DA. Assays of
8. Vitetta L, Sali H. et al. The Live Blood Analysis Cross University, Lismore (NSW), 2013. leukocyte chemotaxis. Annual Review Of
Technique. Journal of the Australasian 13. Moriarty PM. Gibson CA. Association between Medicine, 1986; 37: 149-155.
Integrative Medicine Association, 2005; 24: hematological parameters and high-density 20. Reeve K, Gruner T, Arellano J, Reilly W.
16-20. lipoprotein cholesterol. Current Opinion In Differential white blood cell counts: A
9. Trivieri L. Monitoring the river of life: doctors Cardiology, 2005; 20(4): 318-323. comparison between automated pathology
use Dark Field microscopy to detect early signs 14. Pusl T, Broedl UC, et al. Long-term LDL and Dark Field microscopic fresh capillary
of disease in the blood - but its use as a tool to apheresis does not stably improve blood analysis. The International Congress on
educate and motivate patients can be of even hemorheology in hypercholesterolemic Natural Medicine, Melbourne, June 8th -10th,
more value. Alternative Medicine Magazine, patients with coronary artery disease. Clinical 2013.
2002; (48): 90. Hemorheology and Microcirculation, 2009; 21. de Jager CP, Wever PC, Gemen EF, Kusters R,
10. Vigar V. Inter-rater and intra-rater reliability 41(2): 137-142. van Gageldonk-Lafeber AB, van der Poll T,
of live blood analysis using Dark Field 15. Voeĭkov VL. The physicochemical and Laheij RJ. The neurtrophil-lymphocyte count
microscopy. Honours thesis. Southern Cross physiological aspects of the erythrocyte ratio in patients with community-acquired
University, Lismore (NSW), 2009. sedimentation reaction. Uspekhi pneumonia. PLoS One, 2012; 7(10):e46561 doi:
11. Andersson-McConnell L. The correlation of Fiziologicheskikh Nauk. 1998; 29(4): 55-73. 10.1371/journal.pone.0046561.
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ARTICLE
CAM Use By
Poor Rural Victorian
Consumers
Tass Holmes | PhD (Anthropology, University of Melbourne)
Following from previous JATMS papers,1,2 this article describes complementary and alternative medicine
(CAM) use among low-income consumers in a rural community in Victoria, Australia. It refers to ethnographic
documentation and interview narratives, using pseudonyms, from an anthropological research project in
the composite fictitious town, ‘Sephirah’. The particular focus is on differing CAMs selected, and experiential
aspects of CAM use. Consumer descriptions of their unconventional healthcare practices emphasise the
ongoing popularity and commonality of non-biomedical approaches to wellbeing. A diverse group of welfare
recipients consumed CAM, despite usually being unable to afford private-sector fees.
Formal or semi-formal CAM provider treatments and ‘folk healing’ methods were both favoured by those with
alternative worldviews or beliefs about the value of holism in health. A connection may be tentatively drawn
between a preference for CAM and the evolution of non-mainstream opinions and beliefs, or conversely,
between extant alternative viewpoints and development of a preference for CAM.
Rural CAM consumers positive correlation between retained Methodology

Central topics of the research were herbal knowledge and both ‘commercial Documentary research aims required
poverty and limited consumer access occupation’ and ‘consumerism’.11 ethnographic data collection, mainly
to professional CAM. There is a paucity participant observation and in-depth
of literature discussing the nexus Aside from recent work to alleviate interviews. University of Melbourne
between non-medical healing and food insecurity,12 Australian CAM HREC ethics clearance (June 2011)
poverty in Australia and other first- research often prioritises practitioner- permitted immersive fieldwork for
world countries. Some research suggests provided treatments,13-15 rather than over two years. I joined in numerous
CAM consumption is higher in rural considering all the ways that consumers community activities, events and
than urban areas, both in Australia3-5 use CAM.but:16,17 Exceptions may portray networks, staged many purposeful
and elsewhere.cf.6-8 In developing supplement use as poorly informed informal conversations, and conducted,
countries traditional medicine and ‘self-medication’. Surveys often omit recorded and transcribed 54 in-depth
CAM may support cultural knowledge respondents’ beliefs and reasons for interviews.
preservation and resistance against CAM consumption, thereby overlooking
inroads of capitalist development,9,10 emic perspectives such as distinguishing Consumer interviewees were over
further to providing needed healthcare unique rural challenges from those of 18, and of low-income status. They
services, although one study found a urban locations. were recruited by a snowball method,

using inclusion criteria that stipulated in township communities, forming Folk healing and traditional
‘intensive’ personal involvement with enmeshed social networks among herbal medicine
CAM rather than superficial use. Further financially and culturally disadvantaged Although most interviewees purchased
to pragmatic description of preferred familiar folk.22 Several interviewees branded CAM products for self-
therapies, this approach yielded detail described low-income circumstances. medicating, old-fashioned home
about consumer understandings of remedies and folk healing methods were
CAM paradigms, and insight into socio- Fifty-eight year-old Louisa lives alone also popular as free or low-cost self-
cultural contexts. I interviewed 23 non- in an isolated low-energy bush home, prescribed treatment. Eighty year-old
practitioner CAM consumers (and several ‘five kilometres from the bitumen’, on Wilhemina James, known as Willie,
student-practitioners, such as Louisa and a Centrelink widow’s pension (equals recalling her ‘dirt poor’ rural childhood
Danielle, included below). Consumers Newstart). Her young adult children had in South Australia and New Zealand,
were: seven single men, six of whom left home. Louisa described years of yoga described folk health knowledge as
were receiving welfare benefits, two who and mindfulness practice, long-term informal, taught as an oral tradition,
were in part-time or self-employment; and sole-parenting, and recent attempts to and without much ‘herbal medicine’
16 women, of whom 5 were married/de- start a small kinesiology business. Her of the type now generally recognised.
facto, 11 were single, 15 were receiving worldview reflects deep investment in She conceptualised folk medicine as
welfare payments, and only 3 (each of alternative doctrines linked to eastern a stand-alone pluralistic tradition25,26
these with a partner) had any type of paid lifestyle practices (self-directed yoga and that persisted through necessity,
employment. meditation) that are inherently cost free, independent of medicine. She stated
‘low-footprint’ and accessible to self- matter-of-factly:
Impoverished circumstances motivated people of any income.
Despite poverty being relatively hidden Although sometimes you need
in contemporary urban middle-class Fifty-four year old George, single and validation and a bit of guidance, I
Australia, a substantial sub-population unemployed, with vision problems, think in this world you’re supposed to
survives for years to decades on an is a typical low-income local, battling be grown up and think for yourself.
income at or below the poverty line. without hope of improving his financial
For rural residents, difficult financial lot. George joked about not affording Willie remembered taking castor oil
circumstances and reduced availability private health insurance, saying, weekly as a laxative, and using iodine
of health services can limit access to ‘I’m only on the dole, only got that as disinfectant, kerosene on sugar for
private healthcare, including virtually insurance!’ As a former farm labourer, sore throats, sulfur powder for skin
all CAM consultations. Medicare George’s wage for three months full- problems, and a sugar-soap mixture to
funding does not extend to CAM time work during the 2007 summer draw splinters or boils. Willie’s friend
practitioner services, except a restricted amounted to four thousand dollars, less Suzie emphasised contemporary folk
number (5 per year, current at 2014) of than a third of average taxable income medicine’s familiarity and the value
chiropractic, osteopathic, psychological (then $57,000 per annum23). George was of straightforward time-honoured
and other allied health visits, for referred ‘very healthy’ despite frequent smoking, remedies, as applied un-medical
medical patients.18 and he cited his Icelandic father’s strong learning. She listed aloe vera for minor
resistance to disease. He sees a medical burns, flower essences for anxiety,
Poverty is a reality for many rural doctor about every three years, self- Scheussler tissue salts for chronic
residents.1 Association between medicating occasionally according to complaints, bi-carb soda for indigestion,
rurality and compromised health is need, especially with aloe vera juice home-made calamine lotion for mozzie
described elsewhere.cf.19 In this study applied topically for eye inflammation,24 bites, Epsom salts for pain, warmed tea
long-term poverty was common and and Friar’s Balsam for injuries. George’s cups to draw breast-milk, and cabbage
extensive. Those ‘living poor’ included view, that professional healthcare leaves for mastitis or sore nipples. Suzie
unemployed,20 caravan park residents,21 services are mostly not required, is one enthused about placebo effect, and the
and sole parents struggling to afford definite means of reducing health costs. idea that home remedies offer a means of
children’s education, or living alone after side-stepping a reliance on the world of
their kids moved out. While many locals Overall, women displayed considerable ‘products’ and profit-making.
owned their homes, most sole parents, interest in healing and CAM, while
with the lowest incomes per number of men frequently expressed no interest, Another interviewee self-treated for
household members and longest periods seeking conventional medical treatment recurrent vulval thrush and cystitis using
spent living in poverty, were paying only. Some men thought CAM pointless; acidophilus yoghurt, herbal ointments,
relatively expensive private rental costs. they believed it couldn’t help them, as and eventually ti-tree oil ‘applied neat’,
Sephireans do not generally have ‘rural’ they preferred an unhealthy lifestyle, which ‘raised a shout’ but was curative.
lifestyles, but reside in small houses smoking and beer-drinking. Plant essential oils, including ti-tree oil

ARTICLE
(Melaleuca alternifolia), eucalyptus and

other oils from essential oil-bearing
plants, have been shown effective
against infective pathogens.27-29
Sole parent Danielle dealt with her four

children’s illnesses, for the most part
without visits to medical practitioners.
She allowed them to rest during
sickness, and during fevers, cooled their
feet and forehead with lavender water, Some interviewees grew herbs at home, or practised
and fed them lemon water as a food
cure. wildcrafting common plants to procure old-
Forty year-old Layla took St John’s fashioned medicinal herbs at very low cost. Almost
wort (Hypericum perforatum) 30-33
in lieu of medical drugs, which she all described self-motivated use of western herbs as
refused despite clinical depression.
She consumed other foods and herbs medicines, without practitioner advice.
as ‘simples’, including saffron to
improve energy, valerian for sleep and
overcoming anxiety, and bananas, SAMe,
and vitamin B-complex to improve They looked up information in books or retired from full-time work, through
mood. libraries, on the internet, or from people stress, tiredness, and a dearth of
they knew. Some recalled folk remedies employment for her age-group, she
Homebirth mum Abelle obtained advice used by their mothers or grandmothers moved from a long-term rental home
over the phone from a Queensland that had piqued their interest. in Sephirah township to the bush,
herbalist for treatment of severe pain as her meagre savings evaporated
with kidney stones that consisted Sixty-four year-old Ryan, a part-time supplementing high rental costs for a
of a very hot bath for one hour, cabinet-maker who classes himself as single person. She enjoys using western
followed by a crushed soaked linseed ‘one of the working poor’, self-medicates folk-herbal healing in a way she calls
poultice over the kidneys and painful experimentally with herbs for common ‘being a witch’, grows garden herbs,
parts, renewed three-hourly. Abelle ailments, favouring ‘whatever works’. He and regularly wildcrafts ‘about a dozen’
experienced kidney pains as ‘worse explained that the effectiveness of herbs other medicinal herbs that are freely
than childbirth’, but found the bath and arose from long traditions of western and widely available[1]39-42 from yards,
linseed method an effective analgesic, and eastern cultural knowledge, despite footpaths and her neighbourhood.
anti-inflammatory, anti-oedema cure finding herbal results unpredictable and Occasionally, Marie ‘cures’ family
that reduced peripheral pain.34-36 Flax believing placebo effect was real.30 members and friends of chronic
(Linum usitatissimum, syn. linseed) has conditions using wildcrafted herbs. She
a long and fascinating cultural history Ryan enjoys self-sourcing herbs ‘from recalled a friend’s relief from hayfever
of association with suffering and pain,37 the nature strip’ for political reasons, and spring allergies after drinking a
which informs a doctrine of signatures because they ‘don’t appeal to drug strong brew of wildcrafted herbs she
suggestive of pain-relief. The doctrine companies’, which can’t profit from collected from his backyard.
of signatures is an old-fashioned method them. He takes lemon and honey to
of intuiting healing properties of herbal ward off flu and cold symptoms, and Unable to afford naturopaths, Marie
plants by virtue of their resemblance to wildcrafts locally grown medicinal often self-medicates with herbs,
the form, appearance or behaviour of plants such as aromatic indigenous preferring to avoid expensive
parts of the body. sassafras from bush gullies where he professional treatments, while still
walks, following the Indigenous tradition able ‘to get to the root cause of
Some interviewees grew herbs at home, of using these leaves to prepare tea or things’, consistent with her beliefs,
or practised wildcrafting common plants inhalations for relief of sinus congestion rather than suppressing illness
to procure old-fashioned medicinal herbs and pain. with conventional medications. She
at very low cost.38 Almost all described sources information from books,
self-motivated use of western herbs as Sixty-two year-old Marie Walder was and is interested in interpreting herb
medicines, without practitioner advice. a sole parent for many years. Recently properties according to the doctrine

of signatures.43 Favourite herbs include appeared knowledgeable about Desiring naturopathic treatment, several
sow thistle, ribwort, clover flowers, homoeopathy’s mode of action, offering other low-income consumers were
and wild lettuce, in tea, salads or stews, detailed explanations of ‘likes cure motivated to purchase branded products
and lungwort (Pulmonaria spp.) for likes’ and ‘stimulation of the vital over-the-counter from health foods
short-term use during coughs or chest force’, and linking homoeopathy to stores or pharmacies, after seeking
infection (although cautious not to all-encompassing life philosophies or naturopathic advice2 or becoming
overuse herbs, she sidesteps warnings a purpose for humanity, such as that self-informed. Avoiding consultation
about pyrrolizidine alkaloid content espoused by Rudolf Steiner. Marissa fees made herbal and nutritional
precluding all internal use). Marie justified choosing homoeopathy for supplements more affordable for these
experienced improvements in her her family’s healthcare on the basis of consumers.
overall health from regularly taking making choices that develop a sense of
wildcrafted herbs, which appeared to conscious freedom, human identity, and Nutrition and poverty
ward off sickness, hasten recovery when not having to be restricted by routinised alleviation
ill, and promote increased energy. systems and an expected reliance on Consistent with the focus on ‘intensive’
mainstream ‘usual care’. CAM use, the majority of consumer
Homeopathic holism and participants were well informed
naturopathic supplements While homoeopathic remedies are very about nutrition and the role of dietary
Consumers who favoured homoeopathic low in cost, consumers of homoeopathy habits in maintaining health. Several
treatment emphasised the philosophical in this study mainly visited professional adhered to diets that addressed health
holism, safety and ‘naturalness’ of homoeopaths for advice and to obtain needs in practical, meaningful ways.
this system of medicine, believing it remedies, only infrequently self- Issues of cost and financial barriers to
addressed disturbances that originate medicating with homeopathic ‘first aid’, consuming healthy foods and nutritional
in energetic and spiritual aspects of usually arnica pills or creams. supplements were a central concern.
human life. Homeopathic consumers
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ARTICLE
Several interviewees had coeliac

disease, necessitating gluten-free diets For those interested in nutrition for health,
to minimise painful symptoms and
emotional lability. Others were long- philosophical integrity and avoiding ‘sensitivity
term vegetarians, with philosophical
appreciation of animal lives, and reactions’ and illness, the expense of high quality
awareness of ‘the interconnectedness
of eating and general wellbeing’, who foods and supplements was a significant challenge.
preferred organic or biodynamic
produce. For those interested in nutrition
for health, philosophical integrity and
avoiding ‘sensitivity reactions’ and supplements purchased over the counter Nicole, a 35 year-old mother of a young
illness, the expense of high quality from a pharmacy, nutrition projects in child with autistic behaviours, was
foods and supplements was a significant Sephirah – where food insecurity has curious about tarot cards, and ‘psychic
challenge. been identified as problematic – were stuff’ generally. She visited ‘psychics’
geared toward poverty alleviation in for readings, to aid decision-making,
A depressed, middle-aged caravan-park addition to health. They include a weekly for instance before medicating her son
resident, Vida, believes psychosomatic vegetarian community café, community following his diagnosis of autism, and to
effects create disease, ‘everything affects vegetable gardens (since 2010), a prepare for family members’ expected
everything else’, and emotions affect permaculture and artists’ collective that negative reactions. She claimed psychic
eating and digestion. Causes such as stages social events, and charity-run advice allayed anxiety and improved her
fear, or after-effects of childhood abuse, outlets for distribution of free food from outlook on life, by determining she was ‘on
remain poorly acknowledged within a the Second Bite organisation, which the right track’. A two-year span of future
medical paradigm. To avoid medication, ‘recycles’ food2 that would otherwise predictions offered a novel and inadvertent
Vida’s favoured solution to anxiety- be trashed as part of Australia’s $5 to means of mental health promotion,
triggered indigestion, on a meagre $8 billion annual food wastage.44,45 providing answers that stopped Nicole
pension income, is ‘food remedies’ These activities operate through a local from feeling ‘desperate’. She said:
sourced from friends. She also takes volunteer labour force, who gain formal
commercial vitamins and minerals to training, work experience and social It’s kind of like cheating, because they give
support immunity and counter ageing, connections. you answers … I s’pose you’re supposed to
despite sensitivity to their perceived let things happen naturally … But I guess
over-energising effect. Mainly she avoids Psychic healing it depends on what you thrive on in life, if
junk food, preferring health-giving meals I designated a widely popular group you thrive on that ‘knowing’ …
of rice, salads, vegetables, bread, fruits, of alternative practices sought by
occasionally fish or meat, and plenty of consumers as ‘psychic healing’. Psychic Another visitor to psychic healers, 59
water, and regularly includes herbs in healing was commonly resorted to year-old pacifist Shaun, experienced a
meals, and yoghurt, which helps her for uncategorised mental/emotional ‘breakdown’ after an unexpected divorce
feel well. Vida minimises food costs by discomfort or non-psychiatric states and financial losses in the 2008-09
eating simply. If unwell she consumes such as ‘stuck energy’ (one’s own), economic crisis. He sought comfort in
raw vegetables for a couple of months. or ‘stale energy lingering around’ the optimistic words and dreams of a
She bemoaned the closure of a local (someone else’s). An example was clairvoyant friend, subjective assistance
health foods business, observing that the ‘shamanic treatment’, or ‘energy from a ‘spirit guide’, and holistic
people now purchase supplements from clearing’ sought by Danielle, a student of approaches to wellbeing consistent
supermarkets. Her dietary preferences Chinese massage who believed strongly with his belief that mind and body
ensure a familiar calm environment for in ‘psychic connection’, to remedy a are inseparable. On disability support
eating, reducing impacts of long-standing subjective malaise caused by contacting payment and medications, Shaun used a
anxiety on her ‘nerves’ and stomach, a traumatised friend, who ‘drained vital bushfire assistance voucher (explained
providing whole-foods that aren’t energy’. She explained the efficacy of the below) to consult a man for ‘spiritual
excessively ‘stimulating’ to digestion, and treatment in terms of the practitioner’s healing’, using diagrammatic symbols of
supporting general wellbeing. understanding, as derived from psycho- the aura, crystal dowsing, flower essences,
kinetic ‘esoteric acupuncture’. Rather and blessings from Archangel Michael.
Aside from individualised naturopathic than ‘fixing’ symptoms, this method He experienced a welcome catharsis
advice or guidance from dietitians aims to elevate body energy, permitting a and renewed vigour from the psychic
working in community health, and restitution of wellbeing. treatment, which released his pent-up

grief and obstructed energy that had Only two consumer participants took treatments and folk-cultural practices,
seemed like ‘walking through molasses’. advantage of the belated extension extra to professional CAM services.
(commencing 2011-2012) to CAM
Limited consumer access to providers registered with health NOTES
physical therapies insurers of a short-term (to March 1. Limited wildcrafting of introduced
For consumer interviewees generally, 2013) state government funding weeds by Australian herbalists is
massage or other touch-based therapies initiative permitting residents affected noted by Evans (2009). Wehi (2009)
were unaffordable, and few sought this by bushfires to receive CAM treatments describes Maori elders’ wildcrafting
type of treatment due to cost. Exceptions using $50 vouchers.46 Low-income of urban-grown New Zealand plants.
were an older-aged sole parent of a child consumers were not adequately Taylor (1998), and Korndoerfer (2011),
with Down Syndrome, who enjoyed notified about the scheme, most express concern for the environmental
funded massage therapy as supplemental remaining unaware of this funding impacts of wildcrafting commercially
healthcare for carers when she resided in until it was too late to claim their successful herbs.
NSW; George (above), who received free vouchers. Some with limited computer
Reiki for a short time from a practitioner literacy found online claim forms 2. See Second Bite organisation
girlfriend; and another sole parent who inconvenient to retrieve. (Australia) website, online at:
was offered heavily discounted rates secondbite.org.
for massage during a homeless period Conclusion
following bushfires in 2009. Several Research findings described in this REFERENCES
others with acute disabling back pain paper emphasise low-income rural References for this article are available
received free physiotherapy through the consumers’ poverty, their limited on request. Please email the editor at
community health service, and up to five access to non-medical healthcare, atms.journal@westnet.com.au or
free chiropractic or osteopathic sessions and use of diverse CAM, particularly the author at tass.holmes@unimelb.
per year via medical referral. informal or less widely-recognised self- edu.au.
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ARTICLE
Brief Interventions for

clients with drug and
alcohol issues
Katrina Alexander | B SocSci (Psychology), BClinSc (Osteopathy)
A Brief Intervention (BI) is a short potential risks and problems associated NDSHS collected data from nearly
face-to-face conversation about alcohol with alcohol and other drug use and 24,000 people across Australia. The
and drug consumption, motivation associated practices, and motivate survey was conducted from 31 July
to change, and options for change behavioural change, thereby improving to 1 December 2013. Roy Morgan
which is provided during a window of health outcomes, by helping the person Research was commissioned to conduct
opportunity or an information-sharing to consider the reasons for change and the survey fieldwork.3 The following
moment with a health professional. the risks of not changing.1 statistics are taken from the NDSHS.
It is a technique or tool used to
initiate change in behaviours that are There is strong evidence for the Alcohol use
detrimental to health such as smoking, effectiveness of BIs in primary care • Compared to 2010, fewer people in
drug and alcohol consumption. It is settings for reducing alcohol and tobacco Australia drank alcohol in quantities
an opportunistic intervention that consumption, and growing evidence that exceeded the lifetime risk and
can occur in the assessment phase for such effectiveness in regard to other single occasion risk guidelines in
when treating patients for other health substances. (For the purpose of this article 2013.
concerns. An opportunistic intervention substance is defined as alcohol, over the
occurs at a critical moment in a person’s counter drugs (OTC), prescription drugs • Fewer 12–17 year olds are drinking
life, for example, when they are faced and illicit drugs.) BIs are low in cost and alcohol and the proportion abstaining
with other health concerns. A BI can be are effective across all levels of hazardous from alcohol increased significantly
undertaken in as little as a few minutes and harmful substance use and so are between 2010 and 2013 (from 64% to
and can be supported by written an ideal method of health promotion 72%).
information and self-help strategies. It is and disease prevention in primary care
evidence-based and can be very effective patients.2 • Almost five million people in
in assisting patients to self-monitor. Australia aged 14 or older (26%)
The National Drug Strategy reported being victims of an alcohol-
A BI can engage with people who may Household Survey (NDSHS) has related incident in 2013, although
not yet be ready for change, increase been conducted every two to this proportion had declined from
the person’s perception of real and three years since 1985. The 2013 29% in 2010.

Illicit use of drugs individual’s need to achieve relief or a marriage or other family problems, no
There were declines in the use of some high level of performance. It can also fixed abode, legal problems, school and/
illegal drugs, including ecstasy (from involve binge alcohol and other drug or behavioural problems.
3.0% to 2.5%), heroin (from 0.2% to 0.1%) use, where there is excessive use of a
and GHB (from 0.1% to less than 0.1%) in substance at one time. The pattern of One or two of these signs in isolation may
2013, but the misuse of pharmaceuticals binge use may be occasional, or may indicate nothing. However, fitting an
increased from 4.2% in 2010 to 4.7% in relate to specific situations. overall profile of the above may indicate a
2013. substance problem.
Compulsive use leads to psychological
While there was no significant increase and physiological dependence where Harm minimisation is the current drug-
in methamphetamine use in 2013, the user cannot at will discontinue use related policy in Australia governing all
there was a change in the main form of without experiencing significant mental drug-related laws and responses. Harm
methamphetamine used. Use of powder or physical distress. Drug use is central to minimisation considers the health,
decreased significantly from 51% to the user’s day-to-day life. social and economic consequences of
29% while the use of ice (or crystal alcohol and other drugs use in relation
methamphetamine) more than doubled, Evidence to the individual and the community.
from 22% in 2010 to 50% in 2013.3 A randomized study by Bernstein and It has been a key policy of Australian
colleagues found that when cocaine state and federal governments since
It is important to acknowledge that and heroin users seen in primary care the National Campaign against Drug
all substance use is not the same. received a brief intervention, the patients Abuse was launched in 1985. The harm
Schaeffer’s model proposes five types of had a 50% higher incidence of abstinence minimisation approach is based on the
use: experimental (single or short-term at follow up than patients who did not following premises. Drug use, both licit
use), recreational/social (controlled use receive a brief intervention.5 and illicit, is an inevitable part of society.
in social setting), situational (use for a It occurs across a continuum, ranging
specific reason), intensive (high dose, or Clinical signs and symptoms from occasional use to dependent
binge), and compulsive (frequent or daily use. A range of harms is associated
doses, withdrawal). Alcohol with different types and patterns of
Physical: under-nutrition, boils, scabs, alcohol and other drug use. A range of
Assessment and Schaeffer’s parotid swelling, Cushingoid face, approaches can be used to respond to
model4 spider naevi, palmar erythema, the these harms.
Experimental substance use is motivated smell of alcohol on the breath, red eyes,
by curiosity or desire to experience new jaundice sclera, presence of alcohol- The concept of harm minimisation is not
feelings or moods. This may occur alone related illness, reported alcohol intake well understood or accepted in the wider
or in the company of one or more friends of 60/80gms or more per day on a community, as many people believe that
who are also experimenting. It normally regular basis (smaller amounts if taken attempting to reduce the harm associated
involves single or short-term use. with other CNS depressants or if elderly, with drugs implies condoning their use.
previous history of withdrawal.) BI strategies do not condone drug use.
Social use is when substances are used on They aim to educate people to make
specific social occasions by experienced Drugs informed decisions and choices. The
users who know what drug suits them Physical: puncture marks, phlebitis, intention is to keep people as safe as
and in what circumstances (e.g. ecstasy cellulitis, skin abscesses, erosion or possible.
use by experienced users at dance irritation around nostrils/septum,
parties, or alcohol with a meal). irritation or rash around nose and Assessment
mouth, excessive weight loss, signs When you gain further information
Situational use is when substances of numerous old injuries, frequent from the patient you will be able to
are used when specific tasks have to accidents, general physical state assess the level of risk. If the patient is
be performed and special degrees of indicating poor lifestyle: nutrition or low risk or using at a hazardous level,
alertness, calm, endurance or freedom hygiene, intoxication, presence of drug- such as binging, give the patient health
from pain are sought (e.g. truck driving, related illness. information. If the risk is assessed
shift work or studying for exams). as harmful give the patient health
Psychological: depression, anxiety, information, the Alcohol Use Disorders
Intensive use is similar in nature to personality change. Identification Tool (AUDIT) and refer
situational but is more excessive in the to services. The AUDIT is a ten-
degree of use. It is often related to an Social: unemployment or loss of job, question test developed by the World

ARTICLE
PRECONTEMPLATION
Client does not recognize the need for
change or is not actively considering
change.
RELAPSE
Client has relapsed to drug use.
health Organisation. This tool can help
determine if a person is at risk of alcohol
Stages
abuse problems.6
Interpretating scores
The AUDIT alcohol consumption
questions (AUDIT-C) is a shortened
version of the 10 question AUDIT. It is a
CLIENT
LEAVES
of Change CONTEMPLATION
Client recognizes problem
and is considering change.
three question screening test (see Figure TREATMENT
1). To score the AUDIT, point values of
each answer are summed. A score of 8
MAINTENANCE
or more in men (7 in women) indicates
Client is adjusting to change and is
a strong likelihood of hazardous or practising new skills and behaviours to
harmful alcohol consumption. A score of sustain change.
20 or more suggests alcohol dependence

(although some authors claim scores of ACTION
more than 13 in women and 15 in men Client has initiated change.
indicate likely dependence).6 Figure 2: Stages of Change 10
*Adapted from Prochaska, J.O., and DiClemente, C.C. (1982).

Transtheoretical therapy: Toward a more integrative model of change.
Figure 1: The AUDIT-c screening test 7
Psychotherapy: Theory, Research and Practice, 19 (3), 276-288.
AUDIT-C Questionnaire Brief Intervention steps

Patient Name ____________________________ Date of Visit ______________
Step 1. Get to know the person, find out
what worries them. Listen to their story.
1. How often do you have a drink containing alcohol?
a. Never Step 2. ASK: Do you smoke/drink
b. Monthly or less alcohol/take any other drug? If yes, ASK:
c. 2-4 times a month How much, how often, and how do you
d. 2-3 times a week
feel about your use? Is there anything
e. 4 or more times a week
that you want to change?
2. How many standard drinks containing alcohol do you have on a typical day?
Step 3. Decide what stage of change the
a. 1 or 2
person is at by what they say.
b. 3 or 4
c. 5 or 6
d. 7 to 9 Step 4. Write down their stage of change
e. 10 or more and what advice you gave them. Next
time you see the person ask how they
3. How often do you have six or more drinks on one occasion? are and what changes they have made.
a. Never Reinforce any positive changes and do
b. Less than monthly another BI if necessary.8
c. Monthly
d. Weekly Stages of change
e. Daily or almost daily This transtheoretical model offers an
integrative framework for understanding
and intervening in intentional behaviour
Effective parameters and or other serious health issues. Do not change.9 There are six stages in this
precautions do a BI when the person does not wish model (see Figure 2):
The use of a BI will be beneficial in to participate or is intoxicated or is too
most circumstances. It is important sick or injured or is in a highly emotional 1. Pre-contemplation is when the patient
to ascertain the health status of the state. What you do depends on where the is not yet considering change or is
patient during assessment. A BI is not patient is in the process of changing. The unwilling. The practitioner’s task
usually as effective for patients with first step is to be able to identify where at this stage of change is to raise
chronic relapsing behaviours or those the patient is coming from. awareness.
with a co-morbid mental health issue

2. Contemplation is when the patient Self-care for the patient 10) Available from: http://www.who.int/
sees the possibility of change but is BIs are successful when clinicians substance_abuse/activities/en/Draft_Brief_
uncertain or ambivalent. The primary relate patients’ risky substance use to Intervention_for_Substance_Use.pdf
task for the practitioner is to assist improvement in their overall health and 3. Australian Institute of health and Welfare.
the patient to resolve ambivalence wellbeing. National drug strategy household survey
towards choosing change. detailed report; 2013 (cited 2015 Oct 8)
‘People are better persuaded by the Available from: http://www.aihw.gov.au/
3. Determination. This stage of change reasons they themselves discovered than publication-detail/?id=60129549469
is not included in Figure 2. but is those that come into the minds of others’ 4. Australian Government, Department of
often considered part of the pre- (Blaise Pascal ).11 Health, Module 9: working with young
action stage. In this stage the person people on aod issues: facilitators guide,
is considering what to do. The Benefits to practice 2.2 schaeffer’s model, (cited 2015 Oct 20)
primary task of the practitioner is to Utilizing a BI increases clinicians’ Available from: http://www.health.gov.au/
help identify change strategies. awareness of substance use issues among internet/publications/publishing.nsf/Content/
their patients and offers clinicians a drugtreat-pubs-front9-fa-toc~drugtreat-
4. The Action stage is when the patient systematic approach to addressing pubs-front9-fa-secb~drugtreat-pubs-front9-
is taking steps towards change but substance use. This ensures less fa-secb-2~drugtreat-pubs-front9-fa-secb-2-2
needs further assistance to stabilise judgement is placed upon the patient and 5. Berntein J, Bernstein E, Tassiopoulos K,
the process. The primary task of the enhances patient-clinician relations. Heeren T, Levenson S, Hingson R. drug and
practitioner is to help the patient alcohol dependence: brief motivational
implement change strategies and REFERENCES intervention at a clinic visit reduces cocaine
learn to minimise any relapses. 1. Australian Government, Department of and heroin use; 2005.Vol 77. Pp49-59
Health, Module 9: working with young 6. Bohn MJ, Babor TF, Kranzler HR. The alcohol
5. Maintenance is when the patient has people on aod issues: facilitators guide, use disorders identification test (AUDIT):
achieved set goals in relation to their 6.1 brief interventions – a definition, (cited validation of a screening instrument for
substance misuse and is working 2015 Dec 20). Available from: http://www. use in medical settings. Journal of studies
to maintain implemented changes. health.gov.au/internet/publications/ on alcohol; 1995 Jul 56 (4): 423–32. PMID
The primary task at this stage is to publishing.nsf/Content/drugtreat-pubs- 7674678.
assist the patient to develop skills to front9-fa-toc~drugtreat-pubs-front9- 7. Stable Resource Toolkit. AUDIT-C Overview
maintain recovery through positive fa-secb~drugtreat-pubs-front9-fa-secb- (cited 2016 Feb 8). Available from: http://
feedback mechanisms. 6~drugtreat-pubs-front9-fa-secb-6-1 www.integration.samhsa.gov/images/res/
2. World Health Organization, Department of tool_auditc.pdf
6. The final stage of change is the Mental Health and Substance Dependence, 8. Hagger B, Entwistle D, Brief intervention
recurrence stage. It is important here to Brief intervention for problematic substance and motivational interviewing tool; 2012
help the patient deal with consequences use: guidelines for use in primary care draft (cited 2015 Sept 12) Available from: http://
and to determine what to do next.9 version v1.1 September 2003(cited 2015 Oct www.health.nt.gov.au/library/scripts/
objectifyMedia.aspx?file=pdf/64/32.pdf
9. DiClemente CC, Prochaska JO, Miller WR.
(Ed); Heather N (Ed), 1998. Treating addictive
behaviors: Stages of change diagram (2nd
ed.). Applied clinical psychology, (pp. 3-24).
New York, NY, US: Plenum Press, xii, 357 pp.
10. Prochaska JO, DiClemente CC. The
transtheoretical approach. In: Norcross,
JC; Goldfried, MR. (eds.) Handbook of
psychotherapy integration (2nd ed). New
York: Oxford University Press. 2005: 147–171.
11. Carsten J. When a client is silent during
therapy: part 2. (Internet).(cited 2016
Jan 21) Available from: http://www.
elliottcounselinggroup.com/items-interest/
when-client-silent-during-therapy-part-two/

ARTICLE
A Role for Homoeopathy

in Urinary Tract Infection
Robert Medhurst | BNat ND DHom
U
rinary tract infections or UTIs such as super-hydration (while avoiding present in the urine. Other indicators are
are one of the more common electrolyte deficiency), Cranberry and diarrhoea, chilliness, as well as weakness
conditions we see in clinical probiotics can be successful, but often fail or exhaustion. Symptoms are worse after
practice. The lifetime incidence rate for to halt an active UTI. midnight and from cold or cold drinks and
this illness for women is 50%, and 5% better for heat and warm drinks.
for men. Babies and the elderly form In my experience and that of several
two of the high risk groups for UTIs. noted authorities in this area,1-9 there are Equisetum
The more specific groups at higher risk a number of homoeopathic medicines The indicators here include a history of
of developing this disorder are sexually that have been found to be very effective urinary and faecal incontinence with dull
active women, diabetics, men with in the management of UTIs. Brief pain in the area of the bladder or right-
pre-existing prostate disease, those with discussions of these medicines follow, sided lumbar pain, and a feeling of fullness
urinary catheters, and babies born with and it should be noted that these appear or incomplete emptying of the bladder
anatomical disorders of the urinary tract here for educational purposes only, and that is not relieved by urination. The
that result in vesico-ureteric reflux. are not intended to replace the advice of a urine is normally albuminous and is only
qualified healthcare practitioner. produced drop by drop. There is often
UTI is a general term encompassing a frequent urge to urinate with strong
urethritis, cystitis and pyelonephritis. Cantharis burning urethral pain, particularly at the
The disease is usually associated with This is one of the most commonly end of urination. The UTI may coincide
a bacterial infection, and the organism used homoeopathic medicines in with pregnancy or may occur post-
most commonly implicated here is E.coli, UTIs. The primary symptom is intense partum. Symptoms are worse on the right
although infection with mycoplasma scalding or burning pain, either with or side, from motion, from sitting or pressure
or chlamydia, particularly in cases of without urination. Urine is passed by and are better in the afternoon and from
urethritis, may also be involved. The drops and each drop of urine passed is lying down.
symptoms reported for UTIs commonly often described as being like passing
include chills, fever, dysuria, haematuria, burning acid. There may also be Benzoic acid
urinary frequency, a feeling of fullness anxiety, restlessness, urinary tenesmus, The common guides to this remedy for
in the bladder after voiding urine, and haematuria, the urine may appear someone with a UTI are the colour and
suprapubic, back or loin pain. jelly-like or contain substances with the smell of their urine. It’s usually reported
appearance of scales. Severe urge to as being dark brown and having a strong
Failure to successfully manage UTIs urinate and cramping around the urinary and offensive ammoniacal odour. There
may result in the progression to a more bladder may be reported. Symptoms are may be a history of depression, asthma,
severe infection, and the development worse from drinking coffee, drinking or enuresis, cystitis, gout, cracking joints and
of hypertension as well as kidney failure. hearing running water and better from renal insufficiency. Sufferers may also have
Medically, UTIs are frequently treated cold applications, rubbing, and having an odour about them like urine. Symptoms
with antibiotics, but the rates of resistance completely voided the bladder. are worse from cold and motion and better
to these drugs, particularly the older from heat and profuse urination.
antibiotics, are rising significantly, leading Arsenicum album
to increased levels of UTI recurrence that The salient prescribing feature for Sepia
become harder and harder to manage. Arsenicum is burning pain. The sufferer This is often useful where there is
From a naturopathic perspective, may appear thirsty, anxious and restless. evidence of weakness, depression,
berberine-containing herbs, Cranberry, There’s often a frequent urge to urinate nocturnal enuresis or enuresis from
Buchul and Olive leaf are often helpful, that produces very little urine, and the coughing or sneezing, excessive
but patient compliance with regimes urine that is produced may be scanty, perspiration, a yellowish skin and a
employing these herbs can often be burning and albuminous. White cells, history of recurrent cystitis. The urine
problematic. Prevention, using things red cells, and epithelial cells may be may appear thick and offensive and there

may be haematuria. Fine gravel may be passed drop by drop. A greenish urethral The sufferer may complain of swelling
present in the urine. Urination may be discharge may also be noted. Symptoms of the prostate, as if he’s sitting on a ball.
slow and accompanied by a suprapubic are worse at night and better from rest. Symptoms are worse on the left side,
bearing down sensation and may be from sitting on a cold surface and during
preceded by a cutting sensation in the Staphysagria cold, damp weather, and are better from
bladder. Symptoms are worse in the late UTI sufferers suited to this remedy may walking.
afternoon and evening, from coitus, appear to be sensitive, nervous and
before a thunderstorm and after sweating. irritable and have a history of recurring Pulsatilla
Symptoms are better from exercise, cystitis or prostatitis, and often it’s Pulsatilla has a role in chronic recurrent
warmth, drawing the limbs up, and after triggered by internalised anger, emotional UTIs, particularly when these are
sleep. upset or while convalescing. There may be associated with hormonal changes related
urinary urgency, frequent but ineffectual to pregnancy, menopause or menstruation.
Terebinthina urge to urinate, a feeling of pressure in Weepiness, a clingy disposition, a lack
This is a common prescription in nephritis the bladder as well as a feeling as if a drop of thirst and appetite for food as well
and urethritis, particularly where there of urine is rolling continuously along the as a dislike of warm, stuffy rooms may
is haematuria. The urine may have a urethra. The pain in this instance may be be noted, These features, along with a
characteristic odour of violets, it may be burning in character and occur during paroxysmal burning dysuria, urgency
scanty or suppressed and have a muddy or long after urination has ceased. The worse on lying down and urinary
sediment if allowed to settle. Tenesmus UTI will commonly develop after sexual incontinence, particularly from coughing
and strangury may be reported here with intercourse, giving rise to what’s often or sneezing, often guide the prescriber to
location of the pain alternating between referred to as honeymoon cystitis. Foreign the remedy. Symptoms are worse before
the bladder and umbilicus. Symptoms bodies such as catheters, cystoscopes menses, from lying on the back, from
are worse from pressure and better from and surgical procedures may also be walking, cold, wet weather and getting the
walking and generally better for motion. implicated as the cause of the infection. feet wet. Symptoms are better in open air
Symptoms are worse from anger, touching and from consolation.
Sarsaparilla affected parts or sexual excess and better
This is well worth considering where from warmth, rest at night and lying REFERENCES
the sufferer experiences renal colic and curled up on the side. 1. Das RBB. Select Your Remedy. 14th ed. New
produces bloody urine in a thin weak Delhi B Jain; 1992.
stream. A descending burning pain Aconite 2. Clarke JH. A Clinical Repertory to the Dictionary
in the region of the right kidney may In this instance, the symptoms often come of the Materia Medica. England: Health Sciences
be reported. Severe pain may be felt, on very suddenly, often from exposure Press; 1979. ISBN 0-85032-061-5.
particularly in the meatus, before and to dry cold weather or very hot weather, 3. Dewey WA. Practical Homoeopathic
while urinating, but is more commonly and may be accompanied by fever. Fear Therapeutics. 2nd ed. New Delhi: B Jain; 1991.
noted when passing the last few drops. and anxiety, as well as physical and mental Book code B-2189.
There may be a slight dribbling enuresis restlessness may be observed. The urine 4. Bouko Levy MM. Homeopathic and Drainage
while sitting. Urinary tenesmus may be may be scanty and blood stained and Repertory. France: Editions Similia; 1992. ISBN-2-
present and a chill may spread from the the sufferer may complain of sensitivity 904928-70-7.
bladder when urinating. Symptoms are in the kidney areas, urinary tenesmus 5. Raue CG. Special Pathology and Diagnostics
worse from cold, motion, pressure and and severe burning pain on urination. with Therapeutic Hints. 4th ed. New Delhi: B
while sitting and are better from warmth Urinary retention may cause severe pain Jain; 1896.
and standing. and increased restlessness. Symptoms are 6. Knerr KB. Repertory of Hering’s Guiding
worse on the right side, from pressure, Symptoms of our Materia Medica. New Delhi: B
Mercurius corrosivus lying on the affected side and in the Jain; 1997. ISBN 81-7021-241-3.
The guides to the prescription of Merc cor evening and night, and better from rest. 7. Lilienthal S. Homoeopathic Therapeutics. 3rd
include a constant urge to urinate, and an ed. New Delhi: Indian Books and Periodicals;
intense burning sensation on urination Chimaphila 1890.
followed by perspiration. Haematuria, This can be particularly useful in 8. Morrison R, Desktop Guide. California:
urinary tenesmus, diarrhoea and general cases where the UTI is associated with Hahnemann Clinic Publishing; 1983. ISBN
irritation of most mucous membranes prostatitis. There may be urinary urgency 0-9635-368-0-X.
may also guide this prescription. There inhibited by a restriction to urine flow, 9. Von Lippe A. Key Notes and Red Line Symptoms
may be a stabbing pain ascending up the requiring straining to pass the urine, as of the Materia Medica. New Delhi: India Books
urethra into the bladder. The urine is well as burning on urination. The urine and Periodicals; 2001. Book Code No IB0579.
characteristically albuminous, cloudy and in this instance is often scanty and cloudy
bloody, scanty, hot and burning and is and contains a stringy mucoid sediment.

ARTICLE
Commemoration of
Simon Schot Legacy
Peter Lewis | ATMS 0178
About 36 years ago I experienced an industrial accident that It is with this understanding that the original ATMS logo
significantly damaged my respiratory tract, for which I had only conveys its message. This elegant synergy underpins traditional
limited assistance from orthodox medicine. During a time when naturopathic practice. Furthermore, represented within our
organics were in their infancy, I took it upon myself to rebuild original ATMS logo resides the primordial solvent, termed Vis
my health using organic products. A supposedly organic grower medicatrix naturae.
had sprayed their crop one morning with a copper-based poison.
Unfortunately I walked among that crop barefooted, which caused The staff in the emblem emphasises Vis medicatrix naturae,
my constitution to deteriorate rapidly. the primordial mystery of life, which we can observe by way of
bioplasm (living protoplasm). The emblem’s serpents emphasise
I had entered into shock by the time I reached Simon’s diametrically opposed metabolic processes, namely
clinic in Mapleton, Queensland. He took it on anabolism and catabolism. When these processes
himself to keep me under constant surveillance are favourable, natures’ gift is optimal vitality.
for 10 days in convalescence accommodation
attached to his clinic. Naturopathic I reflect upon Simon’s association of
convalescence with Simon gradually metabolic processes with our significant
facilitated health luminaries. The solar
recovery. Not long after orb he associated with
this, Simon invited me Vis, as it pertains to the
into phytotherapy and staff in our emblem.
naturopathy studies, Vis in naturopathic
knowing full well how practice governs the law of
precarious my crisis had been at the time. cure, inherent within the constitution.
My very close brush with constitutional Conservation of Vis occurs within
necrosis convinced him that I would evolve bioplasm, necrotic cells are incapable of Vis
into a notable clinician; currently I am co-owner conservation. The lunar orb phases are waxing,
of Rockhampton Health Options with my wife, which he associated with anabolism, while waning
Lynette. he associated with catabolism. Waxing and waning phases in
our emblem are connected with the serpents.
This brings me to a commemoration of my valued mentor Simon
Schot, whose legacy is conveyed in the fabric of our previous
ATMS logo. The creation of this emblem came to us through The creation of this emblem came to
Simon, who I know was involved with ATMS from its inception.
Importantly, for Simon the emblem represented collaboration of us through Simon, who I know was
the practitioner with Vis medicatrix naturae (The Healing Force
of Nature). involved with ATMS from its inception.
Simon understood that for an emblem to be useful it requires Importantly, for Simon the emblem
literal meaning, and must be a vehicle of a directly discernible
reality. The emblem is a convenient practical device acting to represented collaboration of
clearly represent complementary medicine essentials. Our scope
of complementary medicine comprises three therapeutic divisions, the practitioner with Vis medicatrix
physical medicine, natural medicine and the medicine of the
psyche. naturae (The Healing Force of Nature).

This brings us to the three divisions in our spine. Superiorly, the protuberance can
scope of practice. According to Simon, be associated with the pons. Laterally,
physical medicine is emphasised through the wings of the emblem are associated
palmar dexterity. He communicated a with the cerebellum, in Latin termed
subtle yet firm mode of physical medicine, Arbor vitae (Tree of Life) by medieval
strongly suggesting using the palmar anatomists. Furthermore, cerebellum
surface of the hand only. Administration lobe fissures are distinct, and note the
of scientific massage ought to be painless, similarity with the wings in the emblem.
otherwise, he postulated, iatrogenic We know the cerebellum is associated with
lesions are likely to result. It is noted that afferent and efferent pathways involving
the staff also emphasises our spinal cord. voluntary locomotion. Naturopathic
Suggestions direct physical medicine practitioners instructed by Simon through
toward a spinal focus and with a sound in Australian phytomedicine. Rosaceae psyche medicine will be familiar with
basis. Spinal innervation lesions potentially blossoms and Liliaceae buds need no administration of clinical equanimity.
result in organ morbidity. introduction. Simon valued Liliaceae
phytomedicine in crisis cases, while The sash and the orbital border represent
Natural medicine clearly emphasises biotic Rosaceae phytomedicine is noteworthy the indestructible life of the earth. It has no
vegetation. Harvesting of biotic vegetation, during convalescence. He would often beginning and no end. Most subtly, green
to maximise Vis medicatrix naturae say, “The lily and the rose combine the chlorophyll can be an analogy for blood,
for efficacy, is always during budding or wisdom and the love divine.” within which flows the vital force. The
blossoming. Phytomedicine sourced from legacy of Simon Schot will forever be etched
Australian and European botanicals are As aforementioned the staff of our into this elegant emblem created in the mind
obvious. Gumnut blossoms are prominent emblem he clearly associated with our of this complementary medicine teacher.

PRACTITIONER PROFILE
oils that we use - and the connection with the client through touch
can be a healing process for both the client and the therapist. The
other aspect of natural medicine is that we treat the individual,
which means that every treatment varies according to the needs
of the client. Dealing with people of all ages also helps me to
understand the processes of life.
What advice would you give to a new

practitioner starting out?
This is a difficult question. I became a practitioner to help people,
and financially to cover costs, not to make a fortune. I would advise
first of all to examine why you are considering a career in natural
health and what you want out of your career. Once you know your
focus and your goal then you can embark on the journey. There are
ATMS Member Interview many modalities to choose from and all provide opportunities for a
great career. The good thing is you can continually change and add
Robert Balbi to your expertise through study and experience.
What are your ambitions?

Which modality do you practise? To remain in the natural therapy area, but perhaps look at some type
I am a Remedial Massage therapist, but I incorporate other of research to promote natural therapies by giving them mainstream
modalities which I have learned through our CEP over the past credibility. How to do this I am not sure at the present but I am sure I
sixteen years. will find a way.
How long have you been in practice? Anything else you would like to add?
After studying at Australasian College of Natural Therapies, gaining Government health policies are influenced by powerful
a Diploma and a Certificate Level 3 in Remedial Massage in 1998, organisations such as the medical profession, the health funds
I began my practice at my home in February 1998. In September and the pharmaceutical industry. It also comes down to cost. Our
1998 I joined the Care for the Carers Programme at Calvary association is as powerful as we make it, so it is vital that we support
Hospital, Kogarah, on a voluntary basis, and I am still involved in our association and our fellow members in their chosen professions:
this programme today. I also massage, on a pre-game basis, for the massage therapists, Bowen therapists, traditional Chinese medicine
Sutherland Sharks first grade and under 20's soccer teams in the practitioners, herbalists, nutritionists, educators, colleges etc,
NSW Premier League. Due to family commitments I no longer have to ensure that natural medicine continues to benefit the whole
a home clinic, but provide a fully mobile service to my clients and community.
sub-contract to Calvary Holistic Healing Centre, which is at Calvary
Hospital, Kogarah, and caters for all members of the community. Status and/or role of natural medicine in the broad
context of Australian health care
Major influences on your career The growing acceptance of the many modalities of natural medicine
I commenced my career in massage at the age of 43, because I felt my is great. I believe that natural medicine tends to prevent illness
current work in sales and marketing and my previous employment by strengthening our immune system by nutrition and manual
in accounts and personnel (Human Resources) were not satisfying or therapies, such as massage in all its forms. Herbalists use natural
of benefit to the community. My brother-in-law had suffered a neck remedies to boost health and cure illnesses, and their work is based
injury in a car accident and was in pain most of the time. We were at my on many thousands of years of research and practice. We treat the
in-laws’ home for Christmas, and I suggested to him that I massage his individual and this is of absolute importance.
neck to see if it relieved the pain. At this stage I was untrained and, using
some Tiger Balm, I massaged his neck gently for about 25 minutes. He Western medicine tries to cure illnesses with drugs (often derived
felt better and rang me a few days later advising me that he had not had from natural remedies) and surgery. The only concern I have is
any pain for three days, but that it had now returned. I had had several that western medicine focuses on the illness not the person. Both
massages, mainly due to stress, and had found them helpful. It was approaches complement each other, so let us work together to
these incidents that pushed me to making massage my new career. improve the health of our community.
What do you most like about being a natural The main concern to our community though is the cost of care. All
medicine practitioner? practitioners must make a living, but I am sure many people think
I think the fact that natural medicine uses the body's own self- twice about seeing specialists in western medicine because they can't
healing properties to bring healing is wonderful. The use of natural afford the cost. I am not advocating that we become charities but that
products - in the case of a massage therapist, the oils and essential we keep our rates to affordable levels to the community we serve.

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01.pdf 1 29/02/2016 09:54:13
CM
MY
CY
CMY

LAW REPORT
Work
Health and
Safety:
Emergency Plans
and Providing
First Aid
Ingrid Pagura | BA, LLB
In the next few issues I will review the workplace what they should do in an Emergency plans should be easy
work, health and safety issues emergency. According to the Safe Work to understand and tailored to your
Australia Emergency Plans Fact Sheet, workplace. You must always take into
in workplaces. In this issue I am
an emergency plan must include the account the sort of work you are doing,
focussing on the requirements of following: the size and location of your workplace
a 'person conducting a business or and the sorts of hazards you might find
undertaking' (PCBU) to prepare and • emergency procedures, including an in and around your workplace. Make
effective response to an emergency; sure your plan covers procedures for
maintain an emergency plan for the
fire, medical emergencies, bomb threats,
workplace and to provide first aid. • evacuation procedures; armed confrontations and workers going
offsite (e.g., to a client’s home).
To refresh our memories, the Work • notifying emergency service
Health and Safety Act 2011 (WHSA), organisations at the earliest So what should you include in
defines a PCBU ‘as a person who opportunity; your emergency plan?
conducts a business or undertaking • Emergency contact details for key
whether alone or with others and • medical treatment and assistance; personnel who have specific roles
whether or not for profit or gain’. or responsibilities, for example fire
This means individuals, partnerships, • effective communication between wardens and first aid officers;
companies and the self-employed are also the person authorised to coordinate
defined as PCBUs. the emergency response and all other • Contact details for local emergency
people at the workplace; services, for example police, fire
Duty to provide and maintain brigade and poison information centre;
an emergency plan • testing of the emergency procedures,
A PCBU must ensure that an emergency including the frequency of testing; and • Procedures to alert people at the
plan is prepared for the workplace, workplace to an emergency, for
including one for workers who may work • information, training and instruction example, siren or bell alarm;
at a number of workplaces. to relevant workers in relation
to implementing the emergency • Evacuation procedures, including
An emergency plan is a written set of procedures. arrangements for assisting disabled
instructions telling workers and others at workers and visitors;

Emergency plans should be easy to understand
and tailored to your workplace. You must always
take into account the sort of work you are doing,
the size and location of your workplace and the
sorts of hazards you might find in and around
your workplace.
Reviewing emergency plans 1. Out of immediate danger (e.g., out of

The PCBU must review their emergency the room);
plans so that they stay current and 2. Out of the compartment (e.g., through
effective. They must be updated, the fire doors or smoke doors) or to a
particularly when there are changes to lower level of the building;
the workplace such as new workers or 3. Total evacuation of the building.
refurbishments. Another time to review
it is after the plan has been tested, Check
whether that is after a practice drill or Check all rooms, especially change rooms,
after a real emergency. toilets, behind doors, storage areas etc.
• A map of the workplace clearly For a useful tool to make sure you haven’t Records
showing the location of fire forgotten anything, see the Safe Work Save as many records as possible if it is
extinguishers, emergency exits and Australia Emergency Plans Fact Sheet safe to do so.
assembly points; and found at www.safeworkaustralia.
gov.au/sites/SWA/about/ Head count
• How to advise neighbouring Publications/Documents/657/ Do a head count of all staff, contractors
businesses about emergencies. Emergency_plans_fact_sheet.pdf and visitors.
Finally, make sure your workers know Evacuation Report

what to do in an emergency. Emergency A major part of all emergency plans is Report to the chief warden and notify
plans, or a summary of their key evacuation. This means calmly removing emergency services of any people
elements, should be easily accessible by people from danger in a safe and orderly unaccounted for.
workers or on display in the workplace, manner without panic.
for example on a notice board. They For further information please see Fire and
should include a map of the exits and the Fire and Rescue NSW has prepared the Rescue NSW website www.fire.nsw.
location of the assembly point. Every following information about evacuations gov.au.
worker must be familiar with this. in emergency situations. All PCBUs must
familiarise themselves with these steps, Duty to provide first aid
Workers must also be trained in as they will apply in any emergency PCBUs must make first-aid arrangements
emergency procedures. Training can situation and PCBUs will be responsible for their workplace so workers can get
include practising evacuations, and for carrying them out. immediate help if they are injured at work.
identifying assembly points and location
of emergency equipment. Alert Under Regulation 42 of the Work Health
Alert the Chief Warden and other staff. and Safety Regulations they must:
Shared workplaces Ensure the emergency services have been
Where your workplace is in a building notified (ring 000 and ask for Fire, Police • provide first aid equipment and access
with other organisations, the PCBU or Ambulance). to first aid facilities;
must consult, cooperate and coordinate
activities with all other PCBUs or people Assembly • make sure all workers have access to
who have a work, health or safety duty Tell staff which assembly area is to be the first aid equipment; and
in relation to the same matter, so far as used.
is reasonably practicable. In those cases • appoint an adequate number of
where there are several PCBUs, a master Evacuate workers who are trained to give first
emergency plan could be prepared for all Evacuate staff and visitors in the aid, or make sure that workers have
relevant duty holders’ use. following order: access to a suitable number of first
aiders.

LAW REPORT
First aid requirements will vary in

Item Kit contents
different workplaces depending on a
Quantity
number of things, including:
Instructions for providing first aid – including Cardio-Pulmonary Resusci-
1
• type of work being carried out at the tation (CPR) flow chart
workplace; Note book and pen 1
• type of hazards at the workplace; Resuscitation face mask or face shield 1
Disposable nitrile examination gloves 5 pairs

• size and location of the workplace; and
Gauze pieces 7.5 x 7.5 cm, sterile (3 per pack) 5 packs
• number and makeup of workers and Saline (15 ml) 8
others at the workplace.
Wound cleaning wipe (single 1% Cetrimide BP) 10
The First Aid in the Workplace Code Adhesive dressing strips – plastic or fabric (packet of 50) 1
of Practice provides practical guidance
for the provision of appropriate first Splinter probes (single use, disposable) 10
aid in the workplace, including first aid Tweezers/forceps 1
training, first aid kits, procedures and
facilities. Antiseptic liquid/spray (50 ml) 1
Non-adherent wound dressing/pad 5 x 5 cm (small) 6

First aid record keeping requirements are
also covered by the legislation. A PCBU Non-adherent wound dressing/pad 7.5 x 10 cm (medium) 3
must keep a register of injuries recording Non-adherent wound dressing/pad 10 x 10 cm (large) 1
any injury that has occurred for at least
five years. These records must be readily Conforming cotton bandage, 5 cm width 3
accessible. If the first aid was in response Conforming cotton bandage, 7.5 cm width 3
to a serious illness or injury, the PCBU
will also have to notify their regulator Crepe bandage 10 cm (for serious bleeding and pressure application) 1
within 48 hours and their insurer also Scissors 1
within that time if there is the possibility
of a workers compensation claim. Non-stretch, hypoallergenic adhesive tape – 2.5 cm wide roll 1
Safety pins (packet of 6) 1

First Aid Kits
The Safe Work Australia First Aid in BPC wound dressings No. 14, medium 1
the Workplace Code of Practice App C BPC wound dressings No. 15, large 1
outlines what should be in a first aid kit.
(See Figure 1.) Dressing – Combine Pad 9 x 20 cm 1
Plastic bags - clip seal 1

For more details on first aid facility
requirements please see Part 3 - FIRST Triangular bandage (calico or cotton minimum width 90 cm) 2
AID EQUIPMENT, FACILITIES and Emergency rescue blanket (for shock or hypothermia) 1
TRAINING of the First Aid in the
Workplace Code of Practice at www. Eye pad (single use) 4
safeworkaustralia.gov.au/
Access to 20 minutes of clean running water or (if this is not available)
sites/SWA/about/Publications/ 5
hydro gel (3.5 gm sachets)
Documents/693/first-aid-in-
workplace.pdf. Instant ice pack (e.g. for treatment of soft tissue injuries and some
1
stings).
Over the next few issues we’ll look at Figure 1: Contents of a First Aid Kit
managing injuries in the workplace and
managing risks. If you would like more
information on any WHS issue generally,
please see www.safeworkaustralia.
gov.au.

BOOK REVIEWS
This is one of a series of seven hands- of correction she is not presenting a

on guide books by Jane Johnson doctrinaire advocacy for it. “Rather it
developed to provide massage therapists provides ideas on how postural change
and other bodyworkers with specific might be achieved once the decision has
tools of assessment and treatment. In a been made that changing posture might
previous issue of JATMS we reviewed be beneficial.”
Ms Johnson’s excellent book on postural
assessment. Readers who found that This book presents five steps to postural
book a useful assessment tool will be correction: identifying factors that
just as enthusiastic about the present contribute to posture malalignment,
work, as it deals in the same clear and muscle stretching, massage techniques
systematic manner with correcting for lengthening muscles, deactivating
Postural Correction: posture malalignment. As this point trigger points, strengthening muscles,
an Illustrated Guide to practitioners aligned to the view that and taping, bracing and casting. The
30 Pathologies “correcting” posture to a nominal norm book is divided into four parts. Part
has less practical value than restoring One, on getting started with postural
Reviewed by Stephen Clarke optimal function will be reassured to correction, is introductory. Chapter One
know that the author begins with a deals with causes and consequences
Jane Johnson. Human Kinetics, Lower Mitcham thoughtful note on the effectiveness of malalignment, suitable candidates
SA. 2016. ISBN 978-1-4925-0712-3 of postural correction: although the for correction, and contraindications.
Price. AUD 47.27 approach and techniques set out in this Chapter Two sets out five general steps
Also available as ebook at HumanKinetics.com book are based on the inherent rationale to postural correction, accompanied

BOOK REVIEWS
by a table of techniques that support it. Airdre Grant is an academic at Southern Iona, India and her native New Zealand,
As in Postural Assessment, clear and Cross University in northern New South all to meet the challenge of surviving
concise tables are an important tool Wales, where she completed a PhD in grief and in doing so to become
for summarising information. Parts the relationship between spirituality stronger. From this journey comes a
Two, Three and Four deal with the and health. Within a year she lost her book about the soul beginning to “turn
specific features of malalignment and twin brother, her dog and her father, in back toward the source of pain and the
correction in the spine, pelvis and that order. There is a particular bond slow, introspective work of facing up to
lower limb, and the shoulder and upper between twins: “Dear God, I miss my darkness, of working toward healing and
limb respectively. Each chapter opens twin”, says Grant. “ … For the first time eventual recovery.”
with a set of learning outcomes. The in my life I was really alone.” She cites
structure of each chapter is to assemble C.S.Lewis: “the death of a beloved is
under rubrics of the malalignments that an amputation.” This marvellous book THERE IS GREAT WISDOM
occur in each of the area it deals with a is an account of the inner and outward
description of the malalignment itself, journeys Grant undertook in trying to
IN THIS BOOK, BUT IT ISN’T
with a photo illustration; an exposition find healing for this pain. As she says, DECLAMATORY. IT’S MODESTLY
of the effects on function of the “We view these events as painful and to
associated muscles, accompanied by a be avoided yet they are inevitable and
PRESENTED, ALMOST SELF-
table; the appropriate treatments; and offer much to enrich the soul. They are EFFACINGLY, BUT PROFOUND
the exercises that therapists can advise not easy and occur in many forms. This
to their patients. Each treatment is also is a much under-recognised emotion that
FOR ALL THAT.
illustrated with clear photos. can govern how a person operates in the
world.”
There is also an appendix that has
information of high importance for the There is great wisdom in this book, Grant’s wide learning adds a scholarly
great army of workers condemned to but it isn’t declamatory. It’s modestly dimension to the uplifting effect of
office work stations. presented, almost self-effacingly, but her book. She cites a diverse range of
profound for all that. Answers to the writers whose work has contributed
Professional therapists, teachers and hard questions put to all of us by grief to our understanding of loss, including
students should all find much of great emerge seemingly unbidden from the Emily Post, Plato, Elizabeth Barrett
value in this well-researched and well- gripping anecdotes of destiny that Grant Browning and Joan Didion. Perhaps it is
organised book. relates. That this happens is a measure Joseph Campbell who comes closest to
both of the writer’s craft and of her deft a summary of the fundamental wisdom
insight into the significant milestones of Stumbling Stones: “It is by going
along the roads of loss. With a seamless down into the abyss that we recover the
blend of cool observation and empathy treasures of life. Where you stumble,
Grant weaves her own odyssey – an there lies your treasure.”
analogy she herself employs late in
the book - in search of resolution into Stumbling Stones gives us a priceless
those of others similarly afflicted. This guide through the thin space which
is achieved in prose of unmannered in Celtic mythology describes the
elegance that makes the book no less liminal region between Heaven and
a joyful literary experience than it is Earth and which Grant sees as an
an instructive one. Grant introduces analogy for the space in which it may
us to a caravan of people traversing be possible to make the recovery from
landscapes of loss and grief – death, grief to acceptance. It will be of great
Stumbling Stones. A Path illness, separation, betrayal - whose value to any readers and particularly to
through Grief, Love and Loss sorrows evoke our empathy, and whose counsellors and practitioners helping
resolutions, and failures to achieve clients to emerge from the decay of
Reviewed by Stephen Clarke resolution, deepen our knowledge of hope and fulfilment where loss has
spiritual possibilities. imprisoned them.
Airdre Grant. ISBN 9781743790571. Hardie Grant
Books. 2016 Grant’s odyssey takes her to sacred
Price. AUD 24.99 places, among them the kitchens and
Available at info@hardiegrant.com.au verandas of the bereaved and betrayed,
the abode of a Tibetan oracular woman,

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SYDNEY INSTITUTE OF
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TRADITIONAL CHINESE

MEDICINE CRICOS 01768k | NTIS 5143


Nowadays
alternate medicine practitioners are all learning

Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine

Open Day: 23 July 2016 & 24 September 2016,10am to 2pm

Enrol
 into
Sydney Institute of

Traditional


Chinese Medicine (SITCM)
 
 


F E E H
E L P AVA I L A B L E



Bachelor Degree of Traditional Chinese Medicine


(double modalities of acupuncture and Chinese


herbal medicine)



C O U R S E C O M M E N C E S : 16 F E B 2 015


Aproved by AUSTUDY

Recognized by major Health Funds


• 32 years since establishment with graduates successfully

practicing nationally and abroad
• National TCM registration
• Limited seat for international students


• 4 years visa for overseas students



Flexible Time and Practical Course
We are in the city: Level 5, 545 Kent St, Sydney NSW 2000
02 9261 2289 administration@sitcm.edu.au www.sitcm.edu.au

RECENT RESEARCH
Acupuncture and TCM Conclusion: This systematic review Conclusions: Taken together, A1E can
showed positive but weak evidence of inhibit CSCs and reduce the expression
Xiangyong Y, Zhongsheng Y, Wenchao L, Hui D, EA-TCM for bone cancer pain because of of stemness markers. Treating CSCs with
Shuzhou Q, Gang C, XiaoHui W, Lian Z. the poor methodological quality and the A1E may be a potential therapy for cervical
small quantity of the included trials. Future cancer.
External application of traditional Chinese rigorously designed RCTs are required.
medicine in the treatment of bone cancer pain:
a meta-analysis. Supportive Care in Cancer 2016, Herbal Medicine
24(1):11-17. Kwon T, Bak Y, Ham S-Y, Yu D-Y, Yoon D-Y.
Leach MJ, Page AT.
Background: Bone cancer pain presents A1E reduces stemness and self-renewal in HPV
a clinical challenge with limitations of 16-positive cervical cancer stem cells. BMC Herbal medicine for insomnia: A systematic
current treatments. Many patients seek Complementary and Alternative Medicine 2016, review and meta-analysis. Sleep Medicine
additional therapies that may relieve pain. 16:42 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-016-1013-4 Reviews 2015, 24:1–12 doi:10.1016/j.
Many external applications of traditional smrv.2014.12.003
Chinese medicines (EAs-TCMs) have been Background: Cervical cancer is the
evaluated in clinical trials, but fewer are second most common cancer in females. Insomnia is a prevalent sleep disorder
known about them outside of China. The Recent reports have revealed the critical that can profoundly impact a person's
objective of this study is to assess the role of cervical cancer stem cells (CSCs) in health and wellbeing. Herbal medicine
efficacy for bone cancer pain. tumorigenicity and metastasis. Previously represents one of the most frequently
we demonstrated that A1E exerts an anti- used complementary and alternative
Methods: A systematic literature search proliferative action, which inhibits the treatments of insomnia. However, the
was conducted in seven databases until growth of cervical cancer cells. safety and efficacy of herbal medicine for
December 2014 to identify randomized the treatment of this disorder is currently
controlled trials (RCTs) about EAs-TCMs Methods: A1E is composed of 11 oriental uncertain.
in the treatment of bone cancer pain. medicinal herbs. Cervical cancer cell
The primary outcome was total pain culture, wund healing and invasion assay, In order to ascertain the evidence base
relief rate. The secondary outcomes were flow cytometry, sheroid formation assay, for herbal medicine for insomnia, we
adverse events at the end of treatment and wstern blot assays were performed systematically searched seventeen
course. The methodological quality in HPV 16-positive SiHa cell and HPV electronic databases and the reference
of RCTs was assessed independently 16-negative C33A cells. lists of included studies for relevant
using six-item criteria according to the randomised controlled trials (RCTs).
Cochrane Collaboration. All data were Results: A1E targets the E6 and E7 Fourteen RCTs, involving a total of 1602
analyzed using Review Manager 5.2.0. We oncogenes; thus, A1E significantly participants with insomnia, met the
included any RCTs evaluating an EA-TCM inhibited proliferation of human papilloma inclusion criteria. Four distinct orally
for the treatment of bone cancer pain. We virus (HPV) 16-positive SiHa cells, it did administered herbal monopreparations
conducted a meta-analysis. not inhibit the proliferation of HPV- were identified (i.e., valerian, chamomile,
negative C33A cells. Accordingly, we kava and wuling). There was no
Results: We included six RCTs with investigated whether A1E can regulate statistically significant difference between
534 patients. In general, the reporting of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition any herbal medicine and placebo, or any
methodological issues was poor. Compared (EMT), CSC self-renewal, and stemness- herbal medicine and active control, for
with morphine sulfate sustained release related gene expression in cervical cancer any of the thirteen measures of clinical
tablets (MSSRTs) or radiotherapy or cells. Down regulation of cell migration, efficacy.
bisphosphonates, we analyzed data from cell invasion, and EMT was observed
five trials reporting on complete response in A1E-treated SiHa cells. Specifically, As for safety, a similar or smaller number
effect score (relative risk (RR) = 5.38, 95 A1E-treated SiHa cells showed significant of adverse events per person were
% confidence interval (CI) = 2.80–10.31, decreases in OCT-3/4 and Sox2 expression reported with kava, chamomile and
P < 0.00001) and partial response (RR = 1.18, levels and in sphere formation. Moreover, wuling when compared with placebo. By
95 % CI = 1.02–1.37, P = 0.02) and six trials CSCs makers ALDH+ and ALDH, CD133 contrast, a greater number of events per
reporting on total pain relief rate (RR = 1.49, double positive cell were significantly person were reported with valerian. While
95 % CI = 1.43–1.67, P < 0.00001). Six RCTs decreased in A1E-treated SiHa cells. there is insufficient evidence to support
showed significant effects of EA-TCM for However, A1E treatment did not down the use of herbal medicine for insomnia,
improving pain relief in patients with bone regulate ALDH+ expression and the there is a clear need for further research in
cancer pain. In addition, no severe adverse number of ALDH/CD133 double positive this area.
events were found. cells in C33A cells.

Mirghafourvand M, Mohammad-Alizadeh- of the effects after stopping the treatment feasibility, and reliance on a biomedical
Charandabi S, Ahmadpour P, Javadzadeh Y. in order to decide whether these model. We therefore implemented a
alternative treatments are suitable to treat massage program to engage direct
Effects of Vitex agnus and Flaxseed on cyclic mastalgia or not. care nurses (n = 29) in promoting a
mastalgia: A randomized controlled trial. biopsychosocial model of pain care. We
Complementary Therapies in Medicine 2016, 24: describe here the secondary analysis
90-95. Homoeopathy of pilot study data on the types and
frequencies of brief bedside massages
Objectives: Evidence on the effect of Quirk T, Sherr J. nurses provided in critical and non-
Vitex agnus and Flaxseed on cyclical critical inpatient units after attending a
mastalgia is not enough. This study aimed Experiences with an integrative approach to 2-hour training course.
to assess the efficacy of Vitus agnus and treating HIV/AIDS in East Africa. Journal of
Flaxseed on cyclical mastalgia. Medicine and the Person 2015, 13(1): 55-64 We examined relationships between
nurse characteristics and number of
Design and setting: This randomized HIV/AIDS is a multifaceted condition massages completed during the 8-week
controlled trial was conducted on 159 affecting the whole person and family, study period. Nurses reported on 347
women referred to health centers of which requires an individualized and massage encounters that lasted on
Tabriz, Iran. Subjects were allocated into holistic approach, as defined by Person average 9.7 minutes (SD 7.6). Massages
three groups (n=53 per group) using Centered Health Care. In East Africa, were offered most commonly for
block randomization. Homoeopathy for Health in Africa stress/relaxation (n = 126) and pain
offers patients an integrative, holistic (n = 100). Body parts massaged most
Interventions and Main outcome method to supplement standard medical frequently were: arms (n = 70), back
measures: Group I received 25g daily treatment and mitigate the side effects (n = 55), hands (n = 35), legs (n = 35)
Flaxseed powder and placebo ofV. agnus; of anti-retroviral (ARV) drugs that often and feet (n = 13). Total number of
group II received daily 3.2-4.8mgV. interfere with patient adherence to massages was positively associated
agnus tablet and placebo of Flaxseed and treatment and lead to drug resistance. with nurses' compassion satisfaction
control group received both placebo. Patients who have homoeopathy measurements on post-test surveys (r =
Nominal day breast pain was applied at treatment as a supplement to ARVs .32, p = .02), and negatively associated
baseline, first, and second month after report amelioration of side effect with nurse education level (n = -.39, p
the intervention. Data was analyzed using symptoms, increased energy and = .04). Length of massage in minutes
general linear model. enhanced well-being, allowing them was negatively associated with number
to work and care for their families. of patients in care assignment (r =
Results: There was no statistical Results of an audit give demographic -.23, p < .001). No relationship was
significant difference between the three information. AIDS medical practitioners observed between massage frequency
groups in terms of socio-demographic support homoeopathy, an approved and nurses' age, unit type, or years of
characteristics and baseline values. The form of medicine in Tanzania. Cases nursing experience. Findings suggest
breast pain improved significantly in are presented that demonstrate the that nurses working in critical and
both intervention groups during the first challenges and successes of treating non-critical patient care settings may
and second month after intervention. HIV/AIDS patients in East Africa. have the capability to implement
Mean NDBP score was significantly lower massage after receiving education
than that in the control group at the and encouragement. Increasing
first month after the intervention in the Massage non-pharmacologic options is an
Flaxseed [adjusted mean difference: -3.1 important goal for patient comfort and
(95% CI: -4.2 to -2.0)] and Vitus agnus Wilson M, Gettel V, Esquenazi S, Walsh J. satisfaction. Nurse-delivered massage
groups [-3.3 (-4.3 to -2.2)] and the second should be further investigated for
month after the intervention in Flaxseed Implementing nurse-delivered massage its ability to reduce dependency on
[-7.0 (-8.1 to -5.9)] andVitus agnus groups to promote comfort among hospitalized medicines and limit associated side
[-6.4 (-7.5 to -5.3)]. inpatients. The Journal of Pain 2015, 16(4): effects while promoting therapeutic
S111 doi:10.1016/j.jpain.2015.01.463 nurse-patient relationships. Supported
Conclusion: Flaxseed and Vitex agnus by grants from Texas Health Resources
are effective in short-term period in Non-pharmacologic comfort measures Foundation and Texas Health Nursing
decreasing cyclical mastalgia. However, are known to provide benefit, however, Education Fund.
further studies are needed to examine the they remain inaccessible for many
long-term effectiveness and sustainability hospitalized patients due to cost,

RECENT RESEARCH
Field T. Therkleson T, Stronach S. address it. The aim of this article is to

analyze the self-care strategies among
Knee osteoarthritis pain in the elderly can Broken Heart Syndrome. A Typical Case. Journal adolescents and young people diagnosed
be reduced by massage therapy, yoga and of Holistic Nursing 2015, 33(4): 345-350 doi: with depression or with self-perceived
tai chi: A review. Complementary Therapies in 10.1177/0898010115569883 depressive distress in Catalonia using a
Clinical Practice 2016, 22:87-92 doi: 10.1016/j. qualitative design.
ctcp.2016.01.001 This case describes a combination
external treatment for “Broken Heart Methods: We analyzed the self-care
Background and methods: This is a Syndrome” that includes a lavender strategies of 105 young people (17–21
review of recently published research, footbath, massage using moor extract, years of age) in Catalonia who had
both empirical studies and meta-analyses, and oxalis ointment to the abdomen participated in a national survey on
on the effects of complementary therapies applied by an Anthroposophic nurse for adolescents. The sample was divided
including massage therapy, yoga and a specific personality type. Lavender into thirds, with 37 who had a previous
tai chi on pain associated with knee footbaths have been used since ancient diagnosis of depression, 33 who had
osteoarthritis in the elderly. times for relaxation and calming, while self-perceived emotional distress, and 35
moor extract has been used medicinally in controls. The participants’ narratives on
Results: The massage therapy protocols Europe since the middle ages for warmth self-care strategies for emotional distress
have been effective in not only reducing and environmental protection. Rhythmical were elicited through in-depth semi-
pain but also in increasing range of massage using moor extract and oxalis structured interviews. The data were
motion, specifically when moderate ointment poultice to the abdomen are managed using ATLAS-Ti 6.5 software18.
pressure massage was used and when part of the tradition of Anthroposophic We applied hermeneutic theory and the
both the quadriceps and hamstrings were nursing when managing stress induced ethnographic method to analyze the
massaged. The yoga studies typically by emotional and physical trauma. An interviews.
measured pain by the WOMAC. Most elderly lady with specific characteristics
of those studies showed a clinically diagnosed as Broken Heart Syndrome Results: The ten self-care strategies
significant reduction in pain, especially received one treatment a week for 4 weeks identified in the analysis were grouped
the research that focused on poses (e.g. given by an Anthroposophic nurse at into four areas covering the various
the Iyengar studies) as opposed to those an integrative medical center. Between pathways the young people followed
that had integrated protocols (poses, treatments, education was given to enable according to whether they had a diagnosis
breathing and meditation exercises). self-treatment in the home. The nursing of depression or their depressive distress
The tai chi studies also assessed pain by treatments, each using lavender footbaths, was self-perceived. The young people feel
self-report on the WOMAC and showed moor extract massage, and oxalis responsible for their emotional distress
significant reductions in pain. The tai ointment poultice to the abdomen, proved and consider that they are capable of
chi studies were difficult to compare very effect, and no negative effects were resolving it through their own resources.
because of their highly variable protocols reported. External applications need to be Their strategies ranged from their
in terms of the frequency and duration of considered by nurses caring for specific individuality to sociability expressed
treatment. personality types with Broken Heart through their relationships with others,
Syndrome membership of groups or other self-
Discussion: Larger, randomized control care strategies (relaxation, meditation,
trials are needed on each of these naturopathy, etc.).
therapies using more standardized Naturopathy
protocols and more objective variables Conclusions: The study results
in addition to the self-reported WOMAC Martorell-Poveda M-A, Martinez-Hernáez A, highlight the importance of sensitivity
pain scale, for example, range-of-motion Carceller-Maicas N, Correa-Urquiza M. in considering young people’s self-care
and observed range-of-motion pain. In strategies as another option in the care of
addition, treatment comparison studies Self-care strategies for emotional distress emotional distress.
should be conducted so, for example, among young adults in Catalonia: a qualitative
if the lower-cost yoga and tai chi were study. International Journal of Mental Health
as effective as massage therapy, they Systems 2015, 9: 9 doi: 10.1186/s13033-015- Vemu B, Selvasubramanian S, Pandiyan V.
might be used in combination with or 0001-2
as supplemental to massage therapy. Emu oil offers protection in Crohn’s disease
Nonetheless, these therapies are at least Background: Emotional distress is model in rats. BMC Complementary and
reducing pain in knee osteoarthritis and common in adolescence, and self-care Alternative Medicine 2016, 16:55 DOI: 10.1186/
they do not seem to have side effects. strategies are frequently preferred to s12906-016-1035-y

Background: Emu oil is a product of and aloe vera exhibited enhanced effect The findings of the present study are
animal origin used for the treatment resulting in significant protection from particularly relevant for establishing
of inflammation, burns etc. as a part of indomethacin induced ulceration. This Australian-specific reference portions
aboriginal medicine in Australia. Crohn’s might be due to the different mechanism for dietary assessment tools, refinement
disease is a common inflammatory of anti-inflammatory effects (Salicylic acid of nutrition labelling and public health
manifestation in humans and other in aloe vera and n3, n6 fatty acids acting policies.
animal species relating to the ulceration as pseudosubstrates to cyclooxygenase
and digestive disturbances in upper enzyme) of components of the animal
gastro-intestinal tract. Aloe vera is and plant products tested. Scott-Boyer MP, Lacroix S, Scotti M, Morine MJ,
commonly used substance from plant Kaput J, Priami C.
sources for inflammation, wound healing
and various other properties. Given the Nutrition A network analysis of cofactor-protein
difference in the source of the substances interactions for analyzing associations
all the while playing a similar therapeutic Zheng M, Wu JHY, Louie JCY, Flood VM, Gill T, between human nutrition and diseases.
role in different parts of the world, the Thomas B, Cleanthous X, Neal B, Rangan A. Scientific Reports 2016, 6, Article number: 19633
present investigation was undertaken to doi:10.1038/srep19633
evaluate the protective effect of aloe vera Typical food portion sizes consumed by
and emu oil alone and in combination; in Australian adults: results from the 2011–12 The involvement of vitamins and
comparison to sulfasalazine (Allopathic Australian National Nutrition and Physical other micronutrients in intermediary
drug) as an alternative for the treatment Activity Survey. Scientific Reports 2016, 6, metabolism was elucidated in the
of Crohn’s disease. mid 1900’s at the level of individual
Considerable evidence has associated biochemical reactions. Biochemical
Methods: Wistar albino rats were divided increasing portion sizes with elevated pathways remain the foundational
into six groups with two sub-groups obesity prevalence. This study examines knowledgebase for understanding how
of six animals each. After pre-treating typical portion sizes of commonly micronutrient adequacy modulates
the animals with sulfasalazine, aloe consumed core and discretionary foods health in all life stages. Current daily
vera, emu oil and their combination in Australian adults, and compares recommended intakes were usually
for five consecutive days, the animals these data with the Australian Dietary established on the basis of the association
were sub-cutaneously administered Guidelines standard serves. Typical of a single nutrient to a single, most
indomethacin on 4th and 5th day and portion sizes are defined as the median sensitive adverse effect and thus neglect
each sub-group was sacrificed on day 6 amount of foods consumed per eating interdependent and pleiotropic effects
and 9. After sacrifice, serum and intestine occasion. Sex- and age-specific median of micronutrients on biological systems.
of these animals was collected. Intestine portion sizes of adults aged 19 years and Hence, the understanding of the
length from duodenum till caecum was over (n = 9341) were analysed using one impact of overt or sub-clinical nutrient
measured for estimating relative organ day 24 hour recall data from the 2011–12 deficiencies on biological processes
weight and disease activity index. Part of National Nutrition and Physical Activity remains incomplete. Developing a
intestine was preserved in formalin for Survey. A total of 152 food categories more complete view of the role of
histopathology while the rest was used were examined. micronutrients and their metabolic
for analysis of oxidative parameters and products in protein-mediated reactions
myeloperoxidase. Serum collected was There were significant sex and age is of importance. We thus integrated and
used for measuring alkaline phosphatase differences in typical portion sizes among represented cofactor-protein interaction
and cholesterol. a large proportion of food categories data from multiple and diverse sources
studied. Typical portion sizes of breads into a multi-layer network representation
Results: Assessment of the parameters and cereals, meat and chicken cuts, and that links cofactors, cofactor-interacting
in treatment groups indicated that starchy vegetables were 30–160% larger proteins, biological processes, and
the combination of aloe vera and emu than the standard serves, whereas, the diseases. Network representation of this
oil resulted in better protection by portion sizes of dairy products, some information is a key feature of the present
suppressing the oxidative (P < 0.05) and fruits, and non-starchy vegetables were analysis and enables the integration
histomorphological changes indicating 30–90% smaller. Typical portion sizes for of data from individual biochemical
a enhanced effect of these two agents discretionary foods such as cakes, ice- reactions and protein-protein interactions
which was found to be better than cream, sausages, hamburgers, pizza, and into a systems view, which may guide
sulfasalazine. alcoholic drinks exceeded the standard strategies for targeted nutritional
serves by 40–400%. interventions aimed at improving health
Conclusion: The combination of emu oil and preventing diseases. Continued on page 57

HEALTH

FUND
UPDATE
(No longer ATMS Accredited)

Traditional Chinese
Traditional Chinese
(HLT Diploma or higher level

(Certificate IV)
qualification)
(HLT Diploma or higher level
Remedial Massage
(Certificate IV)
Chinese Herbal Medicine

Deep Tissue Massage
Alexander Technique
Lymphatic Drainage
Remedial Massage
Remedial Massage
Remedial Therapies
Counselling
Acupuncture
Herbal Medicine
Homoeopathy
Kinesiology
Sports Massage
Aromatherapy
Bowen Therapy
Hypnotherapy
Naturopathy
Reflexology
Rolfing
Shiatsu
Remedial Massage
Nutrition
Iridology
qualification)
Health Fund
Australian Health Management 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
Australian Regional Health Group
ACA Health Benefits Fund 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 u l l
Cessnock District Health 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 u l l
CUA Health (Credicare) 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 u l
Defence Health Partners 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 u l l
GMHBA (Geelong Medical) 3 3 3 3 3 u l l
Frank Health Fund 3 3 3 3 3 l l
Health Care Insurance Limited 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 u l l
Health.com.au 3 3   3 3    3   3 3 u    l l
HIF (Health Insurance Fund of WA) 3 3 3 3 3 3 u l l
Latrobe Health Services 3 3 3 3 3 u l l
MDHF (Mildura District Hospital Fund) 3 3 3 l
Navy Health Fund 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 u l l
Onemedifund 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 u l l
Peoplecare Health Insurance 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 u l l
Phoenix Health Fund 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 u l l
Police Health Fund 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 u l l
Queensland Country Health 3 3 3 3 3 l
Railway and Transport 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 u l l
Reserve Bank Health Society 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 u l l
St Lukes 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 u l l
Teachers Health 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 u 3 l l
Teachers Union Health 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 u l l
Transport Health 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 u l l
Westfund 3 3 3 3 3 3 u l l
Australian Unity 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
BUPA 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
CBHS Health Fund 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
Doctors Health Fund 3
GU Health (Grand United)* 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
Health Partners 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
HBF 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
HCF 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
Medibank Private 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
NIB 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
3 Therapy covered by Fund Please note that this table is only a guide to show what funds cover ATMS accredited modalities. If the modality that you are accredited for is not listed, this means that no health fund covers the modality. The only exceptions are Chiropractic and
Osteopathy. ATMS accreditation in a modality does not guarantee provider status as all funds have their individual set of strict eligibility requirements. Please see our website www.atms.com.au or contact our office for current requirements.
* Need to Apply directly to Fund Rebates do not usually cover medicines, only face to face consultations. For further rebate terms and conditions, patients should contact their health fund. Policies may change without prior notice.
u ARHG are only recognising Remedial Therapists who are accredited for this modality and were approved for ARHG Provider status under their old criteria.
l ARHG are recognising Chinese Massage, however the eligibility requirements and provider number is exactly the same as Remedial Massage. See ARHG Health Fund Information for further information.
HEALTH FUND NEWS
Health Funds are sent to the applicable health funds member to use their provider details,
ATMS is a ‘professional organisation’ on their next available listing. The ATMS as this constitutes health fund fraud.
within the meaning of section 10 of the office will also forward your change of Misrepresenting the service(s) provided
Private Health Insurance Accreditation details, including clinic address details on the invoice also constitutes health
Rules 2011. This potentially allows ATMS to your approved health funds on their fund fraud. Health fund fraud is a
accredited members to be recognised as next available list. Please note that the criminal offence which may involve a
approved providers by the various private health funds can take up to one month police investigation and expulsion from
health funds. Approved health fund to process new providers and change of the ATMS Register of Members.
provider status is, however, subject to each details as we are only one of many health
individual health fund’s requirements. professions that they deal with.. It is of note that the health funds require
practitioners to be in private practice.
Consequently, membership of ATMS does Lapsed membership, insurance or Some health funds will not recognise
not automatically guarantee provider first aid will result in a member being claims where accommodation, facilities
status with all health funds. Please also removed from the health funds list. or services are provided or subsidised by
note that several health funds do not As health funds change their provider another party such as a public hospital
recognise courses done substantially eligibility requirements from time to or publicly funded facility. Rebates
by distance education, or qualifications time, upgrading qualifications may be are only claimable for the face to face
obtained overseas. necessary to be re-instated with some consultation (not the medicines or
health funds. remedies); however this does not extend
Additional requirements for recognition to mobile work including markets,
as a provider by health funds include: TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF corporate or hotels. Home visits are
• Clinic Address (Full Street Address PROVIDER STATUS eligible for rebates..
must be provided – Please note that Many of the Terms and Conditions of
some health funds may list your clinic Provider Status for the individual health ONLINE OR PHONE CONSULTATIONS
address on their public websites) funds are located on the ATMS website. ARE NOT RECOGNISED FOR HEALTH
• Current Senior First Aid For the Terms and Conditions for the FUND REBATES.
• Current Professional Indemnity other health funds, it will be necessary to
Insurance (some health funds require contact the health fund directly. Please be aware that whilst a health fund
specific minimum cover amounts. may indicate that they provide a rebate
Please refer to the individual health BEING A PROVIDER IMPLIES for specific modalities, this rebate may
fund terms and conditions for further ACCEPTANCE OF THE TERMS AND only be claimable if the client has the
information) CONDITIONS FOR THE HEALTH appropriate level of health cover with that
• Compliance with the ATMS Continuing FUNDS. fund and has not exceeded any limits on
Education Policy along with any how much they are eligible to claim back
additional continuing education Please note that whilst there is no law over a certain period of time.
requirements stipulated by the health or regulation requiring patient clinical
fund notes to be taken in English, many of the BEING A PROVIDER IMPLIES
• Current National Registration (where major health funds do require patient ACCEPTANCE OF THE TERMS AND
applicable) clinical notes to be taken in English. CONDITIONS FOR THE HEALTH
• Compliance with the Terms and Failure to do this will be a breach of FUNDS.
Conditions of Provider Status with the the Health Funds Terms and Conditions
individual health funds and may result in the practitioner being Australian Health Management
removed as a provider for that health (AHM)
ATMS must have current evidence of fund. Names of eligible ATMS members will
your first aid and insurance on file at be sent to AHM each month. AHM’s
all times. For health funds to rebate on the eligibility requirements are listed on the
services of Accredited members, it is ATMS website www.atms.com.au.
When you join or rejoin ATMS, or when important that a proper invoice be ATMS members can check their eligibility
you upgrade your qualifications, you issued to patients. The information by checking the ATMS website or by
will need to fill out the ATMS Health which must be included on an invoice contacting the ATMS Office on 1800
Fund Application and Declaration Form is also listed on the ATMS website. It 456 855. Your ATMS Number will be
available on the ATMS website. Once this is ATMS policy that only Accredited your provider number, unless you wish
is received, along with any other required members issue their own invoice. An to have online claiming. You will then
information for health fund eligibility Accredited member must never allow need to contact AHM directly for the new
assessment, details of eligible members another practitioner, student or staff provider number.

HEALTH FUND NEWS
Australian Regional Health 3 Add the letter that corresponds to your or HLT50307 or a Diploma of Chinese
Group (ARHG) accredited modality at the end of the Remedial Massage HLT50102, HLT50107
This group consists of the following provider number; or HLT50112 are required to use the ‘M’ at
health funds: the end of their provider number.
A ACUPUNCTURE
• ACA Health Benefits Fund Ltd C CHINESE HERBAL MEDICINE *Members accredited for Remedial Therapies
• Cessnock District Health Benefits H HOMOEOPATHY and approved for ARHG for this modality
Fund N NATUROPATHY under their previous criteria will continue to
• CUA Health Limited^ O AROMATHERAPY be recognised under Remedial Therapy and
• Defence Health W WESTERN HERBAL MEDICINE will be fine to use the ‘R’ in their provider
• GMHBA (Including Frank Health number. Should members in this situation
Fund) If ATMS member 123 is accredited in lapse membership, first aid or insurance etc
• Health.com.au Western herbal medicine, the ARHG they will then be required to meet the current
• Health Care Insurance Limited# provider number will be AT00123W. ARHG criteria.
• HIF WA
• Latrobe Health Services (Federation 4 If you are accredited in several CUA HEALTH– BOWEN
Health) modalities, you will need a THERAPY, KINESIOLOGY AND
• Mildura District Hospital Fund different provider number for each REFLEXOLOGY
• Navy Health Fund modality (e.g. if ATMS member 123 For the additional modalities that CUA
• Onemedifund is accredited for Western Herbal Health covers that are not listed above
• Peoplecare Health Insurance Medicine and Aromatherapy, including Bowen Therapy, Kinesiology
• Phoenix Health Fund the ARHG provider numbers are and Reflexology, eligible providers will
• Police Health Fund AT00123W and AT00123O. need to use the following to work out
• Queensland Country Health Fund your provider number:
Ltd# ARHG - REMEDIAL MASSAGE
• Railway and Transport Fund Ltd# AND CHINESE MASSAGE 1 Add the letters AT which will be the
• St Luke’s Health# Remedial Massage and Chinese Massage start of your provider number
• Teachers Health# therapists who graduated after March
• Teachers Union Health# 2002 must hold a Certificate IV or higher 2 Add the letter that corresponds to
• Transport Health# from a registered training organisation. your accredited modality at the end of
• Westfund the provider number;
Members who are accredited for
Details of eligible members, including Remedial Massage or Chinese Massage, B BOWEN THERAPY
member updates are sent to ARHG by will need to use the following letters. K KINESIOLOGY
ATMS monthly. The details sent to ARHG R REFLEXOLOGY
are your name, address, telephone and M MASSAGE THERAPY
accredited discipline(s). These details R REMEDIAL THERAPY 3 Then add your ATMS Number. If
will appear on the ARHG websites. If your ATMS number has five digits
you do not wish your details to be sent to The letter at the end of your provider your provider number will now be
ARHG, please advise the ATMS office on number will depend on your qualification, complete. If it has two, three or four
1800 456 855. not the modality in which you hold digits, you need to add enough zeros
accreditation*. All members who meet to the front to make it a five digit
The ARHG provider number is based the ARHG eligibility requirements, who number (e.g. 123 becomes 00123).
on your ATMS number with additional hold a Diploma of Remedial HLT50302 If ATMS member 123 is accredited in
lettering. To work out your ARHG provider or HLT50307 or a Diploma of Chinese Kinesiology, the CUA provider number
number please follow these steps: Remedial Massage HLT50102, HLT50107 or will be ATK00123.
HLT50112 will be able to use both the ‘M’
1 Add the letters AT to the front of your and ‘R’ letters. It is recommended to use 4 If you are accredited in several
ATMS member number the ‘R’ as often as possible, but as not all modalities, you will need a
health funds under ARHG cover ‘Remedial different provider number for each
2 If your ATMS number has five digits Therapy’, it will be necessary to use the modality (e.g. if ATMS member
go to step 3. If it has two, three or four ‘M’ at the end of the provider number 123 is accredited for Kinesiology
digits, you need to add enough zeros to for those funds only. All other eligible and Reflexology, the CUA provider
the front to make it a five digit number Remedial Massage Therapists who do not numbers are ATK00123 and
(e.g. 123 becomes 00123). hold the Diploma of Remedial HLT50302 ATR00123.

HEALTH FUND NEWS
RESERVE BANK HEALTH 3 Then add your ATMS Number. If BUPA

SOCIETY –REFLEXOLOGY your ATMS number has five digits Names and details of eligible ATMS
For the additional modalities that your provider number will now be members will be sent to BUPA on a
Reserve Bank Health Society covers complete. If it has two, three or four weekly basis. The provider eligibility
that are not listed above including digits, you need to add enough zeros requirements for BUPA are located on
Reflexology, eligible providers will need to the front to make it a five digit the ATMS website www.atms.com.au.
to use the following to work out your number (e.g. 123 becomes 00123). The Provider eligibility requirements
provider number: include an IELTS test result of an overall
If ATMS member 123 is accredited Band 6 or higher for TCM qualifications
1 Add the letters AT which will be the in Kinesiology, the Teachers Health completed in a language other than
start of your provider number provider number will be ATK00123. English. BUPA will generate a Provider
Number after receiving the list of
2 Add the letter that corresponds to 4 If you are accredited in several eligible practitioners. BUPA advises
your accredited modality at the end of modalities, you will need a different ATMS of your Provider Number and
the provider number; provider number for each modality ATMS will then advise those members
(e.g. if ATMS member 123 is directly.
R REFLEXOLOGY accredited for Kinesiology and
Reflexology, the Teachers Health CBHS Health Fund Limited
3 Then add your ATMS Number. If provider numbers are ATK00123 and Names and details of eligible ATMS
your ATMS number has five digits ATR00123. members will be sent to CBHS each
your provider number will now be month. The details sent to CBHS are your
complete. If it has two, three or four ADDITIONAL NOTE name, address, telephone and accredited
digits, you need to add enough zeros For all modalities that these funds discipline(s). These details will appear
to the front to make it a five digit (Health Care Insurance Limited, on the CBHS website. If you do not want
number (e.g. 123 becomes 00123). Queensland Country Health Fund Ltd, your details to be sent to CBHS, please
Railway and Transport Fund Ltd, St advise the ATMS office on 1800 456 855.
If ATMS member 123 is accredited in Luke’s Health, Teachers Union Health, The provider eligibility requirements for
Reflexology, the Reserve Bank Health Transport Health) cover that are not CBHS are located on the ATMS website
Society provider number will be listed above including Bowen Therapy, www.atms.com.au. Your ATMS
ATR00123. Kinesiology, Nutrition and Reflexology, number will be your Provider Number.
eligible providers will need to use their
TEACHERS HEALTH – ATMS number. Please refer to the Health Doctors Health Fund
BOWEN THERAPY, Fund Table. Names and details of eligible ATMS
KINESIOLOGY, REFLEXOLOGY members will be sent to Doctors
AND SHIATSU Australian Unity Health Fund each month. Please note
For the additional modalities that Names and details of eligible ATMS that Doctors Health Fund only covers
Teachers Health covers that are not members will be sent to Australian Remedial Massage. The provider
listed above including Bowen Therapy, Unity each month. ATMS members will eligibility requirements for Doctors
Kinesiology, Reflexology and Shiatsu, need to contact Australian Unity on Health Fund are located on the ATMS
eligible providers will need to use the 1800 035 360 to register as a provider, website www.atms.com.au. Your
following to work out your provider after filling out the Australian Unity ATMS number will be your Provider
number: Application Form located on the ATMS Number.
website to activate their provider status.
1 Add the letters AT which will be the This only needs to happen the first time. Grand United Corporate
start of your provider number The provider eligibility requirements To register with Grand United
for Australian Unity are located on the Corporate, please apply directly to
2 Add the letter that corresponds to ATMS website www.atms.com.au. Grand United on 1800 249 966.
your accredited modality at the end of Your ATMS number can be used as your
the provider number; Provider Number, or you can contact HBF
Australian Unity for your Australian Names and details of eligible ATMS
B BOWEN THERAPY Unity generated Provider Number. Please members will be sent to HBF each
K KINESIOLOGY note that Australian Unity requires month. The provider eligibility
R REFLEXOLOGY Professional Indemnity Insurance (to requirements for HBF are located on
S SHIATSU at least $2 million) and Public Liability the ATMS website www.atms.com.
Insurance (to at least $10 million). au. HBF is a Western Australian based

HEALTH FUND NEWS
health fund. HBF will only generate a A ACUPUNCTURE on the ATMS website www.atms.
provider number after they receive the C CHINESE HERBAL MEDICINE com.au. NIB does accept overseas
first claim from your first HBF client. H HOMOEOPATHY Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal
At this time you will be required to M REMEDIAL MASSAGE Medicine qualifications which have
download and complete their Provider N NATUROPATHY been assessed as equivalent to the
Registration form located under their W WESTERN HERBAL MEDICINE required Australian qualification by
‘Just for Providers’ section of the HBF Vetassess. Your ATMS Number will
website www.hbf.com.au. If ATMS member 123 is accredited in be your provider number, unless
Western Herbal Medicine, the provider your client wishes to claim online.
HCF number will be AT00123W. Your client will need to contact NIB
Names and details of eligible ATMS directly or search by your surname and
members will be sent to HCF on a 4 If you are accredited in several postcode on the NIB website www.
weekly basis. The provider eligibility modalities, you will need a nib.com.au for your provider number
requirements for HCF are located different provider number for each for online claiming purposes.
on the ATMS website www.atms. modality (e.g. if ATMS member 123
com.au. HCF do not issue provider is accredited for Western Herbal HICAPS
numbers nor use your ATMS number Medicine and Aromatherapy, the ATMS members who wish to activate
as your provider number. They provider numbers are AT00123W these facilities need to register directly
do however require your ATMS and AT00123O. with HICAPS. HICAPS do not cover all
membership details, including your health funds and modalities. Please go
ATMS number, to be clearly indicated For all other modalities that Health to www.hicaps.com.au or call 1800
on all invoices and receipts issued. Partners cover that are not listed above 805 780 for further information.
including Alexander Technique, Bowen
Health Partners Therapy, Kinesiology and Reflexology,
Names and details of eligible ATMS eligible providers will need to use their
members will be sent to Health ATMS number.
Partners each month. The provider
eligibility requirements for Health Medibank Private
Partners are located on the ATMS Names and details of eligible ATMS
website www.atms.com.au. Health members will be sent to Medibank
Partners uses the same Provider Private on a monthly basis. The
number system as ARHG for certain provider eligibility requirements for
modalities and the ATMS number or Medibank Private are located on the
other modalities. ATMS website www.atms.com.au.
Medibank Private requires Clinical
The provider number is based on Records to be taken in English.
your ATMS number with additional Medibank Private generates Provider
lettering. To work out your Health Numbers after receiving the list of
Partners provider number please eligible practitioners from ATMS.
follow these steps: Medibank Private sends these provider
numbers directly to ATMS. ATMS will
1 Add the letters AT to the front of then forward this information to the
your ATMS member number provider. Please note that Medibank
has placed a restriction of up to a
2 If your ATMS number has five digits maximum 3 clinic addresses that will
go to step 3. If it has two, three or be recognised for Remedial Massage.
four digits, you need to add enough There are no restrictions on the
zeros to the front to make it a five number of recognised clinics for other
digit number (e.g. 123 becomes modalities.
00123).
NIB
3 Add the letter that corresponds to Names and details of eligible ATMS
your accredited modality at the end members will be sent to NIB on a
of the provider number; weekly basis. The provider eligibility
requirements for NIB are located

ADVERTORIAL
BioTensegrity:
Anatomy of the 21st Century
By John Sharkey | MSc
Massage therapy is recognised as the Essentially, it is the fundamental and Understanding this model will provide
manual manipulation of the soft tissues, inter-related principles of geodesic you with the vocabulary and underlying
namely muscles, connective tissue geometry, close-packing and minimal- logic of “body architecture” that forms
(fascia), tendons, ligaments and joints. energy that lead to the formation of the context of therapeutic benefits.
Clinical massage helps alleviate the crystals and molecules, which thus
discomfort associated with daily living become the physical representations Biotensegrity will add to your
strains and overuse issues leading to of the invisible forces within them. confidence and ability to achieve those
pain conditions. Molecules, cells, tissues, organs, and therapeutic goals. A new era is dawning
organisms are all constructed on in our understanding of anatomy and
Massage schools usually teach human these tensegrity principles of enclosed living movement. That new anatomy
anatomy and Newtonian based geometric structures within enclosed and understanding of whole body
biomechanics. All this was in an geometries. structure is Biotensegrity.
effort to understand the mechanical
structure-function relationship. This The biological tensegrity systems John Sharkey, MSc is a Clinical
lever-based biomechanics and one (Biotensegrity) is a structural design Anatomist and Founder of the European
muscle one-movement philosophy has principle in biology that describes a Neuromuscular Therapy. He is working
long been at odds with what massage relationship between every part of an at the Department of Clinical
therapists intuitively feel and clinically organism and the mechanical system Sciences, University of Chester/NTC,
observe. In such a model the foot that integrates them into a complete Dublin, Ireland. He will be in Australia
has little relation to the wrist, the sub functional unit. from 2nd of June 2016, teaching
occipital structures work autonomously Biotensegrity. More details at www.
with no concern for the sacrum and Individual cells, which are self stressed, terrarosa.com.au
pain experienced in the shoulder would are poised and ready to receive
require massaging the shoulder and mechanical signals that are then
local soft tissues only. converted into biochemical expression.
In massage therapy we make contact
Massage therapists work directly with with that inner cellular network by
the cellular network. At the most basic touching the outermost reaches of the
level all structures are the result of same cellular network, the skin.
interactions between atomic forces,
and the orderly arrangements that they Biotensegrity is an essential model
settle into are governed by some basic for massage therapists and movement
rules of physics. practitioners of every stripe.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in these advertorials are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of ATMS or its Directors.

ADVERTORIAL
Relief for menopausal women:

A clinically trialled synergistic
combination of traditional herbal
extracts
By Carey Hanna | BHSc (Comp Med), Adv Dip (Nat), Dip (Nut)
Due to the concerns with Menopausal shown positive results for alleviating and tingling), insomnia, nervousness,
Hormone Therapy (MHT) use, it is some of the most common menopausal vertigo, fatigue, rheumatic pain,
understandable that the transition symptoms, including hot flushes, night melancholia, formication (sensation
into menopause is a time where many sweats, vaginal dryness, insomnia, of crawling on the skin) and vaginal
women may seek out complementary fatigue, mood changes, problems with dryness, compared to placebo.
and alternative medicines (CAM) to help memory and concentration, urinary
manage symptoms and improve their incontinence, joint and rheumatic pain EstroG-100® had no significant effect
quality of life. The holistic approach of and formication (crawling sensation on on body weight, BMI, serum oestradiol
course incorporates diet and lifestyle the skin).2-3 (E2) or follicle stimulating hormone
modifications to reduce weight, (FSH) levels, liver enzymes, or blood
guidance on weight bearing exercise to Centuries of wisdom, now lipids (LDL and HDL); all of which have
support healthy bones and lean muscle clinically trialled been previously observed with MHT.
mass, and mind-body techniques, such A randomised, double-blind, placebo- Furthermore, no adverse events were
as meditation to help manage stress, controlled trial, evaluated the clinical observed or reported by participants
mood changes and insomnia. efficacy of EstroG-100®, in 61 peri- who received EstroG-100® in this study.
and postmenopausal women aged
MHT is known to increase the risk of 42-70; from White Hispanic, White Similar results were seen in a 12 month
breast cancer, and is one of the most non-Hispanic and African American prospective, randomised, double-
important modifiable risk factors.1 backgrounds.2 Participants were blind, placebo-controlled clinical
As an alternative, herbal medicine divided into two groups to receive trial, which included peri menopausal
is a powerful modality that can be either EstroG-100® (n-29) or placebo Korean women (average age of 54);
used to ease many of the common (n-32), and were required to complete treatment group (n=19) and placebo
symptoms associated with menopause. an updated version of the Kupperman group (n=23).3 This study looked
The documented use of some herbal Menopause Index (KMI); a questionnaire at supplementation with Estromon®
medicines date back hundreds of years, which rates the severity of menopausal (257mg of Cynanchum wilfordii,
providing long-term safety and efficacy symptoms. The primary endpoint Phlomis umbrosa, and Angelica gigas)
assurance. assessed was the mean change in KMI plus vitamins, minerals and amino
score. acids including; vitamin B1, B2, B3,
Cynanchum wilfordii, Phlomis B6 and B12, vitamin A, vitamin E,
umbrosa, and Angelica gigas are three After 12 weeks, results revealed that vitamin C, vitamin D3, biotin, iron,
examples which have been used as 257mg of EstroG-100®, taken twice daily lysine and arginine. Taken twice daily,
herbal remedies for more than 400 (total daily dose of 514mg), showed this treatment resulted in statistically
hundred years in Korea. Research on statistically significant improvements significant improvements in various
the unique, standardised, proprietary in the following 10 menopause-related menopause-related symptoms when
blend of these three herbs; known symptoms; vasomotor (hot flush or compared to placebo. After 3 months,
as EstroG-100® and Estromon®, has cold sweat), paresthesia (numbness the Estromon® group showed statistically

Youthfulness:
Understanding human
biomechanics and
alkalisation
By AOIT
significant improvement in various

menopausal symptoms compared to
the placebo group. These symptoms Despite our age we all want to live a move away from their ideal ph. range
included; hot flushes, dyspareunia quality life where we can move around and become more acid. This state not
(difficult or painful intercourse), sleep with little discomfort to our joints, with only invite disease, but it ages the
disorder, mental awareness (memory no disease and retain the energy and cells more quickly as oxygen becomes
and concentration) issues, joint pain, vigour of youth. This can be delivered by depleted. Otto Warburg a German
musculoskeletal disease, dyspepsia, firstly understanding our original design researcher received two Nobel Prizes
urinary incontinence and fatigue. in regard to movement and resting in Medicine in 1932 for his discovery
positions. Secondly by understanding the of the cause of cancer leading to the
Following the 12 month point, the vital role played by the Ph. of our body subsequent "cure". He found that cancer
Estromon® group showed a significant chemistry. thrived in an acidic environment.
improvement in bone metabolism Acidosis is primarily caused by the
markers and increase in femoral Let us consider the first one. In the modern diet where most foods form acid
bone density, a significant increase developed world most of us sit in chairs residues in the tissues. Alkalisation on
in human growth hormone (hGH) for much of the day. Cars, toilets, lounges the other hand is our normal state where
and a significant reduction in serum they are all chairs. At the office, schools, the diet is over 80% fruits and vegetables
triglyceride levels from baseline to eating our meals, we all sit in chairs. leading to healthy cells. These foods
12 months.3 Our biomechanics were designed to sit are also the only ones that give us our
cross legged and in other positions on Vitamin C, a necessary nutrient to ensure
For more information, please refer the floor. When we sit in chairs we are that collagen; our supportive tissue is
to the technical sheet titled “The holding our muscles in neutral positions providing us with that “youthful look”.
Science behind a unique combination nothing is ever being stretched. It is If our joints are always in acidosis they
of herbal extracts for the alleviation said “if you don’t use it you lose it.” You initially become painful and later on
of menopausal symptoms” and “The become stiffer and stiffer as the years roll inflexible.
role of complementary medicine in by until you are all hunched over unable
menopause’ available on the BioMedica to straighten up. We were not designed Conclusion: Start today sitting on the
website. specifically to perform repetitive floor eating from a low table, using
movements day after day for years on cushions for support. Avoid repetitive
Full reference list available upon end. Our work creates lesions in the work, and eat over 80% fruits and
request from BioMedica. muscles, shortens the tendons leading to vegetables to ensure a youthful life
mechanical problems galore. ahead.
The second one, body chemistry is AOIT – Provider of CPE workshops

directed at the tissues and blood that www.aoit.com.au

ADVERTORIAL
Aluminium Toxicity?
By Jon Gamble | BA ND ADHom ATMS #1190
Have you ever suspected that aluminium

toxicity could be the main cause of your
patient’s illness?
Aluminium is the third most abundant

mineral in the earth’s crust. It is
added to water supplies, deodorants,
cosmetics, antacids and vaccines.
We are surrounded by its light, shiny
products, yet aluminium toxicity may
not be suspected as the reason for your
patient’s chronic illness.
When you suspect toxicities in autistic

children or older patients (who may
be destined for dementia) aluminium
toxicity must be considered. (See
The Age of Aluminium documentary
https://www.youtube.com/ Most chronically ill patients have a When you can discover in only a few
watch?v=A2aNSt5jkaM on the health multiple heavy metal load, so you might minutes which metals are the most
impacts of aluminium.) ask what the value of identifying a likely cause of the presenting symptoms,
specific heavy metal is? All heavy metals it allows you to refine your treatment.
A patient presents to your clinic with are neurotoxic, damage immunity, iron In the above case, aluminium was the
these symptoms: metabolism, and cause a wide array likely cause of this woman’s mental
• Confusion, poor memory of debilitating symptoms. Identifying and physical symptoms. Rewarding for
• Muscle weakness which element is responsible for your patient and practitioner - especially
• Dry skin and mucous membranes patient’s symptoms, can help to target when the movement of the elements can
• Speech problems the problem. Aluminium’s unique be easily monitored in subsequent scans,
• Anaemia symptoms are dryness, weakness, at three or six monthly intervals.
• Allergies hypersensitivity and mental confusion.
• Hypersensitivity to electro magnetic See www.oligoscan.net.au for
radiation (EMR) The Oligoscan report below is of a more information. Contact: jon@
woman in her forties. She presented karunahealthcare.com.au
This could be an autistic child, an adult with poor memory, fatigue and repeated
with chronic fatigue, autoimmune infections.
disease, or fibromyalgia. You consider
the possible causes, like nutritional She was supplemented with large doses
deficiency, poor gut function, heavy of silica and zinc, which antagonise the
metal toxicity or a combination of absorption of and remove aluminium,
these. You decide to do some chelation plus one dose of BioResearch Al Met
therapy, treat the gut, or put your patient (Aluminium Metallicum chelate): five
on intense nutritional therapy. Your drops every second day. At follow up
regime will sometimes help your patient six weeks later, this woman’s symptoms
and sometimes it will not. Where to were all improving, so the same
from here? treatment was continued.

ADVERTORIAL RECENT RESEARCH
A story of Nutrition (cont.)
Zhao L-G, Sun J-W, Yang Y, Ma X, Wang YY, Xiang
TCM Research Y-B.
Fish consumption and all-cause mortality: a

meta-analysis of cohort studies. European Journal
By Yifan Yang of Clinical Nutrition 2016, 70(2): 155 doi: http://
dx.doi.org.ezproxy.scu.edu.au/10.1038/ejcn.2015.72
Background: Although fish consumption

Chinese medicine made a huge for malaria, surpassing Quinine, may have an influence on specific mortality
contribution to medicine in 2015 the traditional chemical drug for of major chronic diseases, the relationship
when Professor Tu Youyou, an eighty- this disease. Soon it became the between fish consumption and all-cause
five year old TCM researcher of The first choice of US marines for their mortality remains inconsistent.
Academy of Traditional Chinese overseas troops to combat malaria,
Medicine in Beijing, China, shared the and QING HAO SU was approved by Methods: We performed a systematic
Nobel Prize in Medicine in 2015. FDA, United States, as a formal drug search of publications using PubMed and
in 2009. Web of science up to 31 December 2014.
During the Vietnam War in the 1960s Summary relative risk (RR) for the highest
the Chinese government decided to After wiping out malaria in China, the versus lowest category of fish consumption
set up a research program to find a herbal drug was introduced to African on risk of all-cause mortality was calculated
new drug for treating malaria, which countries which were still affected by by using a random effects model. Potential
was highly prevalent in Vietnam. malaria. Since then millions of lives nonlinear relation was tested by modeling
Many scientists conducted studies have been saved. It is for this reason fish intake using restricted cubic splines
but their trials failed again and again. Professor Tu Youyou was awarded a with three knots at fixed percentiles of the
One day, Ms. Tu Youyou found a Nobel Prize. distribution.
record of malaria treatment with a
Chinese herb QING HAO Artemisia It is estimated that there are more Results: Twelve prospective cohort studies
in an ancient medical book dating than 100,000 TCM books that were with 672 389 participants and 57 641
back to 1600 years in the Jin dynasty. published before 1900 which may deaths were included in this meta-analysis.
Rather than use the traditional boiling hold great medical value waiting to Compared with the lowest category,
extraction methods, the Jin dynasty be discovered. Studying Traditional the highest category of fish intake was
TCM doctor used the raw herbal juice Chinese Medicine is the first step associated with about a 6% significantly
instead. With this low temperature of this discovery. The philosophy lower risk of all-cause mortality (RR=0.94,
extraction method the malarial of TCM will benefit learners. 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.90, 0.98;
parasite had a 100% killing rate. Enrolment into the Sydney Institute I(2)=39.1%, P=0.06). The dose-response
of Traditional Chinese Medicine for analysis indicated a nonlinear relationship
Soon after Ms. Tu Youyou’s 2017 has now opened. Open day is between fish consumption and all-cause
discovery, many TCM universities 23rd July and 24th September 2016, mortality. Compared with never consumers,
undertook clinical trials, and the 10:00am – 2:00pm. The course consumption of 60 g of fish per day was
chemical structure of Artemisia was commences on 13th February 2017. associated with a 12% reduction (RR=0.88,
discovered. Through several decades Ph: (02) 9261 2289, website: www. 95% CI: 0.83, 0.93) in risk of total death.
of application and pharmaceutical sitcm.edu.au
refinement, QING HAO SU (Artemisia Conclusions: These results imply that fish
extract drug) has been proven to consumption was associated with a reduced
be the most effective medicine risk of all-cause mortality.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in these advertorials are those of the authors and
do not necessarily reflect the opinions of ATMS or its Directors.

PRODUCTS & SERVICES GUIDE
10 knots Uniforms Bio-Practica

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Established in 1986, Cathay Herbal is a company that is run by practitioners
About 15 years ago Neil Skilbeck, a Chiropractor and Osteopath made a who constantly work to ensure they understand and meet the needs of
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our course of Musculoskeletal Therapy (MST). development and investigation before being offered as part of their range. With
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Established since 1990 in Australia founded and directed by Master Zhang Hao,
BioMedica is an Australian owned company dedicated to the research, offering quality courses in nationally accredited qualifications of Diploma of
development and production of high quality, low excipient and efficacious Traditional Chinese Medicine Remedial Massage (An Mo Tui Na) and Diploma
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The cost is $150 for one issue or $500 for 4 consecutive issues. Listing Health World Limited is recognised as a Leading Natural Health Science
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If you wish to list your company, practice, products, services or training professional education. Health World Limited and Metagenics have invested
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Helio Supply Co
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http://oligoscan.net.au/events.html.

EDUCATION & TRAINING
Continuing Education
Continuing education (CE) is a • Collaborative processes between • Alexander K. Brief interventions
structured program of further education professional complementary medicine for clients with drug and alcohol
for practitioners in their professional associations, teaching institutions, issues
occupations. suppliers of therapeutic goods and
devices and government agencies • Medhurst R. A role for
The ATMS CE policy is designed to to offer members the widest homoeopathy in urinary tract
ensure its practitioners regularly update possible choice in CE activities infection
their clinical skills and professional
knowledge. One of the main aims of CE • Emphasis on consultation and co- • Pagura I. Work Health and Safety:
is to keep members abreast of current operation with ATMS members in the Emergency Plans and Providing
research and new developments which development and implementation of First Aid
inform contemporary clinical practice. the CE program
As part of your critical reflection and
The ATMS CE policy is based on the ATMS members can gain CE analysis, answer in approximately 100
following principles: points through a wide range of words the following questions for each
professional activities in accordance with of the three articles:
• Easily accessible to all members, the ATMS CE policy. CE
regardless of geographic location activities are described in the CE policy 1 What new information did I learn
document as well as the CE Record. from this article?
• Members should not be given broad These documents can be obtained from
latitude in the selection and design of the ATMS office (telephone 1800 456 2 In what ways will this information
their individual learning programs 855, fax (02) 9809 7570, or email info@ affect my clinical prescribing/
atms.com.au) or downloaded from the techniques and/or my understanding
• Applicable to not only the disciplines ATMS website at www.atms.com.au. of complementary medicine practice?
in which a member has ATMS
accreditation, but also to other It is a mandatory requirement of ATMS 3 In what ways has my attitude to this
practices that are relevant to clinical membership that members accumulate topic changed?
practice which ATMS does not 20 CE points per financial year. CE points
accredit (e.g. Ayurveda, yoga) can be gained by selecting any of the Record your answers clearly on paper
following articles, reading them carefully for each article. Date and sign the sheets
• Applicable to not only clinical and critically reflecting on how the and attach to your ATMS CE Record.
practice, but also to all activities information in the article may influence As a condition of membership, the CE
associated with managing your own practice and/or understanding Record must be kept in a safe place, and
a small business (e.g. book- of complementary medicine practice. be produced on request from ATMS.
keeping, advertising) You can gain one (1) CE point per article
to a maximum of three (3) CE points per
• Seminars, workshops and conferences journal from this activity:
that qualify for CE points must be
of a high standard and encompass • Mars M, Oliver M. Mindfulness is
both broad based topics as well as more that a buzz word
discipline-specific topics
• Arthur R. Acid base balance in
• Financially viable, so that costs will health from past to present.
not inhibit participation by members,
especially those in remote areas • Reilly W. Dark field microscopy of
human blood: history and practice
• Relevant to the learning needs of
practitioners, taking into account • Holmes T. CAM use by poor
different learning styles and needs Victorian consumers

EDUCATION & TRAINING
Continuing Education - Calendar 2016

DATE EVENT PRESENTER LOCATION
21/02/16 Seminar: Mastering Trigger Point Therapy Chris Beazley Charmhaven, NSW
28/02/16 Seminar: Trigger Points for Low Back, Pelvis and Extremities Raymond Smith Parramatta, NSW
6/03/16 Seminar: Integrating Muscle Energy Techniques (METs) and Positional Release into your Treatments Chris Beazley Moss Vale, NSW
(Sunday) Seminar: Understanding a Natural Medicine Practitioners Requirement for Clinical Practice (Massage & Maggie Sands Canberra, ACT
Bodywork practitioners)
(Wednesday) Webinar: Spagyric Plant Preparations: A better way? Peter Berryman N/A
13/03/16 Seminar: Integrating Muscle Energy Techniques (METs) and Positional Release into your Treatments Chris Beazley Wallsend, NSW
13/03/16 Seminar: Trigger Points for Lower Back, Pelvis and Extremities Raymond Smith Penrith, NSW
(Wednesday) Webinar: Marketing With Soul - How to get busy without selling out Jeff Shearer N/A
Sunday Seminar: Nutritional Deficiencies, Body Signs and Clinical Signs in Clinical Practice Brad McEwen Parramatta, NSW
(Tuesday) Webinar: Eat right for your Ayurvedic body type Shaun Matthews N/A
(Sunday) Seminar: Understanding a Natural Medicine Practitioners Requirement for Clinical Practice (Massage & Maggie Sands Newcastle, NSW
Tuesday Webinar: Clinical Applications of Microminerals Brad McEwen N/A
Saturday Seminar: Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Stephen Eddey Charmhaven, NSW
Sunday Seminar: The Paleo Diet Stephen Eddey Charmhaven, NSW
17/04/16 Seminar: Treat the Pelvic Girdle Chris Beazley Charmhaven, NSW
Sunday Seminar: Nutritional Deficiencies, Body Signs and Clinical Signs in Clinical Practice Brad McEwen Brisbane, Qld
(Sunday) Seminar: Understanding a Natural Medicine Practitioners Requirement for Clinical Practice (Massage & Maggie Sands Bankstown, NSW
1/05/16 Seminar: Integrating Muscle Energy Techniques (METs) and Positional Release into your Treatments Chris Beazley Charmhaven, NSW
3/05/2016 (Tues) Seminar: Integrating Muscle Energy Techniques (METs) and Positional Release into your Treatments Chris Beazley Crows Nest, NSW
(Sunday) Seminar: Understanding a Natural Medicine Practitioners Requirement for Clinical Practice (Massage & Maggie Sands Penrith, NSW
Saturday Seminar: Understanding a Natural Medicine Practitioners Requirement for Clinical Practice (Massage & Maggie Sands Crows Nest, NSW
Sunday Seminar: Nutritional Deficiencies, Body Signs and Clinical Signs in Clinical Practice Brad McEwen Melbourne, VIC
(Tuesday) Webinar: Record Keeping/TCM/Acupuncture requirements Daniel Zhang N/A
22/05/16 Seminar: Lymphatic/Detox Massage Lynne Davidson Wallsend, NSW
25/05/2016 Seminar: Pregnancy Massage Lynne Davidson Crows Nest, NSW
(Wed)
29/05/16 Seminar: Treat Cervical and Thoracic Pain Laurie Fawkner Charmhaven, NSW
5/06/16 Seminar: Musculoskeletal assessment and palpation techniques Raymond Smith Kogarah, NSW
(Sunday) Seminar: Understanding a Natural Medicine Practitioners Requirement for Clinical Practice (Massage & Maggie Sands Gold Coast, Qld
Tuesday Webinar: Clinical Applications of B Vitamins Brad McEwen N/A
19/06/16 Seminar: Corrective Exercise for Bodyworkers Chris Beazley Charmhaven, NSW
Sunday Seminar: Nutritional Deficiencies, Body Signs and Clinical Signs in Clinical Practice Brad McEwen Adelaide, SA
(Monday) Webinar: Dietary Treatments for Acne Stephen Eddey N/A
26/06/16 Seminar: Acupressure for the Emotions John Kirkwood Adelaide, SA
(Sunday) Seminar: Understanding a Natural Medicine Practitioners Requirement for Clinical Practice (Massage & Maggie Sands Charmhaven, NSW
(Wednesday) Webinar: Prescribing Ayurvedic Herbs (Part 1) Shaun Matthews N/A
(Wednesday) Webinar: Nutritional Treatments for Type II Diabetes Stephen Eddey N/A
Sunday Seminar: Nutritional Deficiencies, Body Signs and Clinical Signs in Clinical Practice Brad McEwen Perth, WA
Tuesday Webinar: Clinical Applications of Vitamins A, C, D, E and K Brad McEwen N/A
(Wednesday) Webinar: Prescribing Ayurvedic Herbs (Part 2) Shaun Matthews N/A
11/09/16 Seminar: Acupressure for the Immune System John Kirkwood Adelaide, SA
(Sunday) Seminar: Ayurvedic Holistic Detoxing Shaun Matthews Sydney area
(Tuesday) Webinar: Nutritional Treatments for the Ageing Stephen Eddey N/A
(Sunday) Seminar: Understanding a Natural Medicine Practitioners Requirement for Clinical Practice (Massage & Maggie Sands Melbourne, VIC
The proposed seminar and webinar topics, dates and locations (for seminars) are subject to change.
Please keep an eye on the ATMS website www.atms.com.au for the latest information and to book online.

JATMS Autumn 2016

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Australian Volume 22 | Number 1 | Autumn 2016

Journal of the Traditional Dark Field Microscopy

Society Acid Base

Health Fund News | New Research | Book Reviews

AT VLA YOU WILL DISCOVER HOW TO:

Improve patient Increase patient Grow your

VENUES & DATES

Melbourne Sydney Wellington

JATMS | Autumn 2016 | 3

ATMS HAS THREE CATEGORIES OF MEMBERSHIP

ATMS JOURNAL EDITORS

PEER REVIEWERS GRAPHIC DESIGN & PRODUCTION

4 | vol22 no1 | JATMS

JATMS | Autumn 2016 | 5

6 | vol22 no1 | JATMS

Introduction the creation of a satisfying life filled with meaning, pleasure,

JATMS | Autumn 2016 | 7

8 | vol22 no1 | JATMS

Mindfulness practice has proven educational benefits in terms of

JATMS | Autumn 2016 | 9

10 | vol22 no1 | JATMS

ATMS Research Grants

The applicant must:

Application forms can be downloaded

Please direct enquiries to

12 | vol22 no1 | JATMS

Standard Australian Diet (SAD)

JATMS | Autumn 2016 | 13

In simple terms this is thought to be

14 | vol22 no1 | JATMS

Active Based on the original formulations of the world renowned

Wayne G Reilly | BSc, MSc (Hons) Biochemistry,

16 | vol22 no1 | JATMS

More people in health and

WORKPLACE SUPER PRODUCT OF

Measurement of red blood cell count

Dark field examination of

18 | vol22 no1 | JATMS

Bio Curcumin 4800+ contains Meriva® curcumin, an extract of

JATMS | Autumn 2016 | 19

Rural CAM consumers positive correlation between retained Methodology

20 | vol22 no1 | JATMS

JATMS | Autumn 2016 | 21

(Melaleuca alternifolia), eucalyptus and

Sole parent Danielle dealt with her four

22 | vol22 no1 | JATMS

To help restore balance in mature women

extracts with proven stability

JATMS | Autumn 2016 | 23

Several interviewees had coeliac

24 | vol22 no1 | JATMS

Tianmen Acupuncture Needles ™

Silky smooth insertion

Brief Interventions for

26 | vol22 no1 | JATMS

JATMS | Autumn 2016 | 27

20 or more suggests alcohol dependence

*Adapted from Prochaska, J.O., and DiClemente, C.C. (1982).

AUDIT-C Questionnaire Brief Intervention steps