Visionary Gazette
Laurel Ann Browne
Alternative Medicine Resources
Community Health Service Organizations
|PS-Net| - |Health, Wellness & Family| - |Community Health Services Page|
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
How to get informed: Alternative Medicine Newsletters
Individualized Computer/Library Searches
Insurance for Alternative Therapies
Links to Alternative Medicine on the Web
Local Natural Food & Vegetarian Restaurants
Local Practitioners Holistic Physicians and Clinics
Local Products and Supplies
Mail Order Sources for Supplements, Herbs, etc.
More sources of information: Organizations
This page is brought to you as a public service by PS-Net OnLine Commerce. Our goal is to make
information access available for those people interested in exploring alternative, or conjunctive
therapies. It is our intent to provide a growing source of local and Web information, for the benefit of
the on-line community. Your input is welcomed.
To get involved
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Frequently Asked Questions
CONTENTS
1. Who wrote this page, and why?
2. What is Alternative Medicine?
3. Why use Alternative Medicine?
4. Where can I find a local practitioner?
5. How much does it cost?
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1) Who wrote this page, and why?
My name is Kristine Loomis, and I am a young person presently disabled with Arthritis. I am also a
student at College of the Desert, learning computer skills. This gave me the opportunity to work with
Blueberry Hill Communications and PS-Net, as part of my studies.
Having spent a great deal of time researching and trying different alternative therapies myself, I am
keenly aware of the importance of timely and accurate information. When catastrophic illness strikes,
the trauma to all aspects of ones life make it difficult to do the necessary research and become informed
with several opinions. We often go with the type of therapy which is best supported by family and
friends (not to mention our insurance coverage), simply because it is easiest. Many people with
conditions which are not life-threatening, or who are simply interested in prevention, also want
information on alternative medicine. I thought that if I could help even one person to prevent or ease
illness by sharing my research, it would be a worthwhile effort.
Conjuctive, or alternative therapies are a very controversial subject. It has been my intent not to
prejudice this page with my own opinions, and just put the information out there.
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2) What is Alternative Medicine?
In general, alternative medicine is the use of medicine or techniques not part of standard training for
orthodox medical doctors. This is a very diverse field, which includes but is not limited to, things like:
• Acupuncture
• Aromatherapy
• Chelation Therapy
• Hands-on body work (such as massage, and skeletal adjustment)
• Herbal medicines
• Homeopathic medicines
• Hypnotherapy
• Light and Color Therapy
• Nutritional supplementation
Alternative therapies tend to be "holistic". They take the entire body/mind into account rather than one
particular symptom or organ. Focus is on prevention and cause, rather than symptoms. Nutritional
management is frequently used. Treatments are often based on views of the human condition which are
quite different than that of orthodox medicine.
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3) Why use Alternative Medicine?
It is not always an either/or choice between main-stream medicine and alternative medicine. There are
many treatments and therapies which can be used in conjunction with traditional medicine, and increase
the effectiveness of each. In some situations however, alternative therapies can be less invasive,
and/or more effective than orthodox treatments. In this country medicine is very big business, and
procedures which are not patentable or profitable can be ignored or suppressed. Research and
treatments used in other countries which are more open-minded to these types of therapies are often
extremely successful. On the side of caution, it is important to keep in mind that alternative therapies
can also be profit-oriented. Always use your own judgment, armed with as much information as
possible.
Return to the beginning of FAQ
4) Where can I find a local practitioner?
There are many ways to find practitioners in the area of your interest. Starting places in this page are:
Local Practitioners and Clinics
Organizations (Will help you locate a good practitioner.)
Links to Alternative Medicine on the Web
Sometimes you need to travel out of your vicinity to find someone who specializes in your field of
interest, and it is worth the effort.. Time and finances are often saved however, if you can find a local
practitioner. Talking to friends and asking for their personal recommendations is always a good idea.
Return to the beginning of FAQ
5) How much does it cost?
As with mainstream medicine, costs can vary considerably with the practitioner or clinic. Independent
practitioners doing consultation or hands-on body work are often in the range of $50 to $75 per visit.
Herbal, homeopathic, or nutritional supplements would be additional. Clinics and "retreats" have a much
broader range of fees. Some services are covered by insurance, many are not. If you are considering
buying health insurance for the first time or switching your provider, ask about coverage of alternative
health care. There is a section in this page which lists insurance companies who are more amenable to
this type of health care. Vitamin and herbal supplements can also vary considerably in cost. See Mail-
order sources.
Return to the beginning of FAQ
Return to the beginning of Alternative Medicine
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Individualized Computer/Library Searches
• WORLD RESEARCH FOUNDATION
15300 Ventura Blvd., Suite 405
Sherman Oaks, CA 91403
(818) 907-5483 FAX (818) 907-6044
FIELD OFFICE:
Anasazi Building, 1487 Hwy. 89A, #9
Sedona, AZ 86336
(602) 282-1208
This organization provides comprehensive searches for a reasonable fee, based on your named
condition or procedure. They are not limited to Alternative Medicine, and will gather data on current
medical procedures of any type. The World Research Foundation will do library or computer searches
(detailed below), and gather information from other countries as well as the US. If you really need
serious information, this is the place to start. The following is reprinted from the brochure of the World
Research Foundation:
Two different types of searches are available by mail order. Search requests must include the exact
spelling of the specific health topic(s) you are requesting, along with a phone number where you can be
reached in case we have any questions. The basic fee for each type of search is $67.50 (CA residents
add $4.95 state sales tax). For residents outside the United States, please add an additional $10.00 per
search for surface mail postage (call office for air mail rates). Payment must be in US funds.
• LIBRARY SEARCHES contain information intended to introduce you to a range of alternative,
complementary and natural therapeutics for the specific illness or disease addressed. The information is
gathered from books and periodicals and addresses such therapies as nutrition, homeopathy, herbs,
acupuncture, electromagnetics and more, as applicable. Library searches are available for over 200
different health conditions. Although the size of the packets vary from topic to topic, the average size is
approximately 150 pages. The information may require consultation with a health care professional.
• COMPUTER SEARCHES contain the latest allopathic research information (i.e. pharmaceutical and
surgical). This international medical data is gathered from the National Library of Medicine's Medline
database and tends to be very technical with specialized medical terminology. The computer search
provides up to 50 of the most recent abstracted medical journal articles (if that many are available) on
your subject of interest Most every disease, illness, pharmaceutical or surgical technique can be
researched via computer search.
In overview, World Research Foundation is a non-profit health and environmental information network
with extensive library and computer resources. The research data and library collection spans the ages
from books dating to the 1600's to the most current international medical databases. The World
Research Foundation World Headquarters in Sherman Oaks CA is open by appointment only. The library
at our field office in Sedona AZ is open Mon-Tues from 10am to 5pm and Thurs-Fri from 11:30am to
5pm. There is no charge to visit the Sedona library to conduct your own book and periodical research
regarding your particular health interest. The World Research Foundation seeks to help individuals
make better informed health care decisions by providing information about a broad range of therapies
available worldwide. The World Research Foundation is not responsible for the accuracy and stated
benefits of the information that is provided and does not diagnose or prescribe for any health condition.
We believe that through education, research, and self-knowledge you can join forces with your health
care providers to best fulfill your individual healing requirements. Your health is your responsibility. We
hope you will accept the challenge and the opportunity.
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Insurance for Alternative Therapies
• THE ALTERNATIVE HEALTH GROUP
PO Box 6279
Thousand Oaks, California 91359-6279
(800) 966-8467 ext. 514 (Sherry Gorman)
Offers plan benefits which include coverage for acupuncture, chiropractic, naturopathy, homeopathy &
homeopathic remedies, chelation therapy, bodywork/physical therapy/massage, maternity (&
midwives), and preventive care, as well as conventional medical care and optional dental coverage.
There are some limitations. Call for details, and make sure to ask about joining through Co-op America.
Return to the beginning of Alternative Medicine
Return to FAQ
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Natural & Vegetarian Restaurants
• MRS. BONE'S NATURE'S GOURMET
Health Food Gourmet Restaurant, has excellent Bakery and take-out.
44-158 Town Center Way #B1
Palm Desert (Shopping center with Trader Joe's)...568-3868
• NATIVE FOODS
Ethnic Vegetarian; fresh fun food, blending textures and flavors of cuisine from around the world.
1775 E. Palm Canyon Drive
Palm Springs (Smoke Tree Village)...416-0070
• NATURES EXPRESS
Health restaurant & juice bar, catering available, also sandwiches & take-out. Fully stocked health food
store; from supplements to cosmetics.
550 S Sunrise Way, #301 (corner Sunrise and Ramon)...323-9487
• TAJ OF THE DESERT
East Indian Restaurant. Delicious vegetarian and non-vegetarian cuisine.
71858 Hwy 111, Rancho Mirage...773-3610
• THE FLOWER DRUM
Chinese Restaurant; has excellent vegetarian menu as well as other delicacies, no MSG, low salt, brown
rice (if requested). Traditional Chinese dance performances at 8:00 PM on weekends.
424 S. Indian Canyon
Palm Springs...323-3020
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Mail Order Sources
Most of the following sources have vitamin and herbal products which are priced below retail, to well
below retail. A company will also make our list if it has exceptional quality. If you use supplements
regularly, it is often cost effective to consider mail-order sources. If you use herbal products, it is often
difficult to find high-quality organic herbs. Do check your local retail supplier as well however - prices
and quality will always vary on some products.
The following companies are in alphabetic order. A phone call will usually bring their catalog to your
door:
• AMERICAN BOTANICAL PHARMACY - Organic herbs and tinctures of very high quality.
PO Box 3027
Santa Monica, CA 90408-3027
(310) 453-1987
• BLESSED HERBS - Source for ORGANIC, non-irradiated herbs.
109 Barre Plains Road
Oakham, Massachusetts 01068
(508) 882-3839
• BRONSON PHARMACEUTICAL - Known for their high-quality products. Good prices too.
1945 Craig Road, PO Box 46903
St. Louis, MO 63146
1-800-235-3200
• DEGENERATIVE DISEASES PRODUCT CATALOG - Aids and Cancer Victor's Buyers Club.
Many hard to find substances used by aids and cancer patients. All doctor's consultations are free.
International address:
Boulevard Agua Caliente
#111-50-3 Suite 410
Centro Commercial Campestre, Colonia Aviacion
Tijuana B. California
Mexico CP 22422
Phone: 0115266-34-26-46
Orders only: 1-800-215-9375
U.S.A. Address:
9051-C Siempre Viva Rd
San Diego, CA 92173
Orders only: 1-800-215-9375
• HANNA'S HERB SHOP - A good source for ORGANIC, non-irradiated herbs.
5684 Valmont
Boulder, CO 80301
1-800-206-6722
• L & H VITAMINS - Another excellent selection of many brands, at prices lower than retail.
37-10 Crescent St.
Long Island City, NY 11101
1-800-221-1152
• LIFE EXTENSION FOUNDATION - Some hard to find specialty supplements.
1-800-365-3698
• NUTRITION HEADQUARTERS - Good selection of glandulars, as well as other vitamin products.
One Nutrition Plaza
Carbondale, IL 62901
1-800-851-3551
• PACIFIC BOTANICALS - Good source for high-quality FRESH and dried herbs.
4350 Fish Hatchery Road
Grants Pass, OR 97527
(503) 479-7777 fax (503) 479-5271
• SDV VITAMINS - Has excellent prices, fair selection.
Box 5071 Boca Raton
FL 33431-0871
1-800-738-8482
• SHAMANIC TONICS - Good source for high-quality nutritional and medicinal mushroom tonics. Call
for brochure.
PO Box 7620
Santa Cruz, CA 95061
(408) 462-0246
• THE VITAMIN SHOPPE - Excellent selection of national brands, at 20% off retail.
4700 Westside Ave
North Bergen, New Jersey
1-800-223-1216
• THE VITAMIN TRADER - Good selection of Jarrow brand products, also glandulars and vitamins.
6501 Fourth St. NW
Albuquerque, NM 87107
1-800-334-9310
• TRANSITIONS FOR HEALTH - Specialty health products for woman. Also good information source.
Carries a home-test kit for progesterone and progestins.
621 SW Alder Street, Suite 900
Portland, OR 97205
1-800-888-6814
Return to the beginning of Alternative Medicine
Return to FAQ
Also see Links to Alternative Medicine on the Web
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Alternative Medicine Newsletters
The following newsletters are excellent sources of information written by medical doctors, who focus on
the latest findings and emerging procedures in alternative medicine. All publications listed have been
reviewed. Prices vary from $40.00 to $70.00 per year (12 issues). They often have offers and
promotions which reduce the cost of a subscription. Most are satisfaction guaranteed, so you can try
them out at no risk. Call for exact costs and latest offers.
• HEALTH WISDOM FOR WOMAN
Phillips Publishing, Inc.
7811 Montrose Road
PO Box 60100
Potomac, MD 20897-5924
1-800-804-0935; fax 1-301-340-2647
• ALTERNATIVES
Mountain Home Publishing
2700 Cummings Lane
Kerriville, TX 78028
(210) 367-4492
• HEALTH AND HEALING
Phillips Publishing, Inc.
7811 Montrose Road
Potomec, MD 20854
(301) 424-3700
• HEALTH REVELATIONS
Wellness Communications Inc.
1101 King Street, Suite 400
Alexandria VA, 22314
1-800-335-4893
• SECOND OPINION
Second Opinion Publishing Inc.
P.O, Box 467939
Atlanta, GA 31146-7939
1-800-728-2288
This final listing is a newsletter which is written by an investigative journalist, rather than a physician.
It is designed for those who have tried traditional medicine, AND alternative medicine, but are still not
well. Sam Biser's "Last Chance Health Report" is not a Newsletter for the faint of heart, but for those
who are really serious about healing it is incredibly valuable information.
• LAST CHANCE HEALTH REPORT
The University of Natural Healing
PO Box 8113, 355 West Rio Road, Suite 201
Charlottesville, VA 22906
(804) 973-0262
• LIST OF ELECTRONIC NEWSLETTERS ON THE WEB
Return to the beginning of Alternative Medicine
Also see Links to Alternative Medicine on the Web
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Organizations Which Will Help You Find a Good Practitioner, and/or Additional Information
• American Academy of Environmental Medicine
PO Box 16106
Denver, CO 80216
Multi-specialty medical society of physicians interested in the effect of the environment on health.
• ACAM - American College of Advancement In Medicine
23121 Verdugo Dr., Suite 204
Laguna Hills, CA 92653
1-800-532-3688 fax (714) 455-9679
Non-Profit membership society dedicated to educating physicians on the latest findings and emerging
procedures in preventive/nutritional medicine.
• FAIM - Foundation for the Advancement of Innovative Medicine
2 Executive Blvd., Suite 201
Suffern, New York 10901
(914) 364-FUND or (914) 368-9797
Recommended as an excellent source for finding physicians who are practitioners of Complementary
Medicine.
• GLACM - Great Lakes Association of Clinical Medicine, Inc.
70 West Huron St.
Chicago, IL 60610
(312) 266-7246
Membership organization dedicated to innovative medical practices and alternative/preventive
medicine.
• Huggins Diagnostic, Inc.
PO Box 2589
Colorado Springs, CO 80901
1-800-331-2303
Does diagnostic evaluations for compatibility with dental substances. Will send you a list of dentists who
have completed their course.
• International Bio-Oxidative Medicine Foundation
PO Box 13205
Oklahoma City, OK 73113-1205
(405) 478-4226
Resource for finding information and referral to a physician who practices oxidative therapy.
• World Research Foundation
15300 Ventura Blvd., Suite 405
Sherman Oaks, CA 91403
(818) 907-5483 FAX (818) 907-6044
FIELD OFFICE:
Anasazi Building, 1487 Hwy. 89A, #9
Sedona, AZ 86336
(602) 282-1208
This non-profit foundation will do a very thourough search on your field of interest for a reasonable fee.
More Information on the World Research Foundation.
Return to the beginning of Alternative Medicine
Return to FAQ
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Links to Alternative Medicine on the Web
There is an enormous body of information about Alternative Medicine on the Internet. Rather than
duplicate these works, we have made a list of starting places for the beginning of your journey. These
"jump stations" are pages which have well organized, extensive, lists and links of their own. They will
take you to many and varied points of interest. Use them as a starting place to research your specific
interest.
STARTING PLACES
• Alternative Medicine
• American Association of Naturopathic Physicians
• General Complementary Medicine References
• Internet Medical and Health Care Resources
• MedWeb - a guide to Alternative Medicine on the Web
• Natural Medicine, Complementary Health Care and Alternative Therapies
• The World Wide Web Virtual Library: Sumeria
• The Alternative Medicine Homepage
• Worldwide Wellness: Internet Resources for Whole Living
• Yahoo's section on Alternative Medicine
DISCUSSION AND NEWSGROUPS
• Alternative Health Newsgroup
• Discussion group about Alternative Therapies (general)
• Newsgroup about Herbal Therapies and more.
• Newsgroup - Vegetarian issues
Return to FAQ
Return to the beginning of Alternative Medicine
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