“If you ever behold a giant, first of all check the position of the sun -- to see whether or not it is the shadow of a pygmy”- Novalis, Notes for a Romantic Encyclopedia
A chronic health condition or a new medical diagnosis may indeed seem like a 'giant'. We may feel overwhelmed, afraid, and without the resources to live with it or conquer it. It may stand in the way of our hopes and dreams and even impede our daily activities. An understanding of how to shed light on our 'giant' gives us the power of knowledge which may bring us back towards health. We grow to understand how our health is affected by not only small and simple things such as what, when and how we eat, but also by our relationship with our environment as a whole. Dr. Lisa Del Alba sees patients at Holistic Medical Clinic in Fairbanks, Alaska.
Dr. Del Alba is a naturopathic doctor who has been practicing in a family practice setting since 1999. She graduated from Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine in Tempe, Arizona, one of four accredited naturopathic medical schools in North America. Dr. Del Alba approaches the practice of naturopathic medicine from an anthroposophical point of view, and has worked in this capacity with several Waldorf schools. She has attended anthroposophical medical training and conferences in the United States, Canada and Switzerland. Dr. Del Alba has a special interest in the health and educational challenges inherent to living in Alaska and has done extensive research in this field.
Anthroposophical medicine is a holistic and salutogenic approach to medicine, which approaches disease as an imbalance in the biological organism and employs treatment strategies intended to restore this balance. Anthroposophical approaches include anthroposophical medicines based upon modified homeopathic principles, physical therapies, movement therapies and artistic therapies. Many of these are intended to support the patient's capacity for self healing. The first steps toward an anthroposphical understanding of medicine were made before 1920, when homeopathic physicians and pharmacists began working with Dr. Rudolf Steiner, who is also the founder of Waldorf education and biodynamic farming. In Europe, there are state sponsored anthroposophical hospitals and university professorships in anthroposophical medicine. Other universities offer courses in the field.
Anthroposophical medicine is based on the anthroposophical view of the human being which considers the patient's:
⁃ physical constitution;
⁃ life or etheric body, seen as the organizing principle directing growth and regeneration;
⁃ astral body, understood as the bearer of affect and consciousness;
⁃ and ego, seen as the capacity for self reflection and free will.
The anthroposophical naturopathic approach is an extension of the practice of naturopathic medicine and does not exclude the use of other naturopathic or conventional medical therapies which have been proven scientifically valid.
To make an appointment please call Holistic Medical Clinic in Fairbanks,
telephone 907-451-7100.