I have a degree in Natropathic Medicine (I kid you not). I worked with a Psychiatrist as his office manager but also a therapist for Stress Relief. I studied Irodology, Massage, Reflexology and Nutritional Medicine to get my degree. I truly believe (as did my boss) that stress can cause many symptoms. Of everything that I studied, I worked with Massage and Reflexology and only for stress. Sometimes telling people to better their diet, however I was supervised by a medical doctor. I believe many of the things I studied were bunk.
Stress can definitely cause many symptoms, as can a poor diet. These are solidly supported truths based upon clearly and easily definable physiological actions.
Although I'm sorry to hear that you've invested so much time and work in a field that you have now apparently lost much of your faith in, I'm hoping that a silver lining can be found. Sometimes the best lessons that we learn in life are the ones that are the most painful, time consuming and costly. Your studies in these areas will undoubtely be helpful in understanding the truths in many unrelated areas in the future.
You also have reason to be happy, in that you unlike many others, have found Truth. There are millions of people who go through their lives completely smitten by a particular fad, fashion or belief and never see the sunlight.
There are many old Marxist/Leninists who have gone to their graves honestly believing that "Uncle Joe" Stalin was a truly good man and that the famines of the Soviet era were entirely "Capitalist propaganda".
excellent :)
Here's my 20 year study on a large and multi-cultured/national family:
Chiropractic: for back pain. Get an old, simple chiropractor who doesn't belong to 'network chiropractic' and doesn't suggest opting out of vaccinations!
Accupuncture: No real results, subtle help with some vague problems, ie: weight loss, smoking.
Homeopathy: Worked wonders on a small percentage of children, chronic ear infection, overexcitement. Otherwise, no noticable effects.
Naturopathy: Definately the first thing to do, healthy diet and natural supplement regime. Basic health and circulation issues. If serious illness, must follow Dr. orders. (like at any point if possible surgery is recommended, follow up!)
Cupping: miraculous, ancient technique for respiratory problems. (Ask your old grammas, they'll fess up if you don't act like you think they're nuts)
Osteopathy: Very effective for pain treatment, seems a little weirder than chiropractic, but if you can let go, the technique makes sense, and only a few appointments are needed.
Here's for some specialised advice:
VBAC? Get an Irish Dr. (highest rate in the world)
Infertility? if over 40 MUST go to a Dr. specialising in that age group.
Chronic back pain? If nothing else works, x-ray may show noticable difference in leg length, custom insoles may help.
Eyes burning? sensitivity to light? Difficulty focusing?May need seances of reeducation of muscles, not glasses.