Dr. Franz Milz:
“Giving equal priority to one’s body, mind and soul!”
Many of Sanet’s clients are constantly traveling internationally and experience a lot of stress through tight schedules, difficult business negotiations and the need to adapt constantly to different cultures.
Dr. Franz Milz, medical specialist and bestseller author, sat down with Johannes C. Kraus, Business Development Manager of Sanet, to give recommendations for traveling managers on how to improve personal performance and personal health.
Sanet: Dr. Milz, you have completed two medical residencies and are an expert in western natural medicine. You have also intensively studied medicinal practices from the Far East. Everyone always wants to know how the two are different, but we would like to know what it is that the two disciplines share.
Dr. Milz: So-called Far-Eastern medicine is in many ways comparable with traditional European naturopathy. Both employ gentle methods of healing and a wholistic way of thinking which gives equal priority to treating one’s body, mind and soul. Both aim to activate the body’s own powers of self-healing, strengthen the patient’s initiative and prevent illnesses before they begin.
Sanet: Okay, so now I will indeed ask, what are the differences? Is it a good idea to forget about classical medicine completely and turn to Asian methods of healing instead?
Dr. Milz: By no means should you discount scientific medicine. As a general physician as well as a physiology and rehab specialist, I obviously make use of the modern diagnostic tools available. However, when it comes to therapy, I try to reduce the intake of strong synthetic medication, instead opting for effective nature-based alternatives.
“So-called Far-Eastern medicine is in many ways comparable with traditional European naturopathy.”
Sanet: In which instances would you recommend relying on the help of conventional western medicine?
Dr. Milz: For accidents, emergencies, chronic pains, and for illnesses which are life-threatening or difficult to treat.
Sanet: We know that you place a lot of emphasis on the important role of well-being and fitness when it comes to our digestion. Some say we should try to get used to the cuisine of our host country while abroad, while others warn this could lead to unexpected changes. What, in your opinion, is right way to approach this issue?
Dr. Milz: I am a proponent of being well-minded and aware when it comes to eating habits. This means using common sense to choose good, healthy foods from your host country and avoid any foods which pose health risks.
Sanet: Are Asian practices like massage, meditation and Thai Chi all simply just “humbug” or can they really help us feel better during our travels?
Dr. Milz: Basically, I am all for taking advantage of regional health options. However, it is important to make sure the quality of these options is up to standard.
Sanet: … and what should one do when struck by a case of “the runs”? Do Asians also have solutions for diarrhea? Please consider that most of our customers have as much time for breaks as they do to change diapers, i.e. simply resting it off is not an option!
Dr. Milz: The best thing is to take preventative measures by practicing good hygiene, e.g. by washing your hands, exercising caution when trying raw or underprepared foods, and avoiding ice cubes. I f you do get sick, then it is best to seek assistance from a local pharmacy. With diarrhea, aside from keeping hydrated, it is essential to replenish depleted minerals (sodium, magnesium, potassium). These should be available in every travel pharmacy.
Sanet: Most of our clients are international travelers who deal with a lot of stress caused by scheduling, difficult negotiations and adjusting to foreign cultures. What is the best way to prevent or deal with stress of this sort?
Dr. Milz: The most effective and easiest way to reduce acute stress is by taking a few minutes a day to practice breathing exercises (which must be done correctly), for example as shown in the video on my homepage at www.dr-milz.de. The exercises are easy to learn and are helpful in all types of stressful situations. A great natural stress-reliever is intensive physical activity in any form and as often as possible. It is also important that those activities be fun for you. Regular or daily practice of mindfulness and meditation techniques is another great way to prevent or reduce stress.
“The most effective and easiest way to reduce acute stress is by taking a few minutes a day to practice breathing exercises “
Sanet: You have written a number of books. Which would you recommend for frequent travelers and stressed managers?
Dr. Milz: The Right Way to Detox and Get Energized (Ger: Wie entgifte und energetisiere ich mich richtig?), Bucher Publishing, 2017
Sanet: How did you come to possess this specialist knowledge in such diverse fields? Don’t most physicians and psychologists tend to concentrate on a single discipline?
Dr. Milz: I have always found pleasure in furthering my knowledge at all levels and then being able to apply that knowledge in practice, which can be seen from my resume available at www.dr-milz.de. Of course, this also benefits my patients, as they are taught how to help themselves.
Sanet: In which fields have you had the most notable successes?
Dr. Milz: Digestive disorders and obesity, chronic low-back pain and knee problems, anxiety disorders and depression.
Sanet: Thanks so much for the pointers and tips.
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Dr. Franz Milz comes from a family of doctors with a long tradition. He studied medicine in Würzburg, Innsbruck and Padua. He currently runs a practice together with his brother (immunologist and environmental medicine specialist) in Bad Grönenbach, Bavaria. Dr. Milz’ focus is on wholistic treatment and prevention of burnout, natural pain management (chemical-free), and optimization of brain capacity and creativity.