The Complementary and Alternative Approach.
Where Western medicine concentrates on the body and pinpoint where the disease is, what is causing it, and how to rid it, complementary medicine focuses on integrating the mind, body and spirit in unison to restore wholesome, full body harmony. This approach is referred to as holistic health care - meaning the person’s entirety of mind, body, and spirit are considered when diagnosing, treating, and restoring health. CAM therapies are not deemed as standard forms of care but they are slowly emerging through the US as consumers are discovering the evidence and value of an alternative approach from their professionals.
- In 2007 approximately 38% of adults had used some type of complementary and alternative medicine. CAM patients were from all types of backgrounds, but CAM use was higher among female patients with higher income.
- 40 major American universities over integrative medical centers at their facilities. Integrative medicinal practices are prescribed by practitioners who predominantly practice conventional health care but may include unconventional techniques when treating patients.
- There are many studies being conducted to test how patients respond to CAM treatment. Although a significant number of declarations and personal stories have spoken positively of unconventional treatments, testimonials are not sufficient enough evidence to prove that this treatment is as effective as claimed. There are currently a number of scientific studies being conducted to determine the value of the complementary and alternative approach.
Types of Complementary and Alternative Medicine
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- Chiropractic Medicine: A method that revolves around the relationship between the structure of spinal column, joints, and muscles. This spinal adjustment and manipulation therapy can be very helpful for those suffering from headaches and neck and back pains.
- Back2Back Chiropractic
- Additional Info
Tai Chi: a Chinese martial art that is practices for self defense and health benefits. Application of Tai Chi can increase strength, flexibility, and stamina, which can fight the chronic pain and fatigue of fibromyalgia.
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Acupuncture: the insertion of thin needles into specific parts of the body to help ease pain and restore balance of energy. This method is used to restore the balance and flow of Chi or Qi (circulating life force). This treatment may help ease headaches, soreness, back pain. The World Health Organization recorded a list of over 40 conditions which acupuncture could help with. Benefits from acupuncture were relief from nausea and vomiting after a chemotherapy treatment, relief from pain after a surgery, eases
menstrual cramps, eases joint pain and stiffness.
menstrual cramps, eases joint pain and stiffness.
Herbal Remedies. Another traditional Chinese medicine approach that involves the consumption of herbs, plants, mushrooms, animal parts, and minerals as a remedy to get the body back in balance and restore yin and yang characteristics. For example, consumption of the ginseng root in the form of tea can help with one's stress levels.
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· Homeopathy. A way to treat a disease by administering small, dilute doses of a substance that creates similar symptoms of the illness. The most controversial form of complementary and alternative medicine, but the FDA has not reported any severe unfavorable affects from the use of homeopathic remedies. Homeopathy can help with allergies, colds, IBS, and other long term illnesses.
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Naturopathy. Based on the idea that the body is capable of restoring itself and preserving prime health. Naturopathic physicians use holistic methods to help others prevent, diagnose, and treat diseases. Naturopath’s treat a lot of patients with conditions like allergies, chronic pain, obesity, heart disease, fertility problems, and cancer. Naturopaths can perform minor surgery and are trained to prescribe medication, but their beliefs are for a more natural way of healing.
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Hypnotherapy. A mind-body connection where a patient is induced into a deep state of relaxation in which they are very easily influences and likely to accept suggestions to overcome their condition. Hypnotherapy helps with pain, surgery, childbirth, unhealthy habits, fears and phobias. Studies have shown positive impacts that mind-body interventions like hypnosis, support groups, meditation, and prayer can have on individuals.
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Additional Alternative Medical Approaches
- Natural products/ biologically based therapies.
- Exercise
- Energy therapies Qigong, Reiki, and therapeutic touch.