Complementary Medicine

Complementary and Alternative Medicine or CAM are diagnostic or therapeutic techniques that are outside the mainstream of Western medicine. Alternative medicine is used in place of conventional medicine while complementary medicine is used along with conventional medicine though some of the treatments methods are the same. Although most people utilize mainstream medicine for diagnosis and basic information, many are now turning to alternatives for what they believe to be total body health-enhancing measures.

CAM is very popular with people who are terminally ill and has also been used on animals. There have also been sufficient instances of "inexplicable" extension of life and other significant health benefits for people who have pursued these options that the Western health systems are now seriously starting to further assess these systems. Alternative medicine is a fairly broad term which covers many different methods of treatment such as acupuncture, homeopathy, Chinese herbal medicine, Ayurvedic and more.

Therapies such as biofeedback, massage, and exercise are also considered alternative medicine. Alternative medicine includes various systems of healing or treating disease such as chiropractic, homeopathy, and faith healing. Alternative medicine is a comprehensive approach to healing that uses natural methods to bring physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual harmony. Alternative medicine systems believe body has a network of channels (meridians) that carry a subtle form of life energy. Since it uses a holistic approach and time-tested, natural remedies, hands-on treatments to help enable the body's own innate powers to do the healing, alternative medicine requires the patient to take a highly active part in healing their own body including prevention and treatment.

Complementary Medicine is sometimes used by "conventional" medical practitioners as an add on to "conventional" medical treatments such as drugs and surgery. Complementary therapies are used to improve wellness, prevent disease or treat health problems but the most popular and prevalent use remains pain control. Included in complementary medicine are a large number of practices and systems of health care like acupuncture, homeopathy, aromatherapy, osteopathy, reflexology and chiropractic that for many reasons have not been fully adopted by mainstream medicine. Complementary medicine also includes dietary and nutritional therapies such as macrobiotics, vegetarianism, and orthomolecular medicine.

Although CAM is starting to gain popularity in the West, most clinical research by the health care industry continues to focus on the success of each single modality or therapy within these systems. This is unfortunate as CAM is generally based on the belief that you need to, simultaneously, treat the whole person - body, mind, and spirit - which can include the use of many therapies at the same time.

What is complementary and alternative medicine? Complementary and alternative medicine usually refers to practices that are not integrated into conventional medicine. Treatments in the category of complementary and alternative medicine are constantly changing. Treatments change when studies prove them to be effective or not.

Some of the treatments used in complementary and alternative medicine are:

• Homeopathy
• Ayurveda
• Acupuncture
• Herbs

Are the treatments safe and will they work? Educate yourself before starting any new complementary and alternative medicine treatment, and always tell your doctor which ones you are trying.

The two terms complementary and alternative are often grouped together; however, they are not necessarily the same thing.
An example of a complementary treatment would be something used along with the conventional therapies your doctor prescribes.

Alternative therapies are generally something used instead of conventional methods. An example of an alternative therapy or treatment might be seeing a homeopath or naturopath instead of your regular doctor.

Some complementary and alternative medicine practitioners use similar principles to what your conventional doctor might do. Others might be quite different. The basic philosophies of complementary and alternative medicine include:

• Your body heals itself
• Prevention is the most important element
• Learning and healing go together. The complementary and alternative medicine practitioner sees himself or herself as a teacher and mentor to guide you. You are the one who does the healing.

There are five broad categories the National Institute of Health uses for classification of therapies used by complementary and alternative medicine practitioners, they are:

• Healing Systems
• Mind-Body Connections
• Dietary Supplements and Herbs
• Manipulation and Touch
• Energy Therapies

Contrary to what you might think, most doctors are not opposed to complementary and alternative medicine. About half the doctors in the United States refer people to complementary and alternative practitioners.

On the dark side is that some alternative medicine practitioners make exaggerated claims about curing disease. They may ask you to forsake treatment from your conventional doctor to use their unproven treatments. It is true also that some forms of alternative medicine can even hurt you. It is wise to educate yourself before using treatments, and always discuss your plans to use alternative and/or conventional treatments with your personal physician. Your doctor most likely is the best source to help you sort out the good from the bad.

Source: Mayo clinic (2006)

Disclaimer: *These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This article is not meant to diagnose, treat or cure any kind of a health problem. Always consult with your health care provider about any kind of a health problem.

This article is FREE to publish with the resource box. This article was written (2-2007).

What is complementary and alternative medicine? Complementary and alternative medicine usually refers to practices that are not integrated into conventional medicine. Treatments in the category of complementary and alternative medicine are constantly changing. Treatments change when studies prove them to be effective or not.

Some of the treatments used in complementary and alternative medicine are:

• Homeopathy
• Ayurveda
• Acupuncture
• Herbs

Are the treatments safe and will they work? Educate yourself before starting any new complementary and alternative medicine treatment, and always tell your doctor which ones you are trying.

The two terms complementary and alternative are often grouped together; however, they are not necessarily the same thing.
An example of a complementary treatment would be something used along with the conventional therapies your doctor prescribes.

Alternative therapies are generally something used instead of conventional methods. An example of an alternative therapy or treatment might be seeing a homeopath or naturopath instead of your regular doctor.

Some complementary and alternative medicine practitioners use similar principles to what your conventional doctor might do. Others might be quite different. The basic philosophies of complementary and alternative medicine include:

• Your body heals itself
• Prevention is the most important element
• Learning and healing go together. The complementary and alternative medicine practitioner sees himself or herself as a teacher and mentor to guide you. You are the one who does the healing.

There are five broad categories the National Institute of Health uses for classification of therapies used by complementary and alternative medicine practitioners, they are:

• Healing Systems
• Mind-Body Connections
• Dietary Supplements and Herbs
• Manipulation and Touch
• Energy Therapies

Contrary to what you might think, most doctors are not opposed to complementary and alternative medicine. About half the doctors in the United States refer people to complementary and alternative practitioners.

On the dark side is that some alternative medicine practitioners make exaggerated claims about curing disease. They may ask you to forsake treatment from your conventional doctor to use their unproven treatments. It is true also that some forms of alternative medicine can even hurt you. It is wise to educate yourself before using treatments, and always discuss your plans to use alternative and/or conventional treatments with your personal physician. Your doctor most likely is the best source to help you sort out the good from the bad.

Source: Mayo clinic (2006)

Disclaimer: *These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This article is not meant to diagnose, treat or cure any kind of a health problem. Always consult with your health care provider about any kind of a health problem.

This article is FREE to publish with the resource box. This article was written (2-2007).

The terms alternative medicine and complementary medicine are often wrongly used as synonyms. Actually, the term alternative medicine refers to medicine systems like Ayurveda or Acupuncture that are used in place of conventional medicine, while complementary medicine refers to those therapies like massage that are used in conjunction with conventional medicine.

However, both end up performing the same role in several western countries. That is why in popular parlance alternative medicine has come to be known as complementary medicine, giving birth to the term alternative and complementary medicine.

Most practitioners recognize acupuncture, osteopathy, chiropractic, Ayurveda, Homeopathy and herbal medicine as the most important forms of alternative and complementary medicine.

These may be the major alternative therapies but the list of alternative and complementary medicine does not end here. The other medicinal systems that can be included in this grouping are naturopathy, nutritional medicine, aromatherapy, massage, crystal healing and different types of energy medicine. Barring Homeopathy, most of the alternative and complementary medicine systems evolved in ancient times in countries like India, China, Egypt, Tibet and Persia.

An important aspect of alternative and complementary medicine is that it focuses on the person as a whole. The medicine is therefore based not only on the patient's physical symptoms but also on the individual's lifestyle, environment, diet, mental and emotional health; sometimes even the spiritual health. That is why alternative medicine is called holistic medicine.

Interestingly, alternative and complementary medicine is no longer limited to the mystic Orient. But the western world to is recognizing these medicinal therapies as an important component of healing.

Countries like India and China are using their knowledge of alternative and complementary medicine to promote what has come to be known as medical tourism. A large number of westerners are flying to these Asian countries to look for holistic cures.

In the West too, a large number of women are using aromatherapy and massage while men are turning to alternative and complementary medicine to recover from sports injuries or back pain.

The other medical problems for which practitioners are turning to alternative and complementary medicine are chronic ailments like arthritis, cystitis, asthma or chronic fatigue. Even the World Health Organization (WHO) has recognized the value of holistic treatments. Among the diseases that WHO believes can be cured with these approaches are asthma, eczema, digestive disorders and headaches.

This growing acceptance of alternative and complementary medicine is a healthy sign for the world, because the synergies that have been so created are helping to tackle many incurable diseases. In the ultimate analysis, we should not forget that alternative and complementary medicine systems originated thousands of years ago, and have been successful in treating millions of people across the ages.

Today's courses in complementary medicine are not at all like what some may believe to be. A matter of fact, while there is a growing number of healing arts schools that provide these and other holistic health programs, some traditional colleges and schools have begun offering integrative medicine courses to those interested in treating patients holistically.

For example, were you aware that courses in complementary medicine are offered to the general public; as well as to healthcare providers and medical students? In addition to reaching a broad educational base, complementary medicine courses can be taken both online and at physical campus locations. And will sometimes provide community-based training programs to those interested in home herbal remedies, organic gardening, and self-massage techniques, and more.

Some of the more popular courses in complementary medicine include botanical medicine, nutrition and health, Ayurveda, and massage therapy, among others. In herbal (botanical) medicine, students are taught the foundations of the healing art; including studies in the history and philosophy of botanical medicine, how to prepare formulas, research, and toxicology.

If integrating holistic nutrition into your scope of practice appeals to you, then courses in complementary medicine that entail holistic nutrition might be right for you. Typical subject matter entails macro and micronutrients, phytonutrients, supplements and vitamins, whole foods, and patient communications, and other related studies.

Some courses in complementary medicine may lead to a certificate, diploma or a degree. For instance, there are a number of alternative health programs that are very comprehensive in nature. Students enrolled in these courses of study gain extensive education and clinical training in applied biomedical sciences in complementary medicine, homeopathy, reflexology, holistic nutrition, health psychology and sociology, bodywork therapies, aromatherapy, and herbal medicine, among others.

Students aspiring to become professional practitioners in naturopathy, homeopathy, chiropractic, Oriental medicine or massage therapy should note that these courses in complementary medicine vary in program length, tuition cost, and prerequisites. Therefore, it is always wise to explore the field in which you are interested, and what education is necessary prior to applying to the particular course of study.

you (or someone you know) are interested in learning more about these or other natural health courses, let professional training within fast-growing industries like massage therapy, homeopathy, acupuncture, oriental medicine, Reiki, and others get you started! Explore courses of complementary medicine near you.

Courses in Complementary Medicine
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NOTICE: Article(s) may be republished free of charge to relevant websites, as long as Copyright and Author Resource Box are included; and ALL Hyperlinks REMAIN intact and active.

Infectious diseases spread very quickly among children. Mild bouts of diseases such as German measles or mumps early in life may be helpful as they establish immunity and prevent the child from suffering later in life when these diseases are more virulent and have a bad effect on fetal developments (German measles) or male fertility (mumps).

Sore Throat

A virus or bacterium is usually the cause of a sore throat, which is often the first area of the body to respond to the infection. If a sore throat is recurring, or lasts for more than a few days, it may be the sign of a more serious illness and a physician should be consulted.

Treatment

Diet and Nutrition Offer fresh fruit juices, high in vitamin C. A diluted lemon juice gargle may help.

Homeopathy Apis, Belladonna, or Hepar sulf three times a day will help relieve symptoms.

Herbal Medicine Give sage or thyme gargles with fresh lemon juice added.

Whooping Cough (Pertussis) Caused by a bacterium, whooping cough attacks the mucous membranes that line the airways. The illness may last up to four months and can be extremely serious. Whooping cough symptoms include a "whoop", or noisy intake of breath, at the end of a cough, accompanied by a mild fever, runny nose, and loss of appetite.

Treatment

Diet and Nutrition Give plenty of liquids, especially if the child is vomiting. Avoid dairy products and large meals.

Homeopathy Drosera rotundifolia or Aconitum napelius will help, especially at night.

Consult a qualified practitioner/therapist for:

Herbal Medicine White horehound, mullein flower, thyme, and lavender may be prescribed.

Chickenpox

This highly infectious disease is caused by the herpe, zoster virus. Symptoms include a rash of very itchy spots, usually on the body, which then spreads to the limbs, face, and head. The spots turn into watery blisters, which burst and after about five days form scab" Try to avoid scratching, which spreads the infection.

Treatment

Naturopathy Give plenty of fresh orange juice, lemon tea, or lemon juice sweetened with honey. Sponge the spots with tepid water. Three tablespoons of sodium bicarbonate added to a bath of lukewarm water should help ease itching.

Homeopathy Rhus tox. will soothe the irritation: Antimonium tart. can help heal the scabs.

Herbal Medicine An infusion of elderflower sponged onto the spot, should relieve itching. For fever, offer yarrow, lime blossom, or meadowsweet herbal tea.

German Measles (Rubella) Rubella is an acute viral disease whose symptoms include a slight pink rash of tiny spots, starting behind the ears or on the face and spreading down the body, and possibly watery eyes and swollen glands.

Treatment

Herbal Medicine A cool infusion of lavender, sponged onto the skin, should help relieve any itching.

Roseola

This mild, infectious illness is similar to German measles and rarely needs treatment. It manifests in a pink rash with small spots, usually after a fever.

Complementary and Alternative Medicine or CAM are diagnostic or therapeutic techniques that are outside the mainstream of Western medicine. Alternative medicine is used in place of conventional medicine while complementary medicine is used along with conventional medicine though some of the treatments methods are the same. Although most people utilize mainstream medicine for diagnosis and basic information, many are now turning to alternatives for what they believe to be total body health-enhancing measures.

CAM is very popular with people who are terminally ill and has also been used on animals. There have also been sufficient instances of "inexplicable" extension of life and other significant health benefits for people who have pursued these options that the Western health systems are now seriously starting to further assess these systems. Alternative medicine is a fairly broad term which covers many different methods of treatment such as acupuncture, homeopathy, Chinese herbal medicine, Ayurvedic and more.

Therapies such as biofeedback, massage, and exercise are also considered alternative medicine. Alternative medicine includes various systems of healing or treating disease such as chiropractic, homeopathy, and faith healing. Alternative medicine is a comprehensive approach to healing that uses natural methods to bring physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual harmony. Alternative medicine systems believe body has a network of channels (meridians) that carry a subtle form of life energy. Since it uses a holistic approach and time-tested, natural remedies, hands-on treatments to help enable the body's own innate powers to do the healing, alternative medicine requires the patient to take a highly active part in healing their own body including prevention and treatment.

Complementary Medicine is sometimes used by "conventional" medical practitioners as an add on to "conventional" medical treatments such as drugs and surgery. Complementary therapies are used to improve wellness, prevent disease or treat health problems but the most popular and prevalent use remains pain control. Included in complementary medicine are a large number of practices and systems of health care like acupuncture, homeopathy, aromatherapy, osteopathy, reflexology and chiropractic that for many reasons have not been fully adopted by mainstream medicine. Complementary medicine also includes dietary and nutritional therapies such as macrobiotics, vegetarianism, and orthomolecular medicine.

Although CAM is starting to gain popularity in the West, most clinical research by the health care industry continues to focus on the success of each single modality or therapy within these systems. This is unfortunate as CAM is generally based on the belief that you need to, simultaneously, treat the whole person - body, mind, and spirit - which can include the use of many therapies at the same time.

Students of the modern age aren't always necessarily "scholars;" in fact, students are both teachers and patients, alike, who are trying to find holistic and alternative means to traditional healthcare. Complementary medicine is one of the largest growing facets in the modern world, and the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) has begun to take note of its evolutional affects on mainstream medicine.

The interesting aspect of complementary medicine is that it is an umbrella term for numerous marvels of modern medicine. Some of the most innovative healing methods and even ancient healing arts from around the world have been integrated into complementary medicine.

Today, treatments with acupuncture, herbal medicine, chelation therapy, chiropractic, homeopathy, and massage therapy, among others, are just some of the diverse therapies available within the scope of complementary medicine.

A few years back, the safe and noninvasive treatment of acupuncture was researched [1] by the National Institutes for Health (NIH). Their findings were promising. Studies demonstrated that acupuncture is effective in pain relief for several health conditions, including carpal tunnel syndrome, menstrual cramps, fibromyalgia, stroke rehabilitation, and osteoarthritis, among other chronic pain conditions.

The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) currently has studies underway in homeopathy as well. One of the topics of interest includes the treatment for physical, mental and emotional symptoms of fibromyalgia.

Additional healthcare studies, like massage for the treatment of cancer pain; and herbal medicine, more precisely, mistletoe extract - used in conjunction with chemotherapy as a treatment for solid cancer tumors are ongoing clinical trials.

Often times, CAM (complementary and alternative medicine) therapies like acupuncture, massage therapy and chiropractic are covered by health insurance; but it is always wise to check with your insurance provider prior to scheduling an appointment.

As more patients are seeking non-invasive and drug-free treatments for common health disorders and conditions, complementary medicine is one of modern society's greatest advancements to the healthcare industry. As such, there has been an increase in growth in alternative and complementary medicine schools; including career-training and degree programs in acupuncture and Oriental medicine, massage, chiropractic medicine, and integrative medicine courses, among several others.

If you (or someone you know) are interested in finding complementary medicine and complementary medicine schools, let career training within fast-growing industries like massage therapy, cosmetology, acupuncture, oriental medicine, Reiki, and others get you started! Explore career school programs near you.

References:

1. National Institutes of Health (http://consensus.nih.gov/1997/1997Acupuncture107html.htm)

Complementary Medicine in the Modern Age
© Copyright 2007
The CollegeBound Network
All Rights Reserved


NOTICE: Article(s) may be republished free of charge to relevant websites, as long as Copyright and Author Resource Box are included; and ALL Hyperlinks REMAIN intact and active.

Find Naturopathic Classes in the United States and Canada. Drawn to natural medicine? You can enroll in one of several naturopathic classes where you can earn you diploma in naturopathy or naturopathic nutrition.

Naturopathic classes entail in-depth studies in anatomy and physiology, pathology, biomedicine, first aid, and diagnostics. In addition, naturopathic classes involve hands-on training in of course, naturopathy, acupuncture (yin and yang theory, Five elements, Eight Principles, Meridians, needle techniques), moxibustion, cupping, Qigong, herbal medicine, Bach Flower therapy, iridology, hydrotherapy, detoxification, massage (and other manipulation techniques), homeopathy and practice management.

One should review naturopathic classes prior to enrollment as more often than not, naturopathy colleges and schools commonly require that students have acquired some degree of formal education in biomedicine. For example, licensed doctors, dentists, nurses and other professional medical practitioners can participate in naturopathic classes as they have already met necessary prerequisites.

Once candidates have completed all naturopathic classes, and have acquired licensure in their respective State or Province, they can anticipate becoming primary care doctors or complementary medicine practitioners where they will treat patients with botanical medicine, Ayurvedic medicine, counseling, homeopathy, naturopathic physical medicine, and other nutritional sciences. Additionally, naturopathic medicine doctors (NDs) treat the "whole" person and may offer spiritual and energy healing techniques and treatments as well.

As a complementary medicine education, naturopathic classes are generally a fine option for those who would like to treat individuals with mind, body and spirit therapies. The naturopathic career can be equally rewarding, as currently, 36% of adults are using some form of CAM (Complementary and Alternative Medicine)* in the United States alone. The potential exists for naturopathic doctors to earn a substantial living. (*Source: National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine)

Note: While some naturopathic classes may result in diplomas, a number of alternative healing schools provide degree programs. (Check independent States and Provinces for requirements/regulations on naturopathic classes and programs.)

If you (or someone you know) are interested in finding naturopathic classes, let professional training within fast-growing industries like massage therapy, cosmetology, acupuncture, oriental medicine, Reiki, and others get you started! Explore career school programs near you.

Naturopathic Classes: Complementary Medicine Today

© Copyright 2007

The CollegeBound Network

All Rights Reserved



NOTICE: Article(s) may be republished free of charge to relevant websites, as long as Copyright and Author Resource Box are included; and ALL Hyperlinks REMAIN intact and active.

What is complementary and alternative medicine? Complementary and alternative medicine usually refers to practices that are not integrated into conventional medicine. Treatments in the category of complementary and alternative medicine are constantly changing. Treatments change when studies prove them to be effective or not.

Some of the treatments used in complementary and alternative medicine are:

• Homeopathy
• Ayurveda
• Acupuncture
• Herbs

Are the treatments safe and will they work? Educate yourself before starting any new complementary and alternative medicine treatment, and always tell your doctor which ones you are trying.

The two terms complementary and alternative are often grouped together; however, they are not necessarily the same thing.
An example of a complementary treatment would be something used along with the conventional therapies your doctor prescribes.

Alternative therapies are generally something used instead of conventional methods. An example of an alternative therapy or treatment might be seeing a homeopath or naturopath instead of your regular doctor.

Some complementary and alternative medicine practitioners use similar principles to what your conventional doctor might do. Others might be quite different. The basic philosophies of complementary and alternative medicine include:

• Your body heals itself
• Prevention is the most important element
• Learning and healing go together. The complementary and alternative medicine practitioner sees himself or herself as a teacher and mentor to guide you. You are the one who does the healing.

There are five broad categories the National Institute of Health uses for classification of therapies used by complementary and alternative medicine practitioners, they are:

• Healing Systems
• Mind-Body Connections
• Dietary Supplements and Herbs
• Manipulation and Touch
• Energy Therapies

Contrary to what you might think, most doctors are not opposed to complementary and alternative medicine. About half the doctors in the United States refer people to complementary and alternative practitioners.

On the dark side is that some alternative medicine practitioners make exaggerated claims about curing disease. They may ask you to forsake treatment from your conventional doctor to use their unproven treatments. It is true also that some forms of alternative medicine can even hurt you. It is wise to educate yourself before using treatments, and always discuss your plans to use alternative and/or conventional treatments with your personal physician. Your doctor most likely is the best source to help you sort out the good from the bad.

Source: Mayo clinic (2006)

Disclaimer: *These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This article is not meant to diagnose, treat or cure any kind of a health problem. Always consult with your health care provider about any kind of a health problem.

This article is FREE to publish with the resource box. This article was written (2-2007).