Ruthless Lessons Part 1
Some people see others with the innocence of a child, believing that they are innocent and good. They tend to be optimistic, naive and idealistic, and to assume the best intentions. They also have a lot of compassion and empathy. It is a beautiful thing to have these qualities. But part of maturing and growing beyond childhood means removing the rose-colored glasses and learning that not everyone will always be in our best interest or can be trusted.
Children who grow up in a rough neighborhood may learn to trust and distrust certain people. Kids who are raised in families that are generally healthy or in families with less health but who have been indoctrinated to forgive and extend unconditional love to those who act badly by their religion can be vulnerable to repeated hurts in life.
My therapist began our therapy by giving us what she called “ruthless lesson” – a series psycho-educational lessons on how to recognize untrustworthy individuals, particularly those who disguised their ruthlessness with religion or New Age spirituality. I was initially resistant to these lessons. I wanted to believe in the innocence of people, that they are all trying their best, and that they are well-meaning and good-hearted. I also believed that those who are bad behaved are not loved enough.
As an adult, this made me vulnerable to abuse and exploitation. I felt betrayed by people who I should not have trusted, but did. This scared me because I could not figure out how I could break the pattern. I was afraid I would keep on trusting people and get betrayed.
I’ve been asked to share my “ruthless” lessons by enough people who have heard me speak about them. I am teaching a course called Becoming Unf*ckwithable, which teaches how to remove rose-colored glasses, discern reality better, set boundaries and protect yourself.
Losing our innocence is not easy. Realizing that some people, due to their trauma, may not wish us well. They might view us as someone they can manipulate, control and exploit for selfish purposes. It’s important to learn to protect yourself and your more vulnerable self, which might be inclined to trust people who are not trustworthy because of your naivety.
I have been listening to Dr. Ramini’s podcast on Navigating Narcissism in preparation for my book Becoming Unf*ckwithable. She covers a lot of different ways that we can fall victim to narcissists who don’t wish us well. This includes romantic relationships, narcissistic managers, housemates who become squatters or game the system and narcissistic friends. The majority of my pain and exploitation has come from narcissistic co-workers (many names will be familiar to you), mainly in the spiritual self-help space. Early in my career, because I was more interested in narcissism as it relates to romantic relationships and parent-child relationships, I didn’t look for people who could use me as a narcissistic source. I find it useful to do such things in order to identify any narcissistic traits I may have. I also use the Internal Family Systems to work on any parts I might have inherited.
I have been writing down so many quotes and one-liners that describe how to recognize toxic or narcissistic relationship early on (in yourself or others) that it’s hard to keep up. I’ll share some of them here in no particular sequence.
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Love Bombing
You can become unf*ckable if you know the difference between “love bombing”, and actual love. Love bombing is an early form of manipulation, usually used in new relationships. You are bombarded with praise, flattery and premature claims of affection, as well as excessive gifts and promises of things you may want in the future. This all happens at a breakneck pace, with a premature intimacy before you have earned it. It can feel like a fairy-tale love bombing in romantic relationships. It can be a “too-good-to-be true” situation in professional relationships (like Tom Cruise’s character in Tom Clancy’s The Firm, or my relationship with my first publisher), because it’s not clear that you are making a deal to control someone, usually for their own financial gain, but sometimes for pure narcissistic supply.
You may be showered with expensive jewelry, exotic and exciting travel, clothing, or a new house. Gifts can also be a form of punishment or a lack of empathy. For example, if the person is narcissistic, they may buy you gym or exercise gear, or purchase if you are female, to help you lose weight.
The love bombing can be so obsessive, it borders on stalking. They find out your work, home, car, and surprise you everywhere with gifts. Not only do they want to let you know they’re aware of what you are doing, but also to keep them reminded about themselves. You may receive the silent treatment if you do not appreciate excessive love bombing.
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Data mining tracks your fears, likes, dislikes and confessions
Love bombing involves a keen interest in your likes and dislikes, insecurities and fears, and everything that makes you feel ashamed. This is done to mine your data and manipulate you. You may feel intoxicated at first, as you haven’t had anyone so invested in you. It can be very loving and inflating. There’s a reason why they focus on you so much and express interest in you. You may later be able to use anything you say against you. They create a mental atlas and map of your vulnerabilities to be able to manipulate your puppet strings in the future. Data mining is how they gather information.
Tell me what your biggest fear is, because I’m here to help you.
You may be encouraged to tell them about your worst traumatizing experiences. They will then use your trauma to manipulate you. You may be retraumatized in a similar manner to the past, which will make you destabilized because you’ll feel like they are numbing your trauma. Once you are destabilized, it is easier to manipulate you.
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Fast-forwarding commitment and dependency
They may ask you to make a premature commitment when you are in a vulnerable situation, like a recent breakup, the loss of someone you love, a loss of job, a health issue, or a financial crisis. They might propose marriage too soon, ask you sign a contract without giving you a chance to consider the terms, or even pressure you into quitting your job to become financially dependent on them. You may be socially isolated so that you become emotionally dependent on the person.
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Future faking promises
A narcissist will “future-fake” promises when they feel safe. They may promise to never leave you, to marry you, have children with you, move across the country, help you achieve a long-cherished dream, or get a promotion. If they are worried that you will question the validity of their promises, or if it’s just a false promise to keep you hanging on for dear life, then they may feel threatened. You can get abused if you set boundaries or demand that they keep promises. Future faked promises could be tied to what they want from your. You may be asked to give money in order to get out of a tight spot. If you agree, the narcissist will gush about you and make you feel like you are a million dollars. The narcissist will make you feel like you are the one who is stupid, unsupportive or paranoid if you don’t believe in the future plan.
They will keep putting off the date of the future, which will never arrive, if it keeps you hooked. If you refuse to be manipulated or say no, then they will withdraw affection, distance themselves, attack, blame, or threaten. Love bombing and abuse are interwoven-back and forth. They will love bomb as long as you are cooperating with them. The moment you say no to their agenda, the aggressive rage comes out. You are then blamed for not collaborating with them. They manipulate you out of fear. You are trying to please someone who is ultimately unpleasable.
As an example, companies that have narcissistic leadership (such as many Silicon Valley startups) thrive on future fakery and hype – until their house of cards falls down, just like it did with Elizabeth Holmes. She is now being forced to report to prison today after her appeal was denied. The mantra in companies with narcissistic leadership is: “If it doesn’t work, hustle harder.”
It is hard to resist the temptation to believe in a future that we can’t possibly be real. But if something seems too good to true, then it probably is. We tend to suspend our disbelief, because we want to believe the fantasy. Denial can go a long way.
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Shifting the blame
Narcissists are unable to take responsibility for their mistakes because of their grandiosity. The grandiose façade is maintained by blaming others for the narcissist’s mistakes.
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Their demands are urgent.
You are pushed by their urgency, and you don’t have time to consider the outrageous demands they make. You don’t even have time to think about how you are being manipulated or conned. It’s common to feel a sense of urgency and fear if you do not give in immediately. You may feel intense pressure, much like a car dealer who won’t allow you to leave the lot until you have made your decision. They will then rage, attack or even threaten to harm themselves if you do not comply. Or they may tell a sob story of their enemies or say something negative about you if they don’t get what they want. You won’t be able to pause to think and will be pushed to the limit if you ask for someone else’s opinion, seek outside feedback, speak to your financial advisor, your therapist, your best friend or a trusted adviser to see if complying with what they want is a good decision. They may accuse you of not caring if you do not respond to their urgency immediately because you are taking time to think about your decision.
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Grooming period/ trauma bonding
Dr. Ramani states, “Grifters work a game as soon as they meet us.” Antisocial people are taught how to manipulate the system, and they take pride in it, bragging that they can break the law or get away with it. The victims of coercive controls are usually targeted and studied in advance. This is especially true if the narcissist believes that you will help advance his agenda. You are tested early on to see how far they will go. They test you to see if they can get away with crossing boundaries. The devil will test you and try to get you to do things you don’t want.
Trauma bonding can create a trance-like state in which the victim becomes vulnerable. The charismatic narcissist’s spellbinding trance feels good. If the trance ends, the victim will want to be back in the spell. You’ll never be able to reach the same level again. You keep chasing the carrot because it keeps moving.
During the period of grooming and boundary testing, you are losing sovereignty. We mistakenly call this constant testing “love” if we come from a family where a narcissistic person is the parent. The chaos becomes normalized. You’re being taken over and are a parasite in a manner that benefits only the host. You may not have the energy or strength to fight back, because they’ve hollowed you out. This constant intruding evokes a primal feeling of abandonment and a hijacking of one’s self. You feel at risk of losing the worldview you have if you doubt or question. When you are with a narcissist, psychosis can occur. You may be trying to hold together your psyche but it is not uncommon. Gaslighting can become so intense, that the gaslighting is no longer logical and your psyche may shatter. Then you are accused of being mentally unstable.
When they realize that you won’t hold them responsible for bad behavior, the grooming phase ends. The gloves are removed and the trauma bond solidified. Love bombing begins to fade. From five good days, you have one bad day. Then three bad days. Finally three good days are followed by bad days. The good days strengthen the trauma bond, like a slot-machine that offers intermittent rewards. The intoxicating love-bombing continues to be a constant source of pleasure, but eventually it will stop unless you leave the situation or refuse to cooperate with their agenda. The love bombing is then turned up to maximum force in an attempt to bring you back under control.
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How to weaponize your empathy and forgiveness
Narcissists like empathic individuals who are compassionate and do not hold them accountable when they behave badly. They weaponize empathy. Just like a thief will use a crack to steal your blinds. They exploit your most generous sides.
The original post Taking Off The Rose Colored Glasses appeared on Lissa Rankin.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is holistic health care the same as alternative medicine?
Holistic Health Care is different than Alternative Medicine because it addresses the whole person rather than just symptoms.
Holistic Health Care examines all aspects a person’s health including the mental, emotional, spiritual and occupational factors as well as family factors.
Alternative Medicine doesn’t address such issues. It does not address the mind, body, or emotions.
Why do people with advanced cancers use alternative methods of treatment?
Cancer patients are often faced with many challenges when they try to find ways to cope with their illnesses. Many patients feel defeated and hopeless. Some symptoms include nausea, vomiting, headaches, weight loss, and fatigue.
In addition, conventional treatments are often not effective against cancer cells. Cancer patients often seek alternative therapies such as complementary medicine. Research shows that nearly half of patients have used alternative medicine at least once in their treatment.
Complementary medicine is often chosen by cancer patients over chemotherapy. It’s easier to manage side effect. They may also prefer it because it is less expensive.
These are just a few of the reasons why you might want to consider them:
Some patients believe natural remedies could prevent a return of the disease.
Many people believe natural remedies are a way to improve your quality of life.
Some believe natural remedies can lower the chance of developing cancer again.
For those concerned about possible side effects of chemotherapy, natural remedies can be used as first-line therapy.
Why is holistic medicine more effective?
Holistic care addresses the whole person rather that individual symptoms. Holistic health care focuses on how people feel, how they eat, where they live and how stressed they are.
Holistic medicine treats patients as an integrated whole. Although it may sound easy, in practice this is difficult because doctors tend to focus only on the physical aspect of patients.
Who uses holistic medicine
Holistic medicine refers health care that addresses the whole person instead of just treating symptoms. It is concerned with both the physical and mental aspects of well-being.
Holistic medicine can include acupuncture, massage therapy and chiropractic treatment. It also includes nutritional counseling, yoga, and many other complementary therapies.
Holistic medicine is for people who have been diagnosed as having cancer, heart disease, diabetes, arthritis and depression.
Where can I find more information about holistic medicine?
Holistic medicine refers to a way of treating the whole person, rather than just one area. Holistic medicine takes into account all aspects of a patient’s life, including his or her spiritual, emotional, and physical well-being.
Holistic medicine treats the whole person and not individual symptoms. Holistic medicine is not about curing the disease. It promotes healing.
Holistic medicine also includes treatments for chronic conditions, such as diabetes and arthritis.
There are many kinds of holistic medicine.
- Acupuncture
- Aromatherapy
- Ayurveda
- Chiropractic medicine
- Homeopathy
- Herbalism
- Naturopathy
- Nutrition
- Osteopathic medicine
- Vedic medicine
- Yoga
Is holistic medicine considered safe?
Holistic Medicine does not pose a danger as many people think. However there are risks associated with this treatment. Most common side effects are headaches, dizziness (drowsiness), nausea, dizziness or dizziness, constipation, diarrhea, insomnia, and constipation. These side effects must be understood and weighed against the potential benefits of alternative treatments like acupuncture.
However, holistic medicines have not been linked to any deaths.
Talk to your doctor before you begin any new treatment plan.
Statistics
- In 83% of the cases, the readers agreed. (en.wikipedia.org)
- These studies found that 38.4% concluded positive or possibly positive effects for CAM (12.4%), 4.8% concluded no effect, 0.7% concluded harmful effects, and 56.6% concluded insufficient evidence. (en.wikipedia.org)
- A 15-year systematic review published in 2022 on the global acceptance and use of CAM among medical specialists found the overall acceptance of CAM at 52% and the overall use at 45%. (en.wikipedia.org)
- category.[111]Edzard Ernst characterized the evidence for many alternative techniques as weak, nonexistent, or negative and in 2011, published his estimate that about 7.4% were based on “sound evidence.” However, he believes that may be an overestimate. (en.wikipedia.org)
- According to the World Health Organization, 80% of people use herbal medicine worldwide. (webmd.com)
External Links
cam.cancer.gov
webmd.com
liebertpub.com
- Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers
- Acupuncture for Treatment of Insomnia: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials
nccih.nih.gov
How To
What are the 4 categories of complementary and alternative medicine?
The main four categories of CAM include mind-body medicines, natural products and manipulative therapy. Mind-body medicine can include yoga, meditation and Tai Chi. Natural products include herbs vitamins, minerals, nutritional supplements, and botanicals. Manipulative therapies include physical manipulation such as osteopathic and chiropractic care, acupuncture, therapeutic exercise, and bodywork. You can also use prayer and visualization to help you heal your energy.
CAM can be used to describe a range of alternative health practices, which are not part of the traditional Western medical model. The scientific evidence supporting these practices is varied, as are the types of drugs they use and what conditions they treat. Some CAM practitioners may also prescribe medication and perform diagnostic testing (e.g. blood tests). Some practitioners do both.
Each category has many subcategories in addition to the four main categories. Mind-body medicine includes relaxation techniques, mindfulness training and guided imagery. It also includes self-hypnosis, meditation, qigong and Tai chi. Natural products include nutritional supplements as well botanical medicines, homeopathic treatments, essential oils and herbal preparations. Manual, movement, manipulation, electrotherapies and soft tissue mobilization are some of the manipulative therapies. There are many spiritual healing options, such as faith healing and prayer within energy healing.
Many CAM therapies treat symptoms, but not the cause. Some chronic diseases may be treated with CAM. If used in the right way, CAM can supplement conventional treatment options.
There are many reasons that people use CAM.
- To improve their overall well being.
- To manage a condition.
- To reduce discomfort or pain
- To prevent illness.
- To promote wellness.
- To address a personal belief.
Some people turn to CAM because it offers more control over their health than conventional medicine. It may have fewer side effects. Some people choose CAM to not take prescription drugs. Others still prefer not take prescription drugs if they are possible. And still, others seek out CAM because they have had bad experiences with conventional medicine.
Some people who use CAM say they want to be sure about what they are doing before trying something new. Many CAM users ask questions about the safety and effectiveness of CAM. Others rely on the word of mouth among family and friends.
Although CAM may be seen as a negative thing in society, most people who use it report positive feelings. People who use CAM are healthier and happier than those that don’t. This holds true regardless your age, gender or race.
Nearly all Americans use some kind of complementary and/or alternative medicine. 95% or more of adult Americans have used some type of CAM in their lives. According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), approximately 40 million visits were made to CAM providers in 2010 alone.
The NCCIH estimates that 10 percent of the U.S. population uses chiropractors, massage therapists, acupuncturists, naturopaths, and/or osteopaths.3 By comparison, only 2 percent of the population uses medical doctors.
In 2013, the American Medical Association reaffirmed its support for integrative medicine. The American Medical Association recognized the need for physicians to “integrate scientifically supported complementary and alternate medicine into clinical practice…to satisfy patients’ needs and expectations.”5
The Institute of Medicine published a landmark document in 2007 called “Relaxing Contraints: Improving Access To Complementary and Alternative Healthcare.” This report stated that there is no evidence that any specific CAM intervention is capable of curing, preventing, or treating cancer.
CAM continues to gain popularity despite this finding. In 2008, CAM practitioners saw an 8 percent increase in number compared with 2007.
A recent study showed that nearly half of respondents had used CAM to supplement their primary care.
CAM therapies encompass natural products, mind-body techniques, manipulative strategies, energy healing modalities and exercise.
Many CAM therapies are used primarily as pain relief. But, many offer additional benefits such relaxation, improved moods, better sleep, decreased stress and enhanced immunity.
Acupuncture is a treatment that can reduce chronic back pain, anxiety, depression and improve the immune system, promote weightloss, and improve menstrual symptoms.
Many CAM treatments draw on Ayurvedic and Chinese traditional medicine. These roots can be traced back thousands of decades.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), which originated in China 5,000 years back, has been practiced in China ever since.
TCM is an important component of modern health care.
TCM has become a popular treatment option for more than 70% of the population in the United States.
Yoga is another popular CAM therapy. Yoga was first developed in India around 5000 B.C. and is now embraced worldwide.
Yoga is gaining popularity because of its many benefits, including spiritual, mental and physical.
Yoga can ease stress, improve flexibility and increase strength.
Although there isn’t much scientific research on yoga, it appears that it has positive effects on sleep33. Yoga may be beneficial for people with insomnia.
Other CAM therapies are also gaining acceptance in mainstream medicine, including meditation, homeopathy, and aromatherapy.
Herbal medicine is one of the most popular types of CAM.
Herbal medicines are made up of herbs, spices flowers, seeds fruits, nuts, bark, leaves and roots.
They are often considered safer options to pharmaceutical drugs, and they are widely used by customers.
The U.S. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health estimates that about 90 million Americans use some form of complementary/alternative medicine.
According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), 45% of adult cancer patients used alternative medicine during their treatment.
According to the National Institutes of Health, 60% of cancer patients use CAM. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that approximately 50% of cancer survivors have used CAM.
According to a recent study 51% of cancer survivors used at least one type CAM.
However, only 8% discussed the topic with their physicians.
Healthcare delivery suffers from a large gap because of the lack of communication between CAM users, conventional medical providers, and traditional medical providers.
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This blog is a source of general information and discussion on health and related topics. Information and materials on this blog, on the website, or in any of the connected materials are not intended to replace or used as a substitute for the advice of a medical professional, diagnosis, or treatment. This blog does not represent the application of any nursing, medical or other health professional advice or diagnosis. We are unable to diagnose health conditions, offer second opinions or provide specific treatment recommendations via this blog or on our website.
If you or another person is suffering from a medical issue and you are concerned, consult your doctor or seek out other medical professional treatment as soon as possible. Do not disregard medical advice from a professional or delay seeking it due to information you seen on the blog or website or in any of the linked materials. If you’re experiencing an emergency medical situation, dial 911 or seek emergency medical assistance on the closest phone immediately.
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By: Nicolay Kreidler
Title: Taking Off The Rose Colored Glasses
Sourced From: lissarankin.com/taking-off-the-rose-colored-glasses/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=taking-off-the-rose-colored-glasses
Published Date: Tue, 30 May 2023 23:22:58 +0000
Frequently Asked Questions
Is holistic health care the same as alternative medicine?
Holistic Health Care is different than Alternative Medicine because it addresses the whole person rather than just symptoms.
Holistic Health Care examines all aspects a person’s health including the mental, emotional, spiritual and occupational factors as well as family factors.
Alternative Medicine doesn’t address such issues. It does not address the mind, body, or emotions.
Why do people with advanced cancers use alternative methods of treatment?
Cancer patients are often faced with many challenges when they try to find ways to cope with their illnesses. Many patients feel defeated and hopeless. Some symptoms include nausea, vomiting, headaches, weight loss, and fatigue.
In addition, conventional treatments are often not effective against cancer cells. Cancer patients often seek alternative therapies such as complementary medicine. Research shows that nearly half of patients have used alternative medicine at least once in their treatment.
Complementary medicine is often chosen by cancer patients over chemotherapy. It’s easier to manage side effect. They may also prefer it because it is less expensive.
These are just a few of the reasons why you might want to consider them:
Some patients believe natural remedies could prevent a return of the disease.
Many people believe natural remedies are a way to improve your quality of life.
Some believe natural remedies can lower the chance of developing cancer again.
For those concerned about possible side effects of chemotherapy, natural remedies can be used as first-line therapy.
Why is holistic medicine more effective?
Holistic care addresses the whole person rather that individual symptoms. Holistic health care focuses on how people feel, how they eat, where they live and how stressed they are.
Holistic medicine treats patients as an integrated whole. Although it may sound easy, in practice this is difficult because doctors tend to focus only on the physical aspect of patients.
Who uses holistic medicine
Holistic medicine refers health care that addresses the whole person instead of just treating symptoms. It is concerned with both the physical and mental aspects of well-being.
Holistic medicine can include acupuncture, massage therapy and chiropractic treatment. It also includes nutritional counseling, yoga, and many other complementary therapies.
Holistic medicine is for people who have been diagnosed as having cancer, heart disease, diabetes, arthritis and depression.
Where can I find more information about holistic medicine?
Holistic medicine refers to a way of treating the whole person, rather than just one area. Holistic medicine takes into account all aspects of a patient’s life, including his or her spiritual, emotional, and physical well-being.
Holistic medicine treats the whole person and not individual symptoms. Holistic medicine is not about curing the disease. It promotes healing.
Holistic medicine also includes treatments for chronic conditions, such as diabetes and arthritis.
There are many kinds of holistic medicine.
- Acupuncture
- Aromatherapy
- Ayurveda
- Chiropractic medicine
- Homeopathy
- Herbalism
- Naturopathy
- Nutrition
- Osteopathic medicine
- Vedic medicine
- Yoga
Is holistic medicine considered safe?
Holistic Medicine does not pose a danger as many people think. However there are risks associated with this treatment. Most common side effects are headaches, dizziness (drowsiness), nausea, dizziness or dizziness, constipation, diarrhea, insomnia, and constipation. These side effects must be understood and weighed against the potential benefits of alternative treatments like acupuncture.
However, holistic medicines have not been linked to any deaths.
Talk to your doctor before you begin any new treatment plan.
Statistics
- In 83% of the cases, the readers agreed. (en.wikipedia.org)
- These studies found that 38.4% concluded positive or possibly positive effects for CAM (12.4%), 4.8% concluded no effect, 0.7% concluded harmful effects, and 56.6% concluded insufficient evidence. (en.wikipedia.org)
- A 15-year systematic review published in 2022 on the global acceptance and use of CAM among medical specialists found the overall acceptance of CAM at 52% and the overall use at 45%. (en.wikipedia.org)
- category.[111]Edzard Ernst characterized the evidence for many alternative techniques as weak, nonexistent, or negative and in 2011, published his estimate that about 7.4% were based on “sound evidence.” However, he believes that may be an overestimate. (en.wikipedia.org)
- According to the World Health Organization, 80% of people use herbal medicine worldwide. (webmd.com)
External Links
cam.cancer.gov
webmd.com
liebertpub.com
- Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers
- Acupuncture for Treatment of Insomnia: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials
nccih.nih.gov
How To
What are the 4 categories of complementary and alternative medicine?
The main four categories of CAM include mind-body medicines, natural products and manipulative therapy. Mind-body medicine can include yoga, meditation and Tai Chi. Natural products include herbs vitamins, minerals, nutritional supplements, and botanicals. Manipulative therapies include physical manipulation such as osteopathic and chiropractic care, acupuncture, therapeutic exercise, and bodywork. You can also use prayer and visualization to help you heal your energy.
CAM can be used to describe a range of alternative health practices, which are not part of the traditional Western medical model. The scientific evidence supporting these practices is varied, as are the types of drugs they use and what conditions they treat. Some CAM practitioners may also prescribe medication and perform diagnostic testing (e.g. blood tests). Some practitioners do both.
Each category has many subcategories in addition to the four main categories. Mind-body medicine includes relaxation techniques, mindfulness training and guided imagery. It also includes self-hypnosis, meditation, qigong and Tai chi. Natural products include nutritional supplements as well botanical medicines, homeopathic treatments, essential oils and herbal preparations. Manual, movement, manipulation, electrotherapies and soft tissue mobilization are some of the manipulative therapies. There are many spiritual healing options, such as faith healing and prayer within energy healing.
Many CAM therapies treat symptoms, but not the cause. Some chronic diseases may be treated with CAM. If used in the right way, CAM can supplement conventional treatment options.
There are many reasons that people use CAM.
- To improve their overall well being.
- To manage a condition.
- To reduce discomfort or pain
- To prevent illness.
- To promote wellness.
- To address a personal belief.
Some people turn to CAM because it offers more control over their health than conventional medicine. It may have fewer side effects. Some people choose CAM to not take prescription drugs. Others still prefer not take prescription drugs if they are possible. And still, others seek out CAM because they have had bad experiences with conventional medicine.
Some people who use CAM say they want to be sure about what they are doing before trying something new. Many CAM users ask questions about the safety and effectiveness of CAM. Others rely on the word of mouth among family and friends.
Although CAM may be seen as a negative thing in society, most people who use it report positive feelings. People who use CAM are healthier and happier than those that don’t. This holds true regardless your age, gender or race.
Nearly all Americans use some kind of complementary and/or alternative medicine. 95% or more of adult Americans have used some type of CAM in their lives. According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), approximately 40 million visits were made to CAM providers in 2010 alone.
The NCCIH estimates that 10 percent of the U.S. population uses chiropractors, massage therapists, acupuncturists, naturopaths, and/or osteopaths.3 By comparison, only 2 percent of the population uses medical doctors.
In 2013, the American Medical Association reaffirmed its support for integrative medicine. The American Medical Association recognized the need for physicians to “integrate scientifically supported complementary and alternate medicine into clinical practice…to satisfy patients’ needs and expectations.”5
The Institute of Medicine published a landmark document in 2007 called “Relaxing Contraints: Improving Access To Complementary and Alternative Healthcare.” This report stated that there is no evidence that any specific CAM intervention is capable of curing, preventing, or treating cancer.
CAM continues to gain popularity despite this finding. In 2008, CAM practitioners saw an 8 percent increase in number compared with 2007.
A recent study showed that nearly half of respondents had used CAM to supplement their primary care.
CAM therapies encompass natural products, mind-body techniques, manipulative strategies, energy healing modalities and exercise.
Many CAM therapies are used primarily as pain relief. But, many offer additional benefits such relaxation, improved moods, better sleep, decreased stress and enhanced immunity.
Acupuncture is a treatment that can reduce chronic back pain, anxiety, depression and improve the immune system, promote weightloss, and improve menstrual symptoms.
Many CAM treatments draw on Ayurvedic and Chinese traditional medicine. These roots can be traced back thousands of decades.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), which originated in China 5,000 years back, has been practiced in China ever since.
TCM is an important component of modern health care.
TCM has become a popular treatment option for more than 70% of the population in the United States.
Yoga is another popular CAM therapy. Yoga was first developed in India around 5000 B.C. and is now embraced worldwide.
Yoga is gaining popularity because of its many benefits, including spiritual, mental and physical.
Yoga can ease stress, improve flexibility and increase strength.
Although there isn’t much scientific research on yoga, it appears that it has positive effects on sleep33. Yoga may be beneficial for people with insomnia.
Other CAM therapies are also gaining acceptance in mainstream medicine, including meditation, homeopathy, and aromatherapy.
Herbal medicine is one of the most popular types of CAM.
Herbal medicines are made up of herbs, spices flowers, seeds fruits, nuts, bark, leaves and roots.
They are often considered safer options to pharmaceutical drugs, and they are widely used by customers.
The U.S. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health estimates that about 90 million Americans use some form of complementary/alternative medicine.
According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), 45% of adult cancer patients used alternative medicine during their treatment.
According to the National Institutes of Health, 60% of cancer patients use CAM. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that approximately 50% of cancer survivors have used CAM.
According to a recent study 51% of cancer survivors used at least one type CAM.
However, only 8% discussed the topic with their physicians.
Healthcare delivery suffers from a large gap because of the lack of communication between CAM users, conventional medical providers, and traditional medical providers.
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