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The top 6 reasons that higher education is essential for alternative medicine careers
November 18, 2022
Alternative medicine education is often thought of as international retreats led by self-proclaimed “gurus.” Many people follow their lead and become experts in their field. This is especially true for those careers that lack formal education requirements.
You don’t have to be interested in complementary and alternative medicine careers. However, higher education is still an option. A degree can put you ahead of your competitors and help you achieve even greater success.
“When someone holds a degree in something, there’s a little more authority backing what they claim,” stated Anya Hanson, a 2022 graduate who has a bachelor’s in herbal sciences from Bastyr University, Kenmore, Washington.
No matter which natural health profession you choose, these six reasons will help you make the right decision about higher education.
You may need a degree to get into an alternative medicine field.
Certain careers only require a certain level of postsecondary education to be able to practice. You will need to research the education required to pursue these professions. To become licensed as a acupuncturist, you will need at minimum a master’s degree. To practice, you need to find out what licensing requirements your state has for your chosen profession.
A higher education can help you be a respected practitioner.
Alternative medicine careers do not require formal postsecondary education. This field lends itself to self-taught or self-taught professionals. However, if you are looking to work alongside or for traditional medical institutions, it is likely that they prefer to see proof of formal education over a certificate from an informal program. Clients may also prefer to see those with a stronger education.
Hanson stated that her degree taught her why as well as howherbal treatments work scientifically.
“I believe the degree helps us bridge the gap between Western medicine, more traditional folk herbalalism. Hanson stated that we can work with both worlds as we speak Western medicine’s language–we can discuss the pharmacology and chemistry of herbs. “The degree will help you refine your medicine-making and give you the credibility that Western medicine and its empirical standards require.”
You can call yourself a herbalist if you graduate from an herbalism school, as there is no federal licensing requirement. A formal degree in herbal medicine from an accredited college/university could greatly increase your credibility. It may be easier to get referrals from other health professionals, such as nutritionists or naturopathic doctors.
It expands your practice.
A degree in complementary or alternative medicine will allow you to acquire new skills that can be used in your practice. This could come from either your chosen area of study, or elective classes. You may be able to offer additional services for clients. This can increase your client base and make you a more holistic practitioner.
Hanson stated that being able to reproduce and standardize medicines is a key skill and could set you apart as a herbalist. Hanson said, “It’s important to be able to say, “I know the exact weight and volume of this herbal remedy, the dosage, and I can reproduce it season after season because I know how high the medicine is.”
Your degree does not have to be directly related to your job. For example, health science degrees provide a comprehensive science education that is related to human and environmental health. There are few other careers that would benefit from this knowledge. Potential clients and other professionals in the health field may view this as an advantage and will be more likely to hire you. A massage therapist who has a degree in healthcare sciences will likely know more about anatomy and physiology, which can help them improve their practice.
This could lead to a greater salary.
Patients and clients are more likely to choose practitioners who are well-respected and have received a lot positive testimony. A degree can help you earn more income by having more clients. You can also make more money if you offer more services to your clients or patients.
You help people feel good.
You may be interested in alternative medicine because you are drawn to healing and helping others. You can be an occupational therapist or nutritionist, a massage therapist, a herbalist or other alternative medicine practitioner. Your goal is to help people feel their best and improve their health. You could pursue a degree to become a natural healthcare professional.
Join a vibrant job market.
You’re investing in a growing field, no matter if you’re looking to get a degree for your natural health profession or if you have been practicing for many years and are looking to improve your skills. In 2021, the global market for complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), was worth $102 billion. This number is projected to rise to $437.9 million by 2031. The CAM market is expected to grow rapidly and for many reasons, including an aging population, high costs and negative side effects of traditional medicines.
A degree in complementary or alternative medicine could help you to be more stable as the CAM market is expected to continue growing over the next decade.
Professional insights from:
Anya Hanson (class of 2022
Bastyr University
Natural Healers’s post The Top 6 Reasons Why Higher Education is Important for Alternative Medicine Careers appeared first on Natural Healers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the importance of alternative medicine?
Alternative medicines are very popular because they’re often cheaper and better for you than traditional treatments. There have been cases in which patients have died from side effects, such as allergic reactions, after receiving these treatments. There are also alternatives that may be more effective.
Alternative medicines can also be dangerous if you don’t have enough information to make an informed decision. Vitamin supplements, for example, are not regulated like pharmaceuticals. It is easy to overdose on vitamins. Other remedies, however, can be toxic.
What are the benefits to complementary and alternative medicine?
People who feel they do not receive enough help from allopathic medicine may use complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). These include herbal medicines, mind and body therapies like acupuncture, massage, homeopathy or traditional Chinese medicine. Because they are not part of the standard medical treatment system, CAM practitioners will often recommend alternative therapies. However, many CAM therapies also incorporate elements of conventional medicine. There are a variety of forms of acupuncture, including those that use needles and others that use heat or moxibustion.
Some CAM therapies can be effective for pain relief, stress management, relaxation, sleep disorders, and anxiety. They may improve your general well-being as well as reduce fatigue. Some CAM therapies are used to treat specific conditions, including fibromyalgia. Other CAM treatments may be just as enjoyable.
Although there is no one definition of CAM, most definitions include at minimum one of these:
- A holistic perspective that looks at the whole person, including body, mind as well as spirit and environment.
- The belief in mind-body interaction and influence
- The belief that illness results from an imbalance between the individual and his/her environment
- Treatments that focus on the whole person rather than just symptoms
- Combination of Eastern philosophy with Western science
- Integrating mind, body and spirit into treatment methods
- Use of natural products rather than synthetic chemicals
- Touch of healing
- Mindfulness
- Meditation
- Acupuncture
- Yoga
- Herbal remedies
- Homeopathy
- Chiropractic care
- Massage therapy
- Hypnotherapy
- Spiritual healing
- Biofeedback
- Nutritional counseling
- Energy healing
There are potential risks to certain CAM therapies, in addition to the potential benefits. Incorrectly used, certain CAM therapies could cause serious harm and even death. Some may have side effects that should be weighed against the potential benefits. Before you decide whether or not to use any CAMs, talk with your doctor about these matters.
What is the difference between Naturopathic Medicine and Holistic Medicine,
The two main types of medicine are conventional medicine and complementary/alternative medicine. Conventional medicine is based on surgery and drugs as the primary treatment. Complementary/Alternative Medicine (CAM) uses natural therapies such as herbs, vitamins, acupuncture, and massage to treat illness and promote health. CAM is not considered a substitute for conventional treatment but rather an addition to helping patients who want to take control of their healthcare by choosing what they believe is most appropriate.
Naturopathy, on the other hand is used to supplement conventional medical practices. It is a holistic approach to treating the whole body, mind, as well as the spirit. There are many different forms of naturopathy, including Chinese Medicine, Ayurveda, Traditional Native American Medicine, and Functional Medicine.
It is important that you note that some CAM modalities may overlap with traditional medicine. Both doctors and Naturopaths can prescribe herbal remedies. However, naturopaths prefer lifestyle changes to prescription medications.
Naturopathy is often called “complementary” because it complements conventional medicine, not supplants it. Naturopaths may prescribe medication as needed.
There are some differences between naturopathic and other CAM modalities.
- Naturopaths are not qualified to prescribe or diagnose medication.
- Naturopaths are able to work closely with patients’ family physicians and refer them to specialists when necessary.
- Naturopathic physicians are licensed by their respective provinces, while CAM practitioners are selfregulated.
- Naturopathy focuses on prevention and wellness and offers education about diet, exercise, and nutrition.
- Naturopaths are very conscious of lifestyle factors. They emphasize nutrition, sleep and stress management as well as exercise and mental health.
- Naturopharmacists are specialists in the use and treatment of specific conditions using botanicals and minerals.
- Naturopodists can provide personalized care, based on the individual needs of each patient.
- Naturopaths are licensed by regulatory bodies like the College of Naturopathic Physicians of Ontario.
- Naturopatrists are licensed by provincial regulatory bodies.
- Naturopaticians are registered with the Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors.
- The College of Naturopaths of British Columbia is responsible for licensing Naturotherapists.
- The United States National Board of Medical Examiners has licensed Naturobiotic Therapists.
- The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency entitles homeopaths.
- The concept of “holistic” is a belief that all aspects – spiritual, emotional, and social – should be considered when making decisions regarding one’s health. Holistic doctors will consider these elements together instead of focusing only on one aspect.
What Is Alternative Medicine?
This is a holistic approach to healing that emphasizes prevention over treatment. It encourages people to be informed consumers and actively participate in improving their health.
Alternative medicine refers any treatment or diagnosis that does not use allopathic (conventional), medical practices.
Is holistic health care equivalent to alternative medicine?
Holistic Health Care distinguishes itself from Alternative Medicine because Holistic Health Care focuses on the whole person instead of just treating symptoms.
Holistic Health Care addresses all aspects of an individual’s life: mental, physical, psychological, spiritual, occupational, cultural and family.
Alternative Medicine doesn’t address these problems. It doesn’t address these issues.
Statistics
- An assessment of conventional treatments found that 41.3% concluded positive or possibly positive effects, 20% concluded no effect, 8.1% concluded net harmful effects, and 21.3% concluded insufficient evidence. (en.wikipedia.org)
- According to the World Health Organization, 80% of people use herbal medicine worldwide. (webmd.com)
- 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)
- 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)
- In 83% of the cases, the readers agreed. (en.wikipedia.org)
External Links
webmd.com
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- PubMed: The rise of complementary and other medicine: A sociological perspective
- PubMed: Holistic medicine.
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- BIOFEEDBACK TRAINING and TENSION-TYPE HeADACHE – PubMed
- PubMed. The Effect of Foot reflexology on Hospital Anxiety, Depression and Suffering in Older Women: A Randomized Controlled Test – PubMed
liebertpub.com
- Games for Health Journal
- The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine – A systematic review of randomized controlled trials involving acupuncture for insomnia treatment
How To
What are the products used in holistic medicine, and how do they differ?
This product can be described as “natural” without necessarily being organic. They may have been grown using natural fertilizers and pesticides, but they were also processed in ways that are less harmful to human health. For example, some herbs can cause allergic reactions in some individuals, so they may need to be prepared differently depending on their needs. Herbs sold at health food stores are more standardized than those sold at grocery stores. These herbicides and/or fungicides are often higher in the latter.
Herbal supplements are usually made from dried plants. Some people prefer to purchase them in liquid form because they are usually cheaper. But, liquid herbs are not necessarily safer. Liquid herbs can lose nutrients during processing. There’s no guarantee that the product will retain its original potency. In addition, herbal supplements aren’t tested for quality before being placed on shelves.
Herbs and spices are generally added to foods after cooking. These condiments include ketchup and mustard, salad dressings, barbecue sauces, soup mixtures, and marinades.
Supplements can be taken orally (by the mouth). Most vitamins and mineral supplements are available as tablets. Other vitamins and minerals can be purchased in capsules.
Homeopathic remedies, which are highly diluted substances, can be derived from any plant, animal or mineral. They can stimulate the body’s healing abilities. Although they are called “homeopathic,” they do not work like regular medications. They instead activate the body’s immune system and restore balance. Homeopathic remedies are safe and nontoxic. They are widespread in Europe, Canada Australia, New Zealand South America, Asia and Africa.
Acupuncture is the practice of inserting fine needles along specific meridians in your body. It is based in a traditional Chinese medical theory which says that life force flows through energy channels. According to the theory, illness occurs when these channels become blocked. Energy flow can be restored by stimulating certain points along meridian lines with fine needles. This is how the body returns back to normal functioning.
Chiropractors adjust the spine to correct misalignments. This technique was developed in 1895 by Daniel David Palmer, an American doctor. He claimed he could diagnose ailments and cure diseases through manipulating the vertebrae. His methods included spinal adjustments. Muscle tests. And percussion.
Chiropractic has seen a lot of popularity in recent years. Many believe it works better than conventional medicine for back pain.
Massage therapy is a form of massage that involves massaging, kneading or tapping muscles, joints and other body parts. Massage is a great way to relax tight muscles and reduce tension. Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, sports, reflexology or myofascial release are all methods used by massage therapists.
Reflexology uses pressure to be applied to specific areas in the feet and hands by using thumb pads, fingers, or toes. Reflexologists believe that this technique stimulates the body’s natural ability heal.
Aromatherapy uses essential oil extracted from plants to relieve stress and boost mood. Essential oils are also therapeutic because their chemical composition can benefit health conditions ranging from headache relief to arthritis treatment. There are many kinds of aromatherapy.
Craniosacral Therapy utilizes gentle touch to help alleviate pain and discomfort. Cranial is the skull, sacrum is Latin for “sac”, and cranial-sacral therapy combines both. In this therapy, the therapist applies light pressure to various spots on the head, face, neck, shoulders, arms, legs, and torso while moving her/his hands across the patient’s body.
Cupping therapy involves applying cups to the skin to draw out toxins and create suction. Cupping is often combined with acupuncture or moxibustion (burning herbs) and may be used for detoxification.
Supplements are either oral or topical products that contain vitamins and minerals, herbs extracts, enzymes, probiotics. antioxidants, and other fatty acids. Dietary Supplements Health and Education Act of94 is the FDA’s regulation of dietary supplements. To be legal, a dietary supplements must meet two criteria. First, it must contain a “dietary ingredient,” meaning that it contains more than one percent of a vitamin, mineral, herb, or other botanical listed on the Food and Drug Administration’s Generally Recognized As Safe List. It must also have adhered to Good Manufacturing Practices. This means that its ingredients were properly handled during production.
Electrotherapy uses electricity to stimulate the nerves and muscles. The most common type of electrotherapy is transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS). Low-level electrical pulses can be delivered to the skin by TENS devices. These pulses activate brain receptors to block pain signals. Intermittential current therapy and magnetic field therapy are other forms of electrotherapy.
Energy healing is based on the belief that we all possess innate healing abilities and that our thoughts, feelings, beliefs, and intentions affect our physical health. Modern practitioners accept that energy healing is possible, even though it has been practiced since ancient times. However, there are many layers to energy. One layer is emotional energy. Another is called mental energy. Other energies include the physical, spiritual, chakras and vital, life force. These energies could be linked to the larger universe according to some. Some believe that these energies can be used to heal other people using only their minds. Unfortunately, the scientific evidence supporting energy medicine is weak.
Energy psychology is the study of how emotions can affect physiological functions. Because it is less about past events than on helping clients change their behavior, energy psychology can sometimes be considered an alternative to psychotherapy. Energy psychology does NOT require a theoretical framework. It draws from many disciplines, such as cognitive behavioral, transactional, interpersonal psychoanalysis (attachment theory), and developmental psychology.
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By: Paula Nechak
Title: Top 6 reasons why higher education is important for alternative medicine careers
Sourced From: www.naturalhealers.com/blog/higher-ed-for-alternative-medicine/
Published Date: Fri, 18 Nov 2022 22:37:24 +0000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the importance of alternative medicine?
Alternative medicines are very popular because they’re often cheaper and better for you than traditional treatments. There have been cases in which patients have died from side effects, such as allergic reactions, after receiving these treatments. There are also alternatives that may be more effective.
Alternative medicines can also be dangerous if you don’t have enough information to make an informed decision. Vitamin supplements, for example, are not regulated like pharmaceuticals. It is easy to overdose on vitamins. Other remedies, however, can be toxic.
What are the benefits to complementary and alternative medicine?
People who feel they do not receive enough help from allopathic medicine may use complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). These include herbal medicines, mind and body therapies like acupuncture, massage, homeopathy or traditional Chinese medicine. Because they are not part of the standard medical treatment system, CAM practitioners will often recommend alternative therapies. However, many CAM therapies also incorporate elements of conventional medicine. There are a variety of forms of acupuncture, including those that use needles and others that use heat or moxibustion.
Some CAM therapies can be effective for pain relief, stress management, relaxation, sleep disorders, and anxiety. They may improve your general well-being as well as reduce fatigue. Some CAM therapies are used to treat specific conditions, including fibromyalgia. Other CAM treatments may be just as enjoyable.
Although there is no one definition of CAM, most definitions include at minimum one of these:
- A holistic perspective that looks at the whole person, including body, mind as well as spirit and environment.
- The belief in mind-body interaction and influence
- The belief that illness results from an imbalance between the individual and his/her environment
- Treatments that focus on the whole person rather than just symptoms
- Combination of Eastern philosophy with Western science
- Integrating mind, body and spirit into treatment methods
- Use of natural products rather than synthetic chemicals
- Touch of healing
- Mindfulness
- Meditation
- Acupuncture
- Yoga
- Herbal remedies
- Homeopathy
- Chiropractic care
- Massage therapy
- Hypnotherapy
- Spiritual healing
- Biofeedback
- Nutritional counseling
- Energy healing
There are potential risks to certain CAM therapies, in addition to the potential benefits. Incorrectly used, certain CAM therapies could cause serious harm and even death. Some may have side effects that should be weighed against the potential benefits. Before you decide whether or not to use any CAMs, talk with your doctor about these matters.
What is the difference between Naturopathic Medicine and Holistic Medicine,
The two main types of medicine are conventional medicine and complementary/alternative medicine. Conventional medicine is based on surgery and drugs as the primary treatment. Complementary/Alternative Medicine (CAM) uses natural therapies such as herbs, vitamins, acupuncture, and massage to treat illness and promote health. CAM is not considered a substitute for conventional treatment but rather an addition to helping patients who want to take control of their healthcare by choosing what they believe is most appropriate.
Naturopathy, on the other hand is used to supplement conventional medical practices. It is a holistic approach to treating the whole body, mind, as well as the spirit. There are many different forms of naturopathy, including Chinese Medicine, Ayurveda, Traditional Native American Medicine, and Functional Medicine.
It is important that you note that some CAM modalities may overlap with traditional medicine. Both doctors and Naturopaths can prescribe herbal remedies. However, naturopaths prefer lifestyle changes to prescription medications.
Naturopathy is often called “complementary” because it complements conventional medicine, not supplants it. Naturopaths may prescribe medication as needed.
There are some differences between naturopathic and other CAM modalities.
- Naturopaths are not qualified to prescribe or diagnose medication.
- Naturopaths are able to work closely with patients’ family physicians and refer them to specialists when necessary.
- Naturopathic physicians are licensed by their respective provinces, while CAM practitioners are selfregulated.
- Naturopathy focuses on prevention and wellness and offers education about diet, exercise, and nutrition.
- Naturopaths are very conscious of lifestyle factors. They emphasize nutrition, sleep and stress management as well as exercise and mental health.
- Naturopharmacists are specialists in the use and treatment of specific conditions using botanicals and minerals.
- Naturopodists can provide personalized care, based on the individual needs of each patient.
- Naturopaths are licensed by regulatory bodies like the College of Naturopathic Physicians of Ontario.
- Naturopatrists are licensed by provincial regulatory bodies.
- Naturopaticians are registered with the Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors.
- The College of Naturopaths of British Columbia is responsible for licensing Naturotherapists.
- The United States National Board of Medical Examiners has licensed Naturobiotic Therapists.
- The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency entitles homeopaths.
- The concept of “holistic” is a belief that all aspects – spiritual, emotional, and social – should be considered when making decisions regarding one’s health. Holistic doctors will consider these elements together instead of focusing only on one aspect.
What Is Alternative Medicine?
This is a holistic approach to healing that emphasizes prevention over treatment. It encourages people to be informed consumers and actively participate in improving their health.
Alternative medicine refers any treatment or diagnosis that does not use allopathic (conventional), medical practices.
Is holistic health care equivalent to alternative medicine?
Holistic Health Care distinguishes itself from Alternative Medicine because Holistic Health Care focuses on the whole person instead of just treating symptoms.
Holistic Health Care addresses all aspects of an individual’s life: mental, physical, psychological, spiritual, occupational, cultural and family.
Alternative Medicine doesn’t address these problems. It doesn’t address these issues.
Statistics
- An assessment of conventional treatments found that 41.3% concluded positive or possibly positive effects, 20% concluded no effect, 8.1% concluded net harmful effects, and 21.3% concluded insufficient evidence. (en.wikipedia.org)
- According to the World Health Organization, 80% of people use herbal medicine worldwide. (webmd.com)
- 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)
- 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)
- In 83% of the cases, the readers agreed. (en.wikipedia.org)
External Links
webmd.com
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- PubMed: The rise of complementary and other medicine: A sociological perspective
- PubMed: Holistic medicine.
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- BIOFEEDBACK TRAINING and TENSION-TYPE HeADACHE – PubMed
- PubMed. The Effect of Foot reflexology on Hospital Anxiety, Depression and Suffering in Older Women: A Randomized Controlled Test – PubMed
liebertpub.com
- Games for Health Journal
- The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine – A systematic review of randomized controlled trials involving acupuncture for insomnia treatment
How To
What are the products used in holistic medicine, and how do they differ?
This product can be described as “natural” without necessarily being organic. They may have been grown using natural fertilizers and pesticides, but they were also processed in ways that are less harmful to human health. For example, some herbs can cause allergic reactions in some individuals, so they may need to be prepared differently depending on their needs. Herbs sold at health food stores are more standardized than those sold at grocery stores. These herbicides and/or fungicides are often higher in the latter.
Herbal supplements are usually made from dried plants. Some people prefer to purchase them in liquid form because they are usually cheaper. But, liquid herbs are not necessarily safer. Liquid herbs can lose nutrients during processing. There’s no guarantee that the product will retain its original potency. In addition, herbal supplements aren’t tested for quality before being placed on shelves.
Herbs and spices are generally added to foods after cooking. These condiments include ketchup and mustard, salad dressings, barbecue sauces, soup mixtures, and marinades.
Supplements can be taken orally (by the mouth). Most vitamins and mineral supplements are available as tablets. Other vitamins and minerals can be purchased in capsules.
Homeopathic remedies, which are highly diluted substances, can be derived from any plant, animal or mineral. They can stimulate the body’s healing abilities. Although they are called “homeopathic,” they do not work like regular medications. They instead activate the body’s immune system and restore balance. Homeopathic remedies are safe and nontoxic. They are widespread in Europe, Canada Australia, New Zealand South America, Asia and Africa.
Acupuncture is the practice of inserting fine needles along specific meridians in your body. It is based in a traditional Chinese medical theory which says that life force flows through energy channels. According to the theory, illness occurs when these channels become blocked. Energy flow can be restored by stimulating certain points along meridian lines with fine needles. This is how the body returns back to normal functioning.
Chiropractors adjust the spine to correct misalignments. This technique was developed in 1895 by Daniel David Palmer, an American doctor. He claimed he could diagnose ailments and cure diseases through manipulating the vertebrae. His methods included spinal adjustments. Muscle tests. And percussion.
Chiropractic has seen a lot of popularity in recent years. Many believe it works better than conventional medicine for back pain.
Massage therapy is a form of massage that involves massaging, kneading or tapping muscles, joints and other body parts. Massage is a great way to relax tight muscles and reduce tension. Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, sports, reflexology or myofascial release are all methods used by massage therapists.
Reflexology uses pressure to be applied to specific areas in the feet and hands by using thumb pads, fingers, or toes. Reflexologists believe that this technique stimulates the body’s natural ability heal.
Aromatherapy uses essential oil extracted from plants to relieve stress and boost mood. Essential oils are also therapeutic because their chemical composition can benefit health conditions ranging from headache relief to arthritis treatment. There are many kinds of aromatherapy.
Craniosacral Therapy utilizes gentle touch to help alleviate pain and discomfort. Cranial is the skull, sacrum is Latin for “sac”, and cranial-sacral therapy combines both. In this therapy, the therapist applies light pressure to various spots on the head, face, neck, shoulders, arms, legs, and torso while moving her/his hands across the patient’s body.
Cupping therapy involves applying cups to the skin to draw out toxins and create suction. Cupping is often combined with acupuncture or moxibustion (burning herbs) and may be used for detoxification.
Supplements are either oral or topical products that contain vitamins and minerals, herbs extracts, enzymes, probiotics. antioxidants, and other fatty acids. Dietary Supplements Health and Education Act of94 is the FDA’s regulation of dietary supplements. To be legal, a dietary supplements must meet two criteria. First, it must contain a “dietary ingredient,” meaning that it contains more than one percent of a vitamin, mineral, herb, or other botanical listed on the Food and Drug Administration’s Generally Recognized As Safe List. It must also have adhered to Good Manufacturing Practices. This means that its ingredients were properly handled during production.
Electrotherapy uses electricity to stimulate the nerves and muscles. The most common type of electrotherapy is transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS). Low-level electrical pulses can be delivered to the skin by TENS devices. These pulses activate brain receptors to block pain signals. Intermittential current therapy and magnetic field therapy are other forms of electrotherapy.
Energy healing is based on the belief that we all possess innate healing abilities and that our thoughts, feelings, beliefs, and intentions affect our physical health. Modern practitioners accept that energy healing is possible, even though it has been practiced since ancient times. However, there are many layers to energy. One layer is emotional energy. Another is called mental energy. Other energies include the physical, spiritual, chakras and vital, life force. These energies could be linked to the larger universe according to some. Some believe that these energies can be used to heal other people using only their minds. Unfortunately, the scientific evidence supporting energy medicine is weak.
Energy psychology is the study of how emotions can affect physiological functions. Because it is less about past events than on helping clients change their behavior, energy psychology can sometimes be considered an alternative to psychotherapy. Energy psychology does NOT require a theoretical framework. It draws from many disciplines, such as cognitive behavioral, transactional, interpersonal psychoanalysis (attachment theory), and developmental psychology.
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