Your Guide to Alternative Medicine: Understanding, Locating, and Selecting Holistic Treatments and Practitioners
Your Guide to Alternative Medicine: Understanding, Locating, and Selecting Holistic Treatments and Practitioners
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Overview
The world of complementary medicine offers safe and effective solutions to many health disorders, from backaches to headaches. You may be interested in alternative care approaches, but have a number of questions you’d like answered before choosing a treatment. “Will I feel the acupuncture needles?” “What is a homeopathic remedy?” Your Guide to Alternative Medicine provides the facts necessary to choose an effective complementary care therapy.
This comprehensive reference clearly explains numerous approaches in an easy-to-use format. For every complementary care option discussed, there is a description and brief history; a list of conditions that respond; information on cost and duration of treatment; credentials and educational background of practitioners; and more. To find those therapies most appropriate for a specific condition, a unique troubleshooting chart lists common disorders along with the complementary approaches best suited to treat them. Here is a reference that can help you make informed decisions about all your important healthcare needs.
Product Details
| ISBN-13: | 9780757051258 |
|---|---|
| Publisher: | Square One Publishers |
| Publication date: | 06/27/2013 |
| Sold by: | Barnes & Noble |
| Format: | eBook |
| File size: | 2 MB |
About the Author
Larry P. Credit received his doctorate in Oriental medicine from SAMRA University, and is a graduate of the New England School of Acupuncture.
Sharon G. Hartunian received a bachelor of science in psychology from Tufts University and a master of science in social work from Simmons College.
Margaret J. Nowak is a graduate of the New Hampshire Institute for Therapeutic Arts.
Read an Excerpt
Your Guide to Alternative MEDICINE
Understanding, Locating, and Selecting Holistic Treatments and PractitionersBy Larry P. Credit Sharon G. Hartunian Margaret J. Nowak
SQUARE ONE PUBLISHERS
Copyright © 2003 Larry P. CreditAll right reserved.
ISBN: 0-7570-0125-4
Chapter One
A-to-Z Guide to Alternative Medicine
Acupressure
WHAT IS IT?
Acupressure is the application of pressure, using fingers, thumbs, palms, or elbows, to stimulate, disperse, and regulate the body's healing energy. It is an approach based on the philosophies of Traditional Chinese Medicine (see page 151). Over many centuries, through trial and error, the Chinese developed a treatment system that uses the body's natural abilities. The main concept behind this system is that healing energy-chi-circulates throughout the body along specific pathways, called meridians. The flow of chi through the meridians connects all areas of the body much like the streets on a road map link various locations. It is possible, for example, to treat facial pain by applying pressure to a specific section of the hand, because a meridian connects the two areas.
The goal of Traditional Chinese Medicine is to keep the body in balance and harmony through the free flow of chi. Disease is a result of blockages in this energy current. Acupressure releases chi obstructions through the application of pressure atcertain points along the meridians.
CONDITIONS THAT RESPOND BEST
Acupressure is an appropriate treatment option for the relief or reduction of the following conditions:
Allergies
Anxiety
Arthritis
Asthma
Back pain
Bronchitis
Carpal tunnel syndrome, wrist pain
Chronic fatigue
Colic
Constipation
Depression
Disc problems
Dizziness
Eating disorders
Fibroids
Foot, ankle pain
Hay fever
Headaches, migraines
Hormonal imbalance
Hyper-, hypotension
Immune system weakness
Indigestion
Knee, hip, pelvic pain
Neck, shoulder pain
Neuralgia
Poor circulation
Premenstrual syndrome (pms)
Restricted breathing
Rheumatism
Sciatica
Sinus problems
Skin problems
Sleep disorders
Stress
Swollen lymph nodes
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) syndrome
Tennis elbow
Ulcers
Varicose veins
Water retention
HOW DOES IT WORK?
The practitioner chooses appropriate acupressure points and methods of treatment (the use of fingers, thumbs, palms, or elbows) according to the philosophies of Traditional Chinese Medicine, your specific condition, and your medical history. As the practitioner applies pressure to these points, obstructions in the flow of healing energy dissolve, your muscles and ligaments relax, and the body returns to healthier structure. The amount of pressure placed upon a particular point depends on your tolerance of that pressure. A deep, constant circular movement is the primary objective. Treatment time per point can range anywhere from a few seconds to five minutes, or until relief occurs.
The approach of acupressure is very similar to that of acupuncture (see page 16), since both types of treatment are based on the philosophies of Traditional Chinese Medicine. The main difference is that acupressure uses only finger, hand, and elbow pressure-no needles or substances are involved.
WHAT TO EXPECT
You should expect to be treated in a safe, clean, and comfortable environment. The practitioner will take a full medical history, including examination through observation and questioning. He or she will address all relevant information, characteristics, and symptoms. Next, the acupressurist will check the alignment of your spine. Results from these evaluations will determine the cause of the problem and the areas to be treated.
Acupressure sessions usually take place on a padded treatment table or on a treatment chair. You should wear comfortable clothing that allows for free movement. A treatment gown may have to be worn, depending on the part of body that requires therapeutic attention. The practitioner should be especially sensitive to draping procedures, making sure to expose only the necessary area.
A completed acupressure session will result in effects that are similar to those achieved by a massage, including: increased blood and nutrient circulation; the release of endorphins; and the elimination of waste matter, especially lactic acid, from the muscles. Because acupressure dislodges toxins, you may experience a sensation of lightheadedness, but it will pass quickly. To cleanse the system, it is recommended that you drink plenty of water after a treatment session.
COST/DURATION
$60-$90 per session/60 minutes
Response to acupressure varies according to the condition. Some acute problems, such as headaches and sinusitis, often are relieved after one session. Chronic conditions, such as arthritis, asthma, or sciatica, usually require a number of treatments before the body experiences a significant result.
CREDENTIALS/EDUCATION
AOBTA: American Organization for Bodywork Therapies of Asia
Diplomate in Asian Bodywork Therapy (NCCAOM): Diplomate in Asian Bodywork Therapy Dipl. A.B.T. (NCCAOM): Diplomate in Asian Bodywork Therapy NCBTMB: National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork
There is no state licensing specifically for the practice of acupressure in the United States. However, there are some states that have Massage/Bodywork licensing laws that include Acupressure in that category and accept the National Certification Exam for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCETMB) as part of its criteria. Further, some of these states also accept the NCCAOM (National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine) ABT (Asian Bodywork Therapy) Exam. Since licensing varies from state to state, it is recommended that you seek a practitioner who has graduated from and been certified by an accredited school of acupressure. The members of the organizations that are listed at the conclusion of this section are required to meet certain professional and academic standards. A referral from these organizations will indicate that an individual has received proper training.
Practitioners who are members of the American Organization for Bodywork Therapies of Asia may use AOBTA after their names to denote that they have met the criteria necessary to join this organization. There are two levels of membership. A Certified Practitioner has had a minimum of 500 hours of training. An Associate has a minimum of 150 hours of training. Those practitioners who have passed the ABT exam given by the NCCAOM can use either "Diplomate in Asian Bodywork Therapy (NCCAOM)" or "Dipl. A.B.T. (NCCAOM)". These practitioners have had a minimum of 500 hours of training.
HOW TO FIND A PRACTITIONER
The best way to find a practitioner of acupressure is to contact the professional organizations listed below to get a referral for an acupressurist in your area, or to a nearby acupressure training institute. Many schools offer training clinics that provide treatments at reduced rates. It is important to note that qualified practitioners of acupressure are not necessarily members of these organizations. Another way to locate an acupressurist is to look in the yellow pages under "acupressure"; "health services"; "holistic/wholistic centers"; and/or "holistic/wholistic practitioners."
PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
American Organization for Bodywork Therapies of Asia (AOBTA) 1010 Haddonfield-Berlin Road, Suite 408 Voorhees, NJ 08043-3514 (856) 782-1616 fax: (856) 782-1653 email: aobta@prodigy.net website: aobta.org
National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) 11 Canal Center Plaza, Suite 300 Alexandria, VA 22314 (703) 548-9004 fax: (703) 548-9079 email: info@nccaom.org website: nccaom.org
National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork 8201 Greensboro Drive, Suite 300 McLean, VA 22102 (800) 296-0664 or (703) 610-9015 email: info@ncbtmb.com website: ncbtmb.com
RECOMMENDED READING
Kenyon, Julian, M.D. Acupressure Techniques: A Self-Help Guide. Rochester, VT: Healing Arts Press, 1998.
ACUPUNCTURE
WHAT IS IT?
Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese method of healing that involves the insertion of fine needles at specific points on the body. Archaeologists now believe that acupuncture may have been practiced as far back as the Stone Age; needle-like instruments made of jade were discovered at excavation sites near the ancient city of Yin, China. Traditional Chinese Medicine (see page 151) is based on the concept that a universal life energy-chi-is present in every living creature. This energy circulates throughout the body along specific pathways, called meridians. As long as energy flows freely, health is maintained. If, however, the chi becomes blocked, the system is disrupted and pain and illness result. Acupuncture works to unblock the pathways by stimulating certain points along the meridians.
CONDITIONS THAT RESPOND BEST
According to the World Health Organization of the United Nations, some of the many conditions for which acupuncture is considered an appropriate treatment are:
Acne
Allergies
Anxiety
Arthritis
Asthma
Back pain
Bell's palsy
Bronchitis
Bursitis
Cerebral palsy
Colds and flus
Colitis
Constipation
Deafness
Depression
Diabetes
Diarrhea
Dizziness
Earaches
Eating disorders
Eczema
Eyesight problems
Hay fever
Headaches
Hemorrhoids
Hepatitis
High blood pressure
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
Hormonal imbalance
Hypoglycemia
Impotence
Indigestion
Infertility
Insomnia
Menstrual irregularities, cramps
Morning sickness
Neuralgia
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
Polio
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
Sciatica
Sinus infections
Sore throats
Sprains
Stiff neck
Stress-related disorders
Stroke
Substance abuse
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) syndrome
Tendonitis
Trigeminal neuralgia
Ulcers
Vaginitis
HOW DOES IT WORK?
Acupuncture stimulates physical reactions in the body, including changes in brain activity, blood chemistry, endocrine functions, blood pressure, heart rate, and immune system response. Medical research shows that acupuncture rouses the body's natural healing abilities to regulate red and white blood cell counts, trigger the production of endorphins, and control blood pressure. These findings begin to explain acupuncture's ability to affect a wide range of illnesses.
The practitioner will diagnose your condition and choose the appropriate acupuncture points according to the concepts of Traditional Chinese Medicine. The acupuncturist primarily uses two techniques: acupuncture and moxibustion.
Acupuncture, also called needle therapy, is the insertion of hair-thin, sterile, disposable needles into selected points on the body. When the needle stimulates the acupuncture point, a warm, tingling sensation often is felt. Moxibustion, also called heat therapy, involves the burning of a cigar-shaped roll of moxa-an herb also known as mugwort, or Artemisia vulgaris-above the acupuncture point. Another method includes laying a small slice of fresh ginger root directly on the treatment site, and then placing a piece of dried moxa on top of the ginger. The moxa is ignited, quickly burns on the ginger slice, and the juice from the ginger permeates the aching area. Moxibustion results in a deep penetrating heat and subsequent pain relief. The heat not only has a soothing effect, but also opens the pores of the skin, allowing the healing properties of the ginger to enter the body. Ginger is known for its ability to provide internal warmth. Moxibustion is an extremely effective treatment for conditions of weakness and sensitivity to cold.
The primary focus of acupuncture is to correct the underlying cause of the disease and to produce a lasting cure. Several factors determine the extent to which a person is helped by acupuncture and moxibustion. These include the nature and severity of the health problem, the length of time the problem has existed, and the amount of physical damage caused by the problem. But the most important factor is the strength of each person's recuperative powers, which encompasses a person's age, physical and emotional health, determination, and attitude towards the outcome of treatment.
WHAT TO EXPECT
You should expect to be treated in a safe, clean, and comfortable environment where privacy and confidentiality are maintained. The practitioner will take a full medical history, including examination through observation and questioning. He or she will address all relevant information, characteristics, and symptoms. Results from this evaluation will determine the cause of the problem and the areas to be treated.
Acupuncture sessions usually take place on a padded treatment table or on a treatment chair. You should wear comfortable clothing that allows for free movement. A treatment gown may have to be worn, depending on the part of the body that requires therapeutic attention. The practitioner should be especially sensitive to draping procedures, making sure to expose only the necessary area.
Many people worry that acupuncture will be painful, but treatments are practically painless. Acupuncture needles are hair-thin, sterile, stainless steel, disposable, and generally cause no bleeding. They are far different from the hypodermic needles used for injections. The skin is cleansed with alcohol before and after treatment. You may feel a minor tingling upon insertion, as the needle reaches the correct point under the skin. Sometimes a slight heat or numbness is experienced, but these sensations are only momentary. In most cases, the needles can hardly be felt at all; often, patients are unaware that insertion is taking place. Once a client has experienced the first session, he or she usually feels happy with the procedure and comfortable with returning for additional acupuncture treatments.
Most people who have been treated by acupuncture notice a considerable improvement in their general health. One of the greatest advantages of this approach is the absence of any harmful side effects associated with its use. Patients sometimes report feeling lightheaded, even euphoric, after treatments. In order to stabilize the body, a few moments of rest after a session is advised.
COST/DURATION
$60-$225 per session/approximately 50 minutes
The number of necessary treatments varies with different conditions; a chronic problem is likely to require a greater number of treatments than an acute problem, which can respond to a single acupuncture session. A series of six to ten treatments is considered typical. Acupuncture is more effective when treatments take place in close proximity to each other, such as having two or three sessions in one week.
CREDENTIALS/EDUCATION
C.A.: Certified Acupuncturist
Dipl.Ac. (NCCAOM): Diplomate in Acupuncture
Diplomate in Acupuncture (NCCAOM): Diplomate in Acupuncture
L.Ac.Lic.Ac.: Licensed Acupuncturist
M.Ac.: Master of Acupuncture
R.Ac.: Registered Acupuncturist
The regulation of acupuncture practice differs from state to state. While some do not require acupuncture practitioners to graduate from an accredited program, growing numbers of states have instituted this as a prerequisite for state licensure. A non-physician acupuncturist must have more than two years of training at an accredited program, be licensed or registered in your state if applicable, and/or have passed the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) exam, which requires at least 1,725 hours of acupuncture training. Safe and effective practice standards have been established by the NCCAOM. All practitioners certified by this commission or by the state comply with strict regulations for proper needle sterilization and handling.
A physician acupuncturist must have at least 200 hours of acupuncture training and should be a member of the American Academy of Medical Acupuncture, which requires proof of training for membership.
(Continues...)
Excerpted from Your Guide to Alternative MEDICINE by Larry P. Credit Sharon G. Hartunian Margaret J. Nowak Copyright © 2003 by Larry P. Credit . Excerpted by permission.
All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
Excerpts are provided by Dial-A-Book Inc. solely for the personal use of visitors to this web site.
Table of Contents
Contents
Acknowledgments
Introduction
Quick-Reference Table
Acupressure
Acupuncture
Alexander Technique
Aquatic Therapy
Aromatherapy
Ayurveda
Biofeedback
Bodywork
Chiropractic
CranioSacral Therapy
Exercise
The Feldenkrais Method
Flower Essences
Foot Reflexology
Hatha Yoga
Herbal Medicine
Holistic Dentistry
Homeopathy
Hypnotherapy
Lymphatic Massage
Massage
Myotherapy
Naturopathy
Nutritional Counseling
Polarity Therapy
Psychotherapy
Qigong
Reiki
Relaxation/Meditation
Rolfing
Shiatsu
Sports Massage
Swedish Massage
Tai Chi
Therapeutic Touch
Traditional Chinese Medicine
The Trager Approach
Trigger Point Therapy
Glossary
Practitioners’ Credentials
Professional Organizations
Bibliography
Index
Preface
Introduction
James Reston, correspondent to The New York Times, was visiting China in the hot summer of 1971. An attack of acute appendicitis forced him into the Anti-Imperialist Hospital in Peking. Reston detailed the significant experience that followed in a groundbreaking front-page article which appeared in The New York Times. He described an “intensely human and vibrant” atmosphere in which his medical emergency was deftly treated with a mixture of conventional medical practices and ancient Chinese healing arts. A local anesthetic was used to numb Reston’s mid-section, and surgery was performed. He remained conscious throughout the procedure, which was completed with “no complications, nausea or vomiting.” For post-surgical pain and discomfort, Reston received acupuncture and herbal medicine. These alternative medicine treatments resulted in “a noticeable relaxation of the pressure and distension [of the stomach] . . . and no recurrence of the problem thereafter.” With the appearance of this story, our nation was awakened to alternative medicine through a media voice that announced the healing potential of medical treatments that combine the “very old with the very new.”
In the same spirit of optimism and respect for the pairing of conventional and holistic/wholistic medicine, we have endeavored to introduce you to a number of alternative medicine approaches, so that you, too, can benefit from healthcare that encompasses current science and technology and the wisdom of the ages. We recognize that in order to encourage consumers of healthcare to try alternative medicine approaches, we must describe the treatments in a clear, direct manner, and then lay out the practical steps toward finding a trained practitioner.
This handbook is the key to understanding alternative medicine options. Our goal is to give you the basic facts and practical guidance necessary to choose an appropriate therapy and to successfully initiate treatment. In an easy-to-read, quick-referencing format, this text covers the following topics for each alternative medicine approach:
• What Is It?: a brief description and history of the approach.
• Conditions That Respond Best: what conditions are usually treated by this approach.
• How Does It Work?: the philosophy and procedures followed during therapy.
• What to Expect: what you will encounter when being treated.
• Cost/Duration: average cost and time ranges for treatment sessions.
• Credentials/Education: what you should consider regarding the background and training of practitioners.
• How to Find a Practitioner: the best ways to contact a practitioner.
• Professional Organizations: groups that are involved in disseminating information about the approach, licensing or certifying practitioners, and providing training and/or referrals.
• Recommended Reading: suggested resources for further information and study.
Alternative medicine, commonly referred to as holistic or wholistic healthcare, covers treatment options that generally are not a part of conventional medical practice. These approaches are viewed as complements to conventional Western medicine. In partnership with conventional medicine, the treatments can bolster your potential for health and recovery. It is clear that when it comes to emergency procedures and appropriate surgical interventions, conventional medicine excels. However, a combination of standard treatments and alternative medicine approaches can be very effective.
The belief that the mind influences the body and that the body, in turn, has an impact on the mind is a key element in the philosophy of alternative medicine. As a result, alternative medicine focuses on the health needs of the whole person. Practitioners strive to be aware of their clients’ health from a number of perspectives; physical, emotional, nutritional, and spiritual factors are considered. The emphasis of treatment is on the body’s ability to heal itself with the help of natural, non-invasive therapies that are effective and without harmful side effects.
Alternative medicine supports client education and encourages positive lifestyle changes. Practitioners serve dual roles as treatment specialists and teachers. They work in partnership with their clients, motivating them toward better health and helping to strengthen the internal healing potential of each individual.
Sometimes, terms used to describe alternative medicine can be confusing because of their holistic context. For example, balance, in holistic terms, refers to the equality between the body and the mind—both have equal influence on your health and both must operate optimally in order to minimize dysfunction. Likewise, the term harmony refers to the facile interaction of the systems of the body and mind. Restoring balance and harmony are often goals of alternative medicine. To assist you in better understanding alternative medicine approaches, we have provided the definitions of essential terms in the glossary.
While alternative medicine approaches are helpful for individuals experiencing chronic pain and seriously debilitating disorders, they also benefit those who are interested in maintaining health and preventing future problems. You do not need an illness or an injury to be treated. Just as a well-oiled machine functions smoothly, the magnificent human body operates at its best when cared for on a regular basis with health-enhancing regimens.
The overall goal of alternative medicine is to put your well-being into your own hands, so that you become an active participant in your recovery and/or health maintenance. We have researched approaches thoroughly and have interviewed numerous practitioners in our quest to bring you a concise, accessible handbook. Our hope is that you will consider this book a trusted guide to the healing realm of alternative medicine.
Please note that throughout this book, we refer to practitioners according to their education, certificates, and degrees. For example, a chiropractor is also a doctor, and is therefore termed as such in various places. As we work to popularize alternative care approaches, we also endeavor to erase the various stereotypes and prejudices that have formed around them. Practitioners of alternative medicine accomplish much study in, and exhibit tremendous commitment to, their chosen practices. We hope that the public will become increasingly comfortable using titles that properly refer to professionals who have trained so diligently in their specialties.
GUIDELINES FOR CHOOSING A THERAPY
In order to be a successful navigator of your own healthcare, it is important to know your treatment goals and personal inclinations, as well as the professional background, experience, and manner of the practitioner. The following guidelines offer helpful advice on how to go about deciding on an alternative medicine program.
Considering Various Treatments
When researching alternative medicine options, keep in mind the following pointers:
• Remain open. Welcome the opportunity to try something different. Accept the norm as but one solution to the puzzle, and expand your options to the unfamiliar.
• Determine your goals. What do you want to receive from alternative medicine? Whether you consider yourself healthy and wish to maintain this health, or you have an acute condition that you would rather live without, setting goals will act as a guide in choosing an approach.
• Explore. Investigate the various approaches and find the ones that best suit your goals. Build confidence by making new choices through knowledge. The more you know, the more control you have.
• Determine your comfort level. After exploring your options and finding appropriate treatments, shorten the list by assessing how comfortable you are with each approach. For example, while acupuncture, massage, and Therapeutic Touch are all treatments that can focus on eliminating headaches, each has its own method. Select the approach that is the best match for you. Remember to remain open. Often, comfort level increases as treatments progress and trust is established.
Choosing a Practitioner
When selecting a treatment specialist, consider the following suggestions so that you will find a practitioner who matches your expectations and needs:
• Take your time. Gather the names of practitioners by using the various sources available to you: for a referral in your area, contact the professional organizations listed at the end of each approach section in this book; get a recommendation from someone whose opinion you respect; look in your local yellow pages under the suggested categories in our How to Find a Practitioner sections. Call the practitioners and ask questions about their schooling, how long they have been practicing, and what their current licensing or certification is. Inquire about their fees, their general procedures with a new client, and their experience in treating your specific condition. Do not let yourself be pressured into setting up an appointment; have them send you a brochure. Explain that you are in the process of gathering information and are not ready to make a commitment.
• Review the information. Because you have done your research, you will be able to quickly assess if the practitioner has the proper qualifications. When making a final decision, carefully review all of the information that you have gathered, and keep the total package in mind. How were the practitioners’ phone manners? Did they sound professional? Were they willing to talk about their educational backgrounds and treatment procedures? Are you comfortable with their qualifications? Did they have standard fees or were they hesitant to discuss money? Because it is important to feel at ease with a practitioner, it may be wise to have an initial consultation with him or her before making a final decision. Trust your judgment concerning your confidence in the skills and personal manner of each practitioner so that, upon final selection, an optimal healing relationship can be established.
• Use the first appointment as an evaluation. Approach the appointment with your goals clearly established. Review these goals with the practitioner and organize a treatment plan. The program should be well-focused, allowing you to budget your time and expenses while guiding you in attaining your goals. Discuss possible side effects and/or adverse reactions. Do not be afraid to ask questions. Remember that you are in charge.
Evaluating Your Experience
After a consultation and/or treatment session, fill out the following assessment form. The results will provide a concise, focused critique of the treatment specialist.