Posts Tagged holistic health
Courses in Complementary Medicine
Today’s courses in complementary medicine are not at all like what some may believe to be. A matter of fact, while there is a growing number of healing arts schools that provide these and other holistic health programs, some traditional colleges and schools have begun offering integrative medicine courses to those interested in treating patients holistically.
For example, were you aware that courses in complementary medicine are offered to the general public; as well as to healthcare providers and medical students? In addition to reaching a broad educational base, complementary medicine courses can be taken both online and at physical campus locations. And will sometimes provide community-based training programs to those interested in home herbal remedies, organic gardening, and self-massage techniques, and more.
Some of the more popular courses in complementary medicine include botanical medicine, nutrition and health, Ayurveda, and massage therapy, among others. In herbal (botanical) medicine, students are taught the foundations of the healing art; including studies in the history and philosophy of botanical medicine, how to prepare formulas, research, and toxicology.
If integrating holistic nutrition into your scope of practice appeals to you, then courses in complementary medicine that entail holistic nutrition might be right for you. Typical subject matter entails macro and micronutrients, phytonutrients, supplements and vitamins, whole foods, and patient communications, and other related studies.
Some courses in complementary medicine may lead to a certificate, diploma or a degree. For instance, there are a number of alternative health programs that are very comprehensive in nature. Students enrolled in these courses of study gain extensive education and clinical training in applied biomedical sciences in complementary medicine, homeopathy, reflexology, holistic nutrition, health psychology and sociology, bodywork therapies, aromatherapy, and herbal medicine, among others.
Students aspiring to become professional practitioners in naturopathy, homeopathy, chiropractic, Oriental medicine or massage therapy should note that these courses in complementary medicine vary in program length, tuition cost, and prerequisites. Therefore, it is always wise to explore the field in which you are interested, and what education is necessary prior to applying to the particular course of study.
you (or someone you know) are interested in learning more about these or other natural health courses, let professional training within fast-growing industries like massage therapy, homeopathy, acupuncture
, oriental medicine, Reiki, and others get you started! Explore courses of complementary medicine near you.
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What is Oriental Medicine?
Oriental medicine is a system of healthcare that seeks to treat the whole person, as all holistic health methods do. Balancing the mind, body and spirit, Oriental medicine therapies like acupuncture, herbal medicine, acupressure, Tuina, and other Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) applications have been in existence before the dawn of modern civilization. A matter of fact, Oriental medicine predates the birth of Christ by nearly 5,000 years.
In addition to nutritional counseling, modern Oriental medicine practitioners commonly use a combined variety of natural healing therapies including acupuncture, Tai Chi, moxibustion, cupping, and Chinese herbal medicine, among others, when treating patients.
Acupuncture in Oriental medicine is based on the foundation that the body contains meridians; also known as energy channels. These meridians have “acupoints” that control the flow of “chi,” or life energy. The theory behind this Oriental medicine technique is that by inserting fine, hair-like needles into these acupoints, underlying pathologies (of health conditions) can be relieved. How? The philosophy is that needle insertion (at respective acupoints) removes blockages, and allow the Chi to flow freely and unobstructed throughout the meridians. This, in part, balances the life force and is believed to restore health and balance to the body.
A unique form of acupuncture that some Oriental medicine doctors administer is auriculotherapy. This particular needling technique involves the insertion of acupuncture needles along the meridians of the outer ear. Acupuncturists, who provide this treatment are often specially trained and certified for this procedure.
Oriental medicine practitioners may also treat patients with moxibustion or cupping therapies. In moxibustion, the herb “mugwort,” or moxa is used. This herbal medicine is ground and burned, and applied at acu-points; or at the tips of acupuncture needles. This Oriental medicine is intended to warm these regions and to stimulate better circulation of Chi.
Cupping in Oriental medicine is a therapy whereby a cup (or cups) is applied to the skin as a vacuum. For instance, heat or flames are often briefly applied to the inside of the cup(s) and quickly placed upon the skin. This creates a vacuum-like suction upon the skin. Oriental medicine practitioners may slide the cup from one acu-point to another to promote healing and pain relief. This technique is known simply as “gliding.”
Oriental medicine doctors may also prescribe Tai Chi and Qigong as a natural health exercise to patients. As a slow-motion, martial art, Tai Chi is known for its stress-reducing affects. In addition, it is a great way to improve balance and to gain increased flexibility and range of motion in joints and muscles. Qigong is commonly integrated with Tai Chi as a breathing exercise to improve and maintain health.
As with any health practitioner, it is important to check the credentials of the prospective Oriental medicine doctor. Acupuncturists and Oriental medicine practitioners should be licensed to practice in the State where they reside. To attain licensure, many States require these practitioners to be certified with the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM).
Interested in learning more about this or other TCM therapies? Let professional training within fast-growing industries like massage therapy, holistic health, acupuncture, oriental medicine, Reiki, and others get you started! Explore Oriental medicine courses near you.
Tags: acupuncture, acupuncture needles, acupuncturists, balance, balance and, chinese herb, chinese herbal, chinese medicine, exercise, health, herbal, herbal medicine, holistic health, massage, massage therapy, muscle, muscles, pain relief, treatmentRelated posts
A Look at Alternative Medicine and Conventional Medicine
Alternative medicine and alternative therapies are therapeutic practices, which are currently not considered as an integral part of conventional medicine. Conventional medicine is the current mainstream medical system of diagnosis and treatment of disease. However, an increasing desire for wellness, in response to today’s stressful lifestyle and rising incidences of cancer, disease and illness, has led to the rising demand for alternative medicine and therapies. It is true that many people are becoming disenchanted with conventional medicine’s drugs and the approach to healing.
What is the difference between conventional medicine and alternative medicine? In general, conventional medicine tends to focus on the disease and employs techniques to treat it. It views the body as a war zone where battles against invading organisms are fought, and won or lost. It focuses more on techniques, technology, chemical reactions that can be measured, statistically proven and documented. Treatment is on the part of the body that is displaying the symptoms of the illness or disease.
On the other hand, alternative medicine tends to be “holistic”, where an individual’s health is considered as a whole and treatment not just focused on the symptoms. Alternative medicine employ “natural” methods to aid the healing powers of the body to return to a state of health. Treatment is holistic; that is it takes into account every aspect of a patient and not just on the health symptoms that he or she is experiencing.
Contrary to popular belief, alternative medicine has a history longer than conventional medicine. Much of alternative medicine is derived from ancient healing techniques. For instance, the use of herbs is practiced all over the world since a long time ago; whether in India as ayurvedic medicine, in China as traditional Chinese medicine or used as aromatherapy which can be traced back to ancient Egyptian times.
There are a full range of alternative medicine and complementary therapies. They include acupuncture, energy healing, hypnosis, flower essences therapy, EFT, homeopathy, etc – all aimed at restoring the body back to balance and thus helping an individual achieve total wellness.
It would seem that after the above explanations, alternative medicine is superior to conventional medicine. This will not be an accurate view for all health situations. Conventional medicine, does in fact, have a place in health treatment. Conventional medical interventions such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and antibiotics do bring benefits. They can prevent death, pain and give hope to people to walk again, provide instant relief, and also, provide a new functioning organ in place of a diseased and ailing one.
Also, alternative practitioners do not condemn conventional medical practices altogether. Their belief is somewhat different, however. That these conventional medical interventions should not be the first choice of treatment, as it often is. The point is that most tend to seek natural or alternative medicine as the last resort. Seeking holistic treatment as a last ditch for health and life is not a very good idea as alternative medicine takes a long time to show positive healing benefits.
For the general public, I guess it is important to realize that there are more ways than one in the aspect of health. Fortunately, with the advent of the holistic health movement over the last two decades, a growing number of conventional doctors are now recognizing that health is more than the absence of disease. Many more medical doctors practice “integrative” medicine, where they combine research-backed alternative medical treatments with the best of conventional allopathic medicine. This may just be the best way to go. The overall objective to aim in the environment of today and tomorrow is for a higher standard of health; in short, total wellness.
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