Regulatory Issues in Cam free essay sample

Some examples are: natural products, acupuncture, chiropractic, Feldenkrais Method, movement therapy, and through one’s own personal belief system. Natural Products Botanical Herbs Natural products are used on a wide range of medical conditions. Doctors of the western culture have embraced many of the natural products to treat conditions from diabetes, overweight and high blood pressure. Most recent DR. Oz has announced benefits of taking Chia seeds as supplements to help multiple body functions from lowering blood pressure to weight loss and digestion. According to Coley, Chia seeds are rich in omega-3’s and dietary fibers. According to the office of Dietary Supplements National Institution of Health, Botanical herbs are a plant or plant part/s that is valued as a medical or therapeutic purpose. To be called a supplement a Botanical herb has to be able to be ingested by the mouth as a pill, liquid, capsule or tablet. It also must contain dietary supplements and be intended for supplementing one’s diet. In addition to these standards, it must be printed on the supplement bottle that it is a supplement (NIH 2013). Mind Body Acupuncture Acupuncture can be dated back centuries to Oriental medicine. The process involves the different pressure points by penetration of the skin. According to the department of consumer affairs, an acupuncturist is allowed to engage in the practice of acupuncture, electro-acupuncture, perform or prescribe the use of oriental massage, acupressure, moxibustion, cupping, breathing techniques, exercise, heat, cold, magnets, nutrition, diet, herbs, plant, animal, and mineral products, and dietary supplements to promote, maintain, nd restore health pursuant to Business amp; Professions Code Section 4937. The practices of acupuncture, according to Fontaine, have been so successful for hundreds of years that now the practice is being used on cats, dogs and horses. This is done through veterinarians and those who are trained and certified to perform these tasks. Although acupuncture requires training and certification, the sister to this practice requires no major training or certification and is referred to by Fontaine as the over the counter version known as acupressure. This technique is similar to acupuncture in that it targets the pressure points using hand or finger pressure instead of needles similar to the type of pressure that a Chiropractor might use. Manipulation Body Based Chiropractic Chiropractic is a well-known type of therapy that is used to help those with spine or back problems. According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (2012) â€Å"practitioners may use a variety of treatment approaches, they primarily perform adjustments or manipulations to the spine or other parts of the body with the goal of correcting alignment problems, alleviating pain, improving function, and supporting the bodys natural ability to heal itself†. Chiropractors have been around for several hundred years and over the years have improved tremendously. There is always more research that can be done to improve the field as this research continues. According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (2012) â€Å"in the United States, chiropractic is often considered a complementary health practice†. Chiropractors usually do not take insurance. Patients seeking care will pay out-of-pocket for visits. Chiropractors work with their hands in order to get the patients spine aligned and usually do not use medical tools. Some will receive beneficial treatment, but this method does not work for everyone. Feldenkrais Method Feldenkrais Method is used in physical therapy. It is designed to improve cognitive ability and functionality (as they relate to muscle memory), through the simulation of an infant’s experimental movement. Each distinct pattern of movement can help with enhancing one’s self-awareness and self-image by a more natural and fluid movement. To accomplish this, practitioners employ two techniques simultaneously. Awareness through movement consists of sequences of movement following verbal prompts within a group setting. The goal of this technique is to increase mobility and sensitivity, while reducing muscular stress, which stimulates sensory motor learning. Functional integration consists of intense, hands-on methods, within a one-on-one setting. The goal of this technique is to promote changes within the body’s organization that enhances the efficiency of the muscular system resulting in improved coordination (Wildman, 1988). Traditional Chinese Medicine â€Å"Traditional Chinese Medicine† is an all-inclusive health system with a wide array of applications ranging from preventative techniques to the diagnosis and treatment of disorders. The focus is on the individual patient, rather than the illness (i. e. whole systems theory). The goals are to improve quality of life and to promote good health practices through the utilization of several techniques. Treatments can include various practices (i. e. diet, herbal remedies, massage therapy, Acupuncture, Qi Gong, Gua Sha, and Feng Shui). Qi. The Chinese believe that energy (qi) flows through every living thing, including nature. Energy is responsible for maintaining health and balance, and follows a path throughout the body, that is carefully mapped and gathers at strategic points (meridians). Each of the five forms of qi (i. e. in, wei, jing, zang, and zong) is responsible for energizing a different area of the body (Fontaine, 2011). Yin and yang. The concepts of Yin and Yang represent compatible opposites that when put together, form a complete whole. Yin controls bodily fluid for temperature regulation and represents impassiveness, while yang controls movement, supports matter, and represents action and assertiveness. They naturally balance one another, and a re completely dependent upon one another to function properly. Five phase theory. Forces of nature can be linked to specific organs within the human body. Five phase theory uses the correlation between the elements of fire, earth, metal, water, and wood to explain the natural cycle of life. Each element represents a different area, and corresponding function within the body (Fontaine, 2011). Five seasons theory. The four main directions on a compass, South, West, North, and East, are linked to four out of the five elements, and have a profound effect on the body. Earth (regarded as maturity and late summer) resides in the center; South, (regarded as the highest position of the sun), is linked to fire and summer. West, (regarded as the harvest), is linked to metal and autumn. North, (regarded as dormancy), is linked to water and winter. East, (regarded as growth), is linked to wood and spring (Fontaine, 2011). Three treasures theory. The combinations of elements that make up one’s life force are what make up the substance and function of the body, mind, and spirit (i. e. the three treasures). Although each of these is a separate entity, they are also the same however they are different representations, or manifestations, of one another, which directly influence physical and mental health (Fontaine, 2011). The increasing demands and operation of complementary and alternative medicines have need for physicians to concentrate on integrating these methods. Whereas complementary and alternative medicine concentrate on the unabridged person, either with the use of natural products, acupuncture, chiropractic, Feldenkrais Method, movement therapy, and through one’s own personal belief system, its uses has repute for good quality value amongst health conscious patients. These methods used to facilitate, deal with increased interest in wellness-promoting activities that have not characteristically been part of conventional medical care. The use of these methods recompense outweighs their costs. Through many research provided, yet again complementary and alternative medicines are a great way for people to get the help they need. References Browne, C. (2013). Chinese medicine offers relief for Fibromyalgia. Retrieved from http://www. acupuncture. com/newsletters/m_may13/fibromyalgia. htm Coley, J. (2013). How to import chia seeds. Retrieved from http://www. ehow. com/how_7500603_import-chia-seeds. html Fontaine, K. L. (2011). Complementary amp; alternative therapies for nursing practice (3rd ed. . Boston, MA: Pearson. National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (2012). Retrieved from http://nccam. nih. gov/health/chiropractic/introduction. htm Office of Dietary Supplement National Institute of Health. (2013). NIH. Retrieved from http://ods. od. nih. gov/factsheets/botanicalbackground-healthprofessional/ Wildman, F. (1988). Feldenkrais method: Clinical applications (physical therapy). Physical Therapy Fo rum, 7(6). Retrieved from http://www. feldenkraisinstitute. org/articles/c_clinical. html