Complementary and Alternative Medicine

Professor: Samantha Klym

Lesson 1: What is CAM

Complementary and Alternative medicine has been becoming more popular. Many people are willing to try CAM instead of western medicine.

It has been found that 40% of adults are using CAM.

This type of practice is not usually seen in Western medical schools or hospitals.

5 Different Classifications

The five different classifications are:

Whole Medical Systems

Mind-Body Medicine

Biologically bases practices

Manipulative and body-based practices

Energy Medicine

Benefits of CAM

Treats the body as a whole. CAM doesn’t look to healing symptoms but the entire illness.

The client gets a lot of one on one attention. In traditional medicine, the doctors are strapped for time. Not when it comes to CAM, the professionals don’t want to rush the clients out.

Focuses a lot on prevention as well. Traditional medicine treats the symptoms followed by well visits. CAM focuses on the whole body and the future of the illness.

What is Yoga?

When you think of yoga; you think about the body is weird twisted poses.

Yoga is a 5000 year old practice that started in India. It comes from the word “Yuj” which means; to unite or integrate. (what is yoga? 2015)

The main point of practicing yoga is to harmonize your mind and body with breathing techniques.

Yoga Benefits

Benefits of yoga:

flexibility

strength

relaxation

reduces stress

Yoga and Stress

Since yoga uses certain breathing techniques, it helps reduce stress.

It also helps with stress because it is a physical activity.

Yoga is a nice escape for your brain.

Basic Yoga Moves & How to Improve

Childs Pose:

Downward Dog:

Warrior:

Tree Pose:

Triangle Pose:

Seated Twist:

Yoga Handout:

Lesson 2: MeditationWhat is Meditation?

Meditation is where your mind is in a deep sense of peace. It is a higher level of awareness. Meaning, the mind is calm and there is a inner transformation going on.

Benefits of Meditation

Physical Benefits

Lowers blood pressure

Lowers pain; ulcers, insomnia, muscle/joint problems, etc.

Improves immune system

Increase energy levels

Meditation Benefits Cont’:

Personal Transformation

During meditation you will lear more about yourself.

Mental Benefits

Improves emotional stability

Happiness increases

Anxiety decreases

Increases Creativity

Meditation and StressMeditation helps with focusing attention, relaxing your breath, done in a comfortable position/area, and in a quiet setting. All of these techniques will definitely help with reducing stress.

Starting Meditation

There are countless amount of ways to meditate.

Keep trying different techniques until one feels right for you.

Some community centers, local colleges, HMO’s might have affordable classes to help with meditation.

Meditation Handout/Exercise

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xoYnqvadurg

Lesson 3: Acupuncture

What is acupuncture?

Acupuncture originally started in China and has been practiced for thousands of years. Acupuncture uses small thin needles that are inserted in the patients skin.

Benefits of Acupuncture

Acupuncture is safe.

Few Side effects.

A good combination treatment.

Controls some pain.

Great alternative for someone who doesn’t want to take pain medications.

Acupuncture and Stress

Most people who get regular acupuncture treatment will tell you that they feel relaxed and peaceful during and after treatment and they also seem to handle big and small stresses and challenges of life with greater ease. (L.Jones, 2014)

When to Use Acupuncture

Head- If someone is suffering from monthly migraines, electroacupuncture would be beneficial.

Noses- Help with seasonal allergy problems.

Throat- Can help with acid reflux and heartburn.

Heart- Will decrease stress and lower blood pressure.

Immune System- Depending on where the needles are placed, it can help boost one’s immune system.

Back- Acupuncture can help with lowering back discomfort.

Mood- Can help with one’s depression or anxiety. Acupuncture will regulate the neurotransmitters (happy) in your brain.

Sleep- This practice can help someone that suffers from insomnia.

Menopause- This can help with certain symptoms of menopause that can be uncomfortable for a woman.

Weight- It has been shown that acupuncture can help someone with their weight loss.

Acupuncture Near You

http://www.acupuncturespec.com/

Cherry Hill Advanced Acupuncture Therapy is close to us. Here is their website that gives great information about them. That is if anyone is interested.