An intro into different CAM methods

 A focused pressure technique aimed mainly at the hands and feet  Based on the premise that there are zones and reflexes in different parts of the body that correspond to all parts, glands, and organs in the entire body  Manipulation can release stress and enable the body to unblock passages in order to release blockages  Circulation is re-enhanced

 Promotes relaxation with removal of stress  Enhances circulation  Assists body to normalize metabolism naturally  Complements other healing modalities

 When reflexes are stimulated the body’s natural electrical energy works along the nervous system to clear blockages  Seems to break up deposits which can interfere with the flow of body’s energy  Do not diagnose medical conditions  Do not prescribe medications  Has been found to be effective in removing pain in women with severe premenstrual symptoms  Alleviate motor, sensory, and urinary symptoms in multiple sclerosis patients  Decrease anxiety and pain in cancer patients

 There is currently no formal credentializing in North America  Certification is available from educational institutions  Patients should seek a professional that is registered with a reputable organization

 Core acupuncture theory based in the principles of yin and yang; 5 phases; vital substances of the body (qi, blood, & fluids); viscera and bowels  Channels & networks are the pathways that carry qi, blood, and fluids throughout the body  Organs, skin, flesh, bones rely on free flow of qi and blood throughout the body via channels

 Stimulates the release of pain-relieving endorphines  Influences the release of neurotransmitters (substances that transmit nerve impulses to the brain)  Influences autonomic nervous system  Stimulates circulation  Influences electrical currents of the body

 Health history completed  Interview the client; diet, habits, health concerns, emotions, sleep, stress, etc  Notes taken on clients color, voice, color of tongue  3 pulse points in the wrist used to determine the meridians health of client  6-12 needles used on specific points of blockage  Typical session lasts minutes  Depth of needle not important on first visit; locating point of blockage is

 Anxiety  Sinusitis  Migraines and tension headaches  Addictions  Colds  Arthritis  Menstrual cramps  Fibromyalgia  Asthma  Weight-loss  Cancer  Infertility To name a few

 ACAOM: Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine established national standards and guidelines for becoming licensed to practice acupuncture  Every state, except CA, accepts the NCCAOM certification

 ACAOM website  NCCAOM website  Altmedicine.com

 Rubbing of soft tissues of the body, muscle  Helps reduce tension and pain, improve blood flow, encourage relaxation  80 different types of massage  Swedish- very gentle, massaging top layers of skin to increase blood flow, relieve muscle tension  Deep tissue- more intense, massaging with intense pressure  Trigger point- firm pressure on knots or tense muscles

 NCBTMB- National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork  Not covered by insurance

 Practice of the union between mind-body-spirit  Several different types of yoga  Most popular are hot or Bikram yoga, Vinyasa, Hatha  Physical, mental, and spiritual practice aimed at transforming the body and mind

 Discipline for attaining a goal  Technique used to control the body and mind  One of the schools of philosophy  Rise & expansion of consciousness  Analyze perception and cognition  Relieve certain ailments related to mind/body health  Recognize the power of self to heal and be well

 Not required to teach, some classes taught by people with many years of practice  There are certification programs available  Many studios offer workshops to get the necessary hours required to teach

 Selected use of essential oils and related products of plant origin with the goal of improving health & well-being  Essential oils defined by ISO (International Organization for Standardization): “Products obtained from natural raw materials by distillation with water or steam or from the epicarp of citrus fruits by a mechanical process or by dry distillation. The essential oil is subsequently separated from the aqueous phase by physical means” (Micozzi, 2011)

 Midwifery  Cancer and palliative care  Elder care  Special Needs  Psychiatry  Pain management  Sports rehabilitation  Therapy for staff and caregivers  Wound care

 Manual adjustment or manipulation of the spine  Manipulation used to restore mobility in joints restricted by tissue injury caused by stress, falls, or sitting without proper support  Primarily used to relieve pain in muscles, joints, bones, connective tissue, and tendons

 Can be helpful in relief of neck pain and headaches  No confirmed proof of the effectiveness  Do not go to chiropractor if you have osteoporosis, inflammatory arthritis, spinal cord compression, or take blood thinners  Cancer patients should consult their primary care physician  Provide accurate medical history  Some conventional doctors use chiropractors  Considered safe and effective  Duration of pain is lessened

 Undergraduate degree of college followed by 4 years of chiropractic school

Micozzi, Marc (2011). Fundamentals of Complementary and alternative medicine. St. Louis, MO: Saunders Elsevier. Retrieved from