Running Head: COMPLEMENTARY & ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE

Complementary and Alternative Medicine

Miles Holt

HW499-01: Bachelors Capstone in Heath & Wellness

Unit 5 Assignment Website Pt. 2

Prof. Edward Eaves

31 July 2013

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COMPLEMENTARY & ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE

Complementary and Alternative Medicine

Materials for the course: Course syllabus, Lecture notes and Handout will be provided for each

class.

Requirements: This class is open to the local community center and anyone who wants to

attend.

Course Overview: Over the next three days we will discuss Complementary and Alternative

Medicine (CAM), what CAM is and some of the different modalities of CAM.

Course Objectives: By the end of this three day class you will able to identify and compare

some of the different methodological approaches and theoretical concepts of CAM. You will

have a better understanding of mind-body medicine and manipulative-body based methods and

how they differ from conventional medicine.

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Course Syllabus

Day one

1. Introduction/About Me

2. Introduction to CAM

A. What is CAM?

B. Types of CAM approaches

C. Who uses CAM?

3. Questions and answering session

Day Two

1. Overview of manipulative and body based methods.

2. Massage therapy

A. What is massage therapy

B. How does massage therapy work

C. Types of massage therapy

3. Reflexology

A. What is reflexology

B. Why people use reflexology

4. Questions and answering session

Day Three

1. Overview of mind-body medicine

2. Diaphragmatic Breathing

A. What is diaphragmatic breathing

B. How to diaphragmatic breath

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C. Benefits of diaphragmatic breathing

3. Meditation

A. What is meditation?

B. How to meditate

C. Types of meditation

4. Question and answering session

5. Class will end with a short meditation exercise.

Hand Outs for Day One, Two and Three

Day One Lecture Notes

Introductions/About Me:

I would like to welcome you all to this three day class on Complementary and Alternative

Medicine (CAM). Over the next three days we will discuss the numerous topics described on the

syllabus. Each class will last approximately one and half hours and each day we will cover

different methodological approaches and theoretical concepts of CAM. There will be time at the

end of each class for questions you might have regarding the topic covered. The last day of class

will end with a short guided meditation session.

About Me:

My name is Miles Holt, you can call me Miles. I am a senior at Kaplan University

studying Health and Wellness. I was born and raised in Nashville, Tennessee. I served for 23

years in the United States Army. Since my retirement from the army I have worked and traveled

to various places around the world before permanently making my home in beautiful British

Columbia, Canada. My extracurricular activities include fitness training, photography and

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aviation. My educational and professional goals are to obtain a BS from KU and work in the

field of Health and Wellness.

I have fitness certifications in the United States and Canada. US certifications: US Army

Master Fitness Instructor, ACE Fitness certified with specialty certification as a Personal trainer,

Group fitness instructor, and Advanced health & fitness specialist. Canadian certification:

British Columbia Recreation and Parks Association (BCRPA) Certified as a Personal Trainer,

and Group Fitness Instructor.

Overview of CAM

CAM has been around for as long as I can remember. I remember my mother using some

crazy remedies for relieving a fever that I had as a child. I recall her telling me that if I had a leg

cramp to soak in hot water with Epson salt. According to Micozzi (2011) CAM can trace its

roots to its use during the American frontier from 1492-1942, when the early settlers came to the

new world with their practices for healing patients, only to find that the natives were using

techniques passed down from generations and using medicines made from natural grown plants

to accomplish the same thing (p. 3). Almost everyone has used some form of CAM in their

lifetime; CAM has come a long way since the frontier days. People all over the world consider

CAM use just as important and effective as biomedicine.

What is CAM?

The National Institute of Health describes CAM as a diverse group of medical practices

and use of natural products that are not considered to be mainstream western or conventional

medicine. Western medicine, sometimes called allopathic medicine focuses on healing physical

symptoms is practiced by medical doctors (MD), doctors of osteopathy (DO) and allied health

professionals such as registered nurses, physical therapist, and psychologist process (NIH,

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2013). Eastern medicine uses a more holistic approach to healing by focusing on the whole body

therapeutic process. Techniques such as acupuncture, herbal therapy, massage, and meditation

therapy provide comical and natural order of healing which focuses on the total person as well as

the physical person (Schlitz & Amorok & Micozzi, 2005).

Types of CAM

There are many different types of CAM practices and as explained earlier, CAM has been

around for a long time and almost everyone has used some form of CAM in their lifetime. The

National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) has classified and

placed CAM use into five categories.

1. Alternative Medical Systems use therapy such as Acupuncture, a technique in which

practitioners stimulate specific points on the body by inserting thin needles through

the skin to relieve pain or stress. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) uses a complete

system of medicine that combines practices such as acupuncture, herbal therapy,

massage, and meditation therapy to correct an imbalance of some aspect of vital energy

Qi a vital energy of life (NCCAM, 2013).

2. Mind-body medicine use therapies designed to enhance the minds capacity to affect

body functions and symptoms. Techniques such as diaphragmatic breathing also known

as deep breathing is known to help with relaxation, stress, headaches, depression and

anxiety. Yoga focuses on physical postures which have an effect on the mind, body, and

spirit. Yoga is known to aid in relaxation, sleep, pain relief, stress and a number of health

related problems (NCCAM, 2013).

3. Biologically-Based Therapies use substances such as diet, dietary supplements, and

herbal products as CAM practices (NCCAM, 2013).

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4. Manipulative and Body-Based Methods use manipulation and movement of one or

more parts of the body. Practices such as reflexology which focuses on areas of the feet

and hands that correspond to specific organs, glands and other parts of the body to relieve

stress and tension. Massage therapy which is used to relieve stress, tension, pain relief,

support rehabilitation and enhance relaxation (NCCAM, 2013).

5. Energy Therapies involves the use of energy fields that surround or penetrate the human

body. Exercises such as Qigong and Tai Chi which uses a combination of movement,

meditation and breathing to balance the flow of energy through the body to affect health

(NCCAM, 2013).

.Who uses CAM?

It is evident that people are moving towards Complementary and Alternative Medicine

(CAM) use in today’s society. CAM and its different modalities when used together are great

for healing the human body as a whole and not just treating the symptom. Proper diet and

nutrition are essential to staying healthy and fit. Using substances found in nature, such as herbs,

foods, and vitamins to strengthen, heal, and balance the body, taking vitamins and supplements

help keep your mind clear, your body strong and well balanced (CCFA, 2009).

According to the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) an increasing number of

American’s have used or are currently using some form of CAM and its different modalities.

Natural products and dietary supplements is the most used form of CAM followed by mind-body

practices such as message, meditation, diaphragmatic breathing, yoga, chiropractic and

osteopathic manipulation (NCCAM, 2013).

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Questions

This concludes the first day of class. I will gladly answer any questions you may have

about any of the topics covered today.

Day Two Lecture Notes

Manipulative and Body-Based Methods Overview

Manipulative and body-based practices use movement of one or more parts of the body as

a means of achieving health and healing. These CAM practices place their focus primarily on

the manipulation of bones, joints, soft tissue, the circulatory and lymphatic systems.

Interventions and therapies such as chiropractic and osteopathic manipulation, massage therapy,

reflexology, Rolfing, Alexander technique, Therapeutic touch and Feldenkrais method all fall

under the manipulative and body-based CAM practices. Some of these practices have been used

as traditional medicine for centuries in countries like China, India and Egypt. In America

practices such as chiropractic and osteopathic manipulation are young in its existence requiring

practitioners to have formal training in anatomy and physiology. While chiropractic and

osteopathic manipulation use rapid movement to achieve the goals of health and healing,

practices such as massage therapy use a slow intense movement to get deep into the soft tissue to

relieve pain and produce proper blood flow in the body (NCCAM, 2013).

What is Massage Therapy?

Massage therapy, also known as Swedish massage is one of the most popular used forms

of CAM therapy in the United States. The therapist usually press, rub and use long, slow smooth

strokes to penetrate deep into muscle and soft tissue. They most often use their hand, fingers,

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elbows, forearms or feet to massage body parts using oils and lotions to reduce friction on the

skin. A message session may be fairly brief or last an hour or longer (Medicine.net, 2013).

How does massage therapy work?

The use of message therapy is helpful in relieving pain without the use of pharmaceutical

drugs. Massage is believed to support healing, boost energy, reduce recovery time after an

injury, ease pain and enhance relaxation, mood, and well-being. It is useful for many

musculoskeletal problems, such as low back pain, osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, sprains and

strains. Clinical studies show that massage relieves chronic back pain more effectively than

other treatments (including acupuncture and conventional medical care for this condition) and, in

many cases, costs less than other treatments (Medicine.net, 2013).

Types of massage therapy

Swedish message may be the most popular used technique in the United States, but there

are other types of massage therapies.

Sports massage, similar to the Swedish massage is specifically tailored to athletes.

Deep tissue and trigger point massage focuses on knots in the muscles that may cause

symptoms elsewhere in the body.

Thai massage uses a series of yoga like stretches that are both energizing and relaxing.

Aromatherapy massage use highly concentrated plant oils called essential oils, added to

the massage oil. The aroma of the oils when inhaled affects the limbic system which

controls the emotions and influences the nervous system and hormones. The effects of an

aromatherapy massage can be calming, uplifting, energizing, cleansing and decongesting

(Wong, 2013).

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What is Reflexology?

Reflexology is a manipulative body-based form of CAM that involves manipulation of

the feet and hands. There are reflex areas on the feet and hands that are linked to organs, glands

and other parts of the body. The tips of the toes reflect the head; the balls of the feet reflect the

chest area and heart, the arches of the feet reflect the kidneys, pancreas and liver, and the heels

reflect the lower back and intestines. By applying pressure to certain reflex areas on the feet and

hands can promote health in corresponding organs through energetic pathways. Reflexology was

introduced as a form of zone therapy by Dr. William H. Fitzgerald in 1915 and further developed

in the 1930’s by American physiotherapist Eunice Ingram (Wong, 2013).

Why do people use Reflexology?

Reflexology is becoming more popular as a form of CAM. Americans are using

reflexology as a way to relieve stress related conditions, sore feet, improve circulation, reduce

pain and improve overall healing. Reflexology is being used in hospitals as a post-op recovery

and palliative care. The American cancer society found that one-third of cancer patients are

using reflexology as a CAM treatment. It is also noted that while this treatment is helpful, it

should not replace medical treatment.

Questions

This concludes the second day of class. I will gladly answer any questions you may have

about any of the topics covered today.

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Day Three Lecture Notes

Overview of Mind-body Medicine

Mind-body medicine is a CAM therapy used to enhance the minds capacity to positively

influence health, affect body functions and symptoms. Mind-body medicines roots can be traced

back to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TMC). The Chinese believe there is an important link

between the mind and body with Qi being the basis for all therapeutic modes of TMC including

acupuncture, herbal therapy, massage, relaxation, and meditation therapy (Schlitz & Amorok &

Micozzi, 2005).

Types of Mind-body Medicine

Forms of mind-body medicine include:

Biofeedback - involves patients who are trained to improve their health by learning to

control certain internal body functions such as blood pressure and heart rate.

Cognitive behavioral therapy - which is used to help patients change dysfunctional

thought patterns.

Relaxation Techniques - such as diaphragmatic breathing also known as deep breathing is

known to help with relaxation, stress, headaches, depression and anxiety.

Yoga - focuses on physical postures which have an effect on the mind, body, and spirit.

Yoga is known to enhance relaxation, sleep, relieve pain, stress and benefit a number of

health related problems (NCCAM, 2013).

What is Diaphragmatic Breathing?

Diaphragmatic breathing is known by many names such as abdominal breathing, belly

breathing, or deep breathing. Diaphragmatic breathing has been noted to ease pain during child

birth and other stressful situations. This style of deep breathing has been shown to relax the

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body and present a calming effect allowing for a slower and deeper breathing cycle.

Diaphragmatic breathing is also thought to have therapeutic power associated with higher

consciousness or spirituality (Seaward, 2009).

How to diaphragmatic breath

Breathing is something we do normally, most of us were taught at an early age to breathe

using the top part of the chest and thoracic cavity while placing little emphases on the lower

abdominal movement. Diaphragmatic breathing involves slow and deep inhalation through the

nose and exhalation through the mouth placing while placing increased emphases on the lower

abdominal movement (Seaward, 2009).

Benefits of diaphragmatic breathing

The benefits of diaphragmatic breathing have been noted to aid in child birth, stressful

situations, relax the body and present a calming effect allowing for a slower and deeper breathing

cycle. Diaphragmatic breathing is also thought to have therapeutic power associated with higher

consciousness or spirituality (Seaward, 2009).

Meditation

Meditation as a form of CAM is a crucial component of mental and spiritual fitness

because it tempers the mind and spirit. Mediation helps quite the mind and the thoughts that pass

through it. Meditation can increase your attention-span and awareness of yourself. Self-

awareness leads to more meaningful relations and understanding. This also helps the mind by

tempering the spirit. Meditation is one of the easiest practices we can adopt for inner peace and

human flourishing (Dacher, 2006).

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How to Meditate

Meditation is one of the easiest practices and anyone can do it. It’s inexpensive, requires

little space and no equipment. All you need to do is close your eyes, think of calming thoughts,

relaxation and inner peace. Once you inter a state of total relaxation, focus on eliminating the

jumbled web of stressful thoughts resulting in an enhanced physical and emotional state of well-

being.

Types of Meditation

There are several types of meditation and relaxation practices you can use to relieve

stress and find inner peace.

Guided meditation – uses guided imagery or visualization of places you find relaxing to

place you in a state of relaxation. Using your senses of smell, sound, sight and texture is

helpful to relax. This type of meditation can be done with the assistance of an instructor

or you can do it alone.

Mantra meditation – Repeating a calming word, phrase or thought to prevent distracting

thoughts places you in a state of relaxation and inner peace.

Mindfulness meditation – Helps you to become aware of living in the present moment,

and to broaden your conscious awareness. This type of meditation allows you to observe

thoughts and emotions and let them pass without judgment.

Qi gong – is used to restore and maintain balance. This type of meditation combines

meditation, relaxation, physical movement and breathing exercises. Qi gong is part of

Traditional Chines Medicine (TMC).

Tai chi – is a form of Chines martial arts that uses slow graceful movements while

practicing deep breathing to promote relaxation and inner calm.

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Yoga – uses a series of postures and controlled breathing exercises to promoted

flexibility and a calm mind. This type of meditation requires balance and deep

concentration; it allows you to focus on the moment and less on the stressors of the day

(Mayo Clinic, 2013).

Questions

This concludes the last day of class. I will gladly answer any questions you may have

about any of the topics covered today. Class will end with a short guided meditation exercise.

Day One Hand Outs

CAM has been around from the 1400’s to today.

CAM uses a holistic approach to healing by focusing on the whole body therapeutic

process.

There are many different types of CAM practices.

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The National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) shows an increasing number of

American’s have used or are currently using some form of CAM and its different

modalities.

Day Two Hand Outs

Manipulative and body-based practices use movement of one or more parts of the body as

a means of achieving health and healing.

Massage therapy, also known as Swedish massage is one of the most popular used forms

of CAM therapy in the United States.

Massage is believed to support healing, boost energy, reduce recovery time after an

injury, ease pain and enhance relaxation, mood, and well-being.

There are several types of massage therapies.

Reflexology is a manipulative body-based form of CAM that involves manipulation of

the feet and hands.

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Americans are using reflexology as a way to relieve stress related conditions, sore feet,

improve circulation, reduce pain and improve overall healing.

Day Three Hand Outs

Mind-body medicine is a CAM therapy used to enhance the minds capacity to positively

influence health, affect body functions and symptoms.

There are many forms of mind-body medicine such as Biofeedback, Cognitive behavioral

therapy, Relaxation Techniques, and Yoga.

Diaphragmatic breathing and its benefits.

Meditation as a form of CAM and the many types of meditation.

References

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CCFA. (2009). Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM). Retrieved August 3, 2013

form Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America:

http://www.ccfa.org/media/pdf/FactSheets/CAM.pdf

Dacher, E. (2006). Integral health. The path of human flourishing. Laguna Beach, CA: Basic

Health Publications, Inc.

Images courtesy of Google

NCCAM. (2013). 5 types of complementary and alternative medicine. Retrieved August 2, 2013

from http://nccam.nih.gov/health/whatiscam

NCCAM. (2013). Manipulative and body-based practices. Retrieved August 2, 2013 from

http://nccam.nih.gov/health/whatiscam

NIH. (2013). Complementary and alternative medicine. Retrieved August 2, 2013 from

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/complementaryandalternativemedicine.html

Mayo Clinic. (2013 ). Meditation: A simple, fast way to reduce stress. Retrieved August 4, 2013

from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/meditation/HQ01070

Medicine.net. (2013). Defining massage therapy. Retrieved August 3, 2013 from

http://www.medicinenet.com/massage_therapy/page2.htm

Micozzi, M. S. (2011). Fundamentals of complementary and alternative medicine. St. Louis,

MO: Saunders/Elsevier.

Schlitz, M., & Amorok, T., & Micozzi, M.S. (2005). Consciousness & Healing: Integral

Approaches to Mind-Body Medicine. St. Louis, Missouri: Elsevier Churchill

Livingstone. (pp. 397-433).

Seaward, Brian. (2009). Managing Stress: Strategies for Health and Wellbeing. 6th Edition.

(chap. 17) Sudbury, MA; Jones and Bartlett.

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Quantum Health. (n.d.). About mind/body medicine. Retrieved August 4, 2013 from

http://www.quantumhealth.com/news/about_mind_body_medicine.html

Wong, C. (2007). Massage therapy. Retrieved August 4, 2013 from

http://altmedicine.about.com/od/massage/Massage_Therapy.htm

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