What You Need to Know

Rhonda Stanton – Kaplan University

What is CAM?CAM – Complementary Alternative Medicine

Various Types of CAM:HomeopathyAyurvedicNaturopathicChiropraticHerbalMassage TherapyReiki

Why CAM?

1970’s Cultural Revolution in China

1998 National Institute of Health established the National Center for Complementary & Alternative Medicine (NCCAM).

Benefits of HerbsHerbal treatments are one of my favorite

CAM’s. Herbs are natural plants with medicinal properties. That date back to over 100 BC.

Most Herbal treatments are safe, however there are many that are not, and when you are using herbs as supplemental care it is important to discuss these with your physician.

Green Tea

Green Tea has become a favorite herbal remedy treatment

A great source of high levels of antioxidantsPolyphenols are effective in preventing CancerStudies in mice have shown Green Tea may

help reduce DNA damage in skin cellsA study in China found that Green Tea may

assist in preventing esophageal cancer

TurmericTurmeric is an Herb that I personally swear byTurmeric has been used for over 4,000 years

to treat a variety of conditionsTurmeric has been shown to fight infection,

some cancers, reduce inflammation, and treat digestive issues

Turmeric has been used in both Ayurvedic & Chinese medicine

Turmeric is a powerful antioxidant that lowers the levels of two enzymes in the body that cause inflammation

TurmericResearch has suggested that turmeric can

assist in the following Conditions:- Indigestion- Ulcerative Colitis- Osteoarthritis- Heart Disease- Cancer- Viral Infections

Turmeric

Turmeric can be found in spice form in any grocery store, in root form, and in capsule form

Turmeric is considered safeLarge doses can cause stomach issuesTurmeric may act as a blood thinner

AromatherapyWhat is Aromatherapy?

Aromatherapy uses essential oils which are believed to stimulate the senses through the nervous system to the limbic system, which controls emotions

Essential Oils are created from various plant parts – such as roots, barks, stalks, flowers and leaves.

Aromatherapy can be used orally, on the skin, or through smell receptors

AromatherapyMany people can benefit from Aromatherapy

Uses involve :

- Assisting those with chronic conditions- Life threatening conditions such as cancer- Reduction in stress, anxiety and depression

Studies of Essential Oils have found that they have antibacterial effects on the skin, some have antiviral and antifungal properties, and that they can be calming and energizing.

AromatherapyLavender is a well known essential oil used in

many soaps, shampoos, sachets and candles. Lavender can help purify the body and spirit.

Lavender has calming properties and is used to assist with insomnia, hair loss, anxiety, stress and postoperative pain.

Most essential oils are safe but may have some side effects, usually the most common being skin irritation.

ReikiWhat is Reiki

- Energy Healing Reiki was founded in the early 1900’sReiki is a non religious spiritual healing system

using energy to heal the body, mind and soul and bring relaxation to the client- The belief is that the mind, body and spirit are one and the practitioner sends healing energy into the clients body to remove blockages and restore healthy energy.

CAMThere are many various CAM techniques, and

they all do not suit each of us. Therefore it is important to try various techniques to use in conjunction with traditional medicine. The key is in finding what works for you as the benefits will assist your ability to find peace, relaxation and healing rather than just simply masking the symptoms with a prescription.

References: Davis, E. (2012). Reflections of a Reiki Master. Kaplan University. Retrieved on April

8, 2012 from www.healthandwellness.kaplan.edu/articles/wholeness/reflections%20of%20a%20r

The Rise of Complementary and Alternative Medicine in the U.S. (2012). Kaplan University. Retrieved on April 8 2012 from www.healthandwellness.kaplan.edu.articles/cam/The%20rise%20of%20complement

Straub, J. (2012). Herbal Alternative Medicine: The Benefits of Being Informed. Kaplan University. Retrieved on April 8, 2012 from www.healthandwellness.kaplan.edu/articles/cam.herbal%20alternative%20medicine

Walter, G. (2012). The Use of Aromatherapy in Cancer Treatment. Kaplan University. Retrieved on April 8, 2012 from www.healthandwellness.kaplan.edu/articles/cam/The%20Use%20of20aromatherapy

Questions and Answers About Aromatherapy (2012). National Cancer Institute. Aromatherapy and Essential Oils. Retrieved on April 8, 2012 from www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/cam.aromatherapy/patient/page2

Lavender (2012). University of Maryland. Retrieved on April 8, 2012 from www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/lavender-000260.htm