Reflexology: Complementary and Alternative Medicine
Reflexology
Consumers all over the world are turning to Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) more and more. There are many reasons why. Some patients have tried traditional medical treatment for chronic illnesses that have not worked and they want to try something new. Some can not afford traditional medical treatment, and CAM is generally less expensive. Some people like the naturalness of CAM, they think it is safer. What ever the reason, in the United States, 36% of adults are using some form of CAM. When megavitamin therapy and prayer specifically for health reasons are included in the definition of CAM, that number rises to 62%. What is CAM? The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) defines complementary and alternative medicine as "a group of diverse medical and health-care systems, practice and products that are not presently considered to be part of conventional medicine." NCCAM classifies CAM therapies into five categories or domains: 1) alternative medical systems, or complete systems of therapy and practice; 2) mind-body interventions, or techniques designed to facilitate the mind's effect on bodily functions and symptoms; 3) biologically-based systems, including herbalism; 4) manipulative and body-based methods, such as chiropractic and massage therapy; and 5) energy therapies. Alternative medical systems are as complex as conventional medicine. One example of alternative medical systems is Naturopathy, a system in which the body is encouraged to heal itself through changes in nutrition and lifestyle. Another example is Ayurveda, a system in which the body, mind and spirit are integrated to prevent or treat health problems. Mind-body medicine includes practices that encourage the mind to positively affect the body. Meditation is an example of mind-body medicine. Meditation is a practice which encourages the patient to clear his mind and focus inward. Creative therapy also falls into this category of
Consumers all over the world are turning to Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) more and more. There are many reasons why. Some patients have tried traditional medical treatment for chronic illnesses that have not worked and they want to try something new. Some can not afford traditional medical treatment, and CAM is generally less expensive. Some people like the naturalness of CAM, they think it is safer. What ever the reason, in the United States, 36% of adults are using some form of CAM. When megavitamin therapy and prayer specifically for health reasons are included in the definition of CAM, that number rises to 62%. What is CAM? The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) defines complementary and alternative medicine as "a group of diverse medical and health-care systems, practice and products that are not presently considered to be part of conventional medicine." NCCAM classifies CAM therapies into five categories or domains: 1) alternative medical systems, or complete systems of therapy and practice; 2) mind-body interventions, or techniques designed to facilitate the mind's effect on bodily functions and symptoms; 3) biologically-based systems, including herbalism; 4) manipulative and body-based methods, such as chiropractic and massage therapy; and 5) energy therapies. Alternative medical systems are as complex as conventional medicine. One example of alternative medical systems is Naturopathy, a system in which the body is encouraged to heal itself through changes in nutrition and lifestyle. Another example is Ayurveda, a system in which the body, mind and spirit are integrated to prevent or treat health problems. Mind-body medicine includes practices that encourage the mind to positively affect the body. Meditation is an example of mind-body medicine. Meditation is a practice which encourages the patient to clear his mind and focus inward. Creative therapy also falls into this category of