Topics to be discussed are the following: -CAM 101 -Relaxation Techniques 101 -Natural Products 101 Local Resources

New Mexico State University Library | Box 30006, Dept. 3475 | Las Cruces, NM 880038006 | (575) 646-2932 (http://lib.nmsu.edu/ ) or medical library to find scientific journals or trustworthy books Further Readings Complementary and Alternative Medicine website http://nccam.nih.gov/health/whatiscam Kaplan University Center for Health and Wellness website http://www.healthandwellness.kaplan.edu Medline Plus. (2013). Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Retrieved from
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/complementaryandalternativemedicine.html#cat7

Natural Medicines Comprehensive Databases. (2013). Retrieved from http://naturaldatabase.therapeuticresearch.com/home.aspx?cs=&s=ND NCCAM. (2013). Retrieved from http://nccam.nih.gov/

What is CAM?
-CAM is a growing field for individuals to have as another option to pursue for health and well-being. It consists of a variety of medical and health care systems, practices, and products, which are not part of conventional medicine.

Are complementary and alternative medicine different?

Yes they are different -"Complementary medicine" refers to use of CAM together with conventional medicine -"Alternative medicine" refers to use of CAM in place of conventional medicine

The four major types of complementary and alternative medicine are:

Mind-Body Medicine Examples include yoga, tai chi, meditation, mental healing, prayer, and therapies that use various creative outlets like art, dance or music. Energy Therapies Examples include homeopathic medicine, naturopathic medicine, traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurvedic medicine. Manipulative and Body-Phase Practices Examples include chiropractic care, massage therapy and osteopathic manipulation Biologically Based Practices Examples include herbal products, dietary supplements, and the use of natural therapies

Relaxation Techniques
What is it?
-A way to deactivate the bodys sensory system, decrease stimuli, and replace those with non-threatening sensations that promote the relaxation response

Types of Relaxation Techniques

Progressive Muscle Relaxation Autogenic training Meditation Biofeedback Exercise Deep breathing Music Sayings/mantras Visualization Hypnosis Massage Hydrotherapy Hobbies Humor Relationship Individuality Yoga

Does one relaxation technique work better than another? No because there is no one size fits all method relaxation method. Diaphragmatic breathing is the closest thing to it. Because of its effectiveness, it is a foundation to many other techniques, such as yoga, tai chi, Progressive muscle relaxation, autogenic training, mental imagery, among others.

Natural Products
Natural products include the following: nonvitamin and nonmineral, such as herbs and other products from plants, enzymes, etc.

Should I always use something that is natural?

No. Something that is natural does not necessarily mean it is safe Always make sure to get information from reliable sources before trying something new