Unit 5 CAM Project Example

Lesson 1 Lecture

Lesson Summary: This lesson is going to discuss what mind and body practices are,
and into some examples of the different types that can be used. Also how each
different exercise can be used.

Lesson Content:
What is Mind and Body Practices:
Mind-body techniques are used to strengthen the signal between ones mind and
one's body. Complementary and alternative medicine practitioners have studied and
found these two systems must be in harmony for one to stay healthy. Examples of
mind-body connection techniques include meditation, prayer, and relaxation and art
therapies.

Why use mind and body practices?
The connection between mind-body is nothing new. Firsts studies of medicine were
taking the approach of the mind and body together as a whole. In the 17th century,
western medicine began to treat these two entities separately. But in reality ones
thoughts, feelings and beliefs as well as ones attitude can impact health in a positive
or negative manner. Which translates to one's mind can have a major affect on how
health one's body is. It is important to train the mind to focus on the body without
having distractions.


Different practices:
Acupuncture
Massage therapy
Meditation
Movement therapies
Relaxation techniques
Spinal manipulation
Tai chi and qi gong
Yoga
Hypnotherapy


Acupuncture
Acupuncture has been proven to be an effective way to treat pain, nausea, vomiting,
help with symptoms of chemotherapy and other post surgery complications,
including dental procedures. It has been shown to make improvement in more than
30 diseases.
Chinese have used this way of health care, and it has been tracked back to as far as
2,500 years. The thought is that acupuncture is used to help energy flow
throughout the body. In studies done tracing back to 1977, acupuncture has shown
promising results in helping with addiction problems, stroke rehabilitation, tennis
elbow, lower back pain, osteoarthritis, carpal tunnel, fibromyalgia, asthma,
headaches and menstrual cramps. As stated before it has also shown great results
with after care of chemotherapy treatments, and post surgery complications.
What does acupuncture do?
Research shows that acupuncture releases opiods and other peptides in the central
nervous system. Studies have shown that acupuncture cause multiple biological
responses. It may activate the hypothalamus and pituitary glands, as well as an
alteration in the secretion of neurotransmitters and neurohormones. This can
change the body's blood flow, centrally and peripherally. It has also been shown to
alter the immune system as well as other physiological changes.

Massage Therapy

Massage therapy is to rub, press, manipulate muscles and other soft tissues of the
body. Massage therapy has been shown to be effective, it has been suggested to
reduce stress, anxiety, blood pressure, depression, pain and heart rate. In the
gateway theory, is has been said that massage therapy gives stimulation which in
turn blocks pain signals to the brain. It has also been said to release chemicals such
as serotonin, and cause positive changes in the body.


Meditation

Meditation is a mind-body practice in complementary and alternative medicine .
There are many types of meditation, most of which originated in ancient religious
and spiritual traditions. Generally, a person who is meditating uses certain
techniques, such as a specific posture, focused attention, and an open attitude
toward distractions. Meditation may be practiced for many reasons, such as to
increase calmness and physical relaxation, to improve psychological balance, to
cope with illness, or to enhance overall health and well-being. This Backgrounder
provides a general introduction to meditation and suggests some resources for
more information.-- Mind-body medicine. (2011, October 2). University of Maryland
Medical Center. Retrieved May 21, 2014, from
http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/treatment/mindbody-medicine
Meditation is used for :
Anxiety
Pain
Depression
Stress
Insomnia
Physical or emotional symptoms that may be associated with chronic illnesses
(such as heart disease, HIV/AIDS, and cancer) and
Chronic illness treatment
Symptoms of treatment.
Meditation is also used for overall wellness.