News from the Gulf is that CAM practices help diabetic patients; more locally, yoga is scientifically shown to improve mood.

Chiropractic gets a boost but consumers are advised to test the chiropractor’s credentials first:

 

Find Chiropractor programs in the United States and Canada. Before you jump on the complementary medicine bandwagon it is important to acquire all necessary pre-entry educational requirements from an accredited school or university. In most cases, entry into chiropractor programs requires prerequisites of a minimum of 90 semester credit hours in a variety of studies including biological sciences, English, general and organic chemistry, psychology, and social sciences, among other relative coursework.

As one of the largest primary healthcare occupations today, chiropractic careers promise to be a stable profession for candidates aspiring to become professional chiropractic practitioners. A matter of fact, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the steadfastness of the field has shown that chiropractors often stay in the occupation until retirement – with few occupational turnovers. So not only is it a wise decision to enroll in chiropractor programs to gain a long-term career, but know too, that lucrative earning potentials also exist in this particular line of healthcare.What to expect in chiropractor programs?

Get ready for a thrilling exploration into the human anatomy and physiology through trained eyes and philosophies of chiropractic. More than just another complementary medicine course, the goal of chiropractor programs is to enable graduates to become licensed to practice once the Doctor of Chiropractic degree has been achieved.

As of 2005, two chiropractic institutions and 15 chiropractor programs were accredited by the Council on Chiropractic Education; but there are a growing number of chiropractic courses in North America from which to choose. Typical chiropractor programs entail about 4,200 training and academic hours in a wide assortment of associated studies. In addition to advanced coursework in anatomy, pathology and physiology, students learn about biochemistry, microbiology, radiology, neurology, physiotherapy, nutrition, orthopedics and spinal adjustment techniques, of course.

Continuing education comes in the form of postdoctoral training through a number of chiropractor programs, which are comprised of common courses in family practice, applied chiropractic sciences, nutrition, sports injuries, and rehabilitation, among others.

Is pursuing a complementary medicine education through chiropractor programs right for you? If you like working with the public, enjoy helping others through natural and non-invasive methods, and are ready to commit yourself to several years of vigorous study and continuing education, then the career field may just suit you. However, as with any prospective career choices – it is always a good idea to explore the many facets of the occupation, including an in-depth review of potential chiropractor programs, and job-shadowing as part of the overall discovery.

If you (or someone you know) are interested in finding chiropractor programs, let professional training within fast-growing industries like massage therapy, cosmetology, acupuncture, oriental medicine, Reiki, and others get you started! Explore chiropractor programs near you.

*Source: B.L.S., U.S. Department of LaborChiropractor Programs – A New Adjustment to Complementary Medicine

I’m not sure why an article on CAM appears on a modeling blog, but here it is:

Evidence of herbalism or the use of herbs as a medicine is apparent as far back as 5,000 years ago. Both the Sumerians and the ancient Egyptians are known to have used plant based substances to treat illness, and herb use and cultivation is even mentioned in the Old Testament. Hippocrates wrote of the use of herbal medicines in ancient Greek and Roman culture, and in the middle ages many of those who were eventually branded as witches were previously known simply as wise women knowledgeable in herb lore.

Today it is thought that up to 80% of countries outside of the industrialised world rely on herbs to maintain health and treat illness, so why is it that herbalism is still seen as an alternative therapy by modern western society, rather than being embraced as a reliable form of prevention and cure?

Many of us love the idea of treating or preventing illness with what nature has to provide, but so much about herbal medicine is not understood that it may indeed be unwise to declare this practice one hundred percent safe. While there is evidence to suggest that herbal derivatives can be used as very effective medicines, using them competently is not a simple process and takes an abundance of knowledge. Inappropriate use can lead to life threatening reactions and for this reason amongst others some scientists believe that more research is required.

Despite this many modern medicines are derived from herbal extracts. The difference between pharmaceutical medicines derived from plants and the herbalists approach is that in herbalism the practitioner tends to use more of the plant, as they believe that the properties found in the whole plant interact to enhance therapeutic effect (herbal synergism). The pharmaceutical approach tends to isolate specific active ingredients as this way they can be more easily quantified in relation to dosage, and the associated safety of the substance. (Though it may be worth noting that single ingredients can also be patented.)

While many herbal extracts appear to contain exciting and beneficial properties it is important to be aware that plants can also be dangerous and even those in your garden may well contain ingredients that can be toxic to humans. The art of using herbs and herbal extracts to treat and prevent illness is knowing which substance, and at what volume, is safe and affective. Many medicines have the potential to be poisons if taken incorrectly and unfortunately it appears that in some cases herbs are no different.

Whatever your feelings on the use of herbs as a medicine never attempt to eat or treat yourself with any herb or plant unless you have conformation that it is absolutely safe from a professional. For now it may be best to stick to a little fresh rosemary on your roast potatoes or a bunch of lavender in your sock draw!

We hope you have found this article interesting. Please note that Models Direct are neutral in our view on alternative and complementary therapies and that we are sharing our findings out of interest rather than in any advisory capacity. With this in mind, please do not replace conventional medicines with any alternative or complementary therapies and always check with your doctor before trying them.

It should never be presumed that alternative or complementary therapies are safe or free of side effects.

CAM practices are used to help treat diabetic patients in the Gulf:

here is little published on current Saudi diabetic patients’practices when they are exposed to foot disorders such as open wound, ulcer, and skin cracks. These factors are usually influenced by local culture and communities beliefs.

The aim of the current study was to identify the pattern of patients’use of CAM products in dealing with diabetic foot disorders topically in a group of diabetic patients.FindingsA Cross-sectional descriptive study of a representative cohort of diabetic patients living in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia was designed. A pre-designed questionnaire to identify local diabetics’practices in dealing topically with foot disorders including open wound, chronic ulcer, and skin cracks was designed.

Questionnaire was administered by a group of trained nutrition female students to diabetics face to face living in their neighborhood. A total of 1634 Saudi diabetics were interviewed.

Foot disorders occurred in approximately two thirds of the respondents 1006 (61.6%). Out of the 1006 patients who had foot disorders, 653 reported trying some sort of treatment as 307 patients (47.1%) used conventional topical medical treatment alone, 142 (21.7%) used CAM products alone, and 204 (31.2%) used both treatments.

The most commonly used CAM product by the patients was Honey (56.6%) followed by Commiphora Molmol (Myrrh) in (37.4%) and Nigellia Sativa (Black seed) in (35.1%). The least to be used was Lawsonia inermis (Henna) in (12.1%).

Ten common natural preparations used topically to treat diabetic foot disorders were also identified.

Conclusions: The use of CAM products in topical treatment of diabetic foot disorders is fairly common among Saudi diabetic patients. Honey headed the list as a solo topical preparation or in combination with other herbs namely black seeds and myrrh.

The efficacy of the most common products needs further research.

Author: Balkees BakhotmahHasan Alzahrani
Credits/Source: BMC Research Notes 2010, 3:254

Surprise – yoga improves mood – it’s scientifically shown:

Many massage therapists, and their clients, practice yoga as a form of self-care. New research shows doing so could boost mood and lower anxiety levels.

Researchers from Boston University Medical Center set out to see if there is a connection between yoga and mood. They found that yoga may be superior to other forms of exercise in its positive effect on mood and anxiety.

The findings, which currently appear on-line in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, is the first to demonstrate an association between yoga postures, increased GABA levels and decreased anxiety, according to a university press release.

The researchers set out to contrast the brain gamma-aminobutyric (GABA) levels of yoga subjects with those of participants who spent time walking. Low GABA levels are associated with depression and other widespread anxiety disorders.

The researchers followed two randomized groups of healthy individuals over a 12-week-long period. One group practiced yoga three times a week for one hour, while the remaining subjects walked for the ame period of time. Using magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging, the participants’ brains were scanned before the study began. At week 12, the researchers compared the GABA levels of both groups before and after their final 60-minute session.

Each subject was also asked to assess his or her psychological state at several points throughout the study, and those who practiced yoga reported a more significant decrease in anxiety and greater improvements in mood than those who walked. "Over time, positive changes in these reports were associated with climbing GABA levels," said lead author Chris Streeter, M.D., an associate professor of psychiatry and neurology at the university.

According to Streeter, this research warrants further study of the relationship between yoga and mood, and suggests that the practice of yoga be considered as a potential therapy for certain mental disorders.

Traditional oriental medicine helps pets:

The type of diagnosis used in Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine is Five Element Diagnosis, which refers to which organ system is involved in the illness, and Pattern diagnosis, which studies the pattern of imbalance causing the illness.

“There are a few other people in the area who do acupuncture, but I believe that I am the only one who practices Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine. Although it is not classified as holistic, in a way it is. They don’t call themselves holistic but that’s the easiest way for people to understand it. It’s a totally different way of diagnosing and looking at the animal. You look at the entire animal and what their state of health is. I look at the different imbalances and try to help the body correct the illness,” said Colbassani.

Acupuncture, which is one of the treatment options in her repertoire, has been shown to regulate internal organs, release endorphins to ease pain and stimulate nerve and circulatory channels and energy channels.

Colbassani said, “They’ve shown scientifically that acupuncture points have different electricity. There are points a doctor can use, called distal points that connect to internal organs. There are local points that can relieve pain locally and then there are points on channels that can regulate energy down the channels.”

And for those animals reluctant to allow Colbassani to treat with acupuncture, she said, “At first the animals seem a little surprised. There are certain points that are more sensitive than others. If I have an animal that is a little frightened or not liking the acupuncture, there’s a point on top of the head that is a calming point that can be used initially. After a few minutes I can resume treatment. Most of them are really good for it and once they accept it, some actually relax or fall asleep during treatment. Some animals especially some cats, don’t like it. If they put up a fight, I don’t use acupuncture because if they can’t relax and accept it than it won’t help them.”

Chinese herbal medicine also offers another avenue to treat animals in Colbassani’s practice, including those suffering from arthritis. She said, “Sometimes the pain medicine is causing them harm. I thought, there has to be something else we can do for these animals.”

And unlike Western herbs, she added, “Chinese herbal medicine uses fine -tuned formulas which have long been used, and proven not to have harmful side effects, to treat certain patterns that cause illness. This is what I love about herbal medicine, since sometimes in conventional medicine, the cure is worse than the disease. Many of these formulas are very old, and the indications and contraindications are well known. The formula has to fit the pattern that is causing the illness.”

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If you have legal questions concerning telemedicine and telehealth practices, HIPAA legal issues, health care reform questions, or other health law matters in New York, California, Massachusetts, Washington DC, and other states, contact a lawyer who knows the rules.

Consult an experienced health care law attorney who knows complementary medicine and integrative medicine for legal advice pertaining to any project involving allied health or CAM professionals.

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Our law office has attorneys with legal experience in FDA matters, including guiding clients involved in health care delivery, group medical and private medical practice, who are concerned about issues at the interface of federal and state law, concerned about medical board discipline or medical malpractice liability issues.  We also review and draft informed consent forms and guide clients concerning a variety of health care law issues.

If you have legal questions concerning telemedicine and telehealth practices, HIPAA legal issues, health care reform questions, or other health law matters in New York, California, Massachusetts, Washington DC, and other states, contact a lawyer who knows the rules.

Consult an experienced health care law attorney who knows complementary medicine and integrative medicine for legal advice pertaining to any project involving allied health or CAM professionals.

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Healthcare & FDA attorney Michael H. Cohen is a thought leader in healthcare law & FDA law, pioneering legal strategies in healthcare. wellness, and lifestyle markets. As a corporate and transactional lawyer, FDA regulatory attorney who also handles healthcare litigation, healthcare mediation and healthcare arbitration, and international healthcare & wellness law speaker, Los Angeles / Bay Area healthcare & FDA lawyer Michael H. Cohen represents conscious business leaders in a transformational era. Clients seek healthcare & FDA attorney Michael H. Cohen‘s legal savvy on all aspects of business law, healthcare law, and FDA law, including:

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