Unit 5 CAM Project

Lesson 1 Lecture

Lesson Summary: This lesson is designed to address the common questions associated
with Complementary and Alternative therapies, specifically Chiropractic Care. We will
discuss what Chiropractic care is and what the reported benefits are. We will also discuss
how to go about finding a chiropractor and determining if they are right for you.

Lesson Content:

What is Chiropractic Care?

Chiropractic care focuses on the structure and function of the body. The term
chiropractic is derived from the Greek words cheir (hand) and praxis (practice).
Practitioners use different methods and approaches in order to assess and attempt to
restore the structure of the skeleton, using hands on manipulations in order to achieve
optimal function of the body and its systems. The main form of treatment approach is
through manipulations of the spine and other joints and bones to correct alignment
issues.

The most commonly known adjustment technique used by chiropractors is the HVLA or
High Velocity Low Amplitude spinal manipulation. This approach generally results in
the audible pop or cracking that results from this manipulation. This however is not
the only move that the chiropractor has. After performing a complete health history and
full assessment, that may or may not include x-rays, a Chiropractor will decide what the
safest and most effective approach to use is.

Aside from the traditional HVLA adjustment, Chiropractors are able to use a variety of
other approaches to managing and treating symptoms. These include Low force or a
more gentle chiropractic technique, mobilization techniques, heat and ice, electrical
stimulation, relaxation techniques, rehabilitative and general exercise
counseling about diet, weight loss, and other lifestyle factors as well as some dietary
supplements (NCCIH, 2016).

What are the benefits of Chiropractic Care?

The following video link describes many of the benefits that can be achieved through
chiropractic care.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R92pIa7uOdA

Allow for question period following the video.

Chiropractic Care is one of the most commonly used therapies to treat lower back pain.
Many people that choose chiropractic care to manage lower back pain find it very
beneficial. Chiropractic care can be used for both acute, and chronic injuries. For people
that have been struggling with chronic pain may find the addition of chiropractic care
helpful in managing their symptoms, as well as limiting or even eliminating the need for
pharmaceutical intervention.
Chiropractic Care has also been used for other conditions that were mentioned in the
video like headaches, neck pain, ear infections, arthritis, scoliosis, asthma, blood
pressure, and even during pregnancy. Chiropractors even combine traditional
chiropractic therapies with massage or A.R.T (active release therapy), acupuncture and
exercise programs.

How do I determine the right Chiropractor for me?

Include a visit from a local Chiropractor to speak about how to choose the right
practitioner.

Things to consider when looking for a Chiropractor

Referrals/ Recommendations Ask your primary care physician of they have
anyone they would recommend, or even use themselves. Also ask friends and
family or coworkers if and who they use. Chances are, if multiple people
recommend the same chiropractor, they are going to be pretty good
Location if the clinic or practice is in a location that is not close to you or
convenient for you to get to then you are less likely to go
Visit the clinic. Are there any other services available? What is the feel of the
environment? Would you be comfortable waiting in the waiting room if you had
to? What are their billing practices? Do they have payment plans
Meet the chiropractor. Do they make you feel comfortable? Ask about their
treatment philosophy and does it align with your own feelings about the practice.
Are they willing to work with you and will they modify their approach if need be.
Do some research. Many resources are available regarding any disciplinary
action against the practitioner as well, there are websites like ratemds.com
where patients can go and post their comments about any treatment and or
experiences they have had with the practitioner
Most importantly, try them out. Many alternative therapy practitioners have their
own style and approach outside of the discipline itself. You may not find the right
chiropractor on the first try. You may have to see several before you find
someone that will best meet your individual needs. (Andrews, 2013)

References:

Andrews, K. (2013). How to select the best chiropractor. Retrieved from:

https://www.spine-health.com/treatment/chiropractic/how-select-best-chiropractor

National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH). (June 20, 2016).
Chiropractic: In Depth. Retrieved from:
https://nccih.nih.gov/health/chiropractic/introduction.htm
 Unit 5 CAM Project
Lesson 2 Lecture

Lesson Summary: This lesson is designed to address the common questions associated
with Complementary and Alternative therapies, specifically Registered Massage Therapy.
We will discuss what Massage Therapy is and what the reported benefits are. We will
also discuss how to go about finding a massage therapist and determining if they are right
for you.

Lesson Content:

What is Massage Therapy?

Massage Therapy is another hands on therapy that manipulates soft tissues and works to
restore alignment and blood flow to the muscles and other tissues of the body, including
tendons, ligaments, and connective tissues. It is considered complimentary or alternative
therapy by many meaning that it is not considered part of conventional medicine.

The goal of massage therapy is to have a therapeutic effect on the body while acting on
the muscular, nervous and circulatory systems. Many physical maladies can be improved
and the effects of stressors on the body relieved through the various modalities involved
with massage therapy (CMTO, n.d.).
Massage has been around for centuries, some say dating back more than 5000 years.
Massage can be an effective treatment for relieving pain, healing injuries as well as
healing and even preventing many illnesses.
There are many different modalities included under the umbrella of massage therapy.
These include different types of massage, like Swedish, shiatsu, deep tissue and hot
stone. It also includes modalities like craniosacral therapy, myofascial release, sports and
medical massage.

Now watch the following video on Massage Therapy and some of the different
techniques and potential benefits.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZWMb35yJzq8

What are some the different types of Massage therapy and their benefits?
Here we will discuss some of the more common forms of massage therapy and what
benefits each modality may be able to provide.
Have a guest massage therapist come in to demonstrate a few of these different styles and
describe a little bit more of the technique used

Swedish massage is probably the most well-known and common form of massage
therapy. This style uses a broader and longer stroke style with less pressure
designed for muscle relaxation and becomes more central when needed for areas
of concern. This style of massage is great for overall relaxation, increasing
 flexibility, and recovering from injury. It is also a great style to start with if you
have not used massage therapy in the past.
Aromatherapy massage will incorporate the use of oils into the massage and
chosen based on the specific needs of the patient. They can be calming,
energizing, relaxing or stress-reducing.
Hot Stone massage incorporates the use of stones that are heated and applied to
the skin and also used while applying pressure and the broad stroke movement.
The heat assists the muscles in relaxing and responding to the treatment
Deep tissue massage uses greater pressure and goes deeper into the muscle and
connective tissues. This can be helpful for more chronic pain or injuries, as well
as repetitive strain type injuries including carpal tunnel syndrome. This type of
massage is not meant to be relaxing and can often cause patients discomfort or
soreness for a day or two after the treatment.
Shiatsu is a form of Japanese massage that uses the meridians and acupressure
points along the body. Finger pressure is placed on specific trigger points for a
period of time based on the theory that this will create energy flow and restore
balance to the body. This type of massage can be effective for neck pain, sciatica,
arthritis pain and even insomnia and digestive problems
Thai massage is similar to Shiatsu, but also includes stretches and movements.
This style of massage is beneficial for reducing stress and increasing flexibility
and range of motion.
Prenatal massage is used in all stages of pregnancy and properly trained therapists
will modify techniques in order to reduce many of the aches, pains, swelling and
other anxieties associated with pregnancy
Reflexology is specific to the feet. Therapists will apply pressure to specific areas
on the feet that are said to correspond with various organs and systems in the
body. This is a very relaxing form of therapy and can benefit individuals who
spend a lot of time on their feet.
Sports massage is used for athletes and those that engage in physical activity. It
uses multiple styles but is usually shorter and more vigorous strokes. It also
incorporates facilitated stretching in order to promote faster healing and
increasing flexibility to reduce the risk of injury (Consumer Health Digest, 2003-
2017)

How do I determine the right Massage Therapist for me?

Things to consider when looking for a Chiropractor

Referrals/ Recommendations Ask your primary care physician of they have
anyone they would recommend, or even use themselves. Also ask friends and
family or coworkers if and who they use. They may be able to tell you about the
style the therapist uses and what benefits they received themselves
Location if the clinic or practice is in a location that is not close to you or
convenient for you to get to then you are less likely to go
Visit the clinic. Are there any other services available? What is the feel of the
environment? Would you be comfortable waiting in the waiting room if you had
to? What are their billing practices? Do they have payment plans
 Meet the Therapist. Do they make you feel comfortable? Ask about their
treatment philosophy and does it align with your own feelings about the practice.
Are they willing to work with you and will they modify their approach if need be.
How much experience do they have, and what modalities do they have training
in? Sometimes its as simple as looking for a male or female therapists; you may
decide you are more comfortable with a therapists of one gender or another.
Research. Do they hold the required qualifications? Are they in good standing?
Again use online or other resources available to find out if there has been any
disciplinary action against the practitioner and what it was exactly. Also, do they
belong to a professional association or organization?
Most importantly, try them out. Many alternative therapy practitioners have their
own style and approach outside of the discipline itself. You may not find the right
massage therapist on the first try. You may have to see several before you find
someone that will best meet your individual needs. (University of Minnesota,
2017)

References:

College of Massage Therapists of Ontario (CMTO). (n.d.). About massage therapy.

Retrieved from: http://www.cmto.com/about-the-profession/about-massage-
therapy/

Consumer Health Digest. (2003-2017). Types of massage and their overall health
benefits. Retrieved from: https://www.consumerhealthdigest.com/general-
health/types-of-massages-and-their-health-benefits.html

University of Minnesota. (2017). How Can I Find the Right Massage Therapist?.
Retrieved from: https://www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/explore-healing-
practices/massage-therapy/how-can-i-find-right-massage-therapist
 Unit 5 CAM Project
Lesson 3 Lecture

Lesson Summary: This lesson will discuss what mindfulness is and how it can be used
to help us manage stress and create resilience in ourselves during stressful times.
Mindfulness has been used in many other countries and cultures for thousands of years,
often in conjunction with practicing a specific religion. However, in more recent years,
mindfulness and meditation has been used and practiced in a non-religious format. This
is a practice that addresses the mind body connection and can be used to decrease stress,
create a more balanced psychological state, cope with injury and illness, enhance
performance, and enhance overall health and wellbeing.

Lesson Content:

Mindfulness: What is it?

Mindfulness is said to come from the Eastern practices of several religious traditions,
although most commonly associated with Buddhism and Hinduism. Where and when it
originated exactly is difficult to say. Most western practices have some influence from
the Eastern religions known to practice it.
Mindfulness is a practice that focuses on the mind body connection and the influence this
has on behavior.
Many people credit the emergence of mindfulness in the west with a man named Jon
Kabat-Zinn. John Kabat-Zinn is the founder of the Center for Mindfulness at the
University of Massachusetts Medical School and the Oasis Institute for Mindfulness-
Based Professional Education and Training. He is also the creator of the Mindfulness-
based Stress Reduction program that is an 8 week program designed to help people
manage and reduce their stress levels.
Mindfulnes meditation types

Can anyone be mindful? And do I have time for it?

Anyone can practice mindfulness which can include meditation. There are many ways in
which one can practice mindfulness and meditation aside from the classic view of
someone sitting cross legged on the floor chanting a mantra.
Yoga is a practice that can include mindfulness and incorporates other benefits related to
increase physical wellness as well as psychological wellness.
Mindfulness can be in the form of meditation sessions, but can also include any situation
where once brings their mind to the present moment during such activities as simple as
taking walk, eating, or washing the dishes.
Mindfulness can be an individual endeavor, but can also be practiced as a group.
There are different types of meditation but many of them have similar elements in
common. These include a quiet space with the ability to limit distractions; being
comfortable and able to relax whether it is in a comfortable chair sitting, walking, lying
down or any other position that encourages relaxation, but not sleep; something to create
focus whether it is a word, chant, object, or simply breathing; an open mind- being able
to allow your thoughts to come and go and be present without judgement (NCCIH, 2017).

Watch the following video and learn how Daron Larson teaches us about mindfulness
and how everyone and anyone can benefit from practicing mindfulness.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ze6t34_p-84

What are the benefits of MBSR?

There are many benefits that are associated with mindfulness aside the commonly
reported stress reduction. Research suggests there are some clinical conditions that may
benefit from meditation and they include dealing with pain, high blood pressure, Irritable
bowel syndrome, ulcerative colitis, mental health disorders including anxiety, depression
and insomnia and smoking cessation to name a few.

There is more and more science and research emerging that supports the positive effects
and benefits of meditation and there are actual measurable changes with the autonomic
nervous system (which is the part of our nervous system responsible for regulating body
functions that are not consciously controlled like breathing, heart rate and digestive
processes).

The lesson will end with a short mindfulness practice to give students an idea of what that
actually looks like.

The following link is for a short guided meditation exercise from the Mindfulness-based
stress reduction workbook. Author Elisha Goldstein guides listeners through the practice
that can be found on the website.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PhwQvEGmF_I

References

Stahl, B., & Goldstein, E. (2010). A mindfulness-based stress reduction workbook.

Oakland, CA: New Harbinger Publications.

National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH). (September, 7,

2017). Meditation: in depth. Retrieved from:
https://nccih.nih.gov/health/meditation/overview.htm