"Do, or do not. There is no try" - Yoda, 0BBY
Government surveys show that two-thirds of Australians are currently using CAM treatments. The trend towards using CAM has a lot to do with social change. Greater globalisation and societal trends towards individualism have meant improved access to information worldwide and less acceptance of traditional medical practices. Many people see CAM as an opportunity to exercise choice, exerting greater control over their health through empowerment. The rise in consumption of organic foods is evidence of strengthening consumer confidence in aspects of health care over which they have control.
Other reasons for the increasing popularity of complementary and alternative medicine generally include:
World Health Organization recognition of the usefulness of many alternative approaches and its endorsement of a list of medicinal plants to be used in the preparation of herbal medicines
recognition that alternative medicines are the traditional medicines of the majority of the world’s population
the effectiveness of treatment for many people for whom modern medicine has proved ineffective
the desire of many people to have natural or herbal medicines rather than synthetically produced medicines
the holistic (focusing on the whole person) nature of alternative medicine, which is attractive to many people
the strength of traditional beliefs for many cultures
increased migration and increased acceptance by Australians of the value of multicultural influences.
The growth in CAM adds another dimension to medical health in its direction and expectations. Consumers, aided by medical information readily available on the internet, have moved to exercise greater choice in addressing personal health care, particularly in areas where there appears an element of uncertainty with traditional approaches.
The following examples are from the wide range of alternative health-care approaches.
Acupuncture is an ancient system of healing that has developed over thousands of years as part of the traditional medicine of Eastern countries. Acupuncture treatment involves inserting very fine needles into the skin. They are left in either briefly or for up to 20–30 minutes. Acupuncture is claimed to be effective in a wide range of conditions, stimulating the mind and the body’s own healing response.
Aromatherapy is the use of pure essential oils to influence or modify the mind, body or spirit. Aromatherapy acts in accordance with holistic principles by strengthening the person’s vital energies and self-healing capabilities, thus having a direct effect on the mind and body. Essential oils can be inhaled through vaporisers and applied through baths and massage. Aromatherapy is used in the treatment of depression, sleep disorders, stress symptoms and anxiety.
The Bowen Therapeutic Technique is a system of muscle and connective tissue movements that gently realigns the body and balances and stimulates energy flow. This has the effect of supporting the self-healing properties of the body. The technique is believed to be effective in the treatment of soft-tissue injuries, musculoskeletal problems, back and neck aches, arthritic symptoms, stress, migraines, asthma, sinus and bronchial symptoms, and menstrual irregularities.
Chiropractic is based on the relationship between the spine and the functioning of the nervous and musculoskeletal system. Chiropractors ‘adjust’ the spine, using specific rapid thrusts delivered by the hand or small instruments. The adjustments are aimed at correcting subluxations, removing interference to normal nervous system control over bodily function, and promoting healing and better health.
Herbalism uses plants and herbs exclusively. The oldest form of medicine, it is still used as a primary source of medicine for over 75 per cent of the world’s population. Herbalists use the whole plant form of a medicine rather than chemical extracts from plants. They believe that we have an innate ability to heal ourselves. Thus, herbal medicines are used to restore and support the body’s own defence mechanisms. Herbal treatment is based on the individual’s symptoms, lifestyle and overall health.
Homeopathy is a system of medicine that recognises the symptoms unique to each person. It aims to stimulate the individual’s healing powers to overcome the condition. Homeopathic medicines work gently and rapidly to alleviate symptoms.
Iridology is the analysis of the human eye to detect signs of the individual’s physical, emotional and spiritual well-being. A range of naturopathic treatments can then be prescribed to improve general and immune system health.
Massage is one of the oldest and simplest forms of therapy. It is an excellent method of inducing relaxation. It helps reduce blood pressure, stress and anxiety levels, and overall it is beneficial to the immune system. Forms of massage include remedial massage, therapeutic massage, sports massage and Swedish massage.
Meditation is a state of inner stillness. It involves focusing on an object, breathing or verbally repeating a word (a mantra). With practice, the individual can reach a meditative state, in which they experience inner peace and stillness. The benefits of meditation include strengthening of the immune system, improved sleep, lower blood pressure and increased motivation and self-esteem.
Naturopathy focuses on the holistic treatment of the individual by seeking to address symptoms of illness as well as resolving underlying causes of illness. Naturopaths recognise the importance of developing a partnership with their clients, because it is important for the individual to take responsibility for making positive lifestyle changes.
When choosing any type of health or medical service it is important to investigate the service offered and the credibility of the practitioner. A client needs to ask the following questions.
What is the treatment you offer? How can it benefit me?
What experience and training do you have?
What are your qualifications?
How much will the treatment cost?
Can this treatment be combined with conventional medication?
An important first step in making informed choices is to gather such specific information about the nature of the alternative medicine, its credibility as an effective type of treatment, and the qualifications and experience of practitioners. Asking friends and community members about their experiences and recommendations can also be valuable.
Some alternative medicines are considered to be very effective, and the World Health Organization recognises them to be valuable and significant treatments. Chiropractic medicine, naturopathy and acupuncture, for example, are offered as university courses within Australia. Other forms of alternative medicines have endeavoured to ensure the highest quality of treatment by providing courses within their organisations; for example, the Bowen Therapy Academy of Australia offers an introductory course followed by a six-month practitioner course to obtain accreditation.