...Many individuals at some point in their lives may report feelings of extreme sadness or simply “feeling depressed”. However, such feelings are only one of seven symptoms recognized by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-IV). Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is one of three primary clinical forms of depression recognized by the DSM-IV. The DSM-IV recognizes the following seven symptoms as indicative of Major Depressive Disorder: (1) significant weight loss (while not trying to lose weight), significant weight gain, or change in appetite; (2) insomnia or hypersomnia; (3) psychomotor agitation or retardation; (4) fatigue or loss of energy; (5) feelings of worthlessness or excessive or inappropriate guilt; (6) decreased concentration or indecisiveness; and (7) recurrent thoughts of death or suicidal ideation, plan, or attempt (Craighead, Ritschel, Arnarson, & Gillespie, 2008, chap. 8). According to the DSM-IV, an individual must experience “marked distress or a decrease in level of functioning” for at least 2 weeks (Craighead et al., 2008, p. 281). The individual must also experience on an almost daily basis, an occurrence of a dysphoric mood or loss of interest/pleasure in almost all activities two weeks prior to the diagnosis of MDD (Craighead et al., 2008, chap. 8). The patient must experience at least four of the seven previously mentioned symptoms (only three if both loss of interest/pleasure and dysphoric mood are present) (Craighead et al., 2008, chap. 8). It...
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...Fibromyalgia (FM) is a syndrome of widespread pain associated with sleep disturbance, fatigue, depression, headache, abdominal pain, and poor concentration (Clauw). The American College of Rheumatology updated the diagnostic criteria for FM in 2010 to include these accompanying symptoms in addition to widespread pain (Wolfe). FM is associated with significant personal and socioeconomic costs, including limitations in work ability and high health care utilization (Palstam, Wolfe, Berger, White). The prevalence of FM among the general population in the United States is estimated to be between 1.1% and 6.4% (Vincent). FM is more common in both civilian and veteran women than men (Marques, Higgins). The prevalence of FM among veterans of Operation...
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...benefit. As for acupuncture, there are actually a lot more well-designed studies done on this field when compared to Chinese herbs, mostly because Europe and the West have become very interested over the last couple decades and are funding better clinical trials. The evidence trail is building, which is great for everyone. So, what works, and what doesn’t? The New York Times has a very readable article (http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/08/23/studying-acupuncture-one-needle-prick-at-a-time/?hpw) which covers this issue. The gist of the article discusses the most recent, well-designed studies on back pains and other disorders; the studies usually show no difference between acupuncture and placebo (usually a “sham” needle that doesn’t penetrate the skin). In other words, the best studies lately are usually showing that most of the perceived effect from acupuncture is simply a placebo effect. These recent findings are by no means surprising, as most of the best studies have been reporting similar conclusions for many years. The best collection of acupuncture research is from the Cochrane Review Group, which performs the world’s most rigorous reviews of all treatments, including alternative medicines. They have an outstanding collection of the best literature on acupuncture (http://www.thecochranelibrary.com/details/collection/691705/Acupuncture-ancient-tradition-meets-modern-science.html) which details the best evidence regarding a number of acupuncture treatments. Unfortunately...
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...pharmacological methods that were typically accepted years ago. Consumers also have more access to new trials and studies in regards to CAM because of increased access to the internet and media. Because of this, patients are more involved in their own healthcare and treatment decisions than in the previous years. According to the National Center of Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 1 in 4 adults from various backgrounds are currently using CAM therapies. (“The use of, 2011) Some of the most common medical reasons patients decide to try CAM therapies are problems with anxiety and depression, reoccurring nausea and pain related to cancer, and symptom management related to labor and delivery. Nurses play a major role in the patient education and treatment of these 3 areas. One of the largest growing health concerns for all ages currently is the growing problem of anxiety and depression. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, 28.8% of the US population has been diagnosed with anxiety, and 16.5 % have been diagnosed with a form of...
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...Lichtman Traditional Acupuncture Thesis: Acupuncture has some therapeutic benefits. Purpose: To inform my audience of what acupuncture is, how it works, and the benefits that follow treatments. Introduction: I. How many of you know what acupuncture is? A. Acupuncture is a 3,000-year-old healing technique of Traditional Chinese Medicine. B. By understanding acupuncture, how it works, and what goes on during appointments, you’ll be more open to getting this sort of treatment. [FIRST, YOU MIGHT BE WONDERING] Body: I. What is Acupuncture? How does it work? A. Acupuncture is an age-old healing practice form of Chinese Medicine that’s been around for centuries now and it involves the insertion of very thin needles through the patient's skin at specific points on the body. B. It's based on the theory that energy, called chi, flows through and around your body along pathways called meridians. Each meridian corresponds to one organ, or group of organs, that governs particular bodily functions. This constant flow of energy keeps the yin and yang forces balanced. However, if chi gets blocked, the disruption can lead to pain, lack of function, or illness. C. Acupuncture seeks to release chi by stimulating points along 14 energy pathways. Scientists say the needles cause the body to release endorphins -- natural painkillers -- and may boost blood flow and change brain activity. [YOU MIGHT ASK] II. What happens during acupuncture? A. First...
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...Complementary and Alternative Medicine “CAM stands for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, a group of diverse therapies and products that are neither part of conventional medicine as taught in U.S. medical schools, nor generally available at U.S. hospitals,” (Bowling, Steward, 2007). Although, there is a lot of controversy surrounding the many different CAM practices, I believe, based on current research and individuals experiences, that CAM practices can benefit anyone who would like to improve their health and wellness. The research I will use to support my beliefs about CAM practices could help to integrate CAM as part of our regular health care system and reduce all the skepticism surrounding Complementary and Alternative therapies. There are also many reports and testimonies available today that support the positive effects CAM therapies can have. Still with these many clinical and laboratory research experiments and the reports and testimonies, people still have questions about Complementary and Alternative therapies and the benefits surrounding CAM practices as well as the safety of their techniques. Complementary medicine is becoming more integrated into our mainstream health care system largely in response to consumer demand, as well as the recognition of new scientific findings that explain the views of health and healing-which push against the limits of the current biomedical paradigm (Micozzi, 2006). There...
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...Acupuncture: New Uses for an Ancient Remedy General Purpose: To inform. Specific Purpose: To inform my audience about what happens during acupuncture, how it works, what it can treat, and its use in Western culture. Central Idea: Acupuncture is the insertion of needles into the skin that can improve the flow of energy, can treat a wide range of medical conditions, and is being used combination with Western medicine. Pattern of Organization: Topical Introduction Six months ago, my 78-year-old grandmother was quickly losing her independence. Severe arthritis in both knees hampered her ability to take care of herself. Shopping, getting around the neighborhood, even walking down her front steps was becoming almost impossible. Pain medications helped somewhat, but the side effects created their own problems. Then her doctor suggested acupuncture. My grandmother was skeptical at first, but she was willing to try just about anything. She did and the results were miraculous. After six weeks, her pain and stiffness were significantly reduced. She was able to take care of her apartment again. She could get out on her own to go shopping, to visit friends and family, and to do the other things her arthritis had prevented in the past. Acupuncture restored her quality of life and her independence. My grandmother’s story is not unique. Performed for well over 2, 000 years in China and other parts of Asia, acupuncture is becoming...
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...The mental illness I chose to write about is one that my mom suffers from which would be panic disorder. A panic disorder is a form of an anxiety disorder. The history of anxiety disorders dates back before medical records were recorded. In the sixteenth century, anxiety was known as hysteria. Professional had different opinions on the cause of this disorder, for example, witchcraft, had to do with the uterus until men were found to have the same condition, the person is a hypochondriac, and demons were entering the body. In the eighteenth century panic disorder was known as the “nervous illness." Today we know that panic attacks are a sudden urge of overwhelming fear and anxiety. There are many myths that surround panic attacks such as it is all in one’s head, it is not a real illness, make one face the fear head on, a sign that one is going insane. Other myths include that one will be on medication for the rest of their life, cause internal damage as a heart attack would, there is no treatment, and it is as an excuse. These types of rumors or beliefs can cause one to not seek professional help. Past treatments for anxiety in eighteen seventies were to refrain from exercise as anxiety was considered to be nervous exhaustion and it was straining the nervous system. Other harsher treatments were strychnine, arsenic, and quinine. For severe cases, a hot white iron was applied to the spine. In the year nineteen twenty, exposure to the fear, and radionics was used. It...
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...belief systems and therefore differs from conventional medicine. In most cases, it does not follow generally accepted medical methods does not have a scientific explanation for it's effectiveness. Despite the fact that many of alternative treatments lack medical explanations, some have become widely accepted and practised. Commonly cited examples of alternative medicine are herbalism, homeopathy, acupuncture, and yoga. A point to take into account here is that alternative medicine covers more than just these 4 examples. But I chose them as I assumed you are more or less already familiar with them. The form of alternative medicine which has the longest tradition is herbalism. Herbalism can be also refered to as botanical medicine. It is based on the use of plants and plant extracts. These include aromatic substances that are useful to the maintenance of health in humans. Another branch of alternative medicine is acupuncture. Acupuncture is the practice of inserting thin needles into specific body points to improve health and well-being. There are different types of acupuncture such as Classical Chinese, Japanese, and they are all practiced and taught throughout the world. A form of altrenative medicine which is gaining more and more supporters each day is yoga. Yoga is a a set of mental and physical exercises that concentrate on breathing in order to achieve spiritual enlightenment. It is not only a way to relieve stress but also a way to improve your overall physical...
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...any historical information The alternative therapy activity for diabetes is the acupuncture therapy. Acupuncture is one of the ancient ways of treatment which is around 800 years old. In those years, the Chinese used sharp stones or bones as their surgical instruments. Acupuncture continued to develop since then and has now become one of the leading therapies in the world. The treatment of diabetes by acupuncture therapy is best known for reducing blood glucose levels mostly in the patients with type 2 which is non–insulin diabetes and the most common. The process has identified around 20 body points which are very effective in reducing the blood glucose levels. The main points of acupuncture therapy in the treatment of diabetes conditions are sanyinjiao, zusanli, quchii and the yishu. These points are chosen on the bases of the diabetes history, and the specific stage of the diabetes. The acupuncture points and the treatment process are different from person to person. This diabetes therapy is treated using the combination of acupuncture and specific Chinese herbal medicines which have a hypoglycemic effect. One of the herbs called ginseng plays a major in lowering the blood glucose levels (Oleson, 2012). In a single session, acupuncture may involve the application of dozen points for the treatment. The course for the treatment of diabetes using acupuncture therapy is long term since acupuncture treats only the symptoms but does not cure. The course of treatment involves two...
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...Treatment of Insomnia: An Alternative Approach Anoja S. Attele, DDS, Jing-Tian Xie, MD, and Chun-Su Yuan, MD, PhD Abstract Insomnia is the most common sleep disorder, and is often associated with significant medical, psychological, and social disturbances. Conventional medical treatment for insomnia includes psychological and pharmacological approaches; however, long-term use of frequently prescribed medications can lead to habituation and problematic withdrawal symptoms. Therefore, herbal and other natural sleep aids are gaining popularity, as herbs commonly used for their sedative-hypnotic effects do not have the drawbacks of conventional drugs. Whether alternative therapies possess activity similar to conventional therapies needs further evaluation. (Altern Med Rev 2000;5(3):249-259) Introduction Humans sleep approximately one-third of their lives. Scientists do not fully understand the necessity for sleep, nor the mechanisms for sleep’s physical and mental restoration. Sleep disruption creates fatigue and suboptimal performance, causing significant medical, psychological, and social disturbances.1,2 Insomnia is a widespread health complaint, and the most common of all sleep disorders.3 In the United States, the cost of insomnia, including treatment, lost productivity, and insomnia-related accidents may exceed $100 billion per year.4,5 Insomnia can be defined as the subjective complaint of impairment in the duration, depth, or restful quality of sleep. It is characterized...
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...good vibe or a cold shoulder to sorrow. It gives a persons body a calmness benefits both your feelings and your overall wellbeing. These effects don’t quit when you quit doing meditation, it helps you throughout the day(Mayo Clinic). If a person uses meditation,it can get rid of the data overkill that could get larger and make your stress worse. The helpful benefits include getting attributes to maintain stress, giving oneself more self help, and getting rid of bad reactions. Meditation can also be helpful if you have an illness or disease, especially if caused by bad situations. A larger group of discoveries helps medical additions of meditation. Some things meditation could potentially help include asthma, anxiety disorders, cancers, depression, pain, sleep problems, and heart disease. There are several different types of meditation including guided...
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...various options available in the health field to receive the care and treatment desired. Two of these choices are with the General practitioner and a Complementary & Alternative health practice. Comparably, both practices treat the same set of common illness’s or diseases such as pregnancy, childhood illnesses, common cold, asthma, diabetes, high blood pressure, depression, injury, and anxiety; however, there are differences in the technique to treatments and healing methods, which should be considered in choosing the type of practice that best fits your needs. In order to discuss the similarities and differences between the two practices we must first define them. A general practitioner, that practices modern medicine is defined by Collins English Dictionary as “ a physician who does not specialize but has a medical practice (general practice) in which he deals with all illnesses” (2005); while Collinsenglishdictionary.com defines Complementary health as” also called: alternative medicine , the treatment, alleviation, or prevention of disease by such techniques as osteopathy, homeopathy, aromatherapy, and acupuncture, allied with attention to such factors as diet and emotional stability, which can affect a person's wellbeing” (2009). When visiting a general practitioner for an illness, they will begin the appointment with an examination consisting of finding out information such as weight, height, age, blood pressure, heart rate, temperature, list of medication,...
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...are available for users of health and social care services Acupuncture Acupuncture comes from Latin origin as is a Chinese form of medicinal treatment in which many, many tiny needles are inserted into various parts of the skin. Particular places of the body, referred to as energy lines are targeted in order to relieve pain. Acupuncture also claims to cure disease and help treat the symptoms of the following conditions: allergies, respiratory conditions, nervous conditions and disorders associated with the eyes, nose and throat. In addition to this it has also been used to treat alcoholism and manage drug abuse withdrawal. Some other uses are believed to be the relieving of chronic head and back and management of arthritis of the joints. Homeopathy Homeopathy is the opposite of convention western medicine and is a form of treatment that circulates around the phrase ‘like cures like’, which means that people use the cause of the illness to treat it. It also uses the principle of dilution and shaking which offers the idea that the more the cause is diluted the better the success of the treatment. Practitioners believe that by diluting the cause with water and administering it to the patient will mean that there is none of the original illness left, using like for like. Homeopathy can be used to treat physical conditions such as hay fever, asthma and dermatitis as well as mental conditions such as depression, stress and anxiety. Herbal Medicine Herbal medicine is treatment...
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...illness without the intake of drugs which involves healing practices. Classification of complimentary therapies. Physical therapy: This is a type of therapy which involve es exercises and other physical activities done on the body to improve health. This physical therapy includes; Acupuncture: this a physical therapy that involves the use of fine pins inserted in the skin at specific points along the meridians. This therapy adjusts the body energy flow into healthier patterns. But if the acupuncturist is not a qualified one then aim of the acupuncture might not be obtained. There are twelve primary acupuncture meridians that flow throughout the body, these acupuncture flow one into another; coupled together like two end of a hose. These paths ensure an even flow throughout the area of the body. Acupuncture points are locations along the meridians where the energy in that meridian merges and can be accused and affected. The effect of a point is done through stimulation with needles inserted into the defined location. Stimulation of the point is done through by the application of mechanical actions; heat or slight electrical micro-current can be applied on the needle. Before acupuncture is done the acupuncturist examines the patient first and asses the condition of the body. It is also recommended for patients who do not respond to treatment but can be dangerous for patients with bleeding disorder as well. Advantages * It regulates blood pressure. * Stabilizes...
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