Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM)
                             Complementary (combined with conventional medicine)
                             Alternative (in place of conventional medicine)
Join me in an introduction to complementary and alternative medicine mini course. I will introduce you to different CAM treatments and how they differ from conventional medicine. The two CAM treatments that I will focus on is chakra balancing and therapeutic massage. I hope you can gain an understanding of natural medicines and how they promote health with few risks.

CAM Syllabus

Lecture Notes

CAM Handout

     Chakra Balancing

The principle element of a healthy body is a harmonious flow and balance of energy. There are seven main chakras in the body, each one is associated with an organ system and a specific color. Blocked or stagnant energy can cause pain, sickness and disease. Reiki is one technique to open and balance the chakras. Reiki is based on Eastern belief that the body has the ability to heal itself (NIH, 2015).

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Chakra Handout

Therapeutic Massage

There are many health benefits of massage with few risks and one of many CAM treatments (NIH, 2016). Therapeutic massage is done with the intention to heal. Research has shown that massage is effective in relieving muscle aches, pain, stress, reduces depression, lowers blood pressure, reduces scar tissue, helps with insomnia, increases circulation, boosts immune system, rids the body of toxins and provides relaxation and overall wellness (NIH, 2016). 

Therapeutic Massage Handout

Restore Health Through Chakra Balancing

The human body is made up of 50-65% total body water: All of the organs, blood and bones need this fluid to be free flowing (Brandis, n.d). The fluid carries the energy throughout the body. Optimal health is determined by how well this energy is flowing.