Advanced Pain Management through Alternative Medicine

Faced with the grim prospect of chronic, debilitating pain, patients by the millions are abandoning traditional health protocol for alternative medicine therapies.

by Kelly Richardson
kelly.richardson@collegedegreessearch.com
College Degrees Search Columnist

According to the Alternative Medicine Foundation, 83 million adults live with some form of pain that affects their participation in daily activities, and 75 million people live with chronic debilitating pain. Alternative medicine therapies address pain management through holistic health practices.

Despite all of the advances in our healthcare system, traditional Western medicine has done little to deal with the phenomenon of recurring pain and pain management. Pain costs the nation an estimated $100 billion annually in medical claims, disability payments, and lost productivity. Most importantly, pain affects an individual’s ability to live a normal, productive life.

Frustrated with their inability to manage their symptoms, many patients succumb to a life of prescription medication or simply retreat into the confines of their condition.

Why Alternative Medicine Works

Alternative medicine offers a holistic approach to pain management, and a ray of hope for patients suffering from chronic pain. Some of its benefits include:

• Recognition. Alternative medicine recognizes the presence of pain and seeks the solution through holistic treatments.
• Multidisciplinary Strategy. Alternative medicine therapies take advantage of integrated therapies, including education, counseling, and medical procedures.
• Affordability. Patients are attracted to alternative medicine solutions because they are often more affordable than traditional medical treatments.

Alternative Medicine: Career Education

The growing demand for alternative medicine therapies has created a need for qualified practitioners. Alternative medicine education encompasses a mixture of Eastern and Western philosophies that make for a fascinating curriculum. Here are a few of the techniques included in an alternative medicine education:

• Acupuncture. Acupuncture is the practice of using needles to stimulate energy points throughout the body to encourage healing.
• Acupressure. Similar to acupuncture, acupressure stimulates energy points with firm but gentle manual pressure.
• Herbal Therapy. Another popular form of alternative medicine is the therapeutic use of healing herbs.

Alternative medicine is an exciting avenue of healthcare that is gaining a mass following among patients suffering from chronic pain. An education in alternative medicine can help you establish a rewarding career helping others.

Sources

Alternative Medicine Foundation
Physicians and Surgeons

About the Author

Kelly Richardson has the inside track on hot career paths and resources. His articles appear career journals, periodicals, and e-zines.

Posted on April 5, 2007 at 12:09 PM

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