alternative medicine | Tuesdays with Laurie

Reiki Hands by Len Buchanan

Complementary, Alternative, and Integrative medicine are different from each other:

Complementary Medicine
Complementary Medicine is used together with conventional medicine. An example of Complementary Medicine is the use of Reiki to reduce the unpleasant side effects of chemotherapy.

As a Holistic Health Practitioner, I use Complementary Medicine. Strangely, HolEssence just won “The Best Alternative Medicine” in McHenry County. The reason is because there wasn’t a category for Complementary Medicine and the voters chose the closest category that fit.

Alternative Medicine
Alternative Medicine is used in place of Conventional Medicine. An example of Alternative Medicine is using a special diet to treat cancer instead of undergoing surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy that has been recommended by a conventional doctor.

Integrative Medicine
Integrative Medicine, as defined by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM), combines mainstream medical therapies and complementary and alternative therapies for which there is high-quality scientific evidence of safety and effectiveness.

Client vs. Patient
Here’s where I could potentially stir a hornet’s next. Please remember, this is my opinion—that doesn’t make it right—it simply makes it my opinion.

It is my perspective that the word Patient refers to a person who is passive; they’re looking to someone else to make a diagnosis and decision for them. A patient is a person who’s inclined to give their authority over to a physician and prescribed treatment. Generally speaking, they’re not included in the decision-making process. From my perspective, the term “patient” is demeaning.

Client, on the other hand, is a person who is taking control of their life. They’re actively part of the decision-making process—they’ve done their homework; they’re at the helm. They work with their health professional, and make sure that their input is valued and taken into complete consideration throughout the process. It’s my perspective that the term “client” is a term of respect.

Over the next several posts I’m going to share information about specific energy-based therapies that fall under the umbrella of Energy Medicine.

Have you ever experienced Complementary Medicine?
Have you ever experienced Alternative Medicine?
Have you ever experienced Integrative Medicine?
Which type of medicine do you prefer?

Listen with your heart,

Laurie Buchanan

“Whatever you are not changing, you are choosing.”
– Laurie Buchanan

www.HolEssence.com
Copyright © 2010 Laurie Buchanan — All Rights Reserved.

Laurie Teaching by Len Buchanan

Last semester in the University of Life we discussed the different lessons some of us are here to learn. This semester I’m offering Energy Medicine 101. Class topics will include:

– Setting the Stage (definitions)
– Healing versus Curing
– The Master Key to Healing
– The Difference between Complementary, Alternative, and Integrative Medicine
– A Look at Different Energy-Based Therapies—What they Can and Can’t Do
– Death is Not the End

I’m not a physician. I’m a Holistic Health Practitioner, board certified with the American Association of Drugless Practitioners (AADP). In this context, my specific area of focus is Energy Medicine. My training and approach have been greatly influenced by three leaders and teachers in this field: Barbara Brennan, Donna Eden, and Caroline Myss.

Over the next weeks I’ll be sharing my thoughts as they relate to Energy Medicine. That doesn’t mean I’m right. That doesn’t mean I’m wrong. It simply means they’re my thoughts. If you share the same mind-set; fantastic! If you don’t, that’s fine too. Either way, please feel free to speak up and share what’s on your heart and mind.

So batten down the hatches and prepare to take on water because we start Energy Medicine 101 the day after tomorrow. Bring a sharpened No. 2 pencil, a fresh tablet, and be sure to ditch your gum before entering class.

Listen with your heart,

Laurie Buchanan

“Whatever you are not changing, you are choosing.”
– Laurie Buchanan

Tuesdays with Laurie

"Whatever you are not changing, you are choosing." —Laurie Buchanan

Tag Archives: alternative medicine

Complementary, Alternative, and Integrative Medicine

Energy Medicine 101