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?
“Whatever you are not changing, you are choosing.”
– Laurie Buchanan
www.HolEssence.com
Copyright © 2010 Laurie Buchanan — All Rights Reserved.
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