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Ayurvedic Medicine Over 5,000 years old, originated in India. Still the major practice in India; practiced by more than 200,000 adults in the U.S. Ayur means ‘life’ and veda means ‘science or knowledge’ Foundation lies with: universal interconnectedness: people, health and the universe Prakriti: the body’s constitution Dosha: the life forces (Ayurvedic, 2014)

Three Fundamental Energies There is health and wholeness when each of these energies are in balance: imbalance causes illness Ayurveda seeks to find the imbalance and correct it. Everyone has a unique combination of these three energies: Vata (wind) – think, light, enthusiastic, energetic, c changeable Pitta (fire) – intense, intelligent, and goal-oriented Kapha (earth) – easy-going, methodical, nurturing (Ayurveda, 2014)

Healing Modalities Diet Herbs Aromatherapy Massage Music Meditation (Ayurveda, 2014)

Safety Concerns for Ayurveda Products for treatment may consist of a combination of ingredients: herbs, metals, minerals, and other materials. Products are sold as dietary supplements, so they are not tested and controlled as well as conventional medicines are – NCCAM examined 193 products (purchased from the internet) and found 21% contained trace amounts of lead, mercury, and/or arsenic. Always go to a trained practitioner for treatment: massage, cleansing techniques and diet regulations. (Ayurvedic, 2014)

Research for Efficacy Research (by NCCAM) for Ayurveda is limited and has been difficult due to research designs and appropriate control groups study for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis found conventional and Ayurvedic to have similar effectiveness. Turmeric (used in many Ayurvedic treatments) has shown to be effective with digestive disorders and arthritis. (Ayurvedic, 2014)

Hypnosis, or Hypnotherapy A trance-like state of ‘heightened focus and concentration’ Involves a therapist and either verbal repetition, mental images or both Hypnosis makes one more open to suggestions Commonly used for insomnia, pain management, smoking cessation, childbirth, anxiety, and to overcome phobias (Hypnosis, 204)

How Does it Work ? During hypnosis, the brainwaves change from beta waves (high-energy, alert) to theta waves (slower, sleep-like). The body becomes more relaxed and breathing becomes more rhythmic. According to Bundrant (2014), “different parts of the brain are activated, increasing from 13% - 28%. Hypnosis requires mental concentration thereby increasing an individuals state of awareness. Hypnosis + suggestions can change the belief system and help to reframe how we remember things. i.e. “smoking makes me want to throw up” vs. “smoking relaxes me”

Meditation Complementary medicine for the mind, body and spirit Practiced in different forms for thousands of years Most commonly used for relaxation and reducing stress, but also for: AllergiesPain AsthmaHeart Disease CancerHigh Blood Pressure FatigueInsomnia (Stress Management, 2014)

Types of Meditation Guided meditation – uses the senses, imagery and/or visualization and led by a guide or teacher. Mantra meditation – prevent distracting thoughts by silently repeating a word, though, or phrase. Mindfulness meditation – focuses on breathing and being in the present; observing thoughts and emotions without judgment. Qi gong – a combination of meditation, relaxation, physical movement and breathing exercises. Tai chi – a self-paced series of postures or movements combined with breathing techniques. Transcendental meditation – a repeated mantra, word, sound or phrase that eliminates all other thoughts to achieve a state of stillness. Yoga – a series of posture and breathing exercises to improve physical and mental abilities. (Stress Management, 2014)

In Conclusion… Complementary and Alternative medicines can be used with or in place of Traditional, Western medicine. There are many different types of CAM. Do your research, be safe, try new things. Thanks for being a part of my class!

References Ayurveda – The Science of Life. (2014). The Chopra Center. Retrieved from Ayurvedic Medicine: An Introduction. (2014) National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Retrieved from Bundrant, M. (2013). Natural News. Retrieved from dies_effectiveness.html Hypnosis. (2014). The Mayo Clinic. Retrieved from hypnosis/basics/definition/prc Stress Management. (2014). The Mayo Clinic. Retrieved from management/in-depth/meditation/art