HSC PDHPE CQ3 – What role do health care facilities and services play in achieving better health for all Australians?

complementary and alternative health care approaches What role do health care facilities and services play in achieving better health for all Australians? Students learn about: Students learn to: complementary and alternative health care approaches reasons for growth of complementary and alternative health products and services range of products and services available how to make informed consumer choices • critically analyse complementary and alternative health care approaches by exploring questions such as: how do you know who to believe? what do you need to help you make informed decisions?

2. complementary and alternative health care approaches There are many terms used to describe approaches to health care that are outside the realm of conventional medicine. Complementary and alternative health care approaches is a group of diverse medical and health care systems, practices and products that are not generally considered to be part of conventional medicine.

reasons for growth of complementary and alternative health products and services Australians spend approximately $1 billion per year on alternative health care. This amount is increasing. For many years alternative health care approaches were dismissed as unscientific—even radical and weird. The popularity of alternative therapies is growing, however, and there is a new sense of acceptance building in the community, and in the medical field, regarding what are also called ‘complementary therapies’.

reasons for growth of complementary and alternative health products and services Complementary therapies are so-called because they are not necessarily designed to replace orthodox medicine, but are an additional approach that can be used alongside traditional treatments. Treatments such as acupuncture and osteopathy, and the use of herbal medicines, are now far more common than they once were.

reasons for growth of complementary and alternative health products and services Another reason for the growth in alternative medicines and health care approaches has been the increase in the number of trained personnel as a result of courses now being provided in some universities. Government accredited advanced diplomas and tertiary degrees are now available in areas such as naturopathy and osteopathy. This has served to advance the credibility of these areas in the community.

reasons for growth of complementary and alternative health products and services The popularity of alternative medicines and health care is also linked to a reaction in the community against the use of conventional drug-based medication, and a preference by some people for the holistic approach offered by natural therapies. There is no question that conventional medicine saves lives and is extremely successful in acute and emergency conditions. For chronic conditions, however, many people are starting to prefer the holistic approach provided by natural therapists where diet and lifestyle are discussed. People are also more aware of the dangers or side effects associated with some pharmaceuticals, and are more likely to question the recommendations of doctors than they have been in the past.

reasons for growth of complementary and alternative health products and services People are also starting to show a greater interest in natural health care because it is designed to prevent illness occurring, whereas conventional medicine is largely reactive. Another reason for the growth of alternative health care is that some private insurers are now recognising natural therapies and placing them on their benefits list.

range of products and services available The following are samples of the alternative health services available. Others include reflexology (using pressure points on the feet to stimulate the circulatory system) and iridology (examining the iris of the eye to assess health status).

range of products and services available Acupuncture Acupuncture is based on ancient Chinese beliefs that propose that energy (chi) flows through the body via meridians. Meridians cross the surface of the body and are said to be linked to the major body organs. Through the painless insertion of very fine needles into the skin at certain points along the meridians it is believed that health benefits can result. Acupuncture is widely used for pain relief and also to manage conditions such as asthma.

range of products and services available Chiropractic treatment The aim of chiropractic treatment is to relieve pain and improve health through the manipulation of the spine. The basis of this treatment is the theory that many ailments are the result of poorly aligned vertebrae. Chiropractors believe that because the nervous system controls the body, adjusting the spine can deliver health benefits to other body parts.

range of products and services available Osteopathy Osteopathy involves manual deep-tissue massage and the manipulation of the spine, joints and surrounding tissue to alleviate back pain, joint problems and muscular disorders. Osteopathy is based on the principle that the wellbeing of an individual depends on the skeleton, muscles, ligaments and connective tissues functioning together smoothly.

range of products and services available Naturopathy Naturopathy involves treating the whole person by harnessing the body’s natural ability to heal itself. Naturopaths will often adopt a variety of therapies tailored to meet individual needs. These can include massage, relaxation techniques, herbal medicine and nutrition.

range of products and services available Herbal medicine For thousands of years many cultures have used plants and plant extracts to form the ingredients of herbal medicines. Naturopathy practice today uses herbal medicines to treat the individual, not necessarily the disease. The total lifestyle of the individual is analysed before herbal medicines are prescribed.

range of products and services available Homoeopathy Homoeopathy was developed in the eighteenth century. It is based on the notion that substances (usually herbal or mineral) that produce symptoms of illness in a healthy person will cure that same illness in a sick person. Patients are given very small doses of substances.

range of products and services available Yoga Yoga has been found to reduce stress and lower blood pressure through a combination of breathing exercises, physical postures and meditation. Many exponents of yoga claim that it provides a greater feeling of overall well-being.

range of products and services available Aromatherapy Sometimes used to treat stress and skin disorders, aromatherapy involves a combination of specialised massage techniques using blends of different oils. The benefits of aromatherapy are claimed to be ‘holistic’, covering all aspects of health, including the physical, social and emotional aspects of an individual’s life.

how to make informed consumer choices

how to make informed consumer choices Despite the increased acceptance of alternative health care approaches there are still many treatment options promoted as cures or remedies that have been designed by unscrupulous dealers attempting to take advantage of people desperate to obtain relief from ailments.

how to make informed consumer choices Much health information is false and promoted by people who are motivated by short-term financial gains. Such people are called ‘quacks’. They sometimes promise quick cures on a money-back-guaranteed basis, and often support their products with personal testimonies and anecdotal evidence. With the wealth of information now available in relation to health improvement, it can be difficult to know which health information is reliable.

how to make informed consumer choices Unfortunately, many ‘quacks’ are very convincing salespeople and exploit vulnerable people who desire quick health gains and improved quality of life. In assessing alternative health care approaches, it is vital that individuals put thought and time into selecting a natural therapist. Ensure the practitioner is accredited before using the services. The Australian Natural Therapists Association has a list of accredited practitioners who have signed a code of ethics.