Molly Vickers
After research, I realized that my question cannot be answered. Music therapy reaches such a wide variety of patients that I figured I could easily find who benefits "most" from it. I assumed a little bit of research would tell me, for example, that leukemia patients benefit most from music therapy because the soothing music allows them to relax before chemotherapy. Although this may be true, music therapy has many benefits and one is not necessarily better than the others
I read a story in CNN health about a music therapist at Boston Children's Hospital who treated a four-year-old oncology patient. The patient began music therapy because she was nervous about an upcoming x-ray. The music therapist played the guitar while she walked all the way down the hall, rode in the elevator, and all the way through the procedure. The therapist said "I'm not completely sure that she realized when it was happening...because before you knew it, we were back in the elevator, back in the room, and the music just continued straight through."
It is evident that music therapy works. However, oncology patients are not the only ones who benefit. It can help all hospitalized patients express their thoughts and feelings related to the illness, facilitate positive self-esteem, and promote a sense of independence for ALL patients, from young children to the elderly. Music therapy in the past has helped patients with schizophrenia, autism, cerebral palsy...the list goes on.
Source:
http://www.cnn.com/2013/08/23/health/music-therapy/
Thursday, October 31, 2013
Wednesday, October 30, 2013
Dangers of music therapy
Music therapy, is it the miracle therapy? After experiencing
music therapy first hand I am very interested. I am asymptomatic but with the
simple relaxing techniques used on me I can see the potential for a powerful
alternative. So are there any negative side effects of music therapy?
There are a few negative factors about music therapy. Some
of the negative effects I found were completely outrageous. If anyone were to
believe these claims I would have to say they are seriously mistaken. Many of
these claims, I believe are made by people who are looking for reasons not to
use music therapy and are trying to justify it anyway possible. There were
however some effects that were common and seen through several different
sources.
The main claim is that music therapy can trigger a negative emotional
memories. This means that a certain melody, instrument or song is tied to a
tragic event in the person’s life. One clear example I found was the song being
played to the patient was the same song that was playing when her dad died.
As you can see music therapy is not perfect and has many
upsides and in my opinion is very affective as an alternative medicine. These
cases where music triggers these strong emotions are very uncommon and often
not that serious.
J snyder
How are children recruited for "El Systema" and How do they get youth from those backgrounds interested?
Erica Haywood
Knowing a little about some of the backgrounds these youth can come from, I know that it can be really hard for them to find that interest in playing an instrument. Some of them may have to worry about being judged when they go home or to their neighborhoods, some would rather do something bad because that's what they are used to. So, to get the youth away from that, what is the process that leaders of El Sistema go about to change that mindset to being open? Browsing the internet, I found that there is a lot of advertisement for different cities. They advertise directly toward the disadvantaged kids and families. From there, parents, family members and friends may recommend to those in need of a program of such. I think another reason that this may stand out to those communities is because it is an experience that is free of charge. A lot of times, parents or families don't have the money for their children to participate in extra curricular activities which is why most of them are out doing things to get them in trouble. Another way that I see is effective is word of mouth from the people that are already involved in the program. It's easier to become interested in something when you know someone else that is involved as well.
Knowing a little about some of the backgrounds these youth can come from, I know that it can be really hard for them to find that interest in playing an instrument. Some of them may have to worry about being judged when they go home or to their neighborhoods, some would rather do something bad because that's what they are used to. So, to get the youth away from that, what is the process that leaders of El Sistema go about to change that mindset to being open? Browsing the internet, I found that there is a lot of advertisement for different cities. They advertise directly toward the disadvantaged kids and families. From there, parents, family members and friends may recommend to those in need of a program of such. I think another reason that this may stand out to those communities is because it is an experience that is free of charge. A lot of times, parents or families don't have the money for their children to participate in extra curricular activities which is why most of them are out doing things to get them in trouble. Another way that I see is effective is word of mouth from the people that are already involved in the program. It's easier to become interested in something when you know someone else that is involved as well.
Does music therapy have different effects on people who play an instrument compared to those who don't?
Ramsey Keaton
While studying music therapy I began to wonder about the different effects it would have on people who played an instrument compared to those who didn't. I started thinking about this because I've noticed in personal experiences that some people who play an instrument listen to musically a little different than I do (I don't play an instrument). They hear the beats differently and pick up on little things that I would never notice. Because of this difference I began to wonder if music therapy would have a different effect on them.
However, it is said that music therapy has a very similar effect on the two groups of people. Musicians may have better knowledge of what is being played but music therapy is effective for all groups of people. For example, someone who doesn't play an instrument may love music just as much as someone who plays an instrument, in that situation music therapy would have a positive effect on both of them. It is said that just because you might not know how to play the instrument or know what notes are being played, the therapy is still as effective.
http://www.getselfhelp.co.uk/music.htm
While studying music therapy I began to wonder about the different effects it would have on people who played an instrument compared to those who didn't. I started thinking about this because I've noticed in personal experiences that some people who play an instrument listen to musically a little different than I do (I don't play an instrument). They hear the beats differently and pick up on little things that I would never notice. Because of this difference I began to wonder if music therapy would have a different effect on them.
However, it is said that music therapy has a very similar effect on the two groups of people. Musicians may have better knowledge of what is being played but music therapy is effective for all groups of people. For example, someone who doesn't play an instrument may love music just as much as someone who plays an instrument, in that situation music therapy would have a positive effect on both of them. It is said that just because you might not know how to play the instrument or know what notes are being played, the therapy is still as effective.
http://www.getselfhelp.co.uk/music.htm
What are negative effects of music?
Music has been known to help relieve stress, help with
communication, used in social settings, etc.
We have talked about all the positive aspects of music but what are
negatives. Music has been known to cause
hearing loss if listened to too loudly.
It has caused epileptic seizures.
Violence and substance abuse has occurred among teens and young adults
because of the lyrics. Some lyrics can
bring back sad and painful memories for a person. These are just some examples of how music can
have a negative effect on a persons life.
Kathleen Kimmell
How is music so directly related to health within your brain?
Renee Neltner
"While most activities like visual art, computing, and language largely work in only one hemisphere, music is one of the few activities that stimulates both sides of the brain." According to Robin L. Brey, MD, listening to music can help a person with reactivating their speech center, help them with remembering things, as well as improving coordination. The reason that music has this kind of effect on your brain is because of the stimulating quality it possesses.
"The right brain, often considered the more subjective and creative hemisphere, focuses on the melody in music. The left hemisphere, considered the analytical part of the brain, is responsible for the understanding of musical structure and motor skills, such as playing the violin (Yoon). Rhythmic structures uniquely affect the brain extensively, such as supplementary motor areas and the basal ganglia, especially when compared to musical styles lacking a steady beat pattern (Phillips-Silver)."
Knowing that the brain responds to music in a way that is stimulating, scientists are starting to believe that, one day, they will be able to use music to help cure specific diseases such as Alzheimer's Disease. They are thinking that they will be able to utilize music in this manner because it stimulates the parts of the brain that are responsible for integrating neurological and rehabilitative functions.
Sources:
http://funmusicco.com/research-into-the-benefits-of-music/how-does-music-stimulate-left-and-right-brain-function-and-why-is-this-important-in-music-teaching/
http://www.ideafit.com/fitness-library/music-therapy-improves-brain-function
Yoon, J. (2000, January 1). Music in the Classroom: Its Influence on Children’s Brain Development, Academic Performance, and Practical Life Skills.
Phillips-Silver, Jessica. (2009, June). On the Meaning of Movement in Music, Development, and the Brain. Contemporary Music Review. Vol. 28, No. 3, pp. 293-314
"While most activities like visual art, computing, and language largely work in only one hemisphere, music is one of the few activities that stimulates both sides of the brain." According to Robin L. Brey, MD, listening to music can help a person with reactivating their speech center, help them with remembering things, as well as improving coordination. The reason that music has this kind of effect on your brain is because of the stimulating quality it possesses.
"The right brain, often considered the more subjective and creative hemisphere, focuses on the melody in music. The left hemisphere, considered the analytical part of the brain, is responsible for the understanding of musical structure and motor skills, such as playing the violin (Yoon). Rhythmic structures uniquely affect the brain extensively, such as supplementary motor areas and the basal ganglia, especially when compared to musical styles lacking a steady beat pattern (Phillips-Silver)."
Knowing that the brain responds to music in a way that is stimulating, scientists are starting to believe that, one day, they will be able to use music to help cure specific diseases such as Alzheimer's Disease. They are thinking that they will be able to utilize music in this manner because it stimulates the parts of the brain that are responsible for integrating neurological and rehabilitative functions.
Sources:
http://funmusicco.com/research-into-the-benefits-of-music/how-does-music-stimulate-left-and-right-brain-function-and-why-is-this-important-in-music-teaching/
http://www.ideafit.com/fitness-library/music-therapy-improves-brain-function
Yoon, J. (2000, January 1). Music in the Classroom: Its Influence on Children’s Brain Development, Academic Performance, and Practical Life Skills.
Phillips-Silver, Jessica. (2009, June). On the Meaning of Movement in Music, Development, and the Brain. Contemporary Music Review. Vol. 28, No. 3, pp. 293-314
What are some Bizarre Alternative Medical Practices?
Anysha
Some people are willing to do the absolute most to maintain
health rather than going to see a medical doctor. Something that many cultures
have been doing for thousands of year is drinking their own urine. This is
called urine therapy. Drinking your own urine is said to cure cancer, diabetes,
and asthma. Ever wanted to have a nice relaxed day at the spa? In Czech
Republic they have “beer spas”. This is where you go to bathe and relax in a
hot tub filled with beer. This is supposed to smooth out your muscles and relax
your joints. How old should you be to stop drinking breast milk? Recent studies
have shown that breast milk is a “killer cancer cell”. A father drank his
daughter’s breast milk and his cancer went away. New research has been
collected since then. Breast milk has a special substance in it known as HAMLET
that kills tumors. More research is being done with breast milk. Pearls are to
be worn as an accessory but could they help you medically? Chinese
practitioners claim that applying crushed power like pearls on your face would
help cure acne.
(Linn, Joseph ) http://content.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,1984400_1984439_1984418,00.html
Can music help you study?
Moira Laughlin
Nowadays most students have music playing anywhere and everywhere. Whether they have head phones on or are playing it through speakers it's not unusual to see students listening to music. But is there any benefits to listening to music while studying? Well apparently it can, if you're listening to the right type of music. According to a study that has been done on the "Mozart effect" it has been shown that music shows improvement on cognitive functioning. However if you are listening to the wrong type of music it won't help with you're studying needs. So what kinds of music are helpful?
Anything without words tends to be the best type, let it be classical, ambient, or even just a soft guitar. As long as the music is relaxing and not too fast or too slow studying can be a much better experience.
Citation:
UNCC. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://uncc49er.com/622/music-can-help-you-study/
Nowadays most students have music playing anywhere and everywhere. Whether they have head phones on or are playing it through speakers it's not unusual to see students listening to music. But is there any benefits to listening to music while studying? Well apparently it can, if you're listening to the right type of music. According to a study that has been done on the "Mozart effect" it has been shown that music shows improvement on cognitive functioning. However if you are listening to the wrong type of music it won't help with you're studying needs. So what kinds of music are helpful?
Anything without words tends to be the best type, let it be classical, ambient, or even just a soft guitar. As long as the music is relaxing and not too fast or too slow studying can be a much better experience.
Citation:
UNCC. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://uncc49er.com/622/music-can-help-you-study/
Can music therapy have other benefits besides pain relief?
by Dan Ritchey
Music therapy has been known
to relieve pain in some patients. However music can also have other positive
effects as well. According to stress.about.com, "Music has also been found
to bring many other benefits, such as lowering blood pressure (which can
also reduce the risk of stroke and other health problems over time), boost
immunity, ease muscle tension, and more... Research has shown that
music with a strong beat can stimulate brainwaves to resonate in sync with the
beat, with faster beats bringing sharper concentration and more alert thinking,
and a slower tempo promoting a calm, meditative state. Also,research has
found that the change in brainwave activity levels that music can bring
can also enable the brain to shift speeds more easily on its own as needed,
which means that music can bring lasting benefits to your state of mind, even
after you’ve stopped listening."
Because of its many potential
benefits, music therapy is becoming more widely used by healthcare providers in
the United States.
References:
Scott, E. (2011, October 27). Music and Your Body: How Music Affects Us and Why Music Therapy Promotes Health. About.com Stress Management. Retrieved October 30, 2013, from http://stress.about.com/od/tensiontamers/a/music_therapy.htm
Scot
How are durgs easily obtained by teens?
I wanted to know how school aged kids are able to get drugs. I wanted to hear from a kids perspective so I watched a video. I was shocked at what I heard. "you call someone that night and say, I want this. can you bring it to school tomorrow? And they do. And you see them in the hallway and you can exchange it like that". To me that was way to easy. She also mentioned in the video that one way they can get drugs is you basically ask around. Someone is always going to know someone who has the drugs.
The schools need to do something about this but what? Its not like there's a metal detector to sound off when the kids bring drugs into the school. I think we need more people in the schools that can keep a visual on kids at all times but that would call for funding and schools are already on a budget.
Vernita MR
Reference:
http://dfw.cbslocal.com/2011/05/19/how-easy-is-it-for-teens-to-get-drugs/
How does music influence the body to relieve stress?
Danielle T
Listening to music has a very relaxing effect on our bodies especially if it is classical music. Classical music slows our heart beat, lowers blood pressure and decreases levels of stress hormones. Music calms us and can distract us from the stress. It's a way to escape from anxiety and feelings of being overwhelmed. It doesn't have to be classical music to reduce stress any music that is pleasing to you will work. Even when you are sad and listen to sad music it doesn't make you even more upset it releases positives emotions.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/09/05/stress-relief-songs_n_3824854.html
http://psychcentral.com/lib/the-power-of-music-to-reduce-stress/000930
Listening to music has a very relaxing effect on our bodies especially if it is classical music. Classical music slows our heart beat, lowers blood pressure and decreases levels of stress hormones. Music calms us and can distract us from the stress. It's a way to escape from anxiety and feelings of being overwhelmed. It doesn't have to be classical music to reduce stress any music that is pleasing to you will work. Even when you are sad and listen to sad music it doesn't make you even more upset it releases positives emotions.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/09/05/stress-relief-songs_n_3824854.html
http://psychcentral.com/lib/the-power-of-music-to-reduce-stress/000930
Tuesday, October 29, 2013
Why should a person integrate humor into their lives? What are some ways of doing this?
Molly M.
I am sure we have all heard the term, "laughter is the best medicine." However, is there any truth or validity behind this statement? Of course there is. According to helpguide.org, "When laughter is shared, it binds people together and increases happiness and intimacy. Laughter also triggers healthy physical changes in the body." Additionally, laughter reduces stress, strengthens the immune system, and gives you more energy (Smith).
With all this being said, what are ways to integrate laughter into our lives in order to benefit our health? The first thing to do is surround yourself with people that you can be yourself around and enjoy your time with. It is important to always surround yourself with people that help you be the best you. Other ways of getting humor into your life is by cracking jokes to yourself. I know this sounds silly but if you don't think you're funny and you can't entertain yourself, then who can you please? Most importantly, just loosen up and have fun in your day to day life. Living a carefree life will most definitely lead you to some good laughter and good times!
http://www.helpguide.org/life/humor_laughter_health.htm
I am sure we have all heard the term, "laughter is the best medicine." However, is there any truth or validity behind this statement? Of course there is. According to helpguide.org, "When laughter is shared, it binds people together and increases happiness and intimacy. Laughter also triggers healthy physical changes in the body." Additionally, laughter reduces stress, strengthens the immune system, and gives you more energy (Smith).
With all this being said, what are ways to integrate laughter into our lives in order to benefit our health? The first thing to do is surround yourself with people that you can be yourself around and enjoy your time with. It is important to always surround yourself with people that help you be the best you. Other ways of getting humor into your life is by cracking jokes to yourself. I know this sounds silly but if you don't think you're funny and you can't entertain yourself, then who can you please? Most importantly, just loosen up and have fun in your day to day life. Living a carefree life will most definitely lead you to some good laughter and good times!
http://www.helpguide.org/life/humor_laughter_health.htm
Are children that are home schooled more likely to have personality disorders?
So as I searched for home schooled children and personality disorders, and could not find specifics or any research done on home schooled children and personality disorders. I'm not saying there isn't any, but I could not find any. What I did find out is there are quite a few that say they may have a social phobia. They are shy and quiet. They have trouble mixing with peers. They mentioned it could be because of being home schooled, but there is no concrete evidence of this. Some had siblings that were also home schooled that had no problem mixing with peers and were out going. Maybe one day they will have more information/research on home schooled children with personality disorders.
Monday, October 28, 2013
El Sistema in the US – how has it worked and could it be
better/more widespread?
Luke Newman
El Sistema
is a Venezuelan program in which school children from lower class backgrounds
are able to practice musical instruments.
It has helped many children stay off the streets and even go on to lead
highly successful lives. Many in America have wondered if El Sistema could work
similarly in inner-city areas nationwide.
As we said in class, Jose Antonio Abreu won the TED Prize and his wish
was for El Sistema to make it’s way to the US.
There are branches of El Sistema all across the country, including right
here in Lexington. The program in
Lexington has helped thirty second and third grade students who receive eleven hours
of musical instruction per week. The
program is free for all students. It is
a great opportunity to help children in potentially high-risk environments to
stay off of the street and develop talents in a meaningful art.
http://elsistemausa.org/profiles/north-limestone-musicworks/
El Sistema in the US – how has it worked and could it be
better/more widespread?
Luke Newman
El Sistema
is a Venezuelan program in which school children from lower class backgrounds
are able to practice musical instruments.
It has helped many children stay off the streets and even go on to lead
highly successful lives. Many in America have wondered if El Sistema could work
similarly in inner-city areas nationwide.
As we said in class, Jose Antonio Abreu won the TED Prize and his wish
was for El Sistema to make it’s way to the US.
There are branches of El Sistema all across the country, including right
here in Lexington. The program in
Lexington has helped thirty second and third grade students who receive eleven hours
of musical instruction per week. The
program is free for all students. It is
a great opportunity to help children in potentially high-risk environments to
stay off of the street and develop talents in a meaningful art.
http://elsistemausa.org/profiles/north-limestone-musicworks/
How does music affect your mood?
Music has been proven by scientists to help people with stress, relaxation, inspiration and motivation. It can instantly change ones mood from positive to negative or happy to angry and that is why it is often times called, "The International Language." No matter what language you speak, music can make you dance, smile, laugh and cry making it one of the most powerful tools for health available to people today. Putting more music into your life could really help improve your life. Listen to music when you are going to sleep or when you are getting ready in the morning, even when you are doing homework and especially when working out. Music is inspiring and an enriching tool... and it's cheap! No going to the doctor or having to get a prescription filled and all you have to do it test out different types until you find what you like. Scientists at the University of Missouri have found that people can boost their mood simply by listening to upbeat music. “Our
work provides support for what many people already do—listen to music
to improve their moods,” said lead author Yuna Ferguson in a press
release. “Although pursuing personal happiness may be thought of as a
self-centered venture, research suggests that happiness relates to a
higher probability of socially beneficial behavior, better physical
health, higher income, and greater relationship satisfaction.” Next time you are feeling down in the dumps, try putting on some good tunes and see how it can help you out.
Shanel Perry
Source: http://www.healthline.com/health-news/mental-listening-to-music-lifts-or-reinforces-mood-051713
Shanel Perry
Source: http://www.healthline.com/health-news/mental-listening-to-music-lifts-or-reinforces-mood-051713
How Does Drinking Alcohol Affect Your Body?
Alcohol interferes with the brains communication pathways, and can affect the way the brain looks and functions. These interferences can change mood, behavior, and make it harder to think clearly and move with coordination. It also affects the heart. Drinking a lot for a long time or too much in a single night can cause a stroke, high blood pressure, and an irregular heartbeat. Alcohol affects the liver also. Heavy drinking can take a big toll on the liver. It can lead to fibrosis, alcoholic hepatitis, and fibrosis. The pancreas is also affected when drinking alcohol. It causes the pancreas to produce toxic substances that can eventually lead to pancreatitis, a dangerous inflammation and swelling of the blood vessels in the pancreas that prevents proper digestion. Drinking to much can cause cancer in the mouth, esophagus, throat, liver, and breast. Last but not least alcohol affects the immune system. Drinking too much can weaken your immune system, which can make you more likely to be able to contract a disease.
Source:http://www.niaaa.nih.gov/alcohol-health/alcohols-effects-body
Angel Morrisey
Source:http://www.niaaa.nih.gov/alcohol-health/alcohols-effects-body
Angel Morrisey
Friday, October 25, 2013
Why Does Music Feel So Good To Listen To?
Music moves people of all cultures. Nobody really understands why listening to music triggers rewarding experiences. Salimpoor’s group reports that when you listen to a song for the first time, the strength of certain neural connections can predict how much you like the music, and that these preferences are guided by what you’ve heard and enjoyed in the past.With this technique, called positron emission tomography or PET, the researchers showed that 15 minutes after participants listened to their favorite song, their brains flooded with dopamine.The brain scans highlighted the nucleus accumbens, often referred to as the brain’s ‘pleasure center’, a deep region of the brain that connects to dopamine neurons and is triggered during eating, gambling and sex. It turns out that connections between the nucleus accumbens and several other brain areas could predict how much a participant was willing to spend on a given song. Those areas included the amygdala, which is involved in processing emotion, the hippocampus, which is important for learning and memory, and the ventromedial prefrontal cortex, which is involved in decision-making. Depending on what styles you're used to — Eastern, Western, jazz, heavy metal, pop — all of these have very different rules they follow, and they’re all implicitly recorded in your brain.Using those musical memory templates, the nucleus accumbens then acts as a prediction machine. It predicts the reward that you’ll feel from a given piece of music based on similar types of music you’ve heard before. If you like it better than predicted, it registers as intense pleasure. If you feel worse than predicted, you feel bored or disappointed. Music is really an exercise for your whole brain.
Source:http://phenomena.nationalgeographic.com/2013/04/11/why-does-music-feel-so-good/
Angel Morrisey
Source:http://phenomena.nationalgeographic.com/2013/04/11/why-does-music-feel-so-good/
Angel Morrisey
Wednesday, October 23, 2013
How is energy transferred through the body during mind and body practices such as what Jennifer Bradley does for cancer patients at UK?
Molly Vickers
Jennifer Bradley practices jin shin jyutsu, and currently works at her own practice, teaches jin shin jyutsu sessions, and works with cancer patients at the University of Kentucky's Markey Cancer Center and Saint Joseph Hospital's Hospice. She became interested in this area of complementary medicine in 2002, when her sister was diagnosed with breast cancer. Bradley was able to see firsthand how jin shin jyutsu helped to debilitate the side effects of chemotherapy. So how does it work?
In Japanese, jin shin jyutsu means "the art of the Creator through compassionate man." There are 52 "safety energy locks" in the body, 26 on each side, and the practitioner "listens" to the energetic pulses in the wrist area, analyzes current state of the body's energy system, and unblocks these safety energy locks through "flows" (Tyler, Tanja). Flows are specific hand placement movements done by the practitioner to areas of the patient's body energy system that need to be unblocked. The purpose of this practice is to send the body's energy back through the body so it is evenly distributed throughout the patient's energy system. Jennifer Bradley says, "If the mind can rest, the body can follow."
Sources:
http://www.jsjharmony.com/www.jsjharmony.com/Articles_&_News_files/Health%20%26%20Wellness%20Article%20-%20%20Jul%2001,%202010%20.pdf
http://www.jsjharmony.com/www.jsjharmony.com/About_Me.html
Jennifer Bradley practices jin shin jyutsu, and currently works at her own practice, teaches jin shin jyutsu sessions, and works with cancer patients at the University of Kentucky's Markey Cancer Center and Saint Joseph Hospital's Hospice. She became interested in this area of complementary medicine in 2002, when her sister was diagnosed with breast cancer. Bradley was able to see firsthand how jin shin jyutsu helped to debilitate the side effects of chemotherapy. So how does it work?
In Japanese, jin shin jyutsu means "the art of the Creator through compassionate man." There are 52 "safety energy locks" in the body, 26 on each side, and the practitioner "listens" to the energetic pulses in the wrist area, analyzes current state of the body's energy system, and unblocks these safety energy locks through "flows" (Tyler, Tanja). Flows are specific hand placement movements done by the practitioner to areas of the patient's body energy system that need to be unblocked. The purpose of this practice is to send the body's energy back through the body so it is evenly distributed throughout the patient's energy system. Jennifer Bradley says, "If the mind can rest, the body can follow."
Sources:
http://www.jsjharmony.com/www.jsjharmony.com/Articles_&_News_files/Health%20%26%20Wellness%20Article%20-%20%20Jul%2001,%202010%20.pdf
http://www.jsjharmony.com/www.jsjharmony.com/About_Me.html
Are the majority of healthcare providers implementing complementary medicince along with conventional medicine?
by Dan Ritchey
I set out to find out how many healthcare providers are accepting CAM as a legitimate treatment option. I found an interesting article from the Center For Advancing Health. The article states that doctors and nurses use complementary and alternative medicine—for themselves—more than workers in other fields. It also said that three-fourths of health care workers use complementary and alternative medicine, compared with 63 percent of the general working population. The researchers used data from the 2007 National Health Interview Survey, analyzing responses from 14,329 working adults. Their findings appear online in the journal Health Services Research.
Although these practices are becoming more accepted by doctors, most insurance companies have not jumped on board with the idea. According to the National Institute of Health, "treatments that are more commonly covered by insurance include chiropractic, acupuncture, and massage. However, health insurance companies still regard most alternative techniques with uncertainty. Treatments that are not included in most traditional health plans include herbal therapy, homeopathy, applied kinesiology, and naturopathy. Though these procedures may not be covered, alternative healthcare costs could be reduced if policyholders better understood insurance policies and options."
Sources:
Dawson, M. (2011, August 19). Doctors, Nurses Often Use Holistic Medicine for Themselves | Center for Advancing Health. Doctors, Nurses Often Use Holistic Medicine for Themselves | Center for Advancing Health. Retrieved October 23, 2013, from http://www.cfah.org/hbns/2011/doctors-nurses-often-use-holistic-medicine-for-themselves#.UmhIjCRJjfg
Valles, M. (2013, February 27). Alternative Medicine and Your Health Insurance: How to Get More Out of Your Plan. The Simple Dollar. Retrieved October 23, 2013, from http://www.thesimpledollar.com/healthinsurance/alternative-medicine/
I set out to find out how many healthcare providers are accepting CAM as a legitimate treatment option. I found an interesting article from the Center For Advancing Health. The article states that doctors and nurses use complementary and alternative medicine—for themselves—more than workers in other fields. It also said that three-fourths of health care workers use complementary and alternative medicine, compared with 63 percent of the general working population. The researchers used data from the 2007 National Health Interview Survey, analyzing responses from 14,329 working adults. Their findings appear online in the journal Health Services Research.
Although these practices are becoming more accepted by doctors, most insurance companies have not jumped on board with the idea. According to the National Institute of Health, "treatments that are more commonly covered by insurance include chiropractic, acupuncture, and massage. However, health insurance companies still regard most alternative techniques with uncertainty. Treatments that are not included in most traditional health plans include herbal therapy, homeopathy, applied kinesiology, and naturopathy. Though these procedures may not be covered, alternative healthcare costs could be reduced if policyholders better understood insurance policies and options."
Sources:
Dawson, M. (2011, August 19). Doctors, Nurses Often Use Holistic Medicine for Themselves | Center for Advancing Health. Doctors, Nurses Often Use Holistic Medicine for Themselves | Center for Advancing Health. Retrieved October 23, 2013, from http://www.cfah.org/hbns/2011/doctors-nurses-often-use-holistic-medicine-for-themselves#.UmhIjCRJjfg
Valles, M. (2013, February 27). Alternative Medicine and Your Health Insurance: How to Get More Out of Your Plan. The Simple Dollar. Retrieved October 23, 2013, from http://www.thesimpledollar.com/healthinsurance/alternative-medicine/
Is echinacea a viable treatment for the common cold?
There are many types of echinacea plants out there making it very difficult to evaluate the effectiveness of echinacea. Some people believe that taking echinacea at the first onset of symptoms of a cold will help relieve symptoms and result is a shorter illness duration. There are others out there that argue that echinacea has no value in treating cold symptoms and is only comparable to placebo. The National Institute of Health says that echinacea is possibly effective for the common cold but that there is little evidence to look at to support this. They also have not done extensive test on echinacea do to the fact that it can come from a variety of sources and each products differs slightly. The FDA does not oversee herbal supplements so there is currently no way to regulate that each echinacea product is of the same potency and comes from a good source. That being said, I mist agree with the NIH and conclude that there is no proven efficacy in the use of echinacea for treatment of the common cold. There are many OTC pharmaceuticals on the market that are proven safe and effective and are cheaper than echinacea that would make a much more valuable treatment option for the common cold that echinacea.
Tyler Hieneman
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/981.html
Tyler Hieneman
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/981.html
How can Tai Chi reduce your stress levels?
Renee Neltner
In order to understand how Tai Chi affects stress levels, we need to understand what it actually is. "Tai Chi is an ancient Chinese tradition that, today, is practiced as a graceful form of exercise. It involves a series of movements preformed in a slow, focused manner and accompanied by deep breathing" (Mayo Clinic).
"Tai chi’s movements provide a whole-body workout, engaging muscle groups that may be inactive or misused in daily life" (Lee, Harvard). "Lee explained that tai chi practitioners seek to make their bodies impervious not just to physical attack, but also to disease and the effects of aging".
"Tai Chi is an effective way to reduce stress. The mental focus of the mind leading the movement, thinking only of the movement, interferes with and turns off the worry process. With its attention to detail, the balance and coordination required by the slow, controlled movements, Tai Chi leaves no mind space for ruminating on the hassles of the day. The slow, flowing shifts of balance, the regular deep breathing, the harmonious turning of the limbs, the slow, pulsing openings and closings of the Tai Chi forms calm and relax the mind and body" (Charles Tsiu).
Tai Chi not only helps with stress levels, it can help with your aerobic capacity, increase energy and stamina, increase flexibility, balance, agility, muscle strength and definition. It can also help with enhancing your quality of sleep, boost your immune system, lower cholesterol and blood pressure levels, decrease joint pain, and improve symptoms of congestive heart failure.
Sources:
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/tai-chi/SA00087
http://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2012/06/add-tai-chi-to-reduce-stress/
http://www.tai-chi-fitness-for-health.com/tai-chi-mental-health-stress.html
In order to understand how Tai Chi affects stress levels, we need to understand what it actually is. "Tai Chi is an ancient Chinese tradition that, today, is practiced as a graceful form of exercise. It involves a series of movements preformed in a slow, focused manner and accompanied by deep breathing" (Mayo Clinic).
"Tai chi’s movements provide a whole-body workout, engaging muscle groups that may be inactive or misused in daily life" (Lee, Harvard). "Lee explained that tai chi practitioners seek to make their bodies impervious not just to physical attack, but also to disease and the effects of aging".
"Tai Chi is an effective way to reduce stress. The mental focus of the mind leading the movement, thinking only of the movement, interferes with and turns off the worry process. With its attention to detail, the balance and coordination required by the slow, controlled movements, Tai Chi leaves no mind space for ruminating on the hassles of the day. The slow, flowing shifts of balance, the regular deep breathing, the harmonious turning of the limbs, the slow, pulsing openings and closings of the Tai Chi forms calm and relax the mind and body" (Charles Tsiu).
Tai Chi not only helps with stress levels, it can help with your aerobic capacity, increase energy and stamina, increase flexibility, balance, agility, muscle strength and definition. It can also help with enhancing your quality of sleep, boost your immune system, lower cholesterol and blood pressure levels, decrease joint pain, and improve symptoms of congestive heart failure.
Sources:
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/tai-chi/SA00087
http://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2012/06/add-tai-chi-to-reduce-stress/
http://www.tai-chi-fitness-for-health.com/tai-chi-mental-health-stress.html
There are many types of CAM practices, how do people know how to choose the right practice?
Ellen Rehm
It is important for people interested in CAM to visit their health care physician to get a diagnosis of the condition they are struggling with. The person should ask other options from their health care provider about the choices they have for treatment and medicine care. It is important for the person to know how to integrate CAM into their conventional medical care (if their diagnosis is that intense). After talking about their treatment options, the person can then start to look for a CAM provider. The person might also want to do individual researching on their own about CAM. Before finding a CAM provider, the person should interview with multiple providers. The person should discuss their condition and explain everything about the diagnosis and treatment options that the physician already discussed. The CAM provider can then find the best option for the person with the diagnosis.
Source:
United Health Care. Frequently Asked Questions about CAM. 1996-2013 https://www.oxhp.com/providers/toolsResources/oxfordPrograms/altmed/program/faqs.html
It is important for people interested in CAM to visit their health care physician to get a diagnosis of the condition they are struggling with. The person should ask other options from their health care provider about the choices they have for treatment and medicine care. It is important for the person to know how to integrate CAM into their conventional medical care (if their diagnosis is that intense). After talking about their treatment options, the person can then start to look for a CAM provider. The person might also want to do individual researching on their own about CAM. Before finding a CAM provider, the person should interview with multiple providers. The person should discuss their condition and explain everything about the diagnosis and treatment options that the physician already discussed. The CAM provider can then find the best option for the person with the diagnosis.
Source:
United Health Care. Frequently Asked Questions about CAM. 1996-2013 https://www.oxhp.com/providers/toolsResources/oxfordPrograms/altmed/program/faqs.html
It seems that everyone just gets a job for the money and not because its their purpose in life, does everyone have one?
Today it seems that every american is just trying to find a job that pays a lot of money and not out looking or doing what is their passion or "purpose". This surprises me that so many people are just working to make money and not actually out doing what makes them feel whole and have a sense of meaning or purpose in life. In my research I found that a lot of people who have good jobs, like owning business and leaders of certain companies of various types that still say they don't know if it is their purpose in life or meaning. A lot say they really don't know why they are here or what for on this planet. a common thread in my research says that they feel a longing for a certain something that defines and integrates their lives but don't know what it is. Something that it says help is reading book and turning to things to help them find what they are here for.There are a lot of commonalities among people who end up finding their true purpose in life. One of the major ones is that they aren't very preoccupied with self-interest, in their ego-investments in what they do. A second theme of people who discover their life purpose is that they use mental and creative energies to serve something larger than themselves.
there is no clear cut example or reason for finding a purpose in life and not everyone will or has found it but its what you believe and love doing.
there is no clear cut example or reason for finding a purpose in life and not everyone will or has found it but its what you believe and love doing.
How can Tai Chi improve someones health?
Originally Tai Chi was used for self defense but has turned into a graceful form of exercise. Tai Chi is also known as mediation in motion because its almost like mediation with the silence and concentration; yet the graceful and angelic like movements allow the motion to come to life. As said by Harvard Health Publication Tai Chi should be known as the "Medication of movement" due to the many positive health benefits Tai Chi gives you. There is still a growing about of evidence showing how beneficial Tai Chi is not just physical health but mind and body health as well. Tai Chi is said to be a huge stress reliever also helps prevent and reduce stress in the future. It also helps the mind be centered and help relieve negative thoughts and promote positive thinking and attitude. As stated before Tai Chi helps with physical health as well. Since it is a low impact, slow motion exercise with very little strain on muscles and joints they are rather relaxed and not fully extended, it can really help individuals from recovery of surgery or from an injury. Overall Tai Chi is a great exercise to use to help improve your over all health. It help reduce stress which leads to helping reduce many other factor such a blood pressure etc. Not only that but can help rehab hurt body parts but can also increase muscle flexibility as well as overall fitness.
Kyndal Tanner
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/tai-chi/SA00087
http://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletters/Harvard_Womens_Health_Watch/2009/May/The-health-benefits-of-tai-chi
Kyndal Tanner
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/tai-chi/SA00087
http://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletters/Harvard_Womens_Health_Watch/2009/May/The-health-benefits-of-tai-chi
Why has CAM increased over the years
Anysha
Many people will choose what is readily available to them.
The easiest route possible for some is to swallow a pill every day rather than
locating a CAM provider to help with well being or an illness but others would
prefer CAM. The use of CAM has increases dramatically in the United States. The
2002 National Health Interview Survey showed that 62 % of adults had used CAM
therapies within the last year. Why is the use of CAM so high? People have lost
trust in the health care system. Doctors will prescribe a patient medicine for
anything now days. It has been said that pharmaceutical companies pay doctors for
prescribing certain medications. Regardless of some cost of CAM the common and
costless are practice deep breathing and relax. People could do this at home
with their own leisure time.
http://www.propublica.org/article/about-our-pharma-data
Why does complementary medicine such as prayer and faith work and why is it the most common?
Danielle Z
The article said prayer is the second most common method of pain management after oral pain medication, but is the most common complementary non-drug method of pain management with 90% of patients with serious injuries using it. But how does it work? The article gave a list of how prayer can benefit a persons health and well-being:
The reason it is the most commonly used is because it is something that can be used word wide. Most people and most cultures have a religious figure that they believe can heal them or fix their problems. It is also the cheapest option.
Source: http://www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/explore-healing-practices/prayer
The article said prayer is the second most common method of pain management after oral pain medication, but is the most common complementary non-drug method of pain management with 90% of patients with serious injuries using it. But how does it work? The article gave a list of how prayer can benefit a persons health and well-being:
- The relaxation response - prayer elicits the relaxation response, which lowers blood pressure and other factors heightened by stress.
- Secondary control - prayer releases control to something greater than oneself, which can reduce the stress of needing to be in charge.
- The placebo response - prayer can enhance a person's hopes and expectations, and that in turn can positively impact health.
- Healing presence - prayer can bring a sense of a spiritual or loving presence and alignment with God or an immersion into a universal unconsciousness.
- Positive feelings - prayer can elicit feelings of gratitude, compassion, forgiveness, and hope, all of which are associated with healing and wellness.
- Mind-body-spirit connection - when prayer uplifts or calms, it inhibits the release of cortisol and other hormones, thus reducing the negative impact of stress on the immune system and promoting healing.
The reason it is the most commonly used is because it is something that can be used word wide. Most people and most cultures have a religious figure that they believe can heal them or fix their problems. It is also the cheapest option.
Source: http://www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/explore-healing-practices/prayer