Week Two Lecture Notes as part of a three week class regarding and Introduction to Complementary and Alternative Medicine to be given at a local Community College.

1. Week Two Lecture Notes
Mind and Body Practices Used as Preventative Care.
Lesson Summary:
Discuss how CAM practices can be used as preventative care for various individuals.
Discuss the benefits and risks of chiropractic care, massage therapy, acupuncture, and meditation
within a personalized healthcare plan. Determine who should seek these services.
Lesson Content:
Review Definitions.
According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Medicine, mind and
body practices include a large and diverse group of procedures or techniques administered or
taught by a trained practitioner or teacher (2015). The following definitions come from the
NCCIM website. “Spinal manipulation is practiced by health care professionals such as
chiropractors, osteopathic physicians, naturopathic physicians, physical therapists, and some
medical doctors. Practitioners perform spinal manipulation by using their hands or a device to
apply a controlled force to a joint of the spine. The amount of force applied depends on the form
of manipulation used (2015).” “Massage therapy includes many different techniques in which
practitioners manually manipulate the soft tissues of the body (2015).” “Acupuncture is a
technique in which practitioners stimulate specific points on the body—most often by inserting
thin needles through the skin (2015).” And lastly, “Most meditation techniques, such as
mindfulness meditation or transcendental meditation, involve ways in which a person learns to
focus attention (2015).”

2. Benefits and Risks of Chiropractic Care:
Chiropractic care is not just for back pain! Chiropractic care can be administered to
prevent a number of conditions. Spinal manipulation can be used to prevent the onset of
headaches, improve or maintain good posture, and proper function of the body’s systems
(WebMD, m2015). Chiropractic care is generally considered safe; however, you would not want
someone who is not trained to perform any spinal manipulation, or other manipulation without
proper training. Chiropractors, in many cases, can even prescribe whole food supplements for
maintenance of proper bodily functions.
Who Could Seek Chiropractic Care?
Just about anybody can seek chiropractic care. Of course, you should first consult your
current healthcare provider before doing so, to address and avoid any possible contraindications
with your current healthcare regimen. In many cases, practitioners of different disciplines can
work together to create a personalized plan for you. I am pregnant, and I go to the chiropractor
about every two weeks, just to make sure that my body is aligned properly, especially because of
the weight I have gained as a result of my pregnancy. My chiropractor tells me that women who
have had chiropractic care during their pregnancies have experienced easier deliveries. Of
course, this is determined on an individual basis.
Personal Experience with Chiropractic Care:
At this time, if anyone would like to share some personal experiences regarding
chiropractic care, please do so. Ask questions of one another. Try to learn as much as you can
from this class and each other. Do you use chiropractic care on a regular basis as a preventative
measure? What are your health concerns and goals?

3. Benefits and Risks of Massage Therapy:
Many people use massage therapy as a means to prevent the onset of stress and anxiety,
increase relaxation, and prevent depression. Physical touch is so powerful! I know I always feel
better after a back rub or a good hug! Who can relate to that? Massage therapy is generally
considered to be a low risk practice, however, just like with the chiropractic care, you want to
make sure that you are seen by a trained professional to prevent any serious injury. Sometimes,
after a massage, some people will report slight discomfort in the area that was worked
(MedicineNet.com, 2014). Precautions should be taken for people with bleeding disorders,
taking blood thinner, or have blood clots. It is also advised that pregnant women seek
consultation before receiving massage therapy, to make sure the type administered is appropriate
and the proper equipment to accommodate her growing belly is used (MedicineNet.com, 2014).
Who Could Seek Massage Therapy?
People who experience stress and need to relax benefit greatly from massage therapy.
And who doesn’t have stress in their lives?! Young people with growing and developing bodies
can also benefit from massage therapy. Athletes and newly active people may also enjoy some
massage therapy. As long as an individual is cleared by their healthcare professional, almost
anyone can benefit from massage therapy.
Personal Experience with Massage Therapy:
At this time, if anyone would like to share some personal experiences regarding massage
therapy, please do so. Ask questions of one another. Try to learn as much as you can from this
class and each other. Do you use massage therapy on a regular basis as a preventative measure?
What are your health concerns and goals?

4. Benefits and Risks of Acupuncture:
Benefits of acupuncture therapy include stress reduction and pain relief. Some believe
that the practice of acupuncture stimulates the body’s natural pain killers and increases blood
flow, preventing pain from developing later (Mayo Clinic, 2015). The risks of acupuncture are
generally low, as long as you go to a skilled, competent professional. If you were to go to
someone who did not have the proper training, you put yourself at risk for organ injury if the
needle is pushed in the body too deeply and infections if the needles are not sterile. It is not
uncommon to have slight bruising or swelling at the insertion points either (Mayo Clinic, 2015).
Persons who should not seek acupuncture therapy include individuals who have bleeding
disorders or have a pacemaker. There are some forms of acupuncture that can be used for
pregnant women, however, this is something you want to discuss with all healthcare providers
involved before doing so (Mayo Clinic, 2015).
Who Could Seek Acupuncture Therapy?
Individuals that have been approved to receive acupuncture therapy can seek this service
to relax and “re-center.” Be sure to do your research and ensure that the practitioner you have
chosen has had the proper training and the equipment used is sterile. Acupuncture has also been
shown to work for those who are trying to prevent or control pain from certain conditions.
Personal Experience with Acupuncture Therapy:
At this time, if anyone would like to share some personal experiences regarding
acupuncture therapy, please do so. Ask questions of one another. Try to learn as much as you
can from this class and each other. Do you use acupuncture therapy on a regular basis as a
preventative measure? What are your health concerns and goals?

5. Benefits and Risks of Meditation:
Most people have heard of how meditation is so beneficial, which it is, but there are also
risks involved. Benefits of meditation include lower blood pressure, decreased tension, less
stress, and a more defined meaning of “self.” However, meditation could be viewed as
destructive by some and actually have the exact opposite outcome from what is anticipated
(Roche, n. d.). Sometimes, after deep meditation people do not feel empowered, but rather
helpless, depressed, experience lost time, and be at war with oneself. Additionally, meditation
may change a person’s views on many things and cause them to alienate themselves from their
family and the rest of society; they may also find themselves incredibly vulnerable and open to
other’s suggestions (Roche, n. d.). Who knew?
Who Could Seek Meditative Guidance:
People who experience both physical and mental stress can seek meditation guidance.
However, not everyone is a good candidate for meditative guidance. (Roche, n. d.). Be sure that
the practitioner you are considering is worthy of your time and has the proper credentials. Talk
to your current healthcare provider and explain your interest in meditation. Perhaps he or she
can recommend a credible and ethically inclined asset to your healthcare plan.
Personal Experience with Meditative Guidance:
At this time, if anyone would like to share some personal experiences regarding
meditative guidance, please do so. Ask questions of one another. Try to learn as much as you
can from this class and each other. Do you use meditative guidance on a regular basis as a
preventative measure? What are your health concerns and goals?

6. Question and Answer Portion of Class.
Who has questions about what was discussed today? Does everyone have a copy of the
handout provided for this week? What did you like about class today? Does anyone have any
suggestions to make the next class better?

7. References
Mayo Clinic. (2015). Tests and procedures. Acupuncture. Retrieved from
http://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/acupuncture/basics/risks/prc-20020778
MedicineNet.com. (2014). Massage therapy. Get the facts. Retrieved from
http://www.medicinenet.com/massage_therapy/article.htm#what_are_the_health_benefits
_of_massage_therapy
Roche, Lorin. (n. d.). A zesty, life affirming approach to meditation. Retrieved from
http://www.lorinroche.com/dangers/homeless.html
WebMD. (2015). Pain management health center. Chiropractic care for back pain. Retrieved
from http://www.webmd.com/pain-management/guide/chiropractic-pain-relief