A PERFECT BALANCE OF YIN AND YANG
Welcome back to #Wellness Wednesday everyone. As a survivor of 3 different cancers I’ve undergone just about every treatment for acute and chronic illness that exists in the world today. And, I believe there is value in everything. During my cancer treatment, for example, I remember weeks in which I would receive chemotherapy on Thursday – acupuncture on Friday – and massage therapy on Saturday.
I also believe that with a little trial and error, we can develop a harmonious marriage between western medicine and eastern tradition and philosophy. A perfect balance of “yin and yang” if you will.
Now, just to review, traditional western medicine – especially when it comes to cancer – typically includes surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. Eastern traditional treatments for illness and pain include acupuncture, yoga, tai chi, massage therapy and relaxation among many others. The latter are referred to as CAM – or Complementary and Alternative Medicine.
As we’ve discussed before, many hospitals, medical centers and research facilities around the world are now incorporating CAM procedures into their traditional western treatments for patients suffering from a variety of conditions, including pain, inflammation, illness, injury and disease such as cancer.
And, an incredible amount of research has been conducted substantiating the need for and usefulness of CAM procedures in everyday medicine.
Now, another recent study from the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health echoes past research. Specifically, this study focused on 5 SPECIFIC CAM PROCEDURES and the PAINFUL CONDITIONS they can help improve:
- ACUPUNCTURE: Decreases back pain and pain associated with osteoarthritis of the knee.
- YOGA: Very useful in treating tension, back pain and joint pain.
- TAI CHI: Also useful in reducing back pain, joint pain and muscle tension. In addition, it helps reduce the pain associated with fibromyalgia.
- MASSAGE THERAPY: Can be used to treat neck pain in particular. It can also help reduce overall body muscle stiffness and soreness.
- MEDITATION: Along with the relaxation techniques of Yoga and Tai Chi – the mental techniques of Meditation are effective in treating headaches and chronic migraines.
Not surprisingly, national surveys over the last 25 years have found that CAM procedures are used by about 30 to 40 percent of the public in a given year in the United States alone.
Recognized in eastern tradition for centuries, these procedures have now found their rightful place in the practice of western medicine as well. Together, modern medicine and ancient techniques offer patients many hopeful options for medical treatment without the need for strong drugs and opioids – and the side effects these drugs often present.
So, the next time you experience headaches, pain from osteoarthritis or fibromyalgia, muscle stiffness or joint, neck and back pain – either from everyday activities or from treatment for a chronic illness — why not consider a CAM procedure as part of your wellness program? Speak to your primary care physician. You just might be pleasantly surprised by their results – the ease of their application – and their compatibility with all your other medical treatments and therapies.
Thanks again for joining me everyone! Until next time, stay in GOOD HEALTH and . . .
TAKE THE COURSE AND TAKE CHARGE!
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