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What is complementary medicine?
Complementary medicine is the term for medical products and practices
that are not part of standard care. Standard care is what medical
doctors, doctors of osteopathy, and other health professionals, such as
registered nurses and physical therapists, practice. Complementary
medicine treatments are used in addition to standard ones.
Complementary care is the use of nontraditional or alternative methods
along with conventional Western medicine. Complementary care is also
referred to as integrative or blended medicine. Using guided imagery
techniques to help lessen your discomfort and speed recovery following
surgery is an example of complementary care.
Alternative care is used in place of conventional medical treatments.
Using melatonin to treat insomnia instead of a prescription sleep aid is
an example of alternative care.
Is complementary medicine safe?
Different people will respond to treatments in different ways. How you
might respond to a given treatment depends on many things, including
your overall state of health, how the treatment is applied, or even your
belief in the treatment.
Why do people use complementary medicine?
• Lifestyle changes
Complementary and alternative practices can help people make important
health and lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking, lowering blood
pressure, reducing stress and anxiety, and boosting energy and immune
system responses, among other benefits.
• Pain management
Chronic, recurring pain, such as back, neck, head, or joint aches, are
the most common health reasons that Americans use complementary and
alternative care.*
• Other health issues
Complementary and alternative approaches may be able to help treat
colds, anxiety, depression, gastrointestinal disorders, hot flashes and
other menopausal symptoms, sleep problems, and infertility.*
• Prevention or reduction of side effects
A growing number of people believe that complementary and alternative
care has fewer side effects than some conventional medical treatments.
• To supplement conventional treatment
Some people may turn to complementary practices to help improve their
symptoms if their health problems don't respond to conventional
treatment alone.
• Because it feels good
Therapeutic massage, aromatherapy, relaxation exercises, and other
rituals can help you manage stress, quiet your mind, and feel better.
• Mind-body connection
Complementary and alternative therapies often emphasize the connection
between mind and body. Many people respond well to treatments that
address their sense of mental well-being as well as their physical
health.
• Empowerment
Some people feel more involved and in control when they are
participating actively in their health by using self-care practices such
as meditation.
• Personal and cultural beliefs
Some religions and cultures include complementary and alternative
practices as part of their approach towards health and healing.
Frequently Asked Questions - HIACM Institute |
Q. What are the entry requirements?
A. The entry requirements vary for each course. Each application will be
considered individually to take lifetime learning into account and to
ensure that HIACM is providing equal opportunity to everyone.
Q. Who performs accreditation?
A. The regulatory body specific to the modality. Please contact the
Administration Office for information on the relevant regulatory body.
Q. Will I be able to practice?
A. Yes. As a graduate of an HIACM diploma course you will have
successfully completed an accredited course. You will be able to join
the relevant association. It is through the association that you will
get the insurance required to practice.
Q. What is the enrolment fee?
A. The enrolment fee is a single non-refundable deposit, paid to secure
a place on a specific course. It is a part of the course fees.
Q. Can I do more than one course at a time?
A. You can as long as both you and your course advisor consider it
possible. It is usually much better to learn one subject well and then
learn another one well, than it is to try and learn several subjects at
once.
Q. Do I need to buy books?
A. You will usually have to buy a book or a number of books, depending
on the course. These will continue to be useful reference books.
Q. What are the career opportunities?
A. There is an ever increasing demand and need for effective Naturopaths
and Nutritional Therapists in today’s society. As a graduate of a HIACM
Diploma course you will be well placed for jobs within the healthcare,
health & beauty and sports & leisure industries. For those who wish to
set up in private practice, HIACM will support you with all the advice
and guidelines required in launching your practice.
Q. What is a naturopath?
A. A naturopath is a health practitioner who uses natural means to
promote and assist the body’s own healing ability. They would have at
least one area of specialisation, be it in homeopathy, herbal medicine
or acupuncture. They would have to be qualified in naturopathic
nutrition and have one other natural healing practice or therapy. |