Data collected from 20 European countries and 40,000 respondents indicate that one out of four people used integrative therapies in the past year, primarily in conjunction with a conventional therapy, and that massage was the most-used integrative therapy. Headache and back pain were the two conditions that motivated most people to seek out integrative therapies. Women and those with higher education used such more often than others. The most commonly used forms of treatment were massage (12 percent), homeopathy (6 percent), osteopathy (5 percent) and herbal remedies (5 percent). Most subjects said they had experienced only one type of therapy. The research was conducted by the University of Helsinki and information about it distributed via press release.
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T en U.S. states have safe harbor laws on the books, which allow people to practice complementary therapies—herbalism, massage, homeopathy, aromatherapy, craniosacral therapy and naturopathy among them, depending on the state—without a license or training. Efforts are underway now to increase that number, but as a situation unfolding in California shows, such efforts might not be realized without a struggle.
Safe harbor laws protect unlicensed practitioners from being charged with violating the Medical Practice Act or other professional licensing practice acts, as long as the practitioners disclose their education to potential customers and avoid certain prohibited acts, according to Anne Tenner, staff attorney for the National Health Freedom Coalition (NHFC), a group that supports the creation of safe harbor laws. Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Louisiana, Minnesota, New Mexico, Nevada, Oklahoma and Rhode Island have safe harbor laws. Of them, only Minnesota’s regulates massage therapists. According to John Melnychuk, RSHom (NA), C.C.H., a California homeopath and president of the California Health Freedom Coalition, the educationdisclosure component of safe harbor laws helps consumers protect themselves. “Someone with no training can print business cards and say they are a traditional naturopath [for example], but it would [be] quite doubtful if the public would engage with that person,” he said. Unlicensed naturopaths have been practicing in California since 1902, but in 2017 the state’s 16-year-old safe harbor law was tested. Language in a bill introduced this year would have prohibited use of the titles naturopath, naturopathic practitioner and traditional naturopath by practitioners already practicing legally. The effort to prohibit the titles was supported by those who say allowing laypeople to practice naturopathy is confusing to consumers— because the state is also home to doctors of naturopathy (NDs), who have graduated with 4,100 hours of education from an accredited school, passed a national competency exam, and are licensed by the State of California Bureau of Naturopathic Medicine as primary care providers. (Unlicensed naturopaths may not diagnose or treat, and their scope relates to lifestyle changes. NDs may offer more in-depth procedures such as diagnosing, treating, administering injections and prescribing certain substances.) Ultimately, the language was removed from the bill before it was signed into law, following NHFC’s work alongside the California Health Freedom Coalition and Sunshine Health Freedom Foundation. Melnychuk said Senator Gerry Hill (D-CA) and Assemblyman Evan Lowe were also instrumental in the victory. Rebecca Mitchell, executive officer of the California Naturopathic Medicine Committee, told MASSAGE Magazine the committee plans to move forward with another attempt to disallow laypeople from using the naturopathic titles. “[Use of such titles] causes a tremendous burden and confusion for consumers who are not aware that a naturopathic practitioner, for instance, is providing unlicensed care,” she said. According to Melnychuk, if the titles disappear, so will the jobs of the state’s unlicensed practitioners of naturopathy. He said he believes the fight is far from done, admitting that in California, “We expect an ongoing battle.” It’s a battle that could be waged far beyond the borders of the Golden State. National Health Freedom Action (NHFA), described on its site as NHFC’s sister organization and an entity that lobbies for health care freedom, has plans underway to work toward safe harbor legislation in all 50 states—and Tenner said NHFC is already supporting grassroots groups in Wisconsin, Oregon, Missouri, Washington, Ohio, Michigan, Tennessee, and South Dakota with information and resources to create such laws. —Karen Menehan WHY PEDIATRIC MASSAGE REQUIRES A UNIQUE APPROACH
Children are different from adults in numerous ways, and as such, so is a pediatric massage practice.For the health care professional inspired to practice pediatric massage therapy, there are many considerations to prepare for providing developmentally appropriate touch therapy. Health care providers often use the term pediatric to describe children in a health care or hospital setting; some will say the word pediatric is an umbrella term that covers all of the patients in that facility from birth to age of discharge from the hospital—often 18 years of age. Others recognize that pediatric is simply defined as health care of children, which may mean in the hospital setting, but can also refer to children who are developing typically. Some practitioners believe massage therapy is used to treat medical and health care indications, but pediatric massage is also used in conjunction with general health care, as an adjunct and preventative method of therapeutic intervention. Pediatric massage is used in a variety of settings, from spas and professional private practices to hospitals, palliative care/hospices and orphanages. Education in Pediatric MassageFurther training and education is required to feel fully confident providing pediatric massage. Neither standard medical training, nor massage therapy education, provides health care professionals the customized training necessary to best serve this population. Children have different physical, emotional and developmental needs than adults, and pediatric massage therapy is designed to address these individual childhood considerations. As young people are growing, their bodies undergo significant physical and developmental changes. Some of these developmental considerations include recognizing that their skin is thinner, more fragile and has much more compact sensory receptors. Their bones are not yet completely fused or ossified, and require a more gentle approach. These considerations are of great importance to those practicing hands-on techniques. We consider a child’s size, developmental aspects and growth in our treatment plan, and also employ cognitive considerations and age-appropriate language adaptations as we build trust and rapport. Considerations in Pediatric MassageObtaining informed consent and permission prior to beginning a massage session establishes respect and understanding of the benefits of healthy touch. In the case of pediatric massage, this may require input from a parent/guardian or another health care provider responsible for a child’s medical treatment and care. For children, we adapt all of our care to include an individual and unique approach. Adapting techniques to their needs and preferences establishes trust and communication. We always do our best, using age-appropriate language, to communicate adaptations and possibilities with the type of therapeutic session we can provide. Many adult clients do not have a good understanding of the range of modalities and techniques within a massage therapist’s scope of practice. So, it is not surprising that this can take some explanation when working with children. When you take the time to explain options and choices to the child you plan to work with, it helps to establish the foundation of a successful therapeutic session. Safety in Pediatric MassageAs in any therapy provided for the care of children, safety and efficacy is of the utmost importance. Physicians, other health care staff and parents will look to the massage therapist for careful scrutiny of a child’s health care needs prior to providing massage therapy and devising an effective treatment plan. When working with pediatric clients in a private practice, we may first ask parents for the child’s health history. For a child with medical needs, communication with health care personnel provides massage therapists with essential information for developing an effective plan and approach for care. In the health care system, such as a pediatric hospital, we review the treatment and medical charts fully, along with asking any pertinent questions of the attending medical team. Asking a physician or health care provider to simply sign a medical release will not be all that is required when working with children with a variety of health care considerations. Not all medical personnel have background or training in the indications, precautions or contraindications for the use of pediatric massage. This is where the professional therapist must perform due diligence prior to the child’s massage session. For the therapist wishing to work in the medical environment, careful collaboration is imperative, and taking the time to nurture those relationships is especially important. Collaboration in Pediatric MassageCreative collaboration is important when implementing pediatric massage therapy appropriately, whether this takes the shape of explaining thoroughly or collaborating with the child to help design the session. Parents and caregivers might want to work together on the best treatment plan, as well. As health care providers, we work to convey the best way in which massage therapy can be an adjunct to other treatments the child may be receiving. One of the messages we work to convey to other health care providers is that pediatric massage therapy is an evidence-informed therapy that can complement the medical care and therapies already being provided. Otherwise, massage therapists may be met with challenges from other medical and health care professionals who may not see massage therapists as equals; or worse, see them as competition. It is an important part of collaboration to communicate how we can work with other professionals to reach the goal of pediatric massage becoming an integral part of an integrative health care approach. Trends in Pediatric MassageUnfortunately, not all geographic areas, private massage practices or health care facilities offer the services of therapists trained in pediatric massage. As families and professionals become more aware of the benefits of pediatric massage therapy, there will be an increasing need for professional practitioners with specialized experience and education to fill these health care needs. Numerous studies demonstrate the effectiveness of pediatric massage therapy as a noninvasive therapy when safely provided by trained health care practitioners. Today, more people in the general public understand the benefits of massage therapy for adults; however, we are still practicing in a profession that not everyone understands. So, now it is more important than ever to push forward with a consistent, professional, health care-oriented message in the description and application of pediatric massage therapy. About the Author Tina Allen, L.M.T., C.P.M.M.T., C.P.M.T., C.I.M.T, is the founder and director of the Liddle Kidz Foundation, and an authority on infant and pediatric massage therapy. She has written for MASSAGE Magazine on many topics including “Team Health Care: Touching Young Lives with Pediatric Massage” (May 2016); “Infant Massage: Considerations for the Medical Environment” (August 2017); and “Massage Benefits Autistic Children for a Lifetime.” Benefits of Rehabilitation Centers
Wellness: Physical action empowers making a more beneficial mental self view, change in general development and the lessening of undesirable propensities and in addition stress and tension. Higher vitality levels, a diminished shot of infection and better nature of rest are different advantages of wellness. Usually a rehab centre has a best in class wellness room, a test rope divider and arranged nature strolls. Workmanship Therapy: Art treatment is an awesome path for patients to manage agony and confidence. Treatment through craftsmanship is utilized for some habit and conduct issues. The advantages are enhanced mindfulness, confidence and stress administration. Sound Nutritious Food: Nutrition is only occasionally included as an indispensable piece of recovery. Anyway a solid way of life can prompt expanded vitality and bliss, both of which are major amid recuperation. Prepared dieticians at rehab centres work with every person to make a tweaked design. Stress Management: While all individuals need to manage pressure, individuals in recuperation confront more difficulties in overseeing worry without capitulating to negative practices. A rehab centre gives our patients the devices that they have to manage worry in consistently conditions. Eternal Reflection: Defining and reinforcing of the most profound sense of being can aid restoration. Eternal bliss enables a man to pick up a feeling of reason and clearness in their life. Contemplation, Tai Chi, Yoga and Self-Hypnosis: Discovering approaches to quiet your spirit and reflect prompts higher mindfulness and tranquility. These exercises increment adaptability, adjust and show quieting breathing methods. Elective Behavioral Therapies: There are different alternatives for treatments that work the body, brain and soul. Standard treatment incorporates talk, psychological and customer focused treatments. A comprehensive approach may likewise incorporate body work and back rub, recuperating touch and breath control, and shiatsu and pressure point massage. Needle therapy: People amidst tranquilize recuperation and conduct restoration can frequently experience the ill effects of physical torment and uneasiness. Needle therapy can ease both physical inconvenience and feeling unease. All encompassing Medicines: Especially when attempting to free patients from compound fixation, comprehensive and naturalistic cures may fill in as a decent option. Journaling: Journaling fills numerous needs in recuperation and recovery. It takes into consideration reflection; a patient can begin to comprehend the sentiments and practices that prompted their fixation. Journaling can be utilized to unreservedly express considerations, wants and needs while giving security and classification to the patient. Injury and Addiction Rehabilitation is a long and complex way. A comprehensive medication recovery and recuperation focus looks to mend all zones influenced. Author: Aalia Ray Why wait? The benefits of starting hospice sooner
HEALTH AND FITNESS Yvonne See was reluctant when her physician, Dr. Nicholas Gemma, suggested that hospice might be able to help her. She had recently been diagnosed with a bile duct tumor after a trip to the emergency room for what she thought was heartburn. When the ER doctor started talking about her liver, she thought he was in the wrong room. After going through, in her words, every test known to man, See was told that she likely had less than a year to live. Dr. Gemma suggested that they try chemotherapy which could give See a little more time. The treatments made her very ill. In a very candid conversation with her doctor, See told him that six more months wasn’t worth it to her if she was going to be deathly sick. That’s when he suggested hospice care. See’s initial response was, “I don’t feel bad enough for that.” The retired paramedic had the same impression many have of what hospice is–care for the last few days or weeks of life. Her mom, who had breast cancer, had been under hospice care for 30 days. See had also been in the homes of hospice patients during her 12 years as a Hardy County paramedic and had seen the struggle that sometimes played out when a patient has elected hospice care and does not want to go to the hospital when family members call 911. She would respond to the call and be caught between the two. See also couldn’t accept that they were talking about hospice care for her. Other than arthritis, she’d been very healthy, so to go from healthy to hospice with very little in-between felt so foreign. She felt like she didn’t have any adjustment time and was suddenly expected to make important decisions regarding tests and treatments and then hospice care. It was too much. She is thankful that Dr. Gemma was persistent. She finally agreed to let a hospice nurse visit with her and her family. In late January, hospice nurse Pam Francis met with See and her family at the dining room table in her lovely home. There were times during the visit that See said she had to get up and leave the room because it was all so surreal to her, but Francis continued to explain how See could benefit from hospice. Despite her hesitation and assured that she could change her mind at any time, See decided to trust her doctor and chose to start receiving hospice care. She’s never regretted it. Now she says that hospice isn’t at all what she had in mind or pictured it to be, and it’s just what she needed. See loves her hospice team. She feels comfortable to be herself–good days, bad days, laughter, sarcasm and tears. She can share it all with her hospice team and not feel like she’s burdening her family when she’s having a bad day. She has discovered that hospice has helped her remain independent. The care helps her feel well enough to do the things she enjoys, and the medical equipment like the oxygen and shower chair provided helps her continue to care for herself. She still goes grocery shopping and to the movies. She loves to go out to eat and really enjoys ordering whatever she wants off the menu since her doctor said that it’s very important that she keep eating. She loves to spend time with her grandson and is, as her daughter calls her, his “Granny Nanny.” Her family threw a surprise birthday party for her in March at the Wardensville Memorial Building to celebrate her 67th birthday. “I didn’t realize I knew that many people,” See said, “There were people I hadn’t seen in 30 years. They told funny stories, and I had the opportunity to hear things that mostly aren’t said until after a person’s gone. My feet didn’t touch the ground for three days.” Her hospice team also gives See’s daughter peace of mind as she commutes to work every day knowing that someone is visiting regularly with her mom and is just a phone call away if there should be an emergency. See is impressed with how quickly hospice staff answer and return phone calls and follow up with her. One night she was having difficulty breathing, and called to speak with a nurse at 5 a.m. Hospice nurse Tamitha Myers suggested that oxygen would help her breathe easier and ordered oxygen to be delivered to her home. See was surprised when it had been delivered by 7 a.m. that same morning. See’s favorite service provided by hospice that helps control her pain is massage therapy. She enjoys the therapy because she’s not being “poked or prodded.” Nor does she have to answer any questions. The massage therapist comes to her home, which means that she doesn’t have to go somewhere on days when she’s not feeling her best. When asked what others should know when their doctor suggests hospice, See answered, “Do not go through it alone when all this is here for you. You don’t have to. Give yourself a break.” She advises others that even if someone is unsure, they should check out the service anyway. “Let a hospice nurse come to your home and visit with you. Have your questions ready and trust your doctor,” she said. See is glad that she decided to start hospice care when she did. She can’t imagine trying to establish the ‘team’ relationship later. Starting hospice care before she even believed she needed it has allowed her to get to know the people caring for her “This is my cancer and this is my team,” she says. During this time, See’s motto has been “Eat the cake.” “Even though you’ve been given a diagnosis, you don’t know. You never know.” she says. “In the meantime, eat the cake. Do what you want to do. Have fun and, for God’s sake, stop worrying. You can’t get that time back.” Ashley Horst is the marketing and fundraising coordinator for Hospice of the Panhandle. She can be reached at 304-264-0406, ext. 1223, or via e-mail at ahorst@hospiceotp.org Hospice is a not-for-profit agency that has cared for patients and families in Berkeley, Morgan, Hampshire and Jefferson counties since 1980. For more information on services hospice provides, call 304-264-0406 or visit on-line at www.hospiceotp.org |
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