| Alternative and natural healing methods have | | | | conventional medicine. |
| gained popularity as American's have learned | | | | On most occasions, natural healing methods are |
| about the benefits and rewards. Even schools | | | | used in conjunction with conventional medicine. For |
| specializing in alternative and natural healing, such | | | | instance, aromatherapy might be used after |
| as Academy of Natural Healing, have opened their | | | | surgery to aid in recovery. Natural healing |
| doors across the country. Alternative and natural | | | | methods can also be used instead of conventional |
| healing methods are a great addition to any health | | | | medicine, such as using herbal remedies to treat |
| care routine. After years of being ostracized by | | | | illness rather than prescription drugs. |
| conventional medicine, alternative and natural | | | | Due to the increase in popularity of natural healing |
| healing methods have gained popularity with | | | | methods, many schools have opened to train |
| America's over-drugged population. | | | | natural healing practitioners. Programs in natural |
| According to a recent study of 18 major HMOs | | | | healing methods, like the ones offered at Orange |
| and insurance providers, 14 offered at least 11 of | | | | County's Academy of Natural Healing, focus on |
| 34 alternative therapies or natural healing | | | | various techniques ranging from spa therapy, |
| methods. Of the most frequently covered natural | | | | which includes massage, stone therapy and |
| healing methods, acupuncture, chiropractic, | | | | aromatherapy, to holistic health practices, which |
| massage therapy and herbal remedies are the | | | | focus on holistic healing of the body, and herbal |
| most popular. | | | | studies, which promotes herbal remedies for |
| Even with an increase in insurance coverage for | | | | common ailments. |
| some natural healing methods, the general public is | | | | As these natural healing methods are proven to |
| still undereducated about the benefits of | | | | be safe and effective, they are adopted into |
| incorporating natural healing methods into their | | | | conventional medicine, and new healing methods |
| normal healthcare regimens. | | | | emerge. Such was the case with chiropractic, and |
| By definition, natural healing methods or | | | | now acupuncture. Americans' are seeking out |
| complementary and alternative medicine, as they | | | | these alternative or natural healing methods as |
| are known by the National Center for | | | | they strive to live healthier lives. It is only a |
| Complementary and Alternative Medicine | | | | matter of time before insurance companies pick |
| (NCCAM), are a group of diverse medical and | | | | up on the popularity of such practices and begin |
| healthcare systems, practices and products that | | | | to offer coverage. |
| are not presently considered to be part of | | | | |