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