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