After doing a presentation recently on Meniere’s Disease, I found out a few interesting tidbits regarding complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). Meniere’s Disease is a disorder of the inner ear, whose cause is unknown. Symptoms include tinnitus (a ringing in the ears), hearing loss, vertigo, and aural fullness (a sensation that you have cotton in your ears). There is no cure for Meniere’s Disease, but there are some treatments that may help alleviate these bothersome symptoms. Some include the use of ototoxic drugs (which can really only be used in patients who have a severe hearing loss, as these drugs tend to worsen hearing and cause permanent damage); others have begun to turn to alternative medicine methods, like CAM.

Meniere’s Disease patients who seek CAM treatment for relief have found significant betterment of their symptoms. CAM includes treatments such as acupuncture, herbal medicine, naturopathy, hypnosis, and many other treatments. A CAM practitioner is one who is skilled in alternative medicine practices and treatments. They have received their licensure after completing a prescribed course of CAM school study and can legally practice on clients. Some CAM practitioners may specialize in a particular type of CAM treatment, but all have a pretty generalized knowledge of the scope of the field.

The benefits of CAM treatment on Meniere’s Disease patients are becoming more widely studied, as many patients are willing to try this natural method in order to alleviate their symptoms. Although it’s not a specific cure, CAM could be a helpful way for these patients to cope with their disease, which can actually cause an increase in demand for CAM practitioners.

Read up on some holistic health stories here.

-Amanda Fornecker

Sometimes we realize that although we love the work we do, there needs to be some sort of change. This change can be for the betterment of ourselves, our families, or even the people we work with. Debra Bebell knew something was missing in her field. After working as a critical care nurse for more than 25 years, she decided to extend her knowledge and do something where she could really help her patients even more than she had before. She enrolled in a three-year program in Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Similarly, Tess Hahn found that after working for years in nursing and recommending acupuncture for patients as a last resort, she wanted to be the one to give this successful treatment to patients. She enrolled in an acupuncture college, completed her degree, and worked in China to experience firsthand Traditional Chinese Medicine. She has been working in acupuncture since 1981 and continues to learn, with her latest endeavor being understanding acupuncture for cosmetic restoration.

Read these powerful stories of women who evolved within their careers to a Traditional Chinese Medicine wellness career:
Seeing the Whole Person: Oriental Medicine Practitioner Spotlight
This Acupuncturist Has What it Takes to Make a Difference

-Amanda Fornecker

The East vs. West debacle has always been widely debated throughout history. And it still holds true today. New Yorkers enjoy the quick pace of their city, while Californians enjoy being laid back surfers. But that’s not the only East/West debate. In fact, there are two types of massage techniques that have their base within Eastern medicine and Western medicine. When considering a career in massage, which should you pick? Different massage therapy schools base their own curriculum on these different techniques. It’s something important to consider. With which method can you see yourself siding and working in day by day?

Western massage focuses on the digestive and nervous systems. Common types of Western massage include Swedish massage and myofascial release. The main focus is to create a sense of relaxation and muscle tension relief.

Eastern massage deals with balancing the body and its parts. Massage therapists use more vigorous techniques to treat patients. Tui Na and Shiatsu are forms of Eastern massage.

Read more about these types of massage therapy here, get started on your massage therapy career, and prepare to help others feel better soon.

-Amanda Fornecker

There are lots of opportunities within the massage field. When you attend massage schools, you’re able to get a broad understanding of the massage therapy field, as well as the ability to specialize in a particular spa or massage area. Here are five special massage techniques that you may choose to pursue once you attend massage schools.

Shiatsu is a Japanese massage technique that aims to help the body’s immunity, as well as its ability to naturally heal itself. This massage therapy is generally effectively performed on a mat on the floor.

Chair Massage is often practiced in malls, nail salons, and other locations for a short period of time. In as little as a 10-minute period, these massage therapists are able to effectively ease the pain and stress of their client.

Prenatal Massage is especially for pregnant women and requires a special set of massage techniques in order to ensure the safety and comfort of the client. This type of massage therapy helps women relax, while also promoting better circulation and health.

Acupressure uses ancient Chinese pressure techniques to ensure that the body is freed from disease. Acupressure massage therapists know just the right pressure points on the body to relieve pain and problems naturally.

Myomassology is a massage therapy technique that involves treatment for a variety of ailments, which include pain and unbalanced energy. By earning a certificate you’ll be able to practice in places like clinics and spas.

-Amanda Fornecker