Popular Specializations in Alternative Medicine

If you are interested in pursuing a career in Healthcare industry without indulging into rigorous education then consider a career in alternative medicine. A career in alternative medicine can provide a fulfilling experience for health care professionals looking to practice a non-traditional, holistic approach to medicine.

According to National Institutes of Health, Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is the term for medical products and practices that are not part of standard care followed by medical doctors, doctors of osteopathy and allied health professionals, such as registered nurses and physical therapists practice.

Alternative medicine means treatment that you use instead of standard ones. Complementary medicine means nonstandard treatments that you use along with standard ones. Examples of CAM therapies are acupuncture, chiropractic and herbal medicines.

Millions of Americans turn to CAM for their health care needs. According to the 2007 National Health Interview Survey by the National Center for Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 38 percent of adults use some form of complementary and alternative medicine.

Acupuncture, Biofeedback, Hypnotherapy, Massage, Music Therapy and Relaxation Therapy are among the types of complementary medicine for which there appears to be the most positive evidence.

If you are interested in a career in complementary and alternative medicine, two popular specializations - acupuncture and chiropractic - are a good place to start.

Acupuncturists

Acupuncture is considered the oldest, most commonly used medical procedure in the world, originating in China more than 3,000 years ago. According to the National Certification Commission of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, acupuncture is defined as the stimulation of specific points on the body by insertion of very fine, sterile, stainless steel needles to elicit a predictable physiological response.

Education

You can become an acupuncturist by taking training and to practice in most states, certification. Schools accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine require at least two years of undergraduate study, such as community college, prior to enrollment. Many schools prefer that applicants have a bachelor's degree in a related field. Programs typically take three years to complete.

Chiropractors

Chiropractic care is used most often to treat Neuromusculoskeletal complaints, like back pain, neck pain, pain in the joints of the arms or legs and headaches, according to the American Chiropractic Association.
The most common therapeutic procedure performed by doctors of chiropractic - also known as chiropractors or chiropractic physicians is known as spinal manipulation or chiropractic adjustment. The purpose of this procedure is to restore joint mobility by manually applying a controlled force into joints that have become restricted in their movement as a result of a tissue injury.

Education

Educational requirements for doctors of chiropractic are among the most stringent of any of the health care professions, according to the American Chiropractic Association. Before they are allowed to practice, doctors of chiropractic must pass national board examinations and become state-licensed.
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