Historically, the U.S. Health Services system has not been particularly receptive to “non-traditional” providers of health services such as chiropractors, naturopaths, herbalists, acupuncturists, indigenous healers, and others. In recent years, though, such providers are beginning to get a foot in the door of the conventional system, in some cases even being included in some health insurance benefit packages. CAM providers have become significant enough group to merit their own Institute within the National Institutes of Health at http://www.nih.gov/ (Links to an external site.). Compose a 500-word essay answering the following questions and applying biblical Scripture relating to the various types of healing.

• What kinds of providers are included in the category of CAM?
• Why has the conventional U.S. health services system been reluctant to include CAM providers?
• What are the benefits and risks attributed to the use of CAM providers?
• What role(s) should CAM providers play in the U.S. health services system?
• Debate the role of CAM providers in the U.S. system.

Answer preview

The National Institute of Health (NIH) recognizes and recommends a few complementary and alternative medicines (CAM). Among them are relaxation techniques, including meditation, tai chi, self-hypnosis, and yoga, which is recommended for both health and sickly persons. According to the National Institutes of Health (n.d), relaxation is generally healthy, although some people may experience anxiety, intrusive thoughts, and a fear to lose control. Relaxation techniques are also encouraged for pain management in children, adolescents, and adults. They are recommended managing conditions like depression, asthma, childbirth, high blood pressure, and heart disease. The institute supports the use…

 

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