Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) emphasizes a holistic approach to understanding disease processes and focuses on prevention as well as illness treatment. CAM health care modalities include: Massage, acupuncture, herbal medicine, homeopathy, and naturopathy. As massage and other CAM modalities become increasingly integrated into health care, opportunities for natural medicine health care programs have developed, expanding access to holistic treatment options.

CAM massage therapy modalities are frequently integrated into health care programs in conjunction with conventional medicine. Massage therapy is often more effective than conventional health care in the treatment of chronic conditions such as fibromyalgia, arthritis and sciatica.

Integration of allopathic and CAM practices positively impacts patient quality of care. More than 37 percent of U.S. households now use some form of CAM for therapeutic or preventative health care, according to a Thomson Medstat consumer healthcare survey of 23,000 adults.

For recovery from an illness or surgery, CAM can be more effective than allopathic health care. The primary reasons for CAM massage therapy use are general wellness, treatment of an illness, supplementation of conventional care, and illness prevention. Massage therapy as a CAM modality is used for lower back pain, neck pain, general pain management, musculoskeletal disorders, and joint displacement, among other conditions.

As the medical community increasingly recognizes its benefits, and as more insurance companies begin to include it in their plans, CAM massage therapy programs will become a more common component of health and wellness practice. Tui na and shiatsu massage are two massage therapy modalities often integrated into CAM health care programs. Often used in conjunction with acupuncture and Chinese herbalism, tui na ("push and grasp") Chinese therapeutic massage therapy is an integral part of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Based on the TCM theory of chi flow through the meridians, tui na incorporates acupressure to bring the body into balance, removes obstructions in energy pathways and promotes an increase in the body"s vital energy.

Tui na plays a role in rehabilitation and health maintenance and is effective in the treatment of muscles, tendons and ligaments. Tui na can treat or complement the treatment of many conditions including internal disorders, chronic stress-related respiratory ailments and back pain. Tui na techniques can improve blood circulation, enhance joint mobility, heal soft tissue injuries, and is effective in nerve regulation.

Shiatsu, a Japanese massage therapy modality, combines assisted-stretching techniques and acupressure to restore energy balance in the body. Shiatsu is sometimes referred to as Japanese physiotherapy. Shiatsu is beneficial in the treatment of several health conditions including poor posture, joint problems, sprains, arthritis, sciatica, neck and back pain, sinusitis, and bronchitis. Therapy often results in increased vitality, energy and stamina.

For information about Acupuncture & Massage College"s Oriental Medicine and Massage Therapy programs call Joe Calareso at (305) 595-9500.