Darice N. Etienne

Sweet Girl

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Course Reflection

As I am here reflecting on this course, I am so surprised at how much I have learned! At the beginning of this course I had absolutely no idea what CAM was. After reading a little about it and after the first chapter of “The Story,” I had an idea of what CAM is but still wasn’t sure what it means. The first article that I read about CAM gave examples and so I decided to explore those examples of therapies like animal assisted therapy. After doing research on these topics I have such a better understanding of Complimentary and Alternative Medicine, as well as an interest in the topic. 

I really liked the structure of this course. I liked that grades were a result of your effort that you put into the course. I also liked that we had the freedom to write about anything we wanted related to CAM! To me that was the most fun part about this course! I also really enjoyed the animated storyline! I thought that was an interesting touch! 

I also liked the interaction with my fellow classmates. Every time that I got feedback from my peers on my posts, I was excited as well as eager to read their comments. I enjoyed reading other people’s posts and understanding their point of views. 

A lot of the topics that I learned about I plan on using in my life in the future. I already benefit from the positive effects of aromatherapy and massages. In the future I plan on trying acupuncture and tai chi. I think that these therapies will reduce my stress as well as increase happiness. I thoroughly enjoyed this course and would absolutely recommend this course to any and everyone! 

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Sleep Time Night Tea Fragrance (comments)

Great Post!!!

My girlfriend bought me (okay, I sneak and borrow some when she is not looking. Lol!) this night time sleep aromatherapy fragrance that I started to use. I cannot remember the actual name of it. I know that the appearance of the bottle is a deep royal blue with a pink flower (I believe) on it. Smells SOOOOO GOOD!!!!

Anyways…I struggled going to sleep and still do majority of the time due to health related issues. I have found the fragrance to not exactly put me to sleep, but I feel and believe it does everything else that it is supposed to do which you have mentioned in your post.

I currently have the shower gel which I use at night as well as the lotion. I normally take a shower with the gel to inhale the scent. It really allows me to take in deep breaths and inhale the fragrance. I follow up by using the lotion right before I get into the bed. As stated before, it did not put me to sleep but it definitely made me feel really calm and relaxed where I can be in a much more peaceful state of mind. In my opinion, it has some of the same effects as if you were to drink Sleepy time tea or Chamomile tea. Aye! I think that may be a great idea for a post!!! LOL!

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Tai Chi (comments)

Tai Chi is quite the adventure. I take tai chi out at Koryo Traditional Martial Arts Center in the west end of Richmond. It’s on Three Chopt near Cox Road. My instructor is a martial artist, so we are definitely learning the application of the techniques we learn, but he also talks about cultivating chi energy for strength and health. We have learned three empty hand forms, two staff forms, a straight sword form, and a broad sword form. It’s great fun!

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Final Post

Recently, the National Center for Complementary & Alternative Medicine changed its name to the National Center for Complementary & Integrative Health. I think that Integrative Health is more appropriate than Alternative Medicine because “alternative medicine” implies unconventional treatment, as opposed to “integrative,” which is conventional treatment and intends to unify separate forms of treatment. In this course I have learned about many different types of treatment and therapies such as animal-assisted therapy, tai-chi, yoga, acupuncture, reiki, and many more. All of these have different affects on the patient such as reducing stress and increasing happiness. With it being integrative instead of alternative, these therapies help in addition to other forms of treatment as opposed to instead of other treatments. 

Many of the ideas that I have learned about in this course such as Tai-chi, reiki and acupuncture originated in other countries but have been adapted to modern western medicine. All of the concepts that I have learned about and discussed in my blogs are currently being practice as part of western medicine. I think that there is a place for integrating CAM therapies because I believe that they increase the chances of the patience healing as well as wellbeing.  I think that the main challenge that integrating CAM therapies into mainstream western medicine will be the skepticism that will come with not knowing about the science or medical benefits of these practices, but once the public is educated and aware of these benefits I think that there wont be any other challenges. I have enjoyed learning about these different concepts and theories and look forward to going out and trying many of the practices that I wrote about throughout this course. 

Disclaimer: This was created by students for a class and is not intended to provide any medical advice.

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acupuncture

While on my learning journey of Complimentary and Alternative Medicine, I came across the topic of acupuncture.  I have heard about it before, but I know little to nothing about the topic. After doing some research, I learned quite a bit about acupuncture, and am excited to share! 

Acupuncture originated in China nearly 2500 years ago. The general concept of acupuncture is that there are patterns of energy flow throughout the body and a disruption of these patterns causes diseases. Acupuncture corrects the imbalances at points close to the skin. Studies suggest that acupuncture reduces vomiting, nausea, and dental pain after chemotherapy and post-operative. Acupuncture also helps with addiction, stroke rehabilitation, headaches, menstrual cramps, asthma, lower back pain, and many more. 

I was always skeptical about trying acupuncture, but now that I know more about it I would love to try it in the near future!

Listed below is a link to more information about acupuncture:

http://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/acupuncture/basics/definition/prc-20020778

Disclaimer: This was created by students for a class and is not intended to provide any medical advice.

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exercise therapy

Whenever my roommate is upset about something, she always works out way more than she normally does. For her she feels immediately better while working out and after. I did some research to find out more about exercise and how it can be used as therapy as way to help with stress or mood. 

Research shows that exercise is crucial to the prevention, management and treatment of various chronic conditions such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, obesity, high blood pressure, and other medical problems. Physical activity also improves self-esteem. Endorphins are released during physical activity, which trigger positive feelings in the body. Endorphins lessen the perception of pain and also act as sedatives. Physical activity increases health by strengthening your heart, increasing energy levels, reducing depression, reducing stress, improving sleep, and boosting self-esteem. Now its a lot harder for me to come up with an excuse to skip cardio! 

More information on exercise as therapy can be found in the following link:

http://www.exerciseismedicine.org/

Disclaimer: This was created by students for a class and is not intended to provide any medical advice.

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Chocolate as a Cure

Recently I was talking to my grandmother about this class and explaining to her what this course is about. While talking about the different types of alternative therapies, she commented and said, “What about chocolate? I feel so much better when I eat chocolate! Can that be a type of therapy?” I thought to myself, “What a GREAT question!” And I began my research. 

The use of chocolate goes back to the Olmec civilization in Mesoamerica. Throughout the years, chocolate has had a negative connotation because of it’s fat content and negative association with obesity, but there are several health benefits of chocolate that are frequently overlooked. Chocolate helps with aging, stress, blood pressure regulation, lowering cholesterol levels, preventing cognitive decline, atherosclerosis (or arteriosclerotic vascular disease), as well as preventing other cardiovascular diseases. 

Research suggests that chocolate can reduce chances of stroke, as well as prevent memory decline. Chocolate is a delicious snack, and may satisfy our cravings and bring us joy, but also secretly helps lower the chances of the diseases listed above. Now you can feel less guilty when overindulging in chocolate! 

Below is a link to more information about the positive effects of chocolate:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3708337/

Disclaimer: This was created by students for a class and is not intended to provide any medical advice.

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medical massages

I have gotten several body massages at a few different places and thoroughly enjoyed them all! I love full body massages and I always feel 10 times better when I leave, than I felt when I walked in! I decided to learn more about massage therapy to get a better understanding of why I feel the way I do after a massage. 

I learned that the effects of massage therapy can help with pain and stress, but the effects are short term, so one would have to continue with massage therapy for it to be beneficial over time. Any licensed massage therapist can perform massage therapy with training in treating specific problems. This practice goes back to the Chinese from over 5000 years ago, but a neurologist in the United states brought massage therapy to the attention of the medical community around 1884. Massages help reduce pain and stress and are super enjoyable and relaxing in my opinion! I enjoy the Red Door Spa at Short Pump and would recommend it to everyone! 

Additional information about massage therapy can be found in the following link:

https://nccih.nih.gov/health/massage/massageintroduction.htm

Disclaimer: This was created by students for a class and is not intended to provide any medical advice.

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Tai Chi

My newest adventure is Tai Chi! I was so excited to learn more about this martial art that originated in China, also known as “moving meditation”. People that practice tai chi move their bodies slowly, gently, and with awareness, while they breathe deeply. Tai chi means “self defense”, and although it began as a martial art, it eventually became useful for health purposes. 

The study of tai chi involves three aspects; health, meditation, and martial art. Although tai chi as a martial art is a very difficult task, it can be done. A person practicing tai chi, yields and “sticks” to an incoming attack, rather than an opposing force. It takes training to master tai chi as a martial art. The meditation aspect of tai chi is important because it cultivates the calmness and focus which is necessary to achieve great health. The health aspect of tai chi focus on the meditation that relieves the body and mind of the physical effects of stress. I enjoyed learning about tai chi and attached are some articles explaining for about tai chi and the history. 

https://nccih.nih.gov/health/taichi/introduction.htm

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tai_chi

Disclaimer: This was created by students for a class and is not intended to provide any medical advice

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Animal therapy #vcuCAMh3

I'm not sure if this is the right way to leave a comment, but here goes! 

I LOVE LOVE LOVED your animal therapy post. Thank you for sharing and expanding on the benefits of animals for overall health, especially mental. I've loved animals for as long as i can remember, and I've always felt better around them. I've watched a couple of documentaries on how good for your physical health and mental well-being animals are, and I've gotten really into the idea of animal therapy. I can definitely relate to your mom's separation anxiety, I have a rescued Pitbull and a rottweiler, and anytime I'm away from them I find myself feeling a little anxious and constantly concerned with how I think they're doing at home. I try to bring them with me to everywhere that allows dogs, but not all institutions are dog-friendly. If I'm sick or just having sad day, being around them both makes me feel very comforted and mellow. Thank you so much for sharing! 

#vcuCAMh3

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Reiki Healing

While researching more information about alternative medicine, I came across the interesting topic of Reiki. Reiki is a Japanese spiritual healing art. It is a form of energy work, using spiritually guided life force energy. Reiki practitioners believe that each person has the ability to heal themselves and others by connecting with their own healing energy. Reiki sessions help ease tension and stress. Reiki is not believed to cure diseases, but to help the body create a facilitate healing.

A typical session is usually 60 to 90 minutes long. The patient lies on their back with their shoes off. The session can be hands on, where the practitioner lightly touches the patient, or hands-off, where the practitioner holds their hands slightly above the patients body. The practitioner then moves their hands over the body, starting at either the head or the feet. The patient can feel a warm, tingling sensation and/or a feeling of relaxation. 

I have yet to experience a Reiki session, but I plan on scheduling an appointment soon. Attached is a link to a local place that offers Reiki as well as more information about Reiki. 

http://lalunamassage.net/reiki

“Disclaimer: This was created by students for a class and is not intended to provide any medical advice.”

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Aromatherapy

I love aromatherapy! Aromatherapy is the practice of using natural oils to enhance psychological and physical well being. The aroma that is inhaled from these oils is believed to stimulate brain function.  Essential oils can also be absorbed directly into the skin. 

Bath and Body Works has a fragrance line of aromatherapy. I am a consumer of these products! I have the energy, sleep and several different scents of stress relief. I have the shower gel, bubble bath, lotion, candles, shampoo and conditioner. To me, the aromatherapy works! Whenever I am stressed, I light my stress relief candles, and immediately feel better after inhaling the scents. I think that aromatherapy is a great form of alternative medicine and I recommend it to everyone! 

Here is a link to bath and body works aromatherapy website: http://www.bathandbodyworks.com/family/index.jsp?categoryId=16867236&cm_sp=FO-_-Spa+%26+Skin-_-Aromatherapy&cp=12587010.12936188

“Disclaimer: This was created by students for a class and is not intended to provide any medical advice.”

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spirituality as a way to improve health

I recently learned about how medical studies have recently supported the idea that spirituality can promote a healthier life. As a spiritual person myself, I have always believed that a connection to God or a higher power can increase happiness and decrease depression. In the article “How Can Spirituality Affect Your Family’s Health,” the article describes  the connection between spirituality and mental health, as well as between spirituality and physical health. The study described in the article concludes that the elderly people in the study that attended religious services had a healthier immune system. Spirituality helps with mental health, because faith gives people a purpose for living and helps people deal with hardships and depression. I have found that in my life, faith in God has helped me feel better when I am just down and can’t seem to figure out why. I think that spirituality is a great option to assist in health improvement! 

“Disclaimer: This was created by students for a class and is not intended to provide any medical advice.”

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Pet therapy

While doing research for the class that I am currently enrolled in, I found an article, “Pet Therapy: Man’s Best Friend as a Healer”, about pet therapy and decided to learn more about the topic. Pet therapy is when dogs or other animals are used to help people cope or recover from health problems such as heart disease, cancer and mental health disorders. Pet therapy can help by reducing stress, anxiety, depression and fatigue. Some of the health problems that can be helped by pet therapy include children having dental procedure, veterans with PTSD and people in long-term care facilities. I think that the animal-assisted therapy is an interesting way to help people with health issues. My mother has two pit bulls that she often experiences separation anxiety when she is away from them. When she is not feeling well, being around her dogs makes her feel a little better, and I did not realize that this is an example of animal-assisted therapy until now! What a great option for therapy if you are an animal lover! 

“Disclaimer: This was created by students for a class and is not intended to provide any medical advice.”

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I am currently enrolled in UNIV 219 CAM: Health, Hype or Hocus Pocus? I am super excited about this course! When I was looking for summer courses to take, I came across this online course and thought the title was so interesting. After reading the description of the course I decided to sign up for the class. Not really sure what to expect, I am just looking forward to learning something new this summer! My expectations of myself are to learn about CAM and to incorporate some new techniques in my life. I expect to learn from my professors and get positive feedback from my peers. 

“Disclaimer: This was created by students for a class and is not intended to provide any medical advice.”

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Blog Post #3

In my focus inquiry class, we have discussed the advancement of technology frequently and recently  read Exploring the “Singularity”. The prompt for the reading was to discuss Lins opinions with my own and another person, and I chose Philip K. Dick.

Lin argues that by changing human biology, we might also be changing the existing laws of war and human ethics. Philip K. Dick argues that machines are becoming more human-like. He implies that robots in the future are good for technology and progression. He believes that humans and robots will mature and advance to be more alike than different, to the point that you will not be able to tell the difference between the two. Lin argues that the advancement of technology by “enhancing” human biology is harmful to society. Philip K. Dick argues that it might not be a bad thing that humans and robots are indistinguishable. I do not think that machines should be made smarter than humans or indistinguishable from humans. I think that id machines are smarter it will negatively affect job availability, the economy, as well as potentially overthrowing the human race. Also I do not think that robots should be made indistinguishable from humans. What would be the purpose of falling in love with a robot that would only live for a short period of time like the androids in Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?

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Eternal Return and Groundhog Day Response

In my Focus Inquiry Univ. 112 class, we watched a clip from the movie Groundhog Day and read “What Nietzsche Could Teach You: Eternal Return in Groundhog Day”. The movie is about a man that relives the same day, Groundhog day over and over again. Once he realizes that he is reliving the same day, he starts to seduce women, eat unhealthy foods that he would normally not eat, and gets to know his coworker that he falls in love with. My professor asked us to write about what we would do if we lived our lives in an eternal return.

If I could live my life in an eternal return, I would probably detest it after about a week of the same day. I feel like nothing that I could do during that day would have an affect on my career, relationships or my future in general. Even if I spent the day with someone I love or care about, they would not remember the next day. If I could live my life in an eternal return for a limited amount of time, I would read a lot and do a lot for school, so that when the eternal return is over I would know those things. I would also eat any and everything because I would not have to worry about my weight or health. I would also learn more about the person that I would like to pursue a relationship with, just like Phil Connors in the movie Groundhog Day. Unlike Phil Connors, I would not use the information to seduce the person, but simply to get to know more about the person. 

I think that both "What Nietzsche Could Teach You: Eternal Return in Groundhog Day" and the movie Groundhog Day are very interesting and I would recommend them to everyone.