Complementary Health Approaches

• Describe the selected alternative therapy to provide a detailed understanding of the following: a) what the therapy involves, b) how it is performed, c) equipment used if applicable, and d) potential risks/benefits or contraindications for use.
• Compare and contrast this alternative therapy with a more traditional medical approach for a specific health condition. Why would you recommend one type of treatment over the other to a patient? Explain your position.
• Why would you use or not use your selected alternative therapy personally? Would you encourage or discourage family and friends from using the alternative therapy? Explain your position. (At least 100 to 150 words maximum.)
• How did any one of the studies in the required readings or one of the videos you watched for this week’s reading assignment change how you view complementary health approaches? (At least 100 to 150 words maximum.)

Respond to three or more other postings of your colleagues, addressing the following:

• Describe what you have learned about the alternative treatment and whether you would or would not use it personally or professionally. 
• If you have previously used the complementary or alternative medicine presented, did you find the therapy to be beneficial, harmful, or cause no changes to your health?
• Can you support what your colleague posted?
• Challenge your colleague to a different view or deeper insight.

Remember the basic rules of posting: 

1. You must include citations in APA format to support what you write. At least one should be another source besides your texts and readings, and should follow the basic rules of not more than 5 years old and be peer-reviewed sources.
2. Emotion and intent clearly come through in this medium.
3. Be courteous, non-judgmental, and supportive, even when you disagree.
4. Postings must have substance: “I agree” or “Good posting” are examples of postings that do not meet this criteria and will not count as a required posting.
5. Always check the grading rubric as you reply to ensure you meet all criterion and earn all the points possible.