Information Wellness Blog

Alternative medicine encompasses a range of practices that range from changing your diet to inserting needles under the skin (acupuncture). It claims to treat health issues using unproven claims as to its safety and efficacy.

Sociodemographic variables were found to predict use of alternative medicine, including education level and dissatisfaction with conventional practitioners; however, these may not fully explain why certain people tend to rely on these alternative remedies more than conventional ones.

Holistic health philosophy

Holistic health philosophy emphasizes holistic wellbeing for the whole person, recognising that mind, body, and spirit are intertwined and that individuals possess their own energy systems. Holistic approaches emphasize “the whole is greater than its parts” as an ethos to live by; any imbalance can wreak havoc across various aspects of your life affecting other areas. Holistic practices have long been part of ancient healing traditions.

Holistic health encompasses various modalities that fall under its umbrella, such as massage therapy, acupuncture and various traditional practices. Although considered complementary to conventional medicine, alternative modalities differ significantly in several ways from modern practices in terms of their approach: traditional treatments often seek physical causes for illness while most alternative modalities take into account psychological or spiritual causes that could potentially contribute to it.

These forms of medicine, often referred to as complementary or integrative medicine (CAM), may not be taught at medical schools but they’re widely utilized in order to improve health and wellbeing. Some CAM therapists even integrate these practices into their regular practices.

To identify the most effective treatments for any given patient, it is crucial to take into account all aspects of his or her being. That is why holistic health has become such a popular philosophy; its advantages extend to all areas of life.

The revival of holistic health can be explained in part by Americans’ interest in alternative religious ideas, but also due to scientific medicine’s decreasing dominance and mounting consumer dissatisfaction with current healthcare systems. Furthermore, holistic healthcare has seen its popularity soar due to an ever-increasing need for wellness in an ever-more complicated, fast-paced world.

Researchers conducting multiple logistic regression found that three variables predicted use of alternative medicine: being more educated, belonging to the subculture of cultural creatives and having had an experience that transformed one’s worldview. While not statistically significant, these indicators show that people who turn to alternative medicines do so for reasons other than utilitarian. Most often it serves to enhance wellness and spiritual well-being.

Education

Alternative medicine is founded on the idea that all parts of our bodies are interrelated and each has an effect on one another. It includes both Eastern and Western medical therapies like acupuncture, massage, herbal remedies, meditation and talk therapy as part of its practice; not as replacement to modern medical treatments such as surgery but rather complementary. By considering physical, emotional and spiritual well-being of patients it can make an incredible difference to healing outcomes.

Though the exact numbers using alternative therapies remain unknown, their usage is on the rise rapidly. An estimated 34% of adults utilized at least one unconventional form of health care; most frequently used were relaxation techniques, chiropractic and massage as these practices are most likely to occur among educated middle-class white persons aged 25-49 years; however this sample underrepresented non-English speaking segments as well as may have contained selection bias in its research methodology.

Alternative therapy users tend to embrace holistic approaches to health. This may be because alternative modalities encourage patients to address the mind-body connection, an important element in both illness and health. They may also appreciate spiritual aspects of alternative therapies like Ayurveda. According to this belief system, humans consist of five universal elements – space, air, fire, water and earth which are ruled by three energies known as vata, pitta and kapha.

Alternative therapists may be open to discussing their methods with patients and helping them incorporate these modalities into an overall treatment plan. It’s important to stress the importance of carefully considering all forms of health care before engaging in any treatments, and always consult a physician first before beginning an alternative medicine degree program. When selecting your program consider these questions:

Poorer health

Alternative therapies, which include diet and exercise changes, hypnosis, poking needles into your skin (acupuncture) and energy healing are increasingly gaining in popularity. Some practices such as acupuncture have been practiced for centuries while other practices such as qigong and tai chi are relatively recent additions that are becoming popular as an alternative to Western medical treatments; more research needs to be conducted before conclusively labeled complementary medicine or integrative medicine.

A 1993 study revealed that 34% of adults used at least one unconventional form of health care within the past year, including relaxation techniques and chiropractic. Researchers determined those who relied heavily on alternative medicine reported poorer health status than non-users and less satisfaction with conventional treatments, as well as being more likely to misattribute symptoms to disease than non-somatizers.

Researchers conducted an in-depth mail survey of 1035 persons regarding alternative health care use and beliefs, attitudes, and values of users of alternative medicine. Multiple logistic regression analyses were then run in order to ascertain predictors of primary reliance on alternative medicine – this analysis revealed that users of alternative health care are more likely to be educated white people who somatize and report dissatisfaction with conventional medicine while desiring more control over health related decisions than those who rely on conventional care alone.

The findings of this study should be taken with caution as its sample underrepresented poorer, less educated, and non-English speaking segments of society. However, it’s likely that results would remain similar had these groups been fully represented in its composition. Furthermore, this study was limited to alternative methods and did not explore other health-related behaviors or issues. These restrictions must be taken into account when interpreting future studies’ results. Though alternative remedies have their limitations, it remains evident that people use them because they more closely align with their personal values, beliefs, and philosophical approaches toward health and life.

Motivation

Alternative medicine can provide the answers you need to improve both physical and spiritual wellness. Unlike conventional treatments, alternative medicines seek out and address the cause of the issue rather than mask symptoms; alternative approaches also tend to offer more customized wellness programs which give patients a sense of control over their bodies and lives. Like any form of medical therapy, alternative medicines do have advantages and disadvantages.

Many individuals are turning to alternative therapies as an effective means of healing themselves, often motivated by their desire to feel healthier and gain greater control in their lives. Furthermore, alternative medicine practitioners often take an integrated approach when providing healthcare treatment – treating mind, body and spirit all simultaneously which may prove more successful than traditional medical methods.

Alternative medicines in the US span a spectrum from herbal remedies and yoga to spiritual healing and energy medicine. Americans spent over $30 billion in 2012 for alternative medical treatments – these figures may seem high but they reflect an increasing belief in its power compared with conventional treatment which many view as ineffective or harmful as well as expensive and not covered by insurance plans.

Researchers conducted a large mail survey to explore factors that influence people to use alternative medicine. Participants completed a questionnaire that explored their past and current experiences with alternative medicine, perceived benefits and risks, health beliefs and attitudes, perspectives towards conventional medicine as well as political/worldview beliefs. Multiple logistic regression analyses were used to identify predictors of alternative medicine use. Our findings show that users tend to be better educated and take a holistic approach toward health. These individuals tend to report having experienced a transformative experience and being part of an artistic, cultural creative subculture, as well as worse health status than non-users. Most users opt for alternative therapies because it aligns more closely with their beliefs, values and worldview.

More physical therapists, occupational therapists and speech language pathologists are leaving clinical settings behind in search of non-clinical opportunities that utilize their degrees and skills. They’re exploring alternative careers which offer greater flexibility, freedom and financial rewards.

Speech pathologists can pursue career options as voice coaches, researchers or professors and interpreters or translators.

1. Voice Coach

Vocal coaches assist those who already sing improve their voice by teaching new techniques, practicing scales and songs, encouraging expression work, as well as offering interpretation and phrasing instruction. Vocal coaches may come from either within the same profession (singers themselves) or from non-musical backgrounds such as rehearsal pianists who accompany performers for decades or former choral directors or orchestra conductors.

Speech-language pathologists (also referred to as SLPs) offer clients a range of clinical services including counseling and consultation as well as screening, diagnosis and treatment. Furthermore, SLPs may collaborate with audiologists, occupational therapists or physicians as necessary.

Though most SLPs find employment in schools or healthcare facilities, their expertise can also be applied in other environments outside these clinical environments – as voice coaches or researchers/professors for instance. Some SLPs even work as consultants to businesses to help executives communicate more effectively with employees and customers.

Starter speech-language pathologists require a master’s degree to become speech-language pathologists. Furthermore, continuing education courses may also provide insights into current trends within their specialty area – for instance those interested in singing who wish to become voice coaches can utilize their knowledge of vocal anatomy without endangering clients’ vocal health during coaching – this helps build trust with audiences while making sure everyone benefits fully from vocal lessons.

2. Occupational Therapist

Occupation therapy (OT) may seem like the ideal profession for those interested in working with children; however, its applications span much further than this. You’ll find occupational therapists working across healthcare and rehabilitation settings such as clinics, hospital wards, residential care centres, schools and private practices.

Occupational therapists (OTs) have been specially trained to employ an integrative approach that addresses all aspects of daily activities for each individual patient, taking into account both needs and abilities in different realms of daily living. They specialize in identifying obstacles to daily tasks being performed independently as well as teaching patients how to adapt their environment or performing basic tasks such as getting dressed, cooking or cleaning more independently.

After conducting an initial evaluation, an occupational therapist (OT) will work with you and any relevant caregivers to create your Plan of Care (POC), outlining both short and long-term goals for treatment. A series of treatment sessions utilizing cognitive, physical, or emotional interventions may follow.

Once you have reached a certain point in your recovery, your therapist will discharge you from treatment. While this doesn’t necessarily mean all obstacles have been cleared away, it does mean you have acquired the skills needed to manage your health condition independently.

Outside of clinical practice, occupational therapists (OTs) may pursue non-clinical paths such as management roles within rehabilitation departments or business ownership and starting their own practice. Others pursue doctorate degrees to become professors – although these non-clinical paths might not seem obvious when considering an OT degree, they provide great options to those uncertain what their next career step should be – all share one common goal – helping improve patients’ lives and quality of life.

3. Teacher

Many graduates with speech pathology degrees find that their skills are easily transferrable into other fields; some even work as teachers, occupational therapists or researchers!

Teachers make excellent partners for speech language pathologists (SLPs) looking to provide services and care to students with communication disorders. A major reason behind the strong demand for school-based SLPs in public schools may be that many health insurance plans now cover these services, making them more easily accessible for families.

School-based SLPs who attend graduate programs often learn invaluable articulation and phonology training skills that enable them to meet the learning needs of children with communication disorders. Furthermore, these strategies can be shared with teachers so they can implement them into classroom instruction.

Collaboration between SLPs and teachers is of vital importance. Studies demonstrate that when students with communication disorders aren’t appropriately supported in class, they often struggle to build and maintain relationships – creating an ineffective learning experience and missing out on life experiences that could have otherwise been meaningful to them.

Speech-language pathologists who run their own private practices may find that they can earn more per hour or session when operating independently, since they no longer pay an employer overhead costs from their pay. But this may not always be true: A recent Facebook poll revealed that having both teaching credentials (teach AND SLP) hasn’t necessarily translated to higher wages for all; hours worked and cost of living in location all impact pay rates differently.

4. Entrepreneur

Entrepreneurship can be an enthralling career path. Enjoying complete control over client selection, scheduling and business growth from its infancy can be truly liberating – plus earning potentially more than as an employee (since payroll costs don’t incur as a percentage of salary).

However, speech-language pathology may not be for everyone and takes considerable time and dedication to build and manage successfully. If this career choice appeals to you, consider earning a master’s degree in speech-language pathology; programs like MS-SLP from University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences provide flexible curriculums making this career choice accessible even to working professionals.

Not all SLPs work exclusively within private practices; many also choose to work at government or corporate settings in both administrative and clinical capacities, depending on their place of employment.

These SLPs may have larger patient loads than SLPs in private practices, yet still make an impactful contribution through their work. Many can work remotely using telepractice technology and can often find work with flexible hours to accommodate family life.

As part of your speech-language pathology career, adding a side hustle can be an excellent way to generate extra income and build the skills and confidence necessary to become an independent contractor or business owner in the future. Emma, founder of Debt Free PT, found travel healthcare positions were helpful in reducing stress levels and paying off student loans faster. With that in mind, she created Debt Free PT as an online resource providing guides, resources, mentorship and assistance for fellow therapists in realizing their worth and starting businesses of their own.

5. Ownership

Many speech language pathologists (SLPs) dream of owning their own speech therapy private practice, but this dream does not always become reality. Starting a new business requires legal requirements, documentation and marketing – as well as finding enough clients for full-time transition. But with the appropriate tools in hand, starting an SLP side hustle may prove easier while slowly building their clientele base.

SLPs who own their own businesses not only enjoy greater flexibility in scheduling clients, but they can also exercise greater control over their income by choosing how much work to take on per week or session – meaning they could potentially make more per hour than working at large clinics or schools.

SLPs who work in governmental settings may take on additional duties depending on the needs of their organization. For instance, an SLP may work closely with employees who experience difficulty with speech and language to provide services.

Are You an SLP Looking to Earn Extra Cash through Teletherapy Services? Consider Offering Teletherapy Services using HIPAA Compliant Video Platforms such as TheraPlatform! Naming Your Speech Therapy Business can Be ToughChoosing the appropriate name can be challenging but also essential – take time to think about your clientele before choosing. Some SLPs use their last name with credentials (MS, CCC-SLP etc) in their Private Practice’s name while others prefer more creative names that showcase who your target clientele are; taking this step can ensure the best success as an independent speech pathologist!