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The holistic health and wellness industry has come a long way in recent years. Terms like “natural” and “alternative” no longer conjure up images of mysterious potions. Today the first thought that comes to mind is likely more like the aisles of organic teas at your local natural foods store or your neighborhood Whole Foods with it’s bustling whole-body aisle and juice bar.
How did we get here? While stores like Whole Foods have done a lot to educate the public about healthy choices and bring the “alternative” into the mainstream, there are also a lot of people working behind the scenes, too, to change legislation and ensure we have access to healthcare that addresses the whole person—mind, body, spirit—and not just symptoms.
And, we work hard to do our part! Preserving and sharing knowledge is part of our college mission. So, as an update to our 2014 post, “6 Big Changes that Prove Natural Medicine is Making History,” we’re paying forward the 411 on some recent advancements in holistic health and wellness we think you’d want to know about.
#1 U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
May 18, 2017 – The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs issued formal guidance regarding complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use in its facilities. Recognizing that some protocols previously considered “alternative” were now mainstream, such as chiropractic, the VA moved to provide care that was also individually focused, whether or not such care was deemed mainstream.
#2 National Cancer Institute
June 16 and 17, 2016 - The National Cancer Institute conducted a symposium titled "Acupuncture for Cancer Symptom Management" to review current practices, evidence-based conclusions, and patient experiences. The symposium brought attention to holistic healing in that it recommended further study and a pathway for insurance coverage of acupuncture as part of an integrated healing process to democratize its availability across socio-economic boundaries.
#3 Nevada Wellness Services
July 1, 2015 - Nevada passes legislation that defines "wellness services" to include aromatherapy; energetic healing; the use of food, dietary supplements and nutrients; herbology and herbalism; and other traditional cultural healing practices.
#4 CAM and PTSD
March 9, 2015 – Complementary alternative medicine, especially meditation, are found effective for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among active duty military and veterans. If you or someone you know has been affected by PTSD, we have a ton of resources on the blog that can help, like “Mindfulness Meditation & PTSD: What You Need to Know” and “Why Alternative Treatments are Better for Veterans,” among others.
#5 National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health
Dec. 17, 2014 - The NCCAM changes its name to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health to reflect the growing use of holistic health education, helping clients and patients using a combination of traditional medicine and natural products.
What exciting changes have you seen? Share in the comments!
Disclosure of Material Connection: This blog may contain affiliate links. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
This article is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to treat, diagnose, cure, or prevent disease. This article has not been reviewed by the FDA. Always consult with your primary care physician or naturopathic doctor before making any significant changes to your health and wellness routine.
