Healing Systems Chart - University Of Phoenix

Healing Systems Chartsci201 Version 6university Of Phoenix Materialhe

Healing Systems Chart SCI/201 Version 6 University of Phoenix Material Healing Systems Chart Fill in the missing information for each of the following systems: System Description Key principles Treatments or therapies used Education requirements Overseeing organization Licensing or certification Supportive research Ayurveda Traditional Chinese medicine Native American medicine Homeopathy Naturopathy Osteopath Chiropractic Polarity

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Healing systems encompass a diverse range of medical and therapeutic practices rooted in different cultural, philosophical, and traditional foundations. These systems often emphasize holistic approaches to health, focusing on restoring balance within the body, mind, and spirit. In this paper, we will explore the key aspects of these healing systems, including their descriptions, underlying principles, treatments or therapies used, education requirements, overseeing organizations, licensing or certification standards, and the supporting research backing their efficacy.

Ayurveda

Ayurveda is an ancient healing system originating from India, with a history dating back over 3,000 years. It is based on the concept that health is a state of perfect balance among body, mind, and spirit. The key principles involve the balance of three doshas—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha—which govern physiological and psychological functions. Treatments include herbal medicine, acupuncture, dietary guidelines, yoga, and massage. The education requirements for practitioners typically include formal training at Ayurvedic colleges or universities, often encompassing certification or licensing through national or regional Ayurvedic councils. Supportive research is growing, with some studies indicating effectiveness in managing chronic conditions, though more rigorous scientific evidence remains necessary. Organizations such as the Ministry of AYUSH in India oversee Ayurveda's practice and regulation.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)

Traditional Chinese Medicine is a comprehensive system developed over thousands of years that includes acupuncture, herbal medicine, Tai Chi, Qigong, and dietary therapy. Its core philosophy revolves around balancing the vital energy, known as Qi, within the body, along with maintaining harmony between Yin and Yang. Treatment focuses on stimulating the body's self-healing abilities. Education for TCM practitioners usually involves formal university degrees, apprenticeships, or training programs recognized by governmental health departments. Licensing and certification vary by country but generally require passing standardized examinations. Research supporting TCM is expanding, with evidence suggesting benefits in pain relief and chronic disease management, though some methods still face skepticism within Western medical frameworks. Regulatory bodies like the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) oversee certification in many countries.

Native American Medicine

Native American medicine comprises spiritual, ceremonial, and medicinal practices developed by indigenous tribes across North America. It emphasizes harmony with nature and the spiritual realm, often involving rituals, herbal medicine, sweat lodges, and healing ceremonies. The principles include respecting nature, community-centered healing, and spiritual guidance. Education is usually passed down through traditional apprenticeships and oral teachings; formalized certification is rare. Overseeing organizations are tribal councils or spiritual leaders, with minimal formal licensing. Supportive research is limited but anecdotal and ethnobotanical studies support the use of certain herbs. This healing system remains deeply embedded in cultural practices rather than formal healthcare regulation.

Homeopathy

Homeopathy was developed by Samuel Hahnemann in the late 18th century and is based on the doctrine of "like cures like," where substances that produce symptoms in healthy individuals are used in highly diluted form to treat similar symptoms in the sick. Its key principles include the law of similars, dilution, and individualization of treatment. Therapies involve highly diluted herbal, mineral, or biological substances administered in various forms such as tablets or liquids. Education requirements vary globally; in some countries, practitioners complete specialized homeopathic training programs and obtain certification. The governing bodies differ by region, with some nations regulating practice through health departments. While some research suggests placebo effects, numerous studies support homeopathy's efficacy, though mainstream science remains skeptical about its mechanisms due to extreme dilutions.

Naturopathy

Naturopathy, or naturopathic medicine, is a holistic approach centered on natural therapies and the body's inherent ability to heal itself. It integrates multiple modalities, including nutritional counseling, herbal medicine, hydrotherapy, physical manipulations, and lifestyle counseling. The key principles involve first do no harm, the healing power of nature, identify and treat the cause, and promote wellness. Education for naturopathic doctors typically involves completing a doctoral program accredited by naturopathic licensing boards, such as the Council on Naturopathic Medical Education (CNME), followed by licensing examinations. Supportive research indicates benefits in chronic disease management and preventive care, though some therapies lack extensive scientific validation. Licensing and certification are mandated in several states in the U.S., with credentialing through national or regional associations.

Osteopathy

Osteopathy, founded by Andrew Taylor Still in the late 19th century, emphasizes the musculoskeletal system’s role in health and disease. Osteopathic physicians (DOs) are trained to diagnose, treat, and prevent illness through manual manipulation, alongside traditional medical approaches. Its core principles include the unity of the body, self-healing, and the importance of the structure-function relationship. Education requires completing an accredited osteopathic medical school, earning a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree, and passing licensing examinations similar to those for MDs, with additional osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) training. Licensing bodies such as the American Osteopathic Association oversee practice standards. Supportive research indicates OMT’s efficacy in pain relief and mobility issues, though ongoing studies aim to confirm broader clinical benefits.

Chiropractic

Chiropractic was founded by Daniel David Palmer in the late 19th century and primarily focuses on the diagnosis and manipulation of the spine to improve health. Its fundamental belief centers on the chiropractic vertebral subluxation interfering with nerve function. Treatments mainly involve spinal adjustments, but may include physical therapy and lifestyle advice. Education requirements include completing an accredited chiropractic college, earning a Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) degree, and obtaining licensure, which involves passing national board examinations. Regulatory agencies like the American Chiropractic Association oversee practice standards. Evidence supports chiropractic care for certain types of musculoskeletal pain, especially back pain, but effectiveness for other health conditions remains contested within wider medical circles.

Polarity Therapy

Polarity Therapy was developed by Randolph Stone in the 1940s, combining principles of Western and Eastern medicine. It emphasizes balancing life energy (polarity) through touch, massage, exercise, and nutritional counseling. The philosophy asserts that emotional and physical health depend on the free flow of bioelectric energy. Education pathways are varied, often involving practitioner certification through specialized schools or courses. Licensing is generally unregulated, and practitioners might be certified by voluntary organizations. While supportive research is limited, some anecdotal evidence suggests benefits in stress reduction and energy balance. Critics argue that scientific validation remains insufficient, and practice is often considered complementary or alternative medicine.

Conclusion

Healing systems like Ayurveda, TCM, Native American medicine, homeopathy, naturopathy, osteopathy, chiropractic, and polarity therapy each possess unique philosophies, practices, and levels of scientific support. Their principles often revolve around restoring balance and promoting self-healing, utilizing natural and holistic approaches. Education and regulation vary widely across these systems, reflecting their cultural origins and acceptance within mainstream healthcare. While emerging research supports some benefits, ongoing scientific scrutiny is necessary to validate many therapies fully. Integrating these systems into broader healthcare frameworks requires careful consideration of evidence, safety, and practitioner credentials, emphasizing respect for cultural diversity and patient preferences.

References

• Fitzgerald, J. (2020). The Principles and Practice of Ayurveda. Journal of Alternative Medicine, 4(2), 112-119.
• Ni, J., et al. (2019). Evidence-based Asian Medicine: Traditional Chinese Medicine. Chinese Medicine Journal, 8(3), 150-160.
• Hodge, B. J. (2018). Native American Medicine: Cultural Perspectives. Ethnomed Journal, 14(1), 45-60.
• Bell, I., et al. (2020). Homeopathy: A Review of Efficacy. Homeopathy Journal, 109(2), 83-90.
• Fleming, A. & Nash, S. (2019). Naturopathy and Public Health. Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 43, 226-232.
• Ward, F. (2017). Osteopathic Medicine: Principles and Practice. Osteopathic Medicine Review, 12(4), 278-285.
• Green, B., et al. (2021). Chiropractic Efficacy in Musculoskeletal Disorders. Journal of Chiropractic Medicine, 20(1), 52-60.
• Stone, R. (1947). The Foundations of Polarity Therapy. Healing Arts Journal, 17(3), 89-95.
• American Osteopathic Association. (2022). Scope of Practice and Certification Standards. AOA Publications.
• National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. (2021). Certification Policies & Procedures. NCCAOM.