Most people would agree that no one knows your body better than you do. Before the first symptoms fully surface, you might sense a disruption in your body’s functioning. How would you respond to the onset of a headache? If you practice Western medicine, you might take a pain reliever for the headache and relax in a dark room. If you practice Eastern medicine, you might take a steamy bath to sooth your tense neck muscles and relieve congestion that might be contributing to your headache. Or you might seek a massage to relieve the stress that might be causing the headache. It fact, it is not uncommon for individuals to sample remedies from both medical practices in order to reap the results they seek. Regardless of the medical approach you prefer, there are a wide variety of stress reducing options to improve your health and fit your lifestyle.

For this Discussion, review this week’s Learning Resources including the “Varying Philosophies of Medical Care” handout. Research complementary and alternative stress management approaches in the Walden Library and on the website for the National Institutes of Health’s National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) (http://nccam.nih.gov/Links to an external site.). Select a complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) discussed at NCCAM. Consider how the CAM you selected might effectively reduce stress. Reflect on any contraindications that might exist with regard to its use.

With these thoughts in mind: 

Post by Day 3 a brief description of the complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) you selected. Then, explain how this CAM is effective in reducing stress. Finally, explain any contraindications or cautions with this type of stress management strategy. Use the current literature to support your response.

Be sure to support your postings and responses with specific references to the Learning Resources.