| After years of being ostracized by conventional | | | | natural healing methods, like the ones offered at |
| medicine, alternative and natural healing methods | | | | Orange County's Academy of Natural Healing, |
| have gained popularity with America's | | | | focus on various techniques ranging from spa |
| over-drugged population.According to a recent | | | | therapy, which includes massage, stone therapy |
| study of 18 major HMOs and insurance providers, | | | | and aromatherapy, to holistic health practices, |
| 14 offered at least 11 of 34 alternative therapies | | | | which focus on holistic healing of the body, and |
| or natural healing methods. Of the most | | | | herbal studies, which promotes herbal remedies |
| frequently covered natural healing methods, | | | | for common ailments.As these natural healing |
| acupuncture, chiropractic, massage therapy and | | | | methods are proven to be safe and effective, |
| herbal remedies are the most popular.Even with | | | | they are adopted into conventional medicine, and |
| an increase in insurance coverage for some | | | | new healing methods emerge. Such was the case |
| natural healing methods, the general public is still | | | | with chiropractic, and now acupuncture. Americans' |
| undereducated about the benefits of incorporating | | | | are seeking out these alternative or natural healing |
| natural healing methods into their normal | | | | methods as they strive to live healthier lives. It is |
| healthcare regimens.By definition, natural healing | | | | only a matter of time before insurance companies |
| methods or complementary and alternative | | | | pick up on the popularity of such practices and |
| medicine, as they are known by the National | | | | begin to offer coverage.Nourisha Wells is the |
| Center for Complementary and Alternative | | | | College Preparation editor for Search4 Career |
| Medicine (NCCAM), are a group of diverse medical | | | | College News, and site editor for Counselor |
| and healthcare systems, practices and products | | | | Companion. She has published articles on preparing |
| that are not presently considered to be part of | | | | high school students for college, finding financial |
| conventional medicine.On most occasions, natural | | | | aid, standardized test preparation, teen health and |
| healing methods are used in conjunction with | | | | safety issues, parental and teacher involvement in |
| conventional medicine. For instance, aromatherapy | | | | college search and career exploration. She has |
| might be used after surgery to aid in recovery. | | | | also written several articles promoting career |
| Natural healing methods can also be used instead | | | | colleges and technical schools for adults going back |
| of conventional medicine, such as using herbal | | | | to college, career changers seeking advanced |
| remedies to treat illness rather than prescription | | | | degrees and non-traditional students heading to |
| drugs.Due to the increase in popularity of natural | | | | college for the first time. Her freelance work has |
| healing methods, many schools have opened to | | | | included many career-focused institutions, such as |
| train natural healing practitioners. Programs in | | | | Academy of Natural Healing. |