News and Views from kSero
CAM treatments using the whole environment for the whole person	July 15, 2007
The US healthcare system is in crisis and does not appear to be sustainable. Fortunately, alternative and holistic approaches to much of health and medicine are available. Presently, three-quarters of Americans use health services now labeled as "complementary and alternative medicine" (CAM) for health and wellness. Americans now pay for CAM services primarily out-of- pocket. These payments now exceed total out-of-pocket charges for all outpatient mainstream health services. CAM services are usually available in the US only in an outpatient (ambulatory care) setting. This setting provides only limited potential for the full therapeutic benefits of CAM. Many people would benefit from the application of CAM therapies and protocols (formerly known as "a cure") during succeeding days of residential care in a holistic and healthful environment. Residential CAM care can be provided in more holistic environments and at lower costs than in hospitals while providing vastly enhanced levels of hospitality services. Ideal settings for providing residential CAM health services exist in healthful environments with the benefits of nature. Historically, much of today's CAM may be thought of as natural medicine, or "nature cures." There is a great deal of now largely forgotten historical evidence about the benefits of "nature cure" during the late 1700's,1800's and early 1900's in the United States. The hidden or forgotten history of American medicine is highly relevant to fully understanding the potential benefits of CAM and natural healing in holistic environments today. The first such health program, "Turning Point", integrating all these aspects will be held at Nemacolin Woodlands Resort in Farmington, Pennsylvania, September 19-23, 2007. For more information call 1-866-417-6957 or visit www.nemacolin.com/turningpoint