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East Meets West

Alternative health care in Santa Cruz

by Ann Parker

Published Dec 2007 in , local spotlight | 0 Comments, Talk about this article »

Santa Cruz County has long been a Mecca for teachers and practitioners of integrated medical practices, also known as alternative health care. Techniques from massage, homeopathy, and naturopathy to centuries-old traditional Chinese medicine increasingly are being combined with conventional medical approaches to treat patients successfully.

“This connection between Eastern and Western medicine is clearly the wave of the future,” says Tracy Cone, acupuncturist and co-founder of the Santa Cruz Center for Traditional Medicine. “At least 20 percent of my patients use me as their primary caregiver.” Acupuncture, a Chinese medical practice for thousands of years, evolved dramatically in America after President Richard Nixon’s 1972 visit to China. Today more than 16,000 acupuncturists practice in the United States.

Massage has also gained respect. Amber White, director of Twin Lakes College of the Healing Arts, notes that positive media messages have helped bodywork become much more “mainstream-acceptable.”

Who Do You Call?

There was a time when Americans relied on their family doctor as their one and only health-care provider. While most of us still have a family physician, other practitioners—from chiropractors to physical therapists—have come on the scene. And along with this broadening of specialties has come an increasing acceptance of alternative therapies and treatments.

In Santa Cruz, there are several schools that specialize in alternative medicine. The Five Branches Institute and College and Clinic of Traditional Chinese Medicine was founded in 1984. With campuses in Santa Cruz and San Jose, Five Branches Institute is one of the top schools of its kind in the United States, drawing students from around the globe. Classes cover ancient and modern aspects of the “Five Branches” of traditional Chinese medicine: acupuncture, herbology, Chinese massage, QiGong, and Chinese dietary medicine. In addition, Five Branches runs a public clinic in Santa Cruz with 18 treatment rooms. As many as 100 patients are treated there daily by faculty and supervised interns.

The Twin Lakes College of the Healing Arts was established in 1982 and offers more than a dozen classes in “complementary therapy” including massage and polarity, acupressure, hypnotherapy, and essential oils therapy as well as Doula (childbirth companion) training and Natural Health Educator certification. Each year, up to 125 students from various countries study a blend of Eastern and Western approaches at Twin Lakes. The college provides numerous volunteer/outreach community programs including senior massage and career fairs.

Alternative Approaches

Confused by the lingo of alternative medicine? Here’s a quick lesson.

Acupuncture: A primary part of traditional Chinese medicine based upon balancing the flow of Qi (or Ch’i), the life energy circulating the body along pathways called meridians. In California, acupuncturists can qualify as primary health-care providers.

Aromatherapy: This technique of healing employs the use of essential oils.

Ayurveda: Originating over 5,000 years ago in India, Ayurvedic medicine focuses attention on balancing an individual’s health through diet, lifestyle, and herbs.

Biofeedback: A technique that measures physical functions such as breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure to teach relaxation and improve health.

Holistic: Considering the whole rather than just individual components. In health terms, observing mental and emotional as well as physical factors in diagnosing conditions.

Homeopathy: Treatment based on administering extremely small doses of substances that in large amounts would produce symptoms similar to the illness being treated.

Naturopathy: Eligible as licensed medical practitioners, naturopathic physicians focus on strengthening the individual. Treatments often blend nutrition and diet, supplements, homeopathy, and exercise.