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Alternative Health News
Money: A Receipt for Your Services
Welcome to the year of the dog—in my last column I talked about the attributes of the dog, such as loyalty, trust, etc. This month I will talk about money and setting some goals with money—I know, not an easy subject and one that comes with a certain stigma.
Breaking Down Barriers in 2018: A Historic First Kicks Off the New Year
The chiropractic profession has kicked off the new year with a historic first: A state medical association reached out to industry experts in pursuit of information outlining the safe, effective and drug-free chiropractic approach as a front-line option to manage pain.
Adding Insult to Injury
A 53-year-old male presented to an orthopedic surgeon's office with a complaint of right knee pain. The complaint had been the focus of a number of treatments over a 15-year period, including chiropractic adjustments, physiotherapy modalities, rehabilitative procedures, orthotics, medication, cartilage injections, surgery and custom bracing.
The Role of Meditation in Acupuncture
The scope and breadth of traditional Eastern medicine corrects imbalances in bio-physiology and calms the complete nervous system.
Chiropractic and Weight Loss: A Powerful Combination

Top 5 Strategies to Manage Your Reputation Online
You don't need a chiropractic website anymore! OK, maybe that statement is a little over the top. But it's not that far from the truth. A recent study on Google searches revealed that 34 percent of all searches resulted in no clicks at all.
Wisconsin Repeals Stiff NBCE Exam Requirement
Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker has signed Assembly Bill 834, legislation repealing the requirement that DCs wishing to practice in Wisconsin score higher on Parts III and IV of the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners (NBCE) examination than is required in most other states.
A Chiropractic App on Every Phone
Just over three years ago, I wrote an article pointing to some emerging technological breakthroughs that could dramatically change the course of health care. Today, much of what was dreamed about then is already in process.
Free Radicals: Impact on Spinal and Overall Health
When I first learned about free radicals, they were discussed in the context of nutritional reduction by taking antioxidant supplements (vitamins A, C, E and selenium).
News in Brief
Beyond Active Duty: Expanding Access to Chiropractic; Montana Assoc. Celebrates 100 Years; A Call for Abstracts: Sherman Research and Philosophy Symposium; University of Western States' Student Commons Courtesy of $500,000 Pledge.
The Conspiracy That Fueled the Opioid Crisis
While growing awareness of the opioid crisis has spurred ongoing changes at both the policy and practice level, it might not have been necessary if not for the relationship between opioid manufacturers and advocacy groups, according to a new report from the U.S. Senate Homeland Security & Governmental Affairs Committee.
Creating Awareness for the Transgender Community
It's all about busting stereotypes and assumptions; acquiring new terminology and pronouns; and adapting intake forms to include trans-sensitive, bi-gender, and gender-fluid awareness.
Integrative Medicine & Patient Centered Care: Continuing the Work
In 2009, a paper was published in Explore Journal that summarized the status of integrative medicine and patient centered care in America, and also recommended 10 key directives to facilitate systemic changes needed for a functional health care delivery system.
Working to Further the Profession: A Board-Certified Acupuncturist's View of the NCCAOM
In 2017 I had the pleasure of volunteering for the Job Task Analysis panel. The panel members and I developed a comprehensive survey, consisting of 248 knowledge, skills and abilities statements, which was sent to over 30,000 licensed acupuncturists.
In Defense of Chiropractic: Foundation Responds to Scathing Article in Forbes
Read the introductory paragraphs to Dr. Steven Salzberg's Feb. 12, 2018 article in Forbes magazineand you'll instantly appreciate why the Foundation for Chiropractic Progress (F4CP) was quick to prepare a written response:
A Common Patient Question: How Does Acupuncture Work?
Acupuncture has a long history—as in 2,500 years long. This means we must respect its many centuries of development. But we must also learn how to explain the origins of acupuncture in a way that works in a modern clinical setting.
New Herbal Education Program by the NCCAOM
Although U.S. retail sales of herbal supplements reach into the billions each year, very little of these profits are from the sale of Chinese or East Asian herbs.
We Get Letters & Email
There Is No One to Blame But Ourselves.
Delegates Put the Brakes on ACA Changes
At the American Chiropractic Association's House of Delegates meeting, held during the National Chiropractic Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C., state delegates voted to postpone ratification of the ACA's "Choosing Wisely" recommendations, new pledge, and new mission and value statement, while also requiring that the Board of Governors interact with the HOD to a larger extent regarding these and other ACA policies and bylaws:
The "Red Flag" & Your Claims: Billing for Multiple Services
Q: Are there any limits as to the number of services I provide per visit? I often provide multiple sets of acupuncture along with some physical therapy services as an adjunct to my care. I have heard that multiple services create a "red flag" to my claims.
Know Your ABCDs of the New Era in Health Care
The future is now. In an ever-changing world, health care has never been more poised for disruption.
An Effective Herb for Stress
We all know stress has become a significant factor in the increasing number of reported mental health disabilities and a contributor to various physical health conditions, such as ulcers, high blood pressure, heart disease, and so on.
Thoracic Pain: Tough Cases (Pt. 1)
I have had a series of severe thoracic pain cases recently. These are not your typical "threw my rib out" patients. These folks have severe, chronic thoracic pain at the center of their lives, ongoing for months to years. Unlike the cervical or lumbar spine, there are rarely clinically significant anatomic pathologies to be identified.
Leave Acupuncture to Acupuncturists
Colorado acupuncturists are desperately fighting to reverse a recent decision — the passing of HB18-1155 — that adds dry needling to physical therapists' scope of practice. You can support Colorado acupuncturists by signing their Change.org petition here.
Lumbar Stability: Flexion & Abdominal Hollowing
The first two articles in this five-article series [see article #1 in the December 2017 issue and article #2 in the February 2018 issue] reviewed McGill's approach in developing lumbar and core stability by maintaining neutral lumbar spine in rehab and in ADLs.
Master the Challenges of Hemp Oil Therapy
It is likely that many of your patients are using or have seriously considered using products made from cannabis sativa – CBD oil (hemp oil) or marijuana – to help alleviate their painful symptoms.
What You Can Learn From a Millennial Chiropractor
The chiropractic profession, as with any profession, is evolving. Leading the transformation is a new wave of millennial doctors who are infusing their adoption of technology, large social-media networks and holistic health-care beliefs to move the chiropractic profession in a new direction – bringing with them an army of millennial patients looking for a way treat pain without surgery or pain medications.
Pregnant Patients? Here's Why You Should Always Check Their Feet
When patients tell us they are pregnant, many times we focus on the obvious pregnancy signs and symptoms related to their current trimester of pregnancy, and the biomechanical impact on the spine and pelvis.
Probiotics: A Way to Increase the Efficacy of Acupuncture for Chronic Constipation
More people every year are being diagnosed with digestive difficulties. Constipation, one of the most common digestive complaints, can not only be mentally and physically uncomfortable but can negatively impact well-being.
Scare Tactics: The Problem With "What the Health?"
I have received many questions about the movie "What the Health?" from meat-eaters and people who know I am a meat-eater. In particular, they want to know if meat is safe.
The "Good Morning America" Segment Chiropractic Needed
A collection of papers published in The Lancet that expose the global impact of low back pain and ineffectiveness of current medical treatments, while highlighting the value of spinal manipulation and other nondrug options before turning to NSAIDs, is receiving substantial media attention.
The Conspiracy That Fueled the Opioid Crisis
While growing awareness of the opioid crisis has spurred ongoing changes at both the policy and practice level, it might not have been necessary if not for the relationship between opioid manufacturers and advocacy groups, according to a new report from the U.S. Senate Homeland Security & Governmental Affairs Committee.
Palmer College Takes Issue With ACA's "Choosing Wisely" Recommendations
Palmer College of Chiropractic has sent its alumni a response to the American Chiropractic Association's "Choosing Wisely" recommendations regarding appropriate clinical use of X-rays.
Solving the Difficult Forward Head Posture Case (Part 2)
Continuing our discussion from part 1 of this article [March 2018] on assessing more challenging causes of forward head posture, check the pelvis for asymmetrical quadratus lumborum (QL) and lats. The lats connect to the pelvis and the shoulder.
Expanding the Reach of Acupuncture: The Documentary Series That Will Propel the Profession
The non-profit, all volunteer Acupuncture Now Foundation (ANF) is happy to announce the completion of its first episode in its "Getting to the Point" documentary series.
A Novel Treatment for Aggressive Energy
One interpretation of Chinese medicine is Five-Element acupuncture, systematized by J.R. Worsley. Within its framework is the removal of energetic blockages prior to deeper constitutional treatments. These blockages are identified by a combination of pulse diagnosis, patient history, and certain manual tests.
Get Your Website Producing Leads, Not Dust
One of the first introductions to many prospective new patients in your community is through your online presence; in particular, your website, Google Maps listing and Facebook page.

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My View From Here

By Ralph Stephens, BS, LMT, NCBTMB

Current Article
About the Columnist

Other Articles

Working Smarter, Not Harder in 2018
  February, 2018 (Vol. 18, Issue 02)
We Ate the Goose (Part 2)
  November, 2017 (Vol. 17, Issue 11)
We Have Eaten the Goose: A Lesson in Greed (Part 1)
  July, 2017 (Vol. 17, Issue 07)
Debunking the Myth: Is Massage Licensing Necessary?
  May, 2017 (Vol. 17, Issue 05)
A Continuing Problem: Making Sense of Continuing Education
  April, 2017 (Vol. 17, Issue 04)
Expanding Regulation in a Shrinking Profession
  February, 2017 (Vol. 17, Issue 02)
It's About Health
  November, 2016 (Vol. 16, Issue 11)
It Is Time
  September, 2016 (Vol. 16, Issue 09)
Death & Health: Very Strange Bedfellows
  August, 2016 (Vol. 16, Issue 08)
Making Things Better
  May, 2016 (Vol. 16, Issue 05)
History Repeats Itself
  April, 2016 (Vol. 16, Issue 04)
Electile Dysfunction: Setting a Dangerous Precedent
  February, 2016 (Vol. 16, Issue 02)
Change is the Only Constant
  November, 2015 (Vol. 15, Issue 11)
FSMTB: Falling Down on the Job
  September, 2015 (Vol. 15, Issue 09)
Having the Opportunity to Change a Client's Life
  July, 2015 (Vol. 15, Issue 07)
How Often Should You Treat?
  May, 2015 (Vol. 15, Issue 05)
If You Bet the Ranch, You Might Just Lose It
  April, 2015 (Vol. 15, Issue 04)
Mismatched Solutions to Our Most Pressing Problems
  February, 2015 (Vol. 15, Issue 02)
For-Profit Chain Schools Find Themselves Under the Gun
  November, 2014 (Vol. 14, Issue 11)
It's Time to Stop Being Needy
  September, 2014 (Vol. 14, Issue 09)
Learning the Right Way to Get Started in this Business
  July, 2014 (Vol. 14, Issue 07)
Understanding Stimulus Response by Engaging with Readers
  May, 2014 (Vol. 14, Issue 05)
Finding a Bridge to Somewhere
  April, 2014 (Vol. 14, Issue 04)
Is Hours and Hours of Education Really the Answer?
  February, 2014 (Vol. 14, Issue 02)
It's Time to Stop Chasing Rainbows
  November, 2013 (Vol. 13, Issue 11)
It's Time to Start Bursting the Education Bubbles
  July, 2013 (Vol. 13, Issue 07)
Encouraging a Call for Cure in the New Year
  February, 2013 (Vol. 13, Issue 02)
Where Did All the Graduates Go?
  November, 2012 (Vol. 12, Issue 11)
The ELAP Project vs. The Seven Deadly Sins of Massage Education
  August, 2012 (Vol. 12, Issue 08)
Moving Massage Therapy Toward a Brighter Future
  July, 2012 (Vol. 12, Issue 07)
Challenging Sacred Cows, Round Two
  February, 2012 (Vol. 12, Issue 02)
Do You Take Supplements? Kiss Them Goodbye
  January, 2012 (Vol. 12, Issue 01)
Challenging Sacred Cows
  November, 2011 (Vol. 11, Issue 11)
Stop the Music
  July, 2011 (Vol. 11, Issue 07)
Massage in Decline
  May, 2011 (Vol. 11, Issue 05)
Time for Change
  February, 2011 (Vol. 11, Issue 02)
The Ugly Quilt Grows
  November, 2010 (Vol. 10, Issue 11)
Falls to Remember
  September, 2010 (Vol. 10, Issue 09)
Marching Toward Therapeutic Irrelevance
  July, 2010 (Vol. 10, Issue 07)
The Corruptibility of Facts
  March, 2010 (Vol. 10, Issue 03)
Heart on the Bottom Line
  January, 2010 (Vol. 10, Issue 01)
Year-End Observations of Our Profession
  December, 2009 (Vol. 9, Issue 12)
Immorality Reigns
  September, 2009 (Vol. 9, Issue 09)
Upsetting the Health Care Pyramid
  July, 2009 (Vol. 09, Issue 07)
An Opportunity and a Double Cross
  May, 2009 (Vol. 09, Issue 05)
Health Care Reform and the Massage Profession
A Crisis Too Great to be Wasted
  March, 2009 (Vol. 09, Issue 03)
It's All in Your Mind
  January, 2009 (Vol. 09, Issue 01)
Economic Crisis: Be Aware, Get Prepared
  November, 2008 (Vol. 08, Issue 11)
Peak Politics
  September, 2008 (Vol. 08, Issue 09)
Suffering for Profit
  July, 2008 (Vol. 08, Issue 07)
Resistance Is Futile
  May, 2008 (Vol. 08, Issue 05)
Beware of the Backlash
  March, 2008 (Vol. 08, Issue 03)
A Pivotal Year in Massage Therapy
  January, 2008 (Vol. 08, Issue 01)
Why Not Health and Wellness
  November, 2007 (Vol. 07, Issue 11)
Help Grow a Pearl
  September, 2007 (Vol. 07, Issue 09)
Where It’s Been, Where It’s Going
  July, 2007 (Vol. 07, Issue 07)
Scope It Out
  May, 2007 (Vol. 07, Issue 05)
What Discipline?
  March, 2007 (Vol. 07, Issue 03)
Winter Wonderland
  January, 2007 (Vol. 07, Issue 01)
Let Them Eat Chemicals!
  November, 2006 (Vol. 06, Issue 11)
Interesting Times
  September, 2006 (Vol. 06, Issue 09)
Put Your Hands on Your Monitor, Part Two
  July, 2006 (Vol. 06, Issue 07)
Put Your Hands on Your Monitor – Part 1
  May, 2006 (Vol. 06, Issue 05)
Education – Where Does Advanced Begin?
  March, 2006 (Vol. 06, Issue 03)
It's About Health
  January, 2006 (Vol. 06, Issue 01)
The Shoe's On The Other Foot Now
  November, 2005 (Vol. 05, Issue 11)
Bad Dog and Good Dog Let Out
  September, 2005 (Vol. 05, Issue 09)
Spa Issues and a Request
  July, 2005 (Vol. 05, Issue 07)
Exciting Times
  May, 2005 (Vol. 05, Issue 05)
What Scope of Practice?
  March, 2005 (Vol. 05, Issue 03)
Medical Massage and More, Part II
  January, 2005 (Vol. 05, Issue 01)
Medical Massage and More, Part I
  November, 2004 (Vol. 04, Issue 11)
Of Cabbages and Kings
  September, 2004 (Vol. 04, Issue 09)
We've Made It!
  July, 2004 (Vol. 04, Issue 07)
Is It Time to Implement Levels of Education?
  May, 2004 (Vol. 04, Issue 05)
A Trade or Profession?
  March, 2004 (Vol. 04, Issue 03)
No Danger Here?
  November, 2003 (Vol. 03, Issue 11)
Privacy Doublespeak
  September, 2003 (Vol. 03, Issue 09)
Changing Focus
  July, 2003 (Vol. 03, Issue 07)
Why Sell Ourselves Short?
  June, 2003 (Vol. 03, Issue 06)
Healthy Dissent and Alignment
  April, 2003 (Vol. 03, Issue 04)
Of Parables and Other Things
  March, 2003 (Vol. 03, Issue 03)
It Won't Hurt for Long
  February, 2003 (Vol. 03, Issue 02)
Interesting Times
  January, 2003 (Vol. 03, Issue 01)
No Better Time Than Now
  December, 2002 (Vol. 02, Issue 12)
Giving Thanks
  November, 2002 (Vol. 02, Issue 11)
Pulling Up the Ladder
  October, 2002 (Vol. 02, Issue 10)
Beyond the Rub
  September, 2002 (Vol. 02, Issue 09)
Hey, Doctor Wanna-Be's
  August, 2002 (Vol. 02, Issue 08)
Massage Education Failing, Part V
  July, 2002 (Vol. 02, Issue 07)
Massage Education Failing, Part IV
  June, 2002 (Vol. 02, Issue 06)
Massage Education Failing, Part III
  May, 2002 (Vol. 02, Issue 05)
Massage Education Failing, Part II
  April, 2002 (Vol. 02, Issue 04)
Massage Education Failing
  March, 2002 (Vol. 02, Issue 03)
Protecting Freedom of Health Care
  February, 2002 (Vol. 02, Issue 02)
Hopeful Views and Empowering News
  January, 2002 (Vol. 02, Issue 01)
Why We Do What We Do
  December, 2001 (Vol. 01, Issue 12)
The Real Purpose of Insurance
  November, 2001 (Vol. 01, Issue 11)
Money and Ethics
  August, 2001 (Vol. 01, Issue 08)
Advice to Future Massage Therapists
  June, 2001 (Vol. 01, Issue 06)
Debunking Insurance Myths
  May, 2001 (Vol. 01, Issue 05)
We Are One! Let's Act Like It
  April, 2001 (Vol. 01, Issue 04)
Will Research Prove Our Point?
  February, 2001 (Vol. 01, Issue 02)
Work More for Less
  January, 2001 (Vol. 01, Issue 01)
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